Money Maker at CVS -- My Steals Today

Here's what I got at CVS today. I'll need to make another trip to get all I wanted, but to maximize my ECBs I just made one smaller purchase to start with.

Old Spice or Gillette Body Wash 10-18 oz. $4 = $4 Ecb (Limit 2)
Buy 2 Old Spice body wash at $4 each
Use BOGO coupon from the 6/6 P&G
Pay $4 OOP, get back $8 ECB
making this a $4 Money Maker! Yay! 
**Note that the ad says limit one, but I have confirmed that it is actually TWO**

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power or Manual Razor  $9.97 + 5 ECB (Limit 2??)
**the ad says Limit 1, but my receipt shows otherwise...I'll check later**
Buy one razor at $9.97
Use $4 coupon from 6/6 P&G
Pay $5.97 OOP, get back $5 ECB
Final cost: $0.97!!


Find all match-ups for CVS this week here. Thanks Hip2Save!

My Steals at CVS & Wags!

I love CVS and Wags this week! Here's what I got Wednesday for just $6.78!!

WAGS:
2 Old Spice deodorant at $4.99 each
2 Gillette deodorant at $4.99 each
2 Gillette body wash at $4.49 each
1 Bayer aspirine at $0.99
1 Wags gumdrops at $0.39
TOTAL BEFORE COUPONS: $30.32
Used two $2 Gillette deod. Qs from 5/16RP
Used 3 BOGO Gillette & Old Spice Qs from 5/16 RP
Used $1 Aspirin Q from 3/21 SS
TOTAL AFTER COUPONS: $3.67 !!!
(I used $10 in RR and received $10 RR back!)

CVS:
2 Coppertone Continuous Spray lotions at $10.49 each
1 Complete saline solution at $8.99 (I had a raincheck for this for sale price of $8.99 with $8.99 ECB)
TOTAL BEFORE COUPONS: $30.97
Used $2 Complete IP (no longer available?)
Used $5/$15 Sunscreen purchase CRT
Used $3 off Coppertone Cont. Spray twin-pk (Okay, I didn't purchase the twin-pk, but I did get two bottles, so she let me use it)
I could have used two $1 IPs here had I not left them at home...oops!
TOTAL AFTER COUPONS: $3.11 !!!
(I used $19 in ECB and received $19 ECB back!)

Total retail value $61.29...for $6.78! Yeah, CVS & Wags!

More Fun in My Mailbox!

Well, the goodies keep on coming...This week I got my BzzAgent BzzPack of Got2Be Smooth Operator samples and coupons, including a coupon good for one free full-sized bottle! I also got samples of Pantene with coupons from Vocalpoint. Also samples of Secret Clinical Strength, Old Spice body wash, eb5 facial creams (this stuff is great!!) and a packet of ShirleyJ alll-purpose sauce mix. Also, coupons for Home Depot's garden club, Kohl's, and Build-A-Bear Workshop. Sweet!!

And here's proof that those freebie magazine subscriptions you sign up for really do appear in your mailbox...I've never once received a bill for any of these subscriptions. I'm sure my mail man loved me today...all five of these mags came in today's delivery!

Fun Around Town this Weekend: Kansas City

Here are a few things to consider doing this weekend around KC:


GO BERRY PICKING!! There are several places around the metro
    Visit here for a complete list of you-pick patches!


ADVENTURES WITH CLIFFORD: Crown Center
    Admission is FREE    visit website here
   

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS:
    Midland Railway, Baldwin Kansas
    June 11 - 13
    Website here 

DAIRY DAY AT DEANNA ROSE
    Sat, June 12 from 11am - 3pm
    $2 per person
    Overland Park, KS
    website here 

THE TOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN, Zona Rosa
    Celebrating everything Toy Story 3!!  
    June 13 10am - 12pm
    website here

Bonus $2 ECBs from the Magic Coupon Printer???

**Confirmed!!! I got mine today! Sweet!**

The word on the street is that the Extra Care Coupon Center may be printing out impromptu $2 ECBs for some card-holders!!

I have not had a chance to run in and confirm this for myself, but I hope some of you will score big!

These Extra Bucks can be used on almost anything in the store, but are only valid for 3 days so you gotta use 'em fast!

HURRY!!! 80% Off at Restaurant.com!!!

