We are in Williamsburg!!!

After a fun-filled day shopping for after Christmas bargains yesterday, we spent the evening packing. Today we stopped at our best-est friends' house for a delicious breakfast of pancakes and fruit cocktail, and then drove 5 hours (we were in traffic for EVER!) to Williamsburg. But we are now here and we are LOVING it! We got a FREE upgrade on our room, because we were late to check in. Not only do we have a king bed, but we also have a hot tub in our room! I guess traffic can sometimes be a good thing! I am going to try and blog about our trip and post some pictures as the week progresses. Hope that everyone else is enjoying the last days of this holiday season!!

CVS Prescription Run

Stopped into CVS on Thursday to drop off a prescription and got the calcium I needed while I was there...
1 CVS Brand Calcium + Vitamin D 75 ct $4.99
2 Excedrin Travel Pks $2.49 ea - $5/2 Excedrin CVS C = FREE + $0.02 MM
Total OOP, No Tax: $4.97, Paid with Free gift Card

Rite-Aid this Week - No SCR's

Went to Rite-Aid this week not for SCR's, but to use a few coupons and boost my Season of Savings total to try and earn a higher value certificate.
2 Wet Ones Canisters $3.29 ea on Sale for $1.99 ea - $1.50/1 MC x 2 = $0.98/2
2 Tylenol 24 ct 8-Hour Pain $5.99 ea on Sale for $2.99 ea - $2/1 MC x 2 = $1.98/2
1 Rite-Aid Sunblock Face Lotion $8.29 - Free Item Rite-aid C = FREE
1 Rite-Aid Sun Protection Lip Balm $2.49 - Free Item Rite-aid C = FREE
+ Tax $0.39
Total OOP: $3.35, paid on Gift card!!!!

Hallmark Card Shopping

Joe and I went to Hallmark twice this past week to use up the $5 off any purchase coupons I had accumulated from the Internet and magazines. Here's how the second trip went down...
1 - $2.99 Card
7 - Various $0.99 Cards
2 - $0.49 Cards
+ Tax $0.66
- $5 off any Purchase C x 2
Total OOP: $1.56!!!!!!!

The Kitty Cats had Christmas too :-)

After all of the presents are opened, we let the paper and wrappings on our living room floor until the night of the 26th, and as you can tell from the mess, the Kitties LOVE to play in it!!!!

Martin's Doubling Dollars Trip #2

Told you that I would end up going back later in the week for a few more good deals! Here's what I got...
3 Rice Sides $1.25 ea - $0.25 ea Sale - $1/3 MC - $1 Double = $1/3
2 Nestle Cookie Doughs $3.19 ea - $0.90 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 - $1 Double x 2 = $0.58/2
2 Heluva Good Dips $1.99 ea - $0.49 ea Sale - $1/2 MC - $1 Double = $1/2
1 Heluva Good Block Cheese $2.79 - $1.12 Sale - $0.50/1 MC - $0.50 Double = $0.67
Original Total: $16.90 - Coupons & Sales $13.65 = Total OOP: $3.25
Savings of $13.65 or 81%

Walgreen's RR's Trip

Stopped into Walgreen's earlier this week to roll those RR's before they expired...
2 boxes Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds Cereal $2.50 ea - $1/2 MC - $1/2 RR = 2/$3
2 Lubriderm Lotions $3.79 ea - $2/1 MC x 2 - $1/1 Wags C x 2 = $0.79 ea = $1.58/2
1 Curel lotion $7.49 - $2/1 MC - $3/1 Wags C = $2.49
2 cans Bumble Bee Chunk White Tuna 2/$3 - $0.99 = $2.01 (was not taken off correctly, should have been $0.99 ea or $1.98/2, but that sometimes happens with coupons...)
1 Dulcolax $7 - $3/1 MC - $4 RR = FREE
2 bags Wags Plastic Cutlery 24 ct $0.99 ea - $0.60 in-ad C x 2 = $0.39 ea = $0.78/2
+ Tax $0.96
- $12 RR's used to Pay
Total OOP: $3.81

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas filled with too much food and presents! And I'd like to wish all of my bargain buddies good luck tomorrow in your sales-shopping!

Martin's is Doubling Dollar Coupons AGAIN!!! Trip #1

I LOVE it when Martin's doubles coupons up to and including $1 coupons, you can really walk away with some excellent bargains!
2 Ragu Alfredo Sauces $2.23 ea - $0.98 ea Sale - $1/2 MC - $1 Double = $0.50/2
3 Wishbone Salad Dressings 16 oz $2.39 ea - $0.39 ea Sale - $0.75/1 MC x 3 - $0.75 Double x 3 = $0.50 ea = $1.50/3
1 Smuckers Jam $3.09 - $1/1 MC - $1 Double = $1.09
2 Hallmark Cards $0.99 ea - $0.10 Bonus Savings ea - BOGO Free in-ad C = $0.89/2
1 Hallmark Card $0.99 - $0.10 Bonus Savings - $0.50/1 Martin's C = $0.39
1 Giant Gallon Cider (Not pictured) $4.49 - $0.80 Sale = $3.69
1 - 9 ct Bagel Bites $2.16 - $0.17 Sale - $1/1 MC - $0.99 Double = FREE
2 - 2 pk Parkay Spreads $1.89 ea - $0.90 ea Sale - $1/2 MC (Should have doubled but didn't...) = $0.98/2
4 Sociables Crackers $3.29 ea - $1.29 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 4 - $1 Double x 4 = 4 FREE
1 Large bag Walnuts $6.99 - $3 Sale - $1/1 MC - $1 Double = $1.99
4 Bumble Bee Tuna Single Serve Pouches $1.49 ea - $1/1 MC x 4 - $0.49 Double x 4 = 4 FREE
0.10 lb @ $7.49/lb Olives off the bar for Joe for being a good shopping helper :-) $0.75
+ Tax $0.11
Total OOP: $14.81 - $2.92 Refunded to my Card (some I got charged for a 12 pk of soda and didn't buy it!) = $11.89
Original Total: $56.55 -- Savings of 79% -- WAHOO!

