Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Contact Me for your Q's

Tangie - can you send me an e-mail to dollarstretcher1001@yahoo.com with your address and I will mail your coupons out to you?

Monday, May 30, 2011

Don't Forget........

Comment on the Celebration post below with your name for a chance to win 4 complete uncut inserts.  (2 RP and 2 Unilever)  Drawing will happen at 8 pm EST on Tuesday 5/31/11.

Rite Aid Sneak Peek 6/5 - 6/11

Pampers or Easy Ups - $8.97
     Get $2.00 UP Reward
     $1.50/1 Q in the 6/5 Inserts
     Final Price $5.47

Oral B Cross Action Power ToothBrush or Refill - $5.99
     Get $2.99 UP Reward
     $3.00/1 Q in 6/5 Inserts
     Final Price FREE

Blink Tears - $7.99
    Get $7.99 Single Check Rebate (SCR)
     $1.50/1 Q
     Final Price MONEY MAKER $1.50

P&G Brand Saver
     Get $10 UP wyb $30 (see list below)

Secret Flawless, Scent Expressions,
Smooth or Fresh Effects
Gillette Invisible Solid or Gel
Old Spice Fresh Colelctions
Gillette or Old Spice Body Wash
In ad price: 2/$7

Gillette Disposable Razors (excludes Venus Embrace 3ct)
In ad price: BOGO 50%

BUY Gillette ProGlide, Fusion or Venus Cartridge 4-12pk,
GET Fusion, Series or Satin Care Shave Gel 7-9oz FREE!

Duracell Coppertop or Ultra Batteries
In ad price: $5.00
** Note:  This is not confirmed until I have the ad in my hot little hands, and even then you should read the disclaimer posted on the site here. I will update as information becomes available **

CVS Sneak Peek 6/5 - 6/11

Excedrin 8 ct - $0.99
     Get $0.99 ECB (limit 2)
     FREE after ECB

Crest Pro Health Rinse - $4.50
     Get $2.50 ECB (limit 2)
     $2.00/1 coming in 6/5 PG
     FREE after ECB and Q

John Freida
   select Collection hair treatments $8
   Collection shampoo, conditioner 8-10oz or styler 3-12oz $5
   Precision Foam hair color $12
        ~FREE Precision Colour Foam(HOMEMAILER)
        ~2.00/1 John Frieda Product(6/5 SS)
        ~3.00/1 John Frieda Hair Color Product(6/5 SS)

Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers / Pull Ups - $8.99
     Get $2.00 ECB wyb 1 (limit 1)
     $2.00/1 SS 5/15/11

Ban Invisible Solid - $2.99
     Get $2.00 ECB (limit 1)
     $0.75/1 SS 6/5/11

**Note:  These are not confirmed deals, and therefore not guaranteed until I have the ad in hand, and then you should read the disclaimer attached to this site.

Celebration!!

So...........I have a couple 5/22/11 Inserts laying around here that are "extra"!  I got so many that I'll never be able to use them all!

I'm thinking it's giveaway time - what about you?

2 Red Plum and 2 Unilever FULL UNCUT Inserts are up for grabs.  If you're interested please comment on this post, and we'll choose a winner at random.  (your comment will be assigned a #, which will then be placed in a envelope - my 13 year old couponer wannabe will be drawing the lucky #)

Drawing will be held on Tuesday evening at 8 PM EST.  I will then post who the winner is so that you can contact me at dollarstretcher1001@yahoo.com with your address so I can get your inserts mailed out on Wednesday, so make sure to check back Tuesday after 8 PM EST!! 

Good Luck!!

P.S. - if you click below where it says "1 comment" (or however many comments there happens to be) it will open up a window which will allow you to post your comment.

AS I ASSIGN  YOU A # I'M REMOVING YOUR COMMENT.....NO NEED TO WORRY!!

Savings Spreadsheet

Want an easy to use spreadsheet that does all the calculations for you?

All you have to do is type in what your OOP was, then type in what your savings was and the rest is calculated!

This is a google doc that you can find here.

As a quick reference - sign in to google doc's (or create an account if you need to) then go to file > download > and choose Excel.  Once that pops up then hit file > save as > and choose a file location and name for your spreadsheet.

For those not used to working inside spreadsheets - in the column that says "spent" and the column that says "saved" you can type an = sign FIRST then the $ amount you spent or saved at a particular store.  When you want to add another store to the week just click on the cell - in the address bar up top you'll see it says =2.00 (if you had typed 2.00 in the cell) ..... put a + after the 2.00 (no spaces required) and type the next value (you have to do this in the address bar) and hit enter.  It will do the addition for you this way too!

It's a quick way to keep track of what you're spending and saving week over week....so you can watch that savings % grow and become excited.  It also does year to date calculations for you and puts them right at the top of the spreadsheet!

Today's Trips

CVS:

2 Pantene
1 Benadryl Itch Cream
2 Mars Candy Bars
1 20oz Diet Pepsi (cause I was hot & thirsty - LOL)

Total before Q's and savings:  $21.44
Used $3.00/2 Pantene Q
Used $1.00/1 Benadryl Q
Used $13.00 ECB's from previous transaction

TOTAL OOP:  $0.06
Received $6.00 ECB's

TOTAL SAVINGS:  99.8%

WalMart

2 Hormel Complete's
3 Totino's Pizza's
2 Digornio Small Pizzas
2 Suave Body Wash
2 Suave Lotion

TOTAL BEFORE Q'S:  $20.83
Used 2 $0.55/Hormel Q's
Used 1 $1.00/3 Totino's Q
Used 2 $1.00/1 Digornio Q
Used 2 BOGO Suave Q's

TOTAL OOP:  $10.73
TOTAL SAVINGS:  50%

Need a CortAid coupon to go with the CVS sale??

find one here for $2.00/1

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Where Do I Find Deals For..........

Sales are regional, as are coupon inserts.  Do you need deals/match ups for other grocery stores in your area?  Have you signed up for We Use Coupons yet??

I can't possibly post everything - but I do try to keep the Metro Detroit stuff as current as I can.  However, if you live outside the Metro Detroit area and want to see what your favorite grocery store has on sale this week I'd highly recommend We Use Coupons!

Tell them Stretchthatdollar sent you - and then send me a friend request when you get there!  There's a ton of information, and it's sometimes overwhelming - so friend me and I can try to help answer your questions!

See you there!

Kellogg's $10 MIR

Here's a link to a Kellogg's Mail In Rebate worth $10.00.

Send them 10 UPC's from any of the following:

All Bran
All Bran Bran Buds
All Bran Complete Wheat Flakes
Smart Start Strong Heart
Corn Flakes
Raisin Bran / Crunch /Extra
Crispix
Product 19
Mueslix
Cracklin Oat Bran
Lowfat Granola with Raisins / Original
Fruit Harvest Strawberry/Blueberry
Rice Krispies

Postmark must be by 12/31/11 and received by 1/7/12.

Insert Sneak Peek for 6/5/11

Redplum 6/5


$4 off 1 Gillette proglide razor exp 6/30 (more cheap 89 cents razor at Walgreen - $5 RR wyb $9.89)
$3 off 1 Oral-B Adult or Kids Battery Toothbrush(Free toothbrush at Rite aid 6/5 week, get $3 up at Rite
        aid, price $5.99, Limit 4)
$3 PUR or PUR Flavor Options System (Pitcher or Faucet Mount)
$1 any Prilosec OTC
$2 Fixodent Cleaner
50c Fixodent Adhesive
$2 any Metamucil
$1.50 Pampers Diapers or Pants
$1.50 Pampers Cruisers , Swaddlers or Extra Protection Diapers
$1 Oral B Pro-Health For Me CrossAction or Pulsar Manual Toothbrush
$1 Crest Pro-Health For Me Toothpaste
Buy Olay Bar, Bodywash or In Shower Lotion, & get $1 off Crest 3D White Vivid or Advanced Vivid Toothpaste
$5 Crest 3 D White 2 Hour Express, Professional Effects, Advanced Vivid 14 ct, Vivid, Stain Shield Gentle
      Routine (excl 2 ct trial) Whitestrips
$2 Crest Rinse 946 ml or larger
$2 Oral-B Pulsar Manual Toothbrush
$1 Crest Rinse 440 ml or larger
75c Crest Toothpaste 4 oz or more or liquid gel
75c Oral-B Satin, Glide Floss 30M or more, or Glide Floss Picks 30 ct or higher
B1G1 CrossAction Manual Brush - up to $3.99
Buy 1 Venus Refills, get 1 Olay hand & body lotion FREE - up to $7.00
Buy 2 Secret Scent Expressions, get 1 Secret body spray free - up to $5.00
$2 Venus refillable razor or pack of disposable razors
$1 Secret Clinical or Natural Minerals deo ets
$5 two Covergirl Natureluxe products
$1 any Covergirl product
$1 Always Infinity, 14 ct or higher
$3 Two Tampax Pearl or Compak Pearl, 18 ct or higher
$1.50 Two Tampax, 18 ct or higher
50c Always Pads, Clean or Feminine Cleansing Cloths
50c Always Pantyliner, 30 ct or higher
$3 Olay Regenerist Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleaner, ets
$1 Olay Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser, ets
$3 Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10 or Color Blend Foam hair color
$1 Nice 'n Easy hair color
$1 Two Head & Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner ets
$1 TWO Pantene products ets
$2 Gillette ProSeries Skin Care product
$1 TWO Old Spice products 1.7 oz or larger
Buy Old Spice Deodorant, get Old Spice Body Wash up to $5.99
$1 Gillette ProGlide or Fusion Shave Prep
$1 Gillette Deodorant
$10 Braun Male Series Shaver 3,5 or 7
B1G1 Gillette Bodywash, ets, uo to $4.99
25c Charmin
50c Downy Liquid Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets
25c Cascade
$1 Cascade Rinse Aid
$1 Bounty Napkins
25c Bounty Towels or Napkins
35c Tide
$1 Tide To Go
$1 Tide Stain Release Product
$3 26-50 oz Powder, 15-34 ct DUO Pac or 36-68 oz liquid Tide Stain Release

