Saven Maven

I was so happy they had the oats in stock so I was able to get total of $2.40 overage on the 12! It basically paid for the splurge on Hidden Valley Ranch that is high even at sale price and I had no coupons. Eek! I also am loving the FuelPerks as I save $.40/gallon saving over $7 on filling up.

Mfg Cpn Savings $23.10
Bonus Cpn Savings $16.90
Card & Str Cpn $18.97
Total Savings 64% $58.97
OOP $33.69

Total OOP $26.42~$58.68 Coupon,Coupon Bonus, Store Sale Savings 55%

Bigger trip for CVS to use my $5/$15 CRT and $10/$50 CSC (Coupon Scanner Coupon).
$.50 OOP~$78.99ECBs Used~$15 CVS~$10.82MQs~$46ECBs Earned~$8ECBs Left~
$121.17 Total Value

I also did a quick trip on Wednesday to pick up Excedrin $1.99-$1CRT-$1MQ=$.06 OOP

Find even more great CVS savings at "Cent"sible Sawyer!

Walgreens Quick Trip: Messed up again thinking the IVC was for $2 off each bag of nuts instead of $3/2. Disappointed in the taste of these; expensive nuts covered in cheap chocolate. Blah! I'm glad I got 4 instead of 2. lol $2.34 OOP~$8 IVCs~$23.15Total Value~90% Savings

I'm a little behind on my posts due to giving myself a migraine on Saturday. I know better, but I didn't stop to eat or take any Excedrin, the Excedrin I just "bought" at CVS. (!) I'm just going to add some pictures and brief descriptions for now and if anyone has questions please ask. I went to Kroger's and Walmart too, but no pictures and Kroger's was a bust since they were all out of Cottonelle and the Softsoap I wanted. So much for that 45 minute one way trip. lol

CVS-Two stores combined.
$1.33 OOP~41.99ECBS Used~$9.96 Coupons~46.99 ECBs Earned~$92.92 Saved~$3.67 Profit
Walgreens Stop 1
The AutoExpressions has to go back. Wrong item in the wrong place at the wrong price. Didn't do so great here. I thought my coupon was $1 off one Lysol, but it was off of two, so $4 more there and I messed up on the RR so no $2 RR. I had to call my husband for a pep talk. ;)

$10.04 oop (with return)~$13.20Giftcard~$34.15Coupons~$22.00IVC~$2.50In-Ad Coupons~
$59.38 Total Savings 86% The rebates I do not include in my totals since I factor in the GC from the previous month's rebates. Just for informational purposes I will be getting back $5 for the Kraft,$1.50 for the Electrosol and $4 for the Slimquik. I need to start staying within my GC rebates and roll my RRs like I do with CVS. If I don't have that "free" money than I don't buy unless it really makes sense.


Walgreens Stop 2
2 Transactions combined:
4 Lysol Wipes $3.79 each/BOGO Free
1 CG Eyeshadow $4.99
1 Dove Shampoo $1.29 (Clearance)
5 Aquafresh Toothpaste $14.99
$11.30 OOP ~$8.50MQs~$10IVCs~$38.60Total Value~71%Savings
Rebate on Covergirl Shadow $5.48

Okay this post won't bore you with the story and how everything did or didn't work out, but for the record most of it worked out. I did forget a couple items, didn't work my plan to the very last no OOP penny, but too worn out to care. ;)

#1 Transaction (My hubby did this as I sat in the Pharmacy to figure out the rest)

2 Soy Joys $12
-$12ECB
Total OOP $0

#2 Transaction

1 Listerine Whitening Pen $10
-$2 Mq
-$3 CVS q
2 Complete (Raincheck) $17.98
-$2 Mq
-$2 Mq
2 Throat Coolers $9.98
-$4.99 Mq
-$12 ECB
-$6 ECB
-$6 ECB
Subtotal -$.03
Tax $.77
Total OOP $.74
Saved $42.98
Used $24 ECBs
Earned $27.98 ECBs