CVS ECB's before Christmas Shopping!

Joe and I stopped into CVS on Sunday, in the snow, to get these awesome deals + some eggs that I NEEDED to finish my baking and a few Christmas presents. If you could get out of your driveway, shopping was a breeze, as there was not many people out, and during this time of year that is a rarity!
1 Cover Girl Powder $5 - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = $2
1 Listerine 500 ml Mouth wash $3.99 - $1/1 MC - $3 ECB = FREE + $0.01 MM
1 Crest Toothpaste 4 oz $2.88 - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = FREE + $0.12 MM
1 Nivea Body Wash $5.99 - $2/1 MC - $5 ECB = FREE + $1.01 MM
1 Schick Intuition Plus Razor $8.99 - $2/1 MC - $3 ECB = $3.99
5 Thermacare Heat Wraps $2.49 ea - $1/1 CVS C - $2.49 ECB ea = 5 FREE + $1 MM
1 CVS Cocoa Butter Travel Size Lotion $1.49 - CVS Free item C = FREE
1 Coke Zero $1.69 - Free Item MC = FREE
2 Gold Emblem Cashews (Not Pictured) $0.99 ea - $1/2 MC (took off $0.99?) = $0.99/2
1 Dozen Eggs $1.69
2 Christmas Presents (Not Pictured) @ BOGO 50% off $20.98/2
+ Used a Coupon for a FREE $4 ECB when you spend $20
+ Tax $3.14
- Total amount of Coupons/ECB's used $62.08
Total oop: $1.19 (Paid with Gift card) + Received $31.45 ECB's for Next Time!!!

WE HAVE SNOW!!! Like 15" of it -- WAHOO!!!

Just wanted to share a few pictures of the snow we are getting here at the museum! Hope everyone is enjoying the weather and that you are staying nice and warm!

It's that time of year -- Donation Time!

I just wanted to let you see what I do with all of the stuff I get for free, but really don't need. It all gets donated to people who are even more disadvantaged than us. Just wanted to remind everyone that this is not the season to get the parking spot first, but it is a time when we should think and others and how we can make their day a little more special! I hope that every one is having fun getting ready for the holidays but make sure to take time for others and remember the 'reason for the season!'

Little Walgreen's Trip this week...

With the holidays coming the RR deals are getting few and far between, but I did get a few needed items...
1 Gillette Fusion Razor $8.99 - $4/1 MC - $4 RR = $1.99
1 Dulcolax $6.99 - $3/1 MC - $4 RR = FREE + $0.01 MM
2 Geisha Mushrooms $0.50 ea with in-ad C = $1/2
2 Campbell's Cream Soups $0.69 ea with in-ad C - $0.25/2 MC = $1.13/2
+ Tax $0.54
Total OOP: $2.43 + Earned $8 RR's for next week! A short, sweet and to the point trip!

Martin's Trip this Week!

I went to Martin's this week on Tuesday after work. I only got a few things this week, but I thought that the deals were worthwhile!
2 GG Steamers with Sauce 2/$4 - $0.33 ea Sale - $0.40/1 MC - $0.40 Double - $0.50/1 MC - $0.50 Double = $1.54/2
2 Hallmark Cards $0.99 ea - $0.10 ea Bonus Savings - BOGO Free Martin's C $0.89 = $0.89/2
5 Fresh Express Crouton Samples $1.67/5 (+ each 1 had a $0.55/1 MC on it that doesn't expire for another 3 or 4 years, when this coupon doubles and these are on sale = FREE Croutons!)
2 Friskies Cat Treats $1.29 ea - $0.10 ea Sale - $2/2 MC = $0.38/2
1 jug Apple Cider, not pictured because my husband is drinking it! Grrr... $3.69
+ Tax $0.20
Total OOP: $8.36 --Saved over 50%!

CVS Shopping Trip

Joe and I went into CVS on Tuesday to pick up a prescription and a FREE $25 gift card, and while we were there, I went ahead and picked up the ECB deals for the week.
2 Rolls of Sticker Christmas Tags $1.99 ea - $1.99 ECB ea = 2 FREE
2 -20 ct Tissue Papers $1.99 ea - $1.99 ECB ea = 2 FREE
2 - 12 ct Bows $2.99 ea - $2.99 ECB ea = 2 FREE
2 Gold Emblem Cashews $0.99 ea - $1/2 CVS C = $0.98/2
1 Heath Bar + 1 Reese's King $1.59 ea - BOGO Free CVS C (she actually deducted $1.79) = $1.39/2
1 Advil PM 4 ct $0.99 - ECB $0.99 = FREE
+ Tax $0.98
-$17.30 in ECB's used to pay
Total OOP: Put $0.98 on our CVS gift card + received $13.94 ECB's for next week!

Menu Plan Monday 12/14/09

This week's menu is going to remain simple, but tasty, as I have a LOT of baking to do for others, as well as for myself. It's going to be a very busy 11 days 'til Christmas!
Breakfasts: Cereal, Fruit, Yogurt, Bagels with Cream Cheese

Lunches: Ham and Cheese Sandwiches on little Potato Rolls with chips, leftovers, soup & crackers

Dinners:
Sunday - I cooked over the hearth at the Farm museum this weekend during the holiday tour they have. We ate a delicious meal of pork in sauerkraut with dumplings on top, homemade mashed potatoes, homemade chunky cinnamon applesauce & brownies with chocolate melted on top -- um, um good!
Monday - Taco Salad
Tuesday - Alfredo with Chicken, Broccoli and maybe Tomatoes with Garlic Bread
Wednesday - 2 1/2 year Wedding Anniversary! We're going out!
Thursday - Grilled Steak with Baked Potatoes & Broccoli and Cheese
Friday - Homemade Pizza - Might try a new recipe I found for Pizza Pancakes...
Saturday - Grilled Hot dogs & Velveeta with mini Corn on the Cob (from the freezer)

Hope that your menu plans look as delicious as mine does, I'm super excited to have some grilled food this week, and I know that Joe will enjoy doing the grilling, it's been quite a while... :-)

