Payless Shoesource - Buy 1 Get 1 HALF Off

It's back!!  Now through May 16th at Payless.. Buy one, get one HALF OFF!!  Works on shoes, socks, purses.. everything!!!

Baskin Robbins - 31-Cent Scoop Night 4/27

Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, invites it's customers to celebrate its 5th annual 31 Cent Scoop Night on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 from 5-10 pm at all its stores. 

During the event, Baskin-Robbins is thanking its customers by reducing prices of its 2.5 oz. ice cream scoops to 31 cents!!

In addition it  is also "Scooping up Thanks for Our Firefighters" with a $100,000 donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

How I File My Coupons

(Above) - This is usually what my coupon area looks like.  It doesn't take up much room.  You can see the inserts are filed in hanging folders, the store ads & the coupons I've print & need to be cut are sitting on top waiting for me to cut.  I usually cut the printables about every week.

(Above) - I have the coupon inserts filed by the date they came out.  Each week has it's own folder.  You can see some weeks I get more than others.  I only get 1 LA Times delivered.  If I know there is going to be 3-4 inserts on a certain Sunday, I will go buy more newspapers.

(Above) - You can click on the photo to make it larger, but I usually don't label each folder because: 1) they are in date order anyway and 2) if you look on the spine of the coupon insert, it tells me the information I need.  The spine of each insert tells me the date it was released & which newspaper it was from.  It's important for me to know if it is from the LA Times or VC Star.  The LA Times usually has more coupons than the VC Star.  I only receive the LA Times Sunday issue subscription, but sometimes my family gives me their extra inserts, so I end up with VC Star coupons also!!  Many people write the date on the front of the insert so it's easy to see at a glance.  I also read that another lady finds the longest dated coupon in each insert & writes that on the front, so she knows when she can toss the entire insert away.  Usually I go through my inserts every 4-6 months and make sure they all are expired before I toss them.

You can tell which insert it is by looking on the front: SmartSource, Red Plum, Procter & Gamble or General Mills.  It's important to identify the different inserts because when you use Coupon Mom or if someone posts the insert, you will understand the coupon lingo.
Example:  Blink $1 4/3 SS, you know that a coupon to save $1 on Blink Tears product is located in the 4/3 SmartSource insert... or...
M&M B2G1F 3/13 RP, is a coupon for Buy 2 Get 1 Free M&M/Mars product and it is located in the 3/13 Red Plum insert.  It helps locating coupons MUCH easier!!  Yay for the people who post these lists!!

(Above) - So I file my inserts in the pink hanging file folder, and I cut out any coupons from the inserts that I know I may use based on past sales & items we often use.  I have 2 friends who live out of state that also cut coupons & mail them to me, so I usually have plenty of "loose" coupons to file.  I put all my loose coupons & all of the printable coupons I have cut in the blue baby wipe container until I am ready to file them into my coupon "suitcase".  I like having the coupons cut and all in one place in the baby wipe container, so I can flip through the coupons quickly (if I haven't filed them yet), or if I'm on the go... I can grab the coupons to file & my coupon suitcase and file in the car during lunch or while I'm waiting at a doctors office.  My son's dentist office knows me as "The Coupon Lady", because I'm usually doing some sort of couponing while I wait during his appointment.  It's a great conversation starter!!

(Above) - When I have time to file (above every 2 weeks), I sit in front of the TV and put on a movie or something I've recorded and clip my coupons & file them.  Clipping & sorting usually takes me about 2 hrs every 2 weeks.  One hour to clip & one hour to sort them.  So I take all the coupons from the blue baby wipes container and sort them according to my coupon case categories.  My coupon case has 130 categories, but I actively use about 80 of them.  When I sort them into categories, I don't usually have one for every category, but I end up with multiple cereal coupons, multiple air freshener coupons, multiple cheese coupons, etc.  So it's easier for me to sort them into categories.  They are mostly sorted left to right in alphabetical order by category so it's easier for me to find as I sort.  Then it takes me 15 minutes to put them all in my coupon suitcase.

(Above, click on photo to make it larger) - This is my coupon suitcase.  I ordered it on eBay and it's my best coupon organizer ever in my 20 years of couponing.  Believe me, I've tried many different methods!!  I think I've had this one about 5 years now.  It came pre-made, and you can see it's STUFFED!!  Of course, I got my when they had a blow-out sale for $20, and the one I use retails for $29.95.  My savings increased 20% after I cost this coupon organizer, so it was definitely worth it.  They have different sizes, based on your needs.

Many people ask me:

(1) Do you use all of those coupons??  No, of course I don't.  I clip & save the coupons for products I WOULD buy if I can get it free or cheap. 

