Proof that we all mess up..

I spent roughly $22 OOP at CVS Sunday morning. *head desk*

I was mad at myself. I miscalculated the Pantene ad. I did the math off the 2/$5 and not the 2/$7. I only had $5 in ECBs to start with, and then I found the Infusium 23 for $3.50 and I had $3/1 Qs and I just couldn't pass it up so I used all 10 of the Qs I had. Although given my typical savings level I can't really complain too much. My cashiers were trying to talk me down from my self hating in the middle of the store. *rofl*

I walked out with..

5 Pantene Shampoos
5 Pantene Conditioners
3 Infusium 23 Shampoos
3 Infusium 23 Conditioners
4 Infusium 23 Leave-in Treatments
1 Schick Intuition
1 NovaMax Monitor
6 Dawn Dish Soaps


I can't complain, they're right. That's over $200 in product easily. No use staying upset about it, but I'll just make sure to double check my math before I hit the register.

The New Year

Means a somewhat fresh start with the coupons. I purged all my Qs that expire on the 31st. I regrouped and reorganized. Starting January 1st I'm going to log my savings. My goal will be to offset all my CVS spending and then some by donating items that I have a surplus of, or just won't use.

Target Deals 12/19

Of all places I never would have suspected Target to be some decent deals. Hot Coupon World's printable Target Qs are wonderful! Today I got..

3 heads of cauliflower
6 containers of Campbell's Select Harvest soup (the microwavable kind)
1 package of True North Nuts
6 cans of Pilsbury biscuits (5 per can)

My OOP was just over $10


I was shocked to see Target giving CRTs. They've come n handy, and with this trip I got a CRT for 20oz or larger frozen Tyson chicken item. Hopefully I'll be able to find a manufacturer Q for Tyson before my Target Q expires. :D

CVS Haul 12/18/08

Between 2 CVS stores I got the following items..

1 Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit To Go
2 Kiss Custom Fit Nail Kits
3 L'Oreal Liquid Eyeliners
4 Sally Hansen Nail Polishes

Total OOP was $1.44


I think I have enough nail polish and I'll be getting more this weekend. If only I wore it enough to validate the amount I have. *rofl*

P&G Year of Savings

P&G Year of Savings

Buy $50 of P&G products between now and January 31st and get $120 in P&G coupons! All you have to do is send in the form with the original receipts circling the purchases and their price.

I already have mine done and in an envelope ready to go out tomorrow. I spent $2.44 out of pocket to get to the $50 limit since it started 2 days ago. Thank you CVS. *rofl*

Tom Thumb Haul

It's not big, but I got 91% savings!

Frosted Flakes: $2.29 x 5 = $11.45
Buy 5 Save $5: -$5 = $6.45
$1/1 Q: -$5 = $1.45


This weeks Red Plum had some other $1/1 Qs that work with some of the other cereals that are also on sale so I'm going to go tomorrow and Tuesday and pick up 5 boxes of Smart Start, and 5 boxes of Frosted Mini Wheats. :D

CVS 12/21

Awesome sale! Tons of FAECB items. I of course wasted no time in gathering needed Qs and making a scenario. :D



Yes. That's 3c OOP! *happy dance*

Even better than Rebecca's!

The Coupon Clippers


There's no minimum you have to buy so it makes it cheaper and easier to deal with. No having to buy nearly expired coupons just to meet a dollar amount.

Kroger Clearance Table

I was at the store earlier today for milk and egg nog (yum!) and noticed a bunch of the air freshener machines sitting there. I went back a bit ago armed with my 2 coupons for $5 off. At first I thought that they only had another brand on sale, but there were the Lysol Neutra Airs there. They were on clearance for $5.99 each. With my coupons it came out to $1.98 for both!

The Cabinet

Here it is after the BF weekend and my having moved some stockpiled items out of my bathroom.

Coming down from the CVS high.

I got a second card and continued on my CVS high right up until Saturday evening. Most stores had their stickies down already and I was still in there making the best of the Black Friday sale, and the monthly offers.