Rite-Aid Trip 12/13/09

Stopped into Rite-Aid today, and I will definitely be back later in the week for another P'rell Shampoo and possibly another Cover Girl item (Limit to both is 5!), plus they are having a sale on the bounty basic single rolls after coupon, they're only like $0.50 ea!!!
4 P'rell Shampoos $0.99 ea on Sale - $2 SCR x 4 = ALL FREE + $4.04 Profit!
2 Boxes Russell Stover Chocolates $3.99 ea on Sale = $7.98
4 Nivea Lip Care $2.99 ea - $2 SCR - BOGO Free MC x 2 = $3.98
1 Nivea Body Lotion $7.99 - Get 1 Free wyb 3 Nivea Lip care items $7.99 - SCR $1 = FREE + $1 Profit
1 Cover Girl Face Powder $4.99 - $3 SCR - $1/1 MC = $0.99
1 Chap stick Fresh Effects $2.99 - $2.99 SCR = FREE
+ Tax $2.31
- $5/$25 Purchase Rite-Aid C
Total OOP: $22.21 (Paid with Gift Card) - Expected Rebates $16.99 = $5.22

Saturday's Rite-Aid Stop

I stopped into Rite-Aid on Saturday to get a few single check rebate (SCR) items before the sale ended, unfortunately, they were out of most of what I had went for, but I still got a few good deals while I was there anyway...
2 Cookies and Cream Candies 2/$1 on Sale
2 - 4 pks Quilted Northern Double Roll TP $2.50 ea on Sale = $5/2
1 Dry Cleaner's Secret 6 ct $7.99 on Sale - $3 SCR - $1/1 MC - $7.99 MIR = FREE + $4 Profit
1 - 48 ct Prep-H Refill pk $4.99 - $1 SCR - $2/1 MC = $1.99
1 Stocking Stuffer for Joe, Not pictured (obviously) $0.99
1 - 8 oz pkg Diamond Walnuts $2.99 on Sale - $1/1 MC = $1.99
2 - 2 pks Tone Body Soap Bars $2.79 ea - BOGO Free Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = $0.79/2
+ Tax $1.01
- $5/$25 Purchase Rite-Aid C
Total OOP: $15.76 (paid with Gift Card) - Expected Rebates (SCR+MIR) $11.99 = $3.77 -- Pretty good when you figure that was the price of the walnuts full price ;-)

Martin's Double Dollar Days Trip #2

Stopped into Martin's again last week, I LOVE it when they double $1 off coupons, it really increases your savings more than you would think. I did three transactions, and found some great deals while I was there...
2 Spot Shot Carpet Cleaners $4.28 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 - $1 Double x 2 = $4.56/2 + Earned 2 FREE movie tickets!
1 - 12 oz Crispix Cereal $2.99 - $1/1 MC - $1 Double = $0.99
1 Glade Carpet Freshener $1.49 - $1/1 MC - $0.49 Double = FREE
4 Meow Mix Wet Cat Foods $0.56 ea - $1/4 MC - $1 Double = $0.24/4
4 Hallmark Cards $0.99 ea - $0.10 Bonus Savings - BOGO Free Martin's C x 2 = $1.78/4
2 Nestle Toll house Cookie Doughs $3.19 ea - $0.69 Sale ea - $1/1 MC x 2 - $1 Double x 2 = $1/2
2 Pillsbury Cookie Doughs $2.94 ea - $0.44 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 - $1 Double x 2 = $1/2
1 Heluva Good Sour Cream $1.95 - $0.66 Sale - $0.50/1 MC - $0.50 Double = $0.29
+ Tax 0.71
Total OOP: $10.64

Walgreen's Trip Last Week -- Gotta Roll those RR's!

Stopped into Walgreen's last week after work one day because I had quite a few RR's that were going to expire if I didn't roll them into some new deals, plus Wag's was doing a promo of Spend $25 before coupons & RR's and earn a $5 RR!!! So, here's what I ended up with after 2 transactions...
1 Renu Twin Pk Contact Solution $9.99 on Sale - $10 RR - $2/1 MC = FREE + $2.01 MM
2 Snoopy Activity Books + 2 Coloring Books* $1.67/4 with in-ad C
2 Ducolax $6.99 - $4 RR - $3/1 MC = 2 FREE + $0.02 MM
1 Schick Intuition Plus Razor $6.99 on Sale - $3 RR - $2/1 MC = $1.99
1 pk Stay Free Maxi's $1.99 on Sale - $2 RR - $1/1 MC = FREE + $1.01 MM
2 - 100 ct Envelopes (for all of those Rebates!) $1.29 ea - $1.40 in-ad C = $0.59 ea = $1.18/2
1 pkg Chex Mix $0.99 on Sale - $0.50/1 MC = $0.49
1 pk Scunci Hair Clips $2 on Sale - $2 RR = FREE
1 pkg 150 ct Ornament Hooks $0.99 - $0.60 in-ad C = $0.39
2 canisters Morton Salt $0.89 ea - $0.78 in-ad C = $1/2
5 Candies* $0.39 ea on Sale - $1.95
1 Just for Men Hair Color $6.99 on Sale - $7 RR - $2/1 MC = FREE + $2.01 MM
1 Dozen Eggs $0.99 on Sale
+ Tax $1.58
- $22 RR's Used to Pay
Total OOP: $15.73 - *Pap's Christmas Presents $3.62 - $22 RR's Received = ALL FREE + Profit of $9.89 in RR's!!!!

