$20 Challenge Day 2

Today I stopped in Lowes Foods for some freebies and needs (I didn't know I had any).

I got...

1 gallon milk $2.99

1 Kashi Frozen dinner $4.15 but had a FREE coupon

1 bottle of mustard used the .50 coupon from Sunday and .79 coupon from ad -.21 after coupon

1 pack of gum $1.15 but had a FREE coupon

1 package of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (need) $1.00 after .75 coupon

2 Thousand Island dressings .50 each after store coupon and $1.00 off two coupon

1 box whole wheat Barilla Pasta free after .50 coupon

Total OOP $5.09

Total Spent So Far $7.36
Left to Spend $12.64
Total items so far 19!

$20 Challenge Day 1

Today I went to three stores.

Walgreens

Equal $2.50 with $2.50 coupon expiring this week (free)
Chapstick $1.99 (gives a $2 RR)

OOP $2.18 on gift card and $2.00 RR to use on the April Freebies(when my gift card reloads)




Riteaid

2 Mentos Gum $2.00 with 2 $1 coupons (free)
1 razor $4.99 (with $4.99 Mail in Rebate)

OOP $5.38 on Riteaid Gift Card will get $4.99 back




Harris Teeter (triple coupons)

Breakstone Sour Cream
Barilla Pasta and Sauce
Steamfresh Veggies
French's Honey Mustard
Vanilla Extract

OOP $2.27




Total cash spent $2.27
Total cash left for 7 days $17.73

$20 Challenge

Well, we are back from our three day weekend and had a GREAT time. The only problem is that we went a little over budget, but as you can see from the pictures it was well worth it.



I spent my grocery money for the week, so I am challenging myself to get as much as I can for $20 until hubby gets paid next Tuesday. 8 days! I know I can do well, because I also have a $10 gift card to Riteaid, around $5 to Walgreens, and about $14 in ECB to CVS. This will help the challenge quite a bit, not to mention the last day of HT triples. Other than milk, I have no real needs thanks to my stockpile, so I am just going for the freebies and really great deals. Wish me luck!

Three Day Weekend On A Budget

My hubby and I love to go on three day weekends. Back before we started on a budget we went often and expensively. (Sometimes I think we are still paying for those weekends.) We haven't had the opportunity to go on a 3 day for over a year. Here is what we discovered.

Hotels
Our old time favorite Charleston is expensive to even stay anywhere other than near the airport. So I did some searching of other places we like. I also looked up hotels in NC using the state rate, because I am a teacher and will be learning about NC on my trip. I found a room in Southport, NC on the coast for $63.75 per night. With taxes, $206 for three nights isn't bad. (One night in our favorite hotel in Charleston was $130 with taxes. On top of that, I booked the room through Ebates, and I will get 3% back in a check.

Gas
We will take my car which gets around 30 mpg. It should cost around $60 total.

Food
I hate seafood, but hubby loves it. So when we go to the coast, I let him spurge for dinner. I try to order something much more reasonably priced and water to drink. One of our favorite restaurants is Robertos in Ocean Isle Beach. We will go there for dinner tomorrow night. They serve Italian and Seafood dishes. We will order an extra pizza to go, and that will take care of lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Of course our hotel offers breakfast, so we are set there. I will also pack a small cooler with a few pops and waters (drinks can add up).


Entertainment
We can't wait to walk around downtown Southport and on the beach at Fort Fisher. We will also splurge and go to the aquarium for a whole $8 per person.

I am excited, as you can very well tell! If you have any more suggestions for us, please drop me a comment. I will be back Monday blogging about my good deals and another trip to Harris Teeter triple coupons. Until then, have a great weekend.

Triples Success

I bought...

1 reynolds wrap
1 pretzels
1 magic eraser
1 ranch dressing
1 409 cleaner
1 organic spring mix
1 salad finishers
1 frozen rolls
3 grands biscuits
1 crescent rolls
6 pizza rolls
1 butter
3 french's onions

OOP $8.49
Saved $50.36

Mail-in Rebate $3.99

Final total $4.50
I thought I did pretty good, considering these were either free or things we needed!

