Dec
13

For Real? Twelve Actual Days Until Christmas?

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with 7 Comments

Typically during the holiday season, I am:

  • Miss Organized & Prepared
  • Miss Send your Christmas Cards Right After Thanksgiving
  • Miss Start Christmas Shopping Whenever a Deal Appears (throughout the year)
  • Miss Holiday Brunch Planner
  • Miss Donates Cookies to Every Charity Event Possible
  • Miss Never Misses a Black Friday…Online or Offline
  • Miss Dreamer of Throwing a Swanky Holiday Party

This year? I am:

  • Miss None of the Above

Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally “in” the holiday spirit. No Grinch found here. I just feel like time has slipped away. I will admit that yes, Cheapo McFrugalpants herself has not yet started Christmas shopping. *Oh my gosh…pushing away panic*

Maybe it’s because our son is getting older and gifts have become more “selective.” *and holy crap expensive* If it’s not a video game, computer, a place to play video games (like chairs for kids) or something else that takes a charger and has a screen, it’s pretty much not wanted or needed around our household. Except for Legos, they’re always cool.

Maybe time has slipped because it’s been directly stated  that my job may be coming to an end at the beginning of the year. Did I fail to mention the fact that I’ve also started a home bakery and am in the planning stages of construction? Oh yes, and we’re still home schooling. *thank goodness for Christmas break* And family…grandparents in their 90′s…others with worrisome health issues…trying to show care and please them all. *inhale, exhale, repeat* I’ve now scratched the surface….but I don’t need to continue.

What I DO need to remember…is Christmas isn’t about “things” and the quantity thereof. Christmas is about eating dinner by the light of the Christmas tree (even when our son turns the lights to “disco ball” mode). It’s about sitting down and laughing at “National Lampoon’s Christmas” or reciting every, single line to “A Christmas Story.” The holidays are about the smell of cookies baked together, stepping in melted snow all over the kitchen floor and wanting to kill the cat for chewing off all the gift bows. How about the time the dog puked during a dinner party? Or the time grandma tripped over the dog bed? Oh…I remember when my husband backed into the neighbor’s car…THAT was a fine Christmas. Wait…I didn’t want to go there….

Christmas needs to be about peace…and just being…..

I will NOT panic about gifts. I will NOT panic about gifts. I will NOT panic about gifts….

Honest Blogger Found Here: In exchange for a link, Wayfair is compensating me with a choice of product. As always, 100% my opinion.

Filed under Discount Christmas
Oct
12

10 Holiday Planning Tips

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with 1 Comment

Yes.

I said HOLIDAY PLANNING. Don’t roll your eyes. You know it’s coming.

As I was filling in the rest of October on our refrigerator calendar, a small feeling of fear started to set in. Sadly, folks, this month is OVEH. It really IS time to start thinking about the holidays. As frightening as it sounds, the more you plan ahead, the more you will enjoy these precious times.

Here are a few of my own tips that may help you reduce holiday madness:

