Saving Money 101

*I am writing this post in hopes that I can start practicing what I preach.*

We all know that reusable bags are the best for the environment, but did you know that they can also save you money (especially when used consistently)?

• CVS-Green Bag Tag gives you $1 every four times you get your tag scanned.
• Target-Bring a reusable bag to get $.05 off your order.
• Lowes Foods-Get $.05 FRC for each green bag you use.

This is by far a short list!  I highly recommend purchasing a few inexpensive sturdy bags to keep in your car.  These will pay for themselves quickly with use!

What other stores do you shop at that have advantages for going green?

Harris Teeter Coupon Matchups 2/7

E-VIC Specials:

3 lb. bag Perdue IQF Boneless Chicken Breast $4.99, limit 1

Prego Pasta Sauce $1.77, limit 1  $.50/2 or $1/1 Heart Smart 2/7 SS

16 oz. Regular or Thin Spaghetti Mueller's $0.77, limit 1

Tide 50 oz. Detergent 4.99, limit 1  $.35/1 2/7 PG

8 oz. Sargento Shredded Cheese $1.49, limit 1 $.50/2 or $.40/2 1/31 SS

B2G3:

2 liter Pepsi Products (limit 10 total)

Kellogg's Cereal in a Cup

BOGO:

Breyers Ice Cream $2.99

1 Lb. Driscoll's Strawberries $2.49

Pepsi 12 packs $3.33 or so (prices vary)

Ht Vitamins (prices vary)

Orville Redenbacher Popcorn $1.47  $1/2  1/24 SS

Smart Balance Popcorn  $1.59  $1/2 IP

White House Applesauce 6 pack $1.12

Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies $1.69

Bird’s Eye Steamfresh $1.27  $.50/1  2/7 SS

Cole's Garlic Toast $1.64

Country Crock 15-16 oz. Bowl   $1.19 $.30/1 spread 1/31 RP

Country Crock Quarters $.69

Buitoni 4 Cheese Pasta or Alfredo Sauce $2.07  $1/1 IP

Thomas English Muffins $1.49  $1/1 March All You (honey wheat)

Meats/Seafood:

NY Strip or Ribeye Steak $4.99/lb

Angus NY Strip or Ribeye Steak $5.99/lb

North Atlantic Lobster Tails $5.99

93% Lean Ground Beef $2.99/lb

Perdue Fresh Boneless Chicken Breast $2.99/lb

Gwaltney Bacon 2/$6

Smithfield Whole Boneless Pork Roast $1.99/lb

HT Angus Beef Boneless Chuck Tender Roast $2.99/lb

Johnsonville Ground Sausage or Links $2.99 $1/2  1/17 SS

Eckrich Smoked Sausage 2/$5  $.55/1 or $1/2  1/31 SS

Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Patties or Links 2/$7  $1/1  1/31 RP

Butterball Thin Sliced Lunchmeat 2/$7  $.75/1  1/10 SS

Land O Frost Premium Sliced Lunchmeat $3.99 $1/1 or $.55/1  1/31 RP

Tilapia Fillets $5.99/lb

Snapper Fillets $7.99/lb


NC Flounder Fillets $7.99/lb

16-20 ct. Texas Brown Shrimp $7.98/lb

Alaska Sockeye Salmon Fillets $8.99/lb

Catfish Nuggets $1.99/lb

Rainbow Trout Fillets $6.99/lb

Sea Scallops $9.99/lb

Beverages:

HT 24 pack Water $2.97

Propel 4/$5

Smart Water 4/$5

Welch's Grape Juice 2/$6  $1/1  2/7 SS

Sobe 4/$5

HT Naturals Organic Milk $4.99

Florida's Natural OJ 2/$5

Produce/Deli/Floral:

18 Stem Rose Bouquet $19.99

8 inch Valentine Cake $5.99

Chocolate Chip Message Cookie $6.99

6 ct. Valentine Cupcakes $4.49

Earthbound Farms Organic Spring Mix or Baby Spinach 2/$7

Cantaloupe 2/$4

Apio Cut Veggies 2/$4

Hot House Bulk Tomatoes $1.79/lb

Fresh Express Salad Mix: 5 Lettuce, Sweet Butter, American 2/$6

Nasoya Tofu 2/$4  $1.50/2  9/27 RP

Cremini or Baby Bella Mushrooms 2/$5

Red Potatoes, 5 lb. 2/$7

Florida Temple Oranges 3/$0.99

Red, Orange, or Yellow Sweet Peppers 2/$5

Sweet Pacific Rose Apples $1.29/lb

1 Dozen Extra Fancy Long Stem Rose Bouquet $27.99

Tulip 6 in. Tumblin Love Planter $16.99

5 stem Tulip Bunch 3/$12

Jumbo Valentine Balloons $7.99

Pink Frosted Cookies 2/$5

Angel Food Cake $3.69

2 ct. Mega Cupcakes $3.49

Fresh Made Tuna Salad $4.99/lb

Smoked or Honey Smoked Turkey $6.99/lb

Muenster Cheese $5.99/lb

Dietz and Watson Rare Roast Beef $7.99/lb

Refrigerated/Frozen/Dairy:

Stouffer's Lean Cuisine $1.77  $1/4 IP

HT Cottage Cheese $1.97

OM Fun Pack Lunchables 2/$4   $1/1 (with water) IP

Amy's Organic Pizza 2/$7

Brick Oven Freschetta Pizza 2/$10  $1/1 IP

Tyson 13.25 oz. Nuggets 2/$5

Contessa Sesame Chicken $5.99

Hot Pockets $1.99  $.50/1 or $1/2 (if Sideshots available) 1/31 RP

HT Whole Strawberries 2/$5

Haagen Dazs Ice Cream 2/$5

4 ct. Dannon Activia or DanActive, 4-6 ct. Dannon Crush, Light & Fit, Danonino, or Danimals 2/$4   $1/1, $1/2 or $.60/1    2/7 SS

Oikos Yogurt 5/$5   $1/1  01/03 SS=FREE

Daisy Sour Cream 5/$5  $0.60/1 or $0.50/1  01/31 SS=FREE

Other Foods:

HT Canned Pasta $0.77

HT Yellow Mustard $0.97

Mission Flour Tortillas 2/$3  $.75/1  1/10 SS DND

Uncle Ben's Country Inn Rice 4/$5

Dole Mandarins 3/$2

Allen's Green Beans, Peas, or Corn 2/$1

Kikkoman Teriyaki or Soy Sauce 2/$3  $1/1 (play to win) IP

GM Fiber One Bars or Chex Mix Bars 2/$5  $.50/1  1/31 SS and 2/7 SS

Nutella 2/$6  $1/1 tearpad found recently at HT

Kellogg's Apple Jacks, Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, or Corn Pops 2/$5  $1/3  2/7 RP or  $1.50/2 IP

Dole 8 oz. Pineapple 3/$2  $.55/2  1/24 SS

Dole Fruit Bowls 2/$4  $.50/2  1/10 SS

Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna 4/$5

Lance Crackers 2/$4  $.55/1  1/17 SS

Krunchers Chips 2/$6  $1/1  1/10 SS

Non-Foods:

Renuzit Adjustable Air Fresheners $0.97  B2G1 1/10 SS

Plaza Paper Towels $0.67

HT 12 roll Bath Tissue $5.97

Yourhome Fabric Sheets $2.97

4 Pack HT Light Bulbs $0.99

Tylenol 24 ct. Cold, Allergy or Sinus $4.99  $1/1  2/7 RP

Crest Toothpaste Plus Scope, Pro-Health, Vivid, or Multi-Care $2.99  $.75/1  2/7 PG

