Momstips2save: September 2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

CVS deals for the week of 10/02/2011

Don't forget to....
1) Go to cvs.com/email and sign up for the ExtraCare email and receive a $4/20 cpn
2) Stop by the Red ExtraCare coupon center and get cpns
3) You can use a manufacturer's cpn along with a CVS cpn
4) You can use a B1G1Free cpn along with a B1G1Free sale to get both products for free:)

Vicks- $12/2 and get $3 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Vicks cpn- 10/02 P&G
$1.50 Vicks Nature Fusion cpn- 10/02 P&G

Spend $30 and get $10 ECB on the following:
Charmin big roll- $10
$0.35 Charmin cpn- 10/02 P&G
Bounty paper towels- $7.49
$0.25 Bounty cpn- 10/02 P&G
2X ultra Gain or Tide- $5.97
$2 Gain or Tide cpn- 09/11 SS
$2/3 Tide, Downy or Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
$1/2 Tide, Downy or Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
$0.50 Tide, Downy or Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
$0.50 Tide cpn- 09/25 RP
Duracell- $5.99

Kraft Easy Mac, Deluxe, Velveeta or homestyle- $5/2 and get $2 ECB

Spend $15 and get $5 ECB on the following:
Lipton, Amp or Frappuccino- $10/2
$2/2 Lipton 12pk cpn- 10/02 Pepsi insert
Cheetos or Fritos- $6/2
Gatorade or Izze- $6/2
Lipton 100% Natural tea or Seattles Best Coffee- $5/5
$1/4 Lipton 100% tea cpn- 10/02 Pepsi insert
$1/2 Lipton Natural tea bottles cpn- 09/11 SS

Planters- Deluxe mixed, whole cashews or Nut-rition- $8/2 and get $1 ECB

Spend $15 and get $2 ECB on the following:
Dum Dums or Mike & Ike/ Hot Tamales mix- $6
M&Ms Harvest mix- $5/2
Mars & Nestle fun size- $10
Childs Play, All time greats, Mayfair kids, Lemon heads, Air Heads and more- $5
Nestle fun size assorted or Brach candy corn or autumn mix- $5/2
Milk Duds, Whoppers, Junior Mints, Tootsie Pops or Childs Play- $5/2
Nestle or Mars Chocolate- $5

Dentyne, Stride or Trident 3pk- $4/2 and get $1 ECB
$1/3 Dentyne, Stride or Trident multipack cpn- 08/07 SS

Spend $15 and get $5 ECB on the following:
Febreze air effects or Set & Refresh- $2.99
$1 Febreze air effects cpn- 10/02 P&G
Febreze Set & Refresh when you buy candle B1G1Free cpn- 10/02 P&G
$2/2 Febreze cpn- 10/02 P&G
Febreze Noticables- $3.99
$1 Febreze Noticables refill cpn- 10/02 P&G
Febreze fabric refresher- $4.99
$1 Febreze fabric refresher cpn- 10/02 P&G
Downy or Bounce- $5.97
$2/3 Tide, Downy or Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
$1/2 Tide, Downy or Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
$0.50 Tide, Downy or Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
$0.75 Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
Bounce dryer bar or Tide stain release- $3.99
$2/3 Tide, Downy or Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
$1/2 Tide, Downy or Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
$0.50 Tide, Downy or Bounce cpn- 10/02 P&G
Mr. Clean- $5/2
Swiffer sweeper starter- $8.99
Buy Swiffer starter and get free refill cpn- 10/02 P&G
Swiffer cleaner or cloths- $3.99

Spend $10 and get $3 ECB Caress or Suave bodywash or Caress bar

Spend $15 and get $5 ECB on the following:
Dove or Lever bar or Dove bodywash- $6
$1 Dove bodywash cpn- 10/02 RP
$0.75 Dove bar cpn- 10/02 RP
Dove Cream oil lotion- $6.99
Dove hair- $6/2
B1G1Free Dove hair care cpn- 10/02 RP
$0.75 Dove hair treatment cpn- 10/02 RP
Dove or Degree mist or deodorant- $3.49
$0.75 Dove deodorant or mist cpn- 10/02 RP
Dove Men care bodywash- $5
$1 Dove men care bodywash cpn- 10/02 RP

Olay Regenerist kits, treatments or All definity facial care- $23.99 and get $5 ECB

Olay bodywash, bar or Total Effects bodywash- $6.99 and get $2 ECB
Buy Venus refill and get free Olay bodywash, bar or shower gel cpn- 10/02 P&G

Ponds cream, cleanser or towelettes- $5.88 and get $2 ECB

Spend $15 and get $5 Loreal cosmetics- Limit 2
$1 Loreal cosmetics cpn- 10/02 RP
$2 Loreal powder, blush, concealer or primer cpn- 09/18 RP
$2 Loreal cosmetic cpn- 09/18 RP

Spend $25 and get $10 Celebrity fragrances

Revlon foundation, powder or blush- $12.49 and get 4 ECB- Limit 6

$2 ECB when you buy St Ives AND People Stylewatch magazine
$0.75 St. Ives lotion cpn- 09/18 SS

Spend $30 and get $10 ECB Loreal skin care
$2 Loreal moisturizer cpn- 10/02 SS
$1 Loreal cleanser cpn- 10/02 SS
$1 Loreal skin care cpn- 08/28 RP

Irish Spring bodywash or bar- $9/3 and get $3 ECB
$0.50 Irish Spring bodywash or $0.50/2 Multi bar cpn- 09/25 SS

Loreal Preference- $14.99/2 and get $2 ECB
$2 Loreal Preference cpn- 10/02 RP
$2 Loreal Preference cpn- 08/28 RP
$5/2 Loreal hair color cpn- 08/14 RP

$5 ECB when you buy 2 Loreal Root Rescue kit or EverSleek, Pure or Strong hair care
$2 Loreal Root Rescue cpn- 10/02 RP
$1 Loreal Ever treatment cpn- 09/18 RP
$1 Loreal Ever hair care cpn- 09/18 RP
$1 Loreal Ever cpn- 08/28 RP
$5/2 Loreal hair color cpn- 08/14 RP

