Inspiration and Encouragment

Well, I haven't kept up very well with my new ideas for this blog in the past two weeks; I've been battling a pretty bad cold, which turned into bronchitis – but thankfully is neither Type A (H1N1) or Type B (influenza) flu. (Is the latter redundant?!)

That said, I would like to link to three posts on my family blog that can be encouraging to moms – especially moms of very young children.

The Girl I Used to Be

A Mother's Prayer

Hand-Made Decorations

God is good to send us little reminders to be thankful for the high calling of motherhood!

Walgreens Deals – 10/25/09 thru 10/31/09

Since ending the EasySaver Program (Sniff! Sniff!), Walgreens hasn’t been the best place for real deals – especially because of its complicated coupon rules, which seem to vary from store to store. To avoid those frustrations, I’ve taken a new approach to shopping Walgreens in the past couple of months. More often than not, I've been buying Register Rewards deals (which thankfully haven’t been phased out yet) and then using that “money” toward other items that we need. For example, in the past month I’ve stocked up on the Vaseline Lotion (a must at our house during winter) and used the RRs to buy a nice birthday present, party supplies for K-3, Christmas presents, and staples like milk and eggs. So, I’m thankful!

Here are some deals I couldn’t pass up this week:

Dove Bar Soap – $0.99 with in-ad coupon
Use $1.00/1 coupon (RedPlum 10/04)
FREE after coupons

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion (6.8 oz) – $6.99
Get $6.99 Register Rewards
Use $1.50/1 printable coupon
FREE plus $1.50 overage after coupon and RRs

Chapstick Fresh Effects – $2.99
Get $2.99 Register Rewards
FREE after RRs

Emergen-C Booster – $3.49
Get $3.49 Register Rewards
FREE after RRs

And, as time allows, I’m hoping to go back for the following deal:

Quaker Quick Oats – on sale B1G1 for $3.19
Use B1G1 in-ad coupon
Stack with $1.25/2 coupon (RedPlum 08/30)
$0.97 each after coupon and sale

Deal Idea: (Thanks to MoneySavingMom)
Spend $10 on Quaker products, Get $5 Register Rewards
Buy four Quaker 1-Minute Oats (18 oz) – on sale B1G1 for $3.19
Use B1G1 in-ad coupon
Stack with two $1.25/2 coupons (RedPlum 08/30)
FREE plus overage after coupons and RRs

We'll see how couponing does or doesn't work on this last deal...

B1G1 coupon for Glade Candles

Great news from my inbox!

SC Johnson has released a B1G1 coupon for Glade Fragrance Collection Candles (2 oz). You should be able to print two coupons per computer.

You may also be able to stack the B1G1 coupon with either of the following coupons:
$3.00/1 coupon (SmartSource 10/04)
$1.00/1 coupon (SmartSource 10/04)

These candles are reportedly $2.97 each at Wal-Mart right now, and the Glade Holiday Collection is on sale for $2.50 each at Target this week – and you get a $5.00 Target Gift Card for each five candles you buy.

Plus, you can submit your receipts for the following rebate: Get $5.00 back when you purchase any three SC Johnson products (Limit 3 rebates per household). Mail-in certificate requests must be postmarked by 07/15/10.

So, build your best shopping scenario based on the coupons you have – and enjoy! These also make great hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, etc.

Publix Super Savers – 10/27/09

I’m so thankful for B1G1 deals at Publix, rain checks, high-value printable coupons, and VocalPoint coupons!

I’ve been doing a 19-mile loop most Monday evenings, visiting three stores – in order to get Penny Items! Last night, two cashiers double-checked to make sure my purchases totaled $10 before coupons – not including the Penny Item. That's a change; most stores used to include the Penny Item in the $10.

All of this for $8.94 after coupons! These deals (except for the Rain Check and Penny Items) are still good through today.

At the first store:

Chef Boyardee (14.5 to 15 oz) – B1G1 for $1.50

Use $1.00/1 printable coupon

(I printed this one awhile ago…)

FREE plus $0.25 overage

Muir Glen Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can) – $1.50 each
Use $1.00/1 printable coupon
$0.50 each

And a “rain check” from two weeks ago:

Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt (4 pack) – B1G1 for $2.50
Used a combination of coupons
$0.25 each after coupon

And for the "Ensalada Rusa" that will be part of tonight's menu:

White Potatoes (5 lbs) – $1.99

Green Wise Organic Peas (15 oz) – $1.29

Penny Item: Honey Nut Cheerios (17 oz)

At the next store:

Kashi Honey Sunshine Cereal (12 oz) – $3.79
Used “Get one free” coupons (from VocalPoint home mailer)
FREE after coupons

Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt (4 pack) – B1G1 for $2.50
Used a combination of coupons
$0.25 each after coupon

Penny Item: GreenWise Bathroom Tissue (4 rolls)
I love getting paper products for only a penny!

