Sale Match Ups For This Week

Here is Your Handy, Easy to Reference 

Guide of Links to the Best Deals of the Week

Want to know where I go to help me make my POA for deal hunting this week?

 

I have collated my favorite links for this week's deals here:

1. Love Target as much as I do? Check out this week's under $1 deals HERE and a more comprehensive best deals and match ups HERE.  (thanks, Couponing to Disney and Totally Target)
2. Walmart has a few deals HERE for you to check out. (thanks, Couponing to Disney!)For
3. For the CVS Deals, go HERE.  Some of the circular deals are only good through Tuesday, so I say go today if you didn't go yesterday! There are some good deals and moneymakers this week! Also, don't forget to scan your CVS Membership card at the magic coupon kiosk.. you might make your deals even sweeter! (thank, Couponing to Disney)
4. This week, Wild for Wags has split their deals up.  Go HERE to check their ideas on the best deals and scenarios for Walgreens this week.(thanks, Wild for Wags!)
5. Love Rite Aid? I am beginning to...  Check out what Kristin at Couponing to Disney has found for Rite Aid this week! Go HERE.

Anyone looking for Kmart, Family Dollar, etc? Let me know. I will start adding them to the matchups super list.  Also, I am about to be able to bring you all the good Kroger deals, too.. Fingers Crossed! :) 

Time for Me to Get Some Business Cards...

Put a Smile on When You Are Shopping.. 

You Never Know Who That Other Shopper Might Be...

This is an interesting story of sorts, if you are up for that... It IS deals related, if you bear with the story first.. :)

So, the other day I ran into Walgreens real quick. I know! I swore off Walgreens. But I was out of town, had limited coupons with me, and needed DIAPERS! ACK! So, Walgreens it was. Since I had to spend the money anyway, I took five minutes to glance at the circular and put together a make shift POA.  

It would have worked out to be slightly less out of pocket expense, but with less Rewards left over at the end of the trip had I worked the deals in 4 transactions.  This is kind of besides the point this time. Because, when I went to check out, I got behind this guy with a buggy full o stuff. He had some papers in his hand... AND THEN, he LET ME Go in front of him. Even though I had a buggy full as well. I looked at him, smiled, thanked him, then said "Oh. You're a couponer, right? Me too. Since you were so nice, I will only do two transactions!" We both chuckled. He said he was only there for one transaction that day! Funny stuff.. Couponer humor. 

Anyway, it turns out he and his wife have a blog too. It seems like we both focus on a lot of the same stuff, but we also vary since we are in different regions.  This is BIG NEWS for you Jacksonites... bc they do the Kroger Deals I can never find!!

We exchanged information. 

The next day, I had to go back to Walgreens for another "didn't pack very well for the trip" emergency.  This time, his WIFE was in line behind me!!  Is that great or what?

She pointed out that my only paying 50c per On the Go Crayola pack was nice and all, but wouldn't I like them better if they were free?!  It was a pure "Duh!" moment.  We all have them.  So, I went back and snagged 4 more Free Crayola packs.

**This Sunday, there was a Crayola $2 off any Explosion Q in Smart Source, and a $1 off any Wonder Q in Smart Source.  Walgreens has the Go packs of both of these (on end caps near Easter items in this location) 2/$3.  Using the coupons together, that means BOTH are FREE... Glad I got extra papers this week.. and also glad that my new friend gave me a couple of her Crayola Coupons as well!!!

So, I am hoping this will be a new friendship of sorts that will benefit both of our readers in MS!!

Check out their blog HERE at  www.that70schick.com  and also follow her on FB.  Her husband came to Walgreens with his own deals spreadsheet even!!!  You know they are serious about all this! 

*They seem to follow the Kroger, Walgreens, and Walmart deals closely. I don't focus on those as much as CVS, Rite Aid, and Target.. so this should be pretty great for all the readers!

**If I am to keep meeting folks unexpectedly, I need some cards printed up! You know I am going to get them FREE at VistaPrint... 

 

Why Walgreens? A Serious Question. Does Anyone Do Walgreens?

I Walked Out of Walgreens This Weekend After Doing a Really Great Deal Quite Confused.

Does Anyone Love Walgreens? Why?

After My Experience and Even After Getting a Great Deal, I am Not Sure What it Will Take to Get Me to Go Back.

I really would love some feedback on this. Who shops Walgreens? Why do you shop Walgreens? Why should I shop Walgreens?  I had a bad experience the other evening that I have never had in all my dealings with Rite Aid and CVS. It was my first time to go redeem the Walgreens "bucks" I had that were expiring.  

