CVS & Walgreens

Walgreens #1 TOP: $24.15. Total Value: $88.68. Total Savings: $64.53 or 73%. Free: lipstick, listerine rinse, & carmex. Best deal: $.29 boxes of Huggies wipes (5). Ended up with $5RR and $3RR.

Walgreens #2: TOP: $2.52 {$4.13 less refund of 1.61 (wrong toothbrush)}. Total Value: $12.02. Total Savings: $ 9.50 or 79%.

Walgreens#3: TOP: $1.34. Total Value: $9.34. Total Savings: $8 or 86%.

CVS #1: TOP: $3.