Bargain Seeker on the Prowl

A fairly good night of shopping at Kroger tonight.

(10) Green Giant Vegetables - 10/$10, used (5) .50/2 coupons (doubled to $1.00/2) = $5.00

(10) Martha White Baking Mixes - 10/$10, used (5) .55/2 coupons (doubled to $1.10/2) = $4.50

(6) Del Monte Fruit Cups - 10/$10, used (3) $1.00/2 coupons = $3.00

(8) Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup - 4/$5.00, used (4) .50/2 coupons (doubled to $1.00/2) = $6.00

(6) Toaster Strudel - 3/7.00, used (6) .35/1 coupons (doubled to .70/1) = $9.80

(1) Dozen of Eggland’s Best eggs - $2.42, used Free coupon = 0

(1) Propel Lemon Water - $1.19, used Free coupon = 0

(3) Nesquik Strawberry Milk - 10/$10, used (3) .50/1 coupons (doubled to $1.00/1) = 0

(1) Fresh Express Salad blend - 10/$10, used (1) $1.00/1 coupon = 0

(1) 9-Lives Cat Food - $3.99, used Free coupon = 0

Total Before Coupons - $61.60

Total After Coupons - $28.30

Total Saved - $33.30

The soft-drink maker said in March that it would give a free soda to everyone in America if the album dropped in 2008. “Chinese Democracy,” infamously delayed since recording began in 1994, goes on sale Sunday.

“We never thought this day would come,” Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper’s vice president of marketing, said in a statement. “But now that it’s here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper’s on us.”

Beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m., coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper’s Web site. They’ll be honored until Feb. 28.

Dr Pepper is owned by Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

Dr. Pepper

There are not many GREAT deals this week at Walgreens but there are several that are okay. In my area we received a $3.00 off $10.00 or more purchase in our Walgreens ad due to a new store opening, so this will help me out quite a bit. I also received a $5.00 off $20.00 or more check in the mail from this same store.

Here is what I have found so far:

Dawn Ultra dish liquid is $1.00 with the Walgreens ad coupon and using the .50/1 coupon from the P & G  Home Made Simple $31.00 in savings coupon booklet, this will be .50.

Kellogg’s Cereal 12 oz - 15 oz Corn Pops, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies or Frosted Flakes are $2.00 per box, limit 4. Use $4.00/4 peelie on 15oz boxes and get these for $1.00 a box when you purchase 4.

Mr Clean Magic Eraser 2-pack is $2.00 using the Walgreens ad coupon and stacking with .50/1 coupon from the P & G Home Made Simple $31.00 in savings coupon booklet, this will be $1.50.

Sparkle Paper Towels 8-roll family pack is 2/$11.00 with Walgreens ad and using (2) $1.00/1 8-pack from the 05/18 RP insert these will equal out to appoximately .56 per roll.

Duracell Photo Batteries, 4-pack Power Pix AA or AAA and Single Pack Ultra CR-V3, CR2 or 123 are $5.00 ea. and using $1.00/1 coupon from 05/18 SS insert these will be $4.00 per pack. (This is a great deal for me as I use the CR-V3 batteries for my camera and these are usually around $7.50-$8.00 ea in my area.)

Duracell Coppertop Batteries, 4-pack AA or AAA, 2-pack C or D and single 9 Volt are $3.00 and using another $1.00/1 coupon from 05/18 SS insert these will be $2.00.

Some ideas to use my extra $3.00 coupon on at the new store that is opening include:

3-pack Kitchen towels are $3.00

5-pack dishcloths are $3.00

6-can Subzero Lunch Kit is $3.00

2-pack Receiving & Blanket Set is $2.00

Pretty Woman Sport Socks are $3.00 for a 5-pack

BBQ Tools are $3.00…hmmm..all of these could make good Christmas gifts for this year.

If you are brand specific and use Infusium 23 Shampoo , Conditioner or Treatment they are 2/$9.00, buy 6 at 6/$27.00 and use (2) $5.00/3 coupons from 06/01 P & G insert and get these for $2.84 per bottle.

