Here's the deal...

So I am feeling incredibly overwhelmed with many things these days. First and foremost, I am exhausted all the time, thanks to my sweet, good natured nearly 8 month old daughter, who refuses to sleep through the night. She averages about 2-3 times a night for feedings, and I am running on empty. I will continue to post the screaming deals from time to time, but am going to generally suggest that you check my 2 favorite deal sites, springsbargains.com and dealseekingmom.com . I also follow hip2serve and hip2save. I wish you all happy saving, I just don't have the energy to worry about keeping this site up anymore.

If you've been shopping the King Soopers Kraft sale this past week, gather up your receipts and check the springsbargains.com site for the skinny on the $20 rebate out there. It basically refunds $1 each for 20 items! Some of these items are currently only $.50 and I think that the sale runs another week still...we'll find out in the morning!

A DEAL on a great gift!!

Have you started thinking about the holidays yet? We are already shopping around here...watching craiglist and ebay, and scouring the clearance for those special things we know will be a hit. I found a SCREAMING DEAL on Taste for Home magazine today. This magazine has great recipes year-round, and I can't wait to start getting mine. It's usually about $24 for a 12 month subscription, but I found it for $2 a year!!! You can subscribe for up to 4 years at that price, but it is only good for new subscriptions. You can do gift subs, but they don't send a card or anything. HOW FUN! So HERE is the link...enjoy! I don't know how long this "weekly special" will last, so get em while they're hot!

Free Post-it pen

here

Use the above link and complete the short survey to get a FREE Post-it Flag and Writer gel pen. Looks cool! And that will be a fun mail day! Enjoy!

Ninety % Discount!?!?

If you've ever heard of Restaurant.com and considered trying it, now would be a good time. Starting at 1 am this morning, they are offering a discount of 90% when you use the code NINETY!!! How cool is that. These restaurant gift certificates are usually $4 for a $10 cert, and $15 for a $25 cert. There are minimum purchase requirements, but still...I paid $1.50 for a $25 certificate this morning. I expect it will feed my whole family when I meet the minimum order of $50, and we'll stay as close to that as possible, so it will cost us about $27 before a tip...instead of $52! If you ever go out to eat, try it now!

New printable coupons!

I was very excited about the coupons in today's newspaper...I sent my husband out to bring home 3 of them! I'm figuring that I'll get at lest $12 out of the first one alone! I was thrilled to see a coupon on C&H sugar, and since it's cheaper to stockpile it from the commissary, I checked ebay and ordered 80 more coupons! It'll save me close to $30, and only cost $6! They're good until the end of November, so I'll be able to hold onto most of them until the holiday sales start. If I can catch a good sale at a store that doubles....oh my goodness....so exciting!

BUT...I found a few of the exciting coupons are available as printables online HERE. Glade candles, Hefty One Zips, and Quaker Granola Bars...YAY! Don't forget to match up the Quaker Granola Bars with King Soopers buy 10 get $5 off, and the buy 5 get $3.50 ONYO (off your next order). Such exciting deals!!!

Michael's Cake Decorating Classes

I just got an email from Michael's that they are offering their Wilton Cake decorating classes at 50% off again, during September. I took the initial class back in July, and LOVED it. I learned quite a few tricks and am far more confident in my creativities now. If you get in touch with the teacher beforehand, she will likely hook you up with an additional coupon, bringing the price down even more. I think the regular price is $45, but I paid around $13. Keep in mind, you'll need some supplies, the Course 1 kit and cakes and frosting are the essentials, which you can get for under $20 with a coupon, I think. But You'll WANT far more than that. I used a coupon for everything, but I really wanted the turntable, cakeboards, more tips, more colors, parchment for bags...I probably spent about $30-$40 on additional cake decorating stuff. I have some things I'd be happy to share, but if this is something you've been wanting to try, now's a GREAT time!

Happy saving!

Gardening

This is the first year I've tried to have a garden produce anything. It has NOT yielded the results I'd hoped for, but I've enjoyed it nonetheless. Right now, we've got Morning Glories, Snapdragons, and Pansies blooming. We also have a couple of cucumbers growing, and several bell peppers. Out Thyme transplant is doing well, and my Basil suddenly is growing like crazy--apparently it needs more sun than it was getting before. We've used a lot of fresh Parsley over the summer, and it's still doing okay. We've had a couple of carrots and onions, but the onions were infected with little grub things. We've gotten two zucchini so far, and while there are lots of blossoms, there aren't any signs of more fruit...weird. It's entertainment, exercise, outside time, and more...but mostly, it's satisfying in a way that rivals finding those amazing deals. That's my rambling for today... Have you had success gardening? I'd love to know what my readers have learned, so leave a comment and share!

SUPER cheap paper at Staples!

Staples has their ad up HERE for next week. Check out the $.50 after MIR ream of computer paper! WOW! Double WOW when you see that it's only $2 BEFORE the rebate! WOWOWOW! They've also got $.15 notebooks, and several basic items: pencils, erasers, glue sticks, among others, that are $.50 after MIR. The notebooks and the paper are a great deal! The others are probably only worth it if you haven't stockpiled enough at the better prices we've seen before now.

Happy Shopping!

FREE Wishbone Dressing at Safeway

You heard me right! FREE at Safeway this week with the $.75 coupon from the paper a while back, or print another (worst case-it doesn't double and you pay a quarter) from HERE.

Happy saving!

Cellfire!

YAY! The Cellfire coupons, which work exactly like Shortcuts, have been reset, renewed, reloaded, whatever you want to call it, they are there waiting to be loaded to your card! Combine those Nature Valley, Betty Crocker and Pillsbury coupons with Cellfire and Shortcuts for some awesome deals at King Soopers! Go here to load on up!

King Soopers...Round 3!

Another trip, more stuff, more saved!

Transaction #1--This one is screwy!
2 Nature Valley Sweet n Salty Granola Bars (1.99) .70 coupon doubled to $1, --1.50 each
3 Nature Valley Sweet n Salty Granola Bars (1.99).40 coupon doubled to .80 on two--1.47 each
1 Nature Valley Trail Mix Granola Bars (1.99) .50 coupon doubled to $1, .50 SC--.49
2 Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters (1.99) $1 coupon on each, $1 SC on one--.49 each
1 Total Whole Grain Cereal (1.49) .75 coupon doubled to $1, $.75 SC --credit of .26
1 Trix-participating size (1.49) .55 coupon doubled to $1, .55 SC --credit of .06
PLUS
Large Box Trix (3.45--NOT part of the promotion, I grabbed the wrong one and we didn't catch it til I was home. =( I may return it tomorrow.) .55 coupon doubled to $1--2.45 YIKES!

Total OOP=10.95
BUT
There was a major mix up that I'm very frustrated with at this point. My $5 didn't come off at first, so we went back to figure out why. I see now that they didn't see all 5 boxes of Granola bars on the receipt, and didn't realize that the bigger Trix didn't count. They scanned one of my granola bars again, thinking they'd missed it, and the $5 came off. BUT I paid for a box of granola bars I didn't get, and I paid over $2 for the dang Trix! Rip Off! I may go back in the am and see what they can do for me...if anything. Still, I saved 73%. Oh, and my granola bar catalina printed.

Transaction #2
2 BC Fruit Shapes (1.99) .40 coupon doubled to .80 each, SC .40 -- .99 each
3 BC Fruit Stickerz (1.99) .50/2 coupon doubled to .80/2 twice, SC .50 twice--1.24 each
1 BC Fruit Roll up (1.99) in coupons above--1.24
2 BC Supreme Brownies (1.99) .75/2 coupon doubled to $1, .75 sc--1.11 each
2 Pillsbury Cinnamon Bites (.99) .40/2 coupon doubled to .80/2, SC .40/2--.39 each
Total OOP=5.95
Savings 80%
I got my Fruit snack catalina, and the supreme brownies with cookie dough are AMAZING!!!
PLUS, when I got home I realized the Stickerz were the boxes that "may" have a cash card inside, and of course, I checked....they ALL had a $5 card inside!

Transaction #3
6 Hamburger Helpers (.79) .75/3 coupon doubled to $1 twice--.46 each
Total Whole Grain Cereal (1.49)
2 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (.99) .50/2 coupon doubled to $1--.49 each
Chex Mix Bars (1.99) .50 coupon doubled to $1--.99
Sara Lee Bread (1.47) Coupon...Buy bread get bagels free--1.47
Sara Lee Mini Bagels (2.99) FREE
3 5lb Ground beef chubs (4.89) CLEARANCE!
Similac Ready Feed (5.61) $5 check/coupon rec'd in mail
2lb white onion bagged (1.49)--to cook with the ground beef and go in the freezer!
.45 BYOB credit
used last times 3.50 catalina
total OOP 20.49
Savings of 49%

All in all, a great trip...but that extra box of granola bars I paid for and didn't get and the Trix really annoy me.

