Weekly Goals - Week of June 30

Here are my goals for the week:

• 1. Clean out the car, clean the seats and vaccuum.
• 2. Walk 60 minutes.
• 3. Iron 10 shirts.
• 4. Organize my coupons. I think I want a new system.
• 5. Upload June's pictures to Shutterfly.
• 6. Upload pictures to CVS and order my free prints.
• 7. Have 2 days without soda.
• 8. Drink 6 cups of water each day.
• 9. Go to the Recycling Center.
• 10. Do something fun with the girls.

Free Movie Monday

Today (Monday, June 30) you can get a free rental from your local Redbox. Today's code is:

W1H6J4

To find where there is a Redbox location, click HERE. You can also search movies that are available at this location.

To rent with this code, you touch the lower left corner where it says "Rent with a Promo Code" then you can enter the code. Then choose your movie. You are required to swipe either a credit or debit card. You have to use a debit or credit card because they want to charge you if you do not return the movie. You have to return it by 9pm on Tuesday if you do not want to be charged.

You can actually rent more than one movie with this code just use a different credit or debit card.

Enjoy your movie!

Wal-Mart Trip - 6/27/08

We went to Wal-Mart tonight. Here is a picture of some of the good deals we got. I bought everything in the picture for $2.12. I had some great coupons from the newspaper and some I bought from e-bay. It is fun to shop when you can get things cheap or free!

CVS Trip - 6/27/08

I went to CVS tonight because I wanted some more laundry detergent and I had my $5/$30 coupon from my e-mail. I was a little disappointed because many things I planned to get were not in stock. I decided to stock up on medicine that was on clearance.

Here is what I got:

• 1 chapstick @ $0.75
• 1 CVS Cold medicine @ $1.12
• 1 CVS Flu medicine @ $1.15
• 1 Dimetapp Cold @ $1.72
• 1 Halls Tropica @ $0.50
• 1 Triaminic Cough @ $1.75
• 3 Vicks Formula 44 @ $1.50 each
• 2 All Laundry Detergent @ 2 for $6.49
  
• 2 Doritos @ 2 for $3.79
• 1 Brut Deodorant @ $3.19

Coupons Used:

• 2 - $0.50 off laundry detergent
• 1 - $0.55 off Brut deodorant
• $16.00 in ECBs
• $5.00 off $30.00

I got everything for $2.56 out of pocket. I earned $3.00 ECB to use next time.

• 
  

Walgreens - 6/27/08

Since there was a $5 off $20 coupon today, I decided to head out to Walgreens. I needed to purchase a fee things and I wanted to get some of the free after rebate items.

Here is what I got:

• 2 Lysol Spray Cleaners @ 2 for $4.00
  
• 2 Electric Toothbrushes @ $1.00 each (I had the girls and they wanted something)
• 2 Barry Bee Honey @ 2 for $1.00
• 2 Theragran Vitamins @ $4.99 (This week B1G1 free)
• 2 Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner @ 2 for $3.00
• 1 Walgreens Calcium @ $5.99
• 3 Sodas @ 3 for $3.00
  
• 2 Dixie Plates (54 count) @ 2 for $3.79 (the 54 count was substituted for the other plates at our store)
  

Coupons Used:

• 2 - $0.50 off Lysol Spray Cleaners
• 2 - $0.50 off Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaners
• 1 - $0.50 off Dixie Plates
• $5.00 off purchase of $20.00

I used a gift card for $12.40 and paid $8.82 out of pocket.

I will be sending in for the Calcium and the Vitamins for a total rebate of $10.98 plus 10% ($1.10) for having it put on a Walgreens gift card.

A coupon also printed off for $3.00 of 2 Dixie products.

I went back in and purchased 2 more of the 54 count Dixie plates and used my coupon. I got the second set of plates for $1.08 out of pocket. I got another $3.00 off coupon when I bought these. I am going to wait to redeem it. I now have over 200 plates and I think that will be enough for a while.

$5 off at Walgreens

HERE is another coupon for $5.00 off at Walgreens when you spend $20.00 or more after coupons.
I am going to try to get some of the monthly rebate deals today.

I will post my trip when I get home.

Target Trip - 6/25/08

I went to Target again this week. It is very unusual for me to go to Target 2 weeks in a row. I am not complaining. I truly enjoy Target.