Irish Spring 3-pack is 2/$3.00 and using (2) .30/1 coupons from 06/01/2008 SS insert would be $1.20 per pack.

Bic Comfort 3 Disposable Shavers 4-pack are $5.00 and use the MIR up to $5.99 from the 06/01 SS insert this item is FAR.

There are several scenarios for the Buy $20.00 and receive $5.00 in RR and here is one I am working on..

1 - Gillette Fusion Razor, $9.00

3 - Gillette Fusion Hydra Shave Gel, 3/$10.00

1 - Satin Care Shave Gel, $2.00

total is $21.00

- (1) $4.00/1 Fusion Razor coupon from P & G 06/01 insert

- (3) $1.50/1 coupons (Fusion shave gel) from P & G 06/01 insert (total of -$4.50)

- (1) .55/1 coupon (Satin Care) from 06/01 P & G insert

= $11.95

- $5.00 RR

- $3.00 off $10.00 coupon for new store opening (local offer)

= a total of $3.95 spent

I can go back and do the same deal only using the $5.00 off $20.00 check instead of the $3.00 off $10.00 coupon and my total would be $1.95 after coupons and RR.

I can then do another transaction and purchase (2) (ladies) Bic Soleil Disposable Shavers for $5 x2 = $10.00 and use (2) $2.00/1 coupons from 06/01 SS insert and apply my previously earned $5.00 RR and pay .50 per pack. (Just a thought)

Colgate Total Toothpaste is $2.00 and using $1.50/1 coupon from May issue #5 of All You magazine (available at Walmart for $1.77) this will be .50.

Johnson’s baby lotion is $5.00 and when you purchase 4, you get $5.00 in RR. So, purchase 4 for $20.00 and using (4) $1.00/1 coupons from 04/27 RP insert it will be $2.75 per bottle after coupons and RR. (It has been quite a while since I have had a baby, not sure if this is a great deal or not)

FREE after MIR products are:

Theragran-M Multivitamins 130 count Premier or Premier 50+ (price is $4.99)

Ecotrin 45 ct is $2.00 with a $2.00 MIR, however if you use the $1.00/1 coupon from 05/11 SS insert you will earn $1.00 for purchasing.

Walgreens Calcium Creamies 75 ct (price is $5.99)

Walgreens Pitcher Filter Replacement Cartridge (fits Brita and Pur pitchers) (price is $6.99)

Here are some free offers available to you:

Nature Made vitamin sample (Walmart).

Free Carabineer Sports Watch. Promo code is Penn. Link is under the arm of the tennis player.

Kashi $2.00 off snacks coupon. You can either print it or have it mailed to you by clicking on “help” at the bottom of the screen.

Gillette Body Wash sample.

Printable coupon for a Free Fiber35 FitSmart bar. Available for U.S. and Canada.

Free Jesus First pin from Jerry Falwell Ministries.

Free Book; Mysteries of the Bible.

Free sample of GlucoBurst (diabetics). I hope this comes as I would like for my daughter to try this.

Nature Made Wellness Rewards program.

O.B. Mighty. Small. tampon sample.

I decided to see what the internet has to offer today in relation to freebies, rebates and coupons. I usually only do this once a week, but I feel lucky today. : )

Excedrin sample from Walmart.

Free subscription to Focus on the Family magazine. (Christian)

Coupon for Free can of Mighty Dog dog food. (Up to .89, located far right side of page)

Sample Fizzion Concentrated Cleaner. (Not sure this will actually come, just throwing it out there to take a chance. Use spam email just in case.)

Sesame Street Fire Safety coloring book. This is perfect for daycares, youth groups, etc. You can order up to 25 copies and it is free. You must register.

Sample Deseo, Jennifer Lopez’s newest fragrance.

(This is worth a try anyway) Wal-Mart Gives Away Free Ice Cream on ‘Sundae,’ May 18

Event Helps Shoppers ‘Beat the Heat’ and Enjoy a Favorite Summer Treat,
Courtesy of the Retailer

What: As a kickoff to summer and as a way to help shoppers “beat the
heat” this season, Wal-Mart is hosting ice cream social events in
2,523 Wal-Mart Supercenters throughout the country. *

Shoppers who visit their local Wal-Mart Supercenter on Sunday,
May 18, will receive a free ice cream sundae with their favorite
toppings, courtesy of the retailer.