Smartsource 6/5

AI Steak Sauce or Marinade 10oz+ $1 (7/3/11)
Ban Solid .75 (7/31/11)
Ban 1.5oz+ .40 (7/31/11)
Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Mixes .50/2 (7/30/11)
Bic Flex4 Razor 3-pack, Bic Flex3 Razor 4 pack (7/17/11)
Bic Comfort 3 Advance Razor 4 pack, Bic Hybrid Advance Razor $3 (7/17/11)
Chicago Cutlery Single Knife $2 (8/31/11)
Colgate Toothpaste 4 oz+ .75 (6/25/11)
Colgate Adult or Kids Manual Toothbrush excluding Colgate Plus or Extra Clean .75 (6/25/11)
Duncan Hines Premium Cake Mix or Brownie Mix free to $2.50 wyb any 2 Duncan Hines products (9/5/11)
Dan-o-nino Dairy Snacks 6 or 12 pack $1 (7/31/11)
Danimals $1 (7/31/11)
Efferdent $2/2 (7/30/11)
Emery Cat Board no refills $5 (6/30/11)
Excedrin 20ct+ .75 (7/16/11)
Excerin 80 ct+ $1.50 (7/16/11)
John Frieda $2 (7/31/11)
John Frieda Precision Foam Colour $3 (8/27/11)
French's Dijon Mustard .75 (9/30/11)
Mentos UP2U Gum one pack $1 (7/20/11)
Mentos Gum 50 pc+ bottle $1 (7/20/11)
Mentos Gum 15 pc+ $1/3 (7/20/11)
Nexcare .55 (10/31/11)
Old El Paso Tortilla Stuffers Microwavable Meal $1 (7/30/11)|
Red Baron Singles .75 (8/7/11)
Resolve Laundry Pre-Treat .50 (7/17/11)
Resolve in-Wash Stain Remover $1 (7/17/11)
Seattle's Best Coffee Iced Latte 4-pack $2 (8/7/11)
Seattle's Best Coffee single can 9.5 oz (8/7/11)
Tully's K-Cup protion packs $2/2 (7/31/11)
Tully's Coffee 12 oz bag $1.50 (7/31/11)
V8 Splash 45 oz+ .$1/2 (7/17/11)
V8 100% Vegetable Juice 46 oz+ $1 (7/31/11)
V8 100% Vegetable 46 oz+ $2/2 (7/31/11)
Welch's Fruit Snacks or Fruit 'n Yogurt Snacks 3 ct, 10ct, 24 ct, or 40ct $1/2 (7/17/11)
Welch's Fruit Snacks 40 ct box $1.50 (7/17/11)
Yoplait Frozen Smoothie .75 (7/30/11)
Activa 4-Packs, 8 packs or 12 packs or tubs $1.00/2 (7/31/11)
All laundry detergent 28 loads or larger $1.00/1 (7/17/11)
Alli 90 or 120 ct. $10.00/1 (6/30/11)
Ball Park products any $1.00/2 DND DNT #5 (7/1/11)
Disney or Marvel vitamin products $1.00/1 (7/15/11)
Domino Light or amber organic agave nectar $1.00/1 bottle (8/31/11)
8th Continent Soymilk any carton $1.00/1 (12/31/11)
Greenies canine dental chews 12oz or larger $3.00/1 (7/31/11)
Johnson's baby or Johnson's natural product no buddies 1oz to 4oz .50/1 (8/15/11)
Garnier fructis any shampoo, conditioner or treatment no trial $1.00/1 (9/5/11)
Garnier Fructis style product $1.00/1 no trial (9/5/11)
Kellogg's cereals 8.7oz or larger $1.00/3 (7/17/11)
L'Oreal Paris Skincare product $1.00/1 (7/31/11)
L'Oreal Preference $2.00/1 (7/31/11)
Met-Rx Protein Plus bar Buy One get One FREE to $2.39 ( 7/31/11)
Met-Rx Big 100 bar Buy one Get one Free up to $2.39 (7/31/11)
Millstone Coffee 10oz or larger prepack bag, 1/2 lb or more bulk or K-Cup portion packs $1.50/1 (8/31/11)
Nature Bounty vitamin or supplement $1.00/1 (7/19/11)
Nature Bounty Fle-a-min supplement $3.00/1 (7/19/11)
Nature Bounty Your Life multi supplement $2.00/1 (7/19/11)
Nestle Nesquik product ANY .50/1 (8/28/11)
Newman's Own Lemonade .50/1 (7/30/11)
Newman's Own Pasta Sauce, salsa, lemonade, marinade, popcorn or cereal .50/1 (7/30/11)
Newman's Own Salad dresssing .75/1 (7/30/11)
Newman's Own Thin & Crispy Pizza $1.00/1 (7/30/11)
Nivea for men face care product or TWO shave gels (0.5 fl oz - 7 oz) $2.00/1 (7/30/11)
Nivea for men body wash (8.4 fl oz- 16.9 fl oz) $2.00/1 (7/30/11)
Organic Valley flavored or regular half & half and soy creamer $1.00/1 (6/30/11)
Perdue Frozen fully cooked product $1.00/1 (7/31/11)
Perdue refrigerated breaded product .50/1 (7/31/11)
Pure Protein 4-pack of RTDs or Protein Powder $2.00/1 (7/31/11)
Pure Protein bar Buy one get one FREE up to $1.69 (7/31/11)
Sarna Anti-itch product $2.00/1 (8/31/11)
Scar Zone product $1.50/1 (7/31/11)
Snuggle fabric softener liquid or dryer sheets .75/1 (7/17/11)
Target coupon Purina brand cat care items 6-lb or larger dry food, 12-pk or larger wet food, 20lb or larger Tidy cat litter $5.00/3 (7/31/11)

P&G 6/5

FREE / Cheap Items this week

Who wants to snag some freebies this week?

CVS:

Preparation H Wipes - $3.99
     Get $3.99 ECB's
     Get $2.00/1 IP here
     $2.00 Money Maker
         

Mars Chocolate Singles - $1.00/2
     Get $1.00 ECB
     FREE

Itch Relief (Cortaid/Benadryl/Aveeno)
     Spend $7 Get $3 ECB
     Use $3.00/1 Cortaid (5/15 RP) or the Benadryl IP's I posted yesterday (under printables)
    
Walgreens:

Right Guard Deo and Body Wash, Dry Idea Deo B1G1f FREE
     Use B1G1F coupon Dry Idea or Right Guard Product (up to $4.48), (5/31/11), RP 5/1/11

$2 RR WYB Ritz Crackerfuls 6 oz $2 **SUNDAY & MONDAY ONLY**
     Ritz Crackerfuls Filled Crackers, 6oz. $1.50/1 (7/10/11) SS 4/17/2011

99¢ RR WYB Icy Hot Naturals Pain Relief Cream, .5oz 99¢ FREE AFTER RR
     $1/1 any Capzasin, Icy Hot, Sportscreme, Aspercreme, or Flexall (7/31/11) SS 5/1/2011

$1.50 RR WYB BC or Goody's Headache Relief Powders, 6 pack $1.50 FREE AFTER RR

$2 RR WYB Illy Coffee, Caffe 6.8 oz, Latte Macchiato or Cappuccino 8.45oz. FREE AFTER
RR



Rite Aid:

Renpure Organics Shampoo or ConditionerIn ad price: $4.99
+UP: $4.99 - LIMIT 2

Final Cost: FREE!
New Skin 0.5 or 1 ozIn ad price: $5.99
+UP: $3 - LIMIT 4
SCR: $2 - LIMIT 1
$1/1 New Skin Product
Final Cost: FREE!


Biotene Oral Care Products or Gly Oxide liquid 0.5ozIn ad price: $5.99+UP: $2 - LIMIT 4
$2/1 Biotene Product Rite Aid Video Values - May
$5/2 Biotene Product Rite Aid Video Values - May
$1/1 MQ in the Wealth of Oral Health booklet in stores
As low as: Free/MM


What Are Your Plans For Memorial Day

I'm thinking gardening~!

This is the 1st year in 23 years that I have no kids, they're all either adults that moved out or at their grandparents.  My husband is deployed.  So no stress for me!  I can choose to do whatever I want.  I don't have to go to the parade in town and stand with thousands of people waiting for anybody to throw candy at me!

Of course there may be a quick trip to a couple places to pick up the Memorial Day deals - but that's yet to be determined.

What are you going to be doing??  Anyone want to come do my gardening for me?  LOL

Free Bandages??

Rumor has it that Walgreens has rolled back their price on NexCare bandages to $1.00.  If you have the $1.00/1 coupon they're FREE!  If you have the same coupon I have, which is $1.00/2, they're still a good deal at $0.50 a box.........especially when the kids use them for EVERYTHING and I do mean EVERYTHING!  (uuggghhhhhhh - how many times can you explain to a kid that bandages do nothing for an ache??)

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Rite Aid Coupon Policy Change

Here's your link to the new Rite Aid Coupon Policy!

Biggest changes:

You can no longer use a BOGO coupon on a BOGO sale
Limit of 4 like coupons per transaction

Today's Trips

Decided to do the VG's trip today - then head over to CVS to use my $5/$25 Q.

Here's what I got:

VG's

4 12 packs of Soda (3 coke - 1 diet pepsi)
4 16oz Fuze
2 French's Mustard
2 KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce
1 El Monterey Taquito bag
1 4pack Energizer batteries
3 Sweet Baby Ray's Dipping Sauce
4 Eckrich Bun Size hot dogs

Total before savings & Q's:  $75.72
OOP:  $28.81
Savings: 62%


CVS:

2 Revlon Nail Polish
2 Hershey's Candy Bars
1 Computer Mouse (had to have it - uuggghhhh)

Used $5.00/$25.00
Used $5.99 in previously issued CVS ECB's
Total Before Q's and Savings:  31.02
Received $13 ECB's
Total OOP:  $18.43
Total Savings:  83%

Benadryl Itch Relief Stick

Target has these for $2.29 - use your $1.00/1 printable to make these $1.29 each!

CVS Match Ups for 5/29 - 6/4

Preparation H Wipes - 10 ct - $3.99
     Use $2.00/1 Printable
     Receive $3.99 ECB
     Final Price FREE plus $2.00 MM

Mars Chocolate Singles - 2/$1.00
     Receive $1.00 ECB wyb 2
     Limit 1
     Final Price FREE

Speed Stick - 2/$5.00
     Use $0.50/1 x 2
     Get $3.00 ECB wyb 2
     Final Price $0.50 each
Bic Soleil Shimmer Razor or Refills - $6.99
     Use $3.00/1
     Get $3.00 ECB wyb 1
     Final Price $0.99

Pantene Shampoo/Conditioner - 2/$6.97
     Use $3.00/2
     Get $2 ECB (limit 1)
     Final Price $0.99 each

Prevacid 24 Hour - $12.49
     Use $4.00/1
     Get $10.00 ECB wyb 2
     Final Price as low as $3.49 wyb 2

Friday, May 27, 2011

"Extra" Q's

Let me know if you need/want any of these and I'll mail them off to you!  This is just the start of the list - but I'm tired of clipping tonight (I could be here for hours).  I'm not even half done yet!  I'll keep posting extra's I have and if you want them you can let me know (email me at dollarstretcher1001@yahoo.com) and I'll get them out in the mail on Saturday!