HURRY.... Restaurant.com currently has an 80% coupon code available!!! Right now you can score $25 gift certificates for just $2!! Here's what I got:
Four $25 certificates to  Benton's Prime Steakhouse ... $2 each!
One $25 certificate to Saint's Pub & Patio ... $2
Then on checkout, at the bottom of the screen are extra offers that also qualify for the coupon code! I added:
One $25 certificate to Lobster Gram ... $2
Two $25 certificates to Mrs. Fields cookies ... $2 each!
One $50 certificate to Restaurant.com ... $4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Total, I spent $20 OOP but went through ShopAtHome, earning back 25% on my purchase!!! All that for $15!!! I'm super excited because the Lobster Gram and a couple of the Benton's certificates are gifts for friends, and I'll use the Mrs. Fields certificates for gifts around Christmas (one order will go to my kiddo's preschool for the staff to enjoy!...It's all about thinking ahead, people!!!)

If you want to get in on this deal,
Go to ShopAtHome.com, search for Restaurants.com and click "shop"... make your purchase and be sure to use code SAVE on checkout. Be sure to check out those extra deals at the bottom of the page!!

PS...Think Father's Day!

Did you know that Starbucks offers Free 5lb bags of used coffee grounds for free?? Why would you want used coffee grounds, you ask? They are great fertilizer for your garden and even house plants. You might want to call ahead to make sure your store participates in this program. Free fertilizer. Woohoo!!

FREE Cooler & Grill with Purchase from Ulta!!

I'm so excited!!!  I needed a good idea for my hubby for Father's Day and here it is!! He needed some new cologne anyway, so this deal came just in time.

Right now, Ulta is offering up a free cooler and mini grill with any $30 fragrance purchase!! This is a $40 value, FREE. Here's how to get the best deal:

First, go through Shop at Home. If you have not already signed up with them, you will receive $5 free in your account just for signing up. When you place your order through ShopAtHome, you'll receive 8% back on your Ulta order!

I was able to snag Calvin Klein's Euphoria Men's cologne for $35. Then I used code 95540 to score free shipping! Plus, each order qualifies you for 3 free samples (much like Sephora's freebie offers), so make sure  you add those to your cart too. Look for the box in the lower left corner of your shopping cart page. Also, sign up for their rewards program to track your purchases and earn yourself more goodies!!

When it was all said and done, I got the cologne, cooler, grill, and 3 freebie samples all for $37.81! Yeah! One gift down...and it was painless!!

Happy shopping!!

Some of the Best Things in Life are Free

Grandma & Grandpa came over to watch the kids over the weekend. They all went on a walk and came back with this adorable little bouquet for me! While some would call many of these flowers weeds, I'd have to say this is my favorite bouquet of flowers I've received in a long time. It's the little things like this that mean so much and remind us how great it is to be a mom. Next time you are on a walk, pick some flowers with your kiddo. It'll be an adventure and you'll have something adorable like this to show for it...for free!

Mailbox Mania!!!

I haven't been posting my mailbox finds lately and thought it was high-time that I did. Here are two weeks worth of goodies I found in my mailbox. I have been gettting so many goodies that I bought a shoebox-sized tote to hold it all for the week before I take my pix.
A new CVS opened up by me so I got a mailer with some awesome coupons
I got the Cascade, Iams, and Pantene from the P&G Brand Sampler
A mailer from Outback Steakhouse for a free appetizer, 1/2lb snowcrab legs, or free dessert
Mailer from Target full of coupons
My $4 FREE bottle of Pace coupon from the instant win game
Free Warners hipster panty (no longer available)
Coupon for FREE Chavrie cheese
among other things. See? It really does pay to fill out all those forms!!

My Steals at Target, 6/7

I had a good trip to Target today. As I mentioned in my meal planning post, I only needed two things to complete my dinners for the week. But I thought I'd combine my grocery run with my Target deals and here's what I got:

2 Pampers wipes tubs, $1.97 each
Used $2 coupons from 6/6 P&G
Final cost: $0.06 Money Maker


Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer, $8.69
Used $3 Target coupon here
Used $5 coupon here
Final cost: $0.69!!

Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer refill, $3.94
Used BOGO coupon here (free with above sprayer)
Final cost: FREE

Shout stain remover, $1.97
Used $1 Target coupon here
Used $0.55 coupon from 5/2 SS
(look for $0.55 peelies on bottles: my cashier used BOTH the peelie and insert coupons AND the Target coupon...yeah!)
Final cost for me: $0.13 overage (should have been $0.42 each)

Heinz 40oz squeeze bottle ketchup, $1
this is a HUGE bottle!!

Mrs. Bairds Whole Wheat bread, $1.99


Pepperidge Farms onion buns, $2.54


Bananas, $0.51/lb = $0.87


Crystal Farms shredded cheese, $2.08


Colgate fluoride-free toothpaste, $2.60 (not sure what I was thinking...had a coupon at home...oh well!)