At the last store:

Healthy Choice Frozen Meals (9.5 to 12.3 oz) – $2.50 each
Use $2.00/1 printable coupon
$0.50 each

Stonyfield YoKids Organic Squeezable Yogurt – $2.99 each
Used $2.00/1 coupon (from Kashi Cereal box, above)
$0.99 after coupons

Pompeian Balsamic Vinegar (16 oz) – on clearance for $1.75
Gotta check those clearance shelves!

Since I was $0.25 short of the required $10, I also added three little decorative pumpkins!

Penny Item: GreenWise Bathroom Tissue (4 rolls)

Once again, a special thanks to FiddledeedeeMom for faithfully posting Publix deals with coupon match-ups – especially the real money-saving printable coupons!

Local readers: The Sav-Mor Banana Box was once again packed full – including produce and yogurt this time!

Frugal Fall Fun!

Take an afternoon drive (or walk) and enjoy the wonderful colors of autumn.

Every year, I'm awed by the beauty of God's creation!

When you stop for photo opps, collect some of the leaves to use in frugal decorating. You could do something simple, like this (from last year's Thanksgiving table):

Or, arrange leaves on a sheet of wax paper and cover with another sheet of wax paper, like this:

Then, use a hot iron to press the leaves between the two sheets. (Be sure to put a dishtowel on the ironing board and on the top sheet of wax paper!) After ironing, peel off the wax paper; the leaves will have a light wax finish that will help to preserve the colors and keep them from curling.

Here are some of our finished products:

We'll probably tape some leaves to a window or indoor mirror and use others to decorate the table. Use your imagination! And check out a post by MoneySavingMom to read about using leaves in homeschool lessons, too.

Recipe for Greens & Rice Casserole

This recipe has become one of our family’s frugal favorites and is a modification of a Spinach Rice Casserole from Tammy’s Recipes, which she adapted from a recipe on a bag of Fresh Express Spinach.

This makes a great meatless meal.

I changed the name to Greens and Rice Casserole because I’ve used canned collard greens and canned turnip greens (instead of spinach) the last two times.

For a side dish, consider making only one-third of the following recipe – which is really three batches!

Ingredients:

27 oz can of greens

3 tsp dried onion (or 6 Tbsp fresh, minced onion)

3 cups cooked whole-grain rice (measured after cooking, not before)

3 cups shredded cheese

1 cup “broth” from canned greens

6 eggs, beaten

½ tsp salt (optional)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Pour into three greased 8x8-inch square baking dishes. (Or use one 9x13 dish and one 8x8 baking dish.)

Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, until set in the middle. (Test with a fork.)

Notes:

• Use either cheddar or mozzarella – or a combination of both.
• Sprinkle a generous portion of extra (mozzarella) cheese on top!
• Add ½ cup of fresh grated carrot before baking. (I’m always trying to add extra veggies!)
• Cook up a batch of whole-grain rice ahead of time and freeze 1-cup portions in freezer bags; pull out 1-cup portions as needed.
• I’m already thinking of another modification: substitute chopped or grated zucchini for the greens...

CVS Deals – 10/18 thru 10/24

These Super Saver deals are good all week!

For the following two deals at one store, I spent $1.39 out of pocket – after coupons and $5.00 ECBs from a previous week. And I earned $6.99 ECBs more.

Glade Candle (4 to 10 oz) – $6.99

Get $6.99 ECBs (Limit 1)

Use $3.00/1 coupon (SmartSource 10/04)

FREE plus $3.00 overage after coupon and ECBs

Progresso Soup – B1G1 for $2.99

Use $1.00/1 printable coupon
(Refresh the page until the Progresso ad appears.)
$0.49 each after coupons

At the second store, I spent $1.01 out of pocket – after coupons and ECBs and the $6.99 from the first store. And I earned $2.00 ECBs more.

Lindsay Olives – $1.25 each
Use $1.00/2 printable coupon
$0.75 each after coupon

General Mills Cereal (10.6 to 15.2 oz) – two for $6.00
Get $2.00 ECBs (Limit 1)

Use $1.00/1 coupon (from Cheerios sample)

$1.50 each after coupons and ECBs

Money Saving Tip:

I love it when CVS Extra Care Bucks help the grocery bill!

