Rite Aid Cover Girl Deal Today... Rewarding Yet Complicated.

Cover Girl Deal: +Up Rewards, Sale, Coupons, AND Rebate.... Whew..

Through today, Rite Aid has all Cover Girl cosmetics Buy One, Get One 50% off. PLUS, when you spend $30 in participating P&G brands, you get $10 +Up Rewards back (limit one per person). Cover Girl is a participating brand. The $30 is a pre-coupon amount too! :)    AND! Cover Girl is also one of the brands you can use to work the current P&G Rebate found HERE.  You have to hurry though... you have until 10/31 to work this rebate.

Ok.. so if you can stick with me.. it gets a little tricky here.. but I will try to explain how I worked the Cover Girl, Rebate, +UP Rewards Rite Aid deal today. (it ends today... but it will give you an idea how to work similar deals in the future if it is too late for you to catch this one!)

Transaction one:

CG Lip Perfection:  $7.19

CG TruBlend Minerals Powder: $9.89

CG TruBlend Minerals Blush: $9.69 (then Half OFF, so really $4.84!)

CG Lip Perfection: $7.19

CG Lip Perfection: $7.19 (Then Half OFF, so really $3.59!)

Then, I used coupons:  

$8 off 2 CG

$8 off 2 CG

$1 off 1 CG

My total was $17.99 after tax!!   

My TOTAL SAVINGS were $25.45

My Total towards the rebate:  $32.70  (so even though I spent $17.99 out of pocket, I got credit for spending $32.70 because of how the receipt printed the cost of the items, and because these rebates consider the PRE COUPON amount per item.) 

AND, I got a $10 +UP reward back.

SO, Transaction 2:

CG Outlast: $10.99

CG Outlast: $8.99 ($4.49 after half off!)

CG Eyeshadow kit: $8.49

CG Lip Perfection:  $7.19 ($3.59 after half off)

CG Eye Pencil:  $5.99

CG Bronzer: $4.39 ($2.19 after half off)

Then I used Coupons:

$10+Up Rewards from Transaction 1

$8 off 2 CG

$1 off 1 CG

$1 off 1 CG

$1 off 1 CG

Total after Tax:  $14.74

I saved  $31.30!  

Total Towards the Rebate:  $35.74

Goal of the rebate is MET! 

Total out of pocket to get to the $50:  $32.73

I will get $10 back!

I bought $89.48 worth of product for $22.73 after I get my rebate check in! That totally rocks! And I am set on make up for a while now! :)

Which is great. Because I hate to admit it, but I have not bought any make up in 3 years. Sigh. So today was totally fun.. well, once you take out the whole shopping with toddlers factor! :)

Article On How Americans Waste Money... What Do You Think?

A Local News Station Posted An Article on Saving Money On Their Facebook Wall

What is Your Take?

In this time of economic hardship, it seems everyone is getting in on the buzz of saving money. Everyone is thinking about money, after all... I was a little humored to see this article pop up on a local newstation's Facebook wall...

There are some good tips. But like with most things, you HAVE to take everything you read with a grain of salt and use critical thinking.  EVEN when it comes from a newstation. Take a moment and read the article HERE.  My main issue is with point number 3 about buying generics. Who's with me on this? Who agrees that generics are usually a waste of money?  For me and mine, it is name brand all the way. I can't afford generics. Not enough coupons, rebates, or sales. Right?  

At least they were trying, right?

Oh, the tip about haggling? GREAT tip! We gently and nicely do this all the time to get better insurance rates, hotel prices, free desserts,etc at restaurants, and the list goes on.  Recently, we were at a mall where they had this "ride". Our friend's daughter wanted to go on it. She was just about a few months too young to ride it. Our friends were giving up in dismay. The child was disappointed. I stopped and asked the ride operator why the rule was in place... I wanted to know if it was a safety issue or other. Turns out the rule was there because too many kids got nervous, left the ride early, and the parents wanted refunds.  So, I haggled with the guy. I informed him that the parents would waive a right to a refund if he let the kid go on the ride. He agreed to these terms and Voila! the kid got to have a blast.. and she didn't want to leave the ride early. So, it was a win/win for everyone.  So, don't accept no, and don't accept stated terms and pricing. Be nice and chatty and work towards a common goal.  You might be surprised what that can get you.  

Any thoughts?

Interesting Half Off Groupon Featuring General Mills Products

Today's Groupon for Minneapolis/St. Paul:

$20 for $40 in General Mills Product/Shipping

Here's the deal:  Today, you can pay $20 for a box of General Mills products and coupons to be shipped to your front door.  When you make your purchase through Ebates, you will get 6% cash back. (I just got one of my BIG fat rebate checks from Ebates. I can assure you they are legit and DO mail you a depositable check!)

Here's the skinny:  IF you are NOT a couponer, this deal is excellent for you!  If you are a couponer, it is kind of MEH.  They include the cost of shipping in the $20 you pay.  They say it is $40 worth of General Mills product. Looking at what's included, I know I can coupon to get it all for the $20 or less.  Seems the inclusion of shipping and the mystery coupons are what make this deal pop!

No one seems to know what the coupons are.... I hope they are really really valuable and rare!  I went ahead and purchased this deal myself.  Once I figure in the 6% cash back and mystery coupons, this deal should be like working a coupon deal, or even better. Worst case scenario, I come out "even" as though I had worked a deal.  This Groupon saved me the time and effort of doing that, so WIN!  Best case scenario, the mystery coupons are super awesome.

Here's what's included:

SHIPPING COST

Coupons (mystery!)

• 12.8 ounce Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
• 13 ounce Reese's Puffs cereal
• 12 ounce Kix cereal
• 12.8 ounce Cascadian Farms Organic cereal
• 5.8 ounce Fiber One 90-Calorie Chewy Bars
• 5.8 ounce Hamburger Helper
• 11 ounce Green Giant Corn Niblets
• 9.5 ounce Old El Paso Tortilla Stuffers
• 5 ounce Fruit Roll-Ups
• 10.5 ounce Chex Mix Muddy Buddies snack mix
• 17.5 ounce Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie mix
• 13.7 ounce Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken dinner kit

Interested in this deal? They say they have limited quantities and THOUSANDS of folks have already purchased, so grab yours fast!

Want to get 6% cash back? Go through Ebates HERE.  It is easy to sign up and new members get some sort of bonus.  Once you are registered, etc. search Groupon on the top right. THEN, once you have found Groupon, change city (very small next to whatever city popped up for you) to Minneapolis/St. Paul. IF it is not the main Groupon that pops up, look to the right.