Here's What Happened:

I realized I had $6.50 in "bucks" that were expiring on Saturday. They were to be used at Walgreens. I will admit I did not take the time to check the Walgreens coupon policy before I went to the store. I just blindly figured it was in line with Rite Aid and CVS.  I was of course wrong.

I went and saw Huggies diapers on sale for $7.99. I had a $1.50 off manuf coupon. I had that $6.50 in Walgreens "money". So... free diapers?

Only, no.

When I went to the check out, there was not a line. The clerk scanned my Huggies. Then, he scanned the first out of three Walgreens "bucks". It beeped and refused to take it. He tried and tried and tried. Then he said the problem was that his manager had already changed the systems over to the Sunday deals and that's why the bucks that expired that night, that Saturday, were not going through. So, he called the manager to come override it.  

She comes over and looks and goes "OH. You are trying to use 4 coupons on 1 item. You can use all these coupons together, but you must have 4 items in your ticket to use 4 coupons."   WHAT??!! They consider the Walgreens "bucks" to be coupons. And the computer wont take them, even if your use is legitimate, if you don't have enough items in the ticket.

That is CRAZY to me. What is the point of getting "money" back if you can't use it like you would a gift card or whatever?? I was annoyed and red faced, but still polite. But, at this point there is a line of 5 people behind me. So I am embarrassed, too.  My fault for not knowing the policy, I get that. But STILL! That policy is MADDENING. 

What is the point of allowing STACKABLE coupons if you have to go add more items to be able to use them?

I ended up still getting a decent deal. I added 3 of the Dove Chocolate bars that were on sale for 49c ea to the ticket. And, voila! That made 4 items and the computer let me use $6.50 in Walgreens "Bucks" and $1.50 in Huggies manuf coupon.  

I walked out severely annoyed and only spending about $2 for a Jumbo pack of diapers and 3 candy bars.  

I also decided not to go back and be frustrated like that again.. Unless someone can explain to me why I should give it another shot?  To me, it just felt like Walgreens has policies that SEEM coupon friendly so that they get more shoppers, when really, they are just a huge hassle.

 

My Under $2 Brag for the Week

How Far Did You Make $2 or Less Go This Week?

This is My Brag. I Will Update the List as the Week Goes On

Every penny counts in this economy. Which is why I am putting together my list of super cheap deals. I want to show you that you can make your dollar go further by being super frugal and aware of deals and coupons.  Some bloggers show you the under $1 deals. I think there are some really great $2 or less deals that you could be aware of and have decided to expand my weekly list to include my $2 or less deals.

CVS:

• Crest Complete Mouthwash- Got Paid $1.77 to own
• Glide Floss- Got Paid $1.77 to own
• Herbal Essences Full Sized Shampoo- 49c
• Aussie Full Sized Hair Gel- 49c
• 18oz Irish Spring Bodywash- 49c
• Dr Pepper 2L- 75c
• Snickers Dark Candy Bar- 8c
• Snickers Candy Bar- 8c
• Dove Candy Bar- 8c

RITE AID:

• Disney Gummie Vitamins ($7+ size)- $1.40
• Disney Gummie Vitamins- $1.40
• Snickers Candy Bar- FREE

 Walgreens:

• Always- FREE 
• Cottonelle Flushable Travel Sized Wipes- 25c
• Cottonelle Flushable Travel Sized Wipes- 25c

 Krispy Kreme:

• 1 Dozen Glazed Doughnuts- FREE 

Chick Fil A:

•  Large Unsweet Tea- Free
• 4 Chicken Biscuits- Free
• 4 Yogurt Parfaits- Free
• 4 Chicken Minis, 3 ct- Free

Mc Donald's:

• Oatmeal- Free
• Oatmeal- Free
• Hamburger- Free
• Apple Dippers- Free

Target: 

• Circo Jeans with Stitched Hearts- $2
• Circo Jeans with Stitched Hearts- $2
• Cascade Pacs, Dragon Fruit Scent- $1.99
• Glade Premium Room Spray- 50c
• Glade Premium Room Spray- 50c
•  1 Load Tide Detergent- was Paid 31c to Own
• Secret Clinical Travel Sized- was Paid 31c to Own
• Secret Clinical Travel Sized- was Paid 31c to Own
•  Loaf of Market Pantry Whole Wheat Bread- 61c
• Shredded Cheese- $1.30
• Shredded Cheese- $1.30 

*The bummer on Target was that I had a $5 off any women's jeans mobile coupon. They had plenty of $4.98 clearance maternity jeans. Those would have been free, or even paid 2c to own. I was tired, I had already gotten my milk jug, and when I tried to call my preg friend, my phone glitched. So, I passed on this deal. In hindsight, I should have just bought some and put them on Ebay... live and learn. As you have seen in my posts from time to time, there will always be a "duh" moment.  :) Oh well. My wins outweigh the duhs so I am cool with that.

