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?

For the past two weeks, Kroger has been running this “Game Day” Mega Event. For those that aren’t familiar, these mega events will save you $5 at the register when you buy a mix of ten participating items…as many times as you want (so basically, when you buy 10, you are taking an additional $.50 off of each item minus the coupon value.) I was both, delighted and a bit confused by this particular Mega Event. There seemed to be no real rhyme or reason to the products that are on sale. Though, I’m sure there is some sort of method to their madness. Regardless, if you have the right coupons, it makes for a nice time to stock up.

Whenever these Mega Events are being offered, be sure to take along your coupon organizer. In my experience, there are twice as many products included in the sale than are advertised in the sale flyer.

Here are a few of my highlights from last week (the sale is continuing this week):

• All Detergent: $3.77 – $1.00 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale = $2.27 each
• Finish Dishwasher Tabs: $3.49 – $2.25 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale =$.74 for a 20 pack (don’t miss this one!)
• Softsoap Handsoap: $.88 – $.35 Sunday Q (doubled to $.70) = $.18 each (not part of the event but time to stock up! Especially for a chronic hand washing family…ehem…)
• Coffee Filters: $2.00 – $1.00/2 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale = $1.00 each
• Snuggle 80 ct.: $3.49 – $.75 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale = $2.24
• I also noticed they have a BUNCH of health/beauty items on clearance. Be sure to check out that aisle and combine with coupons!

• Ken’s Dressing:$1.99 – $1.00 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale = $.49 each (for that price, will donate to Husband’s lodge)
• RoTel:$.99 – $.30 (double to $.60) Sunday Q o- $.50 event sale = Make $.11 on each can
• French’s Yellow Mustard:$1.99 – $.50 (double to $1.00) – $.50 event sale = $.49
• Steamfresh Frozen Vegetables: $1.99 – $1/2 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale = $.99
• Philly Cream Cheese: $1.79 – $1/2 Printable – $.50 event sale = $.79
• Frank’s Red Hot: $1.99 – $.50 (double to $1.00) – $.50 event sale = $.49
• Triscuits: $2.49 – $1/2 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale = $1.49
• Kettle Chips: $1.99 – $1.00 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale = $.49
• French’s Brown Mustard: $1.19 – $.75 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale = Make $.06 each
• Kraft Singles: $1.99 – $.75 Sunday Q – $.50 event sale = $.74

I’m sure there are many other stock up items that suit your family’s needs. For the Kroger Central Region, the sale ends tomorrow…so get goin’!

Well…wait…

I can’t possibly let this post publish without mentioning a few other great deals going on…

• Hershey Bars: 2/$1 – BOGOF Sunday Q = $.25 each
• Wholly Guacamole: $1.99 – $.50 Sunday Q (double to $1) = $.99
• Colgate: $.98 – $.50 Sunday Q = Make $.02 each
• Sunny D: $1.00 – $.25  Sunday Q (double to $.50) = $.50
• Men’s Suave: $1.67 – $.50 (double to $1) – $1.00 ecoupon = Make $.33
• Skintimate Shaving Cream: $1.72 clearance – $1/2 Sunday Q = $1.22

Okay…NOW you can go shop.

Along my shopping adventures, I am always making mental notes…mental notes of items that I often see coupons for, that I use often and where they can be found with the lowest price.

For instance, I know that the [pictured above] Pedigree Dentastix and 40 ct. Snuggle Fabric softeners are both normally priced $2 each at Dollar General. Every other month or so, the Sunday coupons typically include a $2 coupon for the Dentastix*freeee-bbiiieee – sung operatically* and some sort of coupon for Snuggle.

For some reason, the Snuggle coupons were having a hard time ringing through. The cashier said, “The register won’t ring all of these up.” Since I already know the Dollar General coupon policy, I asked her why? She just stared at me because she had no answer. So, she went to ask a manager and then entered them all. If you ever have a coupon question, don’t be afraid to ask a store manager. Remember, it’s YOUR money you’re spending.

Here’s how my Dollar General Mini-Stock Up went today:

• 7 Dentastix: $14.00 – (7x) $2.00 Sunday coupons = 7 FREE
• 6 Snuggle: $12.00 – (3x) $2 off two Sunday coupons – (Store BONUS) buy 2+ get $2 off = $4.00
• Subtotal: $4.00
• Tax: $1.82
• Total: $5.82

Looovveee Itttttt!