Want to do the deal straight through Groupon? Go HERE to do the Groupon.  Again, search Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Who is going to snag this deal?

You Can Get Freebies and Coupons Pro Actively!

Shh! Big Insider Tip...

You CAN Get Coupons or Even Freebies

Just By Seeking Out Your Fave Companies/Products!

I didn't realize this was even possible... seeking out and getting coupons and such from companies when they weren't doing freebies or coupons..  Then, I saw Couponing to Disney's 5 a Day Mailing Campaign.  Some days, she will highlight several companies and include their contact info for you. Then, you are supposed to send the company an email.  Thank them for a promotion. Compliment them on their company/product. Gush about your love for the product, etc. 

Be genuine. Don't necessarily ask for a coupon or freebies. Be polite. If you have a concern or genuine complaint, let them know nicely.  If you have the "option" of putting your mailing address, DO THAT. You NEVER know what will show up in your mailbox as a result.

For example, I wrote Kelloggs a lovely, genuine email thanking them for all their movie ticket and concession cash promotions last year.  Thanks to them, my husband and I got to have a FREE date on our anniversary.  We each got FREE Movie tickets, and a total of $20 in Concession Cash.  All thanks to a deal I worked to get about 10 boxes of specially marked Kelloggs cereals for around $9 out of pocket.  I thanked them for my anniversary date with my husband. 

In response, they sent me SEVERAL vouchers for FREE Kelloggs items, up to $5 in value ea.  I used these to get Special K Protein Shakes. (Yes, these did Beep for me at the check out, but the vouchers said ANY KELLOGGS brand item, and Special K is Kelloggs, so the store took it no problem.)

My point is that if you seek out the emails of the companies and products you love, you might be surprised by what shows up in the mailbox at home.  Another friend of mine does this when her printer is out of ink. She just starts mailing companies and requesting mailed coupons.

Do NOT say "You sent my friend freebies and I want some too." That is off putting.

Want to start the way I did with Kelloggs? Go HERE and look on the right where it says Request More Information and follow their steps.   

I took the time to link it, so please let me know what response you get!! :)  

Good Luck! Let us know which companies send out freebies, etc!

Today's FREE App of the Day is Perfect for Us!

Hurry and Get Today's FREE App of the Day

From Amazon's AppStore:

Mighty Grocery Shopping List

You have 6 hrs left to go HERE and get your freebie.  This Mighty Grocery Shopping List app will cost $3 tomorrow.  With this app, you can make detailed shopping lists, scan barcodes, and even keep up with recipes. ALSO, you can keep track of your coupons with this app. Pretty nifty!

This just might be one of the best apps for us! I hope it is as good as it says it is!! I grabbed mine, so I can't wait to test it out.

Target Trip..Plus Bonus Surprise Coupons!

Quick Run To Target For a Few Necessities

AND

Hooray for Surprise Coupons!

Today's trip to Target was not a "Full Run", but rather a "we need just a few things" trip. I found some good deals AND I got bonus coupons in specially marked packages of stuff I was needing to buy anyway! Hooray for rolling the savings forward in unexpected ways.  

Here are the highlights:

I needed toilet paper. I had stackable coupons for Charmin.  These coupons took $1.25 off the pack I bought and made the pack slightly more than 25c a regular roll. My stock up price is 25c per regular roll. This pack was on sale AND was specially marked to contain bonus coupons inside on "brands you love".  I thought, ok, I like P&G, so let's do it. Here is what I found inside my toilet paper pack:  

• $1 off Charmin Mega Roll
• $1 off ANY Charmin Freshmates (Find a Travel size and it will be FREE!)$1`
• $5 off Align
• $1 off 3 Pringles Super Stack
• $1 off Metamucil
• Buy 1 Gillette Deodorant, GET 1 Body Wash FREE (exc Trial Size)
• $1 off 2 Pringles Snack Stack or Stix
• $1 off any Dawn Hand Renewal Dish Soap (hello FREE at drugstores!)
• $1 off Zest, Ivory, or Safeguard body wash, bar or hand soap (can we say free?)
•  $1 off Olay Body Wash or Body Lotion
• BOGO Old Spice.. it says Fresh Collection, Invisible Solid, or Body Spray, Get one Body Spray Free. It shows the Body WASH though.. so maybe a typo??
• $2 Off Gillette Body Wash (exc trial)
• $1 off Bounce Dryer Bar
• $1 off CASCADE! Super woot! this is a rare one.
• $2 off any 2 Old Spice Red Zone, Odor Blocker, or Dry Skin Defense Body Wash (this picture shows a deodorant.. weird huh?)
• $1 off Bounty Either 6 roll paper towels or 2 any size paper towels, OR any size napkins. (Hello 50c ea rolls of paper towels!)
•  
• These Expire 6/30/13!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, even if you find the Charmin TP to be just barely over the stock up price, snag a pack if you like these special coupons as much as I do.  DISCLAIMER.. I have no way to know if these coupons are the same in ea pack.


Nutrigrain Bars:  Buy 4, Get the 5th FREE this week.  They are $2.99/pack at my local Target.  There are also SPECIALLY MARKED Boxes that have "Save $5 on Breakfast" coupons included.  There are 3 different sets of coupons and one set is randomly put inside ea box.  They are numbered "1 of 3" or whatever.   They have save $1 off 2 boxes of Kelloggs coupons, $1 off 2 Nutrigrain bars, coupons for Silk, Juice, Eggs, Produce, etc.  I LOVE using these coupons to get cereal for as low as 75c a box when I pair them with store coupons or drugstore sales.  Anyway, here is what I did:
Buy 4 Nutrigrain specially marked boxes at $2.99 ea.  Get a 5th box free. Used 2 $1 off 2 coupons.  = $10 for 5 boxes of Nutrigrain bars, or $2 a box.  That is a good price on those. BUT, now, I have more coupon books!! :)



Other Cheap Deals today:
Kandoo Flushable Wipes-  Used a $1 off manuf coupon = 42c!
Kandoo Flushable Wipes- Used a $1 off manuf coupon = 42c!
Circo Socks-  50c a pair for cute non-skid sole socks
Pink Pants (Circo)- On Clearance for $2.25. Used $1 off Circo Target Coupon = $1.25!
Earth's Best Organic Crackers for Baby-  $1.37 ea on sale. Used a $1 off 2 manuf coupon= 2 boxes at 87c each box!
Kids' Suave 3 in 1 Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner- The BIG size- $2.79-75c Target Q= $2.04.  Not such a wonderful price, but the kids are out. Bummer. Shame on me, right?? Funny.
Paul Frank Astronaut Monkey Napkins- was $3, I paid 75c on clearance. These are fun and will be great for Father's day!