Ice cream sundae flavors and toppings available to shoppers
include:
– Blue Bunny Premium Tracks
– Breyers Chocolate Crackle
– Edy’s Loaded Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
– Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
– Smucker’s Triple Berry Sauce
– Reddi-Whip Original
– Keebler Sandies Cookies

When: “Sunday,” May 18 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

GE Caulk Singles sample. U.S. residents only.

Coupon for $1.00/1 DiGiorno For One. You can either print or have this mailed to you by clicking on “help” at the bottom of the page.

Coupon for $1.25/1 International Delight Creamer. You can print it out or have it mailed to you by clicking on “help” at the bottom of the page.

(Worldwide) Sample Garnier UltraLift Pro-X.

(UK ONLY) Felix Roasted, cat food sample.

Free 2-year subscription to Country Home magazine.

Always sample.

Free Konsyl natural fiber supplement sample and Free shaker cup.

Free sample of Gold Bond Powder.

Printable coupon for $1.00/1 any Afrin product.

Get a free manicure or pedicure from Herbal Essences. For more information click here. Under the FAQ it does state that if you cannot find a participating salon within 30  miles of you they will make alternative arrangements for you. Be sure to read “How to Qualify.”

Request a $5.00 coupon from Iams.

Offers from Purina. Many to choose from.

Bath and Body Works coupons: Free product (up to $12.00) with additional $15.00 purchase (expires 06/01/08), Free C.O. Bigelo product (up to $16.00) with additional $15.00 purchase (expires 06/01/2008), Free True Blue Spa product of your choice with any purchase of a True Blue Product (up to $15.00, expires 06/08/2008). You can print all coupons, however you can only use ONE per transaction (multiple trips to Bath and Body Works : ) )

 Printable Sally Beauty Supply coupons.

A few notables for this week include:

Kroger’s (Delta Region) 05/14-05/20

(In most stores, please check yours, you can double up to 6-8 LIKE coupons)

Nesquik Flavored Milk 13.5 - 16 oz bottles are 10/$10.00 and using .50/1 coupons from 04/27/08 SS insert makes these Free after coupon.

Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast Entrees are 10/$10.00. Go to the Aunt Jemima website and print out 2 of the $1.00/2 coupons so you can purchase 4/$2.00.

Softsoap hand soap is 10/$10.00 and use .35/1 coupons from 04/27/08 SS insert making these .30 each.

Land O Frost Deli Shaved Lunchmeat is $1.99 and use .60/1 coupon from 04/27 RP insert making these .79 each.

Kraft Salad dressing is 3/$5.00 and use .75/2 coupon from 05/11 SS insert, purchasing 2 would be approximately $1.20 per 16 oz bottle.

Land O Lakes Spread is 10/$10.00 and use .30/1 coupon from 04/20 SS insert would make these .40 each.

Walgreens 05/11-05/17

Using Walgreen sales ad coupon, Pepsi 12-pack products are 5/$11.00

Maxwell House Coffee is 3/$7.00 and use (3) $1.00/1 coupons from 03/09/08 SS insert will make these 3/$4.00

Hershey’s Sticks are 2/$3.00 and using (2) .75/1 coupons from 04/06 SS insert will make these 2/$1.50

Sure Antiperspirant/Deodorant is $1.99 and use $1.00/1 coupon from 05/11 SS insert making this .99.

Colgate Toothpaste is 2/$4.00 and use $2.00/2 coupon from the Easy Saver book AND (2) .75/1 coupons from the 04/27 SS insert would make these 2/.50.

Pert Plus Shampoo plus Conditioner is $3.49 with a ES Rebate of $2.50 and using $1.00/1 coupon from 05/11 SS insert making this .01 overage.