My stash cabinet is now in danger of overflowing. I think I'll be sending some toothpaste to my family since we have 16 tubes that are still unopened. The local women's shelter doesn't have toothpaste on their list of things needed right now.

I haven't really seen any outstanding deals that make me want to run to CVS though. I think I'll wait until the Huggies sale next week and get some diapers for DD#2 to give me a break from cloth for a little bit. It will give me a fresh start so I can track my savings at the 1st of the year. :)

CVS Haul 11/27/08 #2

I had to go to another CVS to finish up. Had to. I was compelled. :|



Sambucol x 2
Playtex x 1
Schick x 1
Bic x 1
Tylenol 24ct. x 2
Gatorade x 3
Dial X 5
L'Oreal x 1
Hershey King x 1
Hershey Milk x 2
Hershey Dark x 2
Mounds x 2
Caramello x 1
Orbit x 1

Total OOP - 54c

*happy dance*

Left with $25 in ECBs.


My total spending for everything I got between my two trips is $6.06!!!!!!

CVS Haul 11/27/08

Well....... It didn't go as planned. Of course (Hi Murphy's Law.. sod off please). There was only one Bic Soleil left so it threw me off. I forgot a few things, grabbed the wrong chocolate bar. I still managed to do pretty darn good since I've only done small very controlled transactions in the last couple of weeks.

Here's the stats:

OOP - $5.52
ECB Left - $38.98



Memory Foam Pillow x 2
Colgate x 2
Sambucol x 2
L'Oreal Lip Gloss x 2
Philip Headphones x 2
Schick Trimmer x 1
Bic Soliel x 1
Garnier Wipes x 1
Hershey's Bar X 1
Chocolate Square x 1
Heath Bar X 1
CG Liquid Foundation x 1
CG Pressed Powder x 1
Johnson's Lotion x 1
Sally Hansen Polish x 1
Aussie Shampoo/Conditoner x 1 each (2 total)
5-Hour Energy 2pk x 1
Playtex x 1
Spa Set x 1

There is a good chance....

that I might need a new binder already. I just got this a few weeks ago when I started getting more serious about the coupons.

I've got my binder armed with 20 card holders, 8 dividers, 2 pencil holders, my scissors, a notebook, ziplock bags for easy access to coupons I will be using, and of course my CVS ads.




Good bye 1" binder, it was nice toting you around with me. You will be re-purposed to hold entire coupon booklets so I don't have to spend time clipping until I need to, and so I have ALL the coupons.

Hi, it's me again. =P

First of all CVS must take joy in messing with people who tend to be a little ... obsessive compulsive. I had heard yesterday of a $5/$30 Q e-mail that people were getting. Of course my mailbox remained empty, as always. I had my wonderful scenario all set up and pretty from last night (as shown in my last scenario post) and I was rather happy with it. I should have checked my e-mail again last night after I woke up from my late nap. At 6:34pm the Q hit my mail box. I don't know if I should do a happy dance or face plant into my laptop.

So what did I just spend a few moments doing? Yeah, re-working my scenario. Someone needs to make me a nice little button to go on my page stating how much of a CVS Freak I am. O_O

I swear to you if anything else changes in the next ~14 hours I'll refrain from posting it. ;)

Thanksgiving is cramping my planning!

I went to the Kroger website at like 2am fully expecting to see the new weekly ads as per usual. No dice. I checked Sprout's, same. Thanks a but load Thanksgiving for cramping my meal planning for the next 2 weeks. Now I have to wait. I even went and looked in my freezer in the garage at 2am to see what I still had for protein.

Looks like I only have to shop for a few items needed to make a couple of the meals, perishable items, and quickly used stuff.

I don't think I need to say anything...

Yes. I'm slightly ashamed, but I couldn't resist re-working it just to see if there was something a little better. This way I would pay 1c OOP. Although since I'll need fillers I might end up with a little OOP, but I would have chocolate.