  1. Order your festive Christmas cards – Whether you are looking for personalized photo cards, modern cards or  traditional cards, get them early. During those “down” times at Thanksgiving, when everyone else is napping, grab your cards and start writing them out. Or, keep them in the car to pass around and sign while driving to see family or going shopping. Make the best of your time!
  2. Baking ingredients – Halloween means candy, and lots of it. After Halloween candy sales are good times to stock up on chocolate. Grab discounted bags to freeze and use in your holiday cookie baking. Crushed Snicker bar pieces in cookies? You betcha!
  3. Party Planning – If you are going to throw a Christmas Brunch or have a party, get your date set NOW. People are busy. With our friends, as sad as it sounds, a two or three month advance notice is not out of the questions. If you want people attending, let them know now.
  4. Lists – Now is a good time to start making lists: foods, gifts, invites, activities, etc. Keep your lists with you so you can pick items up when you find a great sale!
  5. Eliminate the Un-necessary – Are there events you participate in every year but no one really cares about them? For instance, do you drive around looking at Christmas lights with your family only to return home stressed out by hours of backseat kid fighting? Eliminate it. Think quality over quantity. Most of us tend to over-tax ourselves with having to be involved in everything. Pick a few things…and do them well.
  6. Lessen Gift Giving – Do you give gifts just for the sake of giving gifts? Don’t. It’s just added stress and a waste of time and money. We have lessened our with people by only having the kids exchange one gift. Or, we’ve just agreed that spending time together is gift enough. This is not to sound harsh, but I don’t need a bath set or a candle to know someone has thought over me. I’d rather share an hour of laughs over a vodka tonic by the light of the Christmas tree. That, to me, is holiday time better spent.
  7. Order Gifts Online – During holiday shopping time, many stores online will have GREAT deals with FREE shipping! What’s better than doing your gift buying in your pj’s and having it brought directly to your door? It’s awesome. Some places will even gift wrap them for you! Though, start shopping early. You don’t want to run into holiday shipping problems.
  8. Double Bake – Are you a holiday baker? Whenever you bake a batch of your favorite cookies, make double the amount and freeze the second batch. You never know when someone will show up and you need something in a pinch. Or, throw them on a plate with a ribbon and you have an instant gift. Anything to lower unwanted stress.
  9. Plan a Year Ahead – If you didn’t buy all of your wrapping paper, bows, etc. after Christmas LAST year, plan to do it this year. It’s nice to have all of your supplies on hand when you need them and NOT have to pay full price before the holiday.
  10. When All  Else Fails – If holiday planning just isn’t your thing…or if the thought of family gatherings make you want to cringe…plan a trip. Wish everyone a “Feliz Navidad” and fly your butt to Mexico. See you there. Adios!
Honest Blogger Found Here: I wrote this blog post while participating in the Storkie holiday blogging program. I received compensation for my participation. All opinions are 100% mine.

Filed under Discount Christmas
Aug
30

Bookit…take me away…preferably to Cancun please.

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with No Comments

Have you noticed? Can you feel it?

When I get up in the morning…it’s dark.

By 8:00 pm…it’s dark.

I know, I know…it’s still only August, but I’m already having seasonal anxiety.

Yes, I am THAT person. And, sadly, it’s getting worse and worse every year.

Medication? No thanks…I refuse any medicine unless absolutely necessary. As far as prescriptions go, I take ZERO, NADA, ZILCH. In any case, I always look for an alternative cure before turning to medication…which is not only good for my body, but easy on the pocketbook too!

I’ve noticed that weight-loss and diet will cure many of my ailments, but not seasonal anxiety. The only cure I have found thus far? A winter vacation. That’s right folks…you heard me correctly…A…winter…vacation. Okay, so it’s not cheaper than medication. Though, pills can’t give you a good tan, a plethora of culture or priceless memories (and if they can…please contact me ASAP. I pay in baked goods.)

We may or may not have been dancing on a bar top.

Four years ago, we traveled to Acapulco during the month of February. Give me a quick moment to relive the memory…ahhh…the sun…the food…the people…the endless freakin’ amount of alcohol…ehem. Anyway, February is a perfect time to go somewhere warm. Reason being, everyone is always so busy up until Christmas that you really don’t have much time to think about sitting around doing nothing. January is pretty much spent packing, planning and donating blood plasma to afford a few extra drinks while you are away. February comes, you vacation and when you return, it is practically March. Helloooo Spring! It really sounds like a bunch of over-talking but it works. It really, really works. We did this for THREE years: Acapulco, Acapulco and Maui. Last winter? Nothing. The LONGEST.WINTER.EVEH.

I can’t do that again (does that sound spoiled and bratty? Honey Badger don’t care.)

Money can always be spent elsewhere. It never fails. Just when you think you have some “extra” income, the dishwasher breaks or you get a leak in your exhaust. It’s always something. Though, we all need to realize the importance of a “mental break”, time away…a vacation. It’s just good for the soul. Fortunately, there are websites out there that make it affordable for us frugal folks to take these much needed trips.

