Another Stop and Shop Coupon Book

A free entertainment guide is now being offered by the front entrance of the Stop and Shops I have been to.  It gives some nice tips, along with recipes for zucchini latkes, cherry and walnut quinoa, crab imperial, gingerbread with golden raisin sauce, and raspberry meringues to name a few.

The best part, of course, are the valuable coupons -- 55 cents off Land o Lakes half and half, $1 off NatureMade products, $1 off CareOne vitamins, $1 off 2 Cabot items (the cheese blocks are on sale this week, I think for only 2/$5!), $1 off any Fruit2day morning product, $1 off two McCormick spices or herbs.

Grab your booklet today!

Free Quick and Easy $2 Extra Bucks

The first 500K people who agree not to be a money trasher will be receiving $2 in extra bucks.
I just bought my favorite Special K cereal there today for $1.99 a box and that extra bucks coupon could have come in handy.  Visit their site for your extra bucks!

http://www.cvs.com/moneytrashers/

The Ulta Experience

I love grand openings.  The Northborough Crossing's Ulta Salon/Cosmetics/Fragrance store gave me the most favorable impression.  Their Revlon and Neutrogena products were all 40% off this week, making the new Revlon Age Defying DNA creme only $8.99.  With a $5 coupon from the Sunday inserts, the bottle came out to only $3.99.  The Neutrogena Deep Clean Face wash came out to $4.41 after a coupon.

With their special flyer coupon of $3.50 off a purchase of $10, my total bill for everything was a mere $5.31!

Signing up as a member of the "Club at ULTA" game me another $30 worth of free products -- Oscar Blandi shampoo spray, Kendra volume spray, and Ulta body lotion and mascara.  

What an "ulta" mate beauty shopping experience!

Saving Green at Walgreen's This Week

I just previewed the store flyer and walked over to all over the FREE signs.  After their register rewards coupons, I left with a bag of free products -- Zarbee's all-natural (honey, elderberry extract, zinc sulfate, melatonin) nighttime cough and sleep drink, store brand 24 count maxi-pads, and a new 5-blade razor package of Remington!

The feminine products was even accompanied with a 50 cents coupon for a next purchase of the same item.  Since there are no limits as to how many of these free products you can buy during the week (only during transaction), one can technically be making 50 cents off each transaction.

One thing I didn't get for free, but bought because it was a good deal -- a 4 lb bag of Domino's sugar for $2.49.  Of course, I used a manufacturer's coupon of 50 cents to make it cheaper.  Too bad it didn't double.

The Chief of Coupons

Our water filter fell apart today, requiring my husband to disassemble it, drive over to one of the local stores to purchase a 3-stage water filtration system, and come back home and put it together.  He checked out the price for refills while he was there -- $29.95 for a 3 pack.

I recently discovered the coupon-saving site http://www.couponchief.com/ and thought I would give it a try.  It was a bit overwhelming at first – there were so many coupons, and apparently some coupon codes worked better than others, which didn’t really make sense to me (why are the ones that have little success still on the website?).  I actually watched the site’s video tutorial and the system cleared up a little for me.

Then I realized how amazing a site it is.  After searching for various items, I ended up with a coupon for Target, one of the stores I had previously purchased refills from.  The online cost for the 3 pack was $32.01, which was fair.  However, www.couponchief.com gave me a $5 coupon code off a purchase of $50.  

For a few weeks now I had been hunting around for my son’s school uniform.  Finding his particular size is challenging.  I ordered from French Toast online, but the pants ended up too large.  To get my money back, I had to return them and pay shipping of over $10!

When I shopped in person at Target, his size was not available.  When I clicked online, I was able to order 3.  And to my surprise, another special popped onto the screen – if you order 3 pieces of apparel, you get a 25% discount.  I would have paid full price anyway, never thinking uniforms could be discounted.

So this wonderful website not only saved me 25% off the clothes and $5 off my order (making the filters cheaper than the store my husband would have bought them from), it also saved me gas and apple juice boxes (which I use to distract my toddler when shopping), but most importantly, time!

I can’t wait to see what more the site offers!  

BOGO -- What I Didn't Know

I used to think that buy one get one free (BOGO) sales were just wonderful.  Well, now I know there is something even better -- using a BOGO manufacturer coupon at a BOGO sale.  The results?  Two free products.

I was skeptical that this would even happen.  But I tried it at Rite Aid yesterday -- the cashier rang up the two deodorant sticks, one at $3.49, the other at $0.  Then, as she entered the coupons, deducted another $3.49!

Plus, the Irish Spring body wash is on sale this week for $2.99.  The register prints out a +UP reward coupon for $2 off your  next purchase.  I would have paid only 99 cents, but then I also used a $1 coupon in my purse, making the product -1 cent.

The best part of the transaction was the Crest Pro Health toothpaste.  It was on sale for $2.69 with a +UP reward coupon for $2.69, but I applied a $1 coupon, making the toothpaste not only free, but a small money maker.

I think Rite Aid is the rite place to go!