I did this in 2 transactions. Here is the first one:

• 4 Johnson's Baby Products @ $2.79 each
• 2 Kid's Toothbrushes @ $2.29 and $2.34
• 2 Band Aid products @ $1.97 and $3.54
• 1 Package Schick Razors @ $0.99
• 3 Ziploc Baggies @ $1.00 each
• 2 Rice Krispies with Strawberries @ $3.14 each
• 1 Raisin Bran Crunch @ $2.50
• 1 Foot Loops Straws @ $1.99

Total Before Coupons: $36.06

Coupons Used:

• BOGO Toothbrush so $2.29
• 1 - $1.00 off Rice Krispies
• 2 - $2.00 off 2 Johnson's Products
• 2 - $1.00 off Band Aids
• 3 - $0.55 off Ziploc Baggies
• 2 - $5.00 off 3 products Target Coupon

I just realized I should have had $3.00 more off my total. I guess the cashier did not scan those coupons. She was a little upset with me because I was using a lot of coupons. She told me next time to go to the service desk to redeem my coupons.

I spent $15.96 on my first transaction and received a $5.00 gift card for buying the cereal.

On the second transaction, I bought Chloe 2 dresses @ 4.18 each. I used the $5.00 gift card I just received and paid only $3.99 out of pocket.

It was a good trip.

CVS Trip - 6/25/08

One of my goals this week was to visit a different CVS. On Wednesday I was out of town and visited a CVS in that town. I hoped it would have one of the scanners I sometimes see people blogging about. You scan your CVS card and it prints out coupons. The store I visited did not have a scanner. I still got some good deals. I didn't plan my trip quite as well as I should have, but here is what I got:

• 1 Bounty Paper Towels @ $5.49
• 3 Charmin Toilet Paper @ $5.99 each
• 1 Colgate Total Advanced @ $2.99
• 4 Soy Joy Bars @ $1.00 each
• 1 Listerine Smart Rinse @ $3.49
• 2 All Small & Mighty @ 2 for $6.49

• Coupons Used:
• 1 - $0.25 off paper towels
  
• 3 - $0.25 off toilet paper
  
• 1 - B2G1 for Soy Joy Bar so $1.00 off
• 2 - $1.00 off laundry detergent
• 1 - $1.50 off toothpaste
• Used $13.00 in ECB

I gained $3.49 for the Listerine, $2.00 for the toothpaste, $10.00 for the toilet paper & paper towels, and $4.00 for the Soy Joy bars.

Totals this trip:

• Out of Pocket $23.47
• ECBs Used: $13.00
• ECBs Gained: $19.49

I spent a little more out of pocket than I wanted to. I should have done this in 2 transactions. I will try to be more careful next time. I did need laundry detergent and toilet paper. I am happy with my purchases.

I just received a coupon in my e-mail for $5.00 off when I spend $30.00. I will be going back to CVS this week and using this coupon.

CVS Shopping Explanined

I planned to explain shopping at CVS and the best ways to begin, but then I decided there are several other blogs I read that have already done that. Just click on the links and you will be taken to their explanation of shopping at CVS.

Deal Seeking Mom has CVS for Newbies and All About CVS Extra Care Bucks

Economic Endeavors has Beginners Guide to CVS

Money Saving Mom has Making CVS Work for You and CVS 101

If you read through these explanations of CVS, I think you will have a better understanding of what it is all about. If you have and questions, please leave a comment or e-mail me and I will do my best to answer them.

Free Movie Monday

Today (Monday, June 23) you can get a free rental from your local Redbox. Today's code is:

44KBV9

To find where there is a Redbox location, click HERE. You can also search movies that are available at this location.

To rent with this code, you touch the lower left corner where it says "Rent with a Promo Code" then you can enter the code. Then choose your movie. You are required to swipe either a credit or debit card. You have to use a debit or credit card because they want to charge you if you do not return the movie. You have to return it by 9pm on Tuesday if you do not want to be charged.

You can actually rent more than one movie with this code just use a different credit or debit card.

Enjoy your movie!

WE WON!! WE WON!!!

People's National Bank opened a new branch in our town. This month they hosted customer appreciation days. Ryan and I each signed up one time to win the prizes.

Friday was a day of mixed emotions. We woke up to the sound of water falling in our hallway. Ryan had been working on the roof to remove the chimney because it had been leaking. It was covered with a tarp waiting for the roofer to come on Friday morning. The rain somehow go up under the tarp and made a puddle in the attic. It then proceeded to leak in the hallway. We had to get a tote to let the water fall into. It was a mess. The roofer came and now the roof is fixed. The house is mostly cleaned up now. We are waiting to let the attic dry out completely and then we are going to check for damage. Hopefully there will be none and we can just paint the hall where there are a few water stains.

