January 24, 2011

Target Savings

I had lots of fun at Target this morning.

Finish Dishwasher Gel Packs - I've never used these before but when they only cost 4 cents for a pack of 20 I think they're worth trying.

Target price: $3.79
Manuf. Coupon: $2.25
Target Coupon: $1.50
Cost to me: 4 cents!

Rimmel Eye Liner - I rarely use eye liner and I'm not sure if I will like this or not but at 14 cents I can try it!

Target price: $4.14
Manuf. Coupon: $2.00
Target Coupon: $2.00
Cost to me: 14 cents!

Market Pantry Turkey Sandwich  Meat - I bought 1/4 pound at $3.99/lb.

Target Price: $1.00
Target Coupon: $0.50
Cost to me: $0.50

Baked Lays BBQ chips - maybe I could have gotten these cheaper but I need them for tomorrow's lunch

Target Regular Price: $3.79
Target Sale Price: $3.00

2 Fuji Apples - again, I needed them for tomorrow's lunch at $1.69/lb

Target Price: $1.79


Total Spent at Target Today: $5.85
Target Gift Card: $5.70
Cash that I spent for these items: 15 cents!

January 6, 2011

Super Savings!


Today, I headed out on my first serious couponing expedition. I've been collecting coupons for several months and never using them. My biggest struggle was my lack of organization and lack of knowledge of the policies of the stores in my area. Over the last few days I've gotten the coupons semi-organized and have studied the coupon policies of the stores I shop at and the sale flyers for deals for this week.

I am proud to say that all of the above items cost me $5.13 and were purchased at CVS or Publix, two stores that I have never shopped at regularly. I was thrilled with the sweet check out lady at CVS. She was so helpful in explaining the CVS card, the Extra Care Bucks, the GreenBagTag and benefits of bringing my own bags. I will definitely go back to that CVS!

Publix, on the other hand, was less than helpful. The clerk wasn't sure how to use any of my coupons, or if they would double. I was under the impression that if I used a "buy one get one free coupon" during a "buy one get one free sale" that both items would be free. Maybe I misunderstood the Publix coupon policy but it would have been a much more enjoyable trip had the clerk and manager not argued with me when I simply wanted an explaination of what the correct coupon policy consists of. In the end, I did have to pay $1.68 total for the 2 boxes of cereal instead of getting them both free as I had hoped. It was still a good deal, I thought.

Breakdown of the cost per item:
Listerine Zero from CVS (regular price $5.99, I think) = 50 cents per bottle
Tums Smoothies from CVS (regular price $5.49) = $1.99
Special K Cereal from Publix (regular price $3.35) = 84 cents per box

My favorite deal of the day: Peter Pan Peanut Butter from Publix (regular price $2.47) = 23 cents per jar

Total Spent with coupons, sales, and ECBs = $5.13

Would have been  $29.11 without coupons, sales or ECBs

Total Savings of $23.98 or 82%!

I didn't think 82% savings was too shabby. Now, if I can just find a way to lower the price of milk. LOL!

Ten on Tuesday: A Day Late and A Dollar Short



1.    1. I had great intentions for this “Ten on Tuesday” to become a weekly occurrence. A regular weekly occurrence even if it is a day late.

2.    2. I accomplished very little on my to-do list today and will have today’s to-dos plus tomorrow’s to-dos to do all tomorrow. Does that even make sense?

3.   3.  I learned today that the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” is actually true. I asked my husband if he agreed and he nodded as he continued to eat that Toll House chocolate chip cookie in true Cookie-Monster style.

For future note, the meal that satisfied the hubs tonight was Banquet frozen popcorn chicken bites, crowder peas, mashed potatoes – instant, cole slaw, and cornbread followed immediately by Nestle Toll House Chocolate Lover’s Chocolate Chip Cookies and a tall glass of milk. We even discussed how I could “tweak” this menu for the future. Make pinto beans instead of crowder peas. Mac & cheese instead of potatoes. Sweet potatoes instead of potatoes. Popcorn chicken bites from Wal-mart instead of frozen. English peas instead of crowder peas. All must be followed quickly by a dessert.
4.    4. I’ve been working on a journal-a-day type of project for this year. I’m already behind but I plan to catch up very quickly. I want this year to be remembered. Not that there’s anything special in the plans for the year. But I just want to remember what normal was when I think back 20 years from now. 

5.    5. I won a blog giveaway for a cool water bottle from http://katiepegher.typepad.com/life-photos-scrapbooking/2011/01/and-the-winner-is.html I can’t wait to get it and take it with me to the gym. New Year’s Resolution.
6.    6. I think I’ve picked my “One Little Word.” I’m not sure I’m ready to share it until I’ve decided how I can make it an active part of my daily life.
7.   
My one little word for 2010 was “Celebrate.” I came up with that when I was in Disney World the week after Christmas 2009. I kept finding items that said “Celebrate everyday” and I adopted that as my phrase, motto, and euphemism of the year. I felt a little sad that 2010 ended and I had to leave that phrase behind. 

8.    7. I purchased this (Link to Kohls wall hangy thingy) with another favorite phrase last week using my beloved Kohls Cash. I have no clue where I’m going to hang it. I’m not sure there is room in our home for another decorative item right now. So, for now it will be packed away. I had envished it in my future green-tan-chocolate brown kitchen but that may be a few decades away. Then the hubs mentioned saving it for a baby’s room. Again, could be a decade away. Whereever it lives, even if it’s under my bed for a while, I will find a loving home for it someday. 

9.    8. Blogspot is weird tonight. I’ve had to type this entire blog in Word.
10.  My new favorite hobby is couponing. I’m planning my first trip to CVS tomorrow. I’m hoping to snag some FREE mouthwash and some other stuff for pennies. I’ve been googling all sorts of coupon blogs, websites, and message boards over the last few days. Many couponers have these elaborate Trapper Keeper binders set up for their coupons and I must admit I was a bit jealous. This week, I have spent over $30 trying to find the perfect Trapper Keeper for my coupons. First I wanted something pretty and pink. Then I decided maybe I needed something with a few more pockets. And then I realized I’d have to do a lot of coupon clipping to ever make up for the $15 Trapper Keeper I purchased. One Trapper Keeper was returned today, the other will be returned tomorrow. I’ll scrounge for a recycled-from-college binder that I already have and use it. But I do have to say, I would have looked rather stylish perusing the aisle of Target with my pink Trapper Keeper and matching pink spiral notebook and matching pink scissors. 

P.S. I apologize for the formatting of this blog. Apparently, Blogger does not like me today or yesterday either.