Couponing for Charity 7/3-9

This post will be short because there aren't many freebies this week that I've found. Normally I would have skipped this week, but my son had an allergic reaction to something and I was out of kids benadryl. What a score that it was on sale too and with my ECBs from previous trips, I only paid tax. Here's what I bought:

• 2 CVS Kids Benadryl generic (B1G1 50% off: $4.69 and $2.34--cheaper than the Walgreen's version even not on sale)
• 2 Oral B Cross-Action toothbrushes ($3, get $1ECB for each, Use B1G1 MC and $2 MC=$1MM. Tip: Give them the $2 coupon and then the B1G1 to avoid beeping.) Limit 2
• Oral B Pulsar toothbrushes are free too but they were out; I got a raincheck for 2. There were still plenty of the manual toothbrushes.
• 1 Hershey bar (free with a coupon printing at the kiosk; love it!)
• Used $8 ECB from last week.

Subtotal: $.03

With tax: $.98

ECBs for next time: $2

Walgreen's has a deal on the Oral B toothbrushes too, but the CVS deal is better. Nothing else was enticing enough for a trip. I didn't see any freebies at Kroger or Target either.

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend!

Couponing for Charity 6/5-6/11

Yes, it's Wednesday and I'm just getting around to posting about this week's best deals. So is life caring for three kids full-time and no school! I think there's just one place to head this week for deals: CVS. Kroger's sale is the same as last week (still free pasta) and the few deals I wanted at Walgreen's (Starbucks ice cream and Sobe life water) weren't there when I popped in today. It's not worth my time trying multiple stores.

CVS:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie or Knoxville on a Dime.

Since the shelves were already clear of some of the deals, I asked for a raincheck. Most of my coupons are good through the end of the month. So I have time to get more deals on future trips. Here's what I did get at CVS:

• 1 Oral B Pulsar toothbrush (normally $6.49, on sale for $6, get $3ECB, use $3 MC from 6/5's P&G insert=FREE; limit 2)
• 1 Crest Pro Health 1 liter mouthwash (normally $5.89, on sale for $4.50, get $2.50ECB, used $2 MC from 6/5's P&G insert=FREE; limit 2)
• 1 Colgate Maxfresh toothpaste (normally $3.29, on sale for $2.79, get $2ECB, used $1 MC from All You magazine = $.21 MM; limit 2)
• 1 Goodnites (normally $11.49, on sale for $8.99, get $2ECB, used $3 manufacturer's printable on any Huggies diapers and $3 CVS savings that printed at the kiosk=$1!!!!!; limit 1)
• I also used $8.99 in ECBs from previous trips.

Total OOP: $3.35

Total Saved: $25.87

ECBs for next time: $9.50

Other good deals they were out of:

• Excedrin Extra Strength 8ct ($.99, get $.99, use $2 CVS printing at kiosk=$2MM; limit 2)
• Ivory 3 bar pack ($.99, use $1 MC=FREE)
• Colgate 360 toothbrush (same deal as above; normally $3.29, on sale for $2.79, get $2ECB, used $1 MC from All You magazine = $.21 MM; limit 2)

What I'll be donating: 1 toothpaste, 1 power toothbrush

Value of items: $9.78

Total spent: -$.21

If you've made it to the bottom of this post, I have a question for you: Are these posts helpful? Do you find all the deals on your own anyway? Do you find value in my continuing them or would you rather I post about other things? Just wondering.

Couponing for Charity 5/1-7

Hi couponing, divas. No, I have not disappeared, and no I have not stopped Couponing for Charity. I have actually been getting the deals the past few weeks but haven't had time to post the deals in advance or my results. But I'm here to get you inspired again to help those less fortunate. I just returned from Walgreen's and CVS and got some great deals for us and others. If you're going to pick one, head to Walgreen's.