Here are a few of my personal tips on how to afford to get your frozen butt out of the winter snow and onto a beach…somewhere:

  • Plan Ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to plan your trip and save some money. Start checking sites like Bookit.com to see what the going rates are and if you can find a package deal. Can you cut your budget anywhere? Maybe you could stop eating out until your trip and bank what you would normally spend. Something simple like that can sure add up.
  • Accommodations: Make sure you are staying in a place that fits what you need. For instance, we make it a general rule to eat in for breakfast and lunch with only eating out at dinnertime. Therefore, we try to find a hotel that includes a kitchen area…at least a fridge and microwave. Hotels with included breakfasts are a huge bonus.
  • Ditch the kids: The less people you have, the less the vacation will cost. Are your kids old enough to leave with family and too young to appreciate an “older” vacation? Is it time for mommy and daddy to take some time away? In the past, we have planned two trips per year: one with just us and one family oriented vacation. Now that our son is older, he is more interested in learning and able to appreciate the “larger” travels. So…back to donating more blood plasma…
  • Gifts: Is your family a big “gifting” family? Christmas and birthdays – when they ask you the dreaded, “What do you want?” question, tell them gift cards. Visa/Mastercard gift cards, hotel gift cards, airfare gift cards, restaurant gift cards, etc. Why pay for your own vacation when someone else can do it for you?
  • Travel partners: I know it is difficult to travel with other people, but are you able to find a travel buddy or another couple to split costs with? You can save BIG time by splitting a timeshare, food and ground transportation with other people. We traveled with another couple for all three of the trips I mentioned above. Our second year in Acapulco, we only spent $25 per night on a two bedroom, two bath, full kitchen timeshare. It’s good to know peeps. *fist to chest bump*

Needless to say, I am looking to go somewhere, ANYWHERE where the sun shines…a LOT…and, oh…a beach would be nice.

How ’bout it Bookit.com? I hear Cancun is really nice…in February (or anytime.) Save me from seasonal anxiety, that nasty ole’ beast. *cheesy smile*

Honest Blogger Found Here: I received no compensation or product for my blog post. Though, I do get a chance at a 5 night trip including airfare. As always, 100% my honest opinion. Disclosure policy can be given upon request.

Filed under Cheapo Talk
Jul
27

Breakin’ Down BlogHer: My List of Three’s

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with 2 Comments

BlogHer.

The country’s largest annual blogging conference.

Lots of estrogen. Little testosterone.

BIG fun.

In honor of attending my third BlogHer (leaving in only seven days…YIKES!), I am going to break it down in lists of threes. Ready?

Three Things to Bring

  1. Business Cards – If you plan on making lots of connections, they are definitely a must. Don’t worry, they don’t have to be professionally designed or fold out into cool little animal shapes or anything (though, if you do have one that does that, find me – I want one.) To put it simply, most people don’t even have the time to look at your site or follow you on twitter until they get home. If they don’t have your information, guess what? You’re out of luck. Print them at home if you have to. Just be sure ALL of your contact information is on your card. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to follow someone who forgot to list their email or twitter handle. grrrr. I am also bringing a sheet of stickers that has all of my information on it. Last year’s expo hall wore out my hand from filling in paper after paper. I do expect many of them to now have touchpads, but just in case, I’m prepared to slap that sticker on anyone’s paperwork. Another hint, if you have “old” biz cards you need to use up, throw them in the fishbowls for drawings. Why use up your “good” ones?
  2. Phone and chargers – Preferably, have a smartphone. Any phone will do, as long as you have some way to STAY CONNECTED. You wouldn’t believe the events that happen right on twitter! You also want to be able to call or text your besties so you can meet up. Also, plugins are a hot commodity. People will be using their chargers like mad, so dont’ expect someone to lend theirs out. If you have a dual charger, bring it. You may just find your best friend by sharing.
  3. Comfortable Shoes – Can I say this any louder? COMFORTABLE SHOES. You will be walking…A LOT. Okay, so you want your cutsie shoes for evening parties, so be it. But during the day? I’m telling you right now…wear something comfortable. You know what would really suck? To get blisters during the day and not be able to dance your arse off at night. Trust me.