Spend $10 and get $3 ECB Clairol Nice & Easy, Root Touch Up or Gray Solution
$2 Clairol hair color cpn- 09/24 P&G
$2 Clairol hair color cpn- 09/18 SS

Schick Hydro- $8.29 and get $3 ECB

Spend $10 and get $5 ECB Single pack Crest, Oral B ProHealth rinse, paste, toothbrush or floss- Limit 2
$0.50 Crest toothpaste cpn- 10/02 P&G
$0.75 Crest rinse cpn- 09/18 RP
$0.75 Oral B Pulsar, 3D White, ProHealth or Complete toothpaste cpn- 10/02 P&G

Listerine or Reach- $3.99 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Listerine total care cpn- 07/31 SS
$1 Reach toothbrush cpn- 07/31 SS
$1.50/2 Listerine mouthwash, Reach toothbrush or Reach floss cpn- 07/31 SS
$3/3 Listerine mouthwash AND Reach toothbrush AND Reach floss cpn- 07/31 SS
$0.50 Listerine mouthwash, Reach toothbrush or Reach floss cpn- 07/31 SS

Oral B Super floss, Ultra floss or Satin tape- $6/2 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2

Huggies Jumbo- $8.99 and get $1 ECB
$1.50 Huggies cpn- 09/11 SS
$3 Huggies little mover slip on cpn- 09/11 SS

Fixodent or Scope- $4.49 and get $1.50 ECB- Limit 2
$0.50 Fixodent cpn- 10/02 P&G
$0.75 Scope mouthwash cpn- 10/02 P&G
$2 Scope dual blast cpn- 09/11 SS

$3 ECB when you buy Pampers box- $19.99 AND Pampers Sensitive Wipes- 192ct- $5.99
$1.50 Pampers box cpn- 10/02 P&G
$0.50 Pampers wipes cpn- 10/02 P&G

$10 ECB when you buy Select CVS Blood Pressure monitors

$3 ECB when you buy Bausch & Lomb or Alaway
$4 Bausch & Lomb Soothe eye drops cpn- 09/11 SS
$5 Bausch & Lomb Ocuvite cpn- 09/11 SS

$10 ECB when you buy Brainstrong

Spend $25 and get $10 ECB Centrum Specialist or Pro Nutrients- $17.99 or Centrum or Caltrate- $9.99
$3 Centrum Pro or Specialist cpn- 09/25 RP
$2 Centrum or Caltrate cpn- 08/14 RP
$2 Centrum Silver cpn- 07/31 RP

$2 ECB when you buy Bengay or Precise
$5 Bengay Gold therapy cpn- 09/11 SS
$3 Bengay cpn- 07/31 RP
$3 Precise cpn- 07/31 SS

Revitalens, Complete or Blink- $8.99 and get $3 ECB
$3 Revitalens cpn- 08/28 SS
$1 Complete Blink N Clean cpn- 09/25 SS
$1 Complete solution cpn- 09/25 SS
$1 Blink cpn- 09/25 SS

Prilosec- $10.99 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Prilosec cpn- 10/0 2P&G

Revlon nail- $4.99 and get $3 ECB- Limit 6

Spend $15 and get $5 ECB when you buy Garnier Fructis products
$1 Garnier Fructis hair cpn- 09/18 RP
$1 Garnier Fructis hair cpn- 08/28 RP
$1 Garnier Fructis hair cpn- 07/24 RP

Oral B Power toothbrush or refill- $5.99 and get $1 ECB- Limit 2
$3 Oral B Battery toothbrush cpn- 10/02 P&G

General Mills cereal- $5.50/2 and get $1 ECB
$1/2 General mills cpn- 10/02 SS
$1/2 Cheerios cpn- 09/25 SS
$0.50 Chex cpn- 08/28 SS

Thursday, September 29, 2011

My Shopping Day :)

Miss me?? Well, I have missed all of you. Sick kids- uggggggg. Thats about all I can say- that is how I have been feeling lately. It all started with Ping, our cat getting sick. Thankfully, he got better. Then, little Michael had a nasty temperature and just didn't feel good. He is an awesome cuddler anyway, but when he is sick, that is all he wants to do. Now, I'm not complaining about all the cuddle time. But when you can't even go to the bathroom without a kid screaming because you aren't holding him- yea that is a pretty cranky little one.

I am so blessed my boys are as well behaved as they are. Don't get me wrong, they do have their times but overall they are really good boys. I was less than pleased that little Micheal so kindly and lovingly gave Nathan his icky sickness. Poor Nathan, has had a temperature and has been out of school for the whole week. I had to end up taking him to the doctor this morning due to his waking up sweating, he had a nasty cough and he was complaining of his throat hurting.

First thought- oh no strep!! The doctor ran a strep test and negative- YEA!!! She believes he just has a nasty virus that needs to run its course. Sick kids, late nights and hubby out of town working for the week equals less blogging :(

I did make it out to the store on Monday and this is what I bought:
Martins

$3.24- for 6 loaves of bread marked down to $0.54 each. This is all that is left when this picture was taken. We are down to only 2 loaves left now.

Walgreens

$4.99- Remington razor
$2.00- Walgreens maxi pads
$1.25- Sunday paper
$8.24 before cpns
-3.00 RR
$5.24 after tax- paid for with Walgreens gift card- $0.00 out of pocket and got back $7 RRs

CVS

$3.00- 3 packs Trident gum
$3.99- Olay face wash
$3.99- Olay face wash
$10.98 before cpns
-2.00 Olay face wash cpn
-2.00 Olay face wash cpn
-1.00/3 Trident cpn
-3.69 ECB
-1.00 ECB
-1.00 ECB
$0.76 Total after tax and cpns and got $1 ECB back

Kroger

$2.44 Grapes- at least what is left
$0.40 Vanilla yogurt
$1.59 Coke Zero- yuck :( But I knew Chris would drink it
$4.43 before cpns
-1.59 Coke Zero cpn loaded on card from the Kroger instant win game
$2.91 Total with tax

