Best Deals of 4/22-28

In preparation for my couponing chat tomorrow night at the Volunteer Ministry Center, I compiled this list of what I think are the best deals this week. I don't normally tout Ingles as a great place to save but this week their deals beat out Kroger hands down. Here are my favorites. For all the match-ups and links to printables, go to Southern Savers or Coupon Katie.

Ingles: (It’s a great B1G1 sale but you do NOT have to buy 2 to get the listed ind. price).

• Jennie O turkey franks 12oz: $.84
• Del Monte canned vegetables 14.5 – 15.25oz: $.67
• Honey Maid graham crackers: $2.15. Use $1/2 printable = $1.65
• Sarah Lee honey wheat bread 20oz: $1.48. Use $.55 from 4/14SS = $.93.
• Laura Lynn old fashioned oats (great for homemade granola or granola bars) 18oz: $.88
• Nissin Big Cup Noodles: 2.82oz: $.29. Use $1/3 from 3/18SS=FREE
• Annie’s organic mac n cheese: $.99. Buy 2 and submit for free year’s prescription to Organic Gardening magazine. See Coupon Katie for details.
• McCormick seasonings: $.44. Use $1/2 or $.75 = FREE. They may have to type in $.44 if coupon beeps.
• Weber marinades: $.56. Use $1/2 = $.06.
• Ragu sauce: $1. Use $.50 = FREE. Ingles doubles 3 under $.50 coupons for every $10 you spend.
• Kellogg’s Corn Flakes: $2.09. Use $.50 printable = $1.09.

Kroger:

• Dawn 9oz (smallest size): $1. Buy the hand renewal variety, use $.50 coupon from 4/1PG = FREE.
• Free Kroger reusable bag: Go to Kroger.com and login. Enter the “Design a Reusable Bag” contest and create your own. You can then load a free grocery bag to your Kroger card (may take 24 hours) and pick it up on your next shopping trip.

CVS:

• Buy 3 Hallmark Cards (excludes boxed cards and clearance items), get $3ECB. Buy 3 cards priced at $1.49 each and use $3/3 CVS printable = $1.53MM. Limit 1.
• Blink Tears (.5oz) or Gel Tears (.34oz): $8.99, Get $8.99ECB, Use $1 printable = $1MM. Limit 1.
• Dream Water Snoozeberry Dietary Supplement (2pk): $5.79, get 5.79ECB = FREE. Limit 1.

Walgreen’s:

· I-Cool + D Menopause Relief tablets (45ct): $10, get $10RR. Use $2 coupon from 2/19RP = $2MM.

· U by Kotex sleek tampons (18pk): $3.99, get $3RR. Use $1 coupon from 3/25SS or printable = FREE.

· Psoriasin Psoriasis Relief (.75oz): $5, get $5RR = FREE.

Target:

• Ortega seasoning mixes single packs: $.65. Use $1/2 printable = $.15 each
• Ortega taco shells (10-12ct): $1.35. Use $1/2 printable = $.85 each.
• OxiClean laundry stain remover trigger spray: $2.79. Use $1.50 Target printable coupon AND $.50 coupon from 4/22SS = $.29! or buy the gel stick for $2.99, use both coupons and pay just $.49.
• Market Pantry pasta and sauce: $1 each. Use $1/2 pasta and sauce Target printable = $.50 each.
• Mossimo scoop neck or V-neck pocket tee: $6. Use $3 Mossimo Target printable = $3.
• Starbucks coffee (11oz): $7.99. Use $2 Target coupon and $1.50 manufacturer’s printable = $4.49 each.

Best deals through 3/10/12

I'm happy that it's Tuesday morning and I have all my shopping done for the week. It's not a great week, but I managed to save some $.