Three Things to Expect

  1. Feeling Out of Place – Let me tell you a little story. My first BlogHer, 2009 in Chicago. I got there…knew practically no one. Went to my room, called my husband and cried. True story. I felt SO out of place and left out. I didn’t know what to do with myself. After a bit, I knew I was there for the weekend and made it a point to change my attitude and just accept whatever may come. Guess what? I ended up having one of the best times ever. I welcomed opportunity and friendship with open arms, therefore I ended up with both by the time I left. It’s okay to feel “out of place.” You’ll soon realize that feeling will pass.
  2. No Sleep – So, you think you have your days all planned out and that you’ll go to bed early and be all rested and ready for the next day….WRONG. Face it now…you aren’t going to get any sleep. End of story.
  3. Differences – Most people you meet will be much different in person. Even the most outgoing of people on twitter won’t say two words to your face…but will text you from across the table. It’s just that way. No matter who they are…big bloggers, little bloggers, those in between…they’re all on the same screen until you meet face to face

Three Things to Do

  1. Comfort Zone – Please step out of it. Talk to people you never thought you would talk to. Introduce yourself to celebrities. Walk into the place like you own it. Seriously. Do you know how much confidence I had to muster up to walk into a conference hall of 2000 women in a cowboy hat? The first step was a doozey…let me tell ya. Now? Watch out because I’m about to take charge.
  2. Opportunity – Take every one you can get. Whether it be a silly picture or a contest or making a video….just do it! So, you may be a little embarrassed, but what have you got to lose? NOTHING. See “Comfort zone” above.
  3. Connections – Connect, connect, connect…that’s what you’re there for! If you want to sit behind your computer and make friends, it’s cheaper to just stay home. You never know what is hiding around the corner or where your business card is going to end up. I am constantly amazed at how my connections have contributed to friendships (some VERY close), event invitations and travel opportunities!

Three Things NOT to Do

  1. Drama - First, don’t get caught up in it. Second, please don’t create it. With that many people in one hotel, I’m sure it’s bound to happen. Just avoid it like the plague…it can seriously make your break you.
  2. Drinking – You will find alcoholic beverages at pretty much every party or event you attend. It’s fine to drink…hell I do it all the time…err…but just don’t get blasted drunk. Remember, you are surrounded by 3000 people with cameras and videos that are just dying to drive some traffic on their blogs with your puking face on the screen. It happens and you don’t want to be in it. If anything, at least take it back into the privacy of your own room. Oh…and one piece of advice…flying while extremely hungover is the suck…so I hear.
  3. Equality – No matter who you are, don’t think you are better or lesser than anyone else there. Seriously. Do I need to say anymore about this?

Three Things to Do When You’re Back Home

  1. Decompress – Be prepared…it’s going to take you anywhere from a few days to even weeks to relive and absorb everything you have just experienced. It’s SO MUCH in such a short period of time. Plus, the fact that you have just had OTHER people providing you with food, drinks, transportation, swag and pampering is very spoiling. Getting back into “real life” takes a bit of effort. You scoff…but just wait.
  2. Swag – There is a lot. In 2009, two of us filled the back end of a mini-van. In 2010, I flew home with THREE suitcases PACKED full…and shipped two boxes home. I am going to be more selective this year and take advantage of the “recycle” table. Though, I do expect to still come home with more than is needed (I can’t help myself – I love it!) Sort through it rather quickly. If you leave it sitting on your dining room table for a month, it’s going to become stressful. Put away gifts for Christmas, share some with others and send off your tote bags to charity. Be sure to look through all of the paperwork because there are typically TONS of “free” codes or gift cards. I’ve gotten so many nice things for free (like a $60 laptop bag) just by using these gift codes.
  3. Reconnect – Here is where the business card situation comes in. I sit and look through EVERY one of the business cards I was given. If they are relevant, I follow them on twitter and check out their sites. Also, do the same with brands. If there is a company that you would like to work with, drop them an email and let them know! If you don’t follow up, your connections will die right on the vine.