Dollar Tree

$1.00- Puffs tissues
$1.00- Straws
$2.10 Total after tax

Walmart

$11.60 - 4 gallons skim milk- 1 gallon is not pictured
$2.48- Apple Juice
$1.22- Soft Tortillas
$1.98- Mild sausage
$3.00- Reeses Puff cereal- this is what I get for taking Nathan to the store with me
$2.61- Bananas- I bought 2 nice size bunches- this is all that is left
$23.46 after tax

Since I took Nathan to the doctor today and went right by both CVS and Walgreens today, I popped in and found:

CVS
$3.00- Softsoap 4pk soap
$3.00- Softsoap bodywash- CVS was out of both when I went by on Monday
$6.00 before cpns
-1.00 Softsoap bar soap cpn
-1.00 Softsoap bodywash cpn
-2.00 ECB
-1.00 ECB
$1.30 after tax and cpns and got back $4 ECB

Walgreens
$2.00- Maxi overnight
-0.50 Walgreens maxi catalina
$1.58 Total after tax and cpns and got $2 RR and another $0.50 Walgreens maxi cpn

These totals have been updated in my September Spending post:)

Monday, September 26, 2011

Menu plan for the week of 09/26/2011

Breakfast
Oatmeal
Giant breakfast cookies
Baked Oatmeal with apples X2
Banana Bread X2
Pumpkin muffins

Lunches
Boys lunches for school:
sandwich, banana or sliced cucumbers and popcorn

Lunch for baby & I:
sandwich, tomato slices, popcorn & banana or Watermelon from the garden

Dinners
Ziti with green beans and homemade bread
Bean & rice tacos with corn
Tuna dish
Homemade hashbrowns, eggs & sausage with fruit
Homemade pizza
Taco pasta with peas

Snacks
Animal crackers
Giant Breakfast cookies
popcorn
Watermelon from garden
Cucumbers from garden

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Easy Money Saving Tips- Part 3

If you have missed Part 1 and Part 2

Today's money saving tip is.............

Stop throwing money away by buying paper towels. We would go through a 3 roll of papertowels every week for this family of 6. That is alot of papertowels, but with 4 kids and 2 animals we have alot of messes sometimes.

I am not saying don't ever buy papertowels, just don't buy so many. We do buy a 6 roll of papertowels, that I barely pay anything for using coupons and sales, once a year.

You are probably looking at your computer screen asking how in the world do we clean up spills if we only buy papertowels once a year. Simple, we use rags to clean up spilled milk or other easy messes. We also use rags to clean the bathrooms and kitchen and other areas of our house instead of using papertowels. The best part is we didn't spend any money acquiring our rags.

One evening, my husband was sitting in the living room trying to repair one of his favorite t-shirts (yes, I am so blessed my husband can do some simple sewing) and he got discourged that his shirt was too far gone. As he was heading for the trashcan, it hit me and I yelled- "Freeze!!" We can cut up his holey shirts and use them for cleaning rags.

We went through his shirts and found quite a few that were beyond repair. I handed him a pair of scissors and we went to town cutting them into long strips. We also use an old shirt that Nathan can no longer wear that has some stains on it for a dusting rag. A great part to using rags is that once you are done, you can throw them into the washing machine with whatever you are washing and whalaa they are clean and can be reused.

So, if I use rags to clean up messes and to clean with, why in the world do I buy papertowels? I have been asked this question. Well, with 2 pets- accidents sometimes do happen and those messes along with grease, we would rather just clean up and toss.

As most of you know, I love to run numbers so here is what we are saving by using rags instead of papertowels.
$2 for 3 roll papertowels once a week
x4 weeks
$8 a month
x12 months
$96- wow almost a $100 a year we are saving each year by using rags that don't cost us anything to make:)

I did it:)

WooHoo!!!!! I am so excited- I feel like dancing, which by the way is great exercise. I made it to my half weight goal:) YEA!!!!

Can't you tell I just a little excited:)

I have been working so hard. I have been working towards this goal since June. I worked out every day while on vacation and took my family, which they were not too thrilled with me at the end, on a hike up Pilot mountain- which turned out to be a 10+ mile hike. Which we all survived. Michael and I checked out this small local gym in town and while their prices were reasonable, they don't offer childcare. We were not sure how that was going to work. The gym let us come in for 30 days no commitment to see if we could work it into our schedules. I am so happy to say that we have been able to work it out. I am so blessed to have teenagers that can watch the younger ones. They take turns watching Nathan and little Michael while the other one comes with me to work out. Chris has become my Zumba buddy:)

Michael and I decided to sign up for a 2 year contract. It was cheaper that way and saved us $240 a year:) We know that we will be here for at least 2 more years. We want Chris to be able to finish Air Force JROTC.

So, I am so excited to be able to tell you that I have lost 20 pounds- YEA!!!! 20 heavy pounds have been lifted from me. It was hard work but so worth it. I am halfway to my weight loss goal for a healthier me:) I am so proud of myself.

My Shopping Day:)

Monday was a super crazy day. We came home Sunday after straightening up my dads house and couldn't find Ping, our cat. We looked all over the place- which isn't hard to do as we live in a very small house. I looked everywhere outside thinking that maybe he snuck out- no luck. Michael found him under Nathan's bed, which is highly unusual for him. Then Kevin comes and tells me the cat isn't eating. Ping looked so pitiful and he just layed around. We watched him Sunday night and made an appointment with the vet Monday morning.