KROGER:

I went to Kroger on Sunday: spent $257.30 and saved $120.62 (33%). That was high for me but I skipped shopping last week and I hope to go 10 days before shopping again. And at least I now have over 250 fuel points. See my blog on how I save on gas here. There were no freebies, but I would recommend a few deals:

• 2 Honey Nut Cheerios (17oz): $2.24, used 2 $.50 printables = $1.24 each. Since you can only use two printables per product each day and I had 3 coupons (all expiring that day), I gave one to a man in the cereal aisle. His comment: "Are you some kinda coupon angel?" ;-)
• 6 Chex mix: $1.50 each, get $3 catalina when you buy 5. Used 2 $.50 printables and 2 $.40/2MC. All doubled to give me $3.60 in savings. After catalina, each bag was $.40.
• 6 Fiber One: $2.49 each, get $3 catalina when you buy 5. Used 2 $.40 printables and 2 $.50/2MC. All doubled to give me $3.60 in savings. After catalina, each box was $1.39.
• 2 Larabars: $.99 each. Used B1G1 e-saver from Kroger.com to make them $.50 each.
• 3 Silk almond milk: $2.99, used 2 $.75 printables = $2.24. I had also loaded an e-saver that should have taken $.55 off the third, but it didn't.
• Seapack popcorn shrimp (a treat): $3.99 (half off), used $.75 MC = $3.24.

WALGREEN'S:

Here's what I bought.

Transaction #1:

• 1 Colgate Total 4oz ($3, get $3RR, used $.75MC = $.75MM)

Total paid: $2.53

Total saved: $1.24

RR earned: $3

Transaction #2:

• 1 Walgreen's nasal mist 4.25 oz ($5, get $5RR=FREE)
• Used $3RR from Tr#1

Total paid: $2.46

Total saved: $5.99

RR earned: $5

Transaction #3

• 1 Colgate Total (same as above)
• 2 Lysol tub sprays (2/$5, get $1RR, used 2 $1MC expiring 3/6/12=$1 each)
• filler item from clearance wrack: $.05
• Used $5RR from Tr#2

Total paid: $1.04

Total saved: $15.76

RRs earned: $3, $1

Transaction #4

• 1 Walgreen's nasal spray (same as above)
• 1 lollipop made in the USA (filler, couldn't find any more $.05 deals): $.59
• Used $1, $3RRs from Tr#3

Total paid: $2.11

Total saved: $6.99

RR's earned: $5

Transaction #5

• 2 Star Wars figures (raincheck price: $11.49, B1G1, used B1G1 printable = $.75 each)
• 2 Lysol all purpose cleaners (2/$5, get $1RR, used $1/2 MC = $1.50 each; coupons expire TODAY)
• 1 travel size Gold Bond lotion filler: $.50

Total paid: $2.57

Total saved: $19.46

RRs earned: $1

Though I usually don't want to walk out with a RR, I'm hoping to use it for two more Star Wars figures before my coupon expires on Sunday. Let me know if you see any.

CVS:

It wasn't a big day for CVS, but I did get a raincheck and I had a nice chat with the clerk about how she can save money through coupons too.

• 1 Gold Emblem jelly beans ($.99, get $.99ECB=FREE); limit 1
• 2 Softsoap bar soaps 4pack (2/$7, get $5ECB, use 2 $1.50MC=$1MM); limit 1. The shelves were cleared but I got a raincheck. Hopefully they'll restock before my coupons expire on Sunday.
• Used $1ECB from previous trip (she rang it up as $.99)

Total paid: $.09

Total saved: $1.19

ECBs earned: $1, $.99 (for green tag)

Have you gotten the coupon bug yet?

Best deals through 2/11/12

It's not a great week for deals IMO but I still managed a few deals. Here are my favorites.

CVS:

• 1 Zarbees childrens cough syrup (I even like this stuff): $6, get $6ECB=FREE; limit 1.
• 1 M&Ms medium size: $2.50, used $1MC from All You = $1.50.
• 2 Hershey's bliss 9.6oz: $6, get $2ECB, used $1 MC from All You and $1 CVS coupon printed at kiosk = $1 each. We're planning to put these on valentines.
• Used $6ECB from previous week

Total OOP: $6.84

Total saved: $18.26

ECBs for next time: $6, $2, $1 (green tag)

Walgreen's:

• 3 kids aquafresh: $.99 each with ad coupon; limit 3. (It pains me to buy toothpaste, but this is the kids' favorite and they're running low.)
• Star Wars action figures: Of course they were out of this deal, but I got a rain check. Surely they will restock within the next month. I plan to buy 4 and put them in easter baskets. Deal: B1G1 at $11.49 each. Use 2 B1G1 printables (max value of $9.99 each). Get 4 action figures for just $2.98!

