Coupons Up For Grabs

I have some misc. coupons... if you want any of these, LMK which:

*Vons Catalina coupon for $5 off any size powder of Enfamil Next Step Lipil formula (1/7/09)
*Back to Nature $1 off Nuts or Trail Mix (exp. 12/31/08) I have a few
*$1 off any 750ml bottle of Cook's Champagne (exp. 1/31/09)
*5 off an animal priced $10+ at Build-A-Bear Workshop (exp. 12/31/08)
*Fruits & Passion $10 gift card (there's a store in the Thousand Oaks (CA) mall - exp. 12/24/08)
*Gymboree - 20% off coupon (exp. 12/24/08)
*Express - $15 off $30 or $30 off $75 Coupon (exp. 12/24/08)

$5 Starbucks Giveaway Winner...

The winner is...

Briana A. of Maryland

Congratulations!! I'll be gathering up your Goodie envelope tomorrow!!

=================

I used www.randonmizer.org to choose the number

Research Randomizer Results

1 Set of 1 Unique Numbers Per Set
Range: From 1 to 41 -- Unsorted

Set #1: 29

Need BEST BUY Gift Cards??

At VONS, between 11/30 and 12/6 (ONE WEEK ONLY!!)

Save $10 off your next shopping trip (at Vons) when you buy $50 or more in Best Buy gift cards in ONE transaction!!

Limit 1 coupon per transaction. Coupon printed at checkout.

Free Glad Trash Bag Sample

Click here to receive a free sample of Glad Force Flex trash bags via Wal-Mart.

Give Free Restaurant.com Certificates

Restaurant.com is giving you the opportunity to give free $10 gift certificates to everyone on your gift list.

Go here and click on the “Give Now For Free” button. You may give up to 3 gift certificates a day until Christmas day.

Early Thursday Morning CVS Trips

Wednesday was a Crazy Night!!
I was too anxious at 9pm waiting to hear back from people on HCW and SD how the East Coast CVSers were doing with the 3-Day Thanksgiving sales that started at the 24 hour CVS stores at 12:01am on Thursday. I refreshed & refreshed over and over the topics to read the new messages!! It was a go!! By 10pm, I was soooo anxious, waiting & waiting to leave so I could shop and check out right after 12:01am. FINALLY, Ashley & I headed out - yippee!!

I got over 100 items, so I'm going to combine all my transactions totals...

I got $626.19 (retail price) worth of merchandise and used $43.31 of my ECB's & $4.73 OOP (on gift card)... no cash left my hands!! I got everything I went for!!

I got all the "Free After ECB" offers (Hershey's, Aussie Shampoo, Bic Soleil, Schick Trimmer, L'Oreal Lip Gloss, Phillips Earbuds, Playtex Tampons, Johnson & Johnson Lotion, Cover Girl Makeup, Sally Hansen Nail Polish, Colgate Toothpaste, Garnier Towelettes, Gatorade, etc...), I got some other deals too (Right Guard & Soft & Dri deodorant for .44 each), more Duracell batteries, picked up some pictures, some misc. stocking stuffers.... and I was able to get the Waffle Maker too - Whoo Hoo!! Between 2 stores, they only had 2!! We searched high & low and I finally found them!! I also got a 2GB SanDisk for $9.99 (Reg. $39.99), the rice cooker was $9.99 after ECB and a new camera (Reg. $99.99) for my daughter!! I was super excited to be able to get everything I wanted. It was a great rush and we finally got back home at 2:10am!! Here's a picture of some of the other items I got and a picture of the receipt!! It was like 10 feet long!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

What's Free at CVS: Three-Day Deals

CVS is having a HUGE three-day Thanksgiving sale Thursday through Saturday with plenty of great freebies, plus lots of opportunities for overage. See the best deals below and call your CVS to find out what time they open on Thanksgiving Day. These are going to go fast! 5-Hour Energy Extra Strength (2 pk): $3.99 Receive $3.99 ECBs (limit 1) Final Price = FREE Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler: $2.99 Receive $2.99 ECBs (limit 2) Final Price = FREE Bic Soleil Single Razor: $5.99 Use $3/1 coupon from 11/2 SS insert Receive $5.99 ECBs (limit 2) Final Price = FREE plus $3 overage Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste: $2.99 Use $1/1 coupon from 11/16 SS insert Receive $2.99 ECBs (limit 2) Final Price = FREE plus $1 overage Cover Girl Smoothers Pressed Powder: $5.99 Use $1/1 coupon from 11/2 PG insert Receive $5.99 ECBs (limit 1) Final Price = FREE plus $1 overage Garnier Nutritioniste Cleansing Toilettes (25 ct): $5.99 Receive $5.99 ECBs (limit 1) Final Price = FREE Gatorade G2 (20 oz): $1.49 Receive $1.49 ECBs (limit 3) Final Price = FREE Hershey's Candy: $.99 Receive $.99 ECBs (limit 1) Final Price = FREE Johnson's Soft Lotion: $5.69 Use $1/1 printable coupon Receive $5.69 ECBs (limit 1) Final Price = FREE plus $1 overage L'Oreal Colour Juice Sheer Lip Gloss: $6.99 Use $1/1 coupon from 11/2 RP insert Receive $6.99 ECBs (limit 2) Final Price = FREE plus $1 overage Magnavox Universal Remote or Philips Headphones: $6.99 Receive $6.99 ECBs (limit 2) Final Price = FREE Maybelline Mineral Power Liquid Foundation: $8.99 Use $3/1 coupon from 10/26 RP insert (limit 2 for the week) Receive $8.99 ECBs Final Price = FREE plus $3 overage Playtex Gentle Glide or Sport Tampons (16-18 ct): $3.99 Use $1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide coupon from 10/5 SS insert or $1/1 Playtex Sport printable coupon Receive $3 ECBs (limit 2) Final Price = FREE Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Nail Color: $3.79 Receive $3.79 ECBs (limit 1) Final Price = FREE Schick Quattro Razor or Trimmer: $7.99 Use $4/1 coupon from December All You Receive $6 ECBs (limit 2) Final Price = FREE plus $2.01 overage

