Taking A Month Off

Do you know what my hubby asked for for Father's Day?  For me not to blog that day.  Isn't that sad?  It makes me feel torn because I love my family and love spending time with them, but I also love blogging and couponing. I never want my family to feel neglected, but I also feel a responsibility to you readers who love the deals as much as I do!

I have this giant list of "want-to-do's" that I never quite seem to get to.  I'm sure you all have these as well!  I would love to...

• Starting the Bambina's scrapbook (She's 7 months old already! Ah!)
• Finish crocheting 2 blankets I started before she was born (now that's embarassing!)
• Get my 2009 blog book ordered from Blurb for my family blog
• Sew some new bedding and curtains for my bedroom
• Stain the console table in the front entryway
• Get my hubby's diplomas framed and hung in the office
• ...and the list goes on and on!

So that being said, I've decided to take the month of July off. I will still be posting Smith's deals on Wednesdays and I will still be posting Rite Aid/Walgreens/Target deals on Sundays.  But the rest of the days I will be spending time with my family and catching up on me time.  Feel free to email me as always, but keep in mind my responses won't be as quick as usual.

See you all in August!  :)

XOXO

Winner!

The winner of the Cellfire $100 Grocery Gift Card is...

Cam said... 34

Voted again today :) tracycamille@gmail.com

June 9, 2010 12:57 PM  

 

Thanks to all who entered!

June Spending Totals

I was right on budget this month -- and I had $0.84 to spare! I even did some diaper stockpiling, thanks to Rite Aid, as well as a freezer meal exchange and a Bountiful Baskets pickup.

My biggest chunks this month were spent on impromptu shopping trips, and my Father's Day breakfast and dinner, on which I splurged a little bit for the hubby.

Spent in June: $119.16
Saved in June: $466.31 (79%)

How did you all do?

Smith's Deals (6/30 - 7/6)

Click HERE for a printable matchup of all weekly sales with manufacturer's coupons. Don't forget to add e-coupons to your Smith's Fresh Rewards card HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE.

{Print the Smith's coupon policy HERE.}

Sale prices:

• Cherries - $1.99/lb
• Corn on the Cob - $0.25
• Potatoes, Russet 10 lb bag - $1.49
• Watermelon, seedless - $3.49 (14-18 lbs)
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins, 4 lb frozen bag - $6.96
• Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - $2.49/lb
• Tyson Drumsticks or Thighs - $1.29/lb
• Kroger Cottage Cheese, Dips, Sour Cream - $0.88
• Kroger gallon orange juice - $1.99

$2.50 Silk Pure almond, 64 oz
-$1.25 MFQ (SS 4/11)
= $1.25

Silk Soy Milk, 64 oz
-$0.75 MFQ (SS 4/11)
= $1.75 

5/$5 7-Up 2-liter Soda
-B5G1 Free instant promo
= $0.83 each wyb 6


4/$14 Coke 12-pack Soda
-B4G1 Free instant promo
= $2.80 each wyb 5


4/$13 Pepsi 12-pack Soda
-$2.00 instant savings wyb 4
= $2.75 each wyb 4


Daytona 500 Mega Event
Buy 10 participating items, save $3 instantly. Essentially a $0.30 discount per item. Mix and match. No limit on number of rewards per transaction. See a full list of matchups HERE.


Possible Scenario:
$1.99 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks x 2
$2.27 Breyers Ice Cream x 2
$1.99 Country Crock Spread 
$8.99 Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers
$2.49 Ritz Crackers x 2
$2.99 Tropicana Trop50 Juice
$1.25 Totinos Pizza Rolls, 15 ct
-$3 instant savings
-$0.50/2 Fruit Snack MFQ HERE
-$0.75/2 Breyers MFQ (SS 6/27)
-$0.40 Country Crock MFQ HERE
-$3.00 Huggies MFQ HERE
-$1.00/2 Ritz MFQ (SS 5/16)
-$1.00 Tropicana MFQ HERE
-$0.35 Totinos MFQ (SS 4/18, GM 5/30)
= $18.72 + tax

Rite Aid Changes & Updates

There are some big changes in the works at Rite Aid very soon.  As you all know, the Wellness+ and +UP Reward programs have rolled out this year, and so far I'm loving them!  I've been worried that Rite Aid is trying to do away with the Single Check Rebate (SCR) program, but according to Coupons, Deals & More, it's here to stay. So that's a relief!