Advil PM 16ct or larger - $1.00/1 - exp 7/31/11  (10)
Advil (any) 40ct or larger - $1.00/1 - exp 7/31/11  (10)
ThermaCare 2ct or larger - $1.00/1 - exp 7/31/11 (10)
Advil, Advil PM, or Thermacare - $4.00/2 - exp 7.31.11 (10)
Swiss Premium Tea half gallon - $0.75/2 - exp 6/26/11 (10)
Calgon Bath & Body Products (any - excludes trial size) - $1.00/1 - exp 8/22/11 (10)
JC Penney Portraits - exp 8/31/11 (5)
     $7.99 portrait package or $3.99 sheets
     30% off Portrait collection
Raid Earth Options Spray - BOGO - exp 7/16/11 (10)
Easy Liner Shelf Liner - $2.00/2 - exp 6/30/11 (10)
Allegra or Allegra D (TARGET ONLY Q) - exp 6/19/11 (10)
Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer (any excluding trial size) - $2.00/1 - exp 7/30/11 (10)
Prevacid 24 Hour Product - $4.00/1 - exp 6/18/11 (10)
Prurina One Dog Food / any size/variety - $2.00/1 - exp 6/21/11 (10)
Pruina One Cat Food/ any size/variety - $2.001/ - exp 6/21/11 (10)
TheraTears (any) - $2.00/1 - exp 8/31/11
Twizzlers Pulll & Peel (CVS ONLY Q) - $1.00/2 - exp 8/1/11 (10)
Pediasure (any) - $2.00/1 - exp 8/31/11
Nature Valley Granola Bars (excludes Thins) - $0.50/2 - exp 7/16/11
Fiber One Bars (Chewy or 90 Calorie) - $0.50/2 - exp 7/16/11
Glucerna Shake - $2.00/1 - exp 6/26/11 (2)
Glucerna Bars - $1.50/1 box - exp 6/26/11 (2)
Ensure r packs - BUY 3 GET 1 FREE - exp 8/7/11 (5)
Ensure 4 pack - $2.00/1 - exp 8/7/11 (5)
Ragu Pasta Sauce - $1.00/2 - exp 6/19/11 (10)
Hellmann's (any 16.5oz or larger) - $0.25/1 - exp 6/19/11 (10)
Dole Mandarin Oranges - $0.50/2 - exp 8/31/11 (4)
Almond Accents - $1.00/1 - exp 8/31/11 (4)

More to come tomorrow!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Quick and Easy CVS Money Maker

You all remembered to grab your $5.00/$25.00 coupon from your e-mail today right?  Good!

Here's a deal scenario for you:

5 Revlon Nail Polishes - on sale for $4.99 each ($24.95)
1 small filler (to get to the $25)
Use 5 $1.00/1 Revlon Nail Polish Q's (4/10/11 SmartSource)
Use $5.00/$25.00 Purchase
Get $20.00 ECB's back
Total OOP $15 (ish - depending on your filler item)
Money Maker of $5.00

Technically you can earn up to 6 ECB's of $4.00 each with the Revlon - so if you don't want to do the filler and 5 polishes you can grab 6 - Total OOP is $18.94 - you get $24.00 ECB's back - Money Maker of $5.06.

Kodiak Chiropractic Cream - FREE Sample

So all this walking I've been doing for the past week has brought not only weight loss, but tired, achy legs!!  I ordered my FREE sample of Kodiak Chiropractic Cream (a topical pain relief/anti-inflammatory cream) today and the best news....they say it'll be here in 10 days!  (ok - so hopefully I'm not still achy in 10 days!)

I'm soooooo excited!!!

My kids laugh at me - but I'm seriously very excited today!

I never, ever order coupons.  But there were a ton is the past weekends inserts that are excellent, and that I wanted more of, and it just so happened I came across a crap load of them for almost nothing so I ordered them Tuesday and they were in the mailbox today!!!!  YAY me!!

I'll be clipping for the rest of the night!  :-)

Walgreens Trip 5/26/11

Had to pick up a prescription and look what I got!!

1 Rx
1 Cottonelle 12 Pack - on sale for $4.00
     Used $1.00/1 May Coupon Savings Book Q
2 Combo's - on sale for $0.99
     Used $1.00/2 Q
2 Mini Compact Mirrors - on clearance for $0.25
4 Design-A-Pen kits - on clearance for $0.25
1 Scunchi - on sale for $2.00
2 Huggies Little Swimmers - on sale for $6.99
     Used $2.00/1 May Coupon Savings Book Q
     Used $1.00/1 Q x 2
1 Tone Body Wash - $3.00
2 Axe Deodorants - on sale for $4.00 each
     Used 1 BOGO coupon
1 Axe Shower Gel - on sale for $4.00
1 Revlon Lipstick - on sale for $5.99
     Used $2.00/1 Revlon ColorStay Q
1 Revlon Eyeliner Duo Pack - on sale for $4.49
     Used $2.00/1 Revlon ColorStay Q


Total before sale prices and Q's (including $9.00 RX) - $78.69
Used 1 $3.00 RR from previous trip
Total OOP:  $29.93
Received $11 RR for next purchase
Total Savings:  76%

Coupon Database

I'm on a mission!

I haven't found a coupon database that satisfies my desires - so my cousin and I are writing our own!

It's going to be way cool, and way useful, and make couponing so much easier!

Who would be interested in a database that tells you what Q's you have, how many of each you have, allows you to scan them in with a handheld scanner or smart phone, lets you remove the Q's you're using on a trip with your handheld scanner or smart phone, and could do match ups for you to boot??

Heading out............

Keep your fingers and toes crossed!  I'm heading out for my weekly deals!  Hopefully it's not too late to find what I want - I just haven't had a night this week without some other "have to" included so I haven't been able to fulfill my "need".

Check back in a little bit to see what we found for FREE or "next to FREE"!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I Have Muscles There???

Earlier this week I posted "But It's Sooooo Early!"........to catch you up a little if you didn't read the first post I have officially lost what little mind I have left after 7 kids, 2 dogs, and a husband in the Military, and decided it'd be a great idea to get a little exercise.  My sister and I decided we'd walk every morning before work.....which for me means I have to be out the door at 5:30 to be home by 6:15 and get a 4 mile walk in there. 

Friday night I had walked the same 4 miles with my niece who was over due hoping to help her labor along.  Good news....it worked - she went into labor about 5 hours later and had the baby 16 hours after our walk!  Bad news.....my legs hurt so bad on Saturday that I couldn't hardly walk.  Now I'm not that out of shape....in the summer I usually walk 1.5 miles every day, but it's been a cold, snowy winter (hey that's my excuse so play along) and I didn't get out much.

So Monday rolls around and we get up before the crack of dawn and head out.  I'm half asleep, my legs are still achy, and my allergies are in full swing.  I walk 3 steps and then sneeze....walk 2 steps and say "ouch"....walk another 5 steps and sneeze again.....you get the idea!

Day 2.....tempted to call off - besides the fact that I slept for 3 and a half hours last night (hubby is deployed and called in the middle of the night which is fabulous, yet exhausting) I can't move my legs without feeling the previous 8 miles and this is after using the FREE Tylenol Precise I had got the week before!

Day 3.........really?  We're going to do this again??  It's not so bad really - except the sleep part since my husband called again.  I can do it.....1/2 mile in I'm ready to scream uncle and call my 20 year old who is home sleeping to pick me up!

Now here I sit on the eve of day #4.  It's storming right now.....and I've never in my life prayed for the storms to continue as much as I have tonight!  Believe me - I want to do this, and I need to get more exercise, but I'm thinking if it's not raining in the morning and we walk I'll lose a leg half way through the course and have to walk home on my hands!

I'm committed.....I'm going to do this and the pain will stop.........right??

My Very Realistic Kroger Trip 5/25/11

Made a quick run to Kroger today because we were out of "basics" and I had a few deals to pick up.  Of course our first dose of reality occured when we stepped out of the car into a puddle that was at least 3 inches deep!  (yes - got to love MI weather!!)

Second dose of reality set in when a grumpy 30 something was walking through an aisle and saw me giving my 13 year old a lesson on how to figure out a final price using Q's.  She just had to mumble something about those "d*** couponers**.  Guess she was jealous!

I ended up with a full basket which included:

10 Kool Aid canisters
2 Bags Ore Ida frozen potatoes
4 Lean Cuisine
2 Digornio Pizza & Cookies
1 box of Fudgcicles
2 Sara Lee Frozen cheesecakes (YUMMY!)
1 Large bottle of Heinz Ketchup
1 Martha Stewart coffee cake mix
4 Knorr Pasta packages
4 Knorr Rice packages
1 Helluva dip
3 Extra Large bags of Sunflower seeds (baseball!)
6 Pepsi 2 Liters

Total before Q's and Savings Card (original price) was $134.77
Total OOP:  $56.39
Total Savings:  59%

3rd dose of reality..........the woman who had grumbled at me in one of the aisles was standing in line behind me.  The cashier was going on and on about my total savings, and how I do it, what my binder looks like, an interview she saw on television this morning, etc., and the whole time the "grumbler" had to stand there and listen to her, then watch my total drop.  This dose of reality was given to her!!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Sneak Peek Match Ups

I will have coupon match ups for the 5/29 sneak peek ads up tomorrow for anyone needing to order extra coupons

Do You Belong????

If you do not already belong to a Couponing Forum - I highly recommend you do so!

I keep the site as up to date as possible, however I am one person running this blog, and I can't be here to answer your questions 24 hours a day, and there's only so much searching for the "deal of the day" I can do.  However, coupon forums - such as WeUseCoupons have hundreds of people on line all day, every day, ready and waiting to help answer questions, or providing information about unadvertised deals they've found while out and about.

There's a wealth of information on the site - and it can be intimidating at first - but trust me, after you hang around there for an hour or two you will be addicted! 

When you sign up tell them stretchthatdollar sent you, then go to "friends" and type in stretchthatdollar and friend me!!

Hope to see you all there!!

P.S. - there's a link embedded in this post, as well as one to the left side of the blog page that is always present.

But it's sooooo early......

I now know I've officially lost my mind! 

23 years ago I decided to have kids.  Not a bad idea!  I had no idea at that time I'd decide that 7 sounded like a well rounded number.  (that thought came much later - along with the laundry, grocery bill, clothing bills, etc.)  Jump forward to the decision to marry my awesome husband......that too sounded wonderful!  I mean every girl wants to marry her hero - right?  And mine wears combat boots!  We thought this year we were "safe" from deployments........that's what we get for thinking! 

So here we are today - I went to bed at 11 PM last night after baseball practice for the teenage son, running the 2 teenage girls over to see my niece's new baby, doing 2 loads of laundry, putting dishes in the dishwasher that can never seem to find their way there without my help, and cleaning up the mud left on the wood floor after my teenage son decided to pound his baseball cleats clean in the middle of the dining room.

My deployed husband often calls at 12:30am - there's quite a time difference and that's when he usually can grab a phone for a few minutes to talk......so after sleeping an hour I'm up to catch up on the occurrences of the day/weekend with my hubby then it's back to bed at 1:15.

I then start the day at 5:00 AM this week - rather than 6 AM because I've made this new commitment to myself to get more exercise.  (again - another great idea at the time turned into a "huh?!" moment later)  And since I clearly can't fit it into the schedule after work, it has to go in before.  So here I am, blogging before my 3 mile walk/jog with my sister.  I'll get home just in time to grab a shower before the kids get up and start getting ready for the day, which is good - because 3 teenagers getting ready for school somehow seems to empty the hot water tank in no time, and using a bathroom for the hour and a half before school is next to impossible. (I meantioned 2 of them are teenage girls right?  I do not remember ever primping as much as these girls do now)

Maybe I can squeeze in a nap during the 45 minutes I have to wait between the time my son has to be at his ball game and the time the game starts tonight! 