Watch New Handy Manny Episode Online Now!

Do your kids love Handy Manny on Disney??
Check out this new Handy Manny episode online for free!!

Coupon Workbook

Not sure if you noticed the new link in the left hand column on my blog, but I added a link to buy my Coupon Workbook that I have compiled. It's 35 pages of tips & stories to maximize your grocery savings!!

Check it Out Here

Barnes & Noble - Save 40% off One Book with Mastercard

Save 40% off one book at Barnes and Noble when you use this coupon (click to print your own), and pay with a Mastercard.

Awesome Deal!!

You can also use it online, by entering the coupon code H4D4U8B

Is Couponing a Good Choice for You?

Although it can be embarrassing to hold up the line behind you while the cashier scans a handful of coupons, it can also be motivating to many folks when they see the savings from all those coupons. I always let people in line behind me know that I have a number of coupons and if they are in a hurry, they may want to try another line. Most stay put, ask questions and want to know how I coupon. I've even had marriage proposals from men in line that see how much I save. What it comes down to is that I know I am being the best steward of our income. It shouldn't be embarrassing to know that I am helping my family live within my means. To me, it would be much more troublesome if I could not pay my bills because I was too uncomfortable to cut coupons.

Coupon organization is always a frustration for new and struggling couponers. If your coupons are not organized, you cannot take advantage of the great buys. Most couponers have used the standard small accordion filing system with the 10 or so tabbed sections. As I learned quickly, this type of coupon file was too small for me. I soon found myself ordering a large coupon case, made especially for coupons. Over my 18+ years of couponing, I have tweaked the organizing of my coupons more than you know!!

One of the most popular reasons that people choose not to coupon is because they believe there are no coupons for the products they use. That may be true if they use only specialty products from manufacturer's that never offer coupons. Some folks have allergies and other special dietary requirements that don't allow them to use many name brand items found in the typical grocery store. I believe that most families use at least some products that offer coupons. Remember, coupons are not only issued for food, they are issued for the full array of grocery and drug store products. Do you use shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, soap, razors, hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, pasta, rice, canned vegetables, frozen vegetables, hummus, veggie soy burgers, shredded cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, taco shells, peanut butter, jelly, pickles, ketchup, salad dressing, olive oil, or cooking spray? Those are just a fraction of the products whose name brand manufacturers offer coupons. I regularly save 60% or more on those items using coupons coupled with sales.

Another misconception is that all coupons are only for junky, processed food. Certainly there are many coupons for unhealthy, high fat or high sugar foods. The good news is that there are also a number of coupons for healthier foods and non-food items that most of us use. When some great coupons come out for the products I really like, I find multiples of coupons for those products and stock up. For finding multiples, I use trading boards such as www.hotcouponworld.com and www.ebay.com. I also share with friends and neighbors and they share with me.

A good example of finding coupons (and good deals) for healthier foods was the sale at my local Vons a few weeks ago. They had a deal where you buy one box of Green Giant vegetables and you get 2 (yes, two!) boxes FREE. Each box is regularly priced at $1.99 so with the sale, each box is only 66 cents. Then, Green Giant is offering a deal that if I buy 5 boxes in one transaction, the register prints out a coupon (called a Catalina coupon) for $3 off my next transaction. Plus, my Vons doubles coupons up to a max of $1.00. Here is how I worked the deal to buy healthy, delicious frozen Green Giant veggies for next to nothing:

3 boxes (B1G2F) = $1.99

+ 3 boxes (B1G2F) = $1.99

= $3.98 before coupons

I used 2 different manufacturer's coupons from the Sunday paper and online coupon portals (such as coupons.com and bettycrocker.com) for 50 cents off two boxes (policy is one coupon per buy-one-get-two-free deal) = $2.00 off total

Now we're down to $1.98 for 6 boxes of Green Giant veggies, AND I also earned a $3 Catalina coupon off my next transaction... Smells like overage to me: $1.02 profit!!
“Roll” your Catalina coupon and do it again & again until the deal expires or you've hit your limit!! Obviously, I took advantage of the promotion several times before I left the store and the $3 coupon printed out for each transaction. I just used it for the next order each time and paid 2 cents for every transaction of 9 boxes.