Total OOP: $3.24

Total saved: $4.50

Kroger:

I wasn't that impressed with the quarter back promotion, but I did get these deals. You have to buy at least 4 participating items and you save $.25 on each item in the form of a catalina off your next purchase.

• 3 Zatarains rice mixes: $1 each, used $.50/3 printable that doubled. Got $.75 catalina = $.41 each.
• 4 Knorr rice sides: $1 each, used 2 $.50/2 MC that doubled. Got $1 catalina = $.25 each.
• 1 Duncan hines cake mix: $1.25, used $.35 MC that doubled = $.55.

The bulk of my shopping were items I needed that weren't necessarily great deals. Real couponers will own up to the fact that it's not realistic to save 90% off your shopping trip to feed your family well. But I did save a total of $61.13 (24%).

What are your favorite deals this week?

Good pharmacy deals through 2/4/12

After two snoozer weeks of pharmacy deals, I was finally excited to get back to Walgreen's and CVS this week. Most of these deals are good through 2/4, but some coupons expire 1/31--TODAY. For those who find the process confusing, I'll lay out what I bought. Note: I let several customers go before me between these transactions. Always be courteous when doing multiple transactions.

Walgreen's:

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

Transaction #1:

• 1 Blink eye drops: $8, get $8RR, used $1.50 printable = $1.50 MM

OOP w/ tax: $7.24

Total saved: $5.49

RR earned: $8

Transaction #2:

• 4 Pringles: 4 for $6, get $2RR, used $1/4 MC expiring 1/31 = $.75 each.
• 2 Breyers: B1G1 at $6.49 = $3.25 each
• Used $8RR from Tr. #1

OOP: $4.46

Total saved: $17.49

RR earned: $2

Transaction #3:

• 1 Blink eye drops: $8, get $8RR, used $1.50 printable = $1.50 MM
• 3 Campbells soups: $.79 with ad coupon; limit 3, used $.40/3 MC = $.66 each.
• Used $2RR from Tr. #2.

OOP: $7.39

Total saved: $8.29

RR earned: $8

Transaction #4:

• 2 Breyers: B1G1 at $6.49 = $3.25 each
• 3 Old El Paso taco shells: $.99 each--no coupon required, used $.60/3 printable = $.79 each.
• Used $8RR from Tr. #3.

OOP: $1.59

Total saved: $18.09

No RRs to keep up with.

Total spent: $20.68

Total saved: $49.36

I love that I was able to use a money maker to pay for staples I got cheaper than at grocery stores. It IS possible! You might also consider the deals on Dove and M&Ms. I'm hoping there will be even bigger savings closer to Valentines Day.

CVS:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Here's an example that nothing goes completely as planned, but sometimes the honest consumer wins out.

Transaction #1:

• 2 Speed Stick deodorants: $1.99 each, used B1G1 coupon in 1/29 paper. Note: The coupon rang up for a savings of $3.98. I brought this error to their attention (should have been $1.99) but she said that's how the computer scanned it and there's nothing she could do.
• 2 Colgate Total toothpaste: $2.74 each, used $1 and $.50 MC and 2 $1 CVS coupons found in the Reinventing Beauty magazine. Tip: They did not have any magazines left, but they did have a stack of coupons from them on the front counter. I asked if I could have two and they said fine.
• 1 Irish Spring body wash: $3, used $1 MC from 1/29 paper. Because these five participating products were more than $12 before coupons, I qualified for $6ECB, making all five products FREE after coupons.
• 1 Hershey's Reese's egg: $.87, get $.87. This ECB did not print. So she had to manually print one for $1. This deal may be good only through today.
• 3 American Greeting card: $.99 each, buy 3, get $3ECB=FREE.
• Used $5.75 in ECBs from previous trips.

Total OOP w/ tax: $3.12

Total saved: $22.44

ECBs earned: $6, $1, $3 = $10

Transaction #2:

• 6 Puffs Plus with lotion 68ct: $88. each, used 2 $.25/3 MC; one expired 1/31; one expired 2/28 = $.80 each
• Used $4 ECB from Transaction #1.

Total OOP: $1.18

Total saved: $8.76

ECBs remaining: $6

This is week two of the Kroger mega event. I found some good deals but no real freebies on things I regularly buy: almond milk, no nitrate hotdogs, orange juice, Moms Best cereal, pizza, and canned tomatoes. I spent my budget for two weeks at once and then chose not to shop this week, but I saved $168.52 (41%).