How do you manage your work/life balance?  Do you work exercise in there somewhere?  Anyone know how to get 8 hours of sleep in 4??  :-)

Rite Aid Sneak Peek 5/29 - 6/4

Irish Spring / Speed Stick Deodorant - $2.99
     Get $2 UPs

Kimberly Clark - Get $10 UPs wyb $30
     Scott Bathroom Tissue 20 pk $12.99

Huggies Diapers / Pull Ups / Good Nights - $8.97

Walgreens Sneak Peek 5/29 - 6/4

Hawaiian Tropic - BOGO

Kellogg's Cereal or Pop Tarts - $1.99

Folgers Classic Roast 11.3oz - $2.79

Quaker Quick Oats - $3.19 - BOGO

Tilex / Clorox Toilet / Pine Sol / SOS - $1.99

Cottonelle Fresh Wipes - $2.99

Palmolive Dish Soap - $0.89

Dove or Degree Shampoo, Styling Products, Deodorant - 4/$15 - get $5 RR wyb 4

Right Guard / Dry Idea Deodorant, Tone Body Wash, Dial Body Wash - BOGO

Colgate Max 2/$5 - Get $2 RR wyb 2

AquaFresh Toothpaste - $0.99

Icy Hot Naturals pain relief cream - $0.99 - Get $0.99 RR

Buy 3 12 Packs of Coke get 1 12 Pack Diet Coke FREE - 3/$12

2 Day Sale (Sunday & Monday Only):

Dixie Plates / Napkins - BOGO

1 Gallon Arizona Tea - $1.99

Ritz Crackerfuls - $2 - Get $2 RR

Scott Naturals 6 Roll Towels - $3.99

CVS Sneak Peek 5/29 - 6/4

Ok - here are the unconfirmed deals at CVS beginning 5/29

$4 ECB wyb $10 Revlon Cosmetics (excludes clearance)

$10 ECB wyb $25 these Aveeno products
  ALL facial moisturizers $15
  Body wash 12-16oz or lotion 8oz $6
  Sun care (excludes baby) $9
  Shampoo, conditioner 10.5oz, shine glaze or leave-in treatment 4-5.2oz 2/$12
  ALL Positively Ageless or Smart Essentials save $2
  Moisturizing lotion 12-18oz or cream 11oz $10
  lotion 7.3-12oz, bath treatment 8pk, cleanser 5-67oz, scrub 5oz or pads 28ct
$7

Speed Stick $2/6 - Get $3 ECB wyb 2

Bic Soleil Shimmer - $6.99 - Get $4.00 ECB

Pampers/Easy Ups - $8.99 - Get $2.00 ECB

Benadryl Anti-Itch products - $7.00 - Get $3.00 ECB

Pantene - 2/$6.97 - Get $2.00 ECB
     **Q $3.00/2 expires 5/31

Monday, May 23, 2011

BenGay

So.........recently I've started this new exercise regime and it seems that I'm really more out of shape than I thought I was.  (Ok so maybe I went with the "round is a shape" for wayyyy too long!)

However - no need to worry - RiteAid has a deal for us this week!

Buy 1 Bengay Cream $5.49
Use the $3/1 coupon from the 5/22 RP
Use the $2/1 in-ad coupon
Final Cost $0.49!

I know we all just stocked up on the Tylenol Precise a couple weeks ago - but at the rate I'm going I think I'm going to use my stockpile of pain relief in no time! 

Gotta run - well not literally - I'm off to RiteAid before my morning walk!  :-)

Saving without coupons

What ways do you save on your household expenses without the use of coupons?

Recently I did a little math on my coffee addiction - this was not pretty.  I was spending over $1000 a year on "to go" latte from Dunkin Donuts.....so I decided I'd just stop - no more latte's for me!  UUGGHHHH - that was the worst hour of my life!  (kidding - it was a whole day)  I then stopped at a local Speedway for gas on the way to work one day, and decided to go in (which I never do) to grab a soda.  What did I see?  Latte' in their machines and they were CHEAP!  The same 16 ounce size I pay $3.00 for at DD was only $0.99, and everytime  you buy 6 you get the 7th FREE.  I was estatic.  I didn't have to totally give up Latte' - I could just switch to a cheaper version (which by the way is much tastier too - so bonus) and save $600 a year but still enjoy my morning joe.

Anyone else have one of these "aha" moments??  A point in time where the true cost of doing something you wouldn't normally think twice about smacks you upside the head.  I have to work on lunch now - I usually go out every day at work - think of the $$ I could save packing my own!!

Happy Monday............

I won't be posting anything today until late tonight.

I am starting a 6 month Personal Excellence Program at work, and will be in the "orientation" meeting all day today.  I'll get out of there just in time to head to baseball practice.....maybe my son won't mind me dropping him off and running to Rite Aid :-)

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Been a Long Day!!

It sure has been a very long day today!

I got up early, ran and got my newspapers and coffee.  Came back home, cleaned up using free body wash, free shampoo, free toothpaste and toothbrush, free deodorant, and almost free make-up, then ran to see my new great niece before the day got away from me.  It was 10:30 by the time I got home (putting down a new baby is soooo darn hard!!) - got laundry started and my Q's clipped and organized. 

My hubby called - he's deployed right now so those calls are important - and he had more than 5 minutes to chat - so there went another hour.

4 more loads of laundry, the grass mowed, dishes in the dishwasher and washed (why can't kids put the dishes IN the dishwasher??)  and hubby calls again.  Wow - two times in one day and he wasn't in a hurry!

So.........to make a long story short - I broke the "no eating out month" rule and we went out to eat.  1st time in 22 days - which is awesome for us (we usually eat out no less than 2 times a week just due to busy schedules)  ((ok ok - and laziness on my part to actually do a meal plan and stick with it))

Quick trip to WalMart to grab some powerade (it's baseball season and we use tons of this) and an outfit for each of the kids ..... well ok just 3 of the 4 that still live at home, the 3 that don't live at home are on their own - LOL. 

I didn't get any shopping done today :(  Oh well.....there's always tomorrow - so long as the shelves aren't cleared of everything I'm hoping to get! 

REMINDER

No Inserts in the 5/29/11 papers.  It's a Holiday Sunday!!

I know if I'm not reminded I end up getting a bunch of papers for no reason........and there goes all that savings - LOL.

Eckrich Franks - HOT deal!!

$0.88 per pack at VG's this week.  Limit 4!

Taking a Short Break

I will have this weeks confirmed sales and match ups up soon.  My niece had her baby though, so I'm taking a little break to run to the hospital  and see the beautiful little girl in person!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Check This Out!!

SavingStar is a new program that allows you to link your store cards to their electronic coupon database.  It doesn't only work for CVS, but here in MI it works for Rite Aid and Kroger as well!  How cool is that? 

Please note:  you do not get the electronic Q off your total bill - but instead it gets put into an account at SavingStar and you can choose how you get paid (i.e. Amazon Gift Cards , transfers to your paypal account, etc.) once your account hits $5.00.

It's new - been in the test markets for about 30 days I'm hearing, but I signed up today and will let you all know how quickly those Q's add up. 

I wish I had found this earlier today when I was purchasing the Huggies at Rite Aid - there's $2.00 electronic Q for those and I'd have my first $2.00....bummer!

It takes 2 days to 2 weeks, per their FAQ page, to get credit to your account for your purchases.  I'm going to keep track of the purchases I'm using the SavingStar Q's on to make sure they are adding properly and see how long they take - but thought I'd throw this out there now so that you all can get in on this sooner than later!


I'm also told you can stack your regular MQ's with the SavingStar Q's - what a deal!!

Quick Run to VG's.....almost forgot!!

So I was sitting here going over my week and realized that I forgot to make my VG's run!  Not exactly what I wanted to do at 8:30 at night - but hey.....it was worth it!

4 Sunny Delight's
8 Miracle Whip (not the small one's either!)
1 Luigi's Frozen Ice (yep - been in the sun all day and the kids needed a treat)
1 Red Baron French Bread Pizza's
2 Jello Pudding 8 packs

Total before savings and Q's - $75.78
Used 4 $0.25/1 Sunny D Q's
Used 4 $1.00/2 Miracle Whip Q's
Used 2 $0.55/1 Jello Q's
Used 1 $1.00/1 Red Baron Q (this was a DND)
Used 1 $0.50/1 Luigi's Q
Total OOP - $16.46
Total Savings:  79%

Whose Ready???

Got your lists ready for tomorrow?  I'll be up bright and early so I can get my papers, get my Q's organized, and post the final deals for you (hopefully all before 10:00 a.m. - I have lofty goals LOL).

Tonight I'm working on moving my Q's from my "small" binder to a larger one.  The one I've been using I absolutely love, but unfortunately I've outgrown it and am now using 2 binders, which is a hassle to carry into the stores, then trade back and forth when you need a HBA Q (cause all those are in their own binder right now).  I'm nervous - I'll be the 1st to admit - so that's why I "experimented" with the second binder before committing!  The one I use now I got from Mrs. A's and it has these wonderful little "rails" that the coupons sit in - so you don't have to worry about trying to squeeze them in baseball card slots or anything like that - now I'm moving up to a Case-It  with baseball card holders and 4x6 picture pages.  The trial run wasn't bad - so hopefully I can get used to it quickly.

I'm also working on building a database to do the match ups quicker, keep an inventory of my Q's, and keep an inventory of my stockpile.  That's proving to be a little more challenging than I initially thought - but hey.... it'll be worth it in the end.  (it's a program - not a spreadsheet - so there's some programming involved which is where I'm struggling from time to time - but it's good to have another "IT Geek" in the family!)

Today's Quick Trips

Old Navy

5 pair of flip flops - $5.00 - total savings:  72%


Rite Aid

2 Packs of Huggies Jumbo Diapers - 2/$20
     Used $3.00/$15.00 Survey Q
     Used 2 $3.00/1 MQ
     Used $10 previous UPs Reward
     Total Regular Price:  $23.98
     Total OOP: $1.00
     Received $5.00 UPS
     Total Savings:  96%

Walgreens

3 packs 3M clasp envelopes (they were out of tape)
1 Birthday Card (DD has a party today)
1 20 oz Diet Pepsi
2 Pepsi 2 Liters

Used In Ad Coupon for Buy 1 Get 2 Free 3M Products
Used $8.00 previously issued RR's
Regular Price for all of above:  $15.43
Total OOP:  $1.65
Total Savings:  90%

CVS - Revlon Nail Polish

Starting tomorrow - buy 1 @ $4.99 get $4.00 ECB's - Limit 6
     Use $2.00/1 Revlon Color Product Q
        OR
     Use $1.00/1 Revlon Nailpolish Q
final price after ECB Money Maker!!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Forums

It is my opinion that everyone that is trying to coupon as a way to save money should join at least one forum, as well as following your favorite bloggers!

I have found a wealth of information in forums.  It's a terrific place to ask questions, get coupon match ups (i.e. someone else does the work for you!), find printable coupons, etc.

I am a member of multiple forums - but my favorite of all time, and one I am highly addicted to, is WeUseCoupons.  Here you can find not only match ups and deals of the week, there is a huge coupon database where you can find any coupon you may be needing, and a ton of people with a wealth of knowledge to help you along the way.  I could spend hours every day on this site (ok sometimes I do)!