Six More Days Left

I have just tallied up all of my grocery and fast food/restaurant receipts and hit an acceptable figure -- $882.05.
Much better than those summer months, but still a bit off target.  The extra amount is attributed to a stock pile of diapers, wipes, vitamins, and Olivio spread that were all on sale.  Plus, I was able to donate a number of grocery items to a local food pantry.  The main problem is, however, it is not the end of the month yet!  I still have six more days to not go over budget (which I already have).  So now I must:

1.  Try my best not to swing by any stores this week.
2.  Rummage through my pantries, refrigerator, and freezer for dishes I can cook.
3.  Stay committed to this budget.

Restaurant/ take-out bills came out to $90.  I don't regret those days, but I'll need to plan things out better -- like buying gift cards to these places ahead of time so that I can at least get gas points or a discount (like at plasticjungle.com) or finding online coupons to these places we frequent for a quick meal.

It definitely looks like no restaurants for this week!

Trip Up a Stony Hill

I have only been to Roche Brothers once.  If I went more often, I might be little more confident when pronouncing the store's name (is it a food store named with the sound of an insect or does it sound like those fancy italian chocolates?).  That grocery chain is a bit of a distance from my home, but close enough to where one of my daughter's SAT classes were being held, hence the rare visit.  I have even had an online grocery delivery order filled by them, using a free delivery coupon and additional $10 or maybe it was more off the purchase.  I was pleased with the way they packed the groceries and delivered it -- so professional.  Plus, as a new customer they gave me a complimentary apple pie.

I was surprised, not being a regular customer, to receive in the mail today a nice refrigerator magnet of coupons for their store -- 8 weeks full of things like free peanut butter, canned food item, half gallon of milk, 5 pound of potatoes.  With their nice sale on seedless white grapes (88 cents a pound) and Tuesday double $1 coupon specials (max of 5 coupons with minimum $25 purchase), I think I might make my way up to this store, even if it is a bit out of the way, like its English origin and old definition, "stony hill."

Going Nuts Over Nutella

What has 3 grams of protein per serving, 4% DV Calcium and 4% Iron?  Nutella, my daughter's favorite sandwich spread (hazelnut with skim milk and cocoa) and alternative to peanut butter (she always prefers to skip the Skippy.)  

Stop and Shop has them on sale for $2.99 and the Shrewsbury store has a display featuring a $1 coupon off 2 containers.  Not an incredible deal, but better than paying the full price of over $3 without a coupon.

Walgreens This Week

I was able to bring home a $2 value lip balm today, for free after a rewards coupon at Walgreens.  I also enjoyed using my $1 coupon off two Blue Diamond almond containers, which were only $3.59, buy one get free.  With the coupon, each high protein container cost only $1.30, not too bad for a nutritious snack1!

A Treat, Not a Trick

My son was delighted to be treated with one of his favorite candies -- a bag of candy corn, of which I got for free after a bonus buck coupon from CVS (and which I paid for from a previous bonus buck).

My youngest son will be benefiting from their diaper and baby wipes sale -- with the purchase of $25 worth of them, I received $10 in bonus bucks.  I make an effort to whizz my rewards card under their red machine each time I go to the store.  The last time I went a diaper coupon for $1 spit out.  I was able to use this, along with the manufacturer's coupons towards my purchase.  What an extra nice treat!

Can You Afford Hannaford?

I rarely go to this grocery chain because of its distance from my house and the sales are not as attractive to me.  The store has a huge ad in this Sunday's Worcester Telegram.  The frozen chopped spinach packages (82 cents) and sale on Quaker Chewy granola bars and canned vegetables is tempting me to make the trip, especially since it is near where I need to pick up my daughter today.  It is also near a dollar store that happens to sell Sunday papers for only $1; great if the coupon inserts are valued more than that, which they generally do.

Check out that paper, if you live in the area, for a $5 off any purchase of $50 or more (valid at specific stores) and info on a store contest -- grand prize is free groceries for a year.

Fresh For Fall

I had a nice time at Shaw's yesterday.  I was able to use my $5 coupon off $25 purchase from their website. Plus, I found some great deals in the reduced dairy shelves -- Yo Crunch Greek Non-fat yogurt for 25 cents and Sargento 8 ounce mild cheddar packages for 75 cents!

At the entrance they are giving a "Fresh For Fall" booklet featuring nice breakfast and lunch tips, along with over $10 in savings.  My favorites are $1.25 off 2 Skippy peanut butter jars, $1 off Minute Maid juice box packs, and $1 off 2 Ziploc brand products.

Saving a Whole Lot of Money

I have never done this before, but I just purchased a deal from Living Social at http://subscribe.livingsocial.com/?ref=affiliates&geo=true.

For $10 I can now go to Whole Foods and buy $20 worth of groceries.  Every little bit counts.
I plan on buying some nice organic strawberries and other fresh fruit so that my children can have, what else, a wholesome breakfast.

Gas Card Opportunity --Check it Out

According to an advertisement in the paper yesterday, People's United Bank is offering a $100 gas card for opening a personal checking account and taking one of three actions they require (see them for specifics, in general they are:  getting direct deposit, paying bills online or using the debit card a certain number of times at least $25 each transaction.

For more info visit https://www.peoples.com/gascard/ and "check" it out.