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

Was this post overwhelming? Helpful? Did it make you want to coupon or ditch the idea completely?

Good week for Lip Balm

This year I've decided to get more selective of which deals are worth the time and effort. So I'll only be posting about those. This week is a good time to snag (do people still say "snag"?!) lip balm. Here are two deals to consider:

CVS:

Buy 4 Nivea lip balm for $2.50 each. When you spend $10, you get $5 ECB. Use 2 $3/2 coupons from yesterday's paper or 1 $3/2 and 2 $1 printables. That makes all four either free or a $1 MM. Tip: Since this will probably be a popular deal, get a raincheck if they're out. The coupons are good for another two weeks.

Walgreens:

Eos all natural lip balm is $2.99, get $2 RR. That makes them $.99 each. Personally I like these retro-looking round containers but they do take up room in small compacts. I don't see any other great deals at Walgreen's this week. So you might be better off saving your RRs for next week. And remember if you want more than one, you need to buy them in separate transactions, and you can't use one RR to buy another because the rewards won't print.

Happy New Year and Happy Savings!

FREE family movie night 8/25

My kids have been talking about this for days since we got the email from Redbox. Today, August 25 is "America's Movie Night." Search "Redbox" on Facebook and click "America's Movie Night" on the left. You're just a few clicks away from a free code. I know the movies are just a buck, but isn't it fun to get it for FREE?! What good movies have you rented from Redbox lately?

Couponing for Charity 7/10 - 16

Maybe it's just a summer thing, maybe we're in the midst of a slow sales cycle slump, or maybe TLC's Extreme Couponing has changed the couponing scene for everyone. Whatever the cause, I'm lamenting that lately there just aren't as many great deals as I'm used to seeing. Fewer deals for my family and fewer deals for the charities I've been supporting.

However, I have found a few deals I'll try to pick up this week.

CVS:

For all the savings, check out Southern Saver's match-ups.

For a pared down list, check out Coupon Katie.

Here's my plan:

• 1 Complete Multipurpose solution 12 oz ($7.99, get $7.99 ECB=FREE); limit 1
• 1 Balance Bar ($1.69, get $1.69 ECB=FREE); limit 1
• 2 Raison Brans ($2.50 each, $1 ECB wyb 2; use 2 $.70 printables =$1.30 each); limit 1
• 2 Colgate toothpastes 4oz ($1.66 each, use $1.50/2 CVS kiosk coupon and 2 $.75 MC=$.16 each. If I can find the $1 coupons, they're free.)

WALGREENS:

Here are all the Southern Saver match-ups.

Here is a pared down list from Coupon Katie.

I doubt I'll go into Walgreen's this week, but if I did, here's what I'd get:

Transaction #1:

• 1 Hyland's natural teething gel--a great gift for a baby shower ($5, get $5RR, use $1 printable=$1MM)

OOP: $4 + tax

RR earned: $5

Transaction #2:

• 1 W Womens 6 Blade Razor System ($3.99, get $3.99RR=FREE)
• 1 GUM 200 yards floss ($2, get $2RR=FREE)
• Use $5RR from previous transaction

OOP: $.99 + tax

RRs earned: $6

KROGER:

Click here for all the match-ups from Southern Savers.

It's another mega-sale; so lots of deals other than what I've noted here, but these are the freebies I see.

• Colgate ($.99; use $.75 - $1 MC=Free to nearly free). Tip: If you don't want to deal with ECBs and RRs, this is a great way to get free toothpaste.
• Pringles ($.85, use $.50 MC, doubled = FREE)
• Mars & Nestle bars ($.50, use $.50/2 MC or $1.19/2 e-saver=FREE)

What are your favorite deals?

FREE 8.5x11 classic linen photo book 7/9 only!

If you're looking to create a photo book for a special occasion, this looks like a great deal today. But since these aren't done in stores, you will have to pay shipping; not sure how much.

At Walgreen's the 8.5 x 11 classic linen photo book starts at $19.99, but is FREE today only. You upload your pictures and rearrange them from your computer. You can get between 10 and 75 double sided pages. Not sure how many pages are free with this offer. I have discovered that to use a free coupon code for deals like this, you need to get EXACTLY what it's offering. Don't choose another size and don't choose leather. At check-out, use the promo code "CREATEBOOK"



Offer good through Saturday, July 9 only! If you decide to get this deal, let me know what you think.