I encourage you to join now, if you haven't already!  You can either click on the embedded link in the paragraph above, or I've placed a link to the left of the page for easy access!  When you do join please mention that stretchthatdollar sent you!

Oh - the best part??  It's FREE!  That's right!!  You can get all the deal match ups, links to coupons, tips, and advice on everything from the best coupon organization systems (including binders and how to set them up), to store policies!  So.....what are you waiting for??  Sign up today - and after you've signed up, and mentioned that stretchthatdollar sent you, please send me a friend request!

See you there soon!!

Inventory Control

Anyone have trouble with "inventory control" with kids in the house?

My stockpile (which is in multiple locations) is easy access.  HBA items are in the bathroom under the sink, food items are in a closet, cleaning products in a different closet....etc. 

The issue - the kids see something added to the stockpile and get "excited" and want to use something new/different.  I've repeatedly removed shampoo and bath wash from the shower because there are already2 or 3 bottles of each in there.  The cereal cabinet is has 7 (I'm not kidding - 7!) open boxes right now, and they're not all different!

Tonight I moved the HBA stuff to my bedroom closet (it's a huge walk-in), but it will have to be moved yet again in a month or two when I start getting the house ready for my huband to come home.  (I'm thinking he's going to want his shelves and drawers!)  I bought the Vive Shampoo's on sale tonight at a really, really good price - and before the kids went to bed there was already a bottle of shampoo and a bottle of the conditioner in the shower.  (which I removed until they finish the other stuff we have in the shower already - uuggghhhh)

How do you control your inventory?  I'm thinking I might have to get as possessive with my stockpile as I am with my binder.......NOBODY touches the binder LOL!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Today's shopping trips

I have had something going on every day this week, so haven't gotten out to do any shopping until tonight.  I feel better now!  :-)

Walgreens

2 Garnier Fructis Treatments
1 Dove Men+ Care Deodorant
2 Schick Shave Gel
3 Old Spice Body Wash

Total before sale and Q's - $42.08
OOP (including tax) - $19.29
Received $11 in RR's
Total Savings:  80%

Rite Aid

Transaction #1
4 Sure Deodorants
3 Ban Deodorants
1 Crest 3D White Rinse
1 Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush

Used $3/$15 Survey Q
Used 4 $1.00/1 Sure
Used 3 $0.75/1 Ban
Used $1.50/1 Cross Action
Used $.75/1 3D White Rinse

Total before Q's and saving - $34.21
Total OOP - $5.71 (includes tax)
Received $4.00 UP rewards
total savings:  96%

Transaction #2
1 Loreal Sublime Mousse
6 Loreal Vive Shampoo

Used 6 $1.00/1 Vive Shampoo
Used $2.00 Sublime in ad coupon
Used $3.00 Sublime MQ
Used $4.00 UP from previous transaction
Used $3/$15 Survey Q

Total before Q's and savings - $41.43
OOP - $11.49 (includes tax)
Received $10.00 UP reward
total savings 97%

**Also received another survey code - so that's another $3/$15 Q just waiting to be printed!

CVS

2 - 3 packs of Orbit Gum
2- Dove chocolate bags
2 - 2 Liter Pepsi
1 - Speed Stick Deodorant

Used 2 $1.00/1 Dove Q
Used $0.50/1 Speed Stick
Used $9.00 ECB

Total before savings and Q's - $23.83
Total OOP - $2.90
Received $5.00 ECB's
Total Savings 113%


TRIP SUMMARY:

TOTAL OF PRODUCTS BEFORE SALES/Q'S - $141.53
TOTAL OOP:  $39.39
ECB'S/RR'S/UPS TO USE ON NEXT TRIP: $26.00
TOTAL SAVINGS:  91%

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Save A Lot this week

Johnsonville Brats - $2.99

Sunny Delight - $0.99

Popsicle / Fudgecicle 8ct - $1.00

Look for your brats and Sunny D coupons that match up with these items!

Taken over.........

My stockpile has taken over it's closet!

I've had it in a small 8' wide x 3' deep closet for the last 9 months or so, with shelves attached to the walls, but those shelves are full - the floor is full and stacked up to the bottom of the first row of shelves - and the shelves are stacked to the ceiling!

Time to move it to it's own room I'm afraid!  My hubby retires from the Air Force in November, and money will be tight until he can get a job here in MI - so I want to make sure we have a good supply to hold us if we need it, but...........I have to come up with a plan or the next time he's home he's gonna think I've lost my mind and call that other TLC show "the hoarders" on me! 

Anyone else experiencing/experienced this??

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

CVS Sneak Peek 5/22 - 5/28

Trident Vitality or Stride Spark - $0.99
     $0.99 ECB wyb 1

$10 ECB wyb $20 Garnier Nutriesse Skin Care

$4.00 ECB wyb Axe 4/$13

$3.00 ECB wyb Suave Body Wash, Shampoo, Deodorant
     Remember those Great Suave coupons I was telling you about??

$5.00 ECB wyb 2 Advil or Thermacare (select varieties) Products

Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent - BOGO

Scunchi Hair Accessories - BOGO

$10 Gas Card wyb $30 of select products including (partial list here):
     Doritos
     Coke 2 liters
     Folgers
     Lysol spray or wipes
     M&M's
     Hershey's singles
     Finish Jet Dry
     Gatorade

(note - this is not a confirmed list - just "word on the street" at this point.  No deal is confirmed until I have sale ad in hand, and then deals may vary in your area - check your local ad and please read the dislcaimers section)

Walgreens Sneak Peek 5/22 - 5/28

Want to start planning your trips for next weekend??  Here's your Walgreens Sneak Peek!

I'll add to this list as I get more details!

$2.00 RR wyb Scrunchi No Damage Hair Elastics
     Free after RR

$5.00 RR wyb 2 participating Advil or Thermacare products

$3.00 RR wyb $10 in Revlon Cosmetics
    Still have some of those $2.00/1 coupons??

$3.00 RR wyb Axe Shampoo, Deodorant, Body Spray, etc. @ $4.00
     Final price $1.00
     *I'm looking for a printable for you!

$3.00 RR wyb Tone Body Wash @ $3.99
     Final price $0.99

Kraft Mac & Cheese $0.69 with in ad coupon

Jello Gelatin or instant pudding $0.59 with in ad coupon

Select General Mills cereals $1.99

Charmin Basic - 6 big rolls - $2.99

I'll do coupon matchups later this week after I get confirmation on the ads!

5/22 Red Plum Insert Sneak Peek

Amdro $2/1 any ant block 24oz, any/roach syringe w/2 refillable bait stations or kills ants stakes 8pk *limit 1 per store* (ex. 9/30/11)
Bengay $3/1 any product – no trial sizes (ex. 7/31/11)
Breyer’s $1/3 any blasts! 48oz (ex. 6/19/11)
Brillo $0.55/1 any 10ct or 18ct box of soap pads (ex. 7/24/11)
Brillo Estracell $1/2 any sponge products (ex. 7/24/11)
Caress $0.75/1 any tahitian renewal or cashmere luxury 12oz body wash or larger (ex. 6/19/11)
Caress $0.75/1 any daily silk, evenly gorgeous, velvet bliss, glowing touch, sheer twilight or scarlet blossom 12oz body wash or larger or 6pk bars or larger (ex. 6/19/11)
Color Oops $1/1 any box (ex. 10/31/11)
Degree B1G1 FREE men or women premium anti-perspirant & deodorant or body mist up to $6 (ex. 6/19/11)
Degree $0.75/1 any men or women anti-perspirant & deodorant (ex. 6/19/11)
Domino $0.75/2 any sugar products 2lbs or larger (ex. 7/31/11)
Domino $0.40/1 any 24oz organic or demerara sugar (ex. 7/31/11)
Fancy Feast $1/18 3oz cans of elegant medleys, any variety (ex. 8/22/11)
Folgers $0.25/1 any product (ex. 7/30/11)
Hellman’s $0.25/1 any product 16.5oz or larger
Hungry Jack $1/1 any pancake mixes or syrup products (ex. 7/30/11)
Knorr $0.50/2 any rice and pasta sides
Lipton $0.40/1 any tea bags, to go or iced tea mix (ex. 6/19/11)
Magnum $1/1 any ice cream (ex. 7/30/11)
Marcal $1/1 any small steps product (ex. 6/30/11) *Limit 1 cpn per person*
Morton $0.35/1 any bottle of Season-All seasoned salt 5oz and above (ex. 7/15/11)
Morton $0.35/1 any 3lb coarse kosher salt, 26oz all-purpose sea salt (natural or iodized), sea salt grinder or new pepper grinder (ex. 7/15/11)
Natrol $1/1 any product (ex. 7/3/11)
No Gray $1/1 any box of 2 application (ex. 10/31/11)
People Style Watch $1/1 June issue of the magazine (ex. 7/17/11)
Pringles $1/3 super stack cans 180g or larger (ex. 6/30/11)
Pringles $0.50/1 any snack stacks or stix (ex. 6/30/11)
Pringles $1/2 any cans fat free 165g or larger (ex. 6/30/11)
Q-tips $0.30/1 any cotton swabs product (ex. 6/19/11)
Ragu $1.25/3 any pasta sauce (ex. 6/19/11)
Sara Lee $1/1 any 1lb or more of meat at the service deli *OR* (1) package of any pre-sliced meat located in the deli section (ex. 6/30/11)
Sevin $2/1 any product (ex. 9/30/11) *Limit 1 per store visit*
Shedd’s Spread Country Crock $0.50/1 any (ex. 6/19/11)
Smucker’s $1/2 any jam, jelly, preserves or fruit spread products (ex. 7/30/11)
Starbucks $1/1 any pint of ice cream (ex. 6/19/11)
Suave $0.50/2 any professionals dry shampoo or styling products (ex. 6/19/11)
Suave $0.50/2 any professionals shampoo or conditioner products (ex. 6/19/11)
Suave $0.50/2 any men shampoo, conditioner or styling products (ex. 6/19/11)
Suave B1G1 FREE body wash or lotion – excludes sizes under 4oz up to $3 (ex. 6/19/11)
Suave $0.50/1 any deodorant product (ex. 6/19/11)
Vaseline $1/1 any product 3.1 oz or larger (ex. 6/19/11)
Wishbone or Western $1.50/2 any dressings (ex. 6/19/11)

5/22 Smart Source Insert Preview

Take a sneak peek at this weeks SmartSource insert - then decide how many papers you will need to buy:

Save $4 wyb any (2) Advil, Advil PM or Thermacare (7/31)
Advil Save $1/1 any 40ct or larger (7/31)
Advil PM Save $1/1 any 16ct or larger (7/31)
Betty Crocker Save $0.75/2 any supermoist cake mix and ready to spread frosting (any flavors/varieties) (7/16)
Betty Crocker Save $0.50/2 any flavor/variety fruit shapes, fruit by the foot, fruit gushers, or fruit roll-ups fruit flavored snacks (7/16)
Breakstone’s Save $0.75/3 cottage doubles (6/30)
Breakstone’s Save $1/1 any 4pk of cottage cheese (6/30)
Bob Evans Save $0.35/1 any refrigerated side dish (7/3)
Bob Evans Save $0.35/1 any sausage item (7/3)
Calgon Save $1/1 any bath & body products – excludes 2oz trial sizes (8/22)
Chock Full O’ Nuts Save $0.75/1 any package (7/15)
Curad Save $0.50/1 any product (8/31)
Edge or Skintimate Save $0.55/1 any gel product excludes 2.75 cans (6/30)
Energizer Save $1/1 any batteries or flashlight (6/30)
Fiber One Save $0.50/2 any boxes, any flavor chewy bars or 90 calorie chewy bars (7/16)
General Mills Cereals Save $1/3 any boxes (many listed) (7/2)
Glade Save $1/1 any fabric & air odor eliminator product (7/2)
Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper Save $0.75/3 any flavor home cooked skillet meals (7/16)
Heinz 57 Sauce Save $1/1 any 10oz or larger (8/22)
Jergens Save $2/1 any natural glow moisturizer (excluding 2fl oz moisturizer) (7/30)
Lance Save $1/2 any sandwich crackers or cookies 8ct or larger (7/10)
Lysol Save $1/1 any disinfectant spray (6/21)
Lysol Save $1/2 any disinfecting wipes (6/21)
Marzetti Save $0.50/1 any Otria greek yogurt veggie dip (8/31)
Nature Valley Save $0.50/2 any flavor/variety granola bars (excludes granola thins) (7/16)
OFF! Save $0.75/1 any personal insect repellent (6/25)
OFF! Save $1/1 any Botanicals product (6/25)
OFF! Save $2/1 any clip-on mosquito repellent starter (6/25)
OFF! Save $1/1 any clip-on mosquito repellent refill (6/25)
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Save $0.50/2 any flavor/variety pastries (8/13)
Playtex Save $1/1 any cup 1ct or higher or mealtime item 2ct or higher excludes 1ct plate or bowl (6/30)
Raid B1G1 FREE any Earth Options spray up to Save $6.49 (7/16)
Resolve Save $0.75/1 any high traffic foam product (7/3)
Resolve Save $0.75/1 any product (7/3)
Schick Save $1/1 any razor or refill excludes 2ct disposables (6/30)
Swiss Premium Tea Save $0.75/1 any (1) gallon or (1) half gallon (6/26)
Tampax Save $1.50/1 any gentle glide or sport tampons 14ct or larger (6/30)
Thermacare Save $1/1 any 2ct or larger (7/31)
Totino’s Save $0.50/4 any flavor/variety products (8/13)
Tyson Save $1/1 any Any’tizers wings (8/22)
Wet Ones Save $1/2 any wipes products, canisters or singles (6/30)
Zest Save $1/1 any 18oz body wash (7/17)
Zest Save $1/1 any 3-bar multi-pack or larger (7/17)

Monday, May 16, 2011

Got a Picky Pooch?

check out the "printables" tab to the right for a link to a $3.00/1 8.8lb or larger bag of Pedigree!

Hot off the............grill!

KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce is on sale at Target this week for $1.20
Use the $1.00/1 Q that came in the 5/15 inserts
Final price is $0.20 each!!

CVS Coupon Scanner

Make sure to scan your card every time you go into CVS to get the weekly coupons.  This week there's a $3/$10 coupon for healthcare items that you can use with the Neutrogena deal.  Prices on the Neutrogena start at $7.99 - buy 2 and get $10 ECB's.  If you get the $3/$10 coupon here's what the deal looks like:



2 Neutrogena @$7.99 = $15.98
Use $3/$10 Healthcare Q
Use 2 $1/1 MQ's (5/8 SmartSource)
OOP = $10.98
Get $10 ECB's
Final Price $0.49 each
**note - I posted a link last week for Neutrogena Q's ($2.00/1 Neutrogena Suncare of Sunless Product) - if you were able to grab those this deal turns into a money maker!**

Or use the $3/$10 on the BandAid deal - here's a scenario

Buy 4 BandAid products (starting at $2.89) - $11.56
Use 4 $0.50/1 BandAid Coupons
Use $3/$10 Healthcare Q
Total OOP = $6.56
Get $3.00 ECB's
Final price $0.89 per box

I'm on a mission.................

I'm thinking about starting a series for saving money in ways other than coupons! 

For instance - I changed my cell phone provider 3 months ago and dropped my bill from over $300 a month to $170 a month.  That's $1500+ a year right there!  (there's 5 phones on that bill - LOL)

I'm looking for other ways to cut household expenses now - such as looking into switching from the cable company we currently have to a dish provider (who is offering some great deals right now if you sign a 2 year contract), reviewing insurance policies (homeowners, car, life) to see if I can get the same coverage for lower rates, changing banks.....which is a hard one for me cause I've been with this bank 20 years to save on monthly fee's, etc.

I'll start a new page for these items so I don't muck up all the couponing stuff if that's what you're here for.  That way if you're interested you can look.....if you're not you don't need to weed through the stuff to find what you're wanting!

Please feel free to make this a collaborative effort - I am by no means an expert in this field, but really need to get the bills down to a reasonable level before my husband retires and we're living on 50% of his pay until he finds a job!  Comment on posts - or if you have ideas that you'd like to guest blog please e-mail them to me at dollarstretcher1001@yahoo.com for inclusion!

Thanks!!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

This is Realistic Shopping - 63% savings at Kroger

As I was walking out to my car from my trip to Kroger, a little disappointed that I didn't do better so I'd have something to "brag" about here, I realized that last week I told you my perception of realistic couponing, however I have not been posting the realistic side of my trips.  Yes - I post the 70%+ or the 80%+ savings - I've even posted a couple 100% saving trips - but never once have I posted the "average" trip.

So here goes - I'm not really proud and don't feel I did that well today - but I did get things that we WANTED rather than just things I had coupons for!

Here's what I got:

1 box of Ice Cream Sandwiches
2 boxes of Cocoa Krispies
2 boxes of Ritz Bitz sandwiches
2 boxes of Pepperidge Farms Popovers (for dessert tomorrow night)
2 packages of Chips Ahoy
2 Purina busy bones
6 Boxes of Ronzoni Pasta
4 Bags of Sunflower Seeds (these were on sale for $1.00 and it's baseball season - we pay $2.49 at the
     local 7-11)
4 Kraft BBQ sauce
4 Powerade
2 Gatorade
2 Frito's
1 Martha Stewart coffee cake mix
6 2 ltrs of Pepsi
2 packages of Eckrich Sausage

Total before Kroger Savings and Coupons:  $96.97
Paid:  $36.38
TOTAL SAVINGS:  63%

So while I was disappointed I didn't do better - I think I still did ok.  I didn't get the Eckrich Hot Dogs I went for (10/$10 ending today) since they were out - but got a raincheck for when they do restock, and they're on sale this week at Meijer so all is good!

So there you have it......it's not a 90%+ savings trip - but it's still not a bad trip in my opinion!

Kroger Reminder

I've been told they changed their coupon policy and you can no longer "stack" the electronic coupons on your card with a MQ.

So what I've done today is remove all electronic coupons from my card.  As I'm putting together the deals I will let you know if you should grab an electronic coupon and add it to your card, or use one that you have in your binders.

Just don't want you running into any hassle when you get to the store....like my girlfriend did!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Save A Lot ENDING Sunday 5/15

Here's a couple deals from Save A Lot that you can still grab on Sunday

Strawberries - 2/$3
Green Peppers 3/$1
8ct Popsicle or Fudcicle $1.00
Fruity Pepples  or Cocoa Pebbles $1.79
Kraft Homestyle Mac & Cheese - $1.99
Malt O Meal Cereal - $0.99
El Monterey Steak & Cheese Taquitos - $2.99

Coupon Match Up

El Monterey Taquito's - $1.00/1 expires 7/31

Today's CVS & VG's Trip

Needed some milk and dog food, and I still hadn't found the Clean & Clear Body Wash at Walgreens yet - so I decided to make one more run before this weeks sales were over.

CVS:

2 Gallons of Milk
1 Similac Ready to Feed
1 Excedrin PM
1 Excedrin Back
1 Excedrin Extra Strength

Regular price:  $28.74
Total OOP:  $9.58 (includes $0.94 tax)
Received $9.00 ECB's
Total Savings 100% (I only paid tax after ECB's)


VG's:

3 Purex Laundry Detergents 72 oz
3 Oreo Fudge Cremes
Tostito's Bite Sized Chips
Tostito's Salsa
3 Tontinos Pizzas
1 Red Baron Pizza
2 Daisy Sour Creams
4 Capt'n Crunch Cereal
1 15lb bag Pedigree Dog food
2 2 liters Coca Cola
1 Dixie Paper Plates
1 20ct Hefty Garbage Bag

Regular Price:  105.73
Total OOP:  $48.11 (includes $1.65 tax)
Total Savings 55%
**not my best trip, but there were several things in there that I needed this week rather than just stocking up**

Ready For Some Fun In The Sun??

Not if you don't have sunblock!

Head on over to CVS starting tomorrow and get yourself prepared!

Buy 2 Neutrogena Sunblock or Sunless tanning products and get $10 ECB's.

Go here to get $2.00/1 Neutrogena Suncare coupons.

Scan your card at the redbox and see if you can't score a $3 off $15 skin care purchase coupon.

Buy 2 Neutrogena blocks @ $9.99 each - $19.98
Less $3.00/$15 coupon
Less $4.00 (2 x $2.00/1 Q's)
Get $10 ECB's
final price $1.49 each (86% savings)

Reminder......

2 inserts in tomorrow's paper.

Check out the insert sneak peek posted on 5/10 to see whats included!

$10 FREE Gas Voucher at CVS starting 5/22

Starting 5/22 if you purchase $30 worth of participating products at CVS you will receive a voucher for $10 in FREE gas.

Products noted are:

Gatorade or Sobe B1G1 Free..32 oz or 20 oz-limit 8
Doritos or Tostitos 2/$5 Excludes baked-limit 6
Edy's Ice Cream 48 oz B1G1 Free-limit 4
Hershey's Singles-limit 9
Folger's Coffee 22.6-33.9 $8.99-
Coke 2 liters 99 cents limit 5
Lysol Disinfecting spray 19 oz or wipes 80 ct 2/$5
Palmolive 10 oz 88 cents
Jet Dry Rinse 8.45 oz, Gelpacs or powerball tabs 20 ct $2.00
I'll get coupon match ups for you as we get closer to the sale!

Thanks CouponFrenzyMom

Realistically Speaking

Do you have the "Coupon Craze" that has been started recently due to some television programming?

First - I think that we all need to remember that this is television, so it's likely not showing you exactly what the reality of couponing is.  It has indeed brought to light the value in couponing, but it has also brought with it the dark side of couponing, and potentially given some viewers some unrealistic expectations.

Do you expect to pick up a newspaper this weekend, clip your coupons, and head to the grocery store to save 90%?  If so I can't help you!

However, if you want to consistently save 50% or more on your grocery bill I can help!