They took some blood and did all kind of tests. Several hours later, they told us that his white blood cell count was elevated meaning he had some kind of infection and he was dehydrated. They showed us how to give Ping saline under his skin just in case he didn't get better and he needed to do it at home. They also gave Ping a heavy duty antibiotic and told us to closely monitor him for the rest of the week and call them if he was not better. After paying our hefty vet bill, we left and took the cat home. We then had to drive back out to go grocery shopping as Michael had to leave for WV later that afternoon. It took a couple of days to kick in but Ping is finally drinking water and seems to be coming back to his usual normal self:) Thank the Lord:)

Here are the stores we went to:
Kroger

$4.19- Newtons Fruit thins
$1.00- Quaker rice cakes- Chocolate- Mmmm
$2.59- Kroger White Whole Wheat flour- that is a great price compared to WM
$7.78
-4.19- Newton Fruit thin cpn that was downloaded to my card for playing an instant win game
$3.68- Total with tax

Walgreens

$5.99- Infusium Shampoo
$1.25- Sunday paper- awesome price- the Sunday paper runs normally runs $2.00
$7.24
-1.00 Infusium cpn
-5.00 RR
$1.60- Total with tax and got back $3 RR:)

Martins

$2.29- Land O Lakes Cinnamon sugar butter
$0.73- Reduced bread- not pictured- it made the boys lunches for the week
$1.09- Bread
$4.11
-2.29- Free Land O Lakes cinnamon sugar butter cpn
$1.90- Total after tax

Dollar Tree

$1.00- Long grain rice
$1.00- Pepperoncini
$1.00- Nature's Own Honey wheat bread
$1.00- Spongebob book
$4.13- Total with tax

Walmart- can never get a picture of all my Walmart purchases before it gets put away
$1.98- frozen corn
$1.96- frozen green beans
$1.88- Shred cheddar cheese
$0.98- Cool Whip
$11.60- 4 gallons skim milk
$3.28- 2 Welchs frozen grape juice
$2.24- lunchmeat
$2.87- Pet ice cream
$1.00- can fruit
$1.00- can crushed pineapple
$1.00- Whole Wheat spaghetti
$1.00- mints
$0.90- 5 packs Ramen
$2.00- 2 boxes Whole Wheat Penne
$3.24- Oatmeal
$2.98- Raisins
$2.24- Honey nut cereal
$0.46- Taco seasoning
$1.18- Watermaid rice
$1.18- Watermaid rice
$2.82- 3 cans spaghetti sauce
$1.12- Bananas
$48.91
-1.00 Pet ice cream cpn
-0.50 Watermaid rice cpn
-0.50 Watermaid rice cpn
$48.13- Total after tax

I also ran out to Food Lion on Saturday to take advantage of their $0.89/lb whole chickens and their Buy 1 Get 1 Free potatoes. Sorry no pics of that trip. I did get:
$5.79- Whole chicken
$5.40- Whole chicken
$3.98- 2 bags 5 lb bag potatoes
$15.55- Total with tax

These stores have been added to my September Spending post- where I keep a running total of what I spend for the month.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Menu plan for the week of 09/19/2011

Breakfast
Oatmeal
Baked Oatmeal with apples X2
Pumpkin Bread X2
Smoothies & PB Toast
Applesauce bread

Lunches
Boys lunches for school:
sandwich, banana or carrots and popcorn

Lunch for baby & I:
sandwich, tomato slices, popcorn & banana or Melon from the garden

Dinners
Crockpot chicken, baked potatoes, peas and homemade bread
Chicken Alfredo pasta with corn
Bean & rice tacos with green beans
Breakfast for dinner
Homemade Chicken soup with ABC pasta and homemade bread
Corn Dog muffins with fruit

Snacks
Banana
popcorn
Ambrosia Melon from garden
Cherry tomato from garden
Cucumbers from garden

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Walgreens deals for the week of 09/18/2011

** We live in a test market, so we have a Walgreens Rewards card that tracks points to use to get rewards- so we don't get alot of RR's- as some areas do- instead we get Bonus Points**

Prevacid- $19.99
$4 Prevacid cpn- 09/18 SS
$3 Prevacid cpn- 09/11 SS
$15.99 Mail in rebate in 09/18 Sunday paper

Maxwell house- $4.99- Buy 2 and get 2X points

International Coffee- $2.99- Buy 2 and get 2X points

Planters PB- $3.29 each or $6/2- Buy 2 and get 2X points
$1/2 Planters PB cpn- 08/21 SS

Nestle, Hershey or Mars fun or snack size- $2.99 each or $5/2- Buy 2 and get 2X points

Patriot candles- $4.99- Buy 2 and get 2X points

Duracell- $6.99 and get 3X points
$1 Duracell cpn- 08/28 P&G

Tresemme- $3.99 or $15/4- Buy 4 and get 1000 Bonus points

Dove or Degree hair care, lotion, bodywash, bar soap, deodorant, body mist or shower tool- 20% off- Buy 2 and get 2X points
$1 Degree Premium deodorant or bodymist cpn- 08/28 RP
$0.75 Degree deodorant cpn- 08/28 RP

Aussie or Herbal Essence- $3.99 each or $6/2- Buy 2 and get 5X points
$1/2 Herbal Essence or Aussie cpn-08/28 P&G
$1 Herbal Essence or Aussie cpn- 08/07 RP

Infusium- $5.99 and get $3 RR
$1 Infusium cpn- 09/18 SS

Neutrogena cosmetics- B1G 50% off and Buy 2 and get 250 Bonus points

Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief- $4.99 and get $3 RR
$1 Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief toothpaste cpn- 09/11 SS
$0.75 Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief toothbrush cpn- 09/11 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 08/28 SS

Toms of Maine- $3.99 and get 15X points
$1 Toms of Maine toothpaste or mouthwash cpn- 09/18 SS
$1 Toms of Maine deodorant cpn- 09/18 SS
$1 Toms of Maine bar soap cpn- 09/18 SS

Poise liners or Kotex tampons, liners or pads- $3.79 each or $9/3- Buy 3 and get 750 Bonus points
$1 Poise cpn- 09/11 SS
$1.50 Poise hour glass cpn- 09/11 SS
$2/2 Kotex pads cpn- 08/07 SS
$1.50/2 Kotex tampons cpn- 08/07 SS
$1.50/2 Kotex liners cpn- 08/07 SS

Zegrid- $22.99 and get 2X points

Huggies Slip on diapers- $8.99 and get 8X points
$1.50 Huggies diaper cpn- 09/11 SS
$3 Huggies Slip on diaper cpn- 09/11 SS

Abreva- $17.99 and get 1000 Bonus points

Vicks Nyquil or Dayquil- $6 each or $11/3 and get $2 RR
$3/2 Vicks cpn- 08/28 P&G
$1 Vicks cpn- 08/28 P&G