Although that deal is a little more complicated than many, it is a great example of a great buy. Usually I can find complete topics about these type of deals at www.slickdeals.net

I can often buy name brand whole wheat pasta, soy milk, veggie burgers, hummus, and other healthy foods at 75% off or better using sales and coupons. I rarely ever pay for shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant anymore. With coupons and sales, we usually are able to “buy” those items for nothing at all. It's simply a matter of choosing not to use the coupons for the unhealthy food and making sure you have multiples of coupons for the healthier choices and non-food items so you can stock up.

The last perceived disadvantage is that some people think that there are no real savings by using coupons. The truth is that there are excellent savings on some items, but that you won't be able to use a coupon for every item on your grocery list. The key is to stock up on the best deals for the items you use then use the savings to pay for meats, fresh produce and other items that don't offer high savings. All those 50 cent coupons add up to big savings.

So, the question remains - is couponing a good choice for you? It is if you can say yes to the following:

• You use (or want to use) name brand food and non-food products from traditional grocery stores and pay less for them than the store brand costs.

• You are willing to look at sales ads for good buys.

• You are willing to clip and organize your coupons.

• You are willing to make a meal plan to maximize sales and your overstock.

• You want to stretch your income much farther, spend less and have more groceries to show for your efforts.

Disclaimer: I have been a serious couponer for 18 years and our family saves over $7000 per year by clipping those little pieces of paper. My budget is now $40 per week for grocery items: food, paper products, cleaning supplies. Although my cost is only $40, I actually bring home over $150 worth of product most weeks by combining sales with coupons. I have a stocked pantry, fridge and freezer and most of it is because of coupons. I also have a life outside of couponing, so I have found a healthy balance between stretching our hard earned income and everything else. I look at couponing as another household responsibility. Just as I need to do laundry, wash dishes, clean house and cook meals, I also need to coupon.

My recommendation is that you try couponing for at least 8 weeks. If you are not saving enough money to justify the expense, couponing may not be for you. Jump right in by cutting the coupons from your Sunday paper (ask for your neighbor's coupons as well) and see if you can save a few extra dollars this week on your groceries.

Remember - it's your money, spend it wisely!

Free Hairband from Crest

Get a free hairband from Crest Weekly Clean and Vocalpoint. You do need to be a Vocalpoint member (or sign-up to be one) in order to request your free hairband, but hey - most of my readers should already be members, right? Vocalpoint is P&G's "word-of-mouth" sampling program where they send you free stuff and coupons with the hope you'll help them spread the word about new products.

Want The Secret to Great Hair?

That's right... the secret is out! The secret to great hair is Pantene! "Re-formulated" Pantene. I got the new volumizing kind. Did you get your free sample yet? You still can! Get one HERE

Family Christian Stores - 25% Off Coupon

Print out this coupon for After Thanksgiving savings at Family Christian Stores. You'll get 25% off your ENTIRE order. 11/28/08 to 11/30/08 only.

Heart Pendant Giveaway!!

My friend Kim sells her gorgeous jewelry on Etsy. She's having a giveaway, so go to THIS PAGE and sign up for her email list and you'll be entered into the giveaway for the heart pendant.

Free Item Coupon at Bath & Body Works

I've been patiently waiting for another Bath & Body Works coupon and it's finally arrived! Get a free item (up to a $13 value) with any purchase of $10 or more with this coupon. Valid through December 24! Take advantage of some of the other free with purchase deals and check off something on your holiday shopping list! My current favorite is the Cinnamon & Clove Bud Scent port. It smells SOO good!!

FREE Lipstock Chapstock Sample

Lipstock Chapstock is a Lip Conditioner Balanced with the light and penetrating benefits of Watermelon Seed Oil, a soft blend of emollient-rich Organic Avocado Oil and Organic Shea Butter, with the potent antioxidants of Green Tea and Vitamin E. Resulting in on-the-spot pampering, and lasting, balanced care for your lips. Click HERE to get your FREE sample of Lipstock.

Michael's Black Friday Store Coupons

Print out your Michael's In-Store coupons HERE. These are awesome coupons for Thursday, Friday and Saturday!!

Toys R Us Black Friday Ad

The day we've all been waiting for... the last Black Friday store ad to be released... it's here:

TOYS "R" US

Yippee!! Finally!!

Happy Shopping...
I hope you find the bargains you've been looking for!!

KB Toys - Black Friday Ad

Check it out here:
KB Toys Black Friday Ad

Review Books and Earn Starbucks Gift Cards!!

The Reader Spoils Review Team is offering to give away free digital books and Starbucks gift cards in exchange for reviews of recently-released books. For more details, go here.

Best Buy - Trade in Old Electronics for Gift Cards

It seems that many stores are coming out with these types of trade-in programs and now Best Buy has followed suit. Go here to read how you can earn Best Buy gift cards for trading in your older electronics. To learn about more online trade-in programs, click on the following links: Radio Shack's Electronic Trade-In Program for store gift cards: CLICK HERE Toshiba's Electronics Trade-In Program for cash: CLICK HERE And make sure to click on the FREE electronic recycling and trade-in program button. Staples Eco Easy Tech Trade-In Program: CLICK HERE Staples Ink and Toner Cartridges Rewards Program for store credit: CLICK HERE

Local Readers - Gift Certificates for 1/2 Price!!