Martin's Double Dollar Days Trip #1

Stopped into Martin's yesterday to take advantage of their dollar doubling promotion, and even though I had to do three transactions to double as many $1 coupons as I had with me, I think it was definitely worth it in the end! Listing all the transactions as one...
4 - 20 ct boxes Celestial Seasonings Tea $2.29 ea - $1/1 MC x 4 - $1 Double x 4 = $0.29 ea = $1.16/4
2 boxes Jolly Time Popcorn $1.99 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 - $1 Double x 2 = 2 FREE
2 - 8 oz bottles Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil $3.19 ea - $0.20 Sale ea - $1/1 MC x 2 - $1 Double x 2 = $0.99 ea = $1.98/2
2 - 5 oz cans Carnation Evaporated Milk $0.69 ea - $0.50/2 MC - $0.50 Double = $0.19 ea = $0.38/2
8 Bumble Bee Tuna Single Serve Pouches $1.49 ea - $1/2 MC x 4 - $1 Double x 4 = $0.49 ea = $3.92/8
1 pkg Country Crock Sticks $1.29 - $0.15 Sale - $0.50/1 MC - $0.50 Double = $0.14
4 Hallmark Cards $0.99 ea - $0.10 ea Sale - BOGO Free in-ad C x 2 = $1.78/4
+ Tax $0.12
Original Total: 38.07 - Coupon Savings $29.51 = Total OOP $8.68 -- Savings of 78% -- YAY!!!

CVS ECB Trip for the Week

Stopped into CVS to roll some ECB's and get the free after ECB items, and of course they no longer had the mini ornaments in stock :-( But we can't win them all can we...
2 Santa Hats $3.99 ea - $3.99 ECB ea = 2 FREE
2 Essence of Beauty Pear Body Lotions (very yummy smelling!) $4.99 ea on Sale - $4 ECB ea = $0.99 ea = $1.98/2
1 pkg Zantac Cool Mint 24 ct $8.99 - $1/1 MC - $8.99 ECB = FREE + $1 MM
1 pkg Stool Softeners 10 ct (no deal, just a necessity at our house) $2.89
1 pkg Sudafed $6.49 - $2/1 MC - $3 ECB = $1.49
1 Gillette Shaving Gel $1.99 on sale - $1/1 MC - $1/1 CVS C (Flu booklet) = FREE + $0.01 MM
1 - 8 pk Snack Size Reese's $1.25 - $1/1 CVS C = $0.25
+ Tax $1.21
- $27.97 ECB's used to pay
Total OOP: $6.81 (paid with gift card, so no OOP!) + Received $27.97 ECB's back for next time!

Menu Plan Monday 12/06-12/12

The holidays are just around the corner! The next two weeks have a LOT of baking in them, as I have quite a few orders from friends to do their baking for them... With that in mind, things on the menu are going to stay simple from now until the holidays have passed. So, here it goes for this week...
Breakfasts: Cereal, Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins (for Joe), Yogurt & Fruit

Lunches: Leftovers, Ham or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and anything that looks appetizing from the freezer, as we need to start cleaning out some of the TV dinners and frozen leftovers we have to make room for the new.

Dinners:
Sunday - Homemade Chicken Fried Rice with Egg Rolls & Shrimp Toast (had enough leftovers for two freezer meals!)
Monday - Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper with Salad
Tuesday - Shake & Bake Chicken with Chicken Flavored Rice & Broccoli
Wednesday - Cheese Ravioli with Salad and Garlic Bread
Thursday - Homemade Pizza
Friday & Saturday - A friend of ours is coming down to volunteer in the hearth Kitchen here at the museum and will probably be staying over night, she is making food in the hearth all day Friday and Saturday, so I am not sure if we will be eating dinner with her, or going out to eat or making something from my food stash, but I will make sure to fill you all in when I know :-)
Just an FYI - We had Fried Oysters (which Joe loves, me, not so much), homemade french fries, & apple pie on Friday night. Saturday night we had lovely chicken pot-pie with homemade coleslaw and apple cornbread, as well as more apple pie!

Winter is finally here... We have snow Ladies & Gentlemen

Some people think that my theory of winter is a funny one, but, I'll share it with you all anyway. I live in Maryland, and I believe that the weather we have here is just about perfect. It's never too cold, or too hot, no tornadoes (at least not like tornado alley that is), no earthquakes, avalanches, or anything else super traumatic. However, it seems that we are always lacking in the snow department when it comes to winter weather. Now, I don't want severe ice storms or anything, or even the kinds of snows they have out West, but I do LOVE SNOW! I guess that comes from my school days, having snow days & no school, or delayed school. There is nothing like waking up in the morning and finding out that you can go back to bed and get up whenever you want to and having no additional homework! But anyway, I told you all of that, because I wanted to share with you that all of us in Westminster, MD yesterday, got SNOW! And a good bit of it for this time of year, about 4 inches! I hope that there will be many more. Oh, and my theory on winter, if it's going to be cold it better snow, or it needs to be warm! Anyway, I'm off my soap box now...

Rite Aid Trip for the Week

Stopped into Rite Aid to get THREE separate prescriptions filled, and received 3 FREE $25 gift cards!!! Plus picked up some great deals while I was waiting...
1 pkg Utz Chips $0.99 (yes, they are opened & no, you may not scold me...)
1 Febreze Noticeable $7.99 - $2 Sale - $2 SCR - $5.99 MIR = FREE + $2 MM
1 Febreze Candle $7.99 - $2 Sale - $2 SCR - $2/1 MC = $1.99
4 Lindt Candy Bars $2.69 ea - $1.19 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 2 = $1 ea = $4/4
1 Crest Toothpaste $2.49 - $2.49 SCR - $1/1 MC = FREE + $1 MM
1 - 24 ct Pepto-Bismol Caplets $4.49 - $1.50 Sale - $2 in-ad C - $1 MC = FREE + $0.01 MM
1 Complete Contact Solution $7.99 - $7.99 SCR - $1/1 MC = FREE + $1 MM
+ Tax $1.23
- $5/$25 Purchase RA C
Total OOP: $19.67 - Expected SCR $14.48 - Expected MIR $5.99 = All FREE + $0.80 MM!!!
Plus I earned $32.44 towards my Gift of Savings Certificate!

CVS Trip for this week!