4 Animal Puzzles Set for Pre-Schoolers- on clearance for $1.98 (and, it is environmentally friendly! It used vegetable dyes for the coloring, and is 100% biodegradable for quick degradation. Woot!)

In case I haven't said it yet this week.. I LOVE TARGET!

Easy to Snag Deals at CVS

My Weekly Trip To CVS

A Little Late in the Week.. But I Still Worked Some Easy Deals!

Unfortunately, the way this week worked out, I got to CVS way late in the week.  Therefore, they were out of a lot of the things I wanted to do deals on.  Namely, they were sold out of the Airwick I Motions I wanted to buy (and use coupons and Extra Bucks to get paid to own) and put on Ebay this week. :( You win some, you lose some.  I am still considering this trip a win!

What's the first rule of CVS shopping?? Always scan your card at the coupon kiosk.  It is a magical thing, this kiosk and I love it.  Today, it gave me $1 off 2 Cadbury Eggs, and $2 off my whole purchase!

Here's what I ended up buying:

Kelloggs Fruit Loops- On sale for $1.66

Kelloggs Apple Jacks- On sale for $1.66

Kelloggs Raisin Bran - $1.66

Kelloggs Raisin Bran-  $1.66

(the limit on the cereal is 4 at $1.66)

Cadbury Egg- on sale for 75c

Cadbury Egg- on sale for 75c

10.9 oz Easter M&Ms-On Sale for $1.97

10.9 oz Easter M&Ms- $1.97

THen, I used the following coupons

- $2 off 2 Easter M&Ms Manuf Q (making them 97c ea!)

-$1 off 2 Cadbury Eggs CVS Q (making them 25c ea!)

-$1 off 2 Kelloggs Cereals Manuf Q (making them $1.16 ea!)

-$1 off 2 Kelloggs Cereals Manuf Q ($1.16 ea box I bought after two coupons!)

-$2 CVS Magical Kiosk Coupon!

Total SPENT Out of Pocket:  $5.72

Total SAVED in Coupons:  $7

Total SAVED in Coupons and Circular Sales:  $21.70.

Total Items Bought: 8

Total Coupons Used:  5

You can really do this. A little bit at the time, and easily!  I saved 79% off my total buy working sales with coupons!  Taking the sales prices out, I saved 55% just figuring my pre coupon total vs my post coupon total.

Because I Love a Good Giveaway... And Target...

I Am Announcing a Special Target Giveaway Worth $45+

But First a Mini Tip....

 A big part of what I do is in the form of social marketing and networking of sorts.  Everywhere I go with my Bargain Binder, I go with as pleasant of an attitude as I can muster on any particular day.  You can go armed with a frown and the official coupon policy, but that will only get you so far.. and usually you will have to fight harder to use your coupons/deals according to the store's official policy.  A smile makes it oh so much easier.  When you are going to frequent a store or business... do so in such a way that gets you a good reputation.  Coupon with integrity and a smile and it will get you much further and make getting the deals that much easier.

I try to make friendly acquaintances out of the employees where I love to shop. I am on a first name basis with many of the managers at my local Target. I LOVE my Target! (On the flip side, there are two folks that I know to avoid bc they do NOT like the couponers and always throw a frown or attitude....but overall, if you coupon with integrity, they are really great at Target)

Some of the employees at Target have even told me they are couponing now after seeing my binder.  I will have a nice talk with the managers and employees when they have questions. AND, I am always trying to sell products to fellow shoppers.. I am always like "WAIT! Don't get that one, get this one. Here's a coupon that makes it free!"   I have actually been offered a job at my local Target twice now in the past year and a half bc of my knowledge of products, location, policies, and my enthusiasm that I share with other shoppers!  

Anyway. When you walk in with a Bargain Binder, you are going to get noticed. Let them notice your smile first. That is one of the BIGGEST parts of couponing you can ever learn.

This is how I am able to offer this particular giveaway.

I was talking with one of the managers I have come to recognize and casually chat with.  Most of the managers smile when I walk in, and they even know when I am missing a kid (I shop with all my kids sometimes) and which kid I am missing! They say things like "You are usually the smiley child.. what's wrong today?"  In other words, they know us!   So, I was talking with one manager that I have come to know a little and that has come to know me a little...

She mentioned she got moved to be over the Pharmacy part time now.  I perked up here. I asked her about those ELUSIVE Magical Pharmacy Coupon Books.... I wanted to know if they had those, knew about those, or even knew how to get one.  

For those of you that don't know what I am talking about, these Coupon Books have more than $45 in savings. All the coupons in the booklet are TARGET coupons which means they are stackable with Manufacturer's coupons!  You can get cheap and free product with this booklet. They are also rare and somewhat hard to come by. I have never seen one with my own eyes before...

Until last week!!   This manager said "Oh yes! I have some. Would you like some?"  Yes, she said "some".  

So... since you hung through the story... drum roll.... 

I HAVE A TARGET PHARMACY COUPON BOOK WORTH MORE THAN $45 TO GIVE AWAY!!!!!!!

That is BIG news! I am so excited about this!  I was given one to keep, one to give away on the blog, and one to give away to a friend. 

These coupons are really great. There are coupons for everything from Allegra, Claritin, Listerine, Quaker Oatmeal, etc.  I am really digging the $3 off 20-ct Excedrin coupon.  This makes Excedrin about 59c without having a manuf coupon to stack with!   Also, there is an offer for a FREE $10 Target Gift Card When You purchase or transfer a new prescription.  Interestingly enough, there is $1 off 2 Hormel Natural Choice Deli Meats Coupon.. not complaining, but this seems to be an odd Pharmacy coupon.. 

So, to see exactly what the coupons are... you need to win it! 

Let's do a giveaway:

To ENTER:  Leave a Comment under this post.  If you are a seasoned couponer, share a tip for the beginners.. help them avoid our growing pains! :)   If you are a newbie, leave a comment about what you like about Target.

The winner will be chosen at random on Friday at 5PM and announced this weekend on the blog. You MUST claim this prize by Wednesday, April 20. These coupons expire in the beginning of June, so if you win and do NOT email me at couponcouture@gmail.com to claim your prize by Wednesday April 20, I will have to announce a new winner the next day. Sorry, but these coupons are too awesome to let expire without use! :)

Good luck! And give Target a looksey next time you have coupons and need to go shopping!