WALGREEN'S:
For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.
For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Here were my transactions:

Transaction #1:

• 2 Cottonelle 12 pack (look for the tall roll; the other isn't the deal; $5 each, buy 2 get $3RR, used 2 $.50 printables and 1 Walgreen's coupon from the May book that took off $2; price after coupons and RRs=$2 each)


• 2 Fixodent cleansers (on sale for $3.99, get $1RR; used 1 $3MC and 1 B1G1 MC=2 FREE)


• 1 Gum Eez Flosser (on sale for $2, get $2RR=FREE)


• 2 Hershey Reeses (on sale for $.49 each; filler items but my favorite)


• Used 2 $4RRs from previous trips

Total OOP: $3.15

Total saved: $22.59

Total RRs for next time: $6

Transaction #2:

• 2 Tylenol Precise creams ($7.99 each, used 2 $5 printable MCs and 1 Walgreens coupon from May book that took off $6=both FREE)


• 2 Fixodent cleansers (same deal as above; both FREE)


• 1 Wal-Zyr (allergy medicine for my son--on sale for $4.99)


• 1 Hershey Reese's (filler)


• Used $4RR from last week

Total OOP: $2.50

Total Saved: $35.39

RRs for next time: $1

CVS:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Here's what I bought:

• 2 Pantene products (rang up $2.99 each, less than advertised; buy 2, get $1ECB; used $3/2 from 5/1 paper=$1 each)


• 1 Cascade action packs ($4; buy $10 of Cascade and Mr. Clean products, get $3ECB)


• 2 Magic Eraser packs ($3 each; used $1.50/2 from 5/1 paper; see above deal)


• 2 Colgate Maxfresh ($2.77 each; get $2.77ECB; used 2 $1MC= $2MM)


• 1 Ivory 3 bars pack ($.99, used $1 MC from 5/1 paper=FREE)


• Used $2 off $10 ECB that printed at kiosk


• Used $11.97ECBs from previous trips

Total OOP: $.56

Total Saved: $31.69

ECBs for next time: $9.54

I'll be donating the Fixodent (at least $20; didn't get exact non-sale price) and Colgate ($6.58) and keeping the rest. I'll update all my totals another time. Don't forget to pick up some free pasta at Kroger. What are your favorite deals this week?

Knoxville Coupon Fair: This Saturday! Don't Miss it!

Do yo have plans for this Saturday, February 26, from 9am to noon? Sure you do! You'll be joining me at the Second Annual Knoxville Coupon Fair at Faith United Methodist Church in Knoxville. I will be sharing some tips and suggestions for Couponing for Charity with a hand-out called, "The Art of Free." The event is FREE and childcare will be provided. You don't have to stay the whole time.

There will be tables to swap coupons and freebies, but we're also asking those who can to donate one free item they've gotten through couponing to charity. Here are tips for freebies you could get tomorrow! I've already compiled a list for next week (lots of freebies and money makers); see them first at the fair.

Here are more details: Local coupon and money saving experts will be present to give one-on-one attention to participants. Attendees can browse the booths, ask couponing questions, and hone their money saving skills. People new to couponing will especially benefit from the many instructional handouts that experts will provide. Participants are encouraged to bring extra coupons and “freebies” to trade.

Coupon Bloggers and Resource Booths participating in this year’s event—Margaret of Blue Frog Creations, Gabrielle ofCouponing in Critical Times, Jennifer of Coupon Mommie, Christy of Coupons are Money, Melissa of Frugalissa Finds, Hannah of Frugally Farming Family, Isha of Knoxville Mamabelle, Kathryn of Knoxville on a Dime, Julie of Sharing Savings with You, Earth Fare, KARM Thrift Stores, Knoxmoms, Kroger of Fountain City, One Call Club for Seniors, Rebecca’s Coupons and Forms, Regions Bank, Silver Lining Quality Children’s Consignment, and Three Rivers Market.

Topics to be addressed—Organizing your coupons, Learning the Coupon Lingo, Shopping at Walgreens and CVS, Couponing at Target, Saving Money on Organics, Meal Planning, Growing and Preserving Your Own Foods, Healthy Lunch Options, Saving Money on Items for Babies and Children, Learning New Coupon Technology, Group Buying Sites, Couponing for Charity, Thrift Store Shopping, Consignment Shopping, and Saving Seniors Money.

Faith United Methodist Church is located on the corner of Dry Gap Pike and Rifle Range Road at 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. For more information, contact Gabrielle Blake at Couponingincriticaltimes@gmail.com or phone Faith United Methodist Church at 865-688-1000.

Still have questions? Gabrielle probably answered them in this post. Will you be there? Leave a comment and let me know.