Herbal Essences Conditioner, Stylers, or Shampoo 2/$5  BOGO 2/7 PG 

Scott 12 Double Rolls Bath Tissue $5.99  $1/1  1/17 SS

Downy 60 use Fabric Softener $4.99  $.50/1  2/7 PG

Huggies Jumbo Packs $9.99  $2/1 IP

Big Roll Bounty 2/$3  $.25/1  2/7 PG

Friskies Cat Food 10/$4.50  $1/15 2/7 RP

Friskies Dry Cat Food 2/$7  $1/1  2/7 RP

Tidy Cats 27 lb. Litter $9.99 $1/1  2/7 RP

I am proud to be a  contributor to BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

I disclose:  I earn a small amount from my affiliate when a coupon is printed.

Lowes Foods Coupon Matchups 2/9

BOGOs (price for 1):

Breyers Ice Cream $2.49

Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies $1.71 (possible blinkies?)

6 and 12 ct. Cupcakes $2.24

LF Bath Tissue, ultra 4 double rolls $1.44

 Thomas Bagels $1.99 $1/1 (Honey Wheat) March All You

Garlic Bread, from the bakery$1.24

Simply Potatoes $1.28

Sundown Vitamins (prices vary) $1/1 1/3  SS

FRC Deals:

Buy 1 Rotisserie Chicken at $5.99, earn $1 FRC

Buy 1 of each and earn $2 FRC, Crest Pro Health Toothpaste $2.99, Crest Pro Health Oral Rinse $3.79  $2/1 Rinse 2/7 PG and $.75/1  Toothpaste 2/7 PG

Buy 2 Nestle Candy at 2/$6, earn $2 FRC (includes Funsize Crunch, Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, or Butter Finger Crisp)

Buy 2 Stouffer's Family Size at $5.99, earn $3 FRC

Buy 3 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls or Cinnamon Rolls at $1.68, earn $1 FRC  Crescent Rolls $.40/1  1/31 SS and 1/3 GM  Cinnamon Rolls $.75/2  2/7 SS

Buy 10 Yoplait Yogurt at $0.49 each, earn $1 FRC $.40/6 2/7 SS

Buy any 4, earn $2: Betty Crocker Frosting 2/$3, Betty Crocker Cake Mix BOGO ($.87/1), Betty Crocker Gluten Free Mix $3.00 (This is a decent deal on cake mixes without a coupon.  Pay $3.50 for 4 mixes, get $2 FRC.)  $.50/1  2/7 SS (4 cans of frosting would be free with 4 coupons)

Meats:

USDA Choice Boneless Ribeye, value pack $5.99/lb

Assorted Pork Chops, 9 ct. $1.99/lb

Sanderson Farms Chicken Breast $1.99/lb

LF Premium Bacon $1.99

Perdue Fresh Drumsticks or Thighs $0.99/lb

LF Chopped Ham 2/$5

Jenni-O So Easy Entree $3.99 (peelies reported)

Banquet Chicken $3.99  B2G1 Jan. All You

Produce:

Better Valu Red Delicious Apples, 5 lb. bag $4.99

Better Valu Navel Oranges, 8 lb. bag $6.99

Tender Green Asparagus $1.49/lb (Good Price!)

Other Foods:

Eggland’s Best Eggs $2.00  $.35/1 or $.50/1  1/31 SS

Freschetta PizzAmore $5.99 $1/1 IP

DiGiorno Pizza $5.49  $1/1 1/24 SS

Super Pretzel $1.42 $.50/1  1/31 RP

Sunny D $3.00  $.25/1  2/7 SS

Okios Greek Yogurt $1  $1/1  1/3 SS=FREE

Dannon Activia or Light & Fit, 4-6 ct. $1.99  $1/1, $1/2 or $.60/1    2/7 SS

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $1.50  $.40/1  2/7 SS

Kikkoman Sauce $1.50  $1/1 (play to win) IP

Furmano’s Tomatoes $1.49 (large can) $1/3  2/7 SS

Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Kix, Frosted Cheerios, Wheaties, Total Blueberry Pomegranate 2/$5  $1/3  2/7 SS  or $.75/1 Frosted Cheerios IP