Check out the Half-Price Hook-Up to buy gift certificates to local businesses for 50% off!! City - Restaurants Oxnard Capristrano's in Embassy Suites Beach Resort room/food Ventura Seaward Fish & Chips - Mai's Cafe - Classic Icons Camarillo Verona Trattoria Ojai Antonio's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina Newbury Park Sumo Sushi - The Ranch Catering Carpineria Salon Monaco Other Offerings Camarillo Camarillo Yoga Ventura Massage & Body Works, Hair Razors Salon Be sure to check the CLEARANCE area for more discounts!

Camarillo Outlets - Black Friday

Stores at the Camarillo Outlets open midnight on Friday, Nov. 28. To browse sales by individual stores click here or download this printer-friendly version. The entire Banana Republic Factory Store is 40% off, Lancome fragrances and cosmetics are 25% off, at DKNY get an additional 20% off your entire purchase, and at J.Crew get an extra 50% off clearance items until 10 am Friday, November 28.

CVS Trip #2 - Saved $71.34

I got:

(2) 1pk of Duracell 9V battery @ $2.99 ea. = $5.98
(3) Complete Contact Lens Solution @ $8.99 = $26.97 (Free after ECB - Limit 5)
(2) Dial 4-pk bar soap @ $1.99 = $3.98 ($1 after ECB - Limit 5)
(2) Maybelline Mineral Power Foundation @ $8.99 = $17.98 (Free after ECB - Limit 2)
(1) Blade 1oz. Body Spray = $1.99
(1) Gallon of Milk = $3.49
===========
Before Coupons: $60.39 (Reg. Price: $71.59)

Coupons Used:
- $3 off Maybelline Mineral Power MQ
- $3 off Maybelline Mineral Power MQ
- $5 off 2 Duracell CVS Store Q (Limit 1 per transaction)
- .75 off Duracell MQ
- .75 off Duracell MQ
- .30 off Dial soap MQ
- .30 off Dial soap MQ
- $1 off Complete Solution MQ
- $1 off Complete Solution MQ
- $1 off Complete Solution MQ
- $2 off Blade CVS Q
===========
After Coupons: $42.29
Used $42.04 ECB to pay

= 25¢ Subtotal plus 57¢ Tax (I used a gift card to pay that 82¢!!)

...and I earned $46.95 in ECB's, so I'm up $4.66!! I love it when I get free milk!!
I saved $71.34, got all of the above free and increased my ECB's!!

Christina Aguilera Inspire Free Sample

Who can resist free? I have never tried this, but love free things to try! Get your sample here!

Cleaned My Pantry & Pulled Food To Donate

Well, it was that time of year again... time to go through the pantry and pull out food to donate for this years Cheers For Children and Food Share drive.

My pantry had been screaming recently for a little straightening up, so I was so glad to finally do it!!
You can see the photo to the left is the pile I pulled out to donate. It ended up filling up 10 bags!!

I'm so happy to be able to donate so much during the year to Food Share and the local Teen Housing. Couponing has not only blessed my own family, but others as well, and I love that about my awesome hobby!! Unfortunately, I'm sad because when I look at this pile, I see mostly stuff I was able to purchase BEFORE our local Ralphs & Vons stores changed the doubling policies in June & August. Which means I'm not going to be able to get much extra stuff to donate. I'll always donate, but it's not going to be nearly at the same level as in prior years.






The pictures to the left show my straightened up pantry!! Yippee!! Since the coupon policy HAS changed for us, I kept more than I normally would have since I'll be getting less for us too!! But at least know what we have again!!

Free Sippy Cup

Thank You mygoodcents Register at Juicy Juice and receive a free sippy cup. If you signed up for this several months ago I don't think you will be able to receive another cup. If you want to though, give it a try by updating your profile.

Dr. Pepper Extends Free Coupon Offer

Everyone in America * has until 6 PM EST on Monday, November 24 to get a free 20 oz. Dr Pepper

Click here to get a Free Dr Pepper for a limited time.

We are sorry for any delays you have experienced in securing a coupon for a free Dr Pepper. While we had taken additional steps to meet the expected demand for our offer, the response has been greater than anticipated. To resolve this, we are increasing our server capacity and making a toll-free number available (1-888-DRPEPPER or 1-888-377-3773). In addition, as a result of the technical delays, we are extending the offer and will provide more information shortly.

Thanks for your patience and support.

Walmart Black Friday Ad Posted

From BF Ads:

We just posted the 250-item Walmart Black Friday Advertisement Listing ( http://bfads.net/Walmart ) and the 28-page Walmart Black Friday Advertisement Scans ( http://bfads.net/Adscans ). Both were provided to us directly from Walmart, who is allowing us to release these ads exclusively to our visitors 3-days before the general public will see them.

This is easily the best advertisement we've seen so far this Black Friday. We'll have to see if any other retailers have tricks up their sleeves this weekend or early next week, otherwise it looks like the top advertisement will be Walmart.