Couponing for Charity 2/20-26

Before I get started, let me remind you about the Knoxville Coupon Fair this Saturday, February 26 from 9am to noon. It's a drop-in, walk-around set-up. So you don't have to be there the whole time. You will have access to some of the savviest coupon bloggers in Knoxville, and they will all be distributing informative hand-outs. I will be sharing tips for the "Art of Free." If you can spare one of the freebies I've helped you get, please bring it to donate. Come armed with your questions, because this is the only day of the year we're all in one room. Best part: IT'S FREE!!!! Still have questions? Gabrielle probably answered them in this post.

Can you believe it's only Sunday and I've already done my shopping for the week?! I shopped at CVS on Saturday to pick up deals from both weeks, stopped by for some essentials at Kroger yesterday, and ran into Walgreen's and Staples today. There are some good deals for sure!

*****UPDATE 2/21: GREAT TARGET DEALS*****

I just saw a series of deals at Target on Coupon Katie's site. Check posts here, here, and here. I'm hoping to get a few of these deals tomorrow:

• Finish Quantum 10ct ($2.50, $1.50 Target coupon, $1 MC=Free)
• Up & Up dental floss-50 yds ($.89, $1 TC=Free) Tip: If it beeps, have the cashier type in $.89.
• Up & Up mouthwash-16.9oz ($1.37, $1 TC=$.37)
• Up & Up pantyliners ($.87, $.75 TC=$.12)
• Up & Up ibuprofen-24ct ($.99, $1 TC=Free)
• Up & Up all purpose cleaner with bleach ($1.37, $1 TC=$.37)
• Up & Up bleach ($1.47, $1 TC=$.47)
• Up & Up dryer sheets-40ct ($1.37, $1 TC=$.37)
• Seventh Generation dish soap ($2.79, $1TC, $1MC =$.79). Using both a Target coupon and a manufacturer's coupon on the same item is called "stacking."
• Jeans (several on clearance marked $4.98, $5 TC=Free)
• There's also free Wolfgang Puck soup but I'd already printed and used that coupon.

If you have chance to go shopping tomorrow, 2/21, head to Staples for these freebies after easy rebates. It's a "pay now, save later" scenario but it's even better than the rewards deals because they send a check you turn into cash--not store rewards. And the rebates are all done online.

STAPLES:

For a complete list of freebies, go to MoJo Savings. Here's what I bought:

• 2 packs multi-purpose paper ($5.99 each, FREE after rebate)
• 2 packs photo paper ($9.99 each, FREE after rebate)
• 2 Avery address labels (normally $11.99 each, $4.99 for rewards members, should get $9.99 for each, making this a $10MM)
• 1 Pentel pack of pens ($3.79, FREE after rebate)
• 1 Staples mini post-its (normally $5.29, $4.00 for rewards members, FREE after rebate)
• 1 50 pack HP DVDs (normally $28.99, $9.99 for rewards members, $4.99 after rebate)

Total value: $94.01

Total OOP: $65.54 (remember you're still paying tax)

I will receive rebates for $64.73

I'm going to hang onto all this for now; I may donate some at a later time if I see a charity has a specific need.

It's a toss-up for which is the better pharmacy this week. So I'll start with:

CVS:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For pared down lists, go to Coupon Katie or Coupon Mommie.

Since I bought goods for two different weeks, I won't confuse you with my scenario specifics, but here are the best deals this week:

• 2 Colgate Maxfresh or Total Advanced ($2.99, get $2ECB, use $1MC from All You=FREE)
• 1 Gold Emblem jelly beans ($.99, get $.99ECB=FREE)
• 1 Cadbury egg ($.75, get $.75ECB=FREE); valid through 2/22 only
• 4 Mars bars; selected varieties ($.50 each, get $1ECB wyb 4; I used a B1G1 MC which expires today and a CVS B1G1 coupon from the kiosk that took off $.89. So my four were a $.39MM. Even without coupons, they are $.25 each)

WALGREEN'S:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Here's what I bought:

• 1 RepHresh box of tampons (normally $6.99, on sale for $5.99, get $5, used $1 printable=FREE)
• 1 Dove deodorant ($2.99, $1.99 with ad coupon, used $2 MC=FREE)
• 4 knee highs (normally $.50 each, $.25 each with in ad coupon, total=$1) I bought these as filler items to make the product / coupon ratio.
• Used 2 $2RRs from last week

Total OOP: $2.86

RRs for next time: $5

Total savings: $10

KROGER:

For all the match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Mommie.

