Friday Savings

Today at Walmart, I spent $98.60 and had $3.59 in coupons. I also used a $20 gift card to help pay for the purchase(it was my son's gift card from Christmas, but he wanted to spend the money at Gamestop. So, I told him he could have $20 for Gamestop if he gave me the Walmart gift card to use grocery shopping). The groceries were a lot of money this time because I had my coupons were expiring for Pronamel toothpaste(which is $4.72 each), we bought things like chips and crackers for New Year's Eve, I had to buy pork chops which were $15.51, and I haven't been to Costco so I had to buy a few extra things like milk - all that adds up quickly.

At Vons today, I spent $16.34 and saved $10.61, which was 39%. I thought the savings would be a higher percentage, but oh well! Minute Maid orange juice was on sale for $1.99, Dryers ice cream $2.79(my son got peppermint one last time), and Lucerne stick/string cheese $2.99. Kraft macaroni and cheese was on sale for $.69, but they were all out, so I had to get a rain check. The cashier didn't have any, so I had to go to customer service. There were already a few people in line, unfortunately. When I got to the front, the lady just ripped open my ad, sending my paper clip, shopping list, and receipt flying across the counter. She didn't believe the limit was 10 so she had to call for someone. Eventually she found the limit printed on the ad(I had already told her it was printed there). So, I asked her if people frequently lie about the limit, and she said yes! That's too bad, because then it makes the rest of us have to go through all that. Oh well, the savings will be worth it.

I absolutely loved shopping at CVS today. I spent $15.71 and saved $26.51! Pantene shampoo and conditioner was on sale for 2/$6.97 + $2 extra bucks + $3 coupon(we kept this and traded out our V05 for the charity box - we like to have nice things once in awhile too), Gilette Fusion Pro Glide Razor $9.99 + $4 extra bucks + $4 coupon(this is for my dad because a 5 blade razor is the only one that doesn't cut his face too much - now that he's older his skin is more fragile), Tone body wash $3.88 + $3 extra bucks(charity), Colgate Total $2.99 + $2 extra bucks(charity), Dawn $.94 + $.25 coupon(charity), and Puffs tissue box $.94 + $.25 coupon off 3(charity). I also had $6.79 in extra bucks to use from last week.

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Monday Savings

There weren't any fliers for my usual Monday shopping stores, because the deals all ended on Christmas. So, I'll have to wait and do my usual Monday shopping next week.

However, I did go to Albertsons today because I needed a couple of things and I wanted to check for Christmas candy sales. Yesterday we went to the mall to get some Hickory Farms turkey sausage, but they were all out(other than a $30 box with lots of other items in it that I don't want). I remembered that last year my daughter and I bought some at Albertsons, so that's why we went there today. I spent $24.83 and saved $7.20. Not very good, but better than nothing. The Hickory Farms turkey sausage was on sale for $5.99 + $1 coupon, Christmas candy was 50% off so I bought 2 bags, and since my husband was with me and he likes the white and mint chocolate covered Oreos offered only at Christmas we bought those on sale for $3.69.

Friday Savings

Today at Walmart, I spent $59.45 and had $1.90 in coupons. This week was much better than the last 2 weeks because we didn't need any extra stuff. This week even includes the Christmas dinner that I'm hosting at my house, so I didn't do too bad.

At Vons, I spent $10.45 and saved $6.20, which is 37%. Unfortunately, the sales items were not discounted very much this week. Probably because they know people are going to buy certain things for Christmas dinner so they don't want to mark them down too much - they want to make as much profit as they can. Safeway Bakery cookies were on sale for $1.49, egg nog $2.99, 10 pound potatoes $2.49, and Betty Crocker frosting $1.99.

At Ralphs, I spent $4.18 and saved $4.14, almost 50%. Brown onions were on sale for $.50/pound, Ralphs can vegetables $.50, and Minute Maid orange juice $2.50.