2 Rolaids Berry Multi-Symptom 3pk: $1.99 each
Used $4/2 coupon from 6/6 RP
Final cost: $0.02 overage!

Rolaids mint 4pk, $2.24 each
Used $4/2 coupon from 6/6 RP
Final cost: $0.48/2, $0.24 each!


Total before coupons: $41.05

After: $15.56!!

Pretty good considering that my only necessities were the bread, buns, cheese, bananas, and kids toothpaste, which totaled $10.08. All the rest was just icing on the cake at an additional $5!!

FREE Tin from California Almonds

Here is an offer for a FREE tin from California Almonds.Please note the tin will not actually contain the almonds; it is just a little tin for your almond snacks! Click here, fill in your info, and make sure you click the last box so you will receive your tin!

Walgreens: Best Deals of the Week

Here are my favorite deals at Walgreens this week:

Biotene Gum $1.99 (on sale this week BOGO half off = 2/$2.99)

Use 2 $2 coupons from the Diabetes & You magazine (available in the pharmacy area)
Or use 2 $1 coupons found here
Get them both for free (with magazine coupon)
or pay $0.50 each with internet coupons!

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor $9.89 = $5 RR

Use $4 coupon from 6/6 P&G
Pay $5.89, get back $5 RR
Final cost: $0.89!

Buy $25 or more of select Gillette or Old Spice products = $10 RR

Buy 3 Gillette Odor Shield deodorants at $4.99 = $14.97
Buy 3 Gillette Body Wash (free with BOGO coupon below)
Use 3 BOGO coupons from 5/16 RP
Use 3 $2 coupons from 5/16 RP
Pay $8.97, get back $10 RR
Final cost: $1.03 Money Maker!!

Walgreens peg bag candies, $0.39 (great to use as a filler for coupon:item ratio)

Big Disposable Razor 3-8ct or Hybrid Advance Disposables $3.49 with in-ad Q

Use $3 coupon from 5/2 SS
Final cost: $0.49 each!

Pampers wipes, 2/$5

Use $2 coupon from 6/6 P&G
Final cost $0.50!! (these are cheaper at Walmart and Target this week)

MONTH-LONG DEALS:

Bengay Pain Relief + Massage product, $4.99

Use $5 coupon here
Final cost: FREE!!

Buy 3 select Neutrogena skin or sun products = $10RR

Buy 3 Neutrogena bar soaps at $2.69 each
Pay $8.07 each, get back $10 RR
Final result: $1.93 Money Maker!

CVS this week:

Here are my favorite deals for the week at CVS:

Buy $10 or more of select Glade & Household Cleaners = $5 ECB (L2)

My Deal:
Buy 2 Glade Essential Oils Candles, 2/$5
Buy 2 Windex cleaners, 2/$5
Use 2 $1 coupons from 5/9 SS or from here
Use $1.50/2 candle IP from here
Pay $6.50, get back $5 ECB
Final cost: $0.37 each!
Then, you can submit for the $5 SC Johnson MIR which makes all of this a $3.50 Money Maker!!

Buy $15 or more of select Dove products = $5 ECB (L1)

Buy 6 Dove Invisible Solid deodorants at 2/$5 
Use 2 $3/2 coupons here
Use 2 $1.50/2 coupons here
Pay $6, get back $5 ECB
Final cost: $0.17 each!

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor, $9.97 = $5 ECB (L1)

Use $4 coupon from 6/6 P&G
Pay $5.97, get back $5 ECB
Final cost: $0.97!!!

NutriGrain Bars 3/$10 = $5 ECB (L1)

Use 3 $1 coupons here
Pay $7, get back $5 ECB
Final cost: $0.66 each!

Coke product 12-packs 4/$13 = $3 ECB (L1)

Final cost: $2.50 each!

Eating from the Pantry...again!

I still have an obscene amount of food around the house, so I decided to challenge myself once again and "eat from the pantry." Turns out I had plenty to choose from and here's the dinner plans for the week:
1. Chicken Helper, veggie, bread
2. Turkey burgers, fries, veggie, bread
3. Pork chops, potatoes au gratin, veggie, bread
4. Shrimp fried rice
5. Fish sticks, mac 'n cheese, veggie, bread

I had all I needed around the house except for the burger buns and some shredded cheese (although truth be told, I'm pretty sure I had some in the deep freezer but it's too packed to find anything in there and I was too lazy to dig!) But eating from the stockpile is definitely paying off...with my budget of $65/week in household items and groceries, and only needing these two items this week, I'm saving some dough!

My Gymboree Steal!