Rite Aid 05/11-05/17

Zilactin is Free After Rebate. (limit 1)

Tic Tacs (candy) are 2/$1.00 and using .55/2 coupon from 04/27 RP insert would make these 02/.45

Suave Shampoo or Conditioner is .99 each and use $1.00/2 coupon from 04/20 RP (I had to trade for these as they were not available in my local inserts) making these 2/.98 (15 oz size)

Not a GREAT week for bargains but some worthy items to stock up on until the next sales cycle. I especially like the lunchmeat deal from Kroger’s.

First I would like to explain a few abbreviations that I commonly use on my blog.

These are the coupon inserts found in most Sunday papers:

SS = SmartSource

RP = Red Plum

P & G = Proctor & Gamble

I store my inserts (whole) by date and do not clip coupons from them until they are needed. It is easier for me to find the coupon I need doing it this way. I usually purchase at least 10 Sunday papers, if I can get a good return on the investment by using the coupons. I also trade coupons with people from Hot Coupon World.

MIR = Mail In Rebate

TMF = Try me Free

MIRs and TMFs are commonly found in Sunday paper inserts and also hangtags (on products) and tearpads found in stores.

I focus mainly on Kroger, Walgreens and Rite Aid. I, unfortunately, do not have a CVS near me and Walmart is not extremely coupon friendly (in my experience), though I do have a couple of favorite cashiers who understand coupons and how to scan them correctly. I know there are some people who have the worst time with my favorite stores but that is not the case for me. The stores I chose to focus on are in my area and with gas being as high as it is, it makes more sense for me to stay close to home at this time.

Walgreens offers an Easy Saver (ES) booklet which you can pick up as you walk into the store. It is usually on the rack with the sales papers. This booklet contains coupons as well as a listing of their rebate items. They usually offer at least 2-3 really good FAR items (Free After Rebate). Thankfully my state, Tennessee, is one of their Beta states that is allowed to submit rebates online. There are many who still have to mail in their rebates once a month. If you choose to have your rebate added to a gift card, instead of receiving a check back, they will add an additional 10% to your rebate total. I like the gift card option as I am a frequent shopper at Walgreens. 

Walgreens also offers coupons in their weekly sales ad. You are allowed to use 1 Walgreens store coupon with 1 manufacturer’s coupon, which is called stacking. There are some who try to abuse the system by using more than is allowed and this is coupon fraud. It really messes things up for those of us who use them correctly as it makes stores not want to accept coupons.

Rite Aid is also a great place to save money. They offer a Single Check Rebate (SCR) program where you are allowed to submit online your receipts and your rebate is mailed to you once a month. You are allowed to stack 1 Rite Aid coupon from their sales ad with 1 manufacturer’s coupon for additional savings. They also offer a few good FAR (free after rebate) items each month.

The best deals on the Free-After-Rebate items are when you have a coupon to use on the FAR item. Doing this you are actually earning a few cents on the item you purchase.

Kroger’s is another store I really like in my area as they double coupons up to .60 in value, meaning a .60 coupon is actually worth $1.20 in purchasing power. Each area is different so please call your store in advance and ask what their policy is regarding coupons. I am in the Delta region. Sales ads differ depending on the region you live in, though I have found that it usually cycles as what may be on sale in my area this week may be on sale in your area next week. Hang on to those coupons!

In any store you frequent, check out the discount shelf as you are allowed to use coupons on items that are already reduced in price. Sometimes you can find items that will be free after coupon.

Another way I receive really good coupons is by writing to the manufacturer regarding a product I like. I will send them compliments or a personal-use story about a product I like and USUALLY they will send me a coupon for either cents-off or a coupon for a FREE item. However, if you write to COMPLAIN about a product, you may receive a refund but do not expect coupons for a product you just complained about. Please note that you are added to their system so please do not abuse by writing too frequently.

Receiving samples in the mail is also another way to receive coupons. Some but not all samples contain coupons for the product. I love trying new products and if I like it I will wait for a sale and then use my coupon to purchase. If I am not too impressed with the product I will trade my coupon with someone else who does like the product.

Another source for coupons is in magazines. The All You magazine (available at Walmart for $1.77) is my favorite one for coupons. In the May issue #5, there were coupons for a Free Adidas deodorant and also a TMF coupon for Kids Tums, not to mention several good cents-off coupons for items I regularly use. If you glance through it in the checkout line, there is a listing near the back of the magazine of all coupons in that issue. It can help you decide it if is worth it to you to purchase or not.