*UPDATE* I just called and they said to bring the Trix back and tell them where they went wrong, and they'd make it right...so I feel a little better. I'll hope to get a refund for the Trix, and take home that extra box of Granola Bars that I paid for but didn't get.

Happy Shopping!

Shortcuts...a different approach.

Shortcuts are a little confusing. I admit it, and I get it. If you're still confused maybe this will help. Have you ever used the gas discount at King Soopers, or Safeway? Think of it like this. Just like the gas discount gets loaded onto your store card when you reach that $100 mark, shortcuts and cellfire coupons are electronic coupons that you can load onto your store card from home. The savings are available when you purchase the product. You don't get your gas discount on your milk, you get it on gas. If you load the Trix coupon onto your card, the next time you purchase Trix, it'll automatically apply that electronic coupon, in addition to any paper coupons or store discounts that apply. They do expire after a while, just like the gas discount and regular coupons, but you don't have to remember them or do anything once they're loaded. Just check back for new ones now and then.

Honestly, I've not really thought about them much to this point. I'd load them up and get a nice surprise every now and then. But this weeks King Soopers deals combined with my new effort to stick to our written budget have got me paying close attention so I can maximize my savings.

I hope this helps.

Okay...so King Soopers, Round 2

I know that sometimes catalina coupons will only print one per receipt, so I separated my groceries into 3 transactions today. You should be able to print enough coupons from the sites I listed yesterday to make all these transactions work. All prices listed are after the B10G$5

Transaction #1
3 Pillsbury crescent rolls--.99, $.75/3 coupon, doubled to $1, Shortcut $.50=$.49/each
2 Grands biscuits--.99, $1/2 coupon=$.49/ each
3 BC Fruit Shapes-1.49, .40 coupon for each, doubled to .80 each=$.69 each
2 BC Fruit Snack Variety Pack---DONT GET THESE IF YOU WANT THE CATALINA-1.49,
$.50/2 coupon, double to $1, Cellfire $.50=$.74 each
Total=$6 OOP (Out Of Pocket) BUT...the 5 BC fruit snacks were supposed to print a $3.50 catalina, (essentially a coupon that pays part of the total on any items when you use it.) I took the receipt to customer service and asked about it, and they gave me the $3.50 in cash. All of the other fruit snack items should have worked, as they were listed on the promo coupon, but I guess the variety pack doesn't, so don't get it as part of your five.

Transaction #2
Total Cereal-1.49, .75 coupon doubled to $1=$.49
2 Nature Valley (NV) Granola Bars-1.99, 2 .40 coupons doubled to $.80 each, cellfire .40,
shortcuts .40=$.79 each
3 Chex Bar Granola Bars-1.99, .60 coupon on 2, .50 on 1, doubled to $1 each, Cellfire .60,
Shortcuts .60 twice=$.39 each
1 NV Granola Clusters-1.99, $1 coupon, cellfire $1=$.01 overage--money back in my pocket
BC Brownie Bowl-1.49, .55 coupon didn't double =(, Cellfire .50=$.44
2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudels, 1.49, $.50/2 coupon doubled to $1, shortcuts .55=$.72 each
Total=$5.10 OOP, BUT I got a catalina from purchasing 5 Nature Valley Granola Bar items (tI think it was the cereal and the clusters from GM that put me up to five somehow. Not sure how I missed paying attention on this one, I lucked out that it worked.) The catalina is for $3.50.

Transaction #3
Fruit Cheerios-1.49
Trix-1.49, $1/2 GM Cereals, cellfire .55=$1.43 for both, or $.72 each
2 Betty Crocker cookie mix-1.49, .40 coupon on each, doubled to .80 each, cellfire .40, shortcuts
.40=$.29 each
2 NV Granola Clusters-1.99, $1 coupon for each, shortcuts .40 (this one says it's off a granola bar
but I didn't get granola bars on this order.)=$.79 each
2 Pepsi 2 liter-.49--the only thing I didn't have a coupon for in this whole trip!
2 BC Warm Delight Bowl-1.49, .55 coupon each, doubled to $1 each, shortcuts .50 twice=$.02
overage!
NOT THE B10G$5
SaraLee Bread-1.47
SaraLee Mini Bagels-2.99-In store coupon found on bread near milk, buy bread get bagels free=FREE
Kroger travel wipes-1.50, catalina from who knows when for $1 off=$.50
8 BYOBags credit=$.40
Total=$6.25
My plan was to use the catalinas from the previous orders to pay for this one, but when the first one didn't print I held onto them. I would only have been able to use one anyway, as my total was under $7.

Bottom line. Total OOP for 33 items=$17.35
Factor in the $7 catalinas and I spent $10.35 today. WOW!

If you have any questions, post a comment and I'll get to it asap--within 24 hours I'm certain!

Now, GO SAVE!!!

This week...

So I didn't see anything impressive at Sunflower Market this week, unless the avacados and tomatoes are something you would use. $.77 each and $.67/lb respectively. Albertson's has their store brand mac n cheese for $.25, but that's all I might be interested in there. And Rancho Liborio has 4 cucumbers for $.97, pears 2lbs for $.97 and Jicama $.57/lb all week, and pears are 3lbs $.97 today only.

Here's a coupon for Jello!

I have now canned about 22 quarts of pears-some halved, some sauced, as well as 16 pints of pear jelly--probably that much left to do of jelly. I have dehydrated LOTS as well, and any new pears will be dehydrated. I am thrilled with my pioneerish efforts, and hope that apples go on sale soon so I can do a bunch of applesauce and dehydrate them, and jelly them too! Except that just thinking about it makes me tired...so maybe I won't do so many. over 150lbs of pears is a LOT! Also, I attempted a batch of pear butter, but it burned--I was able to salvage about 2/3 of it, I'm guessing about 2 quarts worth.

My savings tip for today: Every time you go shopping watch for coupons-peelies, tear pads, blinkies, etc...and snag a few if they are products you use often...Then watch the sales and match them up! That's where my battery deal came from today (4AA for $3 cash back after MIR!) And have FUN!!!

King Soopers!

Yay! for Mega Savings Events!!!

So I got the following today:
4 Sobe Lifewaters--not marked as part of the sale, but it worked!
4 Pillsbury Grands---LOVE the honey butter flavor
2 Go gurts
6 Hamburger Helpers
2 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks
2 Old El Paso Refried Beans
Not part of the buy 10 save $5 deal:
Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries-4pk
Clearanced Lofthouse cookie
Clearance Chocolate Angel Food Cake
2 Mrs. Freshly Oatmeal Cookies Sandwiches

Grand total OOP after $14.56 in coupons, $2.55 in doubles, $27.80 in Soopercard savings, and $.15 bag credit:$13.67...a savings of 76%!!

So what deals for you? First, print coupons from bettycrocker.com, eatbetteramerica.com and coupons.com for anything you intend to get. Then load up savings on your Soopercard from both cellfire.com and shortcuts.com. (These will only apply as a coupon one time.) Then check your stash, and ready your list/pile!

Here's where I got my deal list: savinglikecrazy
I noticed that pretty much ALL Betty Crocker fruit snack stuffs are part of the deal and are $1.99 before the deal, and so are the Nature Valley and Chex Mix Granola bars...but not the mix. Same price, and so is the new Nature Valley Granola...in the same section of the aisle even.

The batteries I had a coupon for $4 off and a MIR for $5 back, but I snagged those a month or two ago. But the Mrs. Freshley's items were $.50 each...not clearance.

OH! And before I forget, if you get 5 fruit snack type items, OR 5 NV granola bar items, you should get a $3.50 catalina for your next order! I got a slip with my receipt that confirms the BC fruit stuff...it includes fruit shapes, fruit by the foot, fruit gushers, fruit rollups, and fruit stickerz...buy 3 get $1.50, 4 get $2.50, 5 get $3.50.

Remember that KS is pickier now than they used to be about multiple coupons, so try to keep to 3 each for like items to avoid drama at the checkout. Good luck!!!

Print FREE pictures!