(To see coupon match-ups, scroll down a few posts.)

Combining Sales, Coupons, and Rebates

I love to combine my good deals. Just this week I found a rebate form for $7.50 back when you buy $30.00 worth of Freshetta Pizza. At first thought, that might not sound that great, but most rebates work off of regular price, so if you can combine it with a sale and rebate, score!



Lowes foods: $7.49 per pizza regular price
$3.99 store coupon (ends today)
$1.25 off two pizzas coupon

Total Price for 5 pizzas ($37.95 regular price): $17.50

After the rebate, I will have paid only $2.00 per pizza! These are pre-sliced, delicious, and easy for busy nights!

April Giveaway

I will send a full set of Charlotte Observer coupon inserts (4/5 really great ones) to a randomly selected person. To be selected, all you have to do is comment on my blog from March 15th-April 15th (be sure to leave your email, so I can contact you). Happy coupons!

My March winner was Jinxy and Me! Maybe you will be the winner for April!

Harris Teeter Triples List

Here is my proposed list for HT triples. I used the list at hotcouponworld (thanks ladies, click here for an ultimate list with lots of hard work) and past deals to get an idea of what the best deals for me are. I have a large stockpile, so I go for free items or items that I need. Like I posted before, my store limits to 20 coupons tripled per day, so I make a prioritized list to take on Wednesday morning before school. There is also a General Mills Promotion going on if you buy 10 items from the ad, you get an automatic $4.00 off.

Rhodes dinner rolls $1.79
.75 3/22 SS= FREE

Formula 409 – 32 oz. 2/$4.00
.75/1 Formula 409 Product, = free

Halls Cough Drops - $1.99
.75/1 Coupon = free

Mentos Gum - $1.49
.55/1 Mentos Gum, Any - 02-08-09 SS = free

French's Fried Onions -small can -$1.99
-.75/1 2/08 SS = FREE

Wacky Mac - 1.49
.50/1 www.coupons.com = Free

No Yolks - 2.39
.75/1 www.coupons.com = .14 each

Mott's Applesauce 23-24 oz jar 1.89
0.55/1 (printable)= 0.24

Sure Deordorant - $2.59
.75/1 03-01-09 SS = .34

Lipton tea bags ice tea brew family 24 count - 2.66
0.75/1 (3/15 RP)= 0.41

Hormel SPAM Single Classic $1.25
.25/1 3/22 SS = .50

15 oz Land o Lakes Butter Taste Spread - $2.29
.55/1 Coupons | Online Coupons = .64

Rold Gold Pretzels - 2.89
0.75/1 (3/1 SS)= 0.64

Aleve 24 cts Sale $2.99Q
.75/1 3/22 SS = .74

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser with Febreze Fresh Scent (2ct)
2.99-.75/1 homemade simple mailer= .74

Wishbone Dressing
2.99-75/1 =.74 (Always need this!)

Sargento Salad and Potato Finishers - 3.29-3.99
0.75 (2/1 SS) = 1.04-1.74

Flat Earth Baked Veggie Crisps - 2.99
0.55 (3/8 SS) = 1.34

Reynold's Non-Stick foil - 3.99
.75 = 1.74

Totino’s Pizza Rolls B1G1- $1.15 each
35/1 - .10

Weekly Menu

Monday- Chef Salad
Tuesday- Turkey soup
Wednesday- Mexican with friends
Thursday- Leftovers
Friday, Saturday, Sunday-Going on a three day weekend!