Free Redbox code at checkout when you buy any participating Robitussin, Triaminic or Dimetapp
$1 Robitissin, Dimetapp or Advil cpn- 08/14 RP
$1Triaminic fever reducer cpn- 08/21 SS

Hylands Nighttime Cold and cough for kids- $4.99 and get $4.99 RR

Allegra- $18.99 and get 3X points
$3 Allegra cpn- 09/11 SS
$2 Children Allegra cpn- 09/11 SS
$4 Allegra cpn- 08/07 RP

Spend $15 Excedrin and get 10X points
$1.50 Excedrin 80ct+ cpn- 09/18 SS
$1.50 Excedrin 80ct+ cpn- 08/21 SS
$0.75 Excedrin 20ct+ cpn- 08/21 SS
$1.50 Excedrin 80ct+ cpn- 08/14 SS

Blistex Cold & Allergy lip soother- $2 and get 30X points

Advil- $2 off and get 400 Bonus points
$1 Robitissin, Dimetapp or Advil cpn- 08/14 RP
$2 Advil or Thermacare cpn- 08/14 RP

Carmex or Chapstick- $3/3 with in ad cpn- Buy 3 and get 3X points

Tena Serenity- $5 off with ad cpn- Buy 2 and get 3X points
$1 Tena underwear cpn- 08/28 SS
$1 Tena pads cpn- 08/28 SS

Zostrix Joint & Arthritis or Diabetic foot cream- $14.99 and get 1000 Bonus points
$5 Zostrix Diabetic cream cpn- 07/10 SS

Revlon cosmetics- 40% off- Spend $10 and get 750 Bonus points
$1 Revlon color cosmetic cpn- 08/14 SS

All 2X detergent- $9.99 and get 3X points
$1 All laundry cpn- 08/28 RP

Pampers Jumbo- $9.99 and get 5X points
$1.50/2 Pampers diapers cpn- 08/28 P&G

Friday, September 16, 2011

CVS deals for the week of 09/18/2011

Don't forget to....
1) Go to cvs.com/email and sign up for the ExtraCare email and receive a $4/20 cpn
2) Stop by the Red ExtraCare coupon center and get cpns
3) You can use a manufacturer's cpn along with a CVS cpn
4) You can use a B1G1Free cpn along with a B1G1Free sale to get both products for free:)

Scott Choose a size paper towels 6pk- $5.99 and get $1 ECB
$1/4 Scott papertowels 4 rolls + cpn- 08/14 SS

Revlon Super Lustrous, Moon drop or ColorBurst lip- $6.49 and get $5 ECB- Limit 6
$1 Revlon color cosmetic cpn- 08/14 SS

Vicks- $12/2 and get $3 ECB
$3/2 Vicks cpn- 08/28 P&G
$1 Vicks cpn- 08/28 P&G

Mucinex fast-max- $9.99 and get $3 ECB when you buy 2

Gold Emblem candy corn, autumn mix or pumpkins- $0.99 and get $0.99 ECB- Sun, Mon & Tues ONLY

Mars or Wrigleys fun size- $10/4 and get $4 ECB- Sun, Mon & Tues ONLY

7 UP, Canada Dry, A&W or Sunkist- $11/3 and get $3 ECB

Spend $10 and get $3 ECB on the following:
Nestle 3 bag assortment- $7
Nestle fun size- $5/2
Nestle 8pk- $3/2
Wonka mix ups- $5
Nestle fun size variety or Wonka factory mix- $10

$10 ECB when you buy Derma Silk 5 min face lift or 90 sec eye lift
$5 Derma Silk cpn- 09/18 RP
$5 Derma Silk cpn- 08/28 RP

Spend $10 and get $3 ECB Cover Girl eye
$1 Cover Girl Queen cpn- 09/11 SS
$2.50/2 Cover Girl cpn- 08/28 P&G
$1 Cover Girl cpn- 08/28 P&G

Spend $15 and get $5 ECB Loreal cosmetics
$2 Loreal powder, blush, concealer or primer cpn- 09/18 RP
$2 Loreal face cosmetic cpn- 09/18 RP
$1 Loreal cosmetic cpn- 09/18 RP

Revlon age defying with DNA advantage- $10 and get $2 ECB

$8 ECB when you buy 2 Neutrogena foundation, powder, blush or concealer

Spend $10 and get $4 ECB Milani cosmetics

Spend $10 and get $3 ECB Sally Hansen cosmetics

Spend $15 and get $5 ECB Nivea products
$2 Nivea bodywash for Women cpn- 07/31 RP
$1/2 Nivea shave gels cpn- 07/31 RP
$1 Nivea face products cpn- 07/31 RP

Dial Nutriskin- $4.99 and get $1 ECB
$3/2 One a day Womens healthy skin AND Nutriskin lotion or bodywash cpn- 07/24 RP

Carmex healing cream or lotion- $4.99 and get $2 ECB

Loreal Excellence or Excellence to go- $14/2 and get $2 ECB
$2 Loreal Excellence or to go cpn- 09/18 RP
$5/2 Loreal hair color cpn- 08/14 RP
$2 Loreal hair color cpn- 08/14 RP

$2 ECB when you buy Cetaphil

$5 ECB when you buy 2 Loreal EverPure, Sleek or Strong hair care
$1 Loreal EverPure, Sleek or Strong cpn- 09/18 RP
$1 Loreal EverPure cpn- 08/28 RP

Spend $20 and get $10 ECB Nexxus

Clairol Nice & Easy foam- $7.99 and get $1 ECB
$2 Clairol hair color cpn- 09/18 SS
$3 Clairol foam cpn- 08/28 P&G
$2 Clairol hair color cpn- 08/28 P&G
$2 Clariol hair color cpn- 08/07 SS

Colgate Optic White- $8/2 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$1.50 Colgate Optic white toothpaste cpn- 09/11 SS
$0.75 Colgate Optic white toothbrush cpn- 09/11 SS
$1 Colgate Optic white toothpaste cpn- 08/28 SS
$0.50 Colgate toothpaste cpn- 08/28 SS