5 Ways to Save Money When Eating Out

Sharing this great article from Mommy Making Money Image courtesy of Adelle L I don't know about you, but every month we start with good intentions to not eat out and save money by sticking to the meal plan. And then, inevitably, we break down mid-month and go out to eat on a weekend, sometimes more than once. Other families I know approach it differently--they plan to eat out--fully admitting that it's part of the monthly budget and budgeting for it. Either way, there are several strategies you can use to save some money: 1) Utilize Kids Eat Free programs. You probably frequent the "family friendly" restaurants anyway, so find out what their offers are. One of my favorites is Lone Star Steakhouse, where kids eat free all day on Tuesday, plus you can get 2 kids' meals free for each adult entree (important when the kids outnumber the adults, as in our family). For a list of Kids Eat Free programs, see this list at Money Saving Mom (note--the list is from June, so verify by calling your local restaurant). 2) Sign up for restaurant emails and offers. By joining the email lists of your favorite restaurants, you can get coupons through email or regular mail. For example, when you sign up at Johnny Rockets, you get a coupon via email for a free hamburger with purchase. Go to the websites of your favorite restaurants to join their E-clubs. You can also join Birthday Clubs for free meals on your (and each family member's) birthday. CPK does this for kids age 10 and under; you can sign up on their website at CPK.com. Often, these coupons are good for a full month, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the savings. You'll find a comprehensive list of birthday freebies at Freebies 4 Mom. 3) Order takeout. Yes, you'll have to clean up after yourselves, but you'll save money by serving your own drinks and keeping the tip. At home, I can also serve extra veggies for the kids to add more nutrition. We can eat Chinese food takeout for $20-23 (and have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day) versus the $30-$40 we'd spend going out to eat at a restaurant. 4) Take advantage of gift card deals. With the holidays coming, many restaurants are offering an extra $5 when you purchase a $25 gift card, like Friendly's, Moe's Southwest Grill and TGIFriday's. There are also higher amount ($100) deals running at Outback Steakhouse and California Pizza Kitchen. Of course, these promos are only useful to you if you eat at these restaurants and don't end up misplacing your gift cards. 5) Don't take the kids! This is my latest creative solution; we feed the kids at home, then head out for a late dinner without them. Not only do we save money buying three less meals, but we can enjoy our (hot) meal slowly and without interruptions. We've even combined tips 3 and 5 by bringing home Outback Steakhouse takeout after the kids go to bed.

Have You Entered Our Giveaway??

My First Blog Giveaway!! Ends: Saturday 11/29 @ 6pm (PST) PRIZE: $5 Starbucks Gift Card & Other Goodies to Stuff the Envelope!! I love contests, so it'll be a fun prize to receive!! How to Enter: 1) Sign up to receive my daily newsletter with the "Savings Chatter" recap. (Enter your name in the box on the right and make sure to confirm it when it gets in your e-mail box!!) If you signed up already, great!! 2) Then leave a comment here letting me know that you'd subscribed!! I will verify that the winner (selected at random by random.org) has subscribed. I'll announce the winner after verification!! Good Luck Everyone!!

JCPenney $10 off $25 In-Store Coupon

Here is a great JCPenney coupon $10 of $20 good till 11/26/08 click Here

CVS - $123.16 for Free!!

I've been working on my CVS Black Friday scenarios, so last night I was getting ready for today's CVS deals!! I did great!!

I got:

(3) Whitman's 12 oz. chocolates @ $3.99 sale price = $11.97 (Reg. $9.99 each!!)
(1) 4pk of Duracell AA batteries = $2.99
(1) 4pk of Duracell AAA batteries = $2.99
(4) Complete Contact Lens Solution @ $8.99 = $35.96 (Free after ECB - Limit 5)
(1) Dial 4-pk bar soap = $1.99 ($1 after ECB - Limit 5)
(2) Maybelline Mineral Power Foundation @ $8.99 = $17.98 (Free after ECB - Limit 2)
(2) Right Guard Prof. Strength Deo @ $7.99 = $15.98 (99¢ after ECB - Limit 5)
===========
Before Coupons: $89.86

Coupons Used:
- $3 off Maybelline Mineral Power MQ
- $3 off Maybelline Mineral Power MQ
- $5 off 2 Duracell CVS Store Q (Limit 1 per transaction)
- .75 off Duracell MQ
- .75 off Duracell MQ
- .30 off Dial soap MQ
- $2 off Complete Solution IPQ
- $2 off Complete Solution IPQ
- $2 off Complete Solution IPQ
- $2 off Complete Solution IPQ
- $2 off Whitman's Chocolates MQ
- $2 off Whitman's Chocolates MQ
- $2 off Whitman's Chocolates MQ
===========
After Coupons: $63.06
Used $62.96 ECB to pay

= 10¢ Subtotal plus 72¢ Tax (I used a gift card to pay that 82¢!!)