Bathroom Stockpile Pictures

Everyone, including me, likes to see stockpile pictures. I stockpile for two adults and one spoiled cat. If you don't understand the concept of stockpiling, go here to read about it. I donate monthly to my school, and when a need arises elsewhere. Most of the time, I do not sell what I buy. (Once my shampoo got out of control and I took some bottles to school for a $1.00 a piece to my co-workers.) I organized my bathroom stockpile yesterday. I cleaned out for donation and for sake of needing to be able to find things! I forgot to take pics of the toilet paper and bathroom cleaning supplies, but trust me it looks just like you'd expect. If you like these pics, please leave me a comment. It might encourage me enough to clean up my other stockpile areas enough to take pictures.

My shampoo and some cleansers....



My medicines...




Toothpaste, razors, shave gel, shower gel, tissues




Husband's stuff, hair stuff and samples




Feminine Stuff (Let's be honest almost all of us need it!)




Make-up




Oral Care





I try not to spend very much money AT ALL on my bathroom stockpile. I shop at CVS, Walgreens, and Riteaid to get lots of their freebies. You can do it too!

Walgreens Deal

I went to Walgreen's today to get Pepsi, cleaner, and Tomato Sauce. The deals were good, but not as great as I thought.

The tomato sauce did not ring up as 99 cents each. They rang up 5/$4.00 which meant I had to buy 13 to get over $10. Then I used the in ad coupon for $.39 and my total cost was around $5.50. I will get $5.50 rebate back on my gift card, so free or almost free tomato sauce.

I also got 4 packs of Pepsi, and I was hoping to use my $2.00 coupons from the Pepsi rebate. Well I was able to use 3 coupons, but not four because the fourth Pepsi rang up as free. So...4 packs of pepsi products cost me $5.92. Not too bad, but I could have done better.

I picked up one Nature's Source cleaner at $3.00 used $1.00 coupon and will get $1.10 back on my rebate gift card.

OOP $7.35 on gift card
Saved $30.24
Will receive $6.5o back in rebates

Food Lion

I ventured out to a new Food Lion today. I got a few good deals, and a rebate form that I will use soon.



I used a FLIP (food lion internet printable) for $2.00 off $5.00 produce, $1.00 off 2 mustards, $1.00 off FL oatmeal.

My total cost for 1 celery, 1 head of lettuce, 2 potatoes, mushrooms, 2 mustards, and 1 oatmeal was....

$5.07

The mushrooms and lettuce went great with our steak dinner tonight!

Walmart Trip

I hate to go to Walmart, but I decided to stop in quickly yesterday for a few deals!

Kotex Liners Free, after $1.00 coupon
Rimmel Mascara Free, after free coupon in All You Magazine
Swiss Cake Rolls $1.43 (a hubby request)
KY -.24 after $3.00 coupon
Suave Shampoo Free after Suave Stimulus coupon
Chili Mix 1.76 (this is our all time favorite!)

Total $4.07

Walgreens!

I went to Walgreens yesterday evening. They "paid" me to take a few items.

2 listerine $3.00 each, used $1.50 coupon for each
2 pack of toothbrushes $3.00, used $1.00

Paid $5.35
Got a $6.00 catalina to use on my next order!!!!

P.S. I also got stamps. This is a handy way to use a rebate gift card.

Harris Teeter Savings

2 Turkey Breasts
2 Cat Foods
Produce and More!

$28.34

Saved $50.99!

Mail Call!

I got a $10 rebate check today....not sure where from (maybe a superbowl rebate), but it is a nice bonus! I am hoping to get my $60 giftcard from Walgreens this week too! Anyone else getting any nice surprises?

Harris Teeter Triples

I just found out that Harris Teeter is having triple coupons for a whole week starting March 25th! Check back and I will have my list for Wednesday morning ready. The store opens at 7:00, and if I have my list and coupons ready, I can make it to school by 7:30 with all my deals!

Weekly Menu

Monday-Whole Wheat Philly Cheese Steak Hamburger Helper and Asparagus

Tuesday-Turkey Subs and Pickles

Wednesday-Japanese with Friends

Thursday-Hamburgers, Roasted Potatoes, and Green Beans

Friday-Taco Soup

Saturday-Turkey Breast,Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Veggies

Riteaid and CVS Freebies

First I went to CVS, and it took forever because the ECB did not print on my deodorant. Happily the cashier took care of it.