(2) Don't you have a lot of expired coupons??  I usually weed out my expired coupons while I'm shopping.  As I flip through the coupons in a certain category, I pull out the expireds and stuff them on the right edge of my coupon suitcase, then when I walk past a trash can or get home, I toss them.  Besides then, the only other time I weed my expired coupons is when I'm taking my car in for an oil change.  I take my coupon case to keep me busy while I wait, and I go through every category, pulling expired coupons out. 

(3) Do you use everything you buy?  Aren't coupons only for junk?  If I don't use the product, I know someone who will.  I don't have a cat or dog, but if I can get free dog & cat food, I get it.  I have plenty of friends who have pets and I have also donated the pet food to the Humane Society.  I donate over 20 bags of food a year to Food Share.  It does not go to waste.  My son's teachers receive gift bags during the holidays full of lotions, air fresheners, lip balms, etc.  I like to give away useful products to people.  It's not Christmas for my brother-in-law if he doesn't receive a new Gillette razor every year!!  LOL

Even if you don't eat the food products that the coupons are for, you still need: toothpaste, toilet paper, paper plates, tissue, shampoo, lotion, etc.  Coupons for organic products are becoming more common.  I get coupons from Mambo Sprouts every 1-2 weeks.  You can use these coupons in Whole Foods, and more & more stores are carrying a larger organic section.  There is also a blog committed to Healthy Life deals.  I LOVE the Newman's Own Natural Lemonade and I always seem to have a Newman's own .50 coupon that will double to $1 off.  99 cents for a carton on yummy lemonade works for me!!  Most of my non-food items are purchased at the drug stores (CVS, Rite-Aid)... playing what we call the "Drugstore Game".  You will learn about this game as you get more into the couponing.  Each store has their own sales & rewards.. and you'll be able to combine the sales, in-ad coupons, manufacturer coupons & store rewards savings into getting products for next to nothing!!  I won't pay more than .25 for toothpaste, and most of the time, I won't even pay .25!!  I won't spent more than .10 for a toothbrush, and most of them I get for free!!  Most shampoos... my limit is .50 per bottle.... I just wish there were more deals on toilet paper!  We can never have enough of that!!

(Above) - When I'm done clipping, you can see it all stores nicely & neatly in one area.  Couponing doesn't need to be everywhere.  Designate one area to your couponing and make it work for you.  To get the best savings, you need to stay organized, so it's better to have all of your stuff together.  Actually, my blue baby wipes container fits inside the pink container when I push all of the hanging file folders forward, but I like to keep it out in the open so I can toss any new loose coupons in there.  I also make lots of notes on "What's on Sale Where" and I toss the notes in there too so I can compile the notes onto one nice list when I'm ready to shop!  HAPPY CLIPPING!!

Interested in a 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

Sign up for WendyMail

Sign up for WendyMail to receive coupons and announcements by email from Wendy's.  Last week the WendyMail I received included a link to print a $1 Craisins coupon!!  Talk about random!!

Do You Have a Recyclebank Account Yet?

 

Recycle Bank has partnered with companies to reward its members with high value coupons and other discounts.  The point of the website is to become more eco-friendly.  In the process you will Earn Points that you can redeem for great rewards including high value coupons.

Right now, you can start a new Recycle Bank account with 215 points easily.  

• Sign up for a new Recycle Bank account and then click on Earn Points.

• Once there, complete the following activities to rack up 215 free points:

• Complete the Partners in Purpose Learning activity for 25 points.
• Take the Future Friendly Neighbors Pledge on Facebook.  There are 2 available and each worth 10 points, for 20 points total.
• Take the Aveeno Active Naturals Pledge on Facebook.  There are 3 available for 50 points total.
• Complete the green Your Home Challenge.  Explore the different areas of the home for a total of 120 points.

From time to time you will see me mention Recyclebank.  So far I have received coupons such as: Save $5 off $30 at CVS, Save $2 off Naked Juice, Save $1 off Honest Iced Tea and more.

$1 Skinny Cow Facebook Coupon

LIKE Skinny Cow on Facebook and then print the $1 coupons!!  These are good on ANY Skinny Cow frozen products.  Sometimes the Skinny Cow cups go on sale for $1 - Keep your eyes open!!

As a matter of fact these cups are $1.25 at Albertsons right now, so if you were headed over there anyway (don't make a special trip just for these!!), you can get a cup for .25!!

P&G Coupon Booklet with Over $35 in Coupons

Sign up now to receive your free coupon booklet from Proctor & Gamble with over $35 in product coupons in it.

No Coupon Inserts This Weekend

Reminder, no coupon inserts in this weekends newspaper since it's a holiday weekend.  Enjoy time with your family!