Walgreens is doing some great deals this week, one each day. Today's deal: 25 4x6 prints for $.01 each! Enter the code PENNY when you checkout to score this great deal. I'm guessing that you'll also score the 25 FREE prints just for signing up for an account. I'm printing a bunch of pictures from this summer, as we've taken lots and printed none, so far! Don't forget to choose in store pick-up so you aren't charged for shipping.

Happy Printing!

Do you need a computer desk??

Check this 90% off deal out! Office Max has this computer armoir on clearance for $25! Down from $250 that's a steal! I'm tempted to get one, and I have no need for it! Spend $50 and you might even get free shipping-depends on where you live. Looks like there are a couple of other items at 90% off if you look in the left margin!

Happy Saving!

Upcoming King Soopers Event

Go over HERE to check out the scoop on a Mega Saving Event that will start Wednesday at King Soopers. There will probably be some seriously cheap deals when you combine the sale/event prices with coupons. Last time they did an event like this I scored cheese for $.49!

Happy Shopping!

Free movie rentals!

I don't know about anyone else, but around here, we love a good movie. Especially if it's one appropriate for the whole family. Lately, we've rented Inkheart, Dora, 17 again, and others, with good results. In fact, I don't think we've rented anything we've hated! (Note--17 Again is definately an adult movie by my standards.) I became a fan of Redbox on Facebook, and noticed a comment leading to this link...which has redbox codes for free rentals! The way a code works, is you select the "rent with a promo code" option from the start screen at a Redbox, enter the code and rent 1 movie for free! You still have to swipe your credit card so they can charge you if you keep the movie more than one night. But hey! You can use each code with any credit card you have to get more than one freebie! I've used the code DVDONME 2 times already, and have one more card I can use it with today!

Another Redbox tip...if there is a movie you want to purchase, consider getting it used from Redbox. We've purchased a few, they're only $7 and if the machine you're at offers that option, it'll be on the start page...something like "Buy used dvd, $7".

Check it out and let me know what you think!
Happy viewing!

Ok, Ok...

So Liz has noticed my lack of posts these past days, and called me on it. I confess...I have been either exhausted beyond belief, or canning pearsauce like crazy. Truly, I haven't spent much time on the computer, just a few minutes here and there, and I haven't seen much of note to post.

One deal I will pass on, is the coupon here, $3 /1 Comforts diapers at King Soopers. I printed my 2 coupons, and went this morning. I was able to get a package of 40 size 3 diapers for $4.80? $4.20? Something in there. However, if you want to spend a little less, they did have packages with a few less diapers, still the Comforts brand, for $5.99 instead of $6.99. I was hurrying and didn't stop to really be positive which was the better per diaper price, but either way, it beats generic regular price at Walmart. If you go get some, you might want to look around for a Nabisco coupon book/calendar that has some great savings on snack items. I found a stack of them in the back of the store near the dairy, in the Austin Bluffs store.

A final note, Sunflower Farmer's Market-the store, is doing a "Farmer's Market" "in the sun" from 10-2 tomorrow, Saturday the 15th. There will be "special produce prices" and since that's where I got the cheap-o pears, and a great deal on grapes last week, I'm very interested in these special produce prices. Maybe I'll see you there?!

UPDATE--Sunflower Market's special sale is probably not worth a special trip. 10-lb potatoes for $2 a bag, $.88 each for several items, mango, eggplant and others. $2.50 honeydew. 8 for $1 pears--comparable to the $.33/lb from last week. $2.50 for a 3 lb bag of apples, I think they were Fuji. My favorite find, since I haven't seen it anywhere else all summer-Thyme! Fresh and ready to grow more, but with about 3 times as much as I get at the commissary, just $2.99! I use fresh time a lot with poultry, especially when I'm roasting a whole bird. And it's so expensive! But it freezes well-as do most herbs, so this is a great investment! Already I think I've saved money on Thyme for this fall!

Happy saving!

Grocery deals

We are trying a written budget this pay period, and while I haven't spent every penny, it's getting awfully close, so I'm not looking super close at the ads--I don't want to be tempted. However, here is what I noticed:

Albertson's Boxtops promotion has lots of General Mills cereals for $1.49 that would be a good deal if you've got a coupon. Also fruit snacks, yogurt, and toaster strudels.
Betty Crocker Warm Delights and Pillsbury sweet rolls are $.99
Bugles, Pasta Salad, Chex Mix and Totino's Pizza Rolls are $.79

I would be surprised if you can't find coupons for many of these making them some sweet deals...Now if only they'd double coupons, we'd get some freebies.

Rancho Liborio has Red Delicious Apples 2lbs for $.97

And Sunflower Market has peaches...I think it was $.77/lb?

I didn't notice any stellar deals at Safeway or King Soopers...but please, let me know if you see something I missed!

Happy Saving!

Denver Museum of Nature and Science--FREE DAY

This Wednesday, August 12th, is another free admission day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. They’re open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and are located at 2001 Colorado Boulevard in Denver.

My kids start school Wednesday, but I wish we could be in both places at once!

School Supplies

Office Depot
$.05 portfolios
$.25 2pk scissors
$.50 Wiolson Jones Binders
$.50 OD Composition Books
$4.99 Tug Backpacks

Staples
$1 Staples ream of paper-after easy rebate
$.01 single subject notebook-limit 6, Sun-Wed
$1 Bic Brite Liner 5 pack highlighters
FREE after easy rebate:
Casio handheld label maker
Handy-lines dry-erase markers 3 pack
Staples Slim-Line pencil Sharpener

Office Max
$.01 single subject notebook-limit 3
$.05 12' Ruler-limit 5
$.10 Dixon 10 pack pencils-limit 3
$.20 Crayola 24 pack crayons-limit 3

Walgreens
in ad coupons:
5/$1 Royal Gelatin-limit 5
2/$1 Elmer's Glue-limit 4
$.19 Highlighter or Jelly Belly Scented Gel Pen-limit 6
$.19 Mini Memo or Composition Book-limit 6

Bic Round Grip Pens are 2/$1-do you still have your Bic coupon?
3 /$9 Reach Toothbrush or Floss or Listerine Mouthwash $6 register rewards brings it down to $1 each, and I know there have been coupons in recent papers that would make these free...YAY!

Awesome coupons!

Use these Sharpie and Bagel Bites coupons for some free or nearly free stuff. The Sharpie's would be free at Walgreens' this week, and I'm guessing the Bagel Bites will be free at some point with this...YAY! Gotta love FREE!

Happy shopping!

**Update...I don't see thee Sharpie Highlighters in the ad, it must be regional...I'm sure we can still find a good deal on them. Let me know if you do!

New Links...

$1.25 off Fiber One Yogurt
$1.50/2 Kellogg's Mini Wheats-use at Albertson's with the Kellogg's rebate for a great deal!
$1 Burleson's honey
These wouldn't print when I tried, maybe they'll work for ya'll:
Dove
Kotex

Sunflower Market...

So...my boys love pearsauce. We've purchased it in the past through our church cannery, but that was in Denver and we only have dry pack in the Springs. Now that we have baby food in the house again, the boys occasionally ask to eat some of the baby pearsauce...I tell them no, of course, but wish I could buy more at a reasonable price. Enter Sunflower Market, with a sale on pears, $.33/lb. I debated if it would be worth the trip; I hadn't been there once even. I decided to see if I could borrow canning equipment and that if I was able to, I'd try making pearsauce, and canning it.

So tonight I headed up to Sunflower Market and bought about 20 lbs of beautiful bartlett pears. I also got some grapes, some bulk oats, steel cut oats, and rice...all for under $14. Before the weekend is out, I hope to can a bunch of pearsauce, though I have no clue how far it will go. I do my major shopping at the commissary, but I stockpile from other stores, and I am certain that if I can learn to can fresh produce in ways my family will enjoy, I will not only be more self-sufficient at providing for our needs, I will feed us better and healthier AND save $$ in the process. YAY for pears!

A few dollars saved...

My friend, Heather, is visiting me for a few days, and has shown me some really cool scrapbook projects this week. Most of them require scoring, so off we went to Michael's with our 50% off coupon. We find the scoring tools and I take one look and realize that they are very similar to a crochet hook, so I ask if I could just use one of my several crochet hooks, and she laughs..."I've never even thought of that, but yeah, it should work fine." So we spent some time last night with my crochet hook/scoring tool, working on some projects. Probably, Christmas gifts...in August, and handmade...I'm so excited!