I also re-adjusted it because the pillows and spa sets this week have been ringing up with a limit of 2. If it shows that I haven't reached my limit then I continue on with transaction #4, if it shows I've reached my limit I put them back. I'm just trying to make things as easy as possible on me and my cashier tomorrow.

Impatient.

Is it Wednesday night yet? I'm antsy to see how all this CVS goodness works out. I've got to keep my self amused with Thanksgiving food prep or I'll be redoing my scenario AGAIN. Well .. I might do an alternate version because I can, and because I like it.

Knowledge is Power

Or in my case a reason to adjust my CVS scenario for Thursday AGAIN. More like I added some stuff on because I found out about limits being higher than planned. I think there is a chance I need to step away from the computer until AFTER Thanksgiving. O_o

Cleaning Spree

I've been cleaning like mad since last night. I decided to dedicate a cupboard for my little stockpile I've started. Of course what kind of person would I be to not take pictures?! :D












The cleaning supplies (last pic) were all purchased at Kroger, and the Suave stuff in the 4th photo were purchased at Target and Wal-Mart. Everything else is from CVS. There are a few things not shown like the 2 bottles of Agent Cool Blue, bars of Dial, a couple of bottles of Listerine, 4 sets of Suave shampoo/conditioner, and of course the things that are currently in use already. Not shabby for the fact that I've only been doing this seriously for about a month. :)

11/23 CVS Haul

Due to a mess up on the Mabeylline the first time around I ended up being given $10 since I was over charged and never got my ECBs for it. So it ended up that I actually made 67c!

The Haul..

2 Mabeylline Mineral Foundations
2 Lubriderm Lotions
5 Complete Contact Solutions
1 Russel Stover Chocolate Square (consumed already)

I can't stop!

I keep re-doing my CVS scenario. I got an item early, and I added a few things to it. I *THINK* what I have will be my final revision. I have lots of ECBs to either try and spend a bit of, or figure out how to roll in the following weeks. Although I must say that the next 2 weeks and the December specials are not the best ever.

I did find out that if I have a total of $20 in product, and I use $20 in ECB I don't get charged taxes! So that changes SO much. It's no wonder I was paying less than I planned so often. That and buying the Maybelline are the reasons I re-vamped my scenario.

Film in the Fridge 100th Post Giveaway!

Film in the Fridge - 100th Post Giveaway

To celebrate her 100th (101st post really) she is giving away some hand made beautiful pot holders, napkins, produce bags, and some awesome fabric scraps.

Free 20oz Dr. Pepper

Dr Pepper to deliver on its free-soda promise Infamously delayed Guns N' Roses album prompted offer"

LOS ANGELES - Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality.

The soft-drink maker said in March that it would give a free soda to everyone in America if the album dropped in 2008. "Chinese Democracy," infamously delayed since recording began in 1994, goes on sale Sunday.

"We never thought this day would come," Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "But now that it's here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper's on us."

Beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m., coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper's Web site. They'll be honored until Feb. 28.

Recent Thrift Store Finds

I've been a few times recently and made a couple of good scores.

I found DD#2 another pair of Stride Rite dress shoes. They're a little large and will more than likely fit next year, but at 99c I couldn't pass it up. I also found her 2 sleepers that fit wonderfully and were brand new. I'll take paying $1.60 at the TS over $9 new at Wal-Mart.

I found DD#1 a couple of dresses. One actually had the long sleeve shirt to go under it attached to it so it was like getting 2 for 1.

If I could find DD#1 a pair of black dress shoes in her size we'd be set for the winter. I guess I'll continue to keep my eyes open.

CVS Thanksgiving Day Sale (Black Friday) - Take 2

I went to CVS yesterday and got a $10 off a $50 purchase coupon printed out! I also went to Wal-Mart and got the "All You" magazine and came across a $4 coupon for the Schick Quattro Trimmer.

So here's my newly revised CVS Scenario for 11/27!

