Sorry So Slow... Be Sure To Find Us on Facebook!

Sorry posts have been slow... I'm back at work after my surgeries and time off... and have so much to do.  Lately, you'll find me adding more quick posts over on the Savings Chatter Facebook page more than here.  So make sure to "Like" the Savings Chatter Facebook page so you don't miss any posts!!  Also, feel free to share on the Facebook page your deals and any great freebies & cheapies you come across!!

We reached our 300th fan today (Yay!!), so I'll be randomly drawing a winner today... then we'll start another giveaway soon!!

Thanks,
Jennifer

Sorry For The Lack Of Posts Today...

...I wish I could say I'm busy clipping & filing coupons...

...But I'm just swamped with work & doctors appts... see ya later!!

CARS 2 - The Video Game

Cars 2: The Video Game. Spies Wanted

Are you ready to take a crash course in saving the world? In Cars 2: The Video Game, train to become an agent of C.H.R.O.M.E. (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations & Motorized Espionage) and take on dangerous missions, compete to become the fastest racecar in the world, or just use your spy skills in exciting, action-packed combat racing! With so many new and exciting features what will friends be most excited to hear about?

* Over 20 characters to choose from including past favorites such as Lightening McQueen and Mater the tow truck, as well as new spy personalities like Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell

* Action packed missions that unfold in 6 exotic locales across the world

* Adrenaline filled combat racing that keeps you on the edge of your seat

* A robust multi-player functionality - perfect for high velocity fun for the whole family

* Available on Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo DS, PC/Mac

* ESRB Rating - Everyone to Everyone 10+

* In stores June 21, 2011. Pre-order here!

Disclosure:
I am a BzzAgent and am sharing the Cars 2: The Video Game BzzCampaign.  Let me know if you are interested in BzzAgent, and I'll email you more information.

Anheuser-Busch Parks: FREE for Military Members

Calling all military members and their families!!  Here’s to the Heroes Program is offering up a FREE admission at participating Anheuser-Busch parks to all active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman.

To snag your FREE admission, here is what you need to do…

*Click here to register OR register in the entrance plaza of participating parks; you will be required to show a Department of Defense photo ID.

*As many as three direct dependents of military personnel also are entitled to free admission. Dependents may even take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minor dependents, and dependent ages 10 and over must present a valid dependent I.D.

*This offer is valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, during the regular operating schedules at one of the following: SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island (NOT valid for separate ticketed events including Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa.)

Let Us Remember...

Thank You For Coming To The Coupon Class!!

I want to thank each & every one of you who was able to make it out to the couponing class.  I know it was a long evening and many came straight from work (as did I).  I hope you were able to get something out of it and still have fun!!  I hadn't taught a class since Feb. 2009, so when my friends asked me to do another class, I never expected it be so popular!  I had a lot of fun, and as you could tell... I can talk about all the dynamics of couponing for HOURS!!  I keep remembering all of the things I forgot to mention, and could have spoke for another 2 hours... though I'm not sure my voice would have held up!  I'll try to post those tips here on "Savings Chatter".  Please feel free to share the blog with your friends & family.. and anything on Facebook, you can "SHARE" with your friends also.

If I left you confused about something, I missed going over a topic, or you just have another question, PLEASE do not hesitate to email me or post it in any of the comment boxes on this site.  I will eventually respond.  I love this wonderful hobby & don't want anyone confused about it!!  If you want me to cover a certain topic on the blog, also just ask.

I hope you all were able to get some great new products from the raffle!!  Thank you for helping me weed through my stockpile.  I have room again, and my closets are no longer full.  Thank you for being awesome about the flow of the raffle.  I had so much to give away, I wanted you to be able to choose items you wanted.  Since I had to read numbers so quickly, I didn't get to see what everyone got.  If you took a picture of your "haul", please share.. and I'm happy those orange flip-flops finally found a new home!!

Enjoy your new knowledge my friends, use it wisely... and remember to leave something on the shelf for me!!  =) 

-Jennifer

Reader Amanda's Walgreen's Haul

One reader Amanda did the Walgreens deals yesterday and look at this haul!!
$80.93 before coupons, $44.70 OOP, but she earned $21.50 in Walgreens Register Rewards to roll into future deals!!  Her net for these purchases was $23.20!!  Nice job Amanda!!