Get Target coupons HERE.. print yours and also sign up for exclusive mobile Q's sent straight to your phone!

**Maintaining a positive relationship with employees and keeping your integrity with a smile not only got me a few of these coveted Target coupon books, but also, it sometimes gets me the CVS circular Tuesdays before it comes out on Sundays... You just never know how far a good attitude will take you.. make the employees your partners not adversaries in the whole couponing thing!!

Bargain Puzzler of the Week: When the Cost is the Same, Does it Matter Where You Buy?

Bargain Puzzler of the Week:

Another Lesson in Changing Your Perspective

Let's say you need Pampers. Let's say that multiple places have them on sale for the same price. Does it matter where you buy them?

 

A local drugstore has Pampers for $8. Your fave big store like Target has the same pack for $8. Online has them for $8, shipped.  

Do You:

A. Buy them at the drugstore

B. Buy them at Target

C. Buy them online

D. It Doesn't matter

E. It Depends. 

The answer is E. It depends.  Not all same priced items really are the same price, all things considered.

IF you are truly going to pay the same out of pocket expense at any location, there are a few factors to consider when making your final decision on where to buy.

• Can you use a reusable shopping bag and get 5c back, like at Target?
• What is the convenience worth? If all the places have the same out of pocket expense, why not buy them online and get the dropped at your front door? Or can you go through Ebates, etc and get cash back from shopping online?
• Can you make other purchases at the drugstore and roll your transaction for even less out of pocket?

You have to decide for yourself when it looks like multiple stores have the same price on something you need. Rarely is the same price really the same price when you are a couponer.

My best advice, especially if you want to buy Pampers out right without couponing or dealing?  Buy them at the drugstore.  Why? I have found that drugstores are the place to buy Jumbo pack diapers when they are the same cost BECAUSE I have had great luck finding extra coupons inside the packs of diapers when I buy the Pampers at the drugstore.

This is also my tip of the week: when you are buying diapers, especially Pampers, feel along the sides of the diapers/pull ups.  If you feel something a bit more rigid or card-stocky inside the pack, SCORE! You just might get home to find a $1 off any Kandoo (which makes them about 49c a pack at Target), or $1 off Tide, etc coupon!  The packages are not usually marked that they include a coupon. I am the weird lady at the drugstore feeling up all the Pampers, just in case... But I have had great luck doing so from time to time.  (Other items than diapers can have unexpected coupons, peelies, rebates, etc attached in a drugstore.. I find that to be the case more often than in a traditional store. Keep an eye out!)

Does it matter where you buy your diapers or other items when they are the same price multiple locations? It can. IF you are willing to look at the bucks deals or feel the packaging up in the drugstores. Or if you are willing to look for cash back perks online. Or, if you are tired and want the convenience of buying that item when you are already in a store. That way you wont be tempted to spend more money on other deals you may find if you go to more than one store. The more locations you go to, the possibility of being tempted by more deals.  (which can be good or bad, depending!)

March Giveaways! First Week is All About Baby

March Giveaways:

Week 1

All About Baby!

March is going to be a blast on the blog.  Every week I will be hosting a giveaway. This week you can snag a prize pack that is all about baby!  

How to Enter:
Leave me a comment here about a bargain you have found, what you like about the blog, or what you want to see on the blog. Or, leave a comment about what you would like to win in a giveaway here!

That's it. Just leave a comment on this post.

Here's What You Might Win:

GYMBOREE Coupon for 20% OFF Your ENTIRE Purchase! 

(Valid online and in Gymboree Stores. Not Outlets. Exp. March 20)

Sample of EARTH's BEST ORGANIC INFANT FORMULA 

Plus $3 off coupon for Earth's Best. Coupon Exp 12/31, Formula Exp Oct 2011

DESITIN Rapid Relief Creamy Diaper Rash Cream, 2 oz size

Friday night I will pick the winner randomly.  I will post the winner on the blog. IF YOU WIN, PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL (couponcouture@gmail.com) with your mailing information so I can send the prize pack to you.

Only one entry per person, per week for the March Giveaways, please.




  

Go Grab a Copy or Two of Yesterday's Paper if You Can!

Did You Get a Paper Yesterday?

If Not, Can You Get a Discounted Copy Today?

Go Grab One or Two.

Ok, if you did get a paper yesterday, especially in our area, you may have noticed the coupons were a little on the light side.  HOWEVER, on the back of the Red Plum Insert in my paper, there were several really good coupons for Mc Donald's.  They even included two coupons for FREE, no purchase necessary, Fruit and Maple Oatmeals!

  These coupons expire March 27th.  IF you like the oatmeal, and most locations offer to make it without maple upon request, then this is a really great coupon for you and will justify the purchase of the day old paper, should you find a place that sells them.

Other coupons for Mc D's include:

2 coupons for Get a FREE Oatmeal WYB any Med Beverage

2 coupons for Get a FREE MED Fries and a FREE MED Soft Drink or Tea WYB any Angus Third Pounder.

So, you will get 6 very valuable coupons.  IF you bought a paper yesterday, make sure to clip these out!

Also, there are rumors of some Target coupons in select areas.  I didn't see any of these in my paper.

Printable Old Navy Coupon

$5 Off $25 at Old Navy

Head on over to Old Navy's Facebook page HERE and "Like" Old Navy if you don't already. Then, look at Barker's Bones tab, and click to print out your own $5 off $25 at Old Navy coupon!  If you have the Gap or Old Navy Visa card and shop on a Tuesday, they might even let you take your special card holder discount on top of this coupon.  Read the terms of the coupon and just ask in-store if the offers can be combined. Sometimes they will, sometimes they wont. Either way, 20% off $25 is a good deal!

Word on the blogs is that a lot of stores have some nice clearance type events going on as well!

Happy Shopping 

Gatti Town Deals

One of My Youngest "Readers" Requested Gatti Town Deals

I Need Your Help!

One of my long time friends is a reader here.  She is pretty frugal and totally rocks the Kroger deals in her area.  Well, she was driving around town and happened to go past the local Gatti Town (think like Chuck E. Cheese).  Her 4-yr old piped up that she wanted to go to Gatti Town. My friend said, "Not today." The 4-yr old says, "Oh, we don't have coupons for Gatti Town today?" (Smart Girl!)  My friend replies that they do not. So, the precious little angel says  "Mom, ask Miss Lahni for some coupons."

Aww! I have a reputation even among the babies! :)  Sweet!! 