Right Guard Sport, Total Defense or Dry Idea- $6/2 and get $2 ECB

Crest ProHealth rinse or 3D white- $3.99 and get $1.25 ECB-Limit 2
$1 Crest ProHealth rinse cpn- 08/28 P&G

Secret or Gillette Clinical deodorant- $8.99 and get $1 ECB
$1/2 Secret cpn- 08/28 P&G
Buy Gillette deodorant and get Free Gillette bodywash cpn- 08/28 P&G

$2 ECB when you buy Gillette cartridge

Schick Hydro 3 or 5 razor or refills- $8.79 and get $3 ECB
$2 Schick Hydro refill cpn- 08/07 SS
$2 Schick Hyrdo razor cpn- 08/07 SS

Aquafresh or Sensodyne- $4.89 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Aquafresh Extreme Clean or Iso-Active cpn- 09/11 RP
$0.75 Aquafresh Premium cpn- 09/11 RP
$1 Sensodyne ProNamel Iso-Active gel cpn- 09/18 RP
$2.50/2 Sensodyne cpn- 08/14 RP
$1 Sensodyne cpn- 08/14 RP

Spend $25 and get $10 ECB on the following:
Huggies or Pampers Jumbo- $18/2
$1.50 Huggies cpn- 09/11 SS
$3 Huggies Slip on cpn- 09/11 SS
$1.50/2 Pampers cpn- 08/28 P&G
Playtex baby- B1G 50% off
Similac ready formula- $5
Luvs Jumbo- $7
Pediasure- $10
$3 Pediasure sidekicks cpn- 07/24 SS
$2 Pediasure cpn- 06/19 SS
Pedialyte- $8/2
Gerber good start- $20
Huggies wipes mega- $6
$0.50 Huggies wipes cpn- 09/11 SS
Pampers Sensitive wipes- $6
Avent baby- B1G 50% off
Johnson baby powder, oil, lotion, wash, shampoo, oil gel or Desitin- $3
Gerber baby food snacks- $4/2

Spend $15 and get $5 CVS skin care, cosmetics, hair care, oral care or shave products

Spend $20 and get $10 ECB Excedrin
$1.50 Excedrin 80ct+ cpn- 09/18 SS
$1.50 Excedrin 80ct+ cpn- 08/21 SS
$0.75 Excedrin 20ct+ cpn- 08/21 SS
$1.50 Excedrin 80ct+ cpn- 08/14 SS

$5 ECB when you buy Abreva

Spend $15 and get $5 ECB Futuro braces, supports or hosiery

Prevacid- $19.99
$4 Prevacid cpn- 09/18 SS
$3 Prevacid cpn- 09/11 SS
$5/2 GasX, Benefiber, Maalox or Prevacid cpn- 07/17 SS
$18 Mail in rebate at cvs.com

Zegrid- $9.99 and get $1 ECB

Prilosec- $10.99 and get $2 ECB- Limit 2
$1 Prilosec cpn- 08/28 P&G

Spend $20 and get $10 ECB GasX or Benefiber
$5/2 GasX, Benefiber, Maalox or Prevacid cpn- 07/17 SS

Pepsi- $12/3 and get $2 ECB

Spend $20 and get $5 ECB Nature Made vitamins or supplements

What a day these past 2 days have been

It all started Monday, we realized we may have an antifreeze leak. Not a huge deal, we would take the van down to my dad and have him look at it on Sunday. We are so very blessed that my dad is a mechanic. He has saved us so much money on repairs, parts and "labor".

We were so excited so be heading down that way Wednesday to have dinner at church with my dad. Little Michael also had an appointment to have blood drawn that morning. The hood on our van is not cooperating and it takes 2 people to open the hood. So, here I am trying to get the hood open so I could check the antifreeze level before the bus came so that Kevin could help me. We get the hood open and look- wow- antifreeze reservoir empty. OK- we will just add more antifreeze and all will be good- or so I thought.

I grabbed the white container, opened it and proceeded to pour it in. Kevin alerted me when I had gotten to the max line. And then he asks, "Mom, is that the ready to use kind of antifreeze or one you have to add water to it?" I replied, "Its the ready to use kind..... I think"

Little did I know, I had grabbed the wrong white container- grrrrr. It was not antifreeze, it was oil. I had just poured about 2 quarts of oil in the antifreeze reservior. Oh no!!!! What to do. I called Michael and told him what I had just done. I felt like such an idiot. I have never done anything like this before. And of course, my hubby is out of state on business. Well, no dinner with my dad that night. He called the mechanic here in town and the guy said that since I had not started the van, all they would need to do would be to drain it. Oh OK, that is easy enough.

Now, the fun began, how to get the van to him since I couldn't drive it over to him. He said that he would call a tow truck to come and get it. 2 hours of waiting for the tow truck and it finally came. It was then I found out that the mechanic shop here in town doesn't have their own wrecker- they had to call an outside company. $60 is what I have to pay for the tow truck guy to come out to my house, hook up and drop my van off 5 miles away.

The mechanic, which does alot of work with my hubby's company truck was so sweet not to charge us to drain the oil out:) He did discover that our radiator is bad along with a valve and he believes our head gasket is going. Parts- around $250- labor- $400- Oh my. Once I pick myself up off the floor- LOL:) We call my dad and he tells us to bring the van to him and he would look at it.

The mechanic calls me and tells me that he is bringing my van back to me and asks for directions. OK cool. Well, we waited all day for my van to come back home. Then had to wait for Michael to get home and of course he gets held over at work. He finally gets home and we jet down to my dad's house to leave my van and to pick up my mom's van. Thankfully, my dad had a back up vehicle for us to use while he looks at our van. We didn't get back home until after 11pm. Thankfully, we have 2 teenagers that did a wonderful job doing the dishes, picking up the living room and getting everyone to bed before we got home.

Now, today I have an appointment to get little Michael's blood drawn. Please keep your fingers crossed that we have a less eventful day today. We hope you all have a wonderful day and weekend~ stay safe:)

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

My Shopping Day- 09/12/2011

With the boys in school and little Michael having a doctor's appointment, Michael was not so thrilled about going shopping with me on Monday. I have no idea why he doesn't like shopping with me (most men I know prefer if they can help it to not go shopping with their spouses either:) I love shopping and am so blessed my teenaged boys like to accompany me shopping.