#3 Transaction

1 Listerine Whitening Pen $10
-$2 Mq
-$3 CVS q
1 Nasogel $7.99
-$2 Mq
1 Venus Razor Blades 8pk $10.95 (1/2 off)
-$9.98ECB
-$8.97ECB
-$2.00ECB
Subtotal $.99
Tax $.35
Total OOP $1.34 Total Saved $41.88 Total ECBs Used $20.95 Total ECBs Earned $17.99

All Combined

Total OOP $2.08
Total ECBs Used $56.95
Total ECBs Earned $57.97
Total Value $101.92

So sad so many items oos and so low limit on the rainchecks. I asked the cashier if I could have another raincheck for the Garnier since I had so many coupons and one of the assistant managers last week told me not to worry about clearing the shelves and they could order more from another store if they had to. Then I had nine coupons and I'm thankful I got those on Sunday and thought I would order more and wait until the end of the week so others had a chance too.

Well the end of the week and the store enforced limits at least with today's assistant manager, Tim whom I think does not like me and "watches" me. It didn't matter what I was previously told and it was obvious he didn't like it when other customers were buying 14 earlier in the week. I understand they have a right to limits and I wasn't demanding, maybe pleading a little, but the comment he made, "This isn't a bulk store..." I feel was unnecessary. I'm not a shelf clearer as I hardly ever get to Walgreens until the end of the week and only shopped next week's sales once on Saturday night. On top of everything else I forgot to use my gift card again so I had $4.94 oop. :(

I think I need to work on building thicker skin and also to stop comparing my deals to others. A wise friend of mine used to share on a homeschool group that Comparison is the death of contentment. She is so right an I know in a couple days all will be in perspective.

Brawny $9.99 Raincheck for $5.99*2
Reese's Whips 2/$1.59*10
-5*$1.00 mq
-$2.95 in ad q
Foil $1.59*2
-2*$1mq
-$1.20 in ad q
South Beach $2.50*4 (This is all they had left and only wrote me a raincheck for 4 so I will -4*$2 mq two more to get the $5 Kraft Rebate)
-$5RR
-$5RR
Subtotal $33.11 before coupons
Subtotal $ 3.96
Tax $.98
Total OOP $4.94
Total Savings $34.31 (87.5%) at regular prices or $29.15 (83%) at sale prices

I was a little bit disappointed in my oop spending, I thought for sure it would be lower, call me crazy. I saved 74% or $87.62 according to their calculation between coupons, bonus coupons, card and store savings. Original Total $83.79 Total OOP $31.66 I also fill up the van with gas and used my GE Card saving $.20/gallon and between my total last time and this time in groceries earned another $.20 off/gallon. I love that Giant Eagle rolls the amount from one week to another to earn the fuelperks.

Another leisurely trip. $.52oop, got to love that tax! Used $23.98 ECBs Earned $24ECBs. Out of Listerine White Pens, Out of Throat Coolers, Out of Nasogel and never have seen a spot for those, Out of Complete. I hope Coshocton has those and if they don't I hope I don't forget the raincheck for the Listerine White Pens like I did tonight. Total Value $35.96

LOL

I have to brag on my husband. As he was saying good-bye on his way to watch the OSU game, I asked if he could stop at CVS for me to do a small transaction. We live about 18 miles away and his brother is just around the corner, well several blocks away. Jeff asked what he had to do and I started to tell him about the Throat Coolers and he's listening and thinking about it as I throw in to please scan my card , how and why. He hesitated, but I could tell he would do it for me and that's when I told him I was just joking, but if he could just please scan my card...LOL he wasn't so sure after that trick and didn't make any promises. I thought for sure he'd asked if I just couldn't give CVS a rest especially since it is he that would have to CVS and I would have laughed, but he didn't and I love him all the more even if he doesn't even scan my card.

He just called and we had the best laugh just acting crazy. I bet CVS didn't know they were in the business of building healthy marriages.