So, I am on a mission. I cannot let this little girl down.  Only, I have searched high and low and even on Ebay and cannot find any current deals/coupons for this sweetheart! 

In this instance, I highly recommend contacting GattiTown directly and requesting some coupons.  Send a sweet email about how much you love their establishment, etc. Go HERE to send your email.  Be sure to give them your email and home address and tell them they can contact you. You never know, hopefully they will send you something for your time, effort, and nice words! 

AND, also do what I am doing: Implore your friends for help!  Does anyone have any coupons or ideas on where to get some? I am going to stay on this until I find something to send that angel! I can't let my youngest "reader" down, don't you know!

Target's Great Save Event Markdowns

Target's Great Save Event Items on Clearance

Hurry, These Items Go Fast. 

And, Yes, You CAN Use Your Coupons!

I don't often recommend buying items in bulk.  These are tricky. They look like they are saving you money, but they really are wasting your opportunities to use your coupons.  For example, if you buy a bulk item that is like buying 3 of that item, you need to make sure that it is still way cheaper than it would have been had you been able to put 3 coupons (or 6 if you are stacking your coupons) on that purchase.  Most of the time, the savings on the bulk items fall well below the savings on buying the same items as individuals when you use coupons. 

HOWEVER, right now, Target is marking their Great Save Event items 30-50% or more off the original cost. As with just about everything else, YOU CAN USE COUPONS on top of the savings. In several instances, and especially if you are low on some items, it is worth it this week to buy the bulk items.  For example, I bought a Quaker Instant Oatmeal bulk pack from the Great Save Event in my Target.  It was originally $4.64. It was marked down to $3.94. Then, I used stacked coupons for another $2.50 off. So, I got 22 packs of Oatmeal for $1.44.  That isn't the best deal I have ever gotten on oatmeal, but it was pretty darned close.  

Also, some of you asked me about Women's Shaving Cream deals. They have the 3 packs of shaving cream in the Great Save Event area for 50% off right now. IF you don't have a coupon, and are not able to work some Extra Buck or other rewards deals at other drugstores to fund your shaving cream, this is a quick and easy way to get a decent enough price on shaving cream.  So, go to Target before they sell out!  IF it sticks around, look for it to go 75% off soon.  I have noticed that items rarely go more than 75% off before going to salvage, so if you ever see something you want/need at Target and it is 75% off, go ahead and snag it.

Coupon with Integrity and Stand Firm Against the Shenanigans

Even a Seasoned Couponer Who Is a Store Regular

Will Come Across "That" Cashier From Time to Time

I always try to coupon with integrity. Also, I try my hardest to be kind and patient with newer cashiers that are not as well versed in their store's coupons or coupon policy as other cashiers may be.  When you shop in a store and have a big 3-ringed binder full of coupons with you, you tend to get pretty well known. This is especially true when you are a regular of that store.  So, I work hard to develop and maintain a reputation for being straight-forward and honest in my deal seeking ways.  I also try to have a reputation for friendliness too.  Even so, sometimes I come across a cashier who is not so knowledgeable about the whole couponing thing and will still try to make you feel like a criminal of sorts for getting such good deals. They even try to bully you into getting less of a deal by making all kinds of "we don't accept x, y, z" claims.  

When this happens, as it did to me today, you have to stand firm and take comfort in the fact that you are NOT a criminal. You HAVE developed an honest and forthright reputation. And, you KNOW the store' s coupon policy forwards and backwards and even have it on you when you shop.

This is what happened today:

I went in to do my weekly shopping run at my Target. I love my Target. The managers there all know me now. When certain cashiers see me get into their line, they smile. When they are done ringing me up, they write down the total before they scan my coupons. They get almost as excited as I do to see how much money I save.  Today, I did not see any of my fave cashiers. I chose a friendly looking lady to check me out.

The main issue occurred when I went to work a deal on a sale item today.  The sale was that when you bought this item, you would get a $5 Target Gift Card FREE.  **A NOTE: Sometimes Target cashiers will tell you it takes 24 hrs for the promotional gift card to activate. This is another form of shenanigans. They tell you this so that you won't break up your transactions and roll gift card deals into each other. Shame, shame! You can turn around and use your promotional gift card on the very next transaction you make 90% of the time or even 100% of the time. ** Ok, so the sale was buy this item, get a $5 Target gift card FREE.  Then, I had a Target Coupon that stated that when you bought the item, you would get a FREE greeting card of your choice, up to $3 value. Also, I had a Manufacturer's Coupon for $4 off the item. 

Now, the Official Target Coupon Policy is that you can put a Target Coupon and a Manufacturer's Coupon on one item, "stacked" together. It does NOT matter if the item is on sale for the week or not.  Theoretically, you can put one Target and one Manufacturer's coupon on the purchase of every single item in your shopping cart, if you have those coupons.  This is THEIR POLICY. When you shop and make purchases using coupons according to their policy, you are not doing anything wrong. You are not trying to pull a fast one on them. Any cashier that makes you feel like that should be reported immediately. 

This is what happened to me: The cashier rang my items. The gift card drawer popped open, per the weekly sale, to prompt the cashier to give me my $5 gift card. She did. I handed her the coupon for $4 from the manufacturer. I handed her the Target coupon to make the greeting card free. The computer has a sort of glitch from time to time. Sometimes, for no good reason, it will beep at the cashier instead of taking the coupon. In these instances, the cashier has to confirm that you bought the right item(s) according to the coupon fine print. Then, they manually override the computer to give you the right discount.  The two coupons I handed the cashier made the computer beep. Sigh.  So, the cashier looks at the coupons and informs me this happened just yesterday when another lady tried to make the same purchases with the same coupons. Ok, great. So, she knew to override the coupons, then right? Wrong.

Ready for this? She told me to PICK ONE COUPON to use. Either the free card one or the $4 off one. I said, "No, that's ok. I will use both. Thanks though."  She insisted I had to choose one. I told her that one was a manufacturer's coupon and one was a Target coupon. That the coupons were even technically for two different items. That I was legitimate in my use of them and I was more than happy to show her the store's coupon policy.  I stayed polite and friendly.  She responded that she already knew the coupon policy. I begged to differ and offered it to her again. At this point, I am requesting the manager on duty by name. You know, just so I can make sure I understand the policy too. 