All of this for $0.40 – after coupons and ECBs!

I’m hoping to add some treats, too! I’m working on a good candy deal – after coupons and ECBs. The challenge is that the higher value coupons are for bigger bags – as would be expected!

Buy $20 of select candy, Get $5.00 ECBs (Limit 1)
Buy four Nestle Fun Size Bags – $2.50 each
Buy four Hershey’s Fun Size Bags – $2.50 each
Coupons possibly available include:
$2.00/1 printable coupons
$1.00/1 printable coupons
B3G1 coupon (SmartSource 10/18)
Possibly $0.50 to $1.00 per bag after coupons and ECBs

FREE printer paper (and more!) at Office Max

There are some great deals (FREE after MaxPerks Bonus Rewards) for teachers or businesses until Saturday, October 24. And you can order online!

If you don’t already have a MaxPerks Card, sign up here. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $50 – that’s basically the total for three cases of copy paper!

If you go through Cashbaq when ordering, you can earn 2.5% back on all purchases from Office Max.

If you’re new to Cashbaq, you’ll also earn a $5.00 bonus – and sweeten the deal even further! Click here to sign up. Then, in Shop by Store in the upper left corner of the Cashbaq site, choose "Office Max" and you will be taken to the page with current promotional coupons. Click on Use this Coupon next to Free shipping on most orders of $50 or more and then place your order!

Here are the deals:

Multi-Purpose Paper, 5-Ream Case (2500 sheets) – $16.99 (Limit 3)
Earn $17.00 per case on MaxPerks Card
FREE after MaxPerks Bonus Rewards*

Bankers Boxes (10 pack) – $9.99 (Limit 3)
Earn $10.00 per pack on your MaxPerks Card
FREE after MaxPerks Bonus Rewards*

Manila Folders (100 count) – $6.99 (Limit 3)
Earn $7.00 per box on your MaxPerks Card
FREE after MaxPerks Bonus Rewards*

And this deal is valid in-store only:

Sharpie Black Pens (2 pack) – $1.99 (Limit 3)
Earn $2.00 on your MaxPerks Card
FREE after MaxPerks Bonus Rewards*

*You can use MaxPerks Bonus Rewards like a gift card on your next purchase. (I’m planning to "buy" toner for the printer.)

It's apple season!

For readers in the Upstate, fall usually means inexpensive apples – and possibly some frugal family fun on an apple-picking outing!

MacAbee's Fruit Stand next to the Dish Barn (where I-25 merges onto I-26 near Flat Rock) sells "seconds" for $4.00 per half-bushel bag. Assuming 20 pounds per half-bushel, that's $0.20 per pound. Or you can buy most varieties of apples for an average of $12 per bushel, i.e. $0.30 per pound. Either way, you're getting a much better deal than you would at a grocery store.

We recently picked up a bushel of apples. We've been enjoying them fresh! And I'm planning to make up (and freeze) a big batch of applesauce, among other things.

Stay tuned for my modification of a favorite family recipe we call Apple Slices.

We love books!

If there's one area where we're really tempted to spend more than budgeted at our house, that would be books! We love 'em! It was my love of books that persuaded me to sign up for Swagbucks, and in July of this year I received my first installment of free books! If you haven't signed up for Swagbucks yet, I would highly recommend it!

As I thought about my plan of posting Book Reviews, it occurred to me that I'm actually right now doing something I do not prefer doing – I'm reading several books at once! (And that may be a mark of mom-hood!) So, I'll start this introductory post to what will hopefully be a weekly review by telling about the books I'm currently reading.

Besides the Bible, I'm reading two other books on childrearing:

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
My husband and I especially appreciate the emphasis placed on the Gospel, both in the parent's responsibility and in the child's response. As a Christian parent consistenly shepherds in love, he or she continually points the child to his or her own inability to please God and, therefore, his or her need of Christ to save. You can read an excellent review of the book here. We recommend this book as a useful tool in counseling teens as well. I'm very happy to say that this book is also available in Spanish: Como Pastorear el Corazon de su Hijo.

The Mother at Home by John S.C. Abbott
First published in 1833, this book was written by a pastor in Maine who desired to help the mothers in his congregation. As the author's preface states: The object of this book is practical utility, not literary effect. It is written for mothers in the common walks of life. There are many mothers in every village of our land who are looking eagerly for information respecting the government of their children. It is hoped that the following treatise may render them some assistance . . . especially to help to lead their children to the Savior and prepare them for their heavenly home.