Coupon Class Update

I've confirmed a location and we can hold more people (yippee!!)... so I'm opening the registration back up for a few more people.  Everyone that was on the Waiting List will be able to make it in.  I will be sending out an email very soon with the location and more information.  I will need a response of confirmation that you are coming!!  More Details:  http://venturaclass.blogspot.com/

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive - May 14th

Every year I make note of this food drive.  This Saturday, May 14th, you will be able to donate through the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Gather all of those extra non-perishable items you have stockpiled and set them out by the mailbox for your postal carrier to pick up.  Every item that is received will be donated to your local food pantry.

All of those items I get free or for pennies that people ask me, "Do you use everything you buy?"... THIS is what I do with the items we don't use.  I usually donate large quantities twice a year, around the holidays & then again for this Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.  Couponing has allowed me to donate more than ever before.

Happy Mother's Day

Coupon Class Update

I've been working on getting ready for the coupon class that is going to be held on May 24th.  I still need to lock down a location.  Since we have so many people I was hoping to find someone who could get their clubhouse (in Ventura hopefully!)... A couple of the places I've talked to want to charge or they are too small.  Let me know if you have a clubhouse we can use for free!!

In the meantime, I've been collecting items for the giveaways & raffle... and look what just arrived!!  A huge pile of coupon inserts!!  There's more where that came from!  We are going to have a blast!!  I'll confirm your registration & give you the location as it gets closer to the date (approx. 5/18).  I'm hoping to be able to open it up to the people on the waiting list too.

On a personal note, I'm going in for surgery on Wed. 5/11, so Savings Chatter may be a little slow for 3-4 days while I recover.

Looking forward to the coupon class!!

-Jennifer

Savings Chatter is now on Facebook!!

"Savings Chatter" has a Facebook page!!  Sometimes I won't post deals on the blog because I know they will go fast, so I'll be posting them on the Facebook page... be sure to join "Savings Chatter" on Facebook so you don't miss a thing!!

Come For the Walk, Stay For the Rides @ Six Flags

All walkers who individually raise $50 will receive a complimentary ticket to enjoy the entire day at Six Flags. Tickets will be issued the day of the event at walker registration. Each walker is eligible for only one ticket. Please note that tickets are only valid the day of the walk.

When your child or a child you know needs help, there is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital nearby.
Six Flags and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have raised more than $1 million to date for pediatric cancer programs. Now, we’re expanding our efforts to raise money for children’s hospitals, making sure that ALL kids – including pediatric cancer patients – have a second chance at life.
Join us for the fourth annual A Walk In The Park. Proceeds will help Children's Miracle Network Hospitals treat kids for every injury and illness,  from cancer and heart defects, to Cystic Fibrosis and accident trauma. All funds raised will stay in the community where they were donated. These donations go to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.

Six Flags Magic Mountain Los Angeles, California

Starts: 06/25/2011 @ 8:30 am
Check-in Time: 7:00 am to 8:30 am

Lunchtime

I'm working on my shopping lists & deals... just had to eat... look what I ended up with!  Cost - about $1.20

Reader Johnna's Shopping Trip!!

So I ventured out today using Jen’s Couponing knowledge that she has passed on to me through Facebook and her blog http://savingschatter.blogspot.com/.  I use a lot of internet coupons that I print and then throw into a folder in my coupon system.  I cut out, organized and entered my coupons into Excel this morning. Then I looked on couponmom.com to see if there were any really good deals out today.  Finally I put together my rough list and headed out.

First stop was Albertsons. I had printed 5 coupons for Guerrero Tortilla’s (thanks to Jen’s blog!) and also Jose Ole 3 printable coupons.  I found on couponmom.com that Alberstons has Jose Ole on sale for 3.99 and there was also a coupon in the 4/17 paper.  So with my coupons in hand I got:

5 packages of Guerrero 10 ct flour tortillas @ 1.25 each - $1 off IPQ (I had 5) = $0.25 each

3 Jose Ole frozen pks @ 3.99 - $2 off IPQ (had 3) = $1.99 each

1 Jose Ole frozen pk @ 3.99 - $1 off MQ = $2.99 each

Total before coupons & sales: $34.91     Actual Total OOP = $10.21

Next stop Ralphs…..
I went to Ralphs with the intention of getting their cereal deal that is going on right now.  After some consultation with Jennifer, I was ready!  I split my groceries into 3 separate orders to take advantage of the doubling of coupons.  Ralphs will only double the 1st of like coupons.  So I did my homework and split what I needed into 3 orders.