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 6/26-7/2

As I've mentioned before, I'm going to begin limiting my trips to Walgreen's because I don't feel they have the best deals right now. My CfC posts will reflect the deals I think are best for me, but you should check the match-ups to the other bloggers to see if there are other deals that entice you.

WALREEN'S:

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

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

I did stop in briefly to use my last RR expiring today for a dollar. I got three poster boards for $.09. Here's an idea if you have the appropriate coupon:

• Transaction #1: Buy 1 Reach floss or toothbrush ($2.99, get $2RR, use $1 MC=FREE)
• Transaction #2: Buy 6 poster boards (normally $.99 each, 3 for $1 with ad coupon). You can use your RR from the first transaction and just pay tax: $.18. Tip: I did not have to use the coupon because they rang up $.33 each, but have it handy just in case.

CVS:

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

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

I will be heading to CVS Tuesday - Thursday because I'm expecting an additional 20-25% savings coupon in my email by Tuesday morning. I'm not sure if it's off one item or the total; we'll see. I had signed up for it last week. Tip: I tend to post deals like this on the Knoxmoms Momshare message board for future reference.

I have a number of items with rain checks I hope to get in addition to this week's deals.

• 1 Rephresh tampons-18ct ($6.79, get $6.79ECB, use $1 printable=$1MM). Tip: I've heard tampons are good to keep in first aid kits for things like nosebleeds. Limit 1.
• 2 Huggies Snug & Dry ($9, $4ECB wyb 2, use 2 $2 MC=$5 each). If you buy a small Huggies wipes, you can qualify for $3 with Saving Star. There's also a $.50 wipes coupon. Limit 1.
• 2 Wisk bottles ($7.49, b1G1=$3.75 each, use 2 $2 MC. Bonus: $1 will be credited to my Saving Star account. So each will cost $1.24. If they sell out, make sure o ask for a rain check.
• I have about $10 in ECBs that will minimize my OOP.

There are additional deals on Dove or Degree if you have enough coupons or can get the printables to print. You can also get Mennen Speed Stick for free with a coupon from CVS Reinventing Beauty magazine. Since this costs $1, I haven't invested in it yet. Maybe next month.

KROGER:

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

It's another mega-event, but I didn't see any freebies to note. If there are deals that interest you, I'd shop before the end of the month, as some of those coupons will expire. Ronzoni is $1 again if you haven't already used all your $1 coupons. You could also print $1/2 to get some for $.50.

Not a lot to donate this week, but Couponing for Charity isn't just about freebies for others. It's ways to save for your family so that you can be more generous for others. What deals did I miss?

Couponing for Charity 6/19-25

As I mentioned in my last post, I will be making some changes to Couponing for Charity. So here are the deals I see worth mentioning this week. I already shopped CVS last night to take advantage of two weeks of deals in one trip (and to get my raincheck for the Zyrtek money maker), but I'll only mention the deals you can currently get.

CVS:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

The deals I got:

• 1 Bliss chocolates ($5.99, get $5.99 ECB, used $1 MC=$1MM; limit 1)
• 1 Power Bar Energy Bites 2.6-3oz ($2.49, get $2.49 ECB, used $1 MC from free sample=$1MM; limit 1)
• 2 Colgate toothpastes ($2.79, get $2 ECB, used 2 $1 MC=$.42 MM; limit 2)
• 1 Irish Spring deodorant ($2.99, get $2 ECB, used $1 MC=FREE; limit 1)
• 1 Pull-ups ($8.99, get $1 ECB, used $3 printable=$4.99; limit 1)

KROGER

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

It's the second week of a rather unimpressive sale. There are two freebies I hope to pick up though:

• Pure Protein Bar ($.99, use 1 $1 printable and 1 B1G1 MC=2 FREE)
• Speed Stick men's deodorant ($.99, use 2 $.50 printables that will double=2 FREE)

I'm skipping Walgreen's this week. How about you? Which deals did I miss?