Here are all the details of my shopping trip:

CVS

$2.50- Ritz Crackerfuls
$2.99- Softsoap bodywash
$2.99- Herbal Essence shampoo
$3.69- CVS 5ct allergy
$12.17- before tax and coupons
-2.50- Ritz Crackerfuls Red coupon machine coupon
-2.99- Free Herbal Essence cpn- Facebook coupon no longer available
-0.75- Softsoap bodywash cpn
-4.00 ECB
-0.99 ECB
-0.94 ECB- was $1 ECB but had to adjusted down to avoid negative balance3
$0.36 Total with tax- YEA!!!! and more happy happy news- I got 6.69 in ECB's :)

Kroger

$2.00- 2 lbs grapes
-1.00 coupon loaded to my card for the Kroger spin game- that is now over
$1.03 Total with tax

Martins

$5.58- Tote of apples 5.64 lbs
$2.99- 5 lbs Russet potatoes
$1.09- markdown White wheat bread
$1.09- markdown White wheat bread
$10.96 Total with tax

Dollar Tree

$1.00- Brillo pads
$1.00- Sunbeam 12ct hamburger buns
$1.00- Puzzle for Nathan
$3.13 Total with tax

Walmart
$11.60- 4 gallons skim milk
$21.98- Dog food
$3.16- 4 lbs carrots
$1.97- Tator tots
$1.98- Frozen corn
$0.98- frozen green beans
$0.98- frozen peas
$0.98- frozen peas
$1.98- sausage
$2.06- Reduced ground beef
$3.76- 2 pkgs pizza cheese
$2.24- lunchmeat
$1.28- Bologna
$0.88- hot dogs
$0.98- Whip cream
$1.88- Cottage cheese
$1.98- Cream cheese
$1.84- 2 pkgs butter
$2.28- Heavy whipping cream
$2.44- 2 pkgs tortillas
$1.49- Bananas
$2.62- Parm cheese
$3.36- 2 cans fruit
$1.24- Tomato sauce
$2.82- 3 cans spaghetti sauce
$4.14- yeast
$1.18- BBQ sauce
$1.00- Penne pasta
$1.00- Rotini pasta
$2.38- Fruit spins
$1.12- Cormeal
$2.68- Aquafresh Trainig toothpaste
$3.84- 2 bags flour
$2.48- Apple juice
$5.97- Diapers
$1.93- Sauve bodywash
$0.59- Onion
$3.68- Kit N Kaboodle cat food
$7.87- Antifreeze
-1.00- Kit N Kaboodle cat food cpn
-1.93- Free Sauve creamy bodywash cpn
-1.50- Aquafresh Training toothpaste printable cpn
$118.25- Total with tax and after cpns

The September Montly Spending post has been updated to include these shopping trips.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Menu Plan for the week of 09/12/2011

Breakfast
Oatmeal
Baked Oatmeal with apples X2
Banana Bread X2
Giant Breakfast cookies
Yogurt & PB Toast

Lunches
Boys lunches for school:
sandwich, banana or sliced cucumbers and popcorn

Lunch for baby & I:
sandwich, tomato slices, popcorn & banana or Melon from the garden

Dinners
Goulash & corn
Shredded BBQ chicken on hamburger buns, tator tots & Fruit
Spaghetti dinner with my dad at church
Pumpkin pancakes
Ramen & grilled cheese
Italian Pasta Bake & green beans

Snacks
Animal crackers
popcorn
Ambrosia Melon from garden
Cherry tomato from garden
Cucumbers from garden

Thank you:)

We would like to thank everyone for your patience and your well wishes. What was first diagnosed as allergies turned into an icky virus for Nathan, our 7 yr old. And as you guessed, he was more than willing to share this virus with the entire family. There were days we felt better and thought we were over our illness and then the next day, we were feeling run down and just not feeling right. We thought Kevin was the lucky one who didn't get it and just when I thought that, I get a call from the school nurse to come and pick him up.

After this icky week long virus, we are now better and thankful to have gotten rid of this virus. We feel much better and are looking forward to getting caught up on blogging:)

We hope your family is well and things are wonderful in your life:)

Have a blessed week~

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

My Shopping Day- 09/05/2011

Since it was a holiday, the boys didn't have school. Chris decided that he wanted to go shopping with me. He really wanted to go so that on the way home, we could stop to pick up one of his friends and head to our house for our Nerf vs Super Soaker labor day event (I will post more about this very fun time shortly).

Here are the details to this weeks shopping trip:

CVS #1

$1.19- Milky Way candy bar- not pictured- as soon as he hit the seat, he tore into the candy bar
$1.00- Care Free liners
$2.99- Listerine mouthwash
$5.18- before coupons
-1.19- Milky Way candy bar cpn from the red CVS coupon machine:)
-0.50- Care Free cpn- 08/21 SS
-0.50- Listerine cpn- 07/31 SS
-2.00- ECB
$1.05- Total with tax and got back (2) $1 ECB's

CVS #2- Since CVS #1 didn't have everything I was hoping to buy

$1.19- Hershey candy bar
$0.99- Hershey air delight candy bar
$0.99- Always liners
$3.17 before cpns
-0.99 Hershey candy bar cpn- 08/28 SS
-1.19- Always free liner cpn from the red CVS coupon machine- not sure why it took off $1.19
$1.09- Total with tax and got back $0.99 ECB

Walgreens

$5.00- Carmex lotion
$5.00- Carmex healing cream
$10.00 before cpns
-1.00- RR
$9.50 with tax- paid with gift card so $0.00 out of pocket and got back $5 RR

Target

$1.00- Simply Orange Juice
$1.00- Simply Orange Juice
$1.00- Simple Lemonade
$1.00- Simply Lemonade
$2.49- Target cereal
$6.49 before cpns
-1.00 Simply Orange juice printable cpn
-1.00 Simply Orange juice printable cpn
-1.00 Simply Lemonade printable cpn
-1.00 Simply Lemonade printable cpn
$2.65 Total with tax