Start with $34 ECB

Transaction #1
Bic Soliel x 2
Maybelline Mineral Foundation x 1
Johnson's Softlotion 1
L'Oreal Colour Juice Lip Gloss x 2
4pc Spa Set x 1
Sub Total (After Coupons and $10/$50) - $36.78
ECB Using - $34.00
Total Out of Pocket - $2.78

ECB Earned - $41.74

Transaction #2
Colgate Advanced Max Fresh x 2
Aussie Shampoo/Conditioner x 2
Sally Hansen Max Strength Polish x 1
Garnier Cleansing Wipes x 1
CG Smoothers Liquid Foundation x 1
CG Smoother Pressed Powder x 1
Schick Quattro Trimmer x 1
Gatorade G2 x 3
Hershey's King Size x 1
Sub Total - $41.29
EC Using - $41.74
Overage -$0.45

ECB Earned - $49.18

Transaction #3
Philips Headphones x 1
Playtex Tampons x 1
5-Hour Energy 2 pack x 1
Sub Total - $15.21
ECB Using - $14.25
OOP - $0.96

ECB Earned - $48.91
Total OOP - $3.74

I wasn't planning on any OOP, but I'll be getting more ECBs than I had the first time around so not even $4 is fine with me.

11/27 CVS Scenario

ECB Using: $34.00 ECB
L'Oreal Color Juice Lip Gloss (2) $15.14 ECB - $13.98
Maybelline Mineral Powder (1) $7.73 ECB - $8.99
Garnier Cleansing Towelettes (1) $5.48 ECB - $5.99
CG Smoothers pressed powder (1) $5.48 ECB - $5.99
Total: $33.83
Overage: $0.17
ECB Earned: $34.95

ECB Using: $34.95 ECB
Colgate Total Advanced Fresh (2) $4.48 ECB - $6.48
CG Smoothers Liquid Makeup (1) $7.65 ECB - $7.99
Sally Hansen Max Growth Polish (1) $3.60 ECB - $3.79
Bic Soleil (2) $6.96 ECB - $11.98
4pc Luxury Spa Set (1) $10.81 ECB - $3.00
Hershey's King Size (1) $1.00 ECB - $1.00
Total: $34.50
Overage: $0.45
ECB Earned: $34.24

ECB Using: $34.24
Aussie Shampoo/Conditioner (2) $4.48 ECB - $6.48
Johnson's Softlotion (1) $6.10 ECB - $5.69
Gatorade G2 (3) $4.47 ECB - $4.47
Playtex Gentle Glide (1) $3.33 ECB - $3.00
Philips Headphones (1) $7.57 ECB - $6.99
Schick Quatro Trimmer (1) $6.65 ECB - $6.00
Total: $32.64
Overage: $1.60
ECB Earned: $32.63


$32.63 ECB made.

Kroger Savings

So I did the Mega Bake Sale, and used some of my free French's Worcestershire sauce coupons as well. The total for some reason came out to $4.90, which was way more than I had planned, but regardless it was an 84% savings!

Last night I had to run and get a few things and hit up another Mega sale while I was at it. I didn't have coupons for all of the Mega sale items, and not for a few other items I got. I spent $31, but saved $28.20. 47% is pretty darn good since I lacked coupons for things.

Today I did another Mega sale, and had to get some cheese and cream of mushroom soup since both were on sale. I spent $23.07 and saved $23.45, so about 50%.

I'm now well stocked on quite a few items. I think all I have left for this week is to meal plan, go to Sprout's for fresh stuff, and of course CVS.

Taylortown Preview Link

The TTP link will let you see what coupons will be in the Sunday paper for both Red Plum and Super Saver. Now I know if I should get more than one double issue. Before I'd get one set, hope the coupons were good and then go back later for another paper if they were.

With this link, and the Hot Coupon World link that has early ads out for both CVS and Walgreens it makes doing scenarios even easier too!