Due to my Eat from the Pantry challenge, I may not make it in this week, but there are a few freebies to grab if you have the coupons: Voskos yogurt, Horizon milk, Colgate toothpaste, Starkist tuna, Mentos gum, and Land of Lakes spread.

The past few weeks have been primarily deals for our family, but here are some items I've added to the stash to donate: 1 pack gum ($1.49, Free after ECB), 4 tubes toothpaste ($15.96, after coupons and ECBs=$2.50MM), 1 feminine hygiene ($6.99, Free after RR and coupon), 4 knee hi's ($2, $1 after coupon), 1 deodorant ($2.99, $.01MM after coupons).

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $29.43

MONEY SPENT: -$1.51 (that's negative $1.51)

TOTAL ITEMS DONATING TO DATE: 1 box of pain patches, 2 heat wraps, 6 toothpaste, 4 containers of hummus, 1 trial size laundry, 6 toothbrushes, 1 baby wipes, 24 post-it's, 2 eye drops, 3 cans soup, 1 body wash, 1 gum, 1 feminine hygiene, 4 knee hi's, 1 deodorant

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $123.07

MONEY SPENT: -$6.05

See you at the Coupon Fair!

Couponing for Charity 2/6-12

It's decent but not great in the land of freebies this week; so let's get to it. If I were to pick just one pharmacy, I'd go to Walgreen's because of the free hand sanitizer.

Walgreen's:

For a complete list of match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down version, go to Coupon Katie.

For Jennifer's picks, go to Coupon Mommie.

Last week I left with $13 in RR, but when my son became completely congested, I had to get him some relief. Here's an example of why it's good to have RRs on hand--so that you don't feel guilty about paying full-price. With coupons and a RR, I was able to pay just tax for 2 Breathe Rite strips for Kids and 1 bottle of Sudafed.

This week I'm going to buy something that's not a freebie because it lines up with a charitable need. Devin's MDO program is collecting individual snacks for an after school program at a local school we support. I don't typically buy individual snacks because of the wasteful packaging (except granola bars and Chex Mix--both of which I will be donating). But I decided this would be good to add to the mix.

Here is my plan this week:

Transaction #1

• 3 Planters trail mix ($1.67 each; get $2RR when you buy 3=$1 each)
• Use $5RR from last week

Total Due: $.01 plus tax

RR's earned: $2

Transaction #2

• 1 Veripur hand sanitizer (an excellent item to donate)--$4, get $4RR=FREE
• Use $2RR

Total Due: $2 plus tax

RR's earned: $4

CVS

For a complete list of match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down version, go to Coupon Katie.

For Jennifer's picks, go to Coupon Mommie.

I'm not very inspired by this ad, but I was actually excited to see the CVS Earth Essentials 100% recycled toilet paper was on sale. We've committed to buying primarily TP from recycled products to support the entire recycling system, and this RARELY goes on sale. So here's my plan:

• 1 Trident Vitality or Stride Spark gum ($.99, get $.99=FREE)
• 1 Tums 60-150 count ($4, get $1ECB, use $1MC printable and $3 printed at CVS kiosk. If the $3 coupon does not print, I will not buy this.=$1MM)
• 1 CVS Earth Essentials TP-12 pack ($5.49)
• Use $2 and $4 ECBs from previous weeks

Total Due: $.48 plus tax

ECBs earned: $1.99

Kroger:

For a complete list of match-ups, go to Southern Savers.

For a pared down version, go to Coupon Katie.

For Jennifer's picks, go to Coupon Mommie.

My Kroger list will be minimal this week since I've joined the February Eat from the Pantry Challenge: just "perimeter shopping" of fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, cheese, milk, sour cream, and yogurt. However, I will be getting three freebies if the coupons match-up:

• 1 Degree deodorant (on sale for $2, use $2 MC=FREE)
• 1 Colgate (on sale for $.98, use $1MC=$.02MM) Note: We received the $.75 coupon last week but I have $1 off Colgate Total; not sure it will work.
• 2 Pillsbury cinnamon rolls 5 ct (on sale for $1, use 2 $.50/1 coupons and 1 $.40 e-saver=$.40MM)

Though this week is not very exciting, I hope you will pick up one thing for charity. We will be accepting donations of freebies for charity at the Knoxville Coupon Fair Feb. 26.

