CVS ---- saved 99%!

Luckily for me, CVS is right next to Kmart. I actually got a call to head over there yesterday. Over a week ago, I emailed corporate about the lack of Baked Lays at the 3 nearest CVS locations to me (there were no tags for them and I was told stock of perishables was left to chance). CVS had $1 store coupons for Baked Lays available on their website, so I really wanted to be able to use them with a manufacturer coupon. Corporate got in touch with the District Manager and an order was put in for my closest store. Unfortunately, my CVS is very small (a little hole in the wall), so only 4 bags were there when I got there. I picked up 2 bags.

I used 2 $1 CVS coupons and 2 .55/1 manufacturer coupons. I also had $3 in Extracare bucks. The chips were on sale for $3 each.

Total before savings: $7.76

Total out of pocket: $0.08

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saved 99%! ----- I also got $1 Extracare buck from diligently scanning my GreenBagTag every time I shop

**It never hurts to ask for what you want. All they can say is no.**

Kmart ----- saved 60%

After Bi-lo, I headed to Kmart to see about this Glade deal I had heard about.  Through 1/24, when you buy any of the Fragrance collection by Glade, you will get a coupon for money off your next order: buy 2, get $3; buy 3, get $4; and buy 4 or more, get $5. Also, Kmart has put these items on sale, some people are seeing $2.50, while my Kmart had a price of $3 for the small 2oz soy candles. You must use Fragrance collection items for this deal; regular Glade items will NOT work!

I broke out some coupons I printed off of Right@Home's site (remember my post from earlier? there are great coupons there) and I also found one in an older, no longer available All You. Each coupon was for $3/2, basically b1g1 during this sale.

They also had Fresh Step on sale for $7.99 this week. I bought it with the $3 on your next order (OYNO) coupon I got from buying 2 of the candles (this is a good idea so you don't forget to use the coupon). I did 3 transactions so that I could "roll over" the $3 OYNO coupons to help bring down the cost of the transactions following the first one. Basically, I bought 2 candles and used a coupon, bought 2 more candles and used a coupon and OYNO coupon, and then bought the Fresh Step with the OYNO coupon from the 2nd transaction.

Total before savings: $23.65
Total out of pocket: $9.35
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saved 60% ---- I also used my Kmart rewards card, so hopefully I'll get some of this money back later

Mom also did a transaction. I had a coupon to get a free Glade item when you bought another Glade item (I think it was free warmer when you bought refill). She was very excited to get Kaboom Foam; we have been looking for it for months.

She saved 23%, not bad for an unplanned transaction!

Bi-lo ----- saved 55%

I didn't need much today, but there's no better day for shopping than Friday, at least for me. My first stop was Bi-lo.

Some of these items will be going to charity or friends. It's nice being able to share blessings.

Trip summary:
We did two transactions. The soda and yogurt were free (a couple of the Pillsbury were too). The onions and carrots were free with the purchase of the roast. I got the eggs for just .88 with an in-ad coupon for spending $25 (that $25 is before savings and coupons so I hand that to the cashier first).

Total before savings: $70.52
Total out of pocket: $32.85
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saved 55% ----- a few sale items were out of stock, so I made sure to grab my rainchecks!

Aldi trip

It's been kinda stormy up here, so I only made a quick trip to Aldi's today. Coupons are not accepted at Aldi, but prices are quite low. If you're fixated on buying name brand, you might not want to go to Aldi. They mainly carry their own brands. Make sure you take a quarter; you will need it to rent a cart (you get it back). You will also want to bring your own bags (there is a small charge otherwise). They also do not accept credit cards, but EBT and debit are fine.

It is hard to beat Aldi's prices on produce. I got 3 bulbs of garlic for .79; my farmer's market charges .50/each (savings of .71, almost enough for 3 more bulbs). The price of milk, eggs, and bread is also quite good.

Trip summary:
I bought garlic, a pineapple, 2 heads lettuce, broccoli crowns, 2 cans green beans, and Amy's frozen pizza.

Total out of pocket: $11.87

*I would have paid more like $15 if the items had been purchased elsewhere*

Lane Bryant ---- get $10 savings for a quick survey!

Go here to take the Bra-vo bra fit survey and get $10 savings at Lane Bryant. Also, use code 025003055 or click here to save $25 off $75, $50 off $150, or $75 off $225 online or in-store.

Join Dove Dimensions for exclusive coupons!

Click here to sign up for Dove Dimensions. There are exclusive coupons that are only available to members; currently, $1.25 off Dove Beauty Bar 4pk or larger and $1.50 off any 2 Dove anti-perspirant/deodorant AND/OR Dove go fresh body mists.

Also, play the Spin for Your Skin game and you could win FREE Dove Beauty Bars!

Mail Call! International Delight and Kraft Food&Family

International Delight sent me a coupon for a FREE pint, any flavor. I follow them on Facebook, because they have given me 3 FREE pints now. Fan them on Facebook and be among the first to know when they have other offers.