First Round:
(2) bags Tostitos on sale 2.99ea., used MQ for $1.00 off 2 = $4.98 (plus Ralphs had a deal buy 2 Tostitos get free salsa! $3 value)

(6) boxes Rice Krispies Cereal on sale 1.98 ea., used (3) IPQ for $1 off 2 = $2.96 for 2... $8.88 for 6 boxes

Newman’s Own Lemonade  $2.59ea., used  IPQ for .50 any ~doubled to $1.00 =  $1.59

(2) Skinny Cow Cups  $1.25 ea., used (2) IPQ for $1 any size = $.50 for both

Raisin Bran on sale for $1.98,  IPQ .70 doubled to $1 =  $.98

16oz Knudsen Sour Cream $2.79 ea., used IPQ .60 doubled to $1 =  $1.79

Mountain High Yogurt 32 oz. $2.99ea.,  IPQ .50 doubled to $1 = $1.99

Fiber One Yogurt  clearanced at $2.59 ea., IPQ .50 doubled to $1 =  $1.59

Chiquita Healthy Bites clearanced at $2.29 ea.,  MQ $1 off  = $1.29

Raspberry Hard Cider $3.99, no coupon = $3.99

(2) Marie's Salad Dressing  $3.00, used (2) IPQ $1 off  = $2.00

Banana’s   .69/lb =  $2.16

Chicken Thighs  .99/lb  =  $3.45

Buddig Ham  $2.49 ea., used  IPQ $1 off  =  $1.49

I used a $25 transfer prescription coupon which was applied to my Ralphs club card.  My total for this ended up being = verified savings of $69.17    so my TOTAL OOP: $15.01


Second Round:
Fiber One Yogurt  clearanced at $2.59 ea., used  IPQ .50 doubled to $1 =  $1.59

16 oz. Knudsen Sour Cream  $2.79 ea., used  IPQ .60 doubled to $1 =  $1.79

(2) Totino’s Pizza Party pizzas $1 ea., used  MQ .50 off 2 doubled to $1 =  $1.00 for 2

Raisin Bran on sale for $1.98,  IPQ .70 doubled to $1 =  $.98

Verified Savings = $8.09  -   TOTAL OOP on 2nd TRIP: $5.36


Third Round:

Raisin Bran on sale for $1.98,  IPQ .70 doubled to $1 =  $.98

(2) cans Black Beans   $1 ea. =   $2

Verified Savings = $3.69      TOTAL OOP on 3rd TRIP =  $2.98

In Summary: 

Total Grocery Bill      =  $139.21
Minus sales/coupons  -  $105.56

TOTAL OOP  =               $33.56

May Coupon Class

Many have asked for me to do a coupon class.  These classes last about 3 hrs, so I'm hoping to just do one class.  Please click the link and fill out the survey so I can figure out which day & time most people can make it.  This will also help me determine where to have it at too.

CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY

It will be held in Ventura & free to attend

A Day of Shopping

It's 2009!! Time to eat better and make better choices!! I cleaned out the fridge yesterday and made room for new stuff!! I haven't been on a large shopping trip in a long time... over a month. Can I whine now that I miss double coupons & my 10% savings at Vons?! No pictures, because I went to so many stores today, I put it all away as soon as I could!! BC = Before Coupons & Store Savings AC = After Coupons & Store Savings * Vons - BC: $89.94 AC: $27.57 * Ralphs - BC: $66.04 AC: $10.93 OOP (& $13.93 on a gift card that I didn't buy!) * Ralphs - BC: $12.00 AC: $1.00 * Smart & Final - Total: $9.34 (I got some more 5 oz. plastic cups to make SF Jello in) & apples * CVS - BC: $264.92 AC: $4.77 (paid with gift card & used $47.40 of ECB's ($42 was a new printer ink cartridge) * Albertsons - BC: $53.06 AC: $28.94 So I got $495.03 worth of stuff and spent $77.78 OOP!! I'm pleased considering most of this will last 2-4 wks. I'll have to add milk, bread, eggs & fresh fruit. Some of the stuff I purchased included: * 5 Boxes of cereal (Crispix & Rice Krispies) * 2 Gallons of milk * 1 Dozen eggs * 4 Fruit cups * 2 Progresso Soup * 3 Chef Boyardee (for Ashley) =P * 2 bags of pasta * 4 Toothpaste (Crest & Colgate) * 2 Sensodyne Toothpaste (for mom) * Lots of fresh Cherries (2.5 lbs) * Huge bag of string cheese * Nature Valley granola bars * Tostitos chips * 2 Special K Eggo Waffles * 2 Ben & Jerry's (I got them free, going out with a bang!) * 16oz. Shredded cheese * Hot dog buns * 2 Yogurts (Yo-Plus) * 2 Ralphs Cream Cheese * Tropicana OJ * Toilet Paper * 3 lbs Cauliflower * 2 lbs Broccoli * 1 lb. Baby carrots * Lettuce * 2 Russet potatoes * Jennie-O turkey sausage links * Foster Farms fresh chicken breast tenders * Granola mix (on clearance - yummy on yogurt!) * 8 Gala apples * Mylanta (for Hays) * Viactiv Vitamins * HP Ink Cartridge * Garnier Conditioner * 4 LA Times newspapers * 2 Bags of water softener salt * 2 Hot Pockets (for Ashley) * Cinnamon Raisin bread * Paper plates * 3 bags of frozen fruit * 2 Lean Cuisines ...off to make Jello & steam veggies to make puree's for recipes (See Jessica Seinfeld's "Deceptively Delicious" cookbook!!

Here I am!!

Yep, I'm around... Christmas is over... the rush at work is slowing down...
I'm sitting here at my desk, trying to reduce the pile of papers...
Entering Coke promo codes into MyCokeRewards.com...
Paying bills...
Weeding 12/31/08 coupons from my coupon case...

Wow, I'm so behind on coupon cutting. I need to get new brakes installed on my car, so I plan on bringing my coupon suitcase, coupon inserts & scissors with me to the car dealership. I'll do my couponing while I wait for my car to get new brakes =) I wouldn't do this if I had to bring my son, but since he's gonna hang with daddy, I'm free to hang with my coupons!! My goal is to be caught up by January 5th!! I need to: finish weeding my coupon suitcase of expireds, clip past inserts & then file them. I'm about 4-5 weeks behind. Thank goodness there was no coupons last week!! Saves me from more clipping... and there's only 1 insert (P&G) this weekend, so yay, I'll get caught up!!

I'm starting back on my Weight Loss diet next week too, so my buying habits are definitely going to change. I see more visits to Trader Joe's in my future. We'll see.

Yay - 26 Coke Points later... I almost have enough points for another free 12-pk coupon! =) Those sure come in handy for the Vons B2G3 (12pks) sales!! I love those!!

Merry Christmas

I'm still here!! Just super super busy with Christmas & work (I work for a CPA and we're working on year-end projections, not to mention he bought another practice, so we're in the middle of merging during this busy time of year... anyone have a noose?!) I'll be back with more deals soon!!

I did manage to get in on the 12/21 CVS deals and was able to roll $160+ on ECB's!! Yippee!! I can relax a bit now. I was able to add to them too. I have approx. $40 more in ECB's than I had 4 weeks ago =) Love that!! I'm not sure how since I got that camera at the Black Friday sales, and I've been getting milk, and I even treated myself and got a foot soak tub too!! Love it when I get stuff for free and still come out ahead!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

-Jennifer

LiveLaughLove Plaque for $4.99!!

I went to Moms Night Out with a group of friends on Friday night. We had a gift exchange "with stealing". One of the moms brought a shelf-plaque that looked like the one above. I liked it so I "stole" it from a mom who got it. Well, a couple minutes later, someone else stole it from me!! LOL. Needless to say, I did NOT end up with it (but I did end up with a $10 Starbucks gift card & Starbucks chocolate!!). But I found out who brought it and asked her where she got it... JCPenney!! SCORE!! I knew I had a $10 off $10+ store coupon that came in the mail last week. So on Saturday morning, I high-tailed it over to the mall. It was regularly $29.99, on sale 50% off for $14.99!! Whoo Hoo.. then I used my $10 off coupon = $4.99 - YIPPEE!! Merry Christmas to me!! It's currently sitting on my TV =)