Miracle Whip Free Sample

Click FREE SAMPLE on the top of the page

A Friday on the Town

My son wasn't in school today & I took the day off work.  After relaxing all morning, it was time for his doctor appt, so we finally made it out on the town.  I also wanted to go see if The Disney Store had any of the reusable shopping bags left.  All you had to do was bring in 5 plastic shopping bags and you'd get a free reusable shopping bag!  Cool!  Since I wanted to go back out to CVS & a second trip to Target, we made it a day.

Lunch at Carls Jr. for $3.00 with the 2 Famous Star burgers for $3 Q

CVS - Saved $40.50, Spent $0.69 + tax, Earned $1.00 ECB (Extra Care Buck)
I got:

• 6 Reach Toothbrushes (I finally found a local CVS that carried the singles!!) - On sale for $1, had coupons to cover $5.50 of the $6
• 1 Aquafresh Kids Toothbrush - On sale for $1, used $1 4/17 MQ
• 1 Reach Dental Floss - On sale for $1, used $1 IPQ
• 4 Snickers Eggs - On sale for .50 ea., used (2) $1/2 IPQ's
• Revlon Toe Clippers - $4.19, used a $2 IPQ & $2 CVS Q from the red "Magic Coupon Machine"

After the sale prices & using coupons, my total was $0.69+tax.  I earned $1 ECB for using my reusable bag CVS Green Tag.  I always use the same shopping bag when I shop at CVS, and I make sure they scan my Green Tag.  After every 4 scans, I earn $1 ECB. You can see the tag on my green CVS shopping bag in the photo.

Then we went to The Disney Store to see if they had any reusable bags left - THEY DID!!  Yippee!!
So we got our free bag.  Value $2.50.  Isn't it cute??

Then for our final trip to Target for some duplicates of my purchases last night.  Target printable coupons state "Limit One Per Transaction".. so sometimes I make multiple trips.  But since I'm organized from Trip #1, going back again is usually not a problem.  I even got the same cashier - super coupon friendly!!  I think his name is Josh.
Target - Saved $13.16, Spent $0.88 + tax
I got:

• (3) Scotch Tape - $1.29, used (3) $1 IPQ's (We can never have enough tape here!!)
• (1) Degree Men's deodorant - $2.04, used $1 MQ & $1 TQ
• (1) Allegra Allergy Medicine 5ct. - $6.78, used $5 MQ & $2 TQ
• (1) Orbit Gum - .99, used .75 TQ (For my son's good behavior.. I can handle .24 gum!)
• I also earned .05 credit for using my own reusable shopping bag (The new Disney one!)  LOL

So, after our running around, we got $62+ in products (including lunch) and only spent $4.57+tax, plus I have $1 ECB to use at CVS on my next visit!!

That was... until we got to the gas station....

Mailbox Goodies

I love getting the mail!!
I sign up for lots of freebies & coupons every week so by the time the item arrives I can't remember what may be in the package.  It's like Christmas every week!!

Here's what I've received in 2 days this week:

• Free coupon for Pop Chips (Value $3.49)
• Free coupon for a Glade Air Freshener product (Value $3.99)
• Free iced tea cup from Keurig Facebook (Value $8.99)
• CHROME sweatbands for my knuckles - LOLOL
• Free sample of Clinique Mascara
• Free bottle of BioTrue contact lens cleaner & a $2 coupon
• Coupon to save $5 off any Pedigree Dog Food (4.4 lbs+) at Ralphs

May Coupon Class - Reminder

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

Gas Prices - Ventura County

With gas prices going through the roof, we need to cut corners everywhere we can.  I've been checking this site here: http://www.vcstar.com/gasprices/ or www.gasbuddy.com to find the lowest prices closest to me.

The past 2 weeks, I've ended up at Fleet Enterprises, located on Fleet St., behind the "old" Target on Main St. in Ventura.  It's a small independent station, that mainly serves big trucks, but cars can buy from there too.  Thankfully, it's in mid-town and not far from my work.  The last 2 times I filled up, it's was $4.11/gallon.  Considering the gas station closest to my house is at $4.35/gallon, I'm happy with $4.11!!  They only sell 87 Octane & Diesel ($4.35/gallon today).

New Coupons To Print

Anytime printable coupons are available I recommend printing them ASAP, because the best ones usually don't even last a day!!  Remember to hit your "BACK" button to print two.  Most printable coupons have a limit of 2 prints.

Starkist Coupon Available FRIDAY 4/22 Only!!

$0.50/1 Starkist Tuna pouch printable coupon available 

If your store doubles coupons this could be free or close to it when paired with a sale!!