Any coupon not found in the Sunday paper inserts is considered a non-insert coupon.

Using coupons effectively does take a considerable amount of time. I research sales, coupons, stores, product size, etc., weekly. My friend Terri went bargain shopping with me the other day and she could tell you the time it takes to prepare to go as I had her helping me clip coupons and writing down lists of items we would be purchasing and separating coupons per store, etc. Considering in all we bought approximately $300.00 worth of stuff for less than $100.00 out of pocket, it was worth it to us.

I do not have any babies at home anymore but I will purchase baby items that are free or nearly free after coupons or rebates in order to donate these items to shelters, churches, friends, family members, etc. When I am able to purchase name-brand cereals (for example) and such for less than .25 a box, I always buy many in order to donate to food pantries in the area. I also keep a well-stocked pantry of my own. My friend Terri is also great about donating items and cooking meals for families who are having a hard time with illness or financially.

Couponing is definitely a lifestyle I have chosen and it benefits my family as well as countless others. I coupon because it makes sense to use all resources available to me to save money.

Here are some of the Walgreens bargains to be had this week:

Mennen Speed Stick 2.7 to 3.25 oz (excludes 24/7) with Walgreens sales ad coupon is .99 (buy 2 of these) plus use a .50/2 coupon from today’s inserts making these .74 ea.

Weight Watchers candy 3 oz or 3.25 oz is 2/$3.00, use B1G1 Free coupon from 03/30/2008 Smart Source insert and these will be 2/$1.50. (no limit mentioned)

Russell Stover Sugar Free candy is 2/$3.00, use B1G2 Free coupon from 02/03/2008 Red Plum insert and these will be 2/$1.50. (no limit mentioned)

Pledge Furniture Polish is on sale for $2.99, use the $1.50/1 coupon from 03/30/2008 Smart Source insert making this $1.49 and includes a free duster. (no limit mentioned)

Mennen Speed Stick 24/7 is on sale for 2/3.99, use (2) .75/1 coupons from today’s Smart Source insert and your total price is approx. $1.24 ea.

Bounty Basic paper towels with Sales ad coupon are .79 ea, use .25/1 coupon from 04/06/2008 Proctor & Gamble insert making it .54 per roll. (limit 3, must use 3 manufacturer’s coupons)

Easy Off Bam is on sale for 2/$5.00, use (2) 1.50/1 coupons from 04/13/2008 Smart Source insert making these 2/$2.00.

Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner Kit is $19.99 with an Easy Saver Rebate of $5.00 and use the $10.00/1 coupon from 03/30/2008 Smart Source insert making this $4.99.

Reynold’s Wrap aluminum foil is 4/$3.00, use (4) .75/1 coupons from 03/09/2008 Smart Source insert making these Free after coupons. (These coupons exclude the 25 sq. ft. rolls, however Walgreens is promoting the 20 sq. ft. rolls for said sale price.)

This week, Walgreens Ibuprofen or Pain Reliever is on sale for $2.00, making it Free after Easy Saver rebate of $2.00.

For the Walgreens Easy Saver rebates you can either submit your receipts online (select states only) or mail them in with the Easy Saver rebate form found in the Easy Saver booklet located at the front of the store where the sales papers are. You can either request a check or a gift card. If you choose the gift card, you will receive a 10% bonus of your total rebate each month.

Free After Rebates for the month are:

Walgreens Maxi Pads 12 to 24 pack (up to $1.99)

EARinse Ear Cleansing (up to $9.99)

Walgreens standard light bulbs, 4 pack (up to $1.69)

Kickers Energy Spray, 7 oz (up to $3.29)

Oral B CrossAction Toothbrush (up to $4.99)

Orajel Kids Plaque Revealing Rinse, 12 oz (up to $5.79)

Nexcare Cold Sore Lip Treatment, .07 oz (up to $8.99)

It looks like there are going to be some good deals to be had at Rite Aid this week!!