Stopped into CVS to take advantage of some of the December Clip Free Coupons (CFC) that they are offering and to use some of the CVS C's that have been printing out on the end of my receipt...
2 CVS Paper Towels $1.29 ea - $1/2 CVS C = $0.79 ea = $1.58/2
2 Clearasil Face Washes $2.75 ea on Clearance (was hoping the $2 CFC would come off too, but it didn't) - $2/1 MC x 2 = $0.75 ea = $1.50/2
2 bags Gold Emblem Peppermint Patties $1.50 ea on Sale - $1/2 CVS C = $1 ea = $2/2
1 Eucerin Lotion $7.99 - $2 CFC - $1/1 MC = $4.99
+ Tax $0.62
- $8.59 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $2.10 (Paid with FREE Gift card) + used my Green Bag Tag, so I have 1 out of the 4 uses needed for a FREE $1 ECB!

Martin's Trip for the Week

Stopped into Martin's this week to get some rebate items before the coupons expire...

2 Marie Callender's Pasta Al Dente Frozen Meals $3.29 ea - $0.75/1 MC x 2 - $0.75 Double x 2 - MIR $3.29 ea (hopefully) x 2 = Both FREE + $3 MM - Yeah!

4 pks Various Hershey Baking Morsels $2.39 ea - $0.60 ea Sale - $1/3 MC - MIR Free Calender (with LOTS of Coupons!) = $6.16/4 + Free Calender with COUPONS!

3 - 3 pks Hershey's Milk boxes $1.99 ea - $0.32 x 2 & $0.33 x 1 Sale - $0.50/1 MC x 3 - $0.50 Double x 3 = $2/3

3 Knorr Rice Sides $1.25 ea - $0.25 ea Sale - $1/3 MC = $2/3

1 - 5 lb Giant Sugar $2.79 - $0.28 Sale - $1 off 1 Giant Sugar wyb 4 Hershey's Morsels Martin's C = $1.51

4 Nestle Cookie Doughs $3.19 ea - $0.69 ea Sale - $3 Promo wyb 4 - $0.50/1 MC x 4 - $0.50 Double x 4 = $3/4 -- ONLY $0.75 ea!!!

5 Gallons Swiss Ice Tea $2.59 ea - $0.80 ea Sale - $0.75/1 MC x 5 - $0.75 Double x 5 = $0.29 ea = $1.45/5

Total OOP, no Tax: $16.12 -- Saved $31.66 or 66% + I earned 28 more Gas points!

Goal 100 Gas points, balance as of today 64!

Walgreen's Trip this Week!!!

Stopped into Walgreen's to roll my RR's so that they didn't expire, and I think that I did a pretty good job considering the amount of stuff I came home with...
1 Glade Sense & Spray $5.99 - $2 RR - $4/1 MC = FREE
2 Boxes Captain Crunch Cereal (YUMMY!) $2.50 ea on Sale - $2 RR wyb 2 = 2/$3
2 Boxes Quaker Granola Bars $2.50 ea on Sale - $2 RR wyb 2 - $1/2 MC = 2/$2
2 Sunkist Sodas $1 ea with in-ad C - $1/2 MC = $0.50 ea = $1/2
4 Chex Mixes $2.99 - Bonus Online C $1.75 ea - $0.50/1 MC x 4 = $0.50 ea = $2/4
2 Glade 2 oz Soy Candles $2.50 ea - $1 RR wyb 2 - $2/1 MC x 2 = 2 Free
2 Gillette Fusion Razors $8.99 - $4/1 MC x 2 - $4 RR x 2 = $0.99 ea = $1.98/2
2 pks Barbie Band aids $1.50 ea - $2/1 WC (took off $3) - $1 RR wyb 2 = 2 FREE + $1 MM
2 pks Sponge Bob Band aids $1.50 ea - $2/1 WC (took off $3 - $1 RR wyb 2 = 2 FREE + $1 MM
+ Tax $1.86
- $18 RR Used to Pay
Total OOP: $9.33 - RR's for Next time $9.00 - Expected SC Johnson Rebate for Glade Products $5 = Net OOP: All Free + Profit of $4.67!!!!!!!

A Different Kind of Christmas Poem

Thought I would share this with my few readers. I found it very touching...
http://athriftymom.com/2009/12/a-different-christmas-poem/

Menu Plan Monday

Since we stuffed ourselves last week with lots of fattening but delicious foods, I thought that I would plan some lighter meals for the week...
Breakfasts: Cereal, Bagels & Cream Cheese, yogurt, muffins

Lunches: Leftovers, Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Soup

Dinner:
Sunday - Dinner at Bullock's with our Re-enacting group
Monday - Biscuit Pizzas (at Joe's request) with Alfredo sauce and Italian Herb chicken
Tuesday - Chicken Fajitas with Mexican Rice & Corn
Wednesday - Eggs, Bacon, Toast & Canned Fruit
Thursday - Ham with Scalloped Potatoes & Broccoli
Friday - Pizza with Pepperoni, Bell Peppers & Onion (for Joe, Cheese for me)
Saturday -Spaghetti, Salad or Green Beans & Garlic Bread

Rite-Aid Trip #2 for Last Week

Stopped into Rite-Aid one more time on Saturday to see if they had gotten any more of the Schick Intuition Razors in (they are my absolute FAVORITE, and FREE makes them even better). But, they did not, so I used another coupon on the disposables to get them for FREE and donated them. Sorry no picture, again... :-(

1 pkg Schick Disposable Razors Men's 12 ct $7.79 - $6.80 Sale - $1/1 MC = FREE + $0.01
1 pkg Balmer Cookies and Cream Candies $1
+ Tax 0.12
Total OOP: $1.11, paid with gift card, so FREE! Plus, I earned another $1.99 towards my Gift of Savings Certificate!

CVS Trip, post-black-Friday

Stopped into CVS again on Saturday to get another money-making (MM) Degree Deodorant, since the limit was raised to 2 instead of 1, but they were all out, so I just got a rain check. While I was there I picked up another rain check item before the coupon expired on 11/30! Sorry no picture :-(
1 Scope Outlast Mouth wash $3.49 - $2 ECB - $1/1 MC = $0.49
Total OOP: 2.49 - $1.89 in ECB's + put $0.60 on CVS gift card, Earned $2 ECB for next time!