I think one of the easiest ways to save money is to repurpose things. Also to work with what you've got. I have tons of printed 12 x 12 scrapbook paper that I haven't touched in nearly 3 years...but I have pulled it all out and am making it work for this new project. I am hoping to complete gifts for at least 4 people without spending much at all...and so far, I've got one project nearly completed, and I only spent about $12-that's after coupons-and I shouldn't have to purchase anything else for awhile.

In summary, figure out what you've got and use it first, and you might be able to spend what you normally would on 1 gift, and get 5, 10 or 20 out of that $$. This adds up so fast, and has the potential of saving hundreds of dollars out of pocket!

Have you got any great money saving gifting tips? Please, leave a comment so we can learn from your experience.

New coupons available to order

If you eat cereal, and you'd like to try ordering coupons online, now would be a great time to try it out. thecouponclippers.com has a whole bunch of $1 Kelloggs cereal coupons right now, maybelline makeup, Suave hair care, and tons of other great coupons. If you give it a try, let me know what you think!

School Supplies This week

Staples

Staples Filler paper 120 sheets .01 (Limit 5)--WAHOO!
ONLY available through Wednesday!

Accel 1 Subject Notebook 100 sheets .75 (Limit 3)

$1 Items (after instant savings or Easy Rebate):
Staples 3-hole binder punch
RoseArt Washable watercolors
Paper Mate Sharpwriter mechanical pencils 5 pk
Westcott 7” bent handle scissors
Staples photo plus paper 60 pk

Staples bright white multiuse paper, 500 sheet ream $7.99
Get $2 taken off automatically at the register
Plus, submit for a $3.99 Easy Rebate
Final cost $2!

OfficeMax
2-Pocket Basic or Prong Folders .01 (Limit 6)
12″ Wood Ruler .01 (Limit 3)
OfficeMax Wide or College-Ruled Filler Paper .10 (Limit 3)
Office Max #2 Pencils 12 Pack .10 (Limit 3)
Composition Book, Wide or College-Ruled 100 Sheet .50 (Limit 6)

Office Depot
Office Depot Brand Pencil Pouch .50
Tug Pencil Sharpener .10--These are cool!
Paper Mate #2 Pencil 10 pk .25
Office Depot Value Notebook Filler Paper 150 sheets .50
Sharpie Accent Pocket Highlighters 6 pk .99
Paper Mate Ball Point Stick Pens 10 pk .99

**Also, If you purchase $5 or more worth of items you can snag a FREE Scholastic glue!

Coupons This week...and Walgreens

Bic, Cheeze-its, Granola bars, Kleenex, Hamburger Helper and MORE HERE
PopTarts here
Mueller Pasta here...as many as you want
Kraft deluxe or Velveeta shells and cheese here
Ragu here--this may print in Spanish, but should still work, or here-rumor says you can print more than 2
Honey Nut Cheerios, sample and coupon here, when you sign up

Expo Marker coupon here...as many as you want
--pair it with the $1.99 sale at Walgreens to get them for $.99

Walgreens

$0.09 Items

• Penway 2-Pocket Folders (w/ in ad coupons)

$0.19 Items

• White Poster Board (22×28)
• Penway Yellow Pencils (10-ct.)
• Corner Office Legal Pad (50-sheet)
• Splash Mini Highlighter

$0.29 Items

• Paper Clips (100-pk.)
• Paper-Mate Highlighters (6-pk.)
• Pink Erasers (2-pk.)
• Pencil Cap Erasers (15-pk.)
• 12-inch Ruler

$0.99 Items

• Pilot Easy Touch Pens
• Binder or Book cover
• 3-Subject Notebook

:: Weekly Register Rewards Deals

Gum Toothbrush, $3.49
Get $3.49 RRs
$1/1 Gum Toothbrush, exp. 9-30-09 (V 6/21/09)
Better then FREE after coupon and RRs!

Vitamin Shampoo or Conditioner (13-oz.), $3.99
Get $3.99 RRs
FREE after RRs!

Kelloggs Cereals, 2/$5
Get $2 RRs wyb 2
$1/2 Kellogg’s Cereals (8/2/09)
$1.5/2 Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats printable
As low as $0.75 ea. after coupons and RRs!

:: Monthly Register Rewards Deals

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Get a coupon for a FREE Maybelline Mascara

Coupons.com reset

Just a reminder...coupons.com resets and replenishes their coupons the 1st of the month...so go over and print what you'll use. I'll be printing the school supply ones, that's for sure!

In the coming week

Starting Sunday, I'm seeing a few deals worth mentioning on the school supply front. I am most excited about the filler paper at Staples. FOR A PENNY! It's one of the few items I still need, and with a limit of 5, I'll be able to be get all I need. This one only runs through Wednesday though. It looks like Staples Copy Paper is $2 after rebate again, so that'll get me finished up there as well. And since school starts in 11 days-not that I'm counting-we need to get this wrapped up! I did find the red pencils I need for one kiddo in a six pack at the Dollar Tree at Academy and Galley, which I thought was a really nice deal.

Happy shopping!

One last note...

Before I hit the road, I noticed this and have to point it out! Albertson's is offering a 10% military discount on all grocery/household items on Saturday, August 1. Bring your id, and save a little more!! YAY!

Very brief overview...

So camping is the order of the day, and I'll be incommunicado for a couple more before I get home and back into the blogging biz. BUT...I didn't see a whole lot to get excited about in the grocery store ads this week.

I plan to hit Save-A-Lot to snag $1 popsicles, free after coupon-I ordered these.
I will hit Albertsons to get a few things from their anniversary coupons, using my milk coupons to score nearly free stuff, again. Sunny D, Cake Mix/Brownies, Hot Pockets, Grape Jam, maybe Purex detergent over there.
I hit King Soopers this morning to snag the under a dollar a pound black grapes, which are cheaper at Sunflower Market, but I didn't have time to go all the way up there or mess with price matching.
I also snagged some corn on the cob 6/$1 at Safeway early this morning.

Check out SpringsBargains or savinglikecrazy if you want more details, they are both local and do more complete write ups.

I'll be in touch when I get done smelling like campfire!

Albertsons Savings

A quick trip up to Albie's this morning, with great results. This is what you hope for as you get into couponing.

We purchased:
3 Gallons Viva Milk
2 cans Hunts spaghetti sauce
1 can Doritos (clearance-great camping treat)
2 boxes Cheeze-its crackers
2 8 count Sara Lee Hamburger Buns
1 Fresh Express Iceberg Salad-smallish bag
18 count eggs
3 cantelope

Total out of pocket after in-add coupons and 3 of those $4.50 milk coupons from last week...
$3.92!!!
I save a total of $27.76! SCORE!

Jamba Juice??

If you are like me, you LOVE a good smoothie! So, print up THIS coupon, and head over to Jamba Juice and you'll BOGO, which is Buy One Get One. The fine print says any item--pretty much anything smoothie-ish, it sounds like. I LOVE Jamba Juice, and the one up on Austin Bluffs, near Barnes, has a drive-through! Score for the hot date treat with the kiddos in the back! Bon apetit!

Printable coupon links

Scrubbing Bubbles automatic shower cleaner and toilet gel
All travel size free at Target
Old Orchard Juice
Heinz vinegar
Stayfree product
All these here:

• $1 off ONE (1) Chef Boyardee® 15-oz can
• $.50 off any ONE (1) Peter Pan® Peanut Butter
• $.50 off any TWO (2) Crunch 'n Munch®
• $1 off any FOUR (4) Snack Pack® 4-packs

Samples:
Gain-these samples usually come with coupons

School Shoes?

My tennis shoes are over 2 1/2 years old, and very nearly dead. So...Target's athletic shoes for $9 sounds like a GREAT deal to me! I get my kids tennis shoes at Sears, where they replace them until they outgrow them, and I have 3 boys that are hard on shoes...so that $20-$30 is well spent as often as they get replaced. But no one will replace my shoes but me...so off to Target we go! If your kids need tennies and aren't too hard on them, maybe I'll see you there checking them out as well!

Happy Shopping!

School supply break down-7/26-8/1

Go here to see a great list of the school supplies on sale this week. I, for one, will be heading to Office Max for poly folders, and Staples for index cards, pencil cases, and one item that Savinglikecrazy missed: $1 copy paper after MIR. I think I still need 4 reams, so $1 is a great final price! If you see anything else, not on the list, let me know. Happy shopping!