They are giving away 100,000 coupons for a free bottle of Coffee-Mate Creamer…Today only!

I don’t know how long this will last, but hurry over and get yours. Says it will take 2-3 weeks to arrive in your real-life mailbox.

This one states, “Buy One Get One Free – Buy any 1 Stayfree 14 ct.-24 ct. and Get One free up to $3.00.” It also says, “Available at Dollar General” – but it’s not a Dollar General coupon. So, if you are using elsewhere, you may need to wait until they are on sale for $3 and under to truly get the freebie.

Or…

If you have a local store that already is having a Buy One Get One Free Stayfree sale…you can get TWO for free with this coupon. Here’s how:

• Get Two Stayfree Packages: One costs $2.49 (prices is just for explanation’s sake), the second is free, according to the store sale
• Give the cashier the coupon for the free item.
• Since there is only one charge in the register, this coupon will take off the only charge.
• Therefore, you get TWO items for FREE!

If a store is NOT having a buy one get one free sale, use this coupon ALONG with another coupon for more savings. For example:

• Get 2 Stayfree items: $2.49 + 2.49 = $4.98
• The BOGOFree coupon above will take off $2.49, equaling $2.49 for two
• Now, if you have one, give them $1.00 off mailer coupon, which will take another dollar off of the original Stayfree item – now you will only pay $1.49 for two packages.

Understand? It’s rather easy really. If you need more explanation, I would be more than OVERJOYED to help you! Matter of fact, I’ll keep explaining forever until you DO get it. Just contact me. *wink*

Hurry…I don’t know how long it has been available or how long it will last.

It’s been nice – extra days off of work for me AND hubby, getting tasks accomplished playing X-Box Kinect and visiting with family members who are in town from Pennsylvania talking about people.

Just because I haven’t been online much doesn’t mean I haven’t gotten some great deals. As I was getting caught up on coupon clipping, I noticed that many coupons expire today – I can’t let THAT happen! So…here is what I found on my coupon almost freebie crawl:

Dollar General

• Snuggle 40ct. fabric softener: $2.00 – $.75 Sunday coupon = $1.25
• 8 Dentastix: $16.00 – (8x) $2.00 Sunday coupons = Eight FREE

Total Paid: $1.25 + tax

(Also, a $5/$25 coupon printed on the end of the receipt for January 1st use only)

Family Dollar

• 4 Snausages: $4.00 – (4x) $1.00 Sunday coupons = Four FREE
• 50 ct. Splenda: $2.50 – $1.00 Coupon (found at Kroger) = $1.50
• 5 Quaker Oatmeal 7 pk. boxes: $11.25 – (5x) $1.00 Sunday coupons = $6.25 for Five
• Giant Christmas Bag: $1.00 – 50% off = $.50
• 15 paper Christmas bags: $3.75 – 50% off = $1.80 for Fifteen

Total Paid: $10.05 + tax

Walmart

• 11 bags 12 ct. disposable Schick razors: $21.67 – (11x) $2.00 Sunday coupons = Eleven Free PLUS $.33 -  Yes, they paid me to buy these.
• 2 Always liners: $1.86 – (2x) $1.00 Mailer coupons = Two Free PLUS $.14 – Yup, paid me for these too.
• 4 Athenos Greek Yogurts: $4.00 – (2x) $2/2 printable coupons = Four FREE – What? no payment? sheesh.
• Simply Yogurt Tubes: $2.50 – $2.50 Blogspark coupon = FREE
• Simply French Bread: $2.38 – $2.38 Blogspark coupon = FREE

Total Paid: NOTHING…and earned $.47

Well, actually, they won’t give you money back. I also had a few after-Christmas items, so that change was just subtracted from my already 50% off deals.

After all was said and done, I paid:

$10.73 (plus tax) for $72.91 worth of items.

Not too shabbeh.

How’d you do this week?

Last week (and this week too) Kroger has its Mega Event going on. This is a store promotion that will save you $5 at the register for every 10 of certain items you buy. There is no limit on how many promos you can get, so this event is always a nice time to stock up. I do believe this promo is on a cycle that runs for three sale weeks, takes a few weeks off and returns again. Typically, many of the items involved in this particular sale will also match up with available coupons – Sunday or printables. Let me show you how I worked this to my advantage last week.