Nothing original in the coupon world; lots of Garnier and papers. I messed up figuring a little with the fillers and forgot about my gift card so $3.13 oop and earned a $3 RR. Total Savings $60.47 (95%) with $12.75 in MQs and $18 in IVCs and used a $10RR.
8 Papers @$1 each =$8
4 Kellogg's @$2.50 each - 3*$1mq -$.75 Catalina = $6.25 Earn $3RR
5 Garnier @$2.99 each -5*$1mq - 5*$2IVC =Overage $.05
4 Garnier @$2.19each -4*1mq -4*$2 IVC =Overage $3.24
4 Pencils@$.12 each =$.48
-$10 RR from Wyeth

Subtotal $1.44
Tax $1.69

I also bought a bigger city paper locally, but its coupons weren't much better if any and it was $.50 more. I think they are skimping on the inserts that travel to our town. There were no Garnier hair, no L'Oreal, no Johnson, no others. I also went out and got two more Tribunes thinking I'd stop back in at closing for the extras, but I was too tired. OOP for local purchases $3.50. All the papers had the $2.50 for the Electrasol so that was my main focus. It's the only detergent that works with our hard water.

I also ran down to the Family Dollar because we needed the Electrasol and just bought one box which my oop was $.53 for 12 tabs.

This was meant to be a quick trip, but it took about an hour. I guess that is still quick for me. Had to do some rethinking as usual since they didn't have enough Throat Coolers for my original plan.
Oh and tonight I got an employee that knows what customer service is all about. Stephanie was a breath of fresh air at the Dover store.

CVS Cottonswabs 1.99
CVS Papertowels 1.89
-$.90 BOGOH
-$3 CVS Product Q
2 Throat Coolers @$4.99 each Earned $4.99 ECBs on each
-$4.99 BOGOF MQ
2 Colgate Advanced Tootpaste @$2.99 each Earned $2 ECBs on each
-$2 MQs (2*$1)
Pantene $2.50 on clearance Earned $2 ECBs (already had one towards deal)
Garnier Wipes $5.99 Raincheck from Black Friday Earned $6 ECBs
-$1 MQ
-$5/$25 Email CVS Q
-$7.49 ECBs
-$4.00 ECBs
Total OOP $.52
Total Value $32.72
Spent ECBs $11.49
Earned ECBs $22.00
Profit $9.99

CVS is having a promotion on Abbott products; Buy $20 get $5 ECBs. I have read a blog and some forums about this being a MM by using two Glucerna IPs. There is a slight problem with this, I'm sorry to report.

The Glucerna coupon is limited one per household even though it prints twice. I emailed Abbott and asked about the printing limit and wording on the coupon and they confirmed it is only meant to be one coupon per household. I really wanted permission to use both, but it is a no go.

On a positive note the Ensure website will let you print $3 and $1.85 coupons twice. It won't be a MM, but if you use those products it would be a very good deal. If you have any $/$$ even better.

This trip was most enjoyable; I got two of my favorite cashiers at Walgreens and CVS. I also only did one transaction at each store keeping it simple and it was worth it. Without further ado:

Walgreens


Total Value $58.49(before clearance prices, sale prices and coupons)
Ttl OOP $9.81 (including tax) 83% Savings

2 Robitussin $4 each
3 Dimetapp $4 each
3 Garnier Fructis $2.19 Each
2 Vive $2.59 each
1 Infusium $3.59
Subtotal $35.34
-$10 (5x$2mq)
-$6 (3x$2 IVC)
-$3 (3x$1mq)
-$4 (1x $4/2 IVC)
-$2 (2x$1mq)
-$3 mq
Coupon Savings $28.00

Received 3 Wyeth RRs $10+$5+$5


CVS

Total Value $57.67
Total OOP $ 0 (originally $.33 but had a return due to ECB not printing yet and they did cash back)

2 South Beach Cereal Bars $2.50 each
2 Sally Hansen Nail Polishes $1.39 each
2 Pantene 2in1 $2 each
1 Pantene Treatment $1.37
1 L'Oreal Age Perfect $19.99
1 First Aid Kit $.99
1 J&J Buddies $1.19

Subtotal $35.32

-$5 (2x$2IP; $1 CVS)
-$2.78 Beauty Book Q
-$3/2 MQ
-$1 MQ
-$19.99 Raincheck
-$1 CVS
-$1 IP
-$1.55 ECBs
Coupon Savings $35.32

Earned $0 ECBs but if I buy one more pantene will earn $2. Forgot to check receipt before leaving town and the clearance product was applied towards earnings. Would be great to find another product for $1.37!