Kroger Mega Bake Sale

Carnation Evap. Milk 50c x 2 = $1
MQ 50c - doubled = $1
OOP - $0

Domino Sugar $1.50 x 2 = $3.00
MQ 35c - tripled = $1.05 x 2 = $2.10
OOP - 90c

Eagle Sweetened Cond. Milk $1.50 x 3 = $4.50
MQ 55c x 3 = $1.65
OOP - $2.85

Crisco Veg. Oil $2.00 x 1 = $2.00
MQ 45c - doubled = 90c
OOP - $1.10

Nestle Chocolate Chips $2.00 x 1 = $2.00
MQ 50c - doubled = $1.00
OOP - $1.00

Land O Lakes Butter $2.00 x 1 = $2.00
OOP $2.00

Sub Total OOP - $7.85

Mega Bake Sale Discount with Kroger Card - $5.00
MQ from Kroger Holiday Mailer - $2.50

Total OOP - 35c

Not a super TS day

I found some books that have educational value for DD#1. I also found "Walk Away the Pounds" in hardcover with the DVD still in it. Books are 40c each so it was a great find since the book has not been written in!

My Links

I just added Hot Coupon World. I found that site to be a wonderful source for finding answers and tips. They also have CVS and Walgreen's ads up in advance and it's rather handy for planning. It makes it so if need be I can use Rebecca's Coupons and Forms to get coupons to help since I have not been clipping every coupon out of the paper.

Thrift Store Monday

Tomorrow morning is the prime day for looking at the TS across the street. There's a little more of a chance that they've done some restocking Sunday while closed. I've found many Gymboree and Old Navy items. There was a nice Gap dress from DD#1 too.

I've gotten 5 pairs of shoes for the girls thus far. Three pairs for DD#1 of which two were Stride Rites, and one was Gymboree. $4 in shoes (and $1.40 for new laces for one pair) that would have cost well over $100 new! DD#2's two pairs of shoes were not name brands, but they work perfectly for things I've found for her.

I've filled their closet and have run out of children's hangers, and yet I keep going back for more. I can't complain when it's 79c per item when it's size 4T or smaller! Shoes are 99c unless otherwise noted. It's great considering how fast they grow out of clothes and shoes. I should have done this much sooner.

CVS Haul 11/9/08

I started out with $11 ECB (Extra Care Bucks) from a prior visit. I got a little flustered as this was only my second big trip and ended up fudging a little bit. Here's a list of my haul...

1 - Package Carefree Pads
1 - L'Oreal Reavitalift Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate
1 - Garnier Fructis Curl Defining Spray
2 - Listerine Agent Blue in Bubble Blast flavor
2 - 40oz bottle Softsoap refill (antibacterial)
3 - 12-pack Pepsi product
4 - St. Ives Mineral Therapy Body Wash
5 - 11oz Palmolive dish soap

My OOP (out of pocket) spending was $23.13. I have $4 ECB for another trip still too.

I'm still trying to figure out how to walk out with very little OOP, but I think I need to clip more coupons. Regardless I'm still pleased with myself. That's about $1.22 per item. :D

Welcome to my Thrift Blog!

Yeah. I need a place to put it all out in writing. I get some sort of sick satisfaction when I get a good deal. When I save more than I pay, and of course as any true thrift addict would know .... CVS. I'm not sure which is worse, my addiction to CVS or my addiction to the thrift store across the street.

Yes, across the street. Like I look out my front door and there it is. It opens at 10am so I leave my house at 9:50 with DD#2 in her stroller, and DD#1 walking next to me holding the stroller. I'm there when the doors open so I can get first dibs on the girls clothes. Living in a nice area means there are lots of nice little girls clothes to be had. The girls have very individual and eclectic wardrobes that cost very little (including shoes too for the most part).

A little about me.. My name is Jennifer. I have been with David for just over 3 years and we have a 1 year old daughter together (DD#2), and I have an almost 4 year old (this friday!) daughter from my ex. We reside in a suburb of Dallas Texas. :)