Free Saturday Entertainment

It's about gaining skills, solving puzzles, and having fun...for free! At least, that's what it's about for us. Home Depot's Kids Workshops, and Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics are basically the same. You show up on Saturday morning-9-12 at HD, 10-11 at L, they provide each child with a kit to build the day's project, and then you try to figure out how to assemble the project and help your child(ren) get it together. It's fun, it's free, and even the youngest of children learns some great skills. We've taken my boys, 9,8, and 6 often lately, and even my barely 4 year old daughter went once--Dad had to do most of hers. From pirate ships and wheelbarrow planters, to message boards and paddle boats, the kids come home feeling like they've accomplished something, the parents' feel like they've filled at least part of the day with productive fun (which they didn't have to plan, prepare or clean up after) and the store gets some customers (they hope) in the door.

A few minor differences in the programs: Lowe's requires pre-registration and has a much smaller time frame. I've also noticed that Lowe's seems to have more playful projects-boats, cars, trains, helicopters...toys, while Home Depot seems to be more useful-tool box, birdhouse, bookends, message board, etc. Each provides a nifty apron for each participant, and they are completely worth it! Find details (and registration info) at Lowes and at Home Depot. Happy building!

I haven't forgotten

I promise I'll be posting more deals soon...I know there are a few good ones at Staples next week...I just haven't seen any really amazing deals that need posting the last couple days. And I've been busy saving my family money. Really. By the end of the night I'll have baked 16 loaves of bread over the last two days. How does that save us money? Because we are all happy with a slice of homemade bread for a snack, we save what we would have spent on anything else; bread works out to what, $.10 a slice, maybe? I should figure that out. 25 lbs flour for 25 loaves = about $5...yeast for 128 loaves= about $4...margarine=$.08 a loaf, 4 lbs sugar=1.80 for18 loaves, honey=?? salt=$.05 maybe a loaf, milk=$.10 a loaf...what does that add up to a loaf??? I have no idea...but someday, I'll figure it out. I promise. Happy saving!

Eggplant and blueberry ideas

I love the 5dollardinners blog, and found some great ideas here, here and here...check them out! If you do, and like the result, let me know. I don't think I've ever eaten eggplant, but I might have to try it! My 2 big boys LOVE to try new fruits and veggies!

Wednesday-Tuesday deal round-up

• So I thought I'd put all the deals this week in one place...hI tried to give you the best information, but if I missed something, or mistyped something, please leave a comment so I can correct it. Happy Shopping!!!
  

RANCHO LIBORIO

• Wednesday ONLY
  
• Jumbo Carrots 3 lbs for 97¢
• Italian Squash 3 lbs for 97¢ - zucchini?!
• Bulk Rice 3 lbs for 97¢ – Sounds really cheap to me!
  
• Bulk Tamarind 97¢/lb-anyone know what this is?
  
• Canteloupe 4 lbs for 97¢
• Green Limes 15 for 97¢--great deal
  
• Red Plums 2 lbs for 97¢--really, really good deal!
  
• Pinto Beans 2 lbs for 97¢ -not hard to find this price.
  
• Red Delicious Apples 2 lbs for 97¢ - yummy!

They have Thursday meat specials, but their meat department is overwhelming to me, so I avoid it. If you have experience there, please let me know.

White Onions 3 lbs for 97¢

Pineapples 2 lbs for 97¢

Black Plums 67¢/lb--my kids LOVE these and they usually are over $1/lb


Carrots (1 lb bag) 2 for 87¢

Cucumbers 5 for 97¢

Canteloupe 3 lbs for 97¢

Key Limes 4 for 97¢

Pork Sirloin End Chops 97¢/lb

Whole Cleaned Tilapia 87¢/lb – I don't care for fish much, but this sounds like a great deal


Chicken Drumsticks 77¢/lb

Whole Pork Spareribs $1.27/lb


Powerade Sports Drink 67¢ – I don't think I've seen these go this low without a buy 10 get $5 off kind of deal.

ALBERTSONS

Meat, Dairy, and Frozen:

• Albertsons Gallon Milk $1.58--regular price for store brand almost everywhere these days.

• Dannon Yogurt 27¢ each with in-ad coupon (limit 8) – Great price, we'd be getting some if we weren't up to our eyeballs in yogurt from last weeks deals.
  
• Oscar Mayer Bologna or Cotto Salami 97¢ (must buy 2 and use in-ad coupon) – this sounds like a good deal but we don't eat these at all
  

Produce:

• Fresh Express Garden Salad 77¢ with in-ad coupon (limit 2)-Great deal!
  
• Large Canteloupe $1 - I've gotten these before and think they're big enough to be a good deal.
  
• Bartlett Pears 97¢/lb- cheaper at Sunflower Market
  
• Del Monte Gold Pineapple 77¢/lb – cheaper at Rancho Liborio
  
• Northwest Bing Cherries $1.97/lb – I think these have been $.99/lb this summer, so if you don't NEED them, pass
  
• Green Beans 97¢/lb – never bought fresh before...I think this is a good price.
  
• Red or Green Bell Peppers 97¢ – red is a good price...green, not so much.
  

General Grocery and Household:

• Various Kellogg’s, Keebler, and Post Products 4 for $10, plus receive 2 free gallons milk when you buy 4 -If you can't use manufacturer coupons with these, I'm not sure I'd do it.
  
• Kraft Easy Mac Cups 3 for $1 (must buy 3 and use in-store coupon) – Good price-IF you already use these
  
• Planters Peanuts 2 for $3 (ust buy two with in-store coupon) – Good price
• Sara Lee Bread or Buns 97¢ with in-ad coupon (limit 2)Not bad, but I tend to hit the outlet bakery on Chelton where it's always this price.
  
• Hunt’s Tomato Sauce (15 oz cans) 47¢ with in-ad coupon (limit 4)--These are the big cans, which makes it a pretty good deal, I'll probably grab these.
  
• Hunt’s Spaghetti Sauce 77¢ with in-ad coupon (limit 2)--great price...even the base doesn't usually go this low!
  
• Chef Boyardee Pasta 87¢ with in-ad coupon (limit 4)--Not bad, but I can get this cheaper at the base if I'm paying attention
  
• Nabisco Cheese Nips or Kraft Mac and Cheese Crackers 97¢ (must buy two and use in-ad coupon)--I'll be snagging these
  
• Nabisco Go-Paks 77¢ each with in-ad coupon (limit 6)--I'd pack my own snack size and save money that way
  
• Kraft BBQ Sauce 67¢ each (must buy 2 and use in-ad coupon) – Not a bad couponless price, but I won't need any for a long time!
  
• Ken’s Salad Dressing 97¢ with in-ad coupon (limit 2) – I'm stocked for awhile on this, but if you need it, this is a decent price.
  
• Fresh Baked French Bread 87¢ with in-ad coupon (limit 2)-Garlic bread anyone?
  

SAFEWAY

Meat and Dairy:
80% lean ground beef - $1.59/lb--too expensive for me, regular price at the commissary is around $1.29/lb
90% lean ground beef - $1.99/lb--good price? anyone know for sure?
93% lean ground beef - $2.59/lb--good price? anyone know for sure?
Pork shoulder country style ribs - $1.99/lb
Lucerne milk - $1.58/gallon--my FaVoRiTe brand and price!
Lucerne butter - $1.49 (limit 1) with in ad coupon--I will be making lots of trips and stocking up!
Lucerne large eggs 18 ct - .99 ( limit 1) with in ad coupon-great deal
Kraft shreds or chunks - $1.49 (limit 1) with in ad coupon-great deal, and I still have coupons to bring it down to $.49!

Produce:
Sweet Northwest cherries - $1.28/lb
Green beans - .98/lb

72 hour sale - Friday, Saturday & Sunday only:
Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage - $1.99 each-not a bad price
Fresh Express Salads, Shreds or Spinach - $1-cheaper at Albies
Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Honey Nut Cheerios - $1.50 each (limit 6), use the $1/2 coupons from the 6/14 or 7/19 SS inserts to get them for $1 each-I don't need cereal, but if you've got the coupons to bring it down, $1/box is a good deal.
Pepsi 2 liters - .59 each (limit 4)--this sounds like a really good deal for name brand soda

General Grocery:
Cheez-Its - $1.88-not bad, but I'd rather do the sale price at Albies
Betty Crocker fruit snacks - 4/$6 with in ad coupon (must buy 4!), check bettycrocker.com and coupons.com for a coupon to bring it down to a good deal.