CVS Black Friday Shopping

CVS was the only store Joe and I went to on Black Friday. We were waiting for them to open their doors at 8am, after going home and coming back because we were told that they were going to open at 7 am, but that's okay. Got some really great freebies before I went to Frederick with my mom, sister and niece to do some REAL Black Friday shopping.

CVS Trip:

1 Hershey's Cookies & Cream Candy Bar $0.89 - ECB = FREE

1 Schick Quattro Men's Trimmer $9.99 - $8 ECB - $2/1 MC = FREE + $0.01 MM

1 King Size M&M's $1.59 - ECB = FREE

2 Colgate Toothpastes $2.88 ea - $2 ECB ea - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $0.24 MM

1 Just for Men Gray Color kit $8.29 - $8.29 ECB - $2/1 MC - MIR $8.29 = FREE + $10.29 Profit

1 St. Ives Body wash 18 oz $3.99 - $3 ECB - $1/1 MC = FREE + $0.01 MM

2 BIC Soleil Razors $6.99 - $5 ECB ea - $2/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $0.02 MM

1 Phillips Universal Remote $6.99 - ECB = Free

1 Phillips Ear Buds $6.99 - ECB = FREE

1 Degree Ultra Clear Deodorant $4 - $4 ECB - $1.25/1 MC = FREE = $1.25 MM

2 Dyna Pep Energy 2 pks $4.99 ea - ECB = 2 FREE

- Used Green Bag Tag & Earned $1 ECB

- $5/30 Purchase CVS Coupon

+ Tax $3.97

Total OOP: $48.18 (used ECB's & gift cards to pay, so NO OOP!) + Earned $64.73 in ECB's!!!!

Year to Date (YTD) Savings: $2,420.53

While us girls were in Frederick, we stopped at JcPenney's for the Door Buster Sales, and I am so glad that we did!! I wanted a new Liz Claiborne pocketbook for Christmas and some new jeans, and I found both on sale at Penney's, that's why I love that store! The pocket book was 50% off, which made it $26. The jeans were originally about $40, and they were on sale for $16.88. Plus I found a nice long sleeve black cardigan, originally about $40 on sale for $15.88. I was happy to get things that I really needed, and my mom was happy because now she's just about done me for Christmas. A win, win situation! :-)

And I would like to give 'props' to Penney's because they had every register up and running and were nicely pushing customers through like cattle! Works for me, the less amount of time you are in the line, the more time you have to shop!!!

Rite-Aid Thanksgiving Trip

Before Joe and I went to my Mom's house for Thanksgiving dinner, we stopped into Rite-Aid to get the FREE razors before they were all gone...

Transaction #1:

1 - 8 pk AA Duracell Powerpix Batteries $9.99 - $3/1 in-ad C - $1/1 MC = $5.99

+ Tax $0.60

Total OOP: $6.59 + Counts towards $5 SCR!

Transaction #2:

Phillips Head Phones $4.99 - SCR = FREE

1 Schick Intuition Razor $9.99 - $8 Sale - $2/1 MC = FREE + $0.01 MM

3 pks Schick Disposable Razors (to Donate) $7.79 ea - $6.80 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 3 = 3 FREE + $0.03 MM

1 - 3 pk Ivory Soap $3.19 - $1.20 Sale - $1 SCR = $0.99

1 Scope Outlast Mouth Wash $3.99 on Sale - $3 SCR - $1/1 MC = FREE + $0.01 MM

1 - 20 ct Tampax Tampons (to Donate) $3.99 - $3 SCR - $2/1 MC = FREE + $1.01 MM

1 St Ives Body Wash $3.29 on sale - $1.50 RA C (from watching a video online) - $1/1 MC = $0.79

1 - 4 pk Duracell Powerpix AAA Batteries $5.99 - $3/1 in-ad C - $1/1 MC = $1.99 + Counts towards $5 SCR

+ Tax 1.22

- $5/25 purchase RA C

Total OOP: $10.92 (paid with Gift Card, so no OOP) + $16.99 expected SCR's = ALL FREE + $6.07 Profit!!!!! I love it when I get paid to shop!!!!!!! Plus I earned $39.19 towards my Gift of Savings certificate!

Walgreen's Thanksgiving Shopping

Joe and I stopped into Walgreen's on the way to his families house, mainly for a Snuggie, but we got a LOT of other great deals while we were there...

1 Snuggie $9.99 on Sale - $2 RR = $7.99

1 Dulcolax $7 - $3/1 MC - $4 RR - $5 MIR = FREE + $5 Profit

4 Wal-zyr Allergy Medicine 5 ct $5.99 - in-ad C $5 = $0.99 ea = $

2 Vaseline Lotion $1.99 on Sale - $1/1 MC = $0.99 ea = $

1 Johnson & Johnson Body wash $5.99 - $6 RR = FREE

3 Dove Deodorant $3.99 - $1/1 MC x 2 - $4 RR x 3 = FREE + $2.02 Profit

1 Butterfinger (Filler) $0.89

+ Tax $1.98

- $24 RR's used to Pay

Total OOP: $14.76 - $28 Earned RR's - $5 Expected Mail-in Rebate = ALL FREE + $18.24 Profit!!!!!!

Last Week's CVS Trip

Stopped into CVS pre-Thanksgiving because I wanted to be sure they still had the Complete Contact Solution in stock, and they did...

2 Complete Contact Solutions $8.99 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 - $8.99 ECB ea = 2 FREE + $2 Profit!

1 Zantac 150 24 ct + Free Zantac Cool Mint 8 ct $9.99 - $2/1 CVS C - $2/1 MC = $5.99/32 Zantac, not bad!

Paid with Gift Cards, so no OOP! Received $17.98 in ECB's back for next time!