Friday afternoon I got a call from People's National Bank. I was told I won the gas grill and asked if they could say my name on the radio. He told me I would need to bring a truck to pick up the grill because it was big. I borrowed my parents truck to pick it up. I did not think about how I was going to load the grill. Thankfully two of the women who work at the bank and one customer who was a man helped me load and secure the grill. (Thank you so much.) I did not expect to have anything else with the grill, but it was filled with every goody imaginable. I get everything I could need to grill out (except the meat). You can look at the picture and see all the things that were included. There was even a cooler on wheels, a cutting board, and a digital meat thermometer.

Thank you so much PEOPLE'S NATIONAL BANK.

Weekly Goals for Week of 6/23/08

Here are my goals for this week:

• 1. Follow the new schedule Monday - Friday (at least 4 days)
  
• 2. Clean up (again) & organize Chloe's room
• 3. Go through my coupons and take out anything that will expire at the end of this month
• 4. Walk 60 minutes (I have 150 minutes, I am starting out slow)
• 5. Have 2 soda free days
• 6. Drink 6 glasses of water everyday
• 7. Plan a fun activity either for this week or next week
• 8. Visit a CVS not in my hometown
• 9. Go to Sam's Club (I need creamer)
• 10. Take the recycling to the Recycling Center
  

Target Goodies

I do not get the opportunity to go to Target very often. I was excited to go one day last week. I got everything in the picture plus a toy for the girls ($7.99) and another Life Savers candy from Target.

Total before coupons: $109.75
Total after coupons: $48.29

Total savings: 56%

Free Cat Food

While gathering a few things from my Kroger shopping trip to take a picture and blog about, Cassidy asked about the cat food. I told her I did not want it in the picture. She carefully held up the bag and asked me to take a picture of her with the cat food. She is so funny.

I had a coupon from the newspaper for a free bag of Healthful Life cat food (up to $2.12). Kroger had them on sale for $1.00. I got it for free. We do not have a cat, but my mom and my mother in law both do. I will give it to one of them.

Cheap Baby Wipes

On Wednesday, I went to Kroger to get a few things for supper. I did not take the kids, so I thought I would check out a few prices and look for deals. I walked past the clearance bin and saw about 15 refill packages of baby wipes. I looked and they were only $2.00 each. How could I pass this up? I had coupons (at home) for $2.00 off any 2 Pampers, which would make these refills $1.00 each.

Here is what I got:

• 10 - Pampers Refills Baby Wipes - original price $6.57 - on clearance for $2.00 each
• 2 - Nature Made Vitamins - original price $2.59 - on clearance for $1.50 each
• 2 - Electrasol Dishwasher Detergent - $3.08 each

• Coupons Used:
• 5 - $2.00 off 2 Pampers
• 2 - $1.00 off Nature Made
• 2 - $0.50 off Electrasol (doubled to $1.00)
• Received $1.00 back to use on next shopping trip from Electrasol

Total Original Price: $77.04
Total Sale & Clearance Price: $29.16
Coupons Used: $14.00
Total Cost after coupons (before tax): $15.16

% Saved: 80%

Wow! I won't need baby wipes for a while.

Summer Schedule

One of my weekly goals this week (and a few other weeks) was to make a schedule for our week Monday thru Friday. Ryan and I completed this last night. We are going to adjust it as we go to make it what we need.

Here is our schedule:

• Wake Up - 9:00 Eat breakfast, watch TV, get dressed
• 9:00 - 9:15 Clean up
• 9:15 - 9:30 Story time, coloring, activities, games
• 9:30 - 10:00 Amy walk, Ryan & the girls either watch tv or go outside
• 10:00 - 10:15 Transition time
• 10:15 - 10:30 Learning activity with Cassidy (Hooked on Phonics) & Callie table activity
• 10:30 - 11:00 Girls play alone in room or living room
• 11:00 - 11:15 Pick up
• 11:15 - 12:15 Watch TV, play with Chloe, eat lunch
• 12:15 - 2:00 Projects around the house, shopping, swimming
• 2:00 - 4:00 Pick up, rest time, then computer, games, puzzles, or swim
• 4:00 - 4:30 Special time Mom has Cassidy Monday & Wednesday and Callie on Tuesday and Thursday. Dad has Callie Monday and Wednesday and Cassidy on Tuesday and Thursday. (Mom will keep Chloe)
• 4:30 - 5:00 Girls watch TV and play, then pick up. Mom fixes supper
• 5:00 - 5:30 Eat supper
• 5:30 - 8:00 Play inside, take a walk, play outside, watch TV
• 8:00 - 8:30 Pick up, bathtime
• 8:30 - 9:00 Have a snack, wind down, watch TV
• 9:00 Prayer & Bedtime
  

I know it probably looks like we watch a lot of TV, but we do. I am starting to turn the TV off more often. This is a start.