At CVS yesterday, I spent $9.43 and saved $26.37. Even the cashier told me I did a good job! M & Ms were on sale for 2 for $5 + 2 extra bucks + $2 coupon, Whitmans sampler for $.99, Suave kids shampoo 3 for $5, and ThermaCare heat wrap $2.79 + $2.79 extra bucks. I also had $11.99 in extra bucks to use, from previous shopping trips.

Robitussin Coupon

If you want a $1 coupon for a Robitussin product, all you have to do is click here and you will be taken to a registration form. Just fill it out, and receive your coupon - it's easy! You also have the option of signing up to receive additional info. and offers too. With the cold and flu season here now, it's a great offer to help you save some money.

Monday Savings

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $15.61 and saved $17.20. Minute Maid orange juice was on sale for $1.99, Martinelli's apple cider $1.99, Oscar Meyer bacon $2.49, Kraft shredded cheese $1.99, Nabisco crackers $1.49, cool whip $.49, and Stove Top Stuffing $.99. Some of these products were also on sale last week, but that's fine with me because I use those products often.

At Albertsons, I spent $27.81 and saved $23.64. It wasn't quite 50% because I had to buy French bread and that wasn't on sale. Campbell's soup was on sale for $.69(us & charity), Albertsons canned vegetables $.50(us & charity), Dreyers ice cream $2.79, celery $.99, Welch's Healthy Start $3.29 + $1 coupon, Michelina's entrees $.88, Andersen's split pea soup $1.25(for part of my dad's Christmas present), Dole pineapple $.99, Albertsons graham cracker pie crust $1, Equaline hand sanitizer 8 oz. bottle $1, and Gillette shaving cream $1(charity). Albertsons really had a lot of things on sale today! It's nice getting to know the cashiers every week because my purchase qualified me for for 3 cookware stamps, but the cashier had an extra one from someone else, so he gave it to me! :)

Friday Savings

Yesterday at CVS, I spent $2.38 and saved $9.04. Crest Pro-Health toothpaste was on sale for $2.99 + $2 extra bucks(charity), Campbells tomato & chicken noodle soup $.50, and Kelloggs cereal $1.88 + $.75 coupon. I also had $3 in extra bucks to help pay.

Today at Walmart I spent $98.32 and used $2.75 in coupons! I had a lot of extra things to buy this week. My 4 year old threw up on Wednesday, so I wasn't able to go to Costco, so I had to buy some things at Walmart that I would normally only buy at Costco. Also, my parents are coming over tomorrow night for my dad's birthday dinner, so I had to buy a lot for that; and since the kids are home from school next week, I had to buy more things for lunch than I normally do. They normally just bring sandwiches for lunch at school, but when they're home I try to make them different lunches, so they get a break from the same thing every day.

At Vons, I spent $17.60 and saved $28.45, which is 64%. Miracle whip was on sale for $2.99 + $1 coupon, broccoli for $.88/pound, coke & 7up were 5 for $10, and I had a coupon from last week's shopping trip for a free Bright Green cleaning product. I've never tried that brand before, so I picked the toilet cleaner. I hope it works great - have any of you ever tried Bright Green cleaning products?

Ralphs didn't have any sales items that interested me this week.

By the way, the person that I give my charity items to, told me that this week she gave away all the items I've given her to a very needy family! I'm so excited that my charity items are going to be used by someone! I will bring her some more items this next week so she has more available to hand out to whoever needs them.

The Adventure of Pookster and Bubs Book Review

I have received 2 sets of books to review from Bring it on Communications. The first set of books I read was from the Adventures of Pookster and Bubs. They are Pookster and the Unloose Tooth and Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle. They are both written by Rhonda Funk, are published by Fish Pond - a division of Carmichael Publishing Sisters, and were printed in 2010. If you would like to get these books for yourself after reading my review, here are the ISBN#'s: 1-935265-40-7, 1-935265-41-5. You can buy them from Amazon.com for about $10.