Honest Tea - This one is for Buy One Get One Bottle

Free up to $1.99 and expires 6/30/11

Blockbuster Express - Rent 2 Get a 3rd Free

At BLOCKBUSTER EXPRESS KIOSKS

Rent 2 Get a 3rd Free
Use Promo Code: GOFORIT
Expires Midnight: 4/24/11

TARGET - TANGLED Blu-Ray/DVD Combo $12.99

If you haven't purchased TANGLED yet, Target has the Blu-Ray/DVD Combo for a great price!!

1. Click here and use coupon code HAIR

2. Print the $5 coupon


3. Go to your local Target and find the Blu-Ray/DVD combo for $17.99

4. Apply the $5 coupon = $12.99!!

I wouldn't wait long.. this price may end Saturday night!!

My Favorite Frugal Blog Sites

These is NO WAY I can compete with the other frugal blogsites out there and I'm not even going to try.  It is very time consuming and I don't have the time when the information is already out there!!  SAVINGS CHATTER will be mostly about my own deals I find and anything I think you shouldn't miss!!

These are my favorite frugal blogs, and I check them daily... Bookmark them for yourself!!

Hip2Save

My Frugal Adventures

Southern Cali Saver

Some of my other favorite links & blogs are listed on the left side of the SAVINGS CHATTER page.

I recommend signing up to receive the daily posts of this blog via your email... sign up on the right side of this page then go check your email to CONFIRM your subscription.  You shouldn't receive more than 1 email a day.

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

Ralphs Deals 4/17/11 - 4/26/11

Went to Ralphs today and got $69.35 worth of stuff for $7.15 + tax


Lays Chips - $1.99 each, used .55 MQ that each doubled to $1 = .99 each

Dannon Crush Cups Yogurt - Clearance $1.89, used .55 peelie that doubled to $1 = .89

Knudsen Sour Cream 16 oz. - $2, used .60 IPQ that doubled to $1 = $1

Newman's Own Lemonade - $1.99, used .50 IPQ that doubled to $1 = .99

Chiquita Apple Slices - Clearance $1.99, used $1 MQ = .99

Strawberries 16 oz. - On sale for .88 each

Luna Protein Bar - $1, used .50 IPQ = FREE

Farmland Bacon - 50% off - Cost $2.49, used .55 HMQ that doubled to $1 = $1.49

Oral-B Indicator Toothbrush - $1 each, used (2) $2/2 MQ & (2) $1 off 1 HMQ = 6 FREE

Crest Toothpaste - $1 each, used (2) $1 MQ & (2) $1 HMQ = 4 FREE

I didn't get this because I didn't have anymore coupons with me, but the Voskos yogurt is $1 and you can print out a coupon HERE.

Target Savings - 94%

Finally got to Target!!  Got $46.25 worth of products for $2.47 + tax = 94% savings!!

Similac Sensitive - $3.86 each and I used (1) $5 MQ & (1) $3 MQ = .28 overage

Lysol wipes - $2.19 and I used a $1.50 IPQ from Lysol Facebook page and .75 Target coupon (not sure if this is still available) = .06 overage

Orbit Gum - .99 and I used .75 TQ = .24

Heinz Ketchup - $1.81 and I used a $2 Facebook coupon (no longer available) = .19 overage

Degree Mens Deodorant - $2.04 and I used $1 MQ and $1 TQ = .04

Up & Up Nail Polish Remover - .99 and I used .50 TQ = .49

Halls Cough Drops - $1.24 and I used .75 MQ & .75 TQ = .01 overage

Allegra Allergy Medicine - $6.78 and I used $5 MQ & $2 TQ = .22 overage

Carefree Panty Liners - .99 and I used a 4/17 Sunday Supplement TQ to get them for .01!!

Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit To Go - .97 each and I used $1.50 off 2 IPQ  = .22 each

Visine - $2.09 and I used (2) $2 IPQ's = .09 each

Scotch Tape - $1.29 each and I used (5) $1 IPQ's  = .29 each (We can never have enough tape around the house these days!!)

Skittles Blenders - .69 each and I used a TQ to save $1 off 2 = .19 each

...and while I was there I played the Coupon Fairy and left a $10 off Chef Michaels Dog Food coupon for someone to use.  It expires on 4/24 and that'll save over 60% off for someone who buys that dog food!!

Kohl's - $2 Pants

My son is growing like a tree and it seems all his pants are highwaters!!  I never though I'd have a kid with highwaters.  he could care less, but I care!!  My friend gave me a Kohls coupon for Save $10 off anything $10 or more!!  These Champion pants (he likes the elastic waist) were regularly $24, on sale 50% off for $12.00 and after my $10 Kohls coupon, only $2 plus tax!!

Love these deals!!