1 irish spring $4.49 with .50 coupon
1 colgate max white $2.99
1 Bic soleil cartridge $4.99 after 2.00 coupon
1 Dry Idea .99 after 2.00 coupon

Paid with ecb 4.99, 4.99, 1.00, and 1.98

Out of pocket .90
Saved $18.76 ecbs printed 2.00, 4.99, 3.00, and 2.99!



Then I went to Riteaid.
1 secret flawless 1.99 after 2.00 coupon
1 sami hairspray 4.99

saved $5.00
Out of pocket was 7.61, and I will receive $6.98 in rebates.
Total cost .63 cents!

March Giveaway Winner

The March Giveaway Winner is Jinxy and Me. I sent an email. Please contact me if you do not receive. Any comments made from now until April 15th will qualify for the April Giveaway! I will choose a great coupon week in April, get an extra set of inserts from the Charlotte Observer, and mail them to the lucky winner!

Baby Shower Fun

I helped throw a fun shower for a friend today. We did a scavenger hunt for her. Here are the clues and gifts. This was fun and frugal!

Clue #1 This first clue will lead you in the right direction,
Find this place to look like perfection!
You like to shop here for all sorts of things,
You will find the next clue to see what it brings!
It won’t be hard to find if you really try,
Just go to customer service in the store with the big bull’s-eye!

At Target, I left a reusable shopping bag full of beauty supplies that I got for cheap or free.

Clue 2
You are doing great and looking good,
So the next clue takes you to a place in the same neighborhood!
Recently you haven’t seen this place too much,
But soon you will be going again a bunch!
It shouldn’t be hard to find as you will clearly see,
All you have to do is talk to someone at ABC!

At Atlanta Bread Company, I left a $10 gift card to the restaurant (a kid's eat free favorite of hers).

Clue# 3
You may find us here, you may find us there,
You look around and see baby stuff everywhere!
Go to the checkout at this store to find a nice surprise,
A package will appear before your very eyes!
BRU sounds like a college but as you may well guess,
This is a store for tots that is certain to impress.

At Babies R Us, I left two packs of diapers (Walgreens deal) and wipes.

Clue #4
By now you are getting tired that we can surely see,
We won’t make you keep hunting, come keep us company.
You will find us in a house of a very dear friend.
Travel up **** and you’ll find us near the end.
If you still can’t figure it out and can’t guess who,
Come on down to ******’s house and we’ll show you!

Boy was my friend surprised, and we all had a great time at the shower!

Harris Teeter Savings

I kept it short and sweet this week, but got some good deals.

OOP around $7.00 (I lost my receipt.)


When you have a big stockpile, it is nice to have small weeks like this one!

Mail Call

I love mail days like today! I got a $32.95 rebate check from Riteaid, and $15 in coupons from frito lay/Pepsi. That rebate check will really help if I run short this week due to the shower, but I am going to try to not use it. Hopefully it can be moved into vacation savings!

Monthly Giveaway

I am desperately longing for some comments...I know I just started, but still. So I have decided to start a monthly giveaway. I will send a full set of Charlotte Observer coupon inserts to a randomly selected person. To be selected, you have to comment on my blog during the month of the giveaway (be sure to leave your email, so I can contact you). Happy coupons! My first giveaway will end Sunday. I will try to drop the coupons in the mail sometime this week!

Mail Call!

I love mail days like today! I got a $32.95 rebate check from Riteaid, and $15 in coupons from frito lay/Pepsi. That rebate check will really help if I run short this week due to the shower, but I am going to try to not use it. Hopefully it can be moved into vacation savings!

Target Goodness

Wow! I had a great trip to Target today for some needs and a few more baby shower items. I spent only $15.72 for everything you see here! I received some coupons for Target in the mail that can be used with newspaper coupons, so I saved a bundle!