First - if you haven't already read the "How Do I Get Started?" post please do!  Getting started takes time.  Don't expect a 50% savings week 1.  Don't even expect a 50% savings on week 2!  It takes a while to build up your savings, but you will consistently start to save a little more each week on your grocery bill, and be able to pick up some HBA items along the way for FREE!

You will need to devote some time to couponing each and every week.  The typical shopper will probably spend about 45 - 60 minutes clipping coupons and getting their lists together for their weekly trips, depending on how many stores you plan to shop at. 

I do not have 60 - 70 hours a week to devote to couponing....what about you?  I am an Air Force wife, mom of 7 (for which 4 still live at home), and I work full-time.  I coupon in my "free time".  My time is worth something, and I will not take time away from my family for couponing.

You will not notice a huge increase in the amount of time that you are spending at the store.  It only takes a couple minutes to pull coupons out of your binder as you're putting items in your cart, and a few minutes to scan the coupons.  Most of the work is done before you leave the house!

To keep your time to a minimum, follow coupon sites that match up deals for you, like mine.  Another site you may be interested in, especially if you live outside of Michigan, is WeUseCoupons.  If you sign up on their site be sure to let them know stretchthatdollar invited you!  All you have to do now is visit my site, or the site of your choice, and read through the deal match ups that have already been put together for you and make your own shopping list from these match ups.

While we're being realistic, who needs enough toilet paper to last 20 years?  Who wants a stockpile of 100+ bags of diapers if there's nobody in your home who wears them?  Who has room to store that??  I know I don't.  I do, however, have a stockpile.  Right now my stockpile includes 96 rolls of toilet paper - enough for about 3 months in my house.  I do not have 100 deodorants, or body washes, or anything like that.  My deodorant stockpile stands are 10 today, and with 6 of us that is just about 60 days worth....maybe.  I buy what I know we will be using for the next 3 months, knowing that the sales cycle, and I will be able to get another sale again in a couple months to restock.  If I happen across a sale and don't need it to restock my stockpile for the next 3 months I will still pick it up, but those items will be donated to one of multiple organizations I am a fan of!

You still with me?  Good!  That means you're serious about saving money, and your bubble hasn't been popped by my "realistic view" of couponing!  I'm not Debbie Downer - really!  I just don't want you thinkig that you're going to visit my site, or any other site for that matter, and walk out tomorrow saving 90% on your bill, then being disappointed and giving up!  You will save money - and you will have those incredible trips.....just not everytime out!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Huggies Pullups Flushable Wipes

Cheap Huggies Pullups Flushable wipes (42 ct) at WalMart starting Sunday!

On sale for $1.64 - there should be a $1.00/1 coupon in the SmartSource insert for 5/15
final price is just $0.64

Revlon Eyeshadow

Need some eyeshadow?  Rumor is WalMart will have it for $3.88 starting Sunday - use your $2.00/1 Revlon Color coupon to score some cheap eyeshadows!  (final cost would be $1.88)

How Do I Get Started?

I've been asked repeatedly by complete strangers, friends, and family.......How Do I Get Started?

It's easy really - pick up a Sunday newspaper!  Ok that seems like a no-brainer right?  But you absolutely can not coupon if you do not have coupons!  So it's important to get your collection going!

I buy 5 newspapers minimum each week.  Now that may seem like a lot for some of you, and it might well be.  I've always went with the rule of one paper per person living in the house.  That means come November when my husband retires from the Air Force and moves back here to Michigan I'll be buying 6.  (I make him buy his own and get the coupons right now)  This allows you to get enough coupons to buy multiples of the FREE items, or next to FREE items, so that you can start a stockpile.  I'm not a huge stockpile person, but I have a pretty decent stockpile going right now.  (I'll post my stockpile contents in a separate post)

Get organized!  Another no-brainer?   One would think - but for the longest time I thought I could simply clip the coupons, pile them up, grab the pile and head to the grocery store and expected to save money.  And I did save a little, but nothing to write home (or a blog) about!  If you can't find the coupon quickly you're going to HATE couponing!  You need a binder!  I tried the little coupon wallets, I tried envelopes, and eventually I gave in an got a binder.  I don't know what I did without it, and quite honestly I save way more now that I have it.  My shopping trips take less time too!

Start small.  Don't think that you're going to grab a Sunday paper this week and then hit the local grocery store and save 90%.  You will not be able to shop like the women and men on Extreme Couponers week over week.  Keep in mind they're on television, and they're all doing their biggest haul ever, so they don't get those results all the time, and you shouldn't expect to either.

Find a place to get information from quickly.  Coupon match-ups are hard to do - especially if you're just starting out.  The last thing you need to worry about is the math behind a coupon!  Sites like Stretch that Dollar (where you are now) or WeUseCoupons are a great place to get a lot of information in a little time.  (hey if you do sign up on WeUseCoupons remember to tell them that stretchthatdollar sent you!)  We do the work for you - so all you have to do is grab your binder, print a list, and head to the store.

Never leave home without it!  There's lots of things some of us never leave home without....our cell phones, wallets, credit cards, lipstick, etc.  Add your coupon binder to that "never leave home without it" list!  I keep mine in a bag so when I pick up my purse to head out I pick up my bag that has my binder, scissors, sale ads for the week, etc. as well.  That way if I'm called on the way home for an "emergency" stop to get ice cream, milk, a protractor (yep - that actually happened just this week) I have my coupons with me and if I happen to run across a great deal I can pick it up.  (Remember to check the clearance section of EVERY store you're in EVERY time you're in it!)

Above everything else don't get discouraged.  There will be scissor accidents, missing inserts from your newspaper because some inconsiderate person went through and took them out but only bought 1 paper, paper cuts, unfriendly cashiers, people that look at you like you have 3 heads when you walk into the store carrying a binder full of coupons and pick up a protractor, math errors, etc.  It's going to happen.  It happens to the best of us.  Just keep your head up, know that you're on the right track, and keep plugging away!

Walgreens Trip Today - 97% savings!

2 - 12 roll packs of Cottonelle - $4.00/each  (regularly $5.00 each)
2 - Colgate Total Toothbrushes - $3.00/each  (regularly $3.49 each)
1 - 1/2 gallon Ice Cream -$2.99 (regularly $5.99)
1 - 2 pack headbands - $1.00 (regularly $2.99)

Used $1.00/1 coupon Cottonelle (in May coupon book)
Used $14.00 in previously issued RR's that were going to expire tomorrow
OOP $5.01
Received $4.00 RR

97% savings! 

Coupon Abbreviations

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? 

Some of you may be wondering what all the "codes" mean in posts, not just here but on other coupon sites as well.  Well here's a list of some of the most common one's so that you too can "speak in code". 

PG - Proctor & Gamble
SS - Smart Source
RP - Red Plum
Wags - Walgreens
RA - Rite Aid
B1G1 - Buy 1 Get 1
BOGO - Buy 1 Get 1
MQ - Manufacturers coupon
RR - Register Reward
UPS - Rite Aid UPs Reward
ECB - Extra Care Buck
MM - Money Maker
WYB - when you buy
OOP - out of pocket
Printable - coupon you can print online
MIR - mail in rebate

Back in Business

Sorry - the blog was down for about 18 hours.  I'm back in business and will get the posting updated ASAP....including this weekends deal match ups and other free/almost free items I've found while I haven't been able to blog!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Purex Laundry Sample

Head on over to freepurexsamples and get your sample mailed to you.

Unfortunately it will not arrive in time to use the coupon that will come with it (samples usually always have a coupon or two with them) for the upcoming deal, but it's bound to go on sale again sometime!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Purex Laundry Soap

Looks like Rite Aid will have this for $1.97 starting on 5/15.  Use your $1.00/1 coupon to score some cheap laundry detergent!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Coups For Troops

Have expired coupons you don't know what to do with? 

Did you know that Military families stationed overseas can use expired coupons for up to 6 months after the expiration date of the coupon?

Want an easy way to get the coupons to a Military family that can really use them?  Check out CoupsForTroops on Facebook and they'll take care of the mailing hassle for you!  Just send them your coupons (please remember to separate them into food and non food groups (rubber band them, put them in separate envelopes, whatever)) and they'll send them to families that can use them.

Military families stationed overseas often times have very few options for buying food.  The commissary is usually their best choice, and prices overseas are more expensive than here in the States - so let's help the men and women who fight for our freedom save a few bucks!

Who Am I?

Hi everyone!!

I am an Air Force wife (and a relatively new one at that).  My husband and I have 7 kids total, and a grandbaby!

My husband and I were born 8 hours apart, in the same hospital.  I tease him often that he kept me awake with his crying in the nursery!  After our short 3 day stay (yes - this was back in 1969 when they kept you for 3 days and allowed you to rest before shipping you home with a newborn that doesn't sleep) in that hospital we didn't meet again until 7th grade.  We both played in the band (I played clarinet, bass clarinet, and percussion - depending on what the season was and he played saxophone) and were friends from that time through graduation from high school when we went our own ways, got married (to other people) and had kids.

My kids are 22, 20, 13, 13, and 11.  His are 21 and 18.  I was a single mom for 10 years before Brett and I reconnected through Facebook!

There was an immediate "re-attraction", and while he lived in California and I in Michigan we developed quite a friendship over the course of a couple months.  He came home for Christmas and things haven't been the same since!

We continued dating, and less than 10 months after that 1st face-to-face meeting (just before Christmas 2009) we were married on 10-01-10. 

I work full-time as a Project Manager for a bank here in Michigan.  Being the only parent in the house (until November when hubby retires) I am constantly running - baseball practice, band concerts, school functions, the "I need this tonight" trips, etc.. In my "free time" I coupon - search for upcoming deals, match up my coupons, and get ready to get the next weeks deals!  I am also an avid reader, and although I don't watch TV much I do have a couple shows that I watch every week that I never miss an episode of!  (Thank you to whomever invented DVR)

I have couponed for years.  I haven't always been this serious about it, and have really become addicted to finding the best deal.

I am not your typical "Extreme Couponer" that you see on the TLC show.  I do not steal papers from driveways, I do not get into dumpsters for coupons, and I have never cleared a shelf.  I do have a stockpile that has taken over my closet as well as several cupboards in the bathroom, and will soon be moving it to its own room (we have an extra one - YAY!).

I have had several trips where my total OOP was $0.00, but not hundreds of them for sure!  My typical savings on a grocery trip (i.e. Kroger, Meijer, VG's) is 70%+, so I think I do a pretty good job, and my kids get food they want to eat!

I do this as a hobby, and because I think it's utterly ridiculous to not use coupons and pay full price for something that if you clipped a coupon you could get for much less!  I have family members tell me how crazy I am and that my time is worth something.....well they're right - it's worth 70% of my grocery bill each week, and a whole bunch of free products!

I believe in ethical couponing - so I will not be posting ideas on how to get coupons that you're not entitled to, how to use a coupon for a product it's not intended for, etc.  What you will find on this blog is a way to consistently save money week over week on your grocery bill.

I sincerely hope you enjoy reading about the deals I find, and that you recommend this page to your friends!  You can also like me on facebook and follow the deals there!