...and I earned $68.94 in ECB's, so I got all of this stuff PLUS I'm up $5.88!!
Between the CVS sale price & ECB's I earned, I got $123.16 of stuff for -$5.88!!
I love CVS!! I have 3 boxes of chocolates for Christmas gifts!! The Right Guard ECB's didn't print correctly at first, but I knew before I went in that they weren't printing correctly (from other people at HCW), so I told the cashier and after the transaction she was able to use the new manual ECB override program they now have!! Whoo Hoo!! Took an extra 2 minutes, but that's no problem for me!! Saves me time on the phone with customer service. AND the Right Guard aerosol's have $2 coupons on the inside of the box, so I'll cut those out and go get 2 more later!!

Dr. Pepper to Deliver on its Free Soda Promise - 11/23

Be Patient, There is a System Overload!! From the AP: 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. Dr Pepper is owned by Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. http://www.drpepper.com

Freebies

Free Gorilla Glue here Free Arby's beef and cheddar coupon (email to you) here Free Colgate kids toothbrush here Free sample of Bertolli pasta sauce here Free Kotex light days sample here Free sample of Gain here

Television Buying Guide for Black Friday

Dan from www.bfads.net wrote this Television Buying Guide for Black Friday. There are many factors to consider before purchasing a HDTV and this guide should answer a majority of your questions. The guide also features a detailed list of our favorite HDTVs (broken-down by size) on sale this Black Friday. You can read the article here: http://bfads.net/Television-Buying-Guide-for-Black-Friday-2008

Michael's 40% off Printable Coupon

Now Expired Get 40% off at regular-priced items at Michael's, a home decorating and craft supply store. Print the coupon here. It expires Saturday, November 22, 2008. One coupon per customer per day. This discount may be good for those hunting for holiday decorations or gifts. Caveats: Not good on sale items or when combined with other discounts. Not valid on shopping cards, gift cards, classes, in-store activities or The Knack Kits. Excludes Christmas trees greater than 4 feet tall, special orders, digital picture frames, books, magazine and all Cricut products.

Powerade Row & Coupon Turkey

I wanted to share a couple of pictures I took recently. My son brought home a "plain" turkey and it was a Family Project to have each member of the family decorate the turkey. Do you like his feathers?? =) I thought coupons gave this turkey a colorful tail!!







Then I took a picture of "Powerade Row", as I call it. Ralphs had that awesome Mega Event sale over the past 2 weeks and I took advantage of it!! These line our kitchen walkway.

I Love CVS!!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love CVS?

The limit on the Glade Deal this week is 5, and I had only done 1 on Sunday. I also wanted to get more Duracell batteries for the awesome Duracell Deal, and the Ventura store is low on 8pks and Glade products, so I decided to head to the Oxnard CVS on my lunch break. Yay!! They still had a few Duracell 8pks left and they had Glade oil warmers too! Yippee!! When I got to the store, I scanned my CVS card and I got a "Save $10 off $50" CRT!! I had to pick my jaw up off the ground, I was soooo surprised!! I wasn't planning to get $50 worth, but since I had that fab $10/$50 CRT I had to use it, because it had a short expiration!! Thank goodness I was prepared and had my extra Glade Q's with me in my trusty 'ol CVS envelope... because I was only planning to do 1 more Glade Deal, but I decided to get the other $10 off and finish out the limit of the Glade Deal.

I got:

(1) 8pk of Duracell AA batteries = $5.99
(1) 4pk of Duracell C batteries = $5.99
(3) Glade Oil Warmers @ $6.99 = $20.97
(1) Glade Oil Warmer Fan = $7.99
(4) Glade Oil Refills @ $3.99 = $15.96
(1) Blade Shave Gel = $2.24
(1) Hershey Bar = .50
===========
Before Coupons: $59.64

Coupons Used:
- $10 off CRT (Save $10 off $50 CRT)
- $2 off Blade CVS Q
- $5 off 2 Duracell CVS Store Q (Limit 1 per transaction)
- .75 off Duracell MQ
- .75 off Duracell MQ
- $7.99 (Buy 1 Oil Refill, Get a Warmer Free MQ)
- $6.99 (Buy 1 Oil Refill, Get a Warmer Free MQ)
- $6.99 (Buy 1 Oil Refill, Get a Warmer Free MQ)
- $6.99 (Buy 1 Oil Refill, Get a Warmer Free MQ)
===========
After Coupons: $12.18
Used $11.98 ECB to pay

= 20¢ Subtotal plus $2.48 Tax (I used a gift card to pay that $2.68!!)

I earned: $20 ECB for buying $40 in Glade products (4 Deals) & $1 ECB for the Blade Shave Gel, plus I added another $11.98 to my Duracell Deal. I'm only $4+ away from getting another $15 ECB for Duracell!!

Yippee, I'm up $9 on my ECB's AND I got to add towards my Duracell total too!! More ECB's to use on the Black Friday deals!!

Free Holiday Music

Thanks mygoodcents Amazon is offering for download a free holiday music sampler which includes five free Christmas songs.

Gain Coupon & Sweeps!!

Play the daily instant win sweepstakes at Gain Share The Love and you could win one of 530 coupons for free Gain detergent or one of 530 coupons for free Gain fabric enhancer. This instant win sweeps is a memory game to play that you have the option of skipping if you want. Thanks goes to Lori and Barb for sharing this great sweeps with me! The sweeps ends on January 3, 2009. If you win it I'd love to hear from you, please leave a comment on this post.