Another cashier walks up, curious. And she looks at my coupons and says the problem is that they are both manufacturer's coupons. Although I am now annoyed another inexperienced cashier is playing buttinsky, I calmly flip the coupon over and show her the bold printed words "TARGET COUPON".  Finally, my fave manager walks up. I tell her I am causing trouble. She chuckles. She hears the cashier's argument. She hears my POV. She tells the cashier I am totally right. (DUH) and tells the cashier to override the coupons. (DUH)  The cashier said NO!!! Can you believe that nonsense? She starts saying all this stuff about couponers trying to get away with stuff and how she isn't going to lose her job over a $4 coupon and that the manager can enter the coupon herself if she wants to take responsibility for letting it go through.  So, the manager entered the coupon in.

Trying to further prove that she understands how to coupon and such, as the cashier continued ringing up my items, she took a peelie coupon worth 50 cents off one of my items, said, "Here, see??!" and scanned it. I sighed. I said, "Please take that coupon off and hand it back to me. I left it on the package because the coupon I have for that item expires sooner and is for $1 instead of 50 cents. Thanks so much for looking out for me though."

What an experience today was at Target.  

The point here is that you have to learn the store you shop in's coupon policy. It is smart to even carry it with you. Always be polite, but stand firm.  This cashier was trying to block a legitimate $7 in savings I had in those coupons.  Just coupon with integrity, without being a bully about it or trying to pull fast ones. Get to know cashiers and managers by name. Things will go much more smoothly.  Every now and then, you will get challenged or bullied like I was today.  But, you know what? I held my head high as I walked out of there having saved about $60.

And yes, I did thank the girl for her patience and for helping us figure out the coupon thing.  Throwing a fit or causing a scene might have felt good for half a second, but it would not have gotten my deal worked out.  But, don't think I wont write a nicely worded email to corporate should I have more of these encounters.

"Out of Stock" When an Item is on Sale Can Be Good News

If a Store Offers Rain Checks on Sale Items, 

You Could be in Luck, Big Time, When Items are Out of Stock

I was lamenting the "out of stock" classification of the Edy's Ice Cream at all the local Rite Aid Stores. They were on sale BIG TIME this past week. After you worked the deal by buying 6 of the normally pricey ice cream, you would get enough "UP/Register Rewards" (like Extra Bucks, or "dollars" to spend at Rite Aid on just about anything you want to buy. Think of the RR, or UPs as mini gift cards) to make buying 6 Edy's cost a total of 99cents. OR, 16.5 cents EACH!  

So, as soon as the stores opened last Sunday, Rite Aids everywhere SOLD OUT of the ice cream. My own personal coupon diva says "Yeah. But you got your rain check for the sale/deal, right?"  Oh. Yeah. Rain check. DUH! How did I forget to ask for one of those? SO, I went back and got my rain check. This means that I can get the same pricing, sales, deals, and rewards if I can find the ice cream in stock at any Rite Aid within the next 30 days.  Great!  I made sure to tell them I needed 6 of the Edy's included in the rain check. 

Why is it a good thing to get an item rain checked?

1. You now have 30 days to find the ice cream.. and any possible coupons to make the deal even better. 
2. You now have 30 days to work other Rite Aid deals as cheaply as possible to get UP/Register Rewards to pay for the ice cream.  (The ice cream deal works where you pay about $18 out of pocket and get $17 back in UP/Register Rewards. The goal is to roll the rewards into each other so you can have the least amount of out of pocket expense as possible.  If you are buying the ice cream without any ice cream coupons or RR to pay for it with, it is still a good deal to buy. Especially if you need shampoo, milk, any other items that the drug store may sell. You would buy your ice cream first, then take the coupons for the other items you need to buy anyway and the RR you just got from the icecream, and you would use all that to pay for the items you needed. The idea here is that you could spend $18 out of pocket getting things you need like diapers, milk, whatever. OR, you could spend $18 out of pocket, roll your transactions into each other and get the diapers, milk whatever AND all that lovely ice cream! 
3. You might be able to roll even more transactions depending on the deals of the week when you do find the ice cream in stock.

If you have the time and patience, or even good luck, catching a mega deal/sale like this in rain check form can work out much better for you than those folks that got up super early last Sunday when the deal started and ran out to buy out all that ice cream.  All you have to do is look at the situation and scenarios critically and creatively and you can really really get some major bang for your buck.

Just make sure you keep up with that rain check!!

*The deal I am alluding to is an ice cream deal from last week. The lesson applies to any really great deal. Some deals the stores will not issue a Rain Check for. Just ask. The worst they will do is say "Nope, sorry." 
**The deal was Pay $2.99 for Edy's Ice Cream, get $2 back in rewards.  THEN, it was on a page that had a headline of "Get $5 rewards back when you spend $15 in the participating brands below".  SO, you buy 6 ice creams. You spend $18. You get $2 x 6 back because of the ice cream deal. So, $12 back right there. BUT you spent $18 in participating products (that is more than the $15 required), so you get another $5 back. Your total back after spending $18 is $17 for 6 ice creams!

Short CVS Trip

Ten Minutes, 43 Cents Spent, and a Free Gallon Of Milk Later..

This week my CVS trip was very short and sweet. I ended up going tonight instead of last night. And, I only had about ten minutes to dash in real quick. Life happened this week, and has kind of thrown everything off a bit.

When I went to Target this week, they were OUT OF MILK! How does that happen??!  

So, I decided to dash in to CVS tonight and use my $3.99 in EB from last week to get a gallon of milk.  When I went to check out, I 60cents short of being able to get the full value of $3.99 out of my EB. The milk was on sale and came out to be about $3.35 or so. I grabbed some half off Wrigley's gum and called it good. After the tax on my freebies, I owed CVS 43 cents. Bummer. Bummer because I didnt have any cash or change on me at all.. what am I thinking this week! So, 43 cents went on my credit card. 

Anyway! I was sure glad to get free milk this week. Yay! Put the 43 cents with the almost $78 at Target, and the $13 I spent at Harry and David on some gourmet treats (I saved $20 at H&D!), and I spent roughly $92-ish for the week. My weekly food, grocery, necessity budget is $120.  Hooray for saving money.  Even if you only do a small 10 minute deals dash, like my CVS run, it all adds up and "counts"! 

On the sad note, I missed my opportunity to snag the circular that starts next week. Sorry about that! I will try to get the next one on Tuesday so you guys will know if/when to use those coupons at CVS.