The Adventures of Pookster and Bubs includes a CD and is a children's series that teaches kids different aspects of the fruits of the spirit. They are about a brother, Bubs, and his sister, Pookster, and different situations they encounter in life and they learn how to deal with them God's way. Each book ends with a Scripture.

Pookster and the Unloose Tooth is about how Pookster really wants to be able to sing "All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth," and really mean it. She tries different ways of making her teeth come out and finally succeeds. She finds out that because her teeth weren't ready to come out, it takes a very long time for them to grow back in, and she's not happy about that. So, the fruit of the spirit that she learns is patience.

Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle is about how much Pookster loves to eat pickles and doesn't want anyone bothering her while she's eating the perfect pickle. When she thinks her brother is bothering her, she says some pretty mean things to him, and gets her pickle taken away from her, by her mom. Pookster apologizes to her brother and finds out he didn't want to take her pickle, he just wanted to play with her. So, the fruit of the spirit she learns is about kind words.

My 4 year old son and I listened to these books together. The first time we read them, I wondered why it didn't have page turn signals. When I took the cd out, I looked at it closer, and saw that the turn signals are on the second track. The turn signals are not the usual beep, it's a different sound, and unless you're actually reading the words to the book, you wouldn't realize it's time to turn the page, because there are also other background sounds going on that correspond to the story.

Overall, my son and I did like these books. I really like the positive message of the stories and the Scripture at the end. My son thought the sound effects and some parts of the story were funny - they made him laugh. I don't think he really "got" the message about the fruit of the spirit, but an older child - maybe 6 or older, probably would. I would definitely read more books in this series with my 4 year old, and I would definitely read them again with him when he's older, so he can really "get" the message.

You should check these books out for yourself, and get them for your child: Here's the link to the Pookster and Bubs store.

Monday Savings

Today at Albertsons, I spent $7.51 and saved $2.24. The savings isn't that good today because I needed a couple of other items that weren't on sale(things that Walmart doesn't have). Welches juice was on sale for $2.29 and Bounty paper towels for $1 + $.25 coupon(charity).

At Stater Bros. today, I spent $16.58 and saved $15.48. Eggo waffles and pancakes were on sale for $.99, green beans $.69/pound, Hillshire Farms sausage $2.50, Cool Whip $.49, Nabisco Crackers $1.49, and Stove Top stuffing $.99(us and charity).

I'm glad I compare store circulars for the week, because Albertsons had green beans on sale for $.99/pound, but Stater Bros. had them on sale for $.69/pound. I've found this occurs every week among different items at different stores, so it pays to compare them every week. It doesn't take that much time either. I can look at all the store circulars in less than half an hour, and that's even with my kids around. :)

Friday Savings

Today at Walmart, I spent $83.44 and had $7.88 in coupons. This was a lot of money this time because I bought brown shipping paper for my business, a couple of presents for my dad, lemon brisk for my husband, and Dryel for my son's dry clean only black pants. All of those things were about $36! So, my actual "grocery" bill was around what it usually is. I wish Lemon Brisk was sold as a store brand, because the store brand sodas my kids and I drink once a week are only $1.88. Also, the Dryel is expensive too, even with my coupon it's about $1 every sheet. Anyone have a cheaper alternative?

At Vons, I spent $24.88 and saved $29.87, which is 55%. Precious string cheese was on sale for $2.49, Wheat thins $1.49 + 2 - $1 coupons, Safeway tomato and chicken noodle soup $.34(charity), Lucerne cream cheese $.99, Lucerne ice cream $1.99, and my rain check for Oscar Meyer hot dogs $.99. When I checked out, I received a coupon for a free bright green product, up to $3. I'll have to look for that next week.

At Ralphs, I spent $12.94 and saved $22.22. Oreos were on sale for $1.49, Pringles $.99 + a $1 coupon that appeared on the receipt - maybe from an online source I forgot about(I love those surprises), Minute Maid orange juice $1.50(I was lucky and got the last pulp free), and oranges $.99/pound. When I checked out, I received a coupon for $1.50 off any Pringles. That's a great coupon for the next time!