Be sure you requested your $1 Gain coupon by mail from Walmart! It's a manufacturer's coupon that can be used at any store on any size Gain laundry detergent.

Restaurant.com - 80% off (expires 11/20)

Here is the latest discount from Restaurant.com: *80% off the already-reduced gift certificates with the promo code SURPRISE This would make a $25 certificate just $2 and a $10 certificate just $0.60. The 80% off also applies to their Dinner-of-the-Month clubs. NOTE: Some certificates do have restrictions, such as minimum orders, not good during certain times, etc. so be sure to check before purchasing, but they are all great deals! I have used these several times and they are a great value, especially if you have a large family. When checking out, Make sure you click APPLY to apply your savings! 1. Go to Restaurant.com to search for restaurants by your zipcode or state. 2. Click "Add to Cart" to buy certificates. 3. Enter discount code SURPRISE at check out and click 'APPLY'. 4. Pay with a Credit Card or PayPal and Print your gift certificates from your computer. Offer expires 11/20/08

Rebates

Here are some rebates that are going on right now... (Expiration dates in parentheses) Oil of Olay- $20 rebate (exp 12-20) Beech-Nut Baby Foods- Get $4.00 in coupons and $2.00 in coupons. (12-31-09) Post-It's/McDonalds- (exp 12-31) These rebates were in the 11-2 inserts... Clearasil- $2.00 (1-07-09) Excedrin Express Gels- $6.99 (12-31-08) Theraflu- Severe Cold & Cough $6.99 (1-31-09) Smart Balance- (exp 1-31-09) Barbie- (exp 12-31-08) Disney/ MinuteMaid- (exp 2-16-09) Enfamil- $10 rebate when you buy 3 or more. expires 12-31 (11-1 SS) Progresso Soup- buy 1 soup, up to $3.00, 1 per household, expires 3-31-09 Jig-a-Loo-(Lubricant) up to $4.99, 1 per household, expire 12-05-08 Jig-a-Patch (Drywall Filler) Up to $7.99, 1 per household, expires 12-15-08 Oragel- Sunday Insert, various products, up to $8.00, 1 per household, expires 3-31-09 Clearasil- Sunday Insert $2.00, 1 per household, expires 12-31-08 Clorox 2 with Stain-guard- money back guarantee, up to $7, expires June 30, 2009 Quilted Northern- money back guarantee, 1 per household, expires December 31 Sure Naturals- up to $2.99, limit 1, expires 12-31 *Just for Men- up to $8.00, limit 1, expired December 31 2009! *Sure Max- Up to $6.99, Limit 1, Expires 3-2009 Excedrin Express Gels (12-31 ) TheraFlu- (1-31-09) Triaminic Money Back Offer (6-1-09) Citrucel- (12-31) Hannah Montana or Camp Rock PLUS Lip Smacker- (12-31) Lipton NASCAR pitcher (3-1-09) Johnsonville (11-30) Promise spread (12-6) Fresh Sacks Ensure (12-31) Oscar Meyer (12-31) Peter Pan (5-31-09) Kellogg's Smart Start (7-31-09) Hormel (12-31) Breath Right (12-31) Energizer Pink Cosmetic Bag (12-31) Dunkin Hines (1-30-09) Venus Embrace (1-31-09) Johnsonville (t-shirt) (1-07-09) Orajel Tooth Desensitiser (12-31) Sure Deoderant (12-31) LUVs Diapers (12-31-09) Thanks to Coupon Buddy for this great list!

Sneak Peek of Coupons from the December ALL YOU Mag.

All You Magazine 12/26/08 Betty Crocker Specialty Potatoes $1/2 (2/1/09) pg 147 Brut $1 (1/15/09) pg 97 C&H Sugar 2 lbs+ .75 (1/31/09) pg 115 Chex Cereals $1/2 (2/20/09) pg 155 Colgate Children's Power Toothbrushes .75 (3/31/09) pg 173 Colgate Children's Toothpaste .75 (3/31/09) pg 173 Dole Mandarin Oranges or Tropical Mixed Fruit .55/2 (1/31/09) pg 84 Dove Cream Oil Body Lotion $1.50 (2/8/09) pg 37 Dove SkinVitalizer $3.50 (2/13/09) pg 5 Heinz Seafood Cocktail Sauce $1/2 (5/31/09) pg 129 Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer $1 (3/1/09) pg 55 King's Hawaiian Bread or Rolls .55 (3/31/09) pg 185 Lasting Finish Lipstick $1 (1/31/09) pg 39 Marie Callender's Signature Sautes $2 (2/8/09) pg 138 Marzetti Veggie Dip .55 (1/31/09) pg 125 Mrs. Dash .50 (1/31/09) pg 123 Nestle Toll House Morsels $1/2 (2/1/09) pg 44 Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough $1/2 (2/1/09) pg 47 New York Brand Frozen Texas Toast .50 (2/28/09) pg 176 Ore Ida Steam 'n Mash Potatoes $1 (1/31/09) pg 128 Orville Redenbacher's Kernel Popcorn $1 (2/8/09) pg 25 Orville Redenbacher's Popping Oil $1 (2/8/09) pg 25 Quattro Titanium Trimmer $4 (1/16/09) pg 88 POM Wonderful Pomegranates $1/2 (1/31/09) pg 65 Reddi-Wip $1 off 16 oz (2/8/09) pg 25 Sexy Curves Mascara Buy 1, Get Colour Rush Free (1/31/09) pg 39 Slim Jim .75 (2/8/09) pg 25 Suave Hand or Body Lotion 18 oz+ $1 (2/13/09) pg 14 Swiss Miss Cocoa Sensible Sweet .50 (2/28/09) pg 177 Tyson Cornish Hens $1 (1/31/09) pg 112 Wet Ones Hands & Face Wipes .75 (3/31/09) pg 68 Ziploc Brand Zip'n Steam Bags $1 (2/28/09) pg 145