NOTE* If you are new to Rite Aid and have never used their Single Check Rebate program you must register on their site here. You can save your receipts and enter them once a month or enter them as you get them but you can only SUBMIT your invoices once per month to receive your rebate. If you submit too early you will lose the rest of the month to stock up on their sales and rebate offers. At the end of the program period after you have submitted your receipts they will mail you a postcard type check which you can use at the store as cash. Some people have said that you can cash it at the bank but I have never tried this and cannot say for sure, though I do not see why you could not as it is a check.

Here are a few that are available:

Listerine Smart Rinse is Free after Rebate plus it is a money maker as sale price is $2.99 with $2.99 rebate +  $1.00 coupon in 04/27 Sunday paper insert making it $1.00 profit ALSO if you were able to find the Try Me Free tear pad form you would receive it Free (after Rite Aid rebate) + $1.00 (with coupon) + TMF (from tear pad) rebate of $2.99 making it $3.99 profit. Valid only 04/27-05/03. (Limit 1)

Citre Shine Colour Prism Shampoo or Conditioner or Gelee is Free after rebate, sale price is $3.99 with Rite Aid single check rebate of $3.99.  Valid 04/27/2008-04/29/2008 only. (Limit 1)

Charles Worthington Big Hair or Big Waves Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers is Free after rebate, sale price is $4.99 with Single Check Rebate of $4.99. Valid 04/27-04/29 only. (Limit 1)

Salon Grafix Shapin Mousse is Free after rebate, sale price is $5.99 with Single Check Rebate of $5.99. Valid 04/27-04/29 only. (Limit 1)

Blue Coral Car Wash (20 oz) is Free after Rebate, price is $2.00 with Single Check Rebate of $2.00. (Limit 1)

Doctor’s Night Guard (to prevent teeth grinding) is Free after rebate, price is $14.49 with Single Check rebate of $14.49. (Limit 1)

Band-Aid Bandages are on sale for .99 and using the .50/1 coupon in the 04/27 inserts would make them .49 ea.

The One Touch Ultra Mini glucose monitor is priced at $19.99 at Rite Aid and there is a $20.00 coupon in today’s inserts. This is good for someone who needs a new monitor, however it you are hoping for a sample of testing strips in the box, they usually do not include any.

L’Oreal Studio Stylers are 2/$8.00 with a $4.00 on 2 products Single Check Rebate and using (2) $1.00/1 coupons from today’s insert will make these $1.00 ea. (limit 1 rebate, must purchase 2 products for rebate)

There are many products that are B1G1 Free, however I do not know the sale price on these items and cannot compare them (after coupons) to see if they would be a great deal or not.

Here are a few available online printable coupons, try-me-free’s, and samples I want to share with you.

Save $1.00 on any flavor of Hershey’s Bliss chocolate. (must register to print)

Save $2.00 on Kingsford charcoal. (must register to print or click “help” at the bottom of the Bricks page and have it mailed to you)

Assorted coupons for Organic Valley products. You may print two of each. Good for 30 days from print date. Coupons are usually refreshed ONCE per YEAR on their site.

Buy 1 Get 1 Free Oust Surface disinfectant & Air sanitizer. (must register, good up to $4.25)

Save over $31.00 with coupons you request from here. (will receive a booklet by mail)

You can once again get a free sample of Hamburger Helper Singles from Betty Crocker. (must register)

Try Me Free Land O Lakes Butter up to $4.39 with receipt dated 04/15/2008-10/15/2008. They must receive it by 10/31/2008. (pdf fiile) Not good in all states.

Request a Bush’s Beans Simply the Best in 20 Minutes or Less recipe booklet.

Receive $8.00 back from Berkley Fireline fishing line when you purchase 2, excluding Micro Ice.

Noxzema Shaver Try Me Free. (up to $3.00, pdf file)

Receive $2.00 rebate when you purchase any Gentle Naturals product. (pdf file, expires 12/31/2009)

Aquafresh Extreme Clean sample from Walmart. (may need to temporarily allow pop-ups)

L’Oreal Skin Genesis sample from Walmart.

Goodnites Sleep Boxers (boys) or Sleep Shorts (girls) sample from Walmart.