I love a good bargain! I told you about Gymboree's Fill-A-Bag sale earlier and I made a stop in there to see what I could get. My plan, since the kids really don't need a thing, was to see what I could find for right around $10 since I had a $10 rewards certificate to use from their Rewards Program. I found these Gymmies (Gymbo's jammies) for $15.49, less the 30%, less my $10 certificate: $0.81 OOP!!! The cashier was most impressed. And I walked out with a smile on my face! Now that's how I like to shop: New $20 (reg. retail) jammies for $0.81!! Yeah!!

Saved a Bundle at CVS!

Yesterday at CVS I scored...
3 boxes NutriGrain bars (sale 3/$10)
2 Glade candles (sale 2/$5)
2 bottles Windex (one not pictured; sale 2/$5)
and 6 Dove deodorants (sale 2/$5)
Before coupons, my total was $35 + tax
Used 2 $1 IP for NutriGrain bars
Used 2 $1 MQ for Windex
Used 2 $3/2 IP for Dove
Used 2 $1.50 IP for Dove
and used $1.50/2 for Glade
Also used $5/$15 CRT
And $13 in ECB.
Total OOP:  $5.93 and got back $15 in ECB!!

Find all coupon match-ups, deals and coupon links here!

BzzAgent Juno -- Try New Products for Free!

   
   Have you heard of BzzAgent Juno?? I've been a member now for about a year but truly have not used this program to my full advantage. I'm just getting more into it now and racking up more rewards. Basically, this is a site that focuses on word-of-mouth marketing. Here's how BzzAgent describes itself: "BzzAgent creates a deep connection between consumers and brands to activate word of mouth across social and offline media. Through the engagement of our network of passionate, vocal and connected consumers, we provide companies the ability to activate large-scale discussions, uncover hidden value, and drive measurable results. We believe in unpaid, unscripted ethical and authentic conversations (only!)."  Basically, they let you try out new websites you may not have known about, then give you the option to share your opinion in what they call the FrogPond (a place where consumers can go to read others' opinions on sites and products), and you can even take polls to help the company itself improve it's website, customer service, etc.

When you take polls, post opinions, etc, you earn points or "status." As you improve your status, you get extra perks, like earlier invites to BzzCampaigns. This is where the real fun comes in for me. Much like Vocalpoint, they will send you a product to try and to share with friends. I recently received a pack of Got2Be hair care samples to hand out to friends and spread the word about the product and brand. After using the product, I can submit my thoughts on the product (thus helping the Got2Be company improve their products) and I submit quick reports of how I spread the word to others. This in turn helps me to improve my status farther, thus getting me even more invites to more campaigns. Which means more free stuff to try!

This morning, I checked out the website Gemvara. The "Gem" part may give it away...it's a jewelry site. I must say I was very impressed with the site. There are TONS of pieces on the site with prices clearly displayed. If you are looking for a white gold topaz ring, you can search for exactly that. Rings, necklaces, earrings to suit any style. If you are in the market for a new piece of jewelry, you might consider giving this website a try. If you find something you like, make sure you go through ShopAtHome to earn 3% back on your purchase!

I have not had a chance yet to test out the Got2Be Smooth Operator smoothing styler I received, but will post a review here soon. Leave a comment on this post if you would like to receive one of my give-away samples of the product and a coupon good for $1.50 off you next purchase of the product! I'll be happy to share!!

You can also link to my Frogpond posts and my recent BzzActivity by clicking on the icons on the right sidebar of the blog.

Please note I do NOT get paid to share my opinions in any way. This is strictly my take on the BzzAgent program and the Gemvara website. I do receive free product as a member of BzzAgent to try and then provide my honest feedback.

Three FREE Father's Day Cards from Shutterfly

Head to Shutterfly to make up to three free personalized cards for Father's Day by using promo code CARDS4DAD at checkout. Offer ends 6/10 so don't delay! You will need to pay shipping, but it's only $0.99 for all three cards!!

Three FREE Meals at IHOP

If you like IHOP, you'll certainly want to join ThePancake Revolution. You'll receive a coupon for a free meal when you sign up, on your birthday, and on your one-year anniversary of signing up for the club. Sounds worth it to me!!

Free Trial Size Tresemme at Target!

Click on "Like" on the Tresemme Facebook page and you'll be able to print a $1 off coupon! Some Target locations have travel-size gel or hairspray priced right around $1, so possibly FREE after coupon!!

Free Muffin at Barnes & Noble!

If you plan to make a trip to Barnes & Noble this weekend, take this coupon along. You'll receive a FREE Muffin with ANY cafe purchase! Hurry, this deal expires Monday, June 7th!