Shaw's Coupons

I am not much of a Shaw's fan.  Although it is right on the way home after I drop off my daughter to school, the little kid buggy carts are dirty (with no Purell wipes in sight) and the overall customer service in that particular store does not really meet my approval.  These two factors, along with sales prices, generally determine where I spend my money each week.

I did shop at the Shrewsbury Shaw's a couple months ago after receiving in the mail a coupon for $10 off a $100 order.  I just checked out the Shaw's website http://www.shaws.com/savings/index2.jsp to read more about their gift card promotion (which I still cannot confirm) and learned that if you sign up for the Shaw's email savings program, you get a $5 coupon off your purchase of $25 or more.    Plus, if you refer 5 friends to the email program and they sign up, you receive an additional $5 coupon per friend.

Beware that you need to print out the $5 coupon once you sign up, so sign up only when you have access to a printer.

I think I am shopping at Shaw's this week...

Don't Forget

If you get a chance, don't forget to check out MA Coupon Queen Kathy Spencer's website http://www.howtoshopforfree.net/.  I always try to look at it once a week, especially when the Sunday paper coupons come out.  She knows how to work the deals.

Quick preview:  downloadable Robitussin $1 coupon,  Shaw's gift card promotion, clearance sale at Men's Wearhouse, and a penny sale on puzzles at Michael's.

Stop and Shop

College Savings Right on Target

I just found out about an offer from Fidelity:  Open a UFund College Investing plan and sign up for automatic investing of at least $50 per month on the account and receive a $50 Target gift card.

This offer is only good in MA.  I opened one up for my youngest one.

With our local Target sending us tons of food coupons in the mail lately (discounts on grapes, nachos... a free bread and free eggs coupon), I am looking forward to grocery shopping there once I get my gift card in the mail.

Nutritious Snacks for Around a Dollar a Box

I had a great time at Stop and Shop buying Nature Valley granola bars this week.  The sale is 2/$6.  If you buy four, a register coupon pops out for a free milk gallon valued up to $4.50.

I brought four boxes for the cashier to ring up and gave her two manufacturer coupons -- $1 off a box of 2.  I also gave her a $1 off a box of 2 store coupon which I received in the mail.  Since the register did not spit out the free milk coupon, the customer service desk person gave me $4.50 in cash, making my total of $12 worth of granola bars down to $4.50.  That's $1.13 a box, not too bad for a quick, wholesome snack.

What a Delight -- Free Hershey's Air Delight

CVS has a great 99 cents rewards coupon after purchasing the Hershey's Air Delight Bar for 99 cents, making the candy free.  I also used a coupon from the Sunday paper a few weeks back towards this purchase.

Also at CVS this week are Phillips Color Tunes in-ear headphones for only $1.99 (limit of 2) after a $5 extrabucks reward.  I like to keep this on reserve in case my toddler breaks one of the headphones of my older children (this has happened a few times now).

Another seasonal clearance is going on their stores as well -- right now 75% off summer items (sandals, shoes, toys, even swimming diapers).  Check it out (I am holding out to see if there will be an even bigger discount next week!)

A Cart Full of Food

Eager to be recommitted to my grocery bill slashing resolve, I ventured to shop at Aldi's yesterday afternoon.  My expectations of the store -- overcrowded, messy, and overall what my daughter as a pre-schooler would refer to as "gummy," were met with a surprising opposite.  Sunday afternoons are perhaps a wonderful time to shop there, compared to the grand opening week time slot I choose to first visit the store.  Though there were no jumbo cart buggies to entertain my toddler, but instead carts which required 25 cents to operate, the aisles were free, boxes were ready for customers to select (to place paid groceries in), and there was no line.

But most importantly, I left the store with a cart full of food after paying only $23.85.  It was a strange, even nostalgic feeling, paying for these groceries.  The feel of cash (no credit cards or checks are accepted at Aldi's) -- the wrinkles of the bills and the metallic thinness of the dimes gave me the sensation that I was a kid paying an ice cream treat.  The satisfaction was comparable.  $1.49 for 3 pounds of onions, $3.49 for ten pounds of potatoes, $2.89 for a gallon of milk, and 69 cents for a dozen of eggs...  how heavenly!  how gratifying!

This has to make up for that expensive lunch my kids and I had at Hampton Beach a few weeks ago!

Tally

As I reflect on my recent grocery bill tally entries for the summer, I realize what a slacker I have been.  My quest for good times with my family over the summer came at a cost -- a few hundred dollars a month over target.  Despite trying restaurant.com, using coupon inserts for restaurants (or losing them, as I once did), buying from unfamiliar out of state grocery stores instead of hotel room service and gas station convenience stores, continuing to shop for sales and specials, I failed to achieve my grocery bill goal.

It reminds me of a time I was a bit depressed over a high school report card grade --  B+ for a French class, ruining my chance for straight As all year.  I confided with my friend, who, instead of consoling me as I had hoped, shrugged and smiled, "try harder next time."  So, that, is what I must do.  I must try to recap some of those lost funds by trying extra hard these next months to find the best deals in town, holiday or no holiday, road trip or no road trip.  

I'll be sure to share any good deal I find.