Mega Event #1

10 Bumble Bee Tuna Pouches: $9.90 – (10x) $.55 Sunday Q’s = $4.40

Minus $5.00 promo

They paid me $.60 to take these 10 pouches. Gotta love FREE!

Mega Event #2

• 4 Chex Cereals: $9.16 – (2x) $1.00 ecoupon + (2x) $1.00 Sunday Q = $5.16 for four
• 2 Trix Cereals: $4.58 – $.55 ecoupon – $1.00 Sunday Q = $3.03 for two
• 2 HN Cheerios Cereals: $4.58 – (2x) $.55 printable Q = $3.48 for two
• 2 Lean Pockets: $4.56 – (2x) $1.00 Sunday Q = $2.56 for two

Total: $14.23 – $5.00 promo = $9.23 (that’s $.92 per item)

Mega Event #3

• 3 Fruit Gushers: $5.97
• 3 Starbucks coffees: $20.97 – (3x) $1.50 store coupons = $16.47
• 4 Kleenex: $5.96 – Buy 3 get one free Sunday Q = $4.47

Total: $26.91 – $5.00 promo = $21.91

Mega Event #4

• Jimmy D’s: $4.49 – $1.00 product Q – $1.00n ecoupon = $2.49
• Mott’s apple juice: $1.99
• Gorton’s Fish: $2.99 – $1.00 sunday Q = $1.99
• Pepperidge Farms Bread: $2.69 – $.80 sunday q = $1.89
• 2 Steamfresh: $3.98 – (2x) $.70 printables = $2.58 for two
• 4 Cesar Dog Foods: $3.00 – $1.00 Kroger Q – $.75 Sunday Q = $1.25 for four

Total: $18.66 – $5.00 promo = $13.66

Mega Event #5

• 2 Cesar Dog Foods: $1.50
• 8 Cans Wolf Chili: $11.92 – (8x) $1.00 Sunday Q’s o= $3.92 for eight

Total: $5.42 – $5.00 promo = $.42

So…all in all…my total for the above FIFTY items was $44.62…that’s only $.89 for each product. See how taking advantage of store promos can help you stock your shelves along with saving you LOTS of money? Combine those store promos with deals like:

• 10 Banquet Fruit Pies: $6.40 – (10x) $.64 sunday Q = TEN FREE!

(How does one have a $.64 coupon? Well, the coupon was actually for $.35. Since Kroger doubles coupons up to $.50 every day, this would put the coupon over the price of the pies, so the register adjusted down.)

Then…combine all of that with the numerous clearanced items you can find around the store.

Clearance Total: $7.21 ($.80 per item)

Add in all of the other groceries you have coupons for:

And then to top off the whole trip, there are the items that you just need to have…90% which are at least on sale, but you don’t have coupons for. Hey, you can’t get EVERYTHING for a deal ALL of the time. *wink*

Here’s the damage:

Full Total: $271.68

If I stopped my savings with $90.06 in sales, my total would have been: $181.62

But, by adding on $54.75 in coupons, MY total was: $126.87

How did you do this week?

Clair (Mummy Deals), Me and Jen (Mommy Instincts) at our complimentary shopping spree!

(Be sure to watch the Family Dollar Holiday Event Video)

Recently…Family Dollar made a visit to Chicago and invited me to a penthouse suite holiday event…complete with awesome appetizers, great people, gifts galore and even a car and driver! I’d like to give a shout out to Charles. What’s up?? Why did they do such an event for our Chicagoland bloggers? because we’re just cool to be around?

Family Dollar wanted to touch base with local influencers and share information with them about their stores, products, upcoming plans and holiday ideas. There to talk to us was Joshua Braverman, Public Relations Manager and Bob Giles who is in charge of DVP Hardlines. Josh informed us of Family Dollar’s charitable community connections and, on the spot, donated cases of diapers to the Bundle of Joy Diaper Bank in Chicago! Also discussed was Family Dollar’s bulk Christmas discount. Were you aware that if you spend $100 on toys at Family Dollar, they will give you an instant 10% off? How wonderful, especially for an Adopt-A-Family, Shop With A Cop or other gift buying programs! Be sure to print your coupon HERE. Since they offer 100′s of toys for $5 or $10, it would be easy to fulfill your shopping list quickly.