Highlights From My Weekly Target Run

I Saved More than $40, and Only Spent $77.36

Stacking Coupons Really Made a Difference

I am going to save you from the tedious posting of the entire receipt. Instead, I am going to post my best deals from last night and a description of how I worked them.  Hopefully, this will show how I implement my coupon philosophy so you can see how your coupons could be helping you work deals for the things you need, too.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Wash-

I found a special purchase deal of Buy 1 Johnson's Head to Toe 9Fl oz Baby Wash, get a BONUS 4 fl oz Baby Bubble Bath and Wash bundled with it for FREE.  This set was only $1.97! I bought two of these sets, and used a $2 off 2 Johnson's Baby Items manuf coupon. So, the bundled sets came out to be BOGO.  I paid $1.97, and got 2 Head to Toe Washes, and 2 Baby Bubble Bath and Washes.

Valentine M&M Heart Tins-

97 c each. I bought two and used a $1 off any 2 Valentine Mars products.  So, the M&M Heart Tins were BOGO.

Kraft Heart Shaped Marshmallows- 

I bought two at $1.19 each and used a 50c off 2 coupon. = 94 cents each pack. 

Sun Maid Raisin 18 ct Box Snack Packs-

On sale for $1.68 each, I bought two for $3.36, and used a $1 off 2 manuf coupon = $1.18 ea pack 

Cool Whip-

99c ea pack, bought two and used a 50c off 2 Target coupon = 75c ea

Yoplait 4 pack of Splitz-

On Sale for $2.19, I had a 50c off Manuf coupon = 42 cents each yogurt cup

*Pediasure Sidekicks 4 pack-

They were $6.99 for a 4 pack.  I had a manuf coupon for $5 off, so I paid $1.99. BUT, there is a rebate for these. I am going to submit my receipt for a $6.99 check. When that comes in, I will have made an easy $5 to own these.   Go HERE for the rebate info.

*OLAY Bar of Soap-

97c ea.   I bought one bar. I had a coupon for $2 off any 1 Olay lotion, soap, or wash.  At the checkout, I told the cashier as she was scanning that I had that coupon and that we would probably have to value the coupon down to 97 cents. (Whenever you spend less than the face value of the coupon, the computer usually rejects the coupon and the cashier will have to manually value override the coupon down to actual cost, so you get the item free.)  When the cashier scanned the coupon, it went in without any problems. SO! I got PAID $1.03 to take the Olay Soap home with me!  Always do these transactions with integrity. I informed the cashier ahead of time, and the computer took the full value. So, it was a win for me. But usually, I take the soap at "free" and they value the coupon down. The computer liked me I guess.

Nabisco Crackers-

I had stacked coupons for this. I had $1 off 2 Nabisco Crackers Manuf. Coupon, and a $1 off 2 Nabisco Crackers Target coupon. I put them together. Then, I looked for Nabisco (full sized) crackers that were $1.99 on sale. I bought Chicken Biscuit ones and "Saltines".  Stacking the coupons made the crackers BOGO, or $1 ea box.

**Note, these coupons caused confusion in my cashier. She scanned the manuf one and it beeped at her and said I was missing an item. Of course, I wasn't. This happens sometimes.  So, she read the coupon as I started looking for the Nabisco brand boxes to show her I did indeed have the items on the coupon. She told me "See, these are for Ritz. You didn't buy Ritz."  I had to be really nice and slowly explain to her that the coupon reads "Any Nabisco Cracker, excludes individual size." and that the company just chose to put the picture of Ritz crackers on the coupon. She had to read the coupon a few times, then finally "got it".  Just smile and wait patiently when this happens. One lane over, my regular cashier was quietly chuckling. She was on break when I got to the registers, otherwise I would have gone straight to her!

Oscar Mayer Hotdogs-

On sale for $1.99 ea pack, I bought two and used a $1 off 2 Target coupon= $1 ea pack

Kelloggs Cereal-

One of my fave deals of the night. 

I bought:

• Special K Vanilla Almond on sale for $2.50 and Special K Granola for $3.29. I used a $1.00 off 2 Special K products Target Coupon, =$4.79, or $2.40 ea box. 
• Crispix for $2.50, and Frosted Berry Filled Miniwheats for $2.50. I used a $1 off 2 manuf coupon. =$4 for both, or $2 ea box. 
• Kelloggs Crunchy Nut NEW cereal   FREE (-$2.50) WYB ANY Kelloggs  Target Coupon= FREE
• Kelloggs Crunchy Nut NEW cereal  FREE (-$2.50) WYB ANY Kelloggs Target Coupon = FREE
• $3 off ANY Produce WYB 3 Kelloggs cereals manuf coupon

So, my total out of pocket pairing the manuf coupons with the Target coupons was $8.80 for 6 boxes of cereal. That means I spent $1.47 per box of Kelloggs cereal.   I do lump all these coupons, etc like this because the coupons I had only got me this huge of a discount when I worked the deal and bought all the items together.  IF You want to take into consideration I got $4 worth of Strawberries for $1 after the $3 off produce coupon I used, you could say it was like paying $5.80 for 6 boxes of cereal, since I wanted to buy the strawberries anyway. IF you want to figure the math that way, it was like spending 97 cents per box of Kelloggs. A great deal either way you want to consider it..

**My cashier, bless her, she had issues with my Special K cereal coupon. She told me I only got 1 Special K cereal and couldn't use the coupon. Because, according to her, even though it is on the same aisle and shelf and packaging, my Special K Granola (my fave cereal) is not cereal. It is GRANOLA. Huh? I had to gently talk to her about that one too.

Yoplait Yogurt Cups-

These were on sale 10 for $5.50.  I bought 10. I used a 50 cents off 10 Target coupon. I used a 50 cents off 8 manuf coupon. Then, since I had 2 more yogurts that did not have a manuf coupon attached to them.. (bc each item you buy at Target, you can put one manuf and one Target coupon on) I used a FREE cup of yogurt coupon I had received from Yoplait, so that was another 55c off.  

Ok-  $5.50 for ten cups, minus 50 c Target, minus 50 c manuf, minus 55 cents manuf = $ 3.95 or about 40 cents ea cup of yogurt.

And, Finally, I worked the TGI Friday's/Totinos Buy 3, Get 1 Free deal.

I bought two TGI Fridays Frozen foods at $2.75 each. I bought 2 Totino's Pizza Rolls at $1.44 ea. I used a 40 cents off 2 Totino's rolls manuf coupon.  Then, a Pizza Roll was free, per the in-store special. So, 8.38 for all four, minus $1.44, minus 40c = $6.54 for four easy lunches, or $1.64 each.