(There's some great Q&A at Coupons, Deals & More regarding +UP Reward limits, etc. Definitely check that out HERE.)


The biggest change happening soon is with the Video Values coupon program.  Beginning July 1, some Video Values RAQ's will have unique serial codes, which can only be used once.  Additionally, your RAQ usage will be tracked with your Wellness+ Card, and only allow you to use some of the Video Values coupons once per card per month.

This will unfortunately include the $5/20 RAQ.  However, a $5/25 RAQ can often be printed from Redplum.com, and these printables will not be limited per your Wellness+ Card.

So from now on, when I post Rite Aid deals I will be linking back only to the Adperks website (where you go to watch videos and print Video Values coupons), in order to avoid confusion.

The current June Video Values coupons will remain valid and unaffected by this change until they expire on 7/24/10 -- so HERE is a link to those for anyone who wants them.

I will let you know more details as I receive them!

$10 Off $10+ at Ulta.com

You can get a great deal on Ulta Cosmetics right now!  

1. Go to Ebates.com and login or create an account
2. Search "ulta" in the taskbar
3. Click "shop now" to go to Ulta.com


Then use coupon code EBATESJUNE10 at checkout to get $10 off any purchase of $10+! You'll get 6% cashback for your total purchase. Plus, if this is your first purchase with Ebates you will get a bonus $5 cashback, which will cover shipping ($5.95)!

{Thanks, Coupons4Utah!}

Reader Email - Surplus Flexible Spending Account Money

Reader Katy writes...

Dear Annalisa,

Last year, while I was pregnant, I renewed our section 125 flexible spending account (FSA) where you can put money away pre-tax for health care expenses.  Thinking about the delivery costs, I tried to estimate how much we would need --  and my estimate was way high.  Now, I am trying to use up the last $300-400 of money left in the account (since it is a use it or lose it policy).

Anyways, the reason I am telling you this is to pick your brain on any good medical OTC supplies.  I think I have stocked up well on baby medicine, however, I am looking to get my first aid kits stocked up - meaning bandaids, ace wraps, gauze strips, hot/cold packs, etc.  I am just trying to see what you suggest I do to get the most bang for my buck on this stuff.  So, just wanted to know your thoughts and anything that you know concerning first aid stuff on sale that might be coming down the pipeline.  

Any advice you have is more than welcome.  If all comes to naught, I think I will just go to Walmart with coupons and stock up.

Sincerely,

Katy

This is a great question, Katy, I'm glad you asked!  I don't know of any specific first aid sales happening soon -- so I would say your logic is good -- try either Walmart (with coupons) or Rite Aid (with coupons & $5/20 RAQ).

A lot of people don't know what items qualify to be purchased with FSA money.  Certain online retailers, like drugstore.com, will label items on their site as eligible or ineligible -- which can be very helpful.  Many drugstores and superstores label items on your receipt as well, so you can notice during your regular shopping transactions which items qualify. 

Here is a list of items that qualify to be purchased with FSA money:

• First aid kits & supplies
• Contact lens solution
• Thermometers
• Heating Pads
• Allergy medicines
• Acid Reflux medicines
• Healing lotions
• Braces, supports, splints, Ace bandages
• Pain relief products -- Tylenol, Advil, etc
• Pregnancy Tests
• Condoms
• Eyeglasses

Here's an article with more ideas, for anyone who's interested!

250 Address Labels $0.99 + Free Shipping

Office Depot has a 250-roll of Full Color Address Labels on special with a great coupon code!