The week is still ongoing. I will update this list as it goes on. I plan to get some more good Chick Fil A Freebies this week!  

My Weekly Drugstore Brag

I Had Drugstore "Bucks" That Were Expiring..

So, This Weekend, I Went to 3 Drugstores.

I highly recommend here to pick one drugstore each week and go work those deals. It is madness to go to a billion different stores a week to get the cheapest best deals. Ok, so it isn't madness. It is kinda smart. But with several children, it is often more trouble than it is worth to drag them in and out of so many stores every week. Especially since I have been couponing long enough to have a nice little mini "store" of my own to shop out of for free. Out of toothpaste? I just go to my bathroom closet. But, since being sick with the flu, an unprecedented event occurred.. all of my drugstore "bucks" were expiring in one day!! So, three drugstores it was.

1. Rite Aid:  Most of the deals I wanted to work, they were out of. That was a bummer. And, I was a little scattered. I totally turned into "that lady" at the check out.. "what??! I am 30c shy of getting the full value of my +Up rewards? Ok.. let me see what you have in the circular.."  If you have a +Up rewards buck for $2, but your pre tax amount is $1.70, and you use the +Up anyway, you lose the remaining 30c value. So, I found a 88c Snickers bar with a 88c back +Up reward to add onto the bill.  I spent $1.39 out of pocket and got $2.88 in +Up Rewards Bucks back.  I bought 2 Disney Gummie Vitamins, $7.29 each at BOGO, 1 Altoids at half off at 99c, and the 88c Snickers.  Even though the Disney Vitamins were BOGO, it is the store's policy to allow you to use a manuf coupon on each of them. So, I used $2.50 in coupons on the Disney Vitamins making them $4.80 for two after bogo and coupons. I used $6 worth of +Up bucks to pay also.   The Disney vitamins had a $2 +Up attached, and of course, the Snickers had the 88c back.  
2. CVS:  I had $4 EB expiring to spend.  I decided to work the Schick Hydro Razor deal where you get $5 EB when you buy one Schick Hydro razor.  The razor was $8.49. I used a $2 off manuf coupon. Then, I used the $4 EB.  My total was $3.08 after tax.  I spent $3.08, and got $5 EB back.  Also, the razor came with 10 Free MP3 Song Downloads. 
3. Walgreens:  This was not my best brag. The main reason is that I really needed to break my transactions but was too tired to deal with doing that. I spent more out of pocket than I needed to by $5.  Oh well. I have the "bucks" to use next time now.  

I bought at Walgreens:
Taco Shells   $1.99
Always:  $2.99 (-$1 manuf, and I got $2 back, so "Free")
Cottonelle Flushable Wipes: I bought 2 packs at 99c each. Then, I got $1.50 in "bucks" back. So, 25c a                                         pack after bucks back.
Play doh Valentines Set: On clearance for $1.25 for a huge bag of mini Play Doh tubs.
Pampers:  I bought a pack of Pull Ups and a pack of Diapers for the 2/$20 deal. Then, I used two $2 coupons which made them 2/$16. Then, I got $3 "bucks" back, which made them 2/$13, or $6.50 a pack. Not the best price I have gotten lately, but $8 a pack is reasonable on these, so I will take $6.50 a pack! 
My total was $25.18, and I have $6.50 to spend another time.  Usually, I would break the transactions up to spend the least amount of money out of pocket. I would have ended with having spent only $18.68. 


 This was my first trip to Walgreens to do a deal like that, and the lady at the check out was a trainee. Also, there was a line.  As a couponer, I try to pick and choose my battles. It is how I get special treatment sometimes from the employees at CVS.. you know.. the ones that give me the circulars a week ahead of time sometimes... 

Also, when I got home, I realized I could have gotten two free Snickers bars. I had a coupon with me that was a BOGO Snickers coupon. When I was at Rite Aid and got one 88c Snickers, and got 88c back, I could have gotten two Snickers, paid 88c for both using the BOGO coupon, then gotten the 88c back per the +Up deal.  See, it happens to all of us sometimes! :)  


How did you do last week?