Progresso Soup $1.29  $.50/2  2/7 SS

Prego Pasta Sauce 2/$4  $.50/2 or $1/1 Heart Smart 2/7 SS

Birds Eye Steamfresh Veggies 5/$10  $.50/1  2/7 SS

Croissant, Hot, or Lean Pockets $1.99 $.50/1 or $1/2 (if Sideshots available) 1/31 RP

Wesson Vegetable Oil 2/$5  $1/1 ConAgra booklet coupon
 
Valentine Peep's $0.99

Red Skin Potato Salad $3.49/lb

Banquet Dinners or Brown 'n Serve Links $0.88  $1/10  1/10 SS

Banquet Pot Pies 2/$0.88  $.75/3  1/10 SS (good deal for 3)

Kellogg's Cereals: Raisin Bran, Raisin Bran Crunch, Mini Wheats $1.58  $1/1 IP

Decorated Message Cookie $7.99

Fresh Strawberry Heart Cake $7.99

Chef's Advantage Mushrooms 2/$4

Beverages:

Welch’s Grape Juice $3.49  $1/1  2/7 SS

Buy 2 Aquafina 24 pks for $3.99 get 1 Flavor Splash 6 pk. free

Swiss Miss $1.25  $.50/2  1/10 SS

Florida's Natural OJ 2/$5

Spring Cleaning Sale:

**Some of these require in-ad coupons**

Lowes Foods Bleach $1.19

Glad Trash Bags 25-80ct. $5.49

Lowes Foods Paper Towels 6 ct.  $3.49

Clorox Bleach $1.69  $.50/2 1/31 SS

Lowes Foods Leaf and Lawn Bags 10 ct. $1.90

Lowes Foods White Vinegar 64 oz $1.69

Quilted Northern 12 rolls $5.99 $1/1  1/24 RP

Brawny Paper Towels 6 big or 8 $5.99 $1/1 1/24 RP

Endust $2.99 $1.50/1 (Free)  Jan. All You

Non-Foods:

Dozen Roses, red and assorted colors $17.99

LF Laundry Detergent, 32 loads $2.99

Green Works Laundry Detergent $6.99  $1.50/1  1/17 SS

Timeless Bouquet $24.99

Large Color or Rainbow Rose Bouquet, dozen $17.99

You're Special Arrangement $29.99

Flowering Plants $3.99

Sweet Arrangements (candy bars arranged in vase) $29.99

Mylar Ballons $3.49 and up

LF Plates 15-48 ct. 2/$4

In-Ad Coupon: Buy 2 Hallmark Valentine's Cards, get 1 free. Up to $3.49, LF Coupon valid 2/10-2/16.

I am proud to be a  contributor to BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

I disclose:  I earn a small amount from my affiliate when a coupon is printed.

Hot Deal on Restaurant.com

Have you tried Restaurants.com yet?  I have really been wanting to try it, but there are only a few restaurants in my area.  I have heard that these certificates are usually like a high value coupon.   Right now, they are running a hot deal!  This seems like a great way to get dinner and flowers for a significant other!
Valentine's Day Special: Take 80% Off Purchases and received a $15 FTD® Floral Reward when you use our new discount code "HEART". Save on all three of our popular products, $25 Gift Certificates, Dinner of the Month Club, and our NEW $25 Gift Cards.

$25 Gift Certificates for $2.00!

Save 80% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Cert. orders and receive a $15 FTD® Floral Reward. Use code HEART and Pay $2 thru 2/14/10.

Let me know how you feel about Restaurant.com.  Do you like it? 

I disclose: there are affiliate links in this post.