Dollar Tree
$1.00- Trash bags- we use these in the diaper pail- work great
$1.00- Sandwich bags
$1.00- Sandwich zip bags
$1.00- Zip quart bags
$1.00- Zip gallon bags
$0.50- get well card for a friend
$1.00- Tortilla chips to test out homemade salsa
$1.00- Pancake syrup
$1.00- The Works cleaner
$1.00- Toilet paper
$1.00- Toilet paper
$10.98 Total with tax

Martins

$2.16- 4 loaves mark down bread
$0.90- 2 Gala apples
$3.14 Total with tax

Walmart
$11.60- 4 gallons skim milk
$2.64- 18ct eggs
$3.98- Tilipia
$1.98- Stirfry veggies
$0.98- frozen peas
$1.64- Welchs grape juice
$1.64- Welchs grape juice
$2.64- Salsa mix
$2.24- lunchmeat
$1.22- Tortillas
$1.00- Taco shells
$0.94- Spaghetti sauce
$0.94- Spaghetti sauce
$2.00- 2 pkgs spaghetti
$1.60- Bananas
$1.78- Baby wipes
$5.97- Diapers
$47.27 Total before cpns
-0.55 Buddig lunchmeat cpn- 08/21 SS
$48.10 Total with tax

These shopping trips have been updated on our September Monthly Spending post.

Monthly Spending for September

Here is where I will keep a list of our spending for the month of September. Lets see if I can do any better than last month's spending- even though I didn't do too terribly bad in August :) Remember our monthly budget is $400 for everything including animal food for our family of 6 and 2 pets and 1 very injured butterfly, not too mention our 2 bird feeders outside. Lets see how much under budget I can get for this month.

09/05/2011
$48.10- Walmart
$0.00- Walgreens- paid $9.50 with giftcard and got $5 RR
$2.65- Target
$10.98- Dollar Tree
$1.09- CVS and got back $0.99 ECB
$1.05- CVS and got back $2.00 ECB
$3.14- Martins

09/12/2011
$3.13- Dollar Tree
$1.03- Kroger
$0.36- CVS
$10.96- Martins
$118.25- Walmart

09/17/2011
$15.55- Food Lion

09/19/2011
$4.13- Dollar Tree
$1.90- Martins
$1.60- Walgreens
$3.68- Kroger
$48.13- Walmart

09/26/2011
$23.46- Walmart
$2.10 - Dollar Tree
$2.91- Kroger
$0.76- CVS
$0.00- Walgreens
$3.24- Martins

09/29/2011
$1.30- CVS
$1.58- Walgreens

$311.08- Running Total for September

Goal Update- September 2011

Our 2011 Goals- Review of August:

1) To not eat out or at least to not pay out of pocket, with the exception of tips. If we want to treat the family to a meal out, we will make sure we have a gift card to cover all of us.- We did eat out once this month due to a power outage :(

2) ~~Pay off 1 credit card~~- So super excited- we wrote out the final check to pay off this credit card 04/05/2011- WOOHOO:) Cross off list:)

3) Not to use any of our credit cards for 2011. To pay cash for everything.- I did use my credit card to pay for dinner the evening we had no power.

4) To lower our grocery budget. Our current grocery budget is $400 month for our family of 6. Our goal is to lower that amount and to save the remainder.- During the month of August, we spent $323 and were able to set aside $77.

5) To create a monthly meal plan for our family, to purchase most of our groceries at the beginning of the month (with the exception of fresh fruits, veggies, milk and other perishible items) and do more freezer cooking- all while staying below our current grocery budget.- Doing well with creating monthly menu plans. No bulk shopping this month as we are eating out of the pantry and freezer.

6) Unclutter the house and become more organized:)- This goal didn't go well for us this month- hope to get more motivated in September.

7) Lose weight- I need to get motivated to lose this baby weight.- We are trying out a small gym in our area and I am going 6 evenings a week. So far my total weight lose is 18 lbs all together- YEA!!! Still have 22 lbs to reach my target weight:)

8) Morning devotions, prayer time and more bible reading- Doing great with this goal

9) Monthly date night with hubby- whether we go out or stay at home, pop popcorn and rent a movie- didn't do the whole date night with hubby in August :(

10) To spend quality family time together. With everyones schedule and us running all over creation, I would love to spend more quality time together- no tv- us playing games, talking, enjoying each others company- We were able to spend family time together with no TV thanks to the hurricane. We hope to do this without the aid of a hurricane turning off our power.

11) Not to use our dryer to save on electricity and lower our electricity bill- Did great with not using the dryer. The weather has been so beautiful and the clothes are being hung on the clothesline:)

12) We want to unclutter, which goes with #6, sell unwanted items, pay off as many credit cards as possible- 1 at a time, which goes with #2, find a bigger house and sell our current very small house:) This is a huge goal and one we are working very hard to achieve along with all the other goals listed above- We hope to have better luck in September. We are still looking for a bigger house closer to my dad. We have faith the Lord will lead us in the right direction.

13) Pay off credit card #2- still going strong with this goal- YEA!! :) We are getting so close to paying this one off- we are getting so excited:)

Menu plan for the week of 09/05/2011

Sorry for the lack of updates these past few days. A not so nice virus is going through our house. Nathan started it and he was so nice to pass it on to Christopher and myself. Then little Michael woke up coughing and runny nose and then Michael finally proclaimed yesterday, "I don't feel good- you guys made me sick." So, far Kevin has been lucky and has not caught it. Nathan and baby Michael seem to be feeling much better. Chris and I still have alot of congestion but seem to feeling better as each day passes.

This is this weeks menu:

Breakfast
Oatmeal
Baked Oatmeal with apples X 2
Banana Bread X 2
Smoothies & PB Toast
Yogurt & PB Toast

Lunches
Boys lunches for school:
sandwich, carrots and popcorn

Lunch for baby & I:
sandwich, tomato slices, popcorn & banana or Melon from the garden

Dinners
Stuffed Shells, garlic breadsticks & veggies
Spaghetti tacos & veggies
Fish, rice & veggies
Egg, sausage, cheese tortillas & fruit
Homemade pizza
Easy Noodle Stirfry

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