5/15 SmartSource preview

Atkins Day Break Square 5 pack or Shake 4 pack $1 (7/31/11)
Atkins Bar 5 pack or Shake 4 pack $1 (7/31/11)
Bausch + Lomb Alaway Eye Drops $4 (7/31/11)
Bausch + Lomb Opcon-A Eye Drops $1 (7/31/11)
Classico Pasta Sauces $1/2 (9/10/11)
Bissell Deep Cleaning Formulas $1 (6/30/11)
Colgate ProClinical Toothpaste 4.6oz+ .75 (6/4/11)
Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes .50 (6/26/11)
Dole Fruit in Gel .75/2 (7/31/11)
Dole Parfaits .75/2 (7/31/11)
French’s Worcestershire Sauce .75 (8/15/11)
French’s Classic Yellow Mustard .30 (7/15/11)
French’s Spicy Brown, Honey, etc .75 (7/15/11)
General Mills $1/2 (6/25/11)
Hidden Valley Farmhouse Originals Sale Dressing or Salad Kit $1 (6/30/11)
Honey Made Grahams, Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate 6 pack $1 (6/30/11)
Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers $2.50 (6/11/11)
Huggies Little Snuggles or Little Movers Diapers $2 (6/11/11)
Huggies Baby Wipes 64 ct+ .50 (6/11/11)
Huggies Little Swimmers $2 (6/11/11)
Huggies Little Swimmers Sun Care $1 (6/11/11)
Huggies Pull-Ups Jumbo pack $1.50 (6/11/11)
Huggies Pull-Ups Flushable Moist Wipes $1 (6/11/11)
Jello Snacks Refrigerated .60 (6/15/11)
Joint Juice $1 (7/15/11)
Juicefuls Juice Filled Fruit Snacks $1 (8/21/11)
Kikkoman $1/2 (12/31/11)
Kotex Liners 33 ct+ $1.50 (6/25/11)
Kotex Pads $2/2 (6/25/11)
Kotex Security Tampons $1.50/2 (6/25/11)
Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing 22 oz+ .75 (6/12/11)
LaVictoria 12 oz+ $1/2 (7/31/11)
Lloyd’s Barbeque .75 (7/11/11)
Lunchables Combinations with Fruit $1 (7/10/11)
Meadow Gold Frozen Novelties $1/2 (7/31/11)
Midnite, Midnite PM, or Midnite Menopause $1 (11/30/11)
9 Lives Dry Cat Food 3.15 lbs+ $1 (7/16/11)
9 Lives wet cat food one 12 can variety pack, 12 individual cans, 3 4-packs $1 (7/16/11)
Nylabone Non-Edible Chew $1.50 (6/21/11)
Nylabone Edible Chew or Treat $1.50 (6/21/11)
Olay Total Effects Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser $2 (6/30/11)
Oscar Mayer Sub or Flatbread Sandwiches, Cracker Combos or Sandwich Combos $1 (7/10/11)
Oscar Mayer Lower Sodium Turkey Bacon .75 (7/10/11)
Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs $1/2 (7/10/11)
Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh or one pound Shaved Lunchmeats $1/2 (7/10/11)
Oscar Mayer Sandwich Combos $1 (7/10/11)
People magazine $1 (7/5/11)
Pert Plus 3-in-1 or 2-in-1 $1 (6/30/11)
Pepperidge Farm Milano Melts Cookies $1 (8/7/11)
Pepperidge Farm cookies .50 (7/10/11)
Planters Nut Bars 6 ct box or Big Nut Bars 5 ct box .75 (7/31/11)
Poise $1 (6/25/11)
Poise $1.50/2 (6/25/11)
Raid Max Spider & Scorpion Killer $1 (7/9/11)
Reynolds Wrap Non Stick Foil $1 (6/30/11)
Reynolds Wrap Foil excluding 20, 25 & 30 sq ft $1 (6/30/11)
Ronzoni Garden Delight Pasta $1 (9/10/11)
Shout .55 (6/26/11)
Buy Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel and Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 Starter Kit or Refill pack $3 (6/25/11)
Schiff MegaRed $3 (8/31/11)
Schiff Mega-De $2 (8/31/11)
Schiff Glucosamine $3 (8/31/11)
Schiff Vitamin or Supplement $2 (8/31/11)
Sunny D .25 (8/31/11)
Sure Anti-Perspirant $1 (6/30/11)
Tony’s Pizza products .50/3 (7/1/11)
Woolite Oxy Deep, Pet + Oxygen, Pet Urine Eliminator .75 (5/31/11)
Ziploc Bags $1/2 (7/9/11)
Ziploc Containers $1.50/2 (7/9/11)

5/15 Red Plum Insert Preview

Aquafresh iso-active Foaming gel Save $1.00/1 (6/26)
Aveeno sun protection product Save $1.50/1 (7/31)
Aveeno sun protection products Save $3.00/2 (7/31)
Benadryl topical product Save $1.00/1 (7/31)
Black Box rebate offer Save $5.00 (7/31)
Brawny Paper Towels 6- roll or larger Save $1.00/2 ((8/11)
Caltrate Save $2.00/1 (8/22)
Caltrate larger size 155ct or larger Save $3.00/1 (8/22)
Carbona color & dirt grabber Save $1.00/1 (8/13)
Carbona stain devils Save $1.00/1 (8/13)
Centrum Silver Women’s, Centrum Silver Men’s, Centrum Women’s or Centrum Men’s 100 ct Save $2.00/1 (8/7)
Centrum Silver Women’s, Centrum Silver Men’s, Centrum Women’s or Men’s 100ct Save $5.00/2 (8/7)
Centrum Silver women’s , Centrum Silver Men’s, Centrum Women’s or Men’s 200 ct Save $10.00/2 (8/7)
Cesar entrees Buy THREE get ONE FREE up to Save $1.19 (8/6)
Cortaid product Save $3.00/1 (7/31)
FiberChoice product Save $3.00/1 (7/9)
Gillette Body Wash no trial Save $2.00/1 (6/30)
Gillette Deodorant Buy ONE GET ONE FREE up to Save $4.00 (6/30)
Goya Olive oil 17oz or larger Save $.75/1 (8/15) DND5
Goya Adobo 16.5 oz or larger Save $.55/1 (8/15) DND5
Grain Berry Antioxidant Cereals Save $1.00/1 (7/31)
Grain Berry pancake or muffin mix Save $1.00/1 (7/31)
Johnson & Johnson Red Cross Brand product Save $1.00/2 (7/31)
Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats and/or Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Cereals 14oz or larger Save $1.00/2 (6/26)
Kellogg’s Cereals 8.7oz or larger Save $1.00/3 (6/26)
Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts 8 ct or larger Save $1.00/3 (7/10)
Kraft dressing 14 oz or larger Save $1.50/2 (6/12)
Land O’Frost Premium One Pound Save $.55/1 (7/31) DND5
Lawry’s Marinade Save $.50/1 (6/19)
Lawry’s Spice Blend Save $.50/1 (6/19)
L’Oreal Sublime Bronze product Save $1.00/1 (7/10)
L’Oreal Paris skincare Save $1.00/1 (7/10)
L’Oreal Ever Sleek, Ever Pure, Ever Strong shampoo or conditioner Save $1.00/1 (7/10)
L’Oreal Ever Sleek, Ever Pure, Ever Strong treatment Save $1.00/1 (7/10)
L’Oreal Vive Pro Shampoo Save $1.00/1 (7/10)
L’Oreal Studio Line Styling Product or L’Oreal Vive Pro Glossy Style product Save $1.00/1 (7/10)
L’Oreal haircolor product any Save $2.00/1 (7/10)
L’Oreal haircolor products any Save $5.00/2 (7/10)
Milo’s kitchen brand 100% real dog treats 3.3oz or smaller Save $1.50/1 (7/9)
Milo’s Kitchen brand 100 real dog treats 10oz or larger Save $2.00/1 (7/9)
Neosporin Lip Health product Save $1.00/1 (7/31)
Neosporin and Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages product Save $1.50 on BOTH (7/31)
Nivea Body Lotion 8.4 fl. oz – 13.5 fl. oz. Save $2.00/1 (6/26)
Nivea Good-Bye Cellulite product 2.5oz-6.7oz Save $3.00/1 (6/26)
Osteo Bi-Flex caplets, softgels or powder no liquids Save $5.00/1 (6/26)
Polident products Save $1.00/1 (6/26)
Super Poligrip Products Save $1.00/1 (6/26)
Pup-Peroni dog snacks 4/8oz or larger Save $1.50/2 (7/15)
Scotties facial tissues 5 boxes or 2 multipacks Save $1.00 (6/18/`11)
Sensodyne ProNamel toothpaste Save $1.00/1 (8/14)
Sensodyne Toothpaste or iso-active foaming gel .75/1 (8/14)
Silver Palate thick & Rough oatmeal Save $1.00/1 (7/31)
Smuckers toppings product Save $1.00/2 (8/31)
Snausages or Snow Somes! dog snacks 9.75 oz or larger Save $1.50/2 (7/15)
Sundown vitamins or supplements product Save $1.00/1 (6/28)
Turkey Hill half gallons or larger Drinks Save $1.00/2 (8/15)
Uncle Ben’s original converted brand rice products Save $1.00/2 (7/10)
Venus Razor or Venus Disposables Razor Save $2.00/1 (6/30)
Venus Refill Save $2.00/1 (6/30)
Whiskas dry food for cats bag Save $1.00/1 (7/9)
Whiskas tray Buy One Get One FREE up to .69 (7/9)
Wisk Laundry detergent 50 oz or larger Save $2.00/1 (6/26)

Walgreens Sneak Peek 5/15 - 5/21

Softsoap Body Wash 2/$6
     Get $4 RR

Old Spice / Zest / or Gillette Body Wash 3/$10
     Get $3 RR
     Use BOGO Free coupon (deduct $3.33) or 3 $1.00 off 1 coupons
     final price as low as $1.22 each

Pantene 2/$7
     Get $1 RR
     Use $3.00/2 coupon
     final price $1.50

Huggies 2/$18
     Get $3.00 RR
     Use 2 $2.00/1 printables
     final price $5.50

Northern 9 BIG rolls - $3.99

Note:  This is not yet confirmed.  I will be confirming once I have the sale ad.  As I get more info I'll add to this thread and do coupon match-ups as I can.

CVS Sneak Peek for 5/15 - 5/21

Dial or Tone bar soap 3pk - $1.88
     Receive $1.00 ECB
     Use $0.50 coupon if you have it (I got mine from a Commissary delivered paper)
     final price is as low as $0.38 per pack

$10 ECB when you buy $15 L'Oreal skin or suncare products
    
Right Guard Sport, Extreme, Total Defense, or Dry Idea - $2.99
     Receive $1.00 ECB when you buy 1
     Use BOGO coupon
     final price $1.00 each

Sure or Brut Deodorant BOGO

Keep in mind - I do not have the sale ad in hand yet - so I will not be confirming these until such time.  Right now this is what we believe will be in this ad.  I will add to this and add coupon match-ups as I find more info.

Stay tuned.............

Walgreens and CVS sneak peeks are coming up tonight for 5/15!  Working on the match ups right now!