Wal-mart Trip for Last Week

Stopped into Wal-mart mainly because we were in desperate NEED of milk and cat food, and grabbed a few other good deals while I was there... Sorry no picture :-(
1 Fitted Mattress Cover (because our lovely Miss Daisy cat likes to pee on our futon!) $5.97
1 Gallon 2% Milk $3.28
1 pk Friskies Cat Treats $1.86 - Free Item MC = FREE
3 Crisco Vegetable Oils on Roll Back for $2 ea - $1/1 MC x 3 = $1 ea = $3/3
2 Lysol Nuetra Air Refills $4.98 ea - $4/1 MC x 2 = $0.98 ea = $1.96/2
2 - 3.5 lb Cat Foods $3.75 ea = $7.50 (and each one came with a FREE wet food inside + a Coupon!!!
1 Dog Calender (Christmas Present) $5
+ Tax $1.82
Total OOP: $28.53

Martin's Trip for Last Week

Stopped into Martin's last week to pick up some awesome deals on baking supplies, as the holiday season is upon us...

6 Duncan Hines Cake Mixes $1.69 ea - $0.69 ea Sale - $1/3 MC x 2 = $4/6 + will earn $5 in coupons from the manufacturer

1 LARGE pkg of Walnuts $6.99 - $3 Sale - $1/1 MC = $2.99

1 - 2 pk Giant Refrigerated Pie Crusts $2.27 - $0.48 Sale = $1.79

Total OOP, no Tax: $8.78 + Earned 17 points towards my Gas Rewards!

Walgreen's Trip #1 for Last Week

Sorry so I'm so late in posting my shopping trips for last week, but with the holidays, and I was baking up some delicious goodies earlier in the week for some friends who are willing to pay me because they hate to bake. I can't imagine hating to bake, because I love it, and they are glad I do :-) Well, onto the deals...

4 - 2 lts Sunkist Soda $1 ea with In-ad C - $1/2 MC x 2 = $0.50 ea = $2/4

2 Nexxus Mousse (to Donate) 2/$5 - $4/1 (took off $5) Walgreen's IVC = 2 FREE

3 Hunts Tomato Sauces (to Donate) $0.99 ea - In-ad C $1.80 - $1/3 MC = $0.17/3

2 bottles Dulcolax $7 ea - $3/1 MC x 2 - $4 RR x 2 - MIR $5 x 2 = 2 FREE + Profit of $10

2 - 78 ct boxes Kleenex $1.39 ea - In-ad C $1 - $0.75/1 MC x 2 = $0.28/2

1 pk Leather Shoe Laces (Joe) $1.09 on Clearance

4 Act II Popcorn Singles $0.25 ea after online Bonus Coupon = $1/4

1 Starbuck's Coffee Ice Cream $2.50 - $1/1 MC = $1.50

3 Walgreen's Light Bulbs (Joe) $1.79 ea = $5.37/3

1 Liquid Nail Glue $1.09 on clearance (For Joe's Grandfather & he paid us back, so Free)

+ Tax $0.81

- $15 in RR's used to Pay

Total OOP: $7.31 - $8 in Earned RR's - $10 expected MIR's = All FREE + Profit of $10.69!!!

Menu Plan Monday!

Joe and I are so excited for Thanksgiving this week! I kept my menu simple because I have a LOT of baking to do this week, for obvious reasons...

Breakfasts: Cereal, french toast, eggs & toast

Lunches: Leftovers, grilled cheese, pizza

Dinners:
Sunday - Fried Parmesan crusted Tilapia with Parmesan Romano Rice & Broccoli with cheese sauce (it was just as cheesy and delicious as it sounds!)
Monday - Chili with Cornbread
Tuesday - Taco Salad using leftover Chili
Wednesday - Chicken Fajitas with Mexican Rice or leftover Salad
Thursday - THANKSGIVING! Joe and I are eating at his families for lunch; we have to bring the ham and an apple pie. And then for dinner we are eating with my family, where I got lucky and only have to bring the rolls! In other words, we will be very stuffed and very tired by the time we get home that night, but that's what holidays are for, right?! ;-)
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Out!
... So like I said, a very easy & simple week, but very yummy too!

Scott Common Sense Sweepstakes!

Another Sweepstakes! You can go to http://sweeps.scottcommonsense.com/Default.apsx?WT.mc_id+SCO_SWEEPS2009_01 and enter to win a $500 gift card or be a daily winner of a prize pack (a reusable tote filled with goodies)! You can enter daily until November 30th, so there are plenty of chances to win! The winners will be drawn on or around December 14th!

Rite Aid Trip

This is last week's Rite-Aid trip, but I didn't go until last night, so...
3 - 2 lts 7 UP $1.33 ea on Sale - $2/3 in-ad C = $1.99/3
1 pkg Kotex Tampons $2.99 - SCR $2 - MC $1 = FREE
1 pkg Kotex Maxi's $2.99 - SCR $2 - MC $1 = FREE
2 pkgs Life Savers mints $1 ea on Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE
3 Renuzit Air Fresheners $0.99 ea on Sale - $1/2 SCR - Buy 2 Get 1 Free MC = $0.98/3
1 Crest Outlast with Scope Toothpaste $2.69 - $2.69 SCR - $1/1 MC = FREE + $1 MM
2 boxes Robitussin To-Go 10 ct $6.99 ea on Sale - $4 SCR x 2 - $2/1 MC x 2 = $0.99 ea = $1.98/2
+ Tax $0.53
- $3/15 Purchase Rite-aid Coupon
- $11.70 paid with gift card
Total OOP: $5.45 - expected SCR $15.69 -- All Free + a Profit of $10.24! I love it when they pay me to shop!

Glade Sweepstakes 40 Days Left!

Go to http://www.rightathome.com/fragrancecollection/ to enter to win a free glade 2 oz soy candle or a $100 American Express gift card. You can play daily for the next 40 days! Good Luck!

Another Kohl's Shopping Trip

Stopped into Kohl's again on Saturday night because I found another $10 of any purchase coupon, so I couldn't let that go to waste!
2 Brown Snowman Hand Towels $6.99 ea - $3.50 ea Sale = $3.49 ea = $6.98
2 Green & Beige Place Mats $5.99 ea - $3.60 ea Sale = $2.39 ea = $4.78
Total: $11.76 - $10 Coupon = $1.76 + $0.11 Tax = $1.87!!!! I saved $24.20 or 93%

CVS Trips Last Week

Sorry for the late post on these deals, but Joe and I didn't get to CVS until yesterday (Saturday), and we earned 2 $25 gift cards for filling prescriptions there (1 not shown), and then used the gift cards and my ECB's to make our purchases, including some Christmas presents...