B2G1 Free Redbox Rentals

Now through June 30th at all RedBox locations, you will get a code for a free 1-night rental when you rent two movies in one transaction. Find more details here!

Garage Sale Goodies!!!

I LOVE garage-saling! Maybe it's the thrill of the hunt...likely it's the thrill of getting a bargain. You never know what you are going to find, and it always amazes me what people will sell for next-to-nothing. Getting a great deal can totally make my day!!  I told my 3-1/2 year old that he could have $2 to spend as he pleased. He could spend it, save it...it was up to him. I expected the money to last about 37 seconds, but I was amazed at what he came home with ~ goodies AND change! His items included, we spent exactly $9 for ALL of the above items. Here's a breakdown of what we got:

•  A whole bag full of Happy Meal-type toys: FREE (My son's preschool has a carnival day each year. For prizes, the kids get to select from boxes full of toys like these and other little goodies they have to buy. They'll be thrilled to get a big bag of prizes for FREE for next year!)
• Eureka 'the Boss' sick vacuum: $2.50 (this retails for $24.99 new) I've already cleaned my kitchen floor with it and I'm in love!
• One of Jack's new animals is a Webkins snake: $0.25 (these retail for over $10) other stuffed animal: $0.25
• Merona puffer vest jacket: $0.25 (looks absolutely new!)

•  2 pairs of Carters 3-piece jammies sets: $1 each (retail $10 each) and 2 big bibs, $0.25 each

• Hot Wheels hauler & 5 Hot Wheels cars: $1 (can't find one just like it online, but the closest thing to it retails for $35 new and the cars run $1 each. Incidentally, one of the cars we got with this rig is "vintage" and sells for anywhere from $5 to $20 on Ebay!)
• Pet bed: $1.50 (looks new. These usually retail for around $10 new)
• Wood picture frame: $0.50 
• 2 short sleeved shirts, one is from Banana Republic: $0.75 for both

So, we had a fun day of bargain-hunting and I taught my son a lesson on saving money as well. He started out with $2. He came home with two stuffed animals and a big rig that has kept him busy ALL day long. The best $1 I've ever spent!! Plus, he has $0.50 to save for next time we go garage-saling!

Now, I know some people aren't big on buying other people's cast-offs. I'm telling you~there is nothing wrong with buying something that someone else can no longer use...at a fraction of the original cost. I'm not saying that I'm not disappointed with a purchase now and then. When I got home, I realized that my $0.50 BR shirt will need a little mending--the hem is starting to come out. But, for $0.50, I certainly don't mind threading a needle and fixing it while I watch America's Got Talent one night! There are surely some things I will not buy at a garage sale...some things should only be purchased new. But, if I can throw it in the washing machine (Jack's stuffed animals will be taking a dip before he can play with them, and all the clothes can certainly be washed, as well as the dog bed) or take a Lysol wipe to it (Jack's Hot Wheels hauler was quite dusty but looks perfectly new now!) then it's fair game. And I certainly don't mind scooping it up for pennies on the dollar!! A tad bit of elbow grease is worth it to me!

Oh--and those Happy Meal toys--I just throw things like that in a mesh laundry bag and toss it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Trust me--they come out sparkling clean every time!

Have you come across an awesome find at a garage sale yet this year? Lemme know in the comments!!

Half Off at Coldwater Creek, Plus FREE Shipping

Yay!! Coldwater Creek is offering 50% off, site-wide!!! Use code WHH9216 at checkout for FREE shipping. I was able to select the above silver/pearl necklace (orig $95) for $51.31 shipped. That's a great Christmas gift at a great price!
Plus, shop through ShopAtHome to receive 4% cash back on your purchase!!

Custom Memo Pads $0.99 Shipped!

Looking for a fin little gift for a father in your life? How about a personalized memo pad with a pic of the kids?? Artscow is offering up custom memo pads for just $0.99 shipped when you use code CRAZYMEMO at checkout. No limit; but offer expires June 23.

Gymboree Fill A Bag Sale 30% Off !

Hurry on in to Gymboree to enjoy 30% off EVERYTHING, including sale items!! You can also use your rewards card to earn points, and for every $50 spent, you'll receive $25 in GymBucks to spend later!  (If you don't already have a Gymboree Rewards Card, it may benefit you to sign up for one. It's free and tracks your spending each quarter. I got a rewards certificate for $10 based on my spending last quarter. That should pair up nicely with this sale!!)

If you'd rather shop online, shipping is a flat rate of $5 regardless of how much you spend! Start shopping online here.