Ralphs Deals - 11/19 - 11/27

Thanks to CaliItalian @ SD and Joanne @ HCW: Thanksgiving is not a great ad week. I was kind of expecting that to happen. Here are the better deals I've found for Ralphs thru Thanksgiving Day 11/27: Entenmanns Danish or Donuts 15-22 oz. for $2.50 less $1/1 (11/16 SS) = $1.50. Dole Mandarin Oranges or Tropical Fruit Salad 15-20 oz. can $1 less .55/2 (11/9 SS) = 2/$1 Birds Eye Steamfresh Frozen Vegetables 14-16 oz. $1 less $1/3 (10/12 SS - EXPIRES 11/22) = 3/$2 Birds Eye C&W Frozen Vegetables 12-16 oz 2/$3 less $1/2 (Coupons.com) = 2/$2 Swanson Broth 14 oz. .80 less .25/4 (11/9 SS) = 4/$2.20 Campbell's Cream Soup Mushroom or Chicken 10.75 oz. .80 less .25/3 (10/12 SS - EXPIRES 11/23) = 3/$1.90 Green Giant Boxed Vegetables 10 oz. $1 less .50/2 (10/5 GM, 11/16 SS) = 2/$1 Knudsen Sour Cream 16 oz. $2 less .50/1 (11/9 SS - EXPIRES 11/22) = $1 Reddi Wip 7 oz. $2 less .50/1 (11/16 SS) = $1. Reddi Wip has a $1/2 Shortcuts.com loadable coupon. Buy 2, use 2 .50/1 (second coupon face value only) and it will be 2/$1.50 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls 8 ct. $1.67 less .25/1 (9/7 GM, 10/5 GM) = $1.17. There is also a .35/1 on coupons.com. There is a .50/1 Shortcuts.com loadable coupon to your Ralphs card for Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. So that makes it .67 w/ coupon + shortcuts (or .57 if you use the coupon from coupons.com). Pillsbury Sweet Rolls $1.67 less .30/1 (9/7 GM, 10/5 GM, 10/12 SS) = $1.07. There is also a .35/1 on coupons.com Potatoes 5# bag - .99 (Limit 2) Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon 12oz. - 16oz. - $1.99 StoveTop Stuffing - $1 Heinz Home Gravy - $1 ($1/3 IPQ Here) Philadelphia Cream Cheese - 2 for $3 Yams - 2 for $1 Celery - 2 for $1 Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce can 16oz. - $1 Dole canned pineapple 15oz. to 20oz. - $1 Farmer John pork links - $1 Cool Whip - $1.25 Dreyer's Ice Cream - $3 FYI - There is a $1 Huggies eCoupon at www.Shortcuts.com Go load it on your Ralphs card and use a $1 MQ too, and you'll save $2 off Huggies diapers!!

Coupons in the Mail

Get $10 in Pillsbury coupons, click here. They are mailed to you. Get $27 in P&G coupons, click here. They are mailed to you.

Toys R Us - Save 15% off 1 You (Exp. 11/20)

Click Here and Print the TRU Coupon Save 15% off ONE Toy Purchase - Exp. 11/20/08

Freebies from The Thrifty Mama

Sign up HERE to get $10 in coupons from Pillsbury. Smart Towel Sample HERE. A Compressed T-Shirt HERE. Free 1 Year Subscription to Self Magazine HERE. Wilson Tennis String HERE. Eucerin Aquaphor Sample HERE. Reach Access Flosser Kit HERE. Velvet Milk Collection HERE.

Free Flirtitude Panty From JC Penney (11/18/08 - 01/06/09)

JC Penney is giving away one free Flirtitude panty (approximate retail value: $7.50) to each customer who presents either a Seventeen.com printout of the home page or the December 2008/January 2009 cover of Seventeen Magazine. For each of the 25,000 panties given away, JC Penney will also donate $1 to the JC Penney After School Fund. Though the promotion is valid through January 6th, supplies will likely not last through that date. Click HERE for details.

Victoria’s Secret: Free Dream Angels Wish Body Lotion (w/ $15 Purchase)

Through 12/7, take this online coupon in to Victoria's Secret to get a free Dream Angels Wish body lotion ($20 value) with any $15 purchase.