$9.99 Address Labels, 250 ct
-$9 coupon code 854758859
= $0.99 + free shipping

1000 Plastic Cups $12.65 Shipped @ Amazon

EDIT: DEAD. Looks like they upped the shipping to $18. :(

I stumbled across this and thought I'd share.  Right now at Amazon you can get 1000 clear plastic drinking cups (50ct x 20 packs = 1000) for $7.40 + $5.25 shipping = $12.65. 

That works out to only a penny a piece! Think barbecues this summer!

LINK

Today's Screamin' Coupon -- Half Off @ Cowabunga Bay

Today's Screamin' Coupon is a full day pass to Cowabunga Bay for half price!

Details HERE.

Cellfire Giveaway Reminder

Did you know you can combine a Cellfire e-coupon with a paper coupon at the store? Right now you can download a $1 Yoplait Fiber One coupon onto your Smith's store card, that can be combined with a $0.50 manufacturer's coupon (SS 5/16), for great savings on some yogurt!

Cellfire helps me save time clipping and time at the checkout stand. Plus I love seeing my savings total at the bottom of my receipt when I use Cellfire coupons, it makes me feel so smart!

Cellfire is giving away a $100 grocery gift card to one Slavetosave reader. Enter HERE if you haven't yet!

Target Deals (6/27 - 7/3)

Bring a reusable bag to Target and get $0.05 credit per bag at checkout.

{Print the Target coupon policy HERE.}

$5.89 Bertolli Frozen Meals x 3
-$5 Target GC wyb 10
-$1 MFQ HERE
= $3.22 each wyb 3

$1.97 Crystal Light
-$1 MFQ HERE
= $0.97

There is also a list of all the items on temporary price cut (TPC) through 6/26/10 found HERE.

{Thanks, Coupons Deals and More!}

$2.19 Ziploc Medium Square Containers, 4 ct
-$1.50/2  MFQ (SS 5/16)
-$1 TQ HERE x 2
= $0.44 each wyb 2

$3.49 Pantene Styling Products
-BOGO MFQ (Parade Magazine, 6/27)
-$2 MFQ (Parade Magazine, 6/27) 
-$1 TQ (Target Insert, 6/27) x 2
= $0.50 profit!

$1.99 - $2.39 Pampers Baby Wipes Tubs
-$2 MFQ (P&G 6/6)
= FREE - $0.39

See more of this week's Target deals HERE and HERE and HERE.

Walgreens Deals (6/27 - 7/3)

{Confused? Learn how to shop at Walgreens HERE.}

$2.99 Blistex Fruit Smoothies Lip Care, 3 pack
-$3 RR
= FREE


$5.00 Flexitol Blistop
-$5 RR
= FREE


$3.00 Airplus Ultra Moisturizing Socks For Her
-$3 RR
= FREE


2/$3 Twizzlers
-$2 RR wyb 2
= $0.50 each


3/$0.99 Dentyne Gum
-$0.99 WAG Q (July in-store booklet)
-$1 MFQ (SS 6/13) x 3
= $2.00 profit!


$1.00 Act II Mini Popcorn Bags, 3 ct
-$1/2 MFQ HERE or $0.40 MFQ (SS 6/20)
= $0.50 - $0.60 each


$0.99 Reach Floss, 55 yards or Reach Crystal Clear Toothbrush (with in-ad coupon)
-BOGO MFQ (RP 1/3)
-$1 MFQ (RP 1/3)
= 2 FREE
(*Month-long Register Reward Deal for Reach Toothbrushes from 7/1/10 - 7/24/10: Buy 2 get $1 RR, Buy 3 get $2 RR, Buy 4 get $4 RR)


$3.99 Finesse Hair Care
$0.00 Finesse Hair Care (BOGO)
-$1 MFQ (SS 5/16)
-$3 MIR (SS 5/16)
= $1 profit wyb 2!


3/$10 U by Kotex Products
-$1 MFQ (All You Magazine, April 2010) or HERE x 3
= $7.00/3 + Free Movie Ticket wyb 3!