2 Huggies wipes Free+.22 overage with $5 gentle care coupon
1 Dawn Direct Foam .49 after .50 Target coupon and $1.50 coupon
1 Cascade Rinse Free after coupon
Palmolive .25 after $1 Target coupon
3 pk of Hanes undies $2.14 on clearance minus $1 Target coupon
2 Tomato Soups .58 for both after .50 Target coupon
1 Reusable bag for shower gift .75
Motts Applesauce .14 after $1 Target coupon and .55 coupon
Pepperidge farms buns $2.99 (I know too expensive, but using them in two meals.)
Softsoap $1.00 after $1 Target coupon and $1 coupon
Bounty .72 after $1 Target coupon and .25 coupon
Bandaids .89 after $1 Target coupon and $1 coupon
Water Bottle clearance for $1.98 from $7.99
2 Cheese packages $2.50 total after $1 Target coupon

I saved.... $31.69 or about 67%!

Tax Return

Yippppeeee! We FINALLY got our state tax return late last night. Most other years it would all go straight to federal taxes (no kids), but this year due to increased giving at church (more deduction), we have $165 leftover. That money is going straight into savings for our vacation fund!

Happy Days!

Sometimes, I love to shop, and I definitely love to get a good deal. But some days, like this one, I am content to stay home after work, exercise (spring has appeared in NC), make dinner, and relax. It feels great knowing I have everything we need. Other than a few deals at Walgreens and Harris Teeter, I haven't shopped much this week. I plan to pick up a few final items for the baby shower I am helping with this weekend, but other than that, I love a quiet shopping week now and then.

weekly menu

Sunday--Homemade Pizza

Monday--Steak, baked potatoes, salad

Tuesday--Spaghetti with easy homemade meatballs

Wednesday--Mexican restaurant with friends

Thursday--Meatball (leftover) subs!

Friday--Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Saturday--Choice of Soup and Grilled Cheese (tomato soup for me please!)

_______________________________________________________
Easy Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1/2 cup of oats

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Form into balls and place into a covered casserole dish. Pop in the microwave for 1 minute intervals until cooked through. Cover with your favorite spaghetti sauce.

Walgreens Perfect Storm

I did an amazingly perfect deal this morning at Walgreens! I got three packs of diapers (baby shower gifts), 2 Sense Sprays, 2 Lasting Impressions, and Two Hannah Montana Badges (25 cents each)

Used a TON of coupons.

OOP $8.35
Received a $10 Catalina for next time!

Emergency Fund!

I have finally saved up our Dave Ramsey emergency fund! Time to start paying off our personal loan from going to college a little more aggressively than the minimum payment. I have been sticking to a $100 per week budget that includes all groceries, fun stuff, and eating out. I am trying my best to stick to the budget, even though I have a baby shower and bridal shower coming up for friends at church. Wish me luck!

P.S. No rebates today, only a coupon for a free bottle of Suave.

Rebates and Surveys

I love doing rebates and surveys. Yesterday, I received a $3 check for doing a survey, and today a $4.15 check for a rebate. With the checks trickling in and Walgreen's/Riteaid monthly rebates, I recoup much of what I spend at the drug and grocery store. I am expecting a big check from Riteaid this month and a $60 gift card from Walgreens.

Even better, I just got confirmation on $150 rebate for buying my dh a PS3 for Christmas!

Every penny (and dollar) counts!!!

Ebates

If you are an avid shopper like me, you probably already know about this website, but I am going to recommend it anyway. Ebates is a site that you can go to when you do your online shopping. There are coupon codes to use, and ebates provides a percentage of your shopping back to you each quarter. My quarterly check was for $13.89, just for clicking through their website when I shopped for Christmas gifts online. If you want to join ebates, leave a comment, and I will give you a referral!

Saving any way I can, so I can have more fun later!

My first post

Today is my first ever blog post. It is a snow day today, so I am home from school. I did some shopping and will post my pictures and totals as soon as I can figure them out.