Now for my totals from LAST WEEK:

ITEMS I'M DONATING FROM LAST WEEK: 24 post-it notes (normally $21.98; completely FREE even tax with coupons at Staples), 2 Blink eye drops ($7.99, $1MM after coupon and RR), 3 cans soup (normally $3.37, on sale for $.50 each, helped me use up an expiring ECB; so I'll consider these FREE), 1 Olay body wash (normally $3, FREE with coupon; I kept the moisturizer.)

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $44.33

MONEY SPENT: -$2 (that's negative two bucks)

TOTAL ITEMS DONATING TO DATE: 1 box of pain patches, 2 heat wraps, 2 toothpaste, 4 containers of hummus, 1 trial size laundry, 6 toothbrushes, 1 baby wipes, 24 post-it's, 2 eye drops, 3 cans soup, 1 body wash

VALUE OF ITEMS DONATED: $93.64

MONEY SPENT: -$4.54

Knoxville Coupon Fair: Mark your calendar

I am very honored to be a part of Second Annual Knoxville Coupon Fair scheduled for Saturday, February 26th from 9am-noon at Faith United Methodist Church in Knoxville. I will be sharing some tips and suggestions for Couponing for Charity. The event is FREE and childcare will be provided. There will be tables to swap coupons and freebies, but we're also asking those who can to donate one free item they've gotten through couponing to charity. I'll be giving some suggestions the next few weeks of what you can bring.

Here are more details: Local coupon and money saving experts will be present to give one-on-one attention to participants. Attendees can browse the booths, ask couponing questions, and hone their money saving skills. People new to couponing will especially benefit from the many instructional handouts that experts will provide. Participants are encouraged to bring extra coupons and “freebies” to trade.

Coupon Bloggers and Resource Booths participating in this year’s event—Margaret of Blue Frog Creations, Gabrielle of Couponing in Critical Times, Katie of Coupon Katie, Jennifer of Coupon Mommie, Christy of Coupons are Money, Melissa of Frugalissa Finds, Hannah of Frugally Farming Family, Isha of Knoxville Mamabelle, Kathryn of Knoxville on a Dime, Julie of Sharing Savings with You, Earth Fare, KARM Thrift Stores, Knoxmoms, Kroger of Fountain City, One Call Club for Seniors, Rebecca’s Coupons and Forms, Regions Bank, Silver Lining Quality Children’s Consignment, and Three Rivers Market.

Topics to be addressed—Organizing your coupons, Learning the Coupon Lingo, Shopping at Walgreens and CVS, Couponing at Target, Saving Money on Organics, Meal Planning, Growing and Preserving Your Own Foods, Healthy Lunch Options, Saving Money on Items for Babies and Children, Learning New Coupon Technology, Group Buying Sites, Couponing for Charity, Thrift Store Shopping, Consignment Shopping, and Saving Seniors Money.

Faith United Methodist Church is located on the corner of Dry Gap Pike and Rifle Range Road at 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. For more information, contact Gabrielle Blake at Couponingincriticaltimes@gmail.com or phone Faith United Methodist Church at 865-688-1000. In the event of inclement weather, please go to the church website at www.faithseekers.org for updates on cancellation or rescheduling.

Couponing for Charity 1/2-8

The holidays are over and it's back to "work" saving money. I hope you're able to get a few of these deals this week. I waited til now to post so that I could share my "reality check" of couponing. Nothing ever goes as planned, sot please don't be discouraged when you make mistakes. We all do!

If you have time for only one store this week, I'd suggest Walgreen's.

Walgreens

For Southern Saver's match-ups go here.

For Coupon Katie's picks go here. (her page is having some trouble now; visit her home page and scroll down.)

For Coupon Mommie's suggestions, go here.

The deal I'm most excited about is the homeopathic children's flu medicine that's a money maker. Frugalissa Finds highly recommends it and says it really worked when her family took it a few weeks ago. She says the children's is the same as the adult; so I decided to buy two. They were all out of the Electrasol Finish tabs (would be free) and they didn't have the size and type of Pull-ups I buy (better deal than at CVS); you might have better luck. Here were my scenarios.