Couponing for Charity Latest Contribution

It's been a long time since I posted about my charitable donations; so here goes. First of all, I will be changing things up a bit. I'm going to stop the tally of value of goods and money spent because it's so time consuming. You can rest assured that most things on my list are free or money makers. I also may not post every week. I'll post when I think the deals are worth getting.

I'm also changing how I will be giving out donations. I had been working with a few other friends and adding our haul for a different charity every three months. The interest has dwindled to primarily my stock pile. So I've decided to just get what deals work for me, add them to my stockpile (see pictured), and distribute the products to the organizations that mean the most to me throughout the year. Since deals are often seasonal, that allows me to better match a group's needs with deals I've gotten over a longer period of time and to give each charity a wider variety of freebies.

For instance, our church, the Church of the Good Samaritan, supports the Volunteer Ministry Center in downtown Knoxville through a mentor program and serving meals. This group works very hard to help transition people away from homelessness. A couple just achieved that and I wanted to help celebrate that accomplishment with a "stock your pantry" gift bag.

In a reusable shopping bag they can use to shop future deals I added:

• 2 bottles water
• 2 boxes pasta
• 5 soups / soup mixes
• 1 body wash / shampoo
• 1 hand soap
• 2 deodorants
• 1 pack of feminine needs
• 1 gum
• 2 packs of post-its
• 2 pens
• 4 toothpaste
• 2 toothbrushes
• 1 floss
• 1 razor
• 1 ibuprofin

Everything pictured was free or less than $.50 and the value is probably $50. I would love to inspire them to learn the couponing skills to do this themselves to help stretch their budget. At least they have a few items to get them started.

So in the future, I may not be chasing as many deals. Walgreen's will have to work harder to pull me into their store, and I'll probably be going to CVS just twice a month. A little here, a little there can go a long way. And when a group or individual needs something, I'll be ready!

Do you coupon for charity? Do you find my posts helpful?

Walgreen's, oh Walgreen's, you're beginning to lose your luster!

I've been shopping the pharmacy deals at Walgreen's and CVS for a year and a half now. It took me awhile to get down some strategies and learn which deals to get and which to pass by. And although I do save about 80% at Walgreen's regularly, I'm beginning to feel less impressed with their deals.

Lately it seems they don't have the deals I really want (not just that the shelves are cleared but the store was never sent the stock). It's like they publicize a deal to get me in there and then don't deliver. Plus, a lot of their freebies are for products I'll never use and seem too specific to donate. I've had to struggle a few times to find deals worth spending my RRs on. If it happened once, fine. But it has become a pattern now and I'm beginning to feel it's just not worth it.

Fear not, however, I have not sworn off couponing. I still think CVS has great deals. I much prefer that their store credit coupons last twice as long as Walgreen's, you can shop for two weeks of deals on Saturday night, and rainchecks for deals with ECBs are easier. I also like their extra deals that print at the kiosk; it's like a mini lottery without having to pay money.

Is it just me or have your experiences at Walgreen's been less productive or fun lately? Do you prefer Walgreen's or CVS?

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 5/29-6/4

Yesterday I ran out to Walgreen's and CVS because I had RRs and ECBs expiring this week. Though it's not a GREAT week, there were deals that were worth my while. Walgreen's is probably the better store if you have to pick one. For the best deals shop Monday or Tuesday.

WALGREEN'S:

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

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

Here's what I bought:

Transaction #1:

• 3 Kids Aquafresh ($.99 with flyer coupon, used 3 $1/1 MC--exp. 5/31=3 FREE)
• 1 Icy Hot all natural cream ($.99, get $.99RR, used $1/1 MC=$1 MM)
• 1 Nabisco triscuits ($2, get $2RR Sunday and Monday only=FREE. Note: The shelves were bare of Crackerfuls but they allowed this to be part of the deal.)
• 1 Goody's powder ($1.50, get $1.50RR=FREE)
• Used $3RR from previous trip

OOP: $1.14

Total Savings: $14.17

RRs earned: $.99, $2, $1.50

Transaction #2:

• 1 Ritz crackers (same deal as above=FREE)
• 1 IcyHot cream (same deal as above=$1MM)
• 1 Ecotrin 45 ct ($.99 with flyer coupon, used $1.50MC=$.51MM)
• 4 Reynolds Wrap foil 70ft ($1.99, used $1MC=$.99. Offer good Sunday and Monday only)
• Used $1.50RR from above.