Deals Valid All Month Long:



$9.89 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor
-$5 RR
-$4 MFQ (P&G 6/6)
= $0.89

Rite Aid Deals (6/27 - 7/3)

Don't forget to use the $5/20 or $5/25 coupon this week! Sign up for the new Rite Aid Wellness+ Program and read about the new +UP Rewards Program.

See how to get a FREE pack of Huggies towards the B5G1 voucher this week below!

{Print the Rite Aid coupon policy HERE or HERE.}

{Confused? Learn how to shop at Rite Aid HERE.}

$2.99 Crest Pro Health Toothpaste, 4.2 oz
-$2.99 SCR
-$0.75 MFQ (RP 6/27) or $0.50 MFQ (P&G 6/6)
= $0.50 - $0.75 profit!

4/$20 John Frieda Hair Care
-$5/20 RAQ
-$10 +UP Reward wyb 4
-$3 MFQ Root Awakening (SS 6/6) x 4 or...
-$2.00 MFQ (SS 6/6) x 4 and $1 RAQ Sheer Blonde HERE x 1
= $4.00 - $7.00 profit wyb 4



6/$6 Gatorade, 24 or 32 oz
-$1 +UP Reward wyb 6
= 6/$5


$4.49 Stayfree Pads, 16-24 ct
$0.00 Stayfree Pads (BOGO)
-BOGO MFQ (RP 6/27)
= 2 FREE


$6.99 Huggies Little Swimmers/Wipes
-$1 SCR
-$0.50 MFQ Wipes (SS 6/20)
= $5.49



$5.99 OFF! Insect Repellant 
-$1 +UP Reward
-$0.75 MFQ HERE (use zip 30002) or $0.55 MFQ (SS 6/20)
= $4.24 - $4.44



$10.99 EPT Pregnancy Test, 2 ct 
-$5 MFQ HERE
-$1 +UP Reward
= $4.99


$3.99 Tresemme Haircare 
-$1 +UP Reward
-$1 MFQ HERE
= $1.99



$5.99 Almay Eye Cosmetics 
-$1 SCR
= $4.99



$10.99 Tugaboos Mega Pack 
-$1 +UP Reward

 -$1 RAQ (found in sample size packs of Tugaboos)
= $8.99


$9.99 Schick Hydro Razor
$4.99 Schick Hydro Razor (BOGO50%)
-$4 MFQ (SS 6/13) x 2
-$1 RAQ HERE
-$9.99 MIR HERE
= $4 profit!


2/$5 M&M Bagged Candy
-$1 +UP Reward wyb 2
= 2/$4.00



4/$5 Kit Kat/Reeses 10 ct
-$1 +UP Reward wyb 4
= 4/$4.00



$1.99 Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant or Secret Deodorant
-$1 +UP Reward
= $0.99


$8.99 Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers
-$3 MFQ HERE
-$1 RAQ HERE (expires 6/30)
-$2 SCR (new July SCR #42!)
= $4.99


$12.99 Photo Mousepad (order online HERE)
-FREE RAQ HERE
= FREE



Banana Boat Suncare is BOGO this week. Use two $1 MFQ's (SS 6/27) and the $1 RAQ HERE for cheap Suncare! Plus qualify towards SCR #555 - buy $25+ get $10 RA GC.





Scenario #1:
$8.99 Huggies Diapers
$9.99 Schick Hydro Razor
$4.99 Schick Hydro Razor
-$5/20 RAQ
-$3 Huggies MFQ
-$1 Huggies RAQ
-$4 Schick MFQ x 2
-$1 Schick RAQ
= $5.97 + tax

(And get back $2 SCR and $9.99 Schick MIR -- so FREE Huggies! Plus you'll qualify one packs towards the B5G1 voucher.)

P&G Coupons in Today's Parade Magazine (6/27/10)

Heads up -- there are some great P&G coupons in Parade Magazine today! Don't forget to clip them!