Three Things You Will Realize When It’s Over

  1. You Overpacked - You THINK you want to have all of the cutest outfits and shoes when you first go…by day two, it’s much easier to throw on jeans and pull your hair up. Pick and choose a few cute things and mostly comfy items. Because hey…guess what? No one really cares what you’re wearing.
  2. You Overstressed – What to wear, what to bring, schedules, parties, who got what invite, blah blah blah. Most likely you have overstressed everything. Calm it down.
  3. You Overbooked – Face it, overlapping schedules are really no fun. It looks good on paper, but it’s really one huge headache. You can never get to the next event as fast as you want to. There is no time to change between parties. I agree that it’s very fun to be invited to so many parties but not if it makes you stressed and overtired. Last year, I did not stop from the time I stepped off the plane until the time I got off the plane back home. It was too much…and I have small feelings of resentment because of it. This year, I am fortunate enough to be able to fly in a few days early and stay a few days later. I’m looking forward to the “down” time.

There are zillions of bloggers out there that can give you conference advice – take it or leave it. Overall…just learn a lot and have. F-U-N!

Honest blogger found here: I’m so thankful for my 2nd year BlogHer sponsor, Feld Entertainment. If you’d like to know more about them, ask me! See where connections and relationships can get you?

 



Filed under BlogHer11
Jun
07

Five Free Cards from Shutterfly

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with No Comments
5×7 Folded Card
View the entire collection of cards.

I have this horrible love hate relationship with greeting cards. On one hand, I adore them…love sending them, love writing them, love making them and, most of all, love receiving them. Seriously! Writing is a lost art. Whenever I sift through the daily junk mail and catch a glimpse of something hand written, it truly excites me. Being the weirdo that I am, I’ll read of the “other” mail first in order to savor that little bit of ink laden fun.

As for the “hate” part of this relationship…cards cost too much. I hate paying postage (um…billpay…hello?) I hate standing at the store, weaving back and forth through all of the other undecided people , trying to choose between the “I can’t live without you” card or the one that makes a horrible, mechanical fart sound upon opening. In all actuality, I’m probably going to put a cash gift in said card. Wouldn’t it make more sense to just write a small note and add the card expense to your gift…making it a bigger gift and a much happier recipient? Just sayin’…that’s all.

Believe it or not, I do have some social couth. I realize there are times when it’s appropriate to give a nice greeting card. Even then…I don’t want to spend three to six bucks on a folded piece of cardboard possibly topped with a ribbon or some annoying glitter that will just fall off anyway. So…when I find deals like “FIVE FREE 5X7 CARDS FROM SHUTTERFLY”, I jump right on them. Create your personalized cards and enter the code: DADCARD at checkout. All you will pay is shipping and tax (I paid $6.41 total.)  Hurry…this offer ends on June 9th…that’s only a few days away.

Think ahead! Create a few cards that you know you’ll need this summer…eliminate the last minute expense.

Honest Blogger Found Here: I received a monetary gift code for sharing this offer. As always, 100% my opinion.

Filed under Freebie Deebies
Mar
15

Tackle It Tuesday: Yard Sale Time

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with 4 Comments

I hate clutter. I mean, I really.hate.clutter.

I’ve said this before, but I once read, “the more stuff you have, the more time you waste dealing with that stuff.”

Isn’t it so true? How much time have you ever spent looking for that certain book, shirt or the ever-so-lost, car keys – simply because you have too.much.stuff? Bah.

Over the past few months, we have started “purging” our house from the top down. We are finally at a point where everything we don’t want or need is in the basement. The next step? Planning a yard sale.

Nothing says “welcome Spring” like a few extra hundred dollars in your pocket and a clutterless house. Well, that maybe a stretch, but it IS an awesome money maker!