OOP: $5.03

Total Savings: $20.68

RRs earned: $2, $.99

Transaction #3:

• 1 IcyHot cream (same as above)

OOP: $.09

Total Savings: $1.99

RR earned: $.99

CVS:

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

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

Here's what I bought:

• 2 Snickers bars ($.50 each, buy 2, get $1ECB=2FREE; limit one; any Mars chocolates)
• 2 Pantene conditioners ($3.49 each, buy 2, get $2ECB, used $3/2 MC exp. 5/31=$.99 each; limit 1)
• 1 Preparation H wipes ($3.99, get $3.99ECB, used $2/1 printable=$2MM; limit 1)
• 1 Pampers EZ-ups ($8.99, get $2ECB, used $1.50MC-exp. 5/31=$5.50; limit 1)
• Used ECBs from previous trips: $10.54

OOP: $5.85

Total Saved: $25.13

ECBs Earned: $8.99 ($1, $2, $3.99, $2); I could have split the transactions to reduce my OOP this trip even more, but I know I'll spend these ECBs within the next month.

KROGER:

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

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

I won't make it to Kroger for a few more days, but I will aim to get the following:

• Ronzoni Garden Delight pasta ($1, use $1/1 MC and printables=FREE)
• Pepperidge Farm cookies ($1.99, use $1 MC=$.99 each)
• Band Aids 20ct ($1.90, use $.50MC=$.90)
• Santa Cruz organic lemonade ($1.25, use $.75 printable = $.50)

Items I'll be donating this week:

• 2 IcyHot naturals (normally $1.99, $1MM)
• 1 Goody's powder (normally $1.99 I think, $1.50, FREE)
• 1 Ecotrin (normally $3.49, $.51MM)
• 1 Preparation H wipes (normally $4.69, $2MM)

Value of goods: $14.15

What I paid: -$4.51 (that's negative $4.51)

Couponing for Charity 5/8-14

I'm winding up another group of items to donate and this time, they're going to help victims of the tornado. We recently drove through parts of East TN that were severely impacted: roofs off houses, tractor trailers wrapped around each other, trees flattened. It was humbling to see the effects of mother nature. There are several local groups gathering goods for tornado victims; Coupon Katie and Frugalissa Finds list a few. I will be taking mine to Faith United Methodist Church because I know Gabrielle will make sure it gets to the right people!

If you're going to pick one store this week, I'd head to Kroger. Water is in high demand right now and Kroger has two ways to get free to cheap water through the mega sale (prices reflect savings once you buy 10 participating items).

KROGER:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

• Deer Park 3 liter ($.49)
• Propel Fitness Water 24 oz ($.49 each, use $1/2 MC=2 FREE)
• Nivea men's body wash ($2.49, use $3 MC=$.51 MM)
• Reach toothbrush ($.49-$1 depending on your store; use $1/1 or $.50/1 that doubles MC=FREE toothbrushes)
• Carefree pantyliners ($1, use $.50 MC that doubles=FREE)
• Scotch Brite Green sponges ($1.49, use $1/1 printable=$.49)
• Ronzoni pasta, most varieties ($.49, use $1/2 printables=FREE pasta. You can only use 2 like internet coupons per day, per customer. You can use two of each kind since they have different numbers on the validation code. So you can get up to 16 free boxes of pasta a day. They may not need them for the tornado victims, but someone will want them.

WALGREEN'S:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

If you can find the infant care coupon books at Walgreen's, I would definitely recommend getting the Pampers deal to donate to tornado victims. Baby goods are in high demand. I have not been able to find those coupons, but Coupon Katie found them in Fountain City. Check out this good scenario for Pampers wipes and diapers.

The Cottonelle deal is also still going through 5/15. 12 rolls of TP for $2 is a good deal!

You can also get free toothpaste, toothbrushes, and body wash after coupons and RRs.

CVS:

This is a snoozer week at CVS. I say skip it and save your ECBs for future sales.

TARGET:

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

For a pared down list, go to Coupon Katie.

You can get free infant toothbrushes, dental floss, body wash, and Tums.

Once I do my shopping this week and can go through some receipts, I'll update my totals.

Thank you to all who are following these posts and for donating what you can, when you can.

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?