I also wanted to have a fun weekly activity. Here are some of the things I want to do. My goal is to do at least one of these activities a week.

• Go to Holiday World
• Go to Chuckie Cheese
• Go to the Zoo
  
• Go to the Science Center
• Play at either Burger King or McDonalds
• Go Bowling
• Go to the park
• Go see the fireworks
• Go see a movie
• Go to the Library
• Have a friend over

Do you have any suggestions?

Free Movies

Every week on one of the blogs I read, there is a code for a free movie at a Redbox. I have been wanting to e-mail the company to find out how we could get one in our town. On Monday, I decided to check to see where the closest one is. I was pleasantly surprised to find there is one across town. I went that night and got my free movie. Check to see if you have a Redbox near you. I am going to post the code for a free movie each Monday when I see what it is.

Check HERE to find a Redbox near you.

Also if you sign up your e-mail, you will get a code for a free movie. I went yesterday and got that free movie. It is very easy to use and get your movie. Give it a try.

CVS Challenge - 6/18/08

I did 2 transactions.

Starting Balances:

• Gift Card: $21.72
• ECBs: $2.00

Ending Balances (after transaction 1):

• Gift Card: $21.22
• ECBs: $3.49

Ending Balances (after transaction 2):

• Gift Card: $20.98
• ECBs: $3.49 & $2.00 = $5.49
  

Transaction 1:

• 1 Listerine Smart Rinse @ $3.49

• Coupons Used
• $1.00 off Listerine Smart Rinse
• $2.00 in ECS

My total was $0.50 and I earned $3.49 in ECBs.


Transaction 2:

• 1 Listerine Smart Rinse @ $3.49
  
• 1 CVS Cotton Swabs @ $3.19
• 2 Honey Nut Scooters Cereal @ $1.00 each

• Coupons Used:
• 2 - $1.00 off Cereal
• $1.00 off Listerine Smart Rinse
• $2.00 off CVS skin product (cotton swabs)
• $3.49 in ECBs (from transaction 1)

My total was $0.24 and I earned $3.49 and $2.00 in ECBs.

More Free Samples

I got a lot of free samples since the last time I posted them.

• 2 - 14 day supply of Nature Made Vitamins (I got one from Nature made and one from Wal-Mart) & a coupon for $1.00 off
• Good Nites (I am not sure if my kids will wear this or not) & a coupon for $2.00 off
• Playtex Sport & $1.00 coupon
• Splenda Flavor Blends & $1.00 coupon
• Deseo Perfume sample
• 2 - $2.00 coupons off Johnson's products (I can use this to get free buddies soap)
• Coupon for 40% off one item at Michaels
• 2 Rebate checks from Huggies for $5.00 each
  
• Rebate check from Pert for $4.34 and a couple of coupons
• Walgreen's gift card (from rebates last month) about $13 (I can't remember the exact amount)

Hopefully you are signing up for the freebies. If you haven't, try a few. The ones from Wal-Mart usually come pretty quickly.

CVS Trip - 6/15/08

I was very happy with my CVS shopping trip on Sunday. Here is what I got:

• 2 Alavert @ $6.99 each
• 1 Tylenol Rapid Release @ $4.49
• 2 Oral B Cross Action Power Toothbrushes @ $5.99 each

• Coupons Used:
• $5 off $30 CVS coupon (this was e-mailed to me)
• 2 - $4.00 off Alavert (Printable HERE - Sign up 2 times to get different codes on coupons)
• 1 - $1.00 off any Tylenol (Printable HERE)
• 1 - BOGO Free Oral B Cross Action Power Toothbrush (from 6/15/08 newspaper)
• $5.00 in ECB used

Total Out of Pocket: $5.79

ECBs Earned: $5.00, $6.00, $2.00

Not bad. I went in with $5.00 in ECBs and came out with $13.00 in ECBs.

I wish every trip could be this good.

I am also doing a $25.00 CVS Challenge. I purchased a $25.00 gift card and my
husband signed up for a Extra Care Card. I am going to see how much I
can buy for only $25.00. You can check out my latest post HERE.

Weekly Goals - Week of 6/15/08

Since the yard sale was last week and I spent a lot of the past week working on getting ready, I think I will take it easy this week.  I don't want to be to ambitious.  I originally planned to organize the house this week, now I think I will just pick one or two areas to organize.  