Buy 5, Save $5 promotion--I don't use these, but if you do, this sounds like a deal
7Up and A&W 12 packs - $1.99 each
Tostitos Tortilla chips - $1.49 each
Snyder's pretzels - $1.50 each

SUNFLOWER MARKET

Here are the deals that are good all week long:
Blueberries (pint) - .99 (Great price, but I stocked up at Albie's last week)
Eggplant - .55 each
Red or green leaf lettuce - .88 each
Green onions - .50 per bunch
Radishes - .50 per bunch
Cilantro - .50 per bunch
Carrots - .50 per bunch
Parsley - .50 per bunch--we're enjoying fresh from the garden...should I post the recipe? Comment with your opinon, please?
Red onions - .50/lb
Red potatoes - .50/lb
On-the-vine cluster tomatoes - .99/lb
Cauliflower - .99 each
White flesh peaches or nectarines - .99/lb
Chicken tenders - $1.97/lb--beats the commissary price, I think.
Extra large EZ peel shrimp - $3.97/lb--good price? we don't do shrimp often enough to remember.

Sweetened banana chips - $1/lb --I wonder if my kids would eat these...

KING SOOPERS

Olathe Sweet Corn-$.19/each--Stock up!!
Speed Stick Deodorant(small)-$.88/each
Kroger Bacon $1.49/12 oz
Pasta Roni or Rice a Roni-10 for $10...anyone know of a coupon for these?
Black Grapes 2lbs for $3--these are my favorite and I don't think I've seen them cheaper than this lately.

Buy 10 get $5 off items with after $5 off prices
Philadelphia Cream Cheese-$.79
Sunny D-$.79
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix-$.88
Kroger Cake Mix $.88--these come with cool character decorations, the flat edible kind
Kroger Microwave Pizza--$.49
Speed Stick Deodorant (large)-$1.00
Stayfree or Carefree 16-60 ct, selected-$2--there are coupons from past papers that make these a good deal
Chex Mix Snacks -$1.49--there are coupons at coupons.com and bettycrocker.com
Simply Potatoes 20 oz-$.99--I've never used these but it sounds like a good price.
SoBe Lifewater or Arrowhead Spring Water-$.49
glaceau vitaminwater or Quaker Quakes-$.49

I went this morning and did more yogurt and granola bars, and I learned a few things.

#1-Double coupons this week...that means those printable $.40-80 coupons out there for these items are now worth double-up to $1 each. WOW This good deal just got great! Instead of $1.50 for granola bars, we're down to $1, and the yogurt is down around $.80-$1 each.

#2-Add milk to your order, and you can use the milk coupon that printed out...even if it's only been 2 minutes between orders! It will still print out however many you earn the next time around. (For any new couponers out there, this is called rolling the deal.)

#3-The coupon for milk says it is good for one gallon up to $4.50...guess what? It automatically takes $4.50 off your order, YAY!

I did one round this morning to test all these, 3 yogurts and a gallon of milk...coupons on each yogurt, and the milk coupon made it...I think it was $.08!!! I will be heading to Albie's one more time before the sales change over Wednesday morning. We're swimming in yogurt, but there's always room for more granola bars and we drink milk like crazy! So...print those coupons and run to Albie's!!!

School supply break down

I love what Carrie at SpringsBargains has done here. Check it out if you want to easily compare the sale prices at various stores this week...I know I will be making a list and checking hers twice!

King Soopers Trip:

Check this out!

8 Kraft shredded cheese-$.49 each after coupon--I had three different kinds
2 Stayfree pads-$1 each after BOGO coupon
3 Dixie paper products, 1 each of bowls, big and small plates-$.49 after coupon
5 Kroger Personal Cheese Pizza-$.49 each
1 Lady Speed Stick-$1
1 Kraft Salad Dressing-$.19 after coupon
All that added up to get me the buy 10 get $5 off deal twice...which I factored into the final prices.
I also nabbed:
1lb Kroger butter-$1.65
1 Gal 1% milk, clearance price $1.25
1 1/2 Gal 1% milk, clearance price $.75
2 Kroger Tomato Soup @ $.47 each
and 2 Pillsbury Cake Mixes @ $.59 each after coupon
and I saved $.15 using my own bags!

My total was $16.47 and the receipt tells me I saved $47.21 or 74%! Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!!!

Walgreens next week...

Go here to see this week's deals. I am liking all the under a dollar school supplies...yay! And the Pilot pens--my kids love those. In case you don't know what a Walgreens RR (Register Rewards) is, it works like this. Buy the product, and the coupon/ad machine at checkout will print you a coupon=RR for $ to use the next time you make a purchase. I tend to buy more than one each trip to the store, but each on a different receipt. And I don't use the RR to purchase RR items...I don't like to take a chance that they won't print. I'll be buying the pens first, and then using the RR to get a bunch of the under a dollar items--be aware, CO stores generally have the one RR per receipt policy.

Penney's clearance

Rumor has it that Penney's final clearance is coming the 26th. I've scored big time in the past, getting some adorable dresses for my daughters for just a few dollars. These final clearance items will be marked with green 75% off stickers. Check it out in the Citadel Mall or over on Powers and Constitution. And yes, Powers and Constitution generally seems to carry more and a wider variety of the things I shop for, so I'd expect their clearance to be more productive too. Happy Shopping!

Roses anyone?

Big discount at FTD here. Get a dozen roses in the Mixed Summer Bouquet for $14.99. I don't do flowers often at all, but this includes delivery and sounds like a great deal!

Upcoming Staples Deals

Free after rebate next week:
Zebra Cadoozles mechanical pencils
Zebra Sarasa retractable gel pens
Pentel Handy Lines retractable assorted highlighters

I LOVE Staples easy rebates...less than a minute to fill out online, wait 4-6 weeks and VIOLA! Free stuff!

Dry Erase Markers for $1 is also a good deal.

Go here to see the whole ad.

Albertson's victory!

I always feel like I've won some big contest when I come home with this much food at a bargain! I spent $46...they will be refunding $4.50 for the missed popsicles...and the receipt says I saved $110 with sales and coupons! That's before the 6 FREE gallons of milk I have coupons for. WOW!

Here it all is:
8 ice cream
4 popsicles
9 gogurt
3 trix yogurt
4 nature valley granola bars
2 chex bars
1 sour cream
2 strawberries
3 blueberries
1 bag salad
3 yo plus yogurt

Printable matchups galore!

Okay all...if you're heading to Albertson's for yogurt, cereal, ice cream or granola bars, be sure to check out these links for coupons that match up. I saved a bundle today, and will post that trip with a picture and details later.
eatbetteramerica-for yogurt and granola bars
BettyCrocker--for yogurt, granola bars, fruit roll-ups and such, and chex mix-for KSoopers, and I'd print the Muir Glen too.
coupons.com-yogurt, granola bars, ice cream and MORE---it appears that these have been reset since yesterday...it's letting me print more of everything I'd already printed.
smartsource.com--never works for me, but you should try anyway

There are a few others out there, but I have got to get on dinner and birthday stuff for a while. Happy Shopping!

A few more groceries...

I don't see much worth mentioning at Safeway...a few produce prices that are nearly as low as other places, and some in-ad coupons...but I wouldn't make a special trip out there.

However, ALBERTSONS is exciting this week.
Buy 2 Breyers Ice Cream and 1 Popsicle Frozen Ice Pops...$1.99 each--it looks like the popsicles will be $1.50, but it's a little unclear.. Either way, WOW! Add to that deal the $1.50 Breyers coupons that were available a few weeks back, and the $1 Popsicles coupon from that same time frame, and we're looking at $2 for all three OR LESS!!! YIPEE!

Also, buy any 3 of the following to get a catalina-spends like cash at Albie's on your next purchase-for up to $4.50 on milk. Safeway did this deal a few weeks ago, and the whole $4.50 automatically applied to the order, even though the milk was only $1.58, so this could be an AMAZING deal! These are all 2 for $3 before any coupons or the catalina
Cinnamon Toast Crunch,
Cocoa Puffs
Cookie Crisp
Golden Grahams
Honey Nut Cheerios
Bisquick
Fiber One Toaster Pastries
Fiber One Yougurt
Fruit Roolups Miis
Fruit Gushers
Froot by the Foot
Trix Yogurt
Gogurt
Yoplait Yo+
Yoplait Kids Yogurt or Yogurt drinks
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks

If your family likes yogurt as much as mine...WOW! Make sure you go to coupons.com and print up the yogurt coupons, AND the granola bar coupons that match this next deal:

Same deal with the $4.50 off milk, but it's but 3 of the following 3 for $6 deals:
Nature Valley Granola Bars
Chex Mix Bars
GM Fiber One Bars

WOW!!!