1 Cover Girl Simply Ageless Powder/Foundation $13.99 + 1 Cover Girl Simply Ageless Blush $10 - BOGO Free MC $10 - ECB $10 = $3.99 for both

4 Dry Idea Clinical Deodorants $9.99 ea - $7.49 ea (Clearance) - $2/1 MC x 4 = $0.50 ea = $2/4

2 bags Gold Emblem Candies $0.88 ea - $1/2 CVS C = $0.76/2 + 3 boxes Russell Stover Truffles $4.88 ea - $5 ECB wyb $15 = $10.40 for all Candy!

1 Dry Idea Roll on Deodorant $2.29 - $2/1 MC - $1/1 CVS C (from Flu Coupon Booklet*) - $1 ECB = FREE + $1.71 MM

1 - 4 pk Duracell Batteries $2.99 - $1/1 MC - $1 ECB = $0.99

1 box Kleenex Tissues $0.99 - $1/1 CVS C (from the Flu Coupon Booklet*) = FREE + $0.01 MM

2 Gold Emblem Pecans (for Pecan Pies!) $3.49 ea - $2/2 CVS C = $2.49 ea = $4.98/2

2 Gold Emblem Chocolate Covered Almonds $0.99 ea - $1.98 CVS C ($2/2 C adjusted down) = 2 FREE

+ Tax $1.25

- $5/30 CVS C

- $9 ECB to Pay

Total OOP: $9.90 -- Paid on Gift card so NO OOP! + Received $17 in ECB's for next time!

* ask for one at the Pharmacy even if your CVS did not do the Flu shot clinic

FYI - Rebates actually do come + Rite-Aid Rocks!

Just wanted to encourage everyone to take advantage of manufacturer rebates when you see them, because they really do come. Some think that they are some kind of rip off, but in truth, they are not. I have saved about $950.00 since last November just in rebates, so it can be very beneficial! Pictured above are 5 rebate checks I got this week -- 1 for Suave body lotion, 1 for Suave body wash, 1 for Kellogg's raisin bran extra (this rebate is on the Kellogg's website as well as in specially marked boxes, and this cereal is excellent by the way), and the bottom two are my monthly rebate checks from Rite-Aid (one I have sent to my address, and the other to my mom's). The Single Check Rebate Program (SCR) that Rite-Aid offers is fantastic! Every month a new rebate booklet comes out full of awesome deals, some rebates are offed all month and others are only offered for a certain week or two during the month. You also have to be careful in making sure you buy the correct size for the rebate, this is especially tricky regarding the toothpaste rebates, as some stores do not carry all sizes even if they are in the book. But the best part is that you can combine manufacturer coupons with the SCR's and actually make money in the end! Sometimes you get really lucky and they will stick an in-ad coupon in for a product that you also have a manufacturer coupon for, and that is also part of a themed rebate (skin care, diabetes, etc). Starting today Rite-aid is starting their Gift of Savings program. It will run through December 25th. You enter all of your receipts online and you receive a gift check in the mail based on how much you have spent. The best part is that the amount spent is before rebates, and coupons!!!! For more info check it out at https://riteaid.rebateplus.com/holiday/default.asp?jse=yes

I Love Kohls Coupons!

I got a $10/$10 purchase coupon in the mail for Kohl's, which I never shop at, However, since the coupon was off of any amount as long as it was at least $10, that meant that I could maybe get some things for FREE! So I decided to stop in and see what I could find...
2 Beige Kitchen Towels (but I'm gonna use them in the bathroom, because, well, I can) originally $6.99 ea - $3.50 sale = $3.49 ea = $6.98/2
1 Snowman Hand Towel (I would have gotten another one, but this woman behind me took the entire rack of them.... I HATE it when people do that, it's just not very polite!) originally $5.99 - $3.00 sale = $2.99
Total $9.97 - $10 Coupon = ALL FREE!!!! I didn't even have to pay tax! I love it when that happens! My Total Savings was $19.97, who would pay almost $20 for 3 hand towels?! Not me....

Food Lion Trip

I haven't been to Food Lion in weeks, but since they had a good sale on Popcorn, I decided it was time to stop in. And, while I was there I always stop to check out their reduced meats, because they always have a LOT marked down...
2 - 10 pk Pop Secret Popcorn $5.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale $6 - $1/2 MC = $4.98/2
1 pk Smithfield Pork Ribs (this will make 2 meals for us) reduced to $1.85
Total OOP, no Tax: $6.83

Walgreen's RR Rolling Trip

Stopped into Walgreen's on my way home from work this week to roll my RR's, I think I did pretty well...
3 Lubriderm Lotions $3.79 ea - $2/1 MC x 3 - $1/1 Wags C (took off $3) - $8 RR wyb 3 = 3 FREE + 5.63 MM!
2 Nexxus Mousses 2/$5 - $4/1 IVC (took off $5) = 2 FREE
2 Ricola Cough Drops $1 ea - $1 RR x 2 = 2 FREE
3 Aussie Shampoos $2.99 ea - $1/1 MC x 3 - $2 RR x 3 = 3 Free + $0.03 MM!
2 cans Black Lindsay Olives $0.99 ea with in-ad C - $1/2 MC = $0.98/2
2 jars Green Lindsay Olives (not pictured, gave them to my mom) $0.99 ea with in-ad C - $1/2 MC = $0.98/2 + she paid me for them, so FREE to me...
1 Light bulb, the price for taking my husband with me $1.79
2 Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice $2.50 ea with in-ad C - $2/1 MC x 2 = $0.50 ea = $1/2
1 Ghiridelli Chocolate Bar $1.99
+ Tax $1.75
- $5 RR's Used to Pay
Total OOP: $13.83 - RR's Earned $15 = Net Profit of $1.17! YAY!