$50 Gift Card Giveaway from Shop At Home Winner Announcement

And the winner is.... #41 Connie! She has received an email and has 48 hours to respond! Don't forget to check out my Le Creuset giveaway and a new surprise review and giveaway on Friday!

Sunday Shopping

Here lately everything seemed to be going great for me at the stores.  Today wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either!

CVS

I don’t have a picture for this one,  because I ended up changing my plan.  I got part of hubby’s V-day present, so I won’t be posting a picture.

Somebody beat me to the Nivea lip care, so I just ended up with the Reach.  This was probably best after all, because my cashier would not take the $1 coupon with the BOGO coupon.  Oh well!  Like I said, at least hubby will have a surprise next week.

Walgreens

First, I have to give a shout out to Jan my biweekly Walgreens cashier.  She is so sweet that she actually brought me some Campbell’s soup labels for my kids at school!

I spent $2.47 for all this and 1 newspaper!  I received $12.50 back in RR for next trip.

Riteaid

I spent $4.14 and will get $4 back in rebates!  (I splurged on the gum because I got a game of Life game piece for each and they were BOGO.)

Harris Teeter

This cost me $8.94, but I saved over $34.  The popcorn was $.50 each!  I found a coupon for the bagels in my March All You magazine.

All in all, a pretty good day, but remember couponing rarely goes perfectly!

Menu Plan Monday

Remember! If you eat from your pantry, you will save money!

Monday-Soft Tacos with Homemade Salsa (The salsa is leftover from the Super Bowl.)

Tuesday-Leftovers (I don’t know how we have so many!)

Wednesday-Dinner with friends

Thursday-Probably our date night for Valentine’s Day (We always try to avoid the weekend!)

Friday-Mom’s Meatloaf and macaroni with cheese

Saturday-Smoked Chicken on the grill (if the weather cooperates), baked potatoes, and frozen veggies

Mom's Meatloaf

2 pounds ground beef
1 package of saltine crackers, crushed
1 egg
Worcestershire Sauce (dash)
1 can of ABC vegetable soup (not beef)
salt
pepper
ketchup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine all ingredients except ketchup in large bowl. Mixture should be moist, but not too sticky. Add more crackers or a little oatmeal if necessary. Spray a baking pan with nonstick spray, and spread meatloaf mixture into about a 2-2 1/2 inch thick shape. Poke holes in shape with wooden spoon or finger. Pour desired amount of ketchup over the top (I like a lot). Bake in oven for about 1 hour-1 hour 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
The vegetable soup makes this recipe moist and delicious! Thanks MOM!

Update on Walgreens Matchups

Ladies (and any gentlemen out there),

I have to apologize for a few mistakes I made in the Walgreens matchups this week. I promise I worked for around 3 hours, but apparently I am still human!    I have fixed the posts, but wanted to let you know here too.

1.  The Hershey's does not produce $1 RR.  It has the $1 IVC.

2. The Vitamin Water Lip Balm  is not a monthly deal as was reported on a few of my message boards!

I am very sorry if these caused any problems for you! I do try my very best to save you money and get the best deals out there for myself!

Happy Shopping!

Guest Post-Top Ways to Save on Groceries

My second guest post is up at Saving Cents with Sense!

Rite Aid Matchups 2/7

Here are the Rite Aid Deals from Jennifer @  Saving and Giving!

There's  a $5 off any $20 purchase coupon available by watching Video Values. These coupons are great to help you sweeten your deals. There are also some individual product Video Values coupons available.

Some sale items will earn you an additional Game of Life playing piece. Those items are marked with a *.