They also have Fresh Express salads 5 for $5
11 oz Blueberries or 1 lb Strawberries 5 for $5

Can you see my happy dance??

Groceries Galore!

So I see lots of good, even GREAT, deals this week but they seem to be somewhat scattered...a few here, and a few there. Be sure to factor in your gas $$ and time when you decide where you'll be shopping.

At SunflowerMarket, the only thing I will be wanting is the 2 for $1 cantelope-so I'll price match it at Walmart. Here are a few more deals good this week:

Bing Cherries .99/lb
Walla Walla Sweet Onions .88/lb
Broccoli Crowns .88/lb
Ruby Red Grapefruit .50 each
Green Bell Peppers .50 each
Red or Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith Apples .88/lb
Roma Tomatoes .88/lb
Yellow Flesh Peaches and Nectarines .88/lb
Italian, Yellow, and Mexican Gray Squash .88/lb
Country Style Pork Ribs 99¢/lb
Pork Sausage $1.97/lb
Top Sirloin Steak $2.97/lb

Rancho Liborio is another place where produce tend to be less expensive by far, and I LOVE jicama, which other stores don't usually carry much of, so I'll be heading down there as well. Here is the rundown:

Wednesday ONLY :

• White Onions 4 lbs for 97¢
• Mexican Squash 3 lbs for 97¢
  
• Jumbo Yams 3 lbs for 97¢
• Tomatillos 3 lbs for 97¢
• Mangos 2 for 97¢
• Cello Lettuce 2 for 97¢
• Jicama 3 lbs for 97¢--usually around $1.69/lb other places!
  
• Nectarines 77¢/lb
• Pineapple 2 lbs for 97¢
• Fuji Apples 2 lbs for 97¢--great price
  

Thursday ONLY:

• Beef Stew Meat $1.99/lb
• Chicken Drumsticks 79¢/lb
• 51/60 Count White Shrimp $2.69/lb
• Monterey Jack Cheese, Bulk $1.49/lb - This sounds like a great price!
  
• Mexican Chorizo $1.29/lb
• Ground Pork $1.29/lb
  

All week deals:

• Key Limes 2 lbs for 97¢
• Peaches 77¢/lb
• Green Beans 77¢/lb
• Red Potatoes 2 lbs for 97¢
• Kiwi Fruit 5 for 97¢
• Papaya 2 lbs for 97¢
• Roma Tomatoes 2 lbs for 97¢
• Seedless Watermelon 4 lbs for 97¢
• Jalapeno Peppers 3 lbs for 97¢
  
• 18 Ct Large Eggs 99¢ each - YAY!
• Beef London Broil Roast $1.77/lb - WOW!

King Soopers has a buy 10 get $5 off deal going that makes these great deals:
Kraft or Sargento Cheese--$1.49--I have coupons that'll bring it down another $1...do you?
Philadelphia Cream Cheese-$.79--again, I have coupons, this should be free!
SoBe Lifewater-$.49--if you didn't already use the printables at Target these would be $.25
--Rememer to buy in groups of 10 to get the best deal.
Store brand sugar, 4lb for $1.88 sounds like a decent price
Store brand yogurt 3 for $1 is decent too, if you don't mind store brand.

There is a new store policy of 3 like coupons per day at King Soopers, but I don't know how serious they are about enforcing it...I'll let you know how it goes!

Walgreens today...

I totally spaced it, but today is Tuesday. So I'm checking out with my cheap mechanical pencils, wireless notebooks, gelatin and all when I notice the sign. Military Discount-15% on Tuesdays with ID. WAHOO!! They also had their summer merchandise-think swim toys and barbeque stuff,- on clearance 50% off. I found foam play swords for $1.41 after all the discounts...original price was 3 for $10! Yippee Skippee! I am hoping to have 4 pirates for Halloween, and the swords will be put away til then. Happy Deal Hunting!

One more Target note...

It's the time of year when baby merchandise goes on clearance at Target...I saw car seats, bibs, onesies, blankies, etc. If you need anything now, or will soon...check it out!

A Freebie For Your BIRTHDAY!

If you like chocolate, or cheesecake and your birthday is coming, print up this coupon and take it to Jack In The Box on your birthday for a free dessert! The coupon is only good on your actual birthday, and you will need to have some kind of id to prove it's your birthday. But hey, happy, happy birthday to YOU! Here is the coupon. I imagine you could print one for each adult in your home, if you like. Our birthdays are in April, so I don't know if I'll print this one.

Shoes for the little girls...and socks!

Target has lots of shoes on clearance right now...S Academy store. We found adorable ballet flat-type shoes for under $4! That's 75% off regular price. There were lots of sandals and cute flats on clearance, and a few tennis shoes. They were mostly size 5 and up, and I only really looked at little girls, though there were some boys' mixed in. There are also a few packages left of Hanes kids socks, only sale for $3.39 or so...some of them have $.50 coupons right on the package, making it less than $3 for 7 pair of socks...YAY!!!

Back to School @ Walmart

Walmart has lots of brightly colored room accents on sale, so if you need anything for the kids' bedrooms, you may want to check out the whole ad...As far as supplies go, here are the highlights:

• 1-Subject Notebook (70-pg.), $0.15
• Sharpie Accent Major Highlighters (4-pk.), $1.50
• Sharpie Fine Markers (2-pk.), $1.50
• Five Star 1-Subject Notebook, $1.50
• Avery 1″ Durable View Binder, $2.50
• Georgia Pacific Copy Paper (500-sheets), $2.50

Keep in mind that if you're willing to shop around, you'll find deal to be most of these before school starts. If you want one-stop shopping, Walmart is probably your best bet. Also, remember that you can take the ad from any other store with you to Walmart, and they'll match the price on identical items. Happy shopping!

Tyson Skillet Creations!

Get one of these for better than free by using the coupon and mail in rebate from here. Dinner anyone?!

A few nickels here and there...

...Can really save you in the long run! Did you know that King Soopers, Albertson's, Safeway and Sunflower Market all give you a credit for each bag you use from home? Bring in reusable vinyl bags, brown paper, or even reuse plastic grocery bags, and they'll credit your order for each one! Sunflower Market gives you $.10 each, and the others each give you $.05...I've started keeping bags in my car, in the front where I'll see them, so that if I pop in to one of these stores, I have my bags!

Staples Teacher Perks

Okay...so if you can prove that you are a teacher--or school district employee (I assume), Staples will give you some great perks. I was thrilled today to learn that I could purchase 25, yes 25! of the penny pencils because of my teacher status. They said that sometimes it's 10 items, sometimes it's 25, but it's always more than the regular limit...in this case, 2! So all you teachers, head over to Staples and stock up for the school year...I got 200 pencils for a quarter! WAHOO!!!

Sonic Chiller coupon

Here is a coupon that makes a Sonic Chiller just $.99! Sonic Chillers are normally priced at $2.49, so this is a great deal on a summer treat--basically Limeade drinks mixed with soft serve ice cream!

Interested in snagging a .99 Sonic Chiller?!
Just go here and enter your email address. They'll email you with a link to the coupon.

Grab a few at Walgreens

For $.39, Papermate Mechanical Pencils-10 count, and 100 count white index cards is a good deal. $.79 is a good, maybe even great, price for Fiskars scissors, if you want name brand. And the in ad coupons for wireless notebooks at 3 for $1 and Royal Gelatin at 5 for $1 make those great deals...watch for limits, usually imposed on the coupon items.

Arby's anyone?

Arby's has a coupon out for a free BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger with any drink purchase here that is good through the 16th...so if you like Arby's, print one out and enjoy a really cheap lunch!

Free Coupon Booklet!

Go here to request a coupon booklet from Kraft/Nabisco and other great brands...Just a few minutes to register and ta-da!

At Target this week...

A few school supplies that my kids needs, and I'll be stocking up some for the year, so I never have to pay full price. Keep in mind that kids love art stuff, and markers, crayons, colored pencils, scissors and glue all make great birthday gifts when paired with some fun paper, or a colorbook.

For $.50 each:
Bic Crystal ballpoint pens-10 count-pair with the Bic printable to get them for free.
24 count wood pencils
pencil box, pink or blue
Rose Art 8 count washable markers
Rose Art 12 count colored pencils

Also, SoBe Lifewater is 10 for $10, and when you buy 10 in one transaction you'll get a $5 Target gift card. Use the BOGO coupon here to get 10 for $3 after the GC and coupons, or use multiple computers to get them all free!