As simple as it sounds, holding a yard sale isn’t always an easy task. Actually, it’s rather exhausting. With a little planning and coordination ahead of time, you’ll lower the stress and be happy with a successful sale. Here are a few tips to help lessen your madness:

  • Sort through EVERYTHING. Pull out outgrown clothing and toys, rid of unused towels and sheets and gather odd dishes and coffee cups (how many mugs do you really need anyway?). Have any home office furniture that you want to replace? Out with the old, in with the new.
  • Price each item. Get yourself a roll of masking tape and put a price on everything. Unless you are having a sale where everything is a buck, people will bother you over and over about prices. Not that it’s difficult to cost everything, but when you are trying to get everything set up that morning, the less bother the better.
  • Pick a date. Find out what day of the week in your area is the most popular for yard sales. Watch the weather, get a permit (if one is needed in your city) and put a small ad in the local paper yard sale section.
  • Prepare. Save your grocery bags (if you don’t use re-usables), get a money box with change and put up signs the night before. In my town, they give you four yard sale signs to put up when you pick up your permit.
  • Get up early. Believe me…if you state that your yard sale opens at 8:00 am, people will be stopping at 6:00 am to dig through boxes that you haven’t even put out yet. It just happens. The earlier you get up and at it, the better off you will be when people start showing up.
  • Have fun! When it’s all done, whatever you do, DO NOT take the “stuff” back into your house. Take it directly to a donation site. In my case, I can put it all at the end of my driveway and a little blue truck drives around and picks it all up. It’s just that way. All I know, is I worked way too hard to finally get the clutter out of my house, only to bring it all back in.

Depending on how much “stuff” you have to sell, you can make anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars, just by selling unwanted items. Totally worth it!

Honest Blogger Found Here: CSN Stores is providing me with product code in exchange for post link. As always, 100% my opinion.


Filed under Tackle It Tuesday
Mar
11

My Kroger Haul: P & G Deals

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with No Comments
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Is it just me, or did it seem like March’s Proctor and Gamble coupons had a much higher value this month? If you were able to get your hands on a few of the P & G Brandsaver inserts (which comes out on the first Sunday of each month), you are in luck. Kroger is running some fantastic deals this week – but you need the coupons AND the online Kroger coupons in order to save the most money. Remember, Kroger doubles coupons up to $.50 face value every day. Why would I shop anywhere else? Here is what I scored yesterday:

  • Pamper Wipes: (3x)$2.49 – $1.00 eCpn – (3x) $1 Sunday Q = $3.47 for THREE
  • Puffs: (3x) $1.99 – $.50 eCpn – (3x) $1.00 Sunday Q = $2.47 for THREE
  • 8 Roll Bounty: $6.49 – $2.00 eCpn – $1.00 Mailer Q = $3.49
  • Charmin: $6.49 – $3.00 eCpn – $1.00 Mailer Q = $2.49
  • Secret: $1.99 – $.50 eCpn – $1.00 Sunday Q = $.49
  • 2 Old Spice Deo: (2x) $1.99 – $1.00 eCpn – $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.98 for TWO
  • Downy: $4.99 – $1.00 eCpn – $1.00 Mailer Q = $2.99
  • Febreeze Air Effects: $2.49 – $1.00 eCpn – $1.00 Sunday Q = $.49
  • Schick Hydro Razor: $5.99 – $4.00 eCpn – $2.00 Sunday Q = FREE plus $.01
  • Febreeze Air Freshener: $2.99 – $1.00 eCpn – $1.00 Sunday Q = $.99
  • Tide Stain Release Liquid: $5.99 – $3.00 eCpn – $3.00 Sunday Q = FREE plus $.01
  • Tide Stain Release Tablets: $5.99 – $3.00 Sunday Q = $2.99

My total price for all of the above: $21.83 plus tax. Somehow, I need to figure out how to get the best deals with the BOGOF Tide Detergent/Stain Release coupons. Will report.

Have you been reading my other “new” blog, Food. (Just Sayin’)? If so, then you already know that since the beginning of the year, we have made the switch to a more organic, natural foods lifestyle. Sadly, yes, my grocery budget has gone up. (*die*) I’m still doing my best to use coupons and save money whenever possible. My “Affording Organics” series explains some of the ways we’ve been able to make all of this possible. If you have any other suggestions, I beg ask you to please share! The above picture shows the items I bought that are organic/natural:

  • 2 Organic Mustards: $.99 each clearance
  • Organic Salsa: $2.00 sale
  • Annie’s Bunny Grahams: $3.34
  • Navy Beans: $.95 sale
  • Horizon Org. Half and half: $1.99 clearance
  • Pecans & Cashew snacks: $2.19 each clearance
  • Yogurt covered almonds: $ 2.39 clearance
  • Wholly Gucamole: $1.99 sale – $1.00 sunday Q = $.99
  • Shallots: $.62
  • Org. Chocolate Milk: $2.99 sale
  • Org. 2% Milk: $6.19 sale (I know…can you believe that is the SALE price? *gulp*)
  • Org. Flour: $3.47 sale
  • Fresh Mozzarella: $2.49 each clearance
  • Horizon Org. Cream cheese: $1.39 each clearance
  • Org. baby carrots: $2.00 sale
  • Alexia Org. fries: $2.49 each sale – (2x) $1.00 printable = $1.49 each
  • Newman’s Popcorn:$3.29 - $1.00 printable = $2.29
  • Org. coconut milk: $2.49
  • Org. fresh oregano: $.45 clearance
  • Eggland’s Best Cage-free eggs: $3.19 – $1.00 Sunday Q = $2.19
  • Cilantro: $.50
  • Green chilies:$.31
  • Kashi Cereal Fruit Bars: $2.99 – (2x) $1.00 printable = $1.99 each
  • Org. Tortilla chips:3/$5.00 sale
  • Org. tomato sauce: $.99 each sale
  • Org. sweet peas: $1.19
  • Whole wheat english muffins: $1.29
  • Hormel Natural Ham: $3.99 – $1.00 = $2.99
  • Matt’s Org. orange juice: $6.19 – $1.00 company Q = $5.19 (that’s another cost that’s hard to swallow)
  • Cascadian Farms granola bars: $2.49 sale
  • Org. tomato paste: $1.29 each – (2x) $.75 printable = $.54 each

And…for all the other items…

  • Purex: $2.18 clearance – $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.18
  • Gain Fab. softener: $5.88 – $3.00 Sunday Q = $2.88
  • Pickles: $3.49 – $1.00 Sunday Q = $2.49
  • Coffee-mate: $2.99 sale
  • Yoplait Yogurt: $1.99 each sale – (3x) $1.00 Sunday Q = $.99 each
  • Gosh Darned Orange Cranberry Cookies…I totally did NOT need these but they kept pleading for me to take them home: $3.49
  • Mug Root Beer (Hansen’s wasn’t on sale): $.95 sale
  • Ronzoni Pasta: $1.29 – $1.00 Sunday Q = $.29
  • Daisy cottage cheese: $3.39 sale
  • Honey Nut & Cinnamon Burst Cheerios: $2.18 each sale – $.75 eCpn - $1.00/2 printable = $1.31 each
  • Cinnamon Toast Crunch: $2.18 each sale – (2x) $.55 eCpn – (2x) $.55 printable = $1.08 each

Full price total: $225.66

Minus sale prices: $36.39

Minus store, eCpn and paper coupons: 59.55

My cost: $129.72

Not too bad…right?


Filed under Coupons, Kroger
Feb
24

Walgreens 7 Days of Deals: FREE 8×10 Collage

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with No Comments

OOhhh…a Freebie Deebie! Walgreen’s is offering a FREE 8×10 Collage today…you can’t get better than FREE!

You can choose multiple photos, change the background color, add a title…and have it printed in about an hour.

What are you waiting for? This deal only lasts through today.


Filed under Cheapo Talk, Freebie Deebies
Feb
24

Reminder: Free Redbox Movie

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with No Comments

Hey People!

Here’s your friendly reminder…

Remember that Redbox code you got last week from Facebook?

Yeah…today’s the day to use it. :)

What movie are YOU getting? Enjoy!


Filed under Family Fun, Freebie Deebies
Feb
23

Walgreens 7 Days of Deals: Collage Mousepad

Posted by Cheapo McFrugalpants with No Comments

Today’s Walgreen’s Photo deal is an 8×9 Collage Mousepad for $2.99 – regularly priced at $12.99. They are made from high density foam and have a stain resistant cover so you can use it as a coffee coaster. Pick your pictures, add a title and choose from 14 different background colors.

This is already the third deal of the week…are you stocking up on gifts? You should be. *wink*


Filed under Cheapo Talk