I'm also reading Gifted Hands, the inspiring autobiography of Dr. Ben Carson, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. More than anything, I would say that it's a story of faith in God and a mother's courage and love in the face of, what would be for most of us, disheartening odds. I'd like to write a fuller review on the book – when I finish reading it! I think Dr. Carson is a much-needed role model for children and teens, especially in inner-city settings; I certainly wish it were required reading in our public school literature classes!

Girl Talk by Gigi Garner
This is basically a collection of useful tips and anecdotes such as we women might share with our girlfriends over coffee. It's the kind of book that can be picked up and then easily set aside when the next duty calls. I'm especially eager to try out some of the recipes included! This will be the first book I'll be reviewing for Mama Bzz, and I'll be posting a full review on it next week. (Admittedly, when I saw the opportunity to review Girl Talk, I thought it had to do with the Girl Talk Blog I've recently been reading. There's obviously no connection. But, by signing up to review it, I did get a book of useful and amusing tips for free!)

As mom to a toddler, I'm also reading a wide assortment of children's books. (It's so much fun to be a child again!) I plan to post reviews on at least some of those, as well. A current favorite is Curious George and Friends. The amusing story of Elizabite, a carnivorous plant, is a current favorite with our Elizabeth!

Disclaimer: Just because I list a book on this blog does not mean that I wholeheartedly endorse the entirety of its content, or its philosophy, or its world-view, etc. (But those of you who know me personally already knew that!)

What's Cookin'?

It's a rainy autumn day in the Upstate – a good day to be inside cooking and baking with the happy little lights of several scented candles flickering merrily on the kitchen table... I'm enjoying being a wife and mom!

While my maidens, the washing machine and drier, were busy with their work and the Bean and Chorizo Soup was simmering on the stove, I mixed up a batch of my Dearest's favorite cookies!

Yesterday I made up a batch of homemade yogurt – it's a staple and a favorite at our house! For supper last night, we enjoyed Asian Cole Slaw, made with broccoli slaw from this week's trip to Publix. I now prefer the broccoli slaw (over the typical cabbage slaw) for its flavor and texture – and nutritional value!

For dessert, we really enjoyed Kiwi Pear Smoothies. My toddler loved the green color – it matched the picture that came in the kiwi package! But when she saw me cutting a kiwi, she informed me that she didn't like that fruit. It took some convincing to persuade her that kiwi is what gives green color to this particular "special drink" (as smoothies are called at our house) – all the while she sat there, totally enjoying her smoothie! Life with a little one is so much fun!

Frugalista Notes:

• I think the Bean and Chorizo Soup is definitely frugal, and you can dress it up with more veggies (chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned, etc.) and garnish it with grated carrots and/or cheese.
• In other countries where produce tends to be cheaper (at least when in season), the Kiwi Pear Smoothies might be frugal, too. Unless you get a big batch on sale at Sam's Club (like I did this past week), they could be quite pricey here.
• We really liked the Asian Cole Slaw made with broccoli slaw; unless it's on sale like it was this past week, it could be pricey here. (I'm not really sure how you'd make your own broccoli slaw... Grating could get really messy!)
• The cookies are just very good! And we don't make them very often – more for the sake of waistlines than frugal consciousness...
• Thoughts? Recipe modifications? (I love modifying recipes!)

Recipe for Kiwi Pear Smoothies

This recipe is based on one from www.familykiwi.com – and makes up a generous batch!

Combine in a blender and pulse until smooth:
8 oz plain yogurt
1 pear, cut up
1 banana, cut up
2 Tbsp honey

Then add about 8 or 10 ice cubes, one at a time, and process until smooth.

Slice in half and spoon into blender 4 or 5 kiwi and pulse until just blended.

Enjoy!

Recipe for Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

These are my Dearest's favorite cookies – and my own "secret" recipe! (I do admit that the real secret is in the flavor – and quality – of the REAL ingredients: real butter, real vanilla, molasses, etc.)

Cream together, beating until light and smooth:
½ cup (1 stick) of butter
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 Tbsp strong, dark molasses*

Add and mix in:
¼ cup (olive) oil
2 eggs
2 tsp REAL vanilla

Then add:
2 cups self-rising flour*
1 cup whole wheat flour**
1 tsp baking soda
(1 tsp salt)

When well-mixed, add:
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup quick (ground) oats
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets and bake at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes. (Be careful not to overbake them!) These cookies should have crisp edges and chewy centers.