 
 

The Best Deals and Coupon Match Ups for This Week

Looking for a Handy Link Guide to the Best Deals of the Week?

Don't Pore Over Those Circulars.. Here's a Handy Linked Guide to Those That Have Already Figured Out the Best Deals for You!

As I try to do most week, I have grabbed links to some of the best deals match ups for you for this week.  Looking at crowded circulars can be frustrating sometimes. Now, all you have to do is follow a link from here to some of my fave blogs and you will find some great deals scenarios.  Some are handy and printable even!  Happy Deal Hunting this week!

• For some good Target Deal Scenarios, go HERE to Totally Target's site.  
• A Walmart shopper? HERE is a list of the Under $1 deals as found by Kristin at Couponing to Disney.
• CVS is a fave of mine. I love the folks that work at my location.  I like to check out this list HERE before I go. Some are free, some are moneymakers! Thanks, Kristin!   Also, let us know if you get some good coupons at the kiosk scanner in store.
• Coupon Katarina has some good deals up HERE for Rite Aid. I have recently started doing Rite Aid deals. I have had mixed luck. The deals I find are really great. However, my location seems to be inadequately stocked on the deal items.
• Again, I really like how Kristin at Couponing to Disney lays out the deals. So, go HERE for a link to her list on the Walgreens deals.

Anyone need information on deals to a store not listed? I will try to hunt those down for you guys, too!

Let us know what deals you are working this week.

Weekly Deals Links

The Deals for the Week:

A Handy Blog Link Guide 

Most of the blogs have posted their best deals scenarios and guides for this week's sales, freebies, and under $1 items.  Here is a quick reference guide to link some of my favorites together in one spot.  Also, today ends February, with March starting tomorrow. This means you want to go around to the coupon sites online and print your favorites before they swap out with the new month. Also, check around for new coupons. Let us know what you find!  

My Coupon Printing Destinations:

www.target.com

www.coupons.com

www.redplum.com

• Target Deals Under $1 are HERE.   A more comprehensive list of Target Deals are featured on Totally Target's blog HERE. 
• CVS deals with printable shopping checklist are HERE.  I would like to point out that this blog had the CVS circular for this week posted 2 weeks ago! Yes, I am bragging a little. That was such an amazing thing to get handed.. Anyway. I would like to thank Kristin at Couponing to Disney for allowing me to post a link to my CVS circular on her FB wall. If you don't follow Kristin already, you need to! 
• HERE are some deal ideas for Rite Aid. 
• Looks like the MoneyMakers are at Walgreens this week! Go HERE to check them out. 

If I only go to two stores this week, you will find me at Target and Walgreens.  

ALSO! Remember, try really hard to use your "Rewards Bucks" from the various drugstores to work other "Rewards Bucks" deals to keep the savings rolling into each other.  If you can use bucks from previous weeks to work money makers deals, even if you don't need the items, this is a good idea.  IF it wont cost you anything out of pocket, you will "make money", have more product, AND trade in your expiring bucks to get "fresher" bucks back.  Don't need the items you make money to own? Give them, trade them, or sell them!

You will notice I didn't post grocery stores or Walmart.  Our grocery stores don't do all the crazy good deals that other stores like Publix/Kroger do.  So, you will have to take your bargain binder in with you if you find yourself in a grocery store this week. You can still get some really good deals, you just have to hunt around for them.

Also, as far as Walmart is concerned.. our local one is not so couponer friendly. Plus, their prices are usually way high to me. Unless you want to go to the hassle to ad match?? I sure don't. Seems like if you have the $3 off Gain Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets coupon, you might be able to get those for free at Walmart.  

Thanks again to Totally Target and Couponing to Disney for being so comprehensive in organizing the deals for the rest of us!!! :) 

 

Grab Your Circulars! It is POA Time Again!

Yesterday was Sunday Paper Day

Today, it is Time for Your Weekly POA!

Everyone got a paper yesterday, right? You have all gone to print your coupons from your fave sites, right? These are mine: Target and Coupons.com.

Whether you got your paper full of coupons and circulars, or not, I am going to link the best deal scenarios of the week here for you in one easy to reference spot.  Let me know if I have missed a store or deal you might be interested in.