Transaction #1:

• 1 Oscillococciunum children's flu medicine (normally $14.49, on sale for $8.99, get $9RR, use $2 printable=$2MM.) Note: I tried to use the $5 coupon in the Walgreen's January coupon book, but it beeped. The manager said that could only be used for the adult version (not a freebie this week). The description did not stipulate "adult only" but I didn't argue. Especially since the printable beeped as well. I fear this may be a bogus coupon since it's a PDF, has a high value, and has a far-off expiration date. You can decide if you want to try it.
• 3 Hunts tomato sauce ($1 with flyer coupon); I had picked 3 because I thought I would be able to use the $5 WC and because I had at $2RR from last week.
• Used $2 Osc. printable
• Used Hunts flyer coupon
• Used $2RR from last week

Total spent: $6.90

Total saved: $11.47

RR earned: $9

Transaction #2:

• 1 Omega Factor-3 tablets (normally $24.99, on sale for $10, get $10RR=free) Note: Since I've heard good things about adding omega-3 to your diet, I decided to try these. It's not the type of thing I would donate. I'm finding some organizations are wary of accepting medicines or vitamins.
• Used $9RR from Tr.#1

Total spent: $1.93

Total saved: $23.99

RR earned: $10

Transaction #3:

• 1 Osc. flu medicine
• 3 Honey Nut Cheerios (normally $4.79, on sale for $1.99, used $.55 printable=$1.44 each)
• Used $2 Osc. MC
• Used $10RR from Tr.#2
• Used 3 $.55 Honey Nut Cheerios coupons. Note: When I looked over my receipt and saw that only 2 of these coupons were credited, I asked them to re-ring and credit me for the $.55. Only now do I realize it was because I had exceeded the coupon/product ration. My bad, Walgreens.

Total spent: $3.15

Total saved: $27.55

RR earned: $9

Transaction #4:

• 1 Salonpas arthritis patches (normally $8, on sale for $6, get $6RR=FREE) Note: I was on the fence about this deal. Hopefully I'll find someone who can use it.
• 1 Crest 6.4 oz toothpaste (normally $2.49, on sale for $2, get $1RR, used $1MC=FREE)
• 1 Walgreen's wax paper (normally $1.99, $.89 with flyer coupon)
• 1 Wall calendar (I needed one and I was drawn to the island theme; ah, Hawaii!; normally $5.95, on sale for $2); If I had switched the wall calendar and cereal for these transactions, all would have worked.
• Used $1 Crest
• Used wax paper ad coupon
• Used $9RR from Tr.#3

Total spent: $1.95

Total saved: $13.59

RR earned: $6, $1 (will save for next week)

Grand total spent: $13.93

Total saved: $76.60

RR for next week: $7 (all and all, a good week)

CVS

For Southern Saver's match-ups go here.

For Coupon Katie's picks go here.

For Coupon Mommie's suggestions, go here.

I couldn't find any cheap Revlon tools, I had forgotten my B1G1 Special K coupon, and I couldn't find the single packets of Nescafe. Here is what I did buy:

• 2 Rembrandt toothpaste ($7 each; used 2 $3 printables)
• 2 double packs of Reach toothbrushes ($3 each; used 2 $1 printables) Note: I should have used a B1G1 and a $1 printable, but I forgot. All four should have been free with coupons and ECBs (For every $10 on these products, you earn $5ECB) It kills me I actually paid for oral hygiene products, but no one's perfect.
• 1 Huggies pullups (normally $12, on sale for $9, get $1ECB, use $2 printable=$6) Not the best price, but again, Walgreen's didn't have them and I need them.
• Used 2 $3 Rembrandt printables
• Used 2 $1 Reach printables
• Used $19.99 ECBs earned from previous trips
• I forgot the $2 pull-ups coupon, but he later gave me $2 cash; thanks, CVS!

Total spent: $3.13

Total saved: $41.15

ECBs for future: $11

Kroger

For Southern Saver's match-ups go here.

For Coupon Katie's trip, go here. (go to home page and scroll down)

I had tried to get cheap Softsoap, but the coupon Sunday's paper was the wrong size. I did get 4 FREE containers of Athenos hummus and 4 boxes of Kashi cereal for $.99. Click links for my posts on those at Knoxmoms.com. I will be donating the hummus to our church feast of lights dinner on Thursday. (They are normally $2.99 each, on sale for $.98 each, coupons made 4 FREE).