One recipe makes about four dozen average-sized cookies.

* Stay tuned for money-saving tips on brown sugar and self-rising flour!

** I've been adding about ½ Tbsp of wheat germ and whole ground flaxseed (per cup) to recipes that include whole wheat flour; it's just another practical way to get more fiber and nutrition in our diets!

Recipe for Bean and Chorizo Soup

We like soup! A lot! Like my husband's Grampa, I could eat soup eight days a week – especially in the wonderful autumn weather we're currently enjoying!

After consulting several cookbooks, I came up with my own modified recipe earlier this year, based largely on what we already had on hand.

2 cups dried pinto beans

4 cups water
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp dried onion
1 Tbsp "Roasting Rub" (basically garlic, peppercorns, rosemary, and red pepper – Wow!)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup spaghetti sauce
1/2 chorizo, chopped
(I like the Mild Italian Sausage from Publix because it's the closest to Uruguayan chorizo that I've been able to find here.)

Soak the beans (using the "Quick Soak" method) in a large pan with 6 to 8 cups of water: Bring to a rapid boil on medium-high heat; then boil two more minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand one hour. Drain and rinse beans.

In a large saucepan (or Dutch oven), heat the oil; add onion and spices to the oil and stir together. Add beans, water, and salt. Stir in spaghetti sauce and chopped sausage. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for at least two hours. If desired, mash some of the beans to make soup thicker.

Serving Ideas:

– Garnish with grated carrots.
– Add shredded cheese!
– Serve over whole-grain rice.
– Serve with cheese and crackers.

Enjoy!

FREE sample of Honey Nut Cheerios!

Get a free sample of Honey Nut Cheerios – plus a $1.00 coupon! Fill out the request here!

The coupons included with free samples are usually higher-value and don't expire as quickly as newspaper or printable coupons do – so you can save these for a B1G1 sale!

FREE sample of Little Ducks Organics Snacks!

Request a free sample of Little Ducks Organics Snacks for infants or toddlers. Flavors include Apple/Banana, Blueberry/Apple, and Strawberry/Mango.

New thoughts on the blog...

Going forward, I'm hoping to have more organized (and hopefully helpful and inspiring) posts – on a regular basis!

Beginning this week, I'm considering the following schedule – giving myself freedom to adjust as the high callings of wife and mommy preclude that of frugal blogger...

Mondays & Tuesdays:
Money Saving Tips and/or Super Savers
(See this week's post here.)

Wednesdays:
What's Cookin'? (including recipes and menu plans)

Thursdays:
Book Reviews (or something educational)

Fridays & Saturdays:
Frugalista Fun (including deals around town) and/or Inspiration & Encouragement

And I'll still post about random freebies, current deals at CVS, etc. throughout the week.

Why the change (i.e. improvement)?! Well... I've been wanting to look more organized for a while now. More importantly, I also have a long-term goal of ministering especially to women by organizing and sharing money saving tips, specifically along the lines of grocery shopping and cooking.

God is calling my family to Uruguay, South America as full-time missionaries; we're in the preparatory stages and are very excited! One of the big changes, however, when leaving the good ol' USA, the land of abundant savings, will be learning to live frugally – without coupons as we now know them! We'll have to be far more creative in order to accomplish similar savings. And I'm excited about the challenge – not only for myself but also for the ladies God would have me serve there!

You can read more thoughts here and here – thoughts on serving God and others and working to keep a God-honoring perspective as a frugalista.

And please feel free to comment and share your ideas, too!

Publix Super Savers – 10/13/09

Staples for the fridge and pantry (plus a few extras) are among the Super Savers this week. And the deals (with the exception of the Penny Item) are valid through today!

A special thanks to FiddledeedeeMom for the weekly coupon match-ups!

Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt (4 pack) – B1G1 for $2.50
Use $1.25/1 printable coupon
OR use B1G1 coupon (from FiberOne cereal boxes)
OR use $1.00/1 printable coupon
OR use $1.00/1 coupon (General Mills 09/13 or 10/04) (regional)
FREE or $0.25 each after coupon

Yogurt is a favorite at our house! We stock up when it’s cheap – or better yet free – after coupons! Because so many coupons were available this week, three of the four stores I visited were completely out! And there was only one 4-pack left in the other store. But I got rain checks…

Knorr Sides (4 oz to 6.4 oz) – B1G1 for $1.35
Use $0.45/1 printable coupon
FREE plus $0.22 overage after doubled coupon