Single Check Rebate Deals

Comtrex (20 count) - $3.99 each
$1.50/1    2/7 SS
Single Check Rebate: $1.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: $1.49 each

Dove Men + Care Body & Face Wash - $4.00 each
$1.50 IP or  $1.25/1  1/31 RP
Single Check Rebate: $4.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: Better than FREE

*G.U.M. & Crayola Toothbrushes - 2 for $5.00
$1.00/1   11/15 RP                                                                                         
Single Check Rebate: $1.00 wyb 2
Final Price: $1.00 each

Gillette Shave Gel (Fusion, Satin Care, Mach3) - $2.99 Use $1.00/1   2/7 P&G
Single Check Rebate: $1.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: $.99 each

Kotex Maxi Pads, Lightdays Pantiliners, Security Tampons - 2 for $6.00
Use $2.00 off 2 pads IP or
Use $1.50 off 2 tampons IP or
use $1.50 off 2 liners IP or
$1.50/2  1/10 SS
$2.00/2  1/10  SS
Single Check Rebate: $1.00 when you buy 2
Final Price: as low as $1.50 each

*KY Intense - $18.99 each
$5.00 1/31 SS
$3.00 off Video Values printable coupon
Single Check Rebate: $5.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: $5.99 each

Zicam - $7.99 each
$1.00/1  10/25 SS                                                                                           
Single Check Rebate: $2.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: $4.99 each

Dove Chocolate - 2 for $6.00
$1.00/1 1/31 RP                                                                                          
$1.00 off Video Values printable coupon
Single Check Rebate: $1.00 when

*GE Reveal Light Bulbs (4 pack) - 2 for $5.00
$1.00/1  1/3 SS
Single Check Rebate: $2.00 when you buy 2
Final Price: $.50 each

Finish Automatic Dishwasher Detergent (powder, gel, Powerball tabs) - $4.49 each
$.25/1 1/10 SS or $1/1  2/7 SS
AND Use $1.00 off Video Values printable coupon
Single Check Rebate: $1.50 (limit 1)
Final Price: $1.74 each or $.99 each, depending on coupon value

*Prilosec OTC - $24.99 each
$3.00/1   1/17 or 2/7 P&G
Single Check Rebate: $6.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: $15.99 each
You can also use the $5 off any $20 Video Values printable coupon on just this item. The final price would then be $10.99.

Other Weekly Deals

Stayfree Maxi Pads, Carefree Pantiliners, o.b. Tampons - $1.99 each
$1.00/1   February Woman's Day or Good Housekeeping
BOGO FREE 1/3 RP
$1.00 off Stayfree Video Values printable coupon
Final Price: as low as FREE

*Nivea Body Wash - $2.99 each
$2.00/1 1/3  SS
Final Price: $.99 each
There is a Single Check Rebate ($5 Rite Aid gift card) available if you buy $15-worth of Nivea.

Angel Soft Bath Tissue (4-pack) - $.99 each

Puffs Tissues - $.99 each

Grab the Gold Promo

Get a Visa Reward Card when you buy select P&G items. Buy $100, and you'll get a $35 reward card. Buy $50, and get a $15 card. Buy $25, and you'll get a $5 card. The promo runs through 2/13, so this is the last week for it. Some P&G items are on sale:

Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, Stylers - 2 for $7.00
$2.00/2 2/7 P&G
Final Price: $2.50 each

Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers - $8.99 each
$1.50/1  2/7 P&G
Single Check Rebate: $2.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: $5.49

NyQuil/DayQuil - $3.99 each
$2.00/1   1/17 P&G
Single Check Rebate: $1.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: $.99 each

Possible Scenario

What to Buy:
1 Dove Men + Care - $4.00
2 G.U.M. Toothbrushes - $5.00
2 Stayfree Pads - $3.98
2 Dove Chocolates - $6.00
2 GE Reveal Bulbs - $5.00

Use coupons listed above and the
$5.00 off $20.00 Video Values printable coupon

Merchandise Total Value: $23.98
Out-of-Pocket Cost: $6.49 plus tax
Single Check Rebates: $8.00
Savings: $25.49 (over 100%)
Final Price: Overage after rebate!

I disclose: There are affiliate links included for coupon printing.