Since it's a new year and I have a new batch of donations, the totals will begin new:

ITEMS I'M DONATING THIS WEEK: 1 box of pain patches, 1 toothpaste, 4 containers of hummus

VALUE OF ITEM DONATED: $22.44

MONEY SPENT: $0

Is all this too much information, too intimidating, or helpful? Please give me feedback!

Couponing for Charity 9/19-25

Many apologies to those of you looking for last week's Couponing for Charity. I was able to score some great deals, but once again my dog ate some of my deals. Unfortunately, it was chocolate...and then there were incredible messes...which required an extra trip to the pet store for cleaner...After steam cleaning all our carpets, I finally feel like we're back on track. Lesson learned: put your groceries away immediately! Sigh.

This week I'll definitely be heading to CVS, the store I'd pick if you want to try just one. Remember to get these deals, you have to use your CVS loyalty card. You can sign up for one for free in any store. For all the match-ups, see Southern Savers. For Coupon Katie's picks, go here. Personally, I'll be going for the deodorant money maker, the free lipsticks, the free shaving gel, the $.50 oatmeal and maybe Pure Protein bars, tuna, Clorox, and Dove minis. Last week, we got the benefit of an additional $4 savings for spending $20 simply by shopping on specific days. Check local bloggers like Coupon Katie for these types of deals.

Walgreen's has some decent deals and a few freebies. For all the match-ups, see Southern Savers. For Coupon Katie's picks, go here. I'll have to let you know later if I grab any of these deals with an update for both last week and this week.

Finally, Kroger has a decent sale on frozen Green Giant veggies, especially with the new $.50 coupons. Thanks Knoxville on a Dime. Plus the catalina deal gives you $1 back on 4, $2 on 6 and $3 on 8. Make sure you check the e-savers at cellfire.com and shortcuts.com to save even more. Some non-profits do accept frozen foods as donations. And Staples has free post-it notes. Click here for those details.

Couponing for Charity 9/5-11 & Update #21

Monday I posted this week's deals for charity and last night I had a chance to see what was really out there. Tip: If you shop at CVS TODAY, 9/8, your card should print out a $3 off $10 of groceries at the kiosk. The manager last night offered to let me use that a day early; so I got to save too. The term "groceries" might be a loose one, because I technically didn't have $10 of food items considering the sales prices but it didn't beep as invalid. Here are my finds, most of which are good through Saturday.

CVS:

• 1 big box Huggies (normally $22.99, on sale for $20, spend $25 of qualifying products, get $10ECB; limit 1)
• 1 bottle Johnson & Johnson shampoo (normally $4.49, on sale for $2.50; is one of the qualifying products noted above)
• 1 bottle Johnson & Johnson baby bubble bath & wash (same deal as shampoo; all three products qualified me for a $10ECB)
• 1 Hydro razor ($8.97, get $4ECB; limit 1)
• 1 Hydro shave cream ($3.99 but was free with a peelie coupon attached to the razor)
• 2 Trident Layers gum (normally $1.49 each; on sale for $.99; get $.99ECB; limit 1)
• 4 Kellogg's Raison Bran (normally $3.99; on sale through Tuesday for $1.77; now they'll cost $2.50 each; limit 4)

Total before coupons: $47.02

• Used $3 Huggies printable here
• Used $1/1 coupon from mailer for shampoo
• Used $1/1 Johnson & Johnson printable here; note: the $2/2 printable won't work because the bedtime products are not on sale. The price for all three products after coupons and ECBs was $10.
• Used $5 off Hydro razor from paper (ECBs and coupon makes it free)
• Used "get free saving lotion when you purchase a razor" peelie attached to the razor, making the shaving cream free.
• Used $1/2 Trident printable here (ECB and coupon made both free)
• Used 2 $1/2 Kellogg's coupons from paper
• Used $3 off $10 of grocery CVS coupon from kiosk
• Used $20.99 in ECBs from previous shopping trips

Total paid with tax: $9.92

Total saved: $57.85

ECBs for next time: $14.99

At Kroger I saved 37% but only got one freebie which I'll be keeping: Reach dental floss. You can print two $1/1 Reach products here to get two free packs. When I did that last week, the catalina gave me another $1/1 Reach coupon which I used last night. Much to my surprise, they gave me yet another one. I'll keep "buying" as long as they're printing.