Betty Crocker Potatoes (4.6 oz to 6.6 oz) – B1G1 for $1.75
Use $0.40/1 printable coupon
OR use $0.40/1 printable coupon
$0.08 each after doubled coupon

Ronzoni Pasta (12 oz or 16 oz) – B1G1 for $1.39
Use $1.00/2 printable coupon
OR use $1.00/2 printable coupon
$0.20 each after coupon

Hunt’s Tomatoes (14.5 oz) – B1G1 for $1.39
Use $0.50/2 printable coupon
$0.20 each after doubled coupon

Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels (16 oz) – $2.50 each
Use $1.00/1 coupon (Publix Family Style Magazine, Fall Issue)
(Get a free subscription!)
Stack with $0.75/1 coupon (SmartSource 07/26)
$0.75 each

Rubbermaid EasyFind Lids Container (5 cup square) – $2.50 each
Use $1.00/1 printable coupon
$1.50 each

Assorted EatSmart Vegetables (10 oz to 12 oz) – $1.00 each

Total out of pocket for mostly meat and produce: $9.99

One of my all-time favorites, Publix Mild Italian Sausage, is also on sale – $2.49 per pound. (Think: Uruguayan chorizo!) The Penny Item this week was coffee, and I had a coupon (courtesy of FaceBook) for a free pint of Starbucks ice-cream!

Money saving tip: Use printable coupons!

Local readers: Just for fun, I often compare by filling a banana box for/from the Sav Mor Sidewalk Sale with the week’s Publix deals. Hurrah for Publix – and printable coupons!

The grand total out of pocket for all this was only $5.67!

Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us Diaper Deal!

There's a 3-day Super Sale on Pampers diapers at Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us – October 10 through 12!

Buy any two Pampers diapers boxes (92 count or higher) and get a $15 Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us gift card. (Gift card available after purchase at checkout. Offer available only in stores, not online.)

There are several high-value coupons available right now!

$5.00/1 printable coupon (expires 10/15)
$5.00/1 coupon (Babies"R"Us home mailer) (expires 10/15)
$5.00/1 coupon (10/04 Toys"R"Us insert) (expires 10/10)
$3.00/1 coupon (recent Pampers sample mailer)
$1.00/1 coupon (recent Pampers sample mailer)
(Are you signing up for free samples?!)

Remember that you can stack store coupons with manufacturer coupons.

So, here's a deal idea:
Assuming store prices reflect online prices, starting at $29.99 per box (92 count or higher)
Use two $5.00/1 store coupons
Use $3.00/1 manufacturer coupon
Use $1.00/1 manufacturer coupon
Get $15 gift card
Two boxes for $30.98 (plus tax) after coupons and gift card!

Get a FREE Starbucks Coffee!

Starbucks claims to have found a way to offer a truly great cup of coffee that you can prepare by just adding water. According to the website, Starbucks VIA™ is full-bodied and flavorful, just like the Starbucks® coffee you know and love.

But, they say, don't take their word for it. Try Starbucks VIA™ for yourself. Take the Starbucks VIA™ Taste Challenge on October 2 through 5 at participating Starbucks stores and receive a coupon for a free tall brewed coffee (redeemable on your next visit).

Gotta love CVS!

Here's what CVS did today to make me love 'em even more!

All this for a grand total of less than $2.00 – after coupons and ECBs!

Total before coupons: $25.00 (plus tax)
Used $5 off $25 purchase CVS coupon
Used three $1.00/1 Tide coupons
Used one $0.25/1 Dawn coupon
Used $15.99 ECBs
Total out of pocket: $1.96

The cashier was a trainee, so the manager helped to scan coupons. Even she was excited about the result – from over $26.00 (including tax) to under $2.00 after coupons and ECBs! Gotta love 'em!

At a second store: All this for under $2.00 – after coupons and ECBs!


Total before coupons: over $27.00 (plus tax)
Used $2 off $10 CVS brand purchase coupon
Used $2 off two CVS brand Nut Products coupon
(CVS brand nuts are on sale this week: three for $10! And both CVS coupons printed when I scanned my Extra Care Card at the "coupon machine" when I entered the store!)
Used $5 off any Lumene purchase (CVS coupon)
(Lumene coupons often print with my ECBs; sometimes I get $2.01 overage – like I did today!)
Used two $1.00/1 Wheat Thins coupons
Used $4.00/1 Fusion Razor coupon
Used $11.00 ECBs
Total out of pocket: $1.27

And I left with $5 ECBs more to spend on next week's deals! Gotta love CVS!

(See details with coupon match-ups for this week's deals here.)