It was a pretty straight-forward coupon run. I am so thrilled I got paid to own the Olay. The Kelloggs deal was just in time, bc we were pitifully low on cereal. Also, I needed to get some Johnson's Head to Toe Wash. I love how working that deal made it like I bought one on sale Wash, and got 3 others for free!

Also, I took my reusable shopping bags with me and got 5c off for ea bag I used.  I love Target.  And, hopefully, my cashier learned a couple of useful things.

I should mention that by working a diaper gift card deal a couple weeks ago, I was able to go and get snacks for me and the kiddos for free while we shopped! LOVE THAT! :)

I Saved 82.5% At the Disney Outlet Yesterday

Quick Bargain Brag:

My Disney Outlet Excursion

Yesterday, I was out and about. When I am out and about, I always chit chat with fellow shoppers,etc. It is a useful way to exchange deal hunting info and tips. This one lady had the cutest little boy with her. He was wheeling around this Disney Cars rolling luggage with blanket and pillow set. The mom gushed that she just came from the Disney Outlet and they had every red tagged item an additional 25% off! This past weekend, only! Crap. I had to go. I really did not have a choice, right??!

I am so glad I did go! See, I have a few daughters. And, we are planning a trip to Disney in the near future. AND, I Ebay... (shameless plug.. Go HERE to see my items. I try to buy low and sell at a discount to others so that everyone gets a good deal!)

Anyway, I went to the Disney Outlet, an extra 10% off coupon in hand, and really got some amazing deals.  I am sure my girls will get first dibs, and then the rest will go on Ebay.  

Here's What I Bought for 22% of the Original Price (remember, 25% off sale, plus 10% off coupon)

• Jack Skeleton Cafe Mug (don't look, dear!)  .84
• Belle T-Shirt for Back To School next year-  1.68
• Infant's Tinker Bell Costume-  4.49
• Snow White Costume-  9.55
• Minnie Mouse Dress Up Shoes-  2.24
• Snow White Shoes - 2.24
• 2 Piece Tangled/ Rapunzel PJ Pals - 2.81
• Fleece Throw Blanket Tangled/Rapunzel- 2.81
• Aluminum Thermos (pink Princess) for Back to School- 1.68
• Tiana Princess and the Frog Costume- 8.43

All that would have been more than $220! I paid $39.36 after tax!

Looking at my receipt today, I am really annoyed I didn't buy more stuff. Especially t-shirts and pjs!  And, those costumes were killer cheap! Last year, I sold costumes cheaper than folks could buy them in the store at Halloween time and made a tidy profit. Ebay funded my kids' Christmas in one month alone doing that!

There are always deals out there to find. Knowing when to hit the sales is a big part of the couponing philosophy.  And, as you can see, you can use a coupon with a sale, unless specifically stated otherwise. I am really glad I almost never leave home without my coupons. You never know when you will stumble upon a sale like this.

Anyone else have a bargain boast they want to share??

The P&G Rebate Books are being Mailed!

My P&G Brands Rebate Book of Coupons 

Worth More than $110 in Savings Came in!

I got this HUGE padded envelop in my mailbox yesterday from P&G. I was pretty excited to see what it was. Then, I laughed. Because it was just a small coupon book in that big envelop.  That small coupon book was such a welcome sight, though! This coupon book has more than $110 worth of P&G brand coupons in it! There are several of each kind and include: 

• $1 off Any One Tide (I will use most of these for FREE 1-Load packs in the Travel Section, and keep one or two in case of a really good deal. If I don't see such a deal, I will buy more free loads right before they expire.)
• $1 off Gain Detergent or Fabric Enhancer
• $1 off any One Downy
• 50c off Bounce
• 50c off Dawn (which would make the dishsoap 50c or less during a drugstore sale!)
• $1 off Cascade
• $1 off Gain Dish Soap (Again, less than 50c or even FREE during a sale!)
• $3 off Swiffer Wet Jet
• $1 off any Duster/Sweeper (Swiffer)
• 50c off any Swiffer Refill
• $1 off any Charmin MegaRoll
• $1 off Bounty Towel 6ct or Higher
• $1 off Pampers Diapers
• $1 off Luvs Diapers
• $1 off 8pk or Larger Duracell Coppertop
• $1 off ANY TWO PRINGLES (look for the snack size, or a sale for super cheap Pringles!)
• $1 off Iams dry pet food (dog or cat)
• $1 off any one Pepto-Bismol
• $1 off Metamucil
• $1 off any Always
• $1 off any Tampax
• $1 off any CREST Toothpaste or gel 4.0oz or larger
• $1 off any Crest Mouthwash, 946mL or larger
• $1 off any Oral B Manual Toothbrush
• $1 off Olay Facial Moisturizer
• $1 off Pantene Conditioner WYB Pantene Shampoo
• $1 off one Herbal Essences or Aussie Product (Get it free by looking in the Travel section!)
• $1 off any Head and Shoulders (free in travel section!)
• $2 off Clairol Hair Color
• $1 off CoverGirl
• $1 off Olay PCC or Lotion
• $1 off Venus Embrace
• $1 off any Secret (Travel!)
• $1 off any Old Spice Deodorant (Travel!)
• $1 off Old Spice Body Wash (Travel)

These coupons are awesome. They will make for several nice freebies. But, you say, if you buy travel sizes, you have to keep buying them. What I do is I keep the coupons in case of a deal or promotion. If I don't see one to my liking, I go pay for travel sized items with them. The travel sizes come out free, or pretty close to it. Yes, I have a shelf in my bathroom dedicated to such items. Yes, I have to go to that shelf more frequently to get a new one to use than if I had bought larger sizes. But, really. When it is free, why would I mind that? Plus, the travel sizes fit nicer on my in shower shelf rack than the larger ones that always topple over.

How did I get such a lovely coupon rebate book? Periodically, P&G brands will release a rebate form. You have to spend somewhere between $50 and $100 (Pre-coupon amount!) on participating P&G Brands. Then, you circle those items and their prices on your receipts and mail those receipts in! This is one reason why it is a good thing to keep your receipts! Often, a rebate will come out for an item I recently worked a deal on. All I have to do is thumb through my receipt envelop for the right one, and mail it in! Easy! And, if you were to use lots of coupons to get travel sized items for free, you would have already had that much $ towards the rebate done.. for free! If I used 5 $1 off coupons for participating items, and the items themselves each cost $1, my out of pocket would have been $0. BUT I would have gotten credit for $5 worth!  (Pre-Coupon amount).

Did you get the rebate book? Work with a friend and swap for the coupons you each want and need! Cooperate!

Good couponing!