Fisher Price and Santa Letter

There is an offer where you can sign up for Fisher-Price® and receive special offers, age-appropriate play-tips and more! When you click on the link, it will take you to a screen where you can sign up for their e-mail newsletter. The newsletter is very helpful to any one with young kids. Click here to go to the sign-up screen.




PackageFromSanta.com has the best product offering of any of the "Santa Letter" offers this holiday season! See your child's face light up when they get a letter from Santa. Various packages available Ranging from 14.99 to 54.99. - Personalized Letter from Santa Claus - Mailed in Glossy, Metallic Red Envelope - Santa’s North Pole Return Address Label - Gold Foil Shipping Label - Genuine North Pole Postage, and more! Go here to see the offer.

Monday Savings

Today I added a new store to my shopping list - Stater Bros. I spent $6.92 and saved $4.10. Dole juice was on sale for $1.99, Michelina's $.69, corn on the com 3 for $.99, zucchini $.49/pound, and asparagus $1.29/pound. It was the thin asparagus too, it's the only kind we like. I liked shopping here because the customers and employees were very friendly. I will definitely shop here again, if they have good sales prices.

At Smart and Final, I spent $9.06 and saved $2.98. I really saved more, but I bought rice that wasn't on sale, although the price is considerably lower than anywhere else. Avocados were on sale for $.50 each, shredded cheese $1.49, and sweet onions were supposed to be on sale for $.79/pound. Every time I buy onions on sale here, they ring up as yellow onions no matter what kind of onion is on sale. Most of the time the price is wrong, and they say they can't do anything about it. So, from now on, I won't buy sale onions from this store. By the way, they rang up as $.99/pound.

At Albertsons, I spent $4.54 and saved $4.52. Oranges were on sale for $.50/pound, Albertsons water chestnuts $.69 and S&W beans $.89. My 4 year old was singing "Jingle Bells" while we were in line. The cashier joined him and had the customer in front of us and me, join in too! It was funny. The cashier said my son brought joy into his day, because my son's happiness was contagious. So, I told him he lives up to him name because Isaac means laughter.

Friday Savings

Yesterday, Albertsons had an 8 hour sale. I spent $4.96 and saved $11. Hansens juice was on sale for $.99, and Ruffles for $1.49. Too bad the limit on both was only 2.

At Walmart today, I spent $81.73 and used $1.75 in coupons. It's more than usual because $20 was for a gift card for a family that my husband's work is sponsoring. They sponsored the family last year because the teenage boy was hit by a hit and run driver; and they're sponsoring them again this year because unfortunately, the boy recently died and the mom is a single mom with other kids and she can't afford to give them a Christmas.

At Vons, I spent $13.79 and saved $12.51, which was 48%. Refreshe soda was on sale for $1.88, Crest toothpaste $.99 + $.75 coupon which was doubled making the item free(charity), rice-a-roni $.89, and Safeway Select ice cream $2.49. Oscar Meyer hot dogs were on sale for $.99, but they were out, so I had to get a rain check. That was disappointing because on Sunday I'm making a dinner with hot dogs, rice, and peas. Oh well!

At Ralphs, I spent $10.56 and saved $27.62. I had to calculate the savings myself because the part of the receipt that tells you the savings, ripped off in the cash register! That's my favorite part of the receipt! Anyway, broccoli and cauliflower were on sale for $.88/pound, Cheerios $1.79 + $1 coupon, Hot/Lean pockets $.99 + $.50 coupon which was doubled, and $.79 Quaker rice cakes.

At CVS, I spent $1.76 and saved $14.23! Dawn was on sale for $.88 + $.25 coupon, V05 $.77, Suave deoderant $.89 + $.75 coupon, and Complete multi-purpose contact solution $9.9 + $9.99 extra bucks for next week. I also used $11 in extra bucks to pay for the purchase. Everything I bought is for charity.