• Go HERE for some good CVS match ups.  Some are money makers, 7 are under $1. (Thanks, Couponing to Disney!)
• HERE is Rite Aid. There are a lot of money makers on the list! Also, if you got the P&G coupon book rebate, seems like you can score some really good freebies, like the Gain dishsoap. (Thanks, again, Couponing to Disney)
• Walgreens has some super cheap Skintimate shaving cream this week, for those of you that asked!  Go HERE for that deal and many more! (Thanks,Couponing to Disney)
• For a list of items you can get for under a $1, go HERE.  Walmart does not usually put out good deals in weekly circulars. Their sales seem to be so-so to me. Locally, they are a pain to deal with at check out time for someone with a lot of coupons. IF you have a Walmart that you have good experience with and welcomes couponers, let us know! (Thanks, Couponing to Disney)
• Totally Target has a comprehensive circular deals match up list HERE. (Thanks Totally Target!)  OR, if you like the check list and simple form that Kristin at Couponing to Disney implements, the Target less than $1 deals are HERE.

I usually pick one drug store a week to shop, and I usually go to Target.  With 3 kids in tow, I have to pace myself.  There are many more bloggers that run the deals and scenarios. You have to pick a couple blogs you like and use mine to supplement them. If you do too many stores, blogs, scenarios, you will get burned out pretty quickly.

Happy Shopping! Let us know what you find out there. 

It is Sunday Again!

The Most Important Day in the Couponer's Week:

SUNDAY PAPER DAY!

Today is the day to toss your circulars from last week and get your Sunday Paper.  All of your circulars for this week are out today! Clip and organize you coupons, check in on the deal match up blogs, and make your plan of action for shopping for the week.

Go HERE because Target just released a whole bunch of NEW printable coupons, and reset the printing limits on others. (remember to scroll down. The coupons link on the site is usually on the bottom, or towards the bottom on the left)

Go HERE for a match-up of the coupons with the weekly Target circular (thanks, Totally Target!).

Go HERE for the very best deals of the week for Target (thanks, Totally Target!). 

Go HERE for the best Walgreens deals of the week.. many are under $1, some are FREE! (Thanks, Couponing to Disney!) 

Go HERE for the best coupon match ups to CVS deals (thanks, Couponing to Disney!). *Did you guys catch that I had the CVS circular up days before any of the other blogs? **SPECIAL THANKS to Couponing to Disney and Totally Target who allowed me to share the link with everyone. Not all bloggers were as generous!

Go HERE for the match ups for Rite Aid.. Under $1 deals and Freebies! (thanks, Couponing to Disney!) 

Any stores you are interested in that I have not included here? I want to make this blog about you guys, so let me know!

Now, go forth and get your Sunday Papers and plan your deal snagging!

Photo Project Freebies!

Here is a List of Today's Freebies

Today's Items are PHOTO PROJECTS!

How great is this?!! Today, I noticed a lot of photo freebies! I got some good emails, and saw some posts friends made on bigger deal blogs. So, I decided to collate them all here for you! Each description will be linked to the deal.  But HURRY! These deals expire soon!

Purse Photo Book From Walgreens- (Thanks for the head's up, Holly!)  Just click HERE to go to Walgreen's official photo site.  Make and click to order a 4.5"x6"  20 page Purse Photo Book. You will use the code PURSE at checkout. When you update your total, you will only pay S/H! (About $3).  That is such a great deal! Would make a great brag book or gift.. or if you can hold onto it long enough, stocking stuffer!   Hurry, this deal EXPIRES at the end of January 22! 




8"x11" Photo Book with Linen Cover From Snapfish- (A fan on Couponing to Disney's Facebook page first brought this to my attention)  Go HERE  to Snapfish.com.  Login, or Sign Up (New sign ups get 50 free prints!) Select Photo Books, then 8"x11" Classic Photo Book.  Make your book. When you are done, use code SOAPBOOK and get the book FREE! Just pay S/H! (Less than $7)  Hurry, this deal EXPIRES January 22!


 5x7 Greeting Card, OR 5x7 Stationary Card OR 5x5 Stationary Card From Shutterfly-(Love My Email Updates!)  Go HERE to Shutterfly's official site. Log In or Sign Up (Like Snapfish, you get oodles free prints as a new member!). Go to My Account at the top right of the page.  Then, Scroll all the way down until you see My Special Offers, or Enter Offers. Enter the code CARD4U.  Shutterfly will keep this code in your account and automatically apply it at check out.  Go browse and make any one card out of the three choices above.  Then, put it in your cart and check out. You will get the card FREE! Just pay S/H (about $1! Just make sure you select "Ship to Me").  This deal EXPIRES February 1!