Since I didn't post about last week's finds, here are my totals for both weeks:

TOTAL PRODUCTS TO DONATE THIS WEEK: 2 tubes toothpaste ($.25 each after coupons & RRs), 2 feminine care (free after RRs), 2 lip balms (free after RRs), 3 deodorants ($.25 each after coupons), 1 razor (free after coupons and ECBs), 2 packs of gum (free after coupons and ECBs),

TOTAL VALUE OF PRODUCTS THIS WEEK: $28.91 (actually more but I don't have the non-sale prices on most)

TOTAL SPENT THIS WEEK: $1.25

TOTAL PRODUCTS TO DONATE TO DATE: 10 pens, 3 multi-purpose eye solutions, 1 shampoo, 8 feminine care, 1 pack of napkins, 1 pack of paper, 7 toothpastes, 2 toothbrushes, 4 deodorants, 2 first aid kits, 2 boxes of crayons, 1 fiber supplement, 2 razors, 2 lip balms, 2 packs of gum

TOTAL VALUE OF PRODUCTS: $137.29

TOTAL SPENT: --$17.28 (yep, that's negative)

What deals get you excited this week?

Couponing for Charity 9/5-11

Yes, it's Monday night and I'm just now posting this week's deals, but hasn't the weather been fabulous? I hope you've been able to enjoy some of it this Labor Day weekend.

If you're going to pick one store this week, head to CVS. Here are Southern Saver's complete match-ups and here are Coupon Katie's picks. If you shop tomorrow, you can still get Kellogg's cereals for $1.27 each (on sale for $1.77 and then use a $1/2 coupon--lots out there). The other deals good through Saturday that I plan to pick up: a big box of Huggies and 2 baby shampoo for $10, 2 free packs of gum, another free razor, and some inexpensive make-up. I should be able to get most of these for very little OOP (out of pocket) money with nearly $20 in ECBs from previous trips.

Though I have lots of RR for Walgreen's, nothing there really struck my fancy this week. I'll save them for next week. For SS's match-ups go here. For Coupon Katie's picks go here.

And despite Kroger advertising their "cart buster" event, the only possible freebies are dental floss and deodorant if you have the coupons. See details at SS here. Southern Savers warns that some of the "great deals" this week aren't so great. So look closely at the savings (many less than ten cents).

As we've finished another three months of gathering freebies, it's time to donate again. I'm finalizing our next donation and will blog again with a picture when I have that finalized.

What deals did I miss?

$34 shorts for 22 cents

I used to hear about women getting these amazing deals on clothes and thought, "That would never happen for me." But today it did. I purchased a pair of ladies shorts from Kohl's that originally retailed for $34 for only 22 cents. I was giddy excitement. Here's how.

After signing up for the Kohl's emails months ago, I receive something from them about once a week. The subject line: "$10 Gift to celebrate your newly remodeled Knoxville West Kohl's store" particularly caught my eye. Tip: If you sign up for the Kohl's emails, you'll get $5 off your next in store purchase. After reading all the fine print, this was truly $10 off anything in the store (sales items not excluded) but you had to spend at least $10 before tax, it had to be redeemed by today and I could only use it once. So my mission became how close can I get to $10?

My first plan was to get some new Bakugans for Bobby's birthday next month. I was excited to see that all toys were were B1G1 half off. I found them for $5.99 and $9.99. But then I decided to check the clothes clearance racks just in case. A few months ago I had bought a Dockers skort here that I wear all the time (was wearing it today) and thought it would be great to have one in another color. Though I didn't find a skort, I did find similar Dockers shorts...in my size...70% off. I was stunned to see the marked down price was $10.20. It fit like a dream and I was sold. Since they only charged me sales tax on the $.20, my total after the coupon was just $.22! That's a savings percentage of more than 99%!

Now that I've revealed my secret to my friends, they will probably tease me when they see me wearing my $.22 shorts, but I can handle it. And since I splurged on myself today instead of my kids, please let me know if you see any great deals on Bakugans before Oct. 2. Thanks!

Note: I do not have any affiliation with Kohl's and was not compensated in any way for writing this post--I just like passing on great bargains.