Here are my goals:

• 1.  Make a summer schedule for daily and weekly activities.  
• 2.  Upload 6 months of pictures to Shutterfly and order my 25 free pictures.
• 3.  Sign up for CVS Photo.  I should get 50 free pictures.
• 4.  Organize the linen closet in the hallway.
• 5.  Organize the linen closet in our bedroom.
• 6.  Take the girls shopping at the "big" mall.  Cassidy earned a Libby Lou makeover and Callie wants to go to the candy store for her reward.  (They have been sleeping in their own bed, which is a BIG accomplishment.)
• 7.  Buy bumper pads for Chloe's bed.
• 8.  Buy a patio swing or lawn chairs.
• 9.  Walk 50 minutes.
• 10. Have 2 soda free days.

Yard Sale

Last Saturday we had a yard sale.  I spent a lot of last week organizing and pricing everything.  The kids even put some of their toys in the sale.

The sale was successful.  I only had about 3 garbage bags and 3 boxes left.  My mom and dad took those things home with them.  They are having a yard sale next weekend.

I was very happy to have made a little money.  We are going to buy a new patio swing or lawn chairs with it.

Thanks to everyone who came out.

CVS Challenge - 6/15/08

Starting Balances:

• Gift Card: $23.00
• ECBs: $0.00

Ending Balances:

• Gift Card: $21.72
• ECBs: $2.00

After yesterdays failure, I decided I would make a quick trip today to CVS.

Here is what I got:

• CVS cotton swabs @ $3.19

• Coupons Used:
  
• $2.00 off CVS/pharmacy Brand Skincare (printable HERE)

I spent $1.28 of the gift card and earned $2.00 in ECBs to use next time.

I plan to make several CVS trips this week.

CVS Challenge - Week of 6/8/08

Starting Balances:

• Gift Card: $25.00
• ECBs: $0.00

Ending Balances:

• Gift Card: $23.00
• ECBs: $0.00
  

I planned to start my $25 CVS Challenge this week. It seems like I have had a lot going on. I did not get to CVS until Saturday. When I went, they did not have the things I was planning to buy. I wanted to get something to show for my first week. I saw the Crest Pro Health and I thought it was $3.49 and get $3.49 in ECBs. I did not see this deal advertised, but thought sometimes they may not advertise. I now realize that the Crest mouth wash was where the Listerine Smart Rinse should have been. I guess my mistake. I will do better next week.

Here is what I got:

• 1 Crest Pro Health Mouth Wash @ $1.99
• 1 CVS Baby Vapor Bath @ $1.99

• Coupons Used:
• $2.00 off CVS skin product (for the vapor bath)

Total Out of Pocket: $2.00 (gift card)
ECBs Earned: $0.00

I am planning another trip soon. Next week will be better. Check back and see.

CVS - Week of June 8

TOTALS FOR THE WEEK:

• Out of Pocket: $15.41
  
• ECBs Used: $31.00
  
• ECBs Received: $26.00
  

I did this week's shopping trip in 4 transactions. I planned everything out. I planned what I wanted to buy and how I was splitting it up. Unfortunately, CVS did not have everything I had on my list, so I had to modify my transactions. Here is what I did.

1st Transaction:

• 1 Schick Quattro Razor @ $9.49
  
• 1 M&M Plan Candies @ 5.99
  
• 1 M&M Peanut Candies @5.99

• Coupons Used:
• $2.00 off Razor
  
• $3.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon
• $10.00 in ECBs
  

Spent Out of Pocket: $6.59
ECBs Earned: $5.00, $5.00


2nd Transaction:

• 1 Nivea Shaving Gel @ 2.99
• 2 Nivea Extreme Comfort Shaving Gel @ $3.99 each
• 1 Maalox Max @ $5.99

• Coupons Used:
• $2.00 off Maalox
  
• $4.00 off 2 Nivea Extreme Comfort Shave Gel
• $3.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon
• $5.00 in ECBs

Spend Out of Pocket: $3.25
ECBs Earned: $5.00, $3.00


3rd Transaction:

• 1 CVS 2 pack soap @ $1.99
• 1 Pepto Bismol @ $4.99
• 1 CVS cotton swabs @ $3.19
• 1 Benefiber @ $6.99

• Coupons Used:
• $2.00 off Benefiber
• $2.00 off CVS soap
• $3.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon
• $10.00 in ECBs

Spent Out of Pocket: $0.28
ECBs Earned: $2.00, $1.00


4th Transaction:

• 4 12packs of Coke Products @ 4 for $11.00
• 1 Huggies Baby Wash @ $3.49

• Coupons Used:
• $1.00 off Huggies Baby Wash
• $3.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon
• $6.00 in ECBs

Spent Out of Pocket: $5.29
ECBs Earned: $3.00, $2.00



TOTALS FOR THE WEEK:

• Out of Pocket: $15.41
  
• ECBs Used: $31.00
  
• ECBs Received: $26.00

I still have$5.00 in ECBs for next week.