Here are some FREE after coupon travel sizes:

ALL Small & Mighty (2-loads), $1
$1/1 ALL Small & Mighty, exp. 8-23-09 (RP 6/28/09)
FREE after coupon!

Banana Boat Sunscreen, $0.99
$1/1 Banana Boat Sunscreen, exp. 8-31-09 (SS 5/3/09)
FREE after coupon!

Dove Facial Wipes (5-ct.), $0.99
$1/1 Dove Face Care Product, exp. 8-30-09 (V 6/7/09)
FREE after coupon!!

Dove Go Fresh Deodorant, $0.97
$1/1 Dove Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant, exp. 8-30-09 (V 6/7/09)
FREE after coupon!!

Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit, $0.99
$1/1 Johnson & Johnson Red Cross Product, exp. 8-31-09 (V 5/17/09)
FREE after coupon!!

Nexcare Bandages, $0.99
$1/1 Nexcare Bandages
FREE after coupon!

Tide Laundry Detergent, $0.99
$1/1 Tide Laundry Detergent, exp. 7-31-09 (P&G 7/5/09)
FREE after coupon!
(Thanks, NWA Deals!)

Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lotion, $0.99
$1/1 Vaseline printable
FREE after coupon!

A personal note on these, you'll usually find these items near the health and beauty aisles, all together. I've had the best luck finding them at the store on S. Academy.

Real Simple subscription deal

If you like Real Simple magazine, get to Amazon.com and you can get a one year subscription for FIVE DOLLARS! If you have been doing Swagbucks and have any $5 e-gift cards this would be FREE! You just can't beat free, and I'm hearing rumors-I've never looked at this magazine myself-that there are usually coupons inside. If you are familiar with Real Simple, could you let me know?

50% coupon from Michael's, exp 7/18

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9Pfg-r8r-nYgoRPOsTLOpqkLotH9RyLZFuXL-7ym31na2mSLuye88ugIIoIjAi6ElpM3jq27xHdEMhydTBHPM2MDjMhtntMUq5ho3uTeTu2hQXJUfZ7ZiscvtaFJEAfPVa3l4v6iawg/s1600-h/michaels+718.JPG

Swagbucks are like free money!

If you haven't already signed up for Swagbucks, please consider it. You use it as your search engine, and it's not perfect, but I've been happy with it, and every so often they reward you with 1, 2 or 5 "swagbucks" that you accumulate and then redeem for prizes. I average 2 swagbucks a day, and like to redeem my bucks for $5 Amazon e-gift cards. 45 swagbucks=$5...not hard to see the value in that is it? And somethime there are swagcodes, that earn you extra bucks, just for entering them at the site...I'll post big hints to those here, it's against the rules to just tell them to you.

If you like stuff, purchase gifts for birthdays, Christmas or just cuz, or even just want free music downloads (that's one of the prizes--there are TONS of choices) you might consider signing up. And since referrals and friends are another way to earn bucks, I'd love it if you'd follow the link at the bottom of the post here, so you can be my friend, and I can get closer to the stuff I want from Amazon! Santa loves help, you know!

http://swagbucks.com/refer/playnlots2

I get my coupons from...

the store. Often, there will be coupons attached to product packaging in the store, or in the red SmartSource "blinkie" dispensers. If I know I will use the coupon, but not that day, I usually grab a couple. Some stores, like the comissary, have coupon fliers in designated areas of the store. And sometimes, other customers leave coupons on the shelves near products--I've been known to do this when expiration is looming and I know I won't use the coupon.

the printer. Printable coupons are all over the place. I'll be putting up links here when things match up or are too good not to print, but smartsource.com and coupons.com are two of the best sites for grocery coupons. For example, pair this coupon: http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/nexcare/maynewslettercoupon.pdf

with Target's travel package-if they give you a hard time be willing to walk out without it and try again when different staff are working--to get FREE bandaids! Or use this awesome coupon: http://www.gatherroundthegrill.com/coupon.php?store ! To maximize your savings on this one, look for markdown meat.

the web. Ebay is a great place to look for coupons. I recently ordered 10 $1 off on fresh Tyson chicken coupons for under $2. So once I use 2 coupons, I will be into real savings...and I have the freezer space to make use of 10 coupons in a short time frame. And we eat chicken ALL THE TIME! I'll look for the smallest packages to get the most bang for my buck. I also order coupons from thecouponclippers.com fairly often. With a minimum order of $3 in coupons, low shipping and administrative fees, I usually spend about $5 on coupons that will save me around $45-50, and since I often use coupons at Safeway and King Soopers-where they double up to $1, I save even more than that!

the MOM. I don't get the paper, but my mother does. So every now and then, when she thinks about it or I'm visiting, she gives me the coupons from her paper. These cost me nothing, and she isn't going to use them anyway! If you know someone gets the paper but doesn't "do" coupons, you might consider asking them if you can make use of them.

Once you start really paying attention, you'll be amaze at how many great coupons are out there, and what you can save with them. I consistently save 30-50% with my coupons, and that really adds up! I am in the stockpiling stage, so I'm spending the same amount as always, but getting a lot more for that $$ every time I shop.

Good luck!

School/Office deal

Staples has some great deals this coming week that I'll be there early Monday morning to snag...there will be a $5 off $20 purchase coupon in the ad Sunday, but even without that, there are two deals I won't miss! Pencils and paper, here I come!

:: Easy Rebate Deals

Staples Copy Paper (8.5″ x 11″), $3.69--limit 2
$3.68 Staples Easy Rebate (through 7/15)
$0.01 after rebate!

Staples Photo Plus Paper (4″ x 6″), $9.99--limit 2
$8.99 Staples Easy Rebate
$1 after rebate!

:: 1-Cent Deals--limit 2

• 8-Pack Pencils (through 7/15)

:: $1 Deals--limit 2

• Acme Junior 5″ Blunt or Pointed Scissors (2-pk.)
• BIC Velocity Stick Fashion Pens (5-pk.)-use this coupon to get them FREE http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=14808&nid=20&zid=hn62
• BIC Wite-Out Quick Dry (2-pk.) use this coupon to get them for $.50 http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=14808&nid=20&zid=hn62
• Scotch Magic Tape-I could swear I saw a coupon for this somewhere, anyone know where?
• Sharpie Major Accent Highlighters (6-pk.)
• Staples Mini Magnetic Stapler
• Staples Pink Wedge Erasers (3-pk.)
• Staples Translucent Pencil Boxes

King Soopers deals

So I don't need all of these this time around, but here are the deals I would snag if I needed them..

Colorado Proud Milk-$1.58/gal--This is the same price as Safeway, but I prefer the Lucerne brand, so I'll get my milk there.

18 ct KS Large Eggs-$1.29

Hot Pockets of Subs-$1.69-- I have coupons for these that will bring them down to $.69--We'll save them for school lunches, the kids'll be sooo happy!

Aquafresh toothpaste, 4.6-6.4 oz, selected-$1--this would be a good deal if you have a coupon to bring it down a bit...I think there are coupons out there somewhere.

Kroger Pork and Beans-$.49/16 oz can--I think this is an okay deal, you might find name brand for cheaper when you match a sale and a coupon.

Kroger Granulated Value Sugar-$1.88/4lb--not a bad price

Fresh Express Garden Salad-$.99/12oz--lunch for a couple of days for me, yay!

Cook's Shank Portion Ham-$.88/lb--good price, if you need ham

Sunflower deals I plan to have Walmart match

Green and Red Seedless Grapes-$.69/lb

Bib lettuce-$.88 each

Russet potatoes, 5lb bag-$1.50 each

If you won't eat grapes or potatoes or lettuce, these won't be good deals. But if you will eat them during the week, go for it! I think the grapes are a steal at this price, and since my kids LOVE them, I'll be getting a bunch! In fact, I may toss a bag full in the freezer so they can have frozen grapes for a treat...my kids think almost anything frozen is a treat, even if it's fruit or yogurt!!

OK, OK...I'll do it!

At the persistent request of several friends, I have started a new blog. This will be open to the world, and will contain the deals, coupons, sales, rebates and strategies I have for using my resources wisely...especially the financial ones. I will confess up front that I shop at the comissary at Peterson AFB primarily, stockpiling things that are awesome deals elsewhere so I can shop from my pantry for those non-perishables. Some deals will be store specific, others will be amazing coupons...feel free to ask questions, and I'll do my best to respond quickly. I hope you find some bits of information here that will help you take better care of your family with whatever resources are available to you!