I got my first issue of Kraft Food&Family. I also got a free cookbook! This magazine is great for recipes and even exclusive coupons; I got one for a FREE Kid's Meal at IHOP! It can be a bit expensive if you get it directly from Kraft, so I suggest keeping an eye out for a great deal.

Office Depot --- buy more, save more coupons

Office Depot has 3 new coupons that can be used online, in-store, or by phone. All expire 1/23 and restrictions apply. Click here to print for in-store use.

Save $15 off $100 or more purchase with code 41097598

Save $30 off $200 or more purchase with code 78649464

Save $45 off $300 or more purchase with code 30960932

New Ziploc $1.50/2 coupon

Hurry over here and print out the new Ziploc coupon. The campaigns at Right@Home never seem to have many prints, so get it while you can!

Earth Fare ---- new coupon and deals for January

Earth Fare has a new coupon for $1 off 16 or 32 ounce deli soups here. Coupon is ONLY valid 1/22 and it is the grab-n-go cold soups only.

Also, Frugally Farming Family has posted up the great deals available this month at Earth Fare. Links are also posted if printable coupons are available. Most deals will end 1/26. Thanks, Frugally Farming Family!

Amazon --- up to $10 back on select magazine subscriptions

Right now, when you purchase select magazine subscriptions from Amazon.com, you'll receive up to $10 back for a future Amazon.com purchase.  The magazines include Time, People, Southern Living, and more! Check out the full list here.

I did this deal last year and it's great because you don't have to wait forever to get the $5 or $10 Amazon account credit. I got All You magazine (which is eligible for this offer) for 2 years for just $24, that's $1/issue, a savings of over half the cover price. All You is great for couponers because each issue has tons of coupons, many you won't find anywhere else. It is also only sold at Walmart where it costs about $2.25/issue. My Walmart sells out quickly, so I'm really glad I did this deal.

Mail Call! Hasbro, P&G, and Stacy's

Hasbro sent me a rebate check for $8. Way back in November, Toys R Us had a great deal on Hasbro games: $10 gift card with the purchase of $25+. I combined this deal with a mail-in rebate to get the $3.99 board games for just $1.99 each! I was surprised to learn that this rebate is still ongoing! Head here to print out a rebate form if needed (offer ends 1/31). (Thanks Hip to Save for the rebate link)

Stacy's sent me a coupon for a FREE bag. All I had to do was sign up as a fan of their Facebook page. This offer has ended, but it is not a bad idea to follow/fan companies whose products you like. You never know what you might get!

P&G sent me a box of samples of their various products. I also got a booklet of coupons (some have NO size restriction so I'll be hunting for trial size). You can get a box too by signing up for P&G Everyday Solutions. Just look on the right hand side for the P&G Brand Sampler link.

Victoria's Secret --- free shipping with swimsuit purchase

Until January 21, get free shipping from Victoria's Secret with the purchase of any full priced swimwear when you use code SWIMSHIP. This offer applies to your ENTIRE order, not just the swimwear! Restrictions may apply.

Special deal for Crafters and Jewelry makers!

Fire Mountain Gems has a January White Sale going on right now until 8 am PST February 1. There's also a 48-hour sale with beads for just $1 until 8 am PST January 21. These beads are not the cheap plastic kind, but include glass, ceramic, and gemstone.

This is a great time to get supplies and tools for up to 50% off! Plan ahead and make this year's Christmas gifts!

Paypal deal for parents of teenagers

Until January 25, Paypal will deposit $10 in new Student accounts (limit 4). However, the parent must already have Paypal AND be invited to participate by email. If you're interested, check your email!

The importance of price lists

When you go shopping, it is very important that you know whether or not an item is on sale. Sure, there are signs, stickers, and ads that say an item is on sale, but is it? Can you pick out a sale if it is not advertised?

For example, StoreA is having a "sale" on bread 2/$4. However, regular/informed shoppers know that bread is regularly $1.75 each, not $2 each. StoreA is counting on some customers not knowing or caring what the actual price of bread should be. StoreA might also change the price of bread to $1.00 one day without advertising it. A smart shopper with a price list will know to buy bread that day and possibly even stock up for the future when bread is back to $1.75.

Price lists (stock up lists) will help you know when items are on sale and when you should buy an item. Items on the list should be items you buy/use regularly and how much you want to pay after discounts and coupons. Personally, I know that I want to buy bananas at about .33/lb or 3lb/$1, because that is a good price in my area. When bananas are .59/lb, I DO NOT buy bananas! Now, I know that is only .26 difference, but small amounts like this on a cartload of items can add up fast.

Price lists are unique for each shopper. In your area, .59/lb for bananas may be a good price. So, on your list you would put, "bananas  .59/lb". No matter the price, it should be a price you are willing to pay. I can get makeup for free or almost free, but since I don't use it, I'm not willing to buy it at ANY price. No matter the price, it's not a good deal unless you will use the item!

**I have to say that price lists are also good for keeping track of your progress using coupons. When I first started using coupons, I was willing to pay $2/box for cereal. Now that I know more about sales and coupons, I'm only willing to pay .50-.75/box for cereal.**