He also brought in a local Chicago designer (who you can see in the video above) to talk to us all about how to decorate for the holidays on a budget. The suite was festively decorated; everything being bought at a local Family Dollar store. Decor ranged from simple table settings, to lamps, to traditional items like a tree and ornaments. Though, my favorite of all was the dessert buffet. She filled and labeled hurricane glasses with candies and cookies, each with a scoop to fill take-out style boxes. We all had a good time with it and realized what a great idea it is…for ANY holiday! Wouldn’t this be pretty filled with candies for a Valentine’s Tea? *wink*

I also got a chance to discuss the Family Dollar coupon policy with Joshua. It basically states:

• They DO accept internet printables with a bar code.
• They do not double or accept competitor’s coupons.
• They DO stack coupons – meaning they will accept one manufacturer’s coupon and one Family Dollar coupon per item. For example, if Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is $1.00, you can give them a $.50 coupon from the Sunday paper AND a $.25 printable Family Dollar coupon. Therefore, you would only pay a quarter for the sauce. (Be sure to get all of your Family Dollar printable coupons HERE)

As of lately, Family Dollar has been offering a few “$5.00 off of any $25 Purchase” coupons. So, since I have never tried my hand at couponing at my particular store, it was time to give it a whirl. I was mainly curious to see how well the cashiers handle bundles of coupons; they can make or break a transaction (and shopping experience.)

I grabbed my local flyer and started making a list, matching wanted sale items with coupons that I already had. Now, the promo coupon stated that your purchase had to total at least $25 AFTER all other coupons, so I knew I was going to spend at least $20. Though, I was hoping to walk out with at least $35 worth of stuff. Here’s what I found:

• 12 big rolls Charmin Basic: $5.50 – $1.00 P&G Q = $4.50
• 6 roll Sparkle towels: sale $4.50 – $1.00 sunday Q = $3.50
• 6 roll Sparkle towels: sale $4.50 (grrr…I just noticed she didn’t ring my second $1.00 coupon) = $4.50
• 5 bar Zest soap: sale $2.25 – $1.00 P&G Q = $1.25
• 3 Friskies Party Mix: $4.50 – (3x) $1.00 Sunday Q’s = $1.50 for THREE
• Febreeze Air Effects: sale $2.50 – $1.00 P&G Q = $1.50
• Snausages: $1.00 – $1.00 Sunday Q = FREE
• 36 big rolls Charmin Basic: sale $12.50 – $1.00 P&G Q = $11.50

Total: $37.25

Coupons: $5.00/$25 + $9.00 = $14.00

Total w/tax: $25.51

Not bad considering the stipulation of the promo coupon. I did find that some of the sale items I originally went for were out of stock. Luckily, I had my coupon organizer with me so I could easily make a substitution. Besides the coupon I just realized was missed, the cashier had no problems with ringing up my coupons. In other words, I got no coupon stink eye on this trip. Will I coupon shop there again? Most likely, yes!

Thank you Family Dollar for a wonderful  party and lots of useful information. Your kindness and attention to details were very much appreciated. Happy Holidays!

Honest blogger found here: I received the event invite and gifts with no blogging obligations required. As always, 100% my opinion.

Are you ready?

I must admit, I love Halloween. I like fog machines and strobe lights and playing dress up, even if it is only for an hour and a half. I live in a busy ‘hood where we can easily hand out candy to 500 goblins, if the weather is good – 300 on a bad year. Anyway…it can get rather expensive. So, as you can imagine, I was very happy to see some printable coupons offered this year for sweet treats! Try and pair these coupons with candy that is already on sale or use them at more “discount” type stores, such as Dollar General.

At Coupons.com, there are five coupons available :

• Save $2.00 when you buy one bag Nestle Butterfinger, Crunch and Wonka Variety Bag (22 oz, 34.6 oz and 48 oz)
• Save $1.50 when you buy one bag Wonka Mix Ups (18.7 oz. and larger)
• Save $2.50 when you buy two Nestle Variety Bags (20 oz. or larger)
• Save $1.50 when you buy three Skittles, Starburst or LifeSavers lay down bags
• Save $2.00 when you buy one package Wonka Best on the Block (20 pk., 28 pk, or 40 pk.)

Hurry and print yours before you get “tricked!”