I also bought a $25.00 CVS gift card. I decided to do a $25.00 CVS Challenge. I am going to see how much I can buy with only $25.00. I am really excited about it. Go HERE to read about this week's trip.

Free Gas

Amy, a friend of mine, e-mailed me to let my know about a promotion Sears has going on until June 15, 2008. If you buy $100 worth of Men's Dockers products (excluding shoes), then you can get a $75 Shell gas card through the mail. Clearance and sale items are included in the promotion. Look HERE to read more about it.

This would be great to buy something for dad for Father's Day. Then you can get something for yourself in return.

$5 off $20 at Walgreens on 6/13/08

I thought I would pass this coupon along. You can get $5 off if you purchase $20 or more tomorrow only. I am pretty excited. Today I got my Walgreens rebate gift card from last month. I will be going to use my coupon and my gift card. I will be looking for any good deals I can get.

Click here for the coupon.

Free Goodies from Wal-Mart

I got all the things you see here free when I went shopping at Wal-Mart today. I love finding free things. Here is what I got:

• 2 Johnson's Buddies Soap @ $0.94 each - 2 $1.00 off coupons (printable HERE)
• 2 Gold Bond Lotion @ $0.97 each - 2 $1.00 off coupons (printable HERE)
• 2 Gillette Body Wash @ $0.79 each - 2 $1.00 off coupons (received in newspaper)
• 2 Old Spice Body Wash @ $0.97 each - 2 $1.00 off coupons (received in newspaper)
• 4 Oral B Dental Floss @ $0.97 each - 4 $1.00 off coupons (received in newspaper)
• 1 Frizz Ease Mousse @ $0.97 - $1.00 coupon (received in the May All You Magazine)
  
• Not Pictured - Power Aide @ $0.60 - $0.75 coupon (received in newspaper)
  

I also got a few more things. They were not completely free.

• V8 Fusion @ $2.98 - $2.00 coupon (printable HERE)
• Kashi Granola @ 3.46 - $2.00 coupon (printable HERE)
• Vlasic Hamburger Ovals @ $1.58 - $1.00 coupon (printable HERE)
• Vlasic Sweet Relish @ $1.08 - $1.00 coupon (printable HERE)
• Farmland Ham @ $2.88 - $1.00 coupon (received in newspaper)
• Ziploc Steam Bags @ $2.64 - $0.55 coupon (received in Steam Bags from last time)

I also bought a few things without coupons.

My total before coupons was $39.17 and after the coupons, I only paid $17.87.

More Free Samples

I haven't posted my free samples for a little while. I have a lot to put on here today. I also got a couple of rebate checks. One was for $9.99 from Life Touch meter and the other one was for $5.00 from Huggies for diapers.

• 3 issues of Woman's Day (I got some back copies)
• 1 issue of Country Home
• Coupon for a FREE 20 oz Coke (from Coke Rewards)
• Coupon for a FREE package of Yoplait Kids Yogurt
• Perfume sample from Fabulosity
  
• Playtex Tampons & a $1.00 off coupon
• Kotex Pads & a $2.00 off coupon
• Excedrin (2 tablets)
• Dunkin' Donuts Original Blend Coffee (I don't drink coffee, but Ryan does)
• 4 Viva Paper Towels
• 1 UnderJam & a $2.00 coupon

I am pretty sure I had a FREE Ensure Shake and a coupon to be used on a 6 pack of Ensure. It is with my coupons, and I stacked everything up, but I couldn't find it. I guess I need to work on organizing my coupons.

$25 CVS Challenge

I have decided that I would like to challenge myself. I want to see how much I can buy for $25 at CVS. I am going to buy a $25 CVS gift card (so I can't go over $25) and sign up for a new CVS Rewards card. I plan to start this week. I am excited about it. I am going to use coupons and extra care bucks (that I will get with my new CVS card). I expect this will take me several weeks to spent the whole $25.

Here is my starting totals:

Gift Card Balance: $25.00
Extra Care Bucks: $0.00

I will post at the end of the week what I was able to get this week and what my balances are.

New Blog Layout

As you can see, my blog has changed.

I wanted a blog with 3 columns. It is more difficult to change than you might think.

Ryan was kind enough to figure out how to change my blog from 2 columns to 3 columns. He did saved everything before he started, just in case I changed my mind. When you are changing your layout, unless it is a layout on the blogger website, you sometimes loose some of you extra things in you side columns. When he uploaded the layout I wanted, we lost all the things in the side columns.

Ryan was just going to reenter them, but I thought it would take to long. I decided I would just go back to my 2 column layout. I am not sure why the saved blog did not work, but we tried and tried to upload my original blog and just adapt it. It would not work. It was so frustrating. I worked with it and Ryan worked with it. I even tried to find another blog I liked. I was just ready to say, "Forget it, I don't want to blog." I just left it alone.

Ryan offered to work on it, but I told him not to worry about it. I think he could sense my frustration and he probably felt it also.

Ryan is a great man. He stayed home from his class tonight to work on my blog while I ran a few errands. When I came home, he had reentered everything by hand. He said it didn't take long, but I know it must have. He is so good to me. I really appreciate him.

I am ready to blog again and I am excited about it.

Do you like it?

Do you have any suggestions?

Weekly Goals for Week of 6/9/08

My goals are simple to make for this week.

1. Work on last week's goals (I didn't complete all of them)
2. Get ready for the yard sale (sort through things and price them)
3. Have yard sale

CVS - Week of June 1st

Totals for the week:

• Out of Pocket: $16.27
  
• ECBs Used: $44.60
  
• ECBs Earned: $41.94

My First Trip of the Week

I did this in 2 transactions.
1st Transaction:

• 2 Royal Gelatin (needed these for a recipe) @ 2 for $0.99
• 2 Chex Mix @ $1.00 each
• 1 package of Pampers diapers @ $7.99
• 1 package of Pampers wipes @ $2.99
• 1 CVS Band Aids @ $1.99

Coupons Used:

• $5.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon
  
• 2 - $1.00 off Chex Mix
• $2.00 off 2 Pampers diapers of wipes
• $4.69 in ECB

Total Out of Pocket: $2.42
ECBs earned: $1.99


2nd Transaction:

• 2 Dawn Ultra @ $1.00 each
• 2 Listerine Smart Rinse @ $3.49 each
• 1 CVS Band Aids @ $1.99
• 1 Brut Deodorant @ $3.19
• 1 M&M mini @ $1.49 (to get my total to $15.00)

Coupons Used:

• $5.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon
• 2 - $0.25 off Dawn
• 2 - $1.00 off Listerine Smart Rinse
• $1.00 off Brut deodorant
• $1.99 in ECB

Total Out of Pocket: $5.26
ECB Earned: $1.00, $6.98, $1.99, $3.00 = $12.97

My Second Trip of the Week

I did this in 2 transactions.
1st Transaction:

• 1 package of Pampers diapers @ $7.99
• 1 package of Pampers wipes @ $2.99
• 1 Toilet Paper @ $4.99
  

Coupons Used:

• $3.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon
  
• $0.25 off toilet paper
  
• $2.00 off 2 Pampers diapers of wipes
• $8.97 in ECB

Total Out of Pocket: $0.98
ECBs earned: $5.00


2nd Transaction:

• 2 Dawn Ultra @ $1.00 each
• 1 Toilet Paper @ $4.99 each
• 1 Fusion Razor @ $9.99
  
• 1 CVS Band Aids @ $1.99
• 1 Teething Liquid @ $2.75

Coupons Used:

• $3.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon
• 2 - $0.25 off Dawn
• $0.25 off Toilet Paper
• $4.00 off the razor
• $1.00 off the teething liquid
  
• $11.98 in ECB

Total Out of Pocket: $1.20
ECB Earned: $1.00, $1.99, $4.00 = $6.99

My Third Trip of the Week

I did this in 2 transactions.
1st Transaction:

• 1 ADIDAS A3 deodorant @ $4.99
• 1 Handy Switch @ $14.99
  

Coupons Used:

• $3.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon
  
• $4.99 off the deodorant
  
• $10.98 in ECB

Total Out of Pocket: $1.48
ECBs earned: $4.99


2nd Transaction:

• 1 9 volt battery @ $2.99
• 1 Glade Air Spray @ $0.88
  
• 1 package AA batteries @ $7.99
  
• 1 box of tissues @ $1.15

Coupons Used:

• $0.75 off batteries
• $0.88 off Glade
• $1.00 off batteries
• $5.99 in ECB

Total Out of Pocket: $4.93
ECB Earned: $10.00

I Was on the News!

Recently I was speaking to a few people telling them about using my coupons and all the great deals I have been getting. One of the ladies is a reporter for Channel 3 News. She asked if I would let her interview me about my coupons and my deals. I was a little nervous at first, but I decided to do the interview. I thought other people might see me and decide they could also save money using coupons. She arrived at my house and did the interview there. After the it was over, she and the camera man followed us to Kroger. We walked around the store shopping for the things on my list. It was a very interesting process. It was fun. The girls enjoy watching us on the news. If you are interested, my husband uploaded the interview segment to YouTube. Click HERE to watch.


Here are a few behind the scenes pictures:



I thought I would also post a list of the things I got and the coupons I used.

• 1-Silk Soy Milk $1.99 - internet printable coupon $2.25
  
• 1-Country Crock Omega Plus $2.69 - coupons Kroger Card $0.55 & newspaper $0.55
• 1-French's Mustard $1.19 - internet printable coupon $0.50 (doubled to $1.00)
• 1-Del Monte Peaches in cups $2.95 - Kroger printable $0.50 (doubled to $1.00)
• 1-Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce $3.39 - coupon mailed to me FREE (only $2.49 was taken off)
• 1-Bunny Bread $1.50 - newspaper coupon $0.25 (doubled to $0.50)
• 1-Jello Pudding Dark Chocolate $2.00 - newspaper coupon $0.50 (doubled to $1.00)
• 1-Dove Chocolate $2.50 - coupon in Kroger ad $1.50
• 1-Dozen Kroger Eggs $1.19 - Kroger printable $0.40 (doubled to $0.80)
• 1-Gallon Kroger Comforts Purified Water $1.00 - Kroger printable FREE
  
• 2-Johnson's Buddies $0.99 each ($1.98) - internet printable coupon $2.00 off 2
• 1-Yoplait Yo Plus Yogurt $2.00 - newspaper coupon $1.00
• 1-Dannon Light & Fit 0% Plus $2.00 - Kroger printable $1.00
• 6-Yoplait Yogurt $0.64 each ($3.84) - coupons Kroger Card $0.50 off 6 & newspaper $1.00 off 6
• 2-Windex Antibacterial Cleaner $1.99 each - internet printable coupon $1.00
• 2-2L 7up $1.79 each - internet printable coupon BOGO (buy one get one free)
• 2-20 oz 7up $1.39 each - internet printable coupon BOGO (buy one get one free)
• 1-20 oz Coke $1.39 - Coke rewards (for collecting caps) FREE
• 3 Oral B Indicator Manual Toothbrushes $1.00 each - newspaper coupon Buy 2 Get 1 Free
  
• 1-6 pack Jello $2.00 - no coupon
• 1-Purdue Chicken $0.99/lb = $4.18

Total: $25.21.

Manufacture Coupon Savings: $23.66
Bonus Coupon Savings: $2.15
Kroger Plus Savings: $19.61

Total Savings: $45.42

Strawberry Pie

My mom found this recipe for Strawberry Pie. I made it and it was very good. I thought I would share the recipe.


Ingredients:

• Pie Crust
• Quart of strawberries
  
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• dash of salt
• small box of strawberry jello
• cool whip

Directions:

• Bake pie crust as directed and let cool.
• Wash and slice strawberries.
• Place sliced strawberries in cooled pie crust.
• Combine water, sugar, cornstarch and salt in a pan and cook until thick.
• Add the small box of strawberry jello and stir until disolved.
• Pour over strawberries in pie crust.
• Put in fridge overnight or until set.
• Top with cool whip.

This is a nice summertime treat.

Weekly Goals for the Week of 6/2/08

I didn't post my weekly goal for this week yet. Things have been a little busy around here. Our family always has an adjustment period when Ryan finishes school for the year. Sometimes it is hard to find time to do the things we normally would do because we want to spend time with him.

So here are my goals for the week:

1. Make a summer schedule for our day to day activities and our weekly activities
2. Clean up Chloe's room
3. Walk 50 minutes
4. Have 2 soda free days
5. Give Cassidy a lesson in "Hooked on Phonics"
6. Begin getting things ready for the yard sale
7. Word cards with Cassidy
8. Organize coupons
9. Organize the hall closet with all the free samples & the nearly free items I have gotten
10. Upload 6 months worth of pictures to Shutterfly

Most of these goals are a repeat from last week, but I need to do them.