Walmart

Total Value $28.71
Total OOP $10.06 (including $.90 tax) 65% savings

1 Arnold Bread $1.88
1 Schwebel's Buns 12ct $2.09 (yes, I'm a bun snob)
1 Marzetti Slaw Dressing $2.88
4 Candy Necklace Braclets sets $.50 each
3 J&J Soap Buddies $.97 each
5 Personal Items $1 each
1 Gillette Gift Set $5
Total $21.71

-$.55 Arnold's
-$3 J&J(3x$1IP)
-$5 PI (5x$1mq)
-$4 GGS mq
Total Coupon Savings $12.55

Buehler's

Didn't take pictures since the same as last time which consisted of 1 milk and 1.5# grapes. Returned 4 bottles for $6 using that and $2.19 oop for total of $8.19.

I left the receipt with my coupon notebook in the van which isn't here now, so no details except a I saved around 55% and my final total was around $40.

Wal-Mart we won't even talk about; no cherry picking there or coupons used. (!) Also went out to Sugarcreek for meat and also spent about $40 there for 10lbs of ground chuck @$2.79/lb and a 2.5lb@ roast $3.79/lb.

Quick run into CVS to scan my card and then get my free Myoplex Bar; coupon arrived today. I also picked up a couple of Crests using $3.99ECBs, (2) $1 MQs and $.12 OOP getting back $4 ECBs. I thought I would get back two for the Myoplex, but I misunderstood the deal and need three more which I won't bother doing; one free is great.

The experience was not good again to say the least. They are just sooooooo unpleasant and even condescending in that store. Last night I went for my SIL and yikes! Part of me is very disgusted with the customer service and the other part of me feels sorry for those souls that must be so miserable. I'm am thankful Dover store is not my only option or I honestly might not CVS.

This is what I got from the two day sale with the exception of Promax being part of the monthly sale, Skittles, 4pks missing, were fillers and the four Snowmen ornaments were extras for the kids. I may add more details later, but for now I can say I started the day with $25.59 ECB I spent $.45 OOP for $158.50 Total Value and left the store with $25.13 ECB in my pocket and Saved 99.4%. I also have rainchecks for four more Rightguards, three Thermacare and four more Sleepinal. A couple of items I decided to skip and one I forgot to check on.

I was just reminded that there is a rebate for the Zantac $3.99 since I had a $1 mq and Excedrin$3.99 so I will be getting money back from those making a profit today. (!)

I removed the link to the Glad coupon. I just found out that it may not be legitimate or only intended for those that are signed up with those stores listed on the homepage and made available through their email. I apologize for this as I really thought this one was legitimate.

It's so easy to get caught up in the game and rationalizing certain coupons, but I need to remember God will bless my honesty much more than I ever could save with a few questionable coupons.

e.g.
$1.50 Aetna Colgate Coupon ~ not a member and did not receive the email link to the pdf directly

$/$$ from CVS~they may be legitimate and not card specific, but if not sent to me than questionable unless I can find the link from their main website.

So if my gut a.k.a. Holy Spirit is feeling uneasy about using a certain coupon then I plan on passing.

May God bless your endeavors as you spend and save wisely in all He has allowed you.

Before getting into the drugstore with coupons kick, I did some shopping with iHerb. iHerb is a great place for natural products from food to health and beauty products. I've ordered twice and have been very happy both times. In fact, I am soon to place another order for a few things that I won't find more cost effective at a brick and mortar store or even online.

Plus right now they are offering an additional 10% off on all your purchases. The other special is 50% off shipping for orders $40 or more and with an order of $60 or more standard shipping is always free. The offer is good through December 31st.

Also you can save an additional $5 if you use my code HEB636. When you place your first order you in turn will receive your very own code to share with others which earns you money. It's like a pyramid without the scheme. ;) More information can be found on their website, but here is just a few words:

• No start up fees—the program costs you nothing
• No meetings to attend—just spread the word and pass along your code
• No buying requirements. You never have to buy products from us and resell them
• Over 200 brand name products found at major health food stores and other online stores. No fly-by-night, “not-available-in-stores” types of products.
• Your privacy is assured—no one will call you

This has been true for me and I have never been contacted by iHerb except with promotions through my email address or the free code cards to give to others that arrived with my purchase.

Tonight went fairly well and was enjoyable. I promised to take my younger son shopping since he needed to pick up a few things for a gift he is making his older sister; he was a great help and it refreshed my spirit. We made five stops:Rite-Aid, CVS, JoAnn Fabrics, Giant Eagle and Buehler's.
The young man bagging our groceries at GE complimented on Carson's quietness and not jumping up and down and touching things. :D

First Stop: Rite Aid nothing too exciting just the FAR movie for $3.99. They happened to have an oldie and we love oldies in our house. Some of the other choices were just eeek!


Second Stop: CVS
3 Soft n Dri $9.97
-$1.65had peelies!
2 Colgate $5.98
-3.00 mqs
Schick Disposable (Filler) $.99
-.99 mq adjusted
-$5.00/$15 CRT
-$5.00ECB
Subtotal $.30
Tax $.39
OOP $.69
Saved $21.34 (96%)
Earned $4 ECB and $6 increasing my ECBs by $5 thank you CRT!








Third stop: Giant Eagle
I hardly ever shopped GE because it seem the prices were high even with coupons, but thanks to Hot Coupon World I'm finding a few good bargains. There are a few things I normally wouldn't buy, but for .05 or free I'm all for that. I splurge on the eggnog, my sweet little boy asked and for good measure threw in his dad's weakness for eggnog too. Normally, my children aren't allowed to ask for things unless it is fruit or maybe yogurt, but every once in awhile something really strikes their fancy and I'll agree to it.

I have to thank those that mentioned discounted milk! I tried the advice tonight and it worked, I was so excited. We usually don't buy this kind as I buy the closest I can get to raw, but since it is still organic I thought why not if I get it for around $2 and sure enough that was the price they sold it to me. I don't know if that's as great as others, but for my first try I'm satisfied. I'm also very thankful because Buehler's only had one whole milk left tonight so this worked out perfect.

The short breakdown is I spent $16.28 OOP and saved $43.59 I also have a raincheck for the Progresso their shelves were really bare.


Last stop was Buehler's, a local grocer. This is where a lot of the money goes because of the milk, but then again we no longer drink 4-6 gallons a week, but 1 and sometimes 2 as a treat. I switch us over to non-homogenized and just pasteurized instead of ultra-pasteurized. This isn't certified organic, but it is hormone free and grass fed cows. It's the closest I can get to raw in Ohio. Grrrr So while we wash down our sugar laden snacks with fresh wholesome milk. ;0 We do throw a few fruits in too for good measure.

Milk not including the deposit is $3.99 half gallon
Grapes were $.99/lb with advantage card @ 2.15lb
Total $7.62 I actually paid with the money I received from returning some bottles so now OOP.

Tonight I wanted to use up my RRs and earn just one more $5/$25 so I could take a little break from Walgreens and concentrate on CVS upcoming ECBpalooza. I'm so happy that Walgreens sets their sales after 7pm on Saturday for the next week which is the other reason I went out tonight.

Transaction 1



4 Glad $5.99
-$4 mq
6 Turtles $5.94
-$6 mq (I used 4 $1.50 and the 4th had to be pushed through)
1 Christmas Gel Pen $.69
-$.44 in ad q
-$15 RR (from Robitussin)
- $5 RR (from $5/$25)
Subtotal $.15
Tax $.1.34
OOP $1.49 Total Value: $45.95 Total Saved: $44.44(97%)
Earned $5 Christmas Reward (a.k.a. Holiday Reward)

Transaction 2


1 Glad $5.99
-$1 mq
2 Turtles $1.98
-$1.50mq
2 Gel Pens $1
-$.50 in ad q
-$5.00 RR
Subtotal $.97
Tax $.10
OOP $1.07
Total Saved: $8.50 (89%)
Total Value: $9.57

Transaction 3


1 Glad $5.99
-$1mq
2 Turtles $1.98
-$1.50mq
2 Gel Pens $1
-$.50 in ad q
-$5.00 RR
Subtotal $.97
Tax $.10
OOP $1.07
Total Saved: $8.50 (89%)
Total Value: $9.57

All 3 Transactions Combined


Total Value: $65.09
Total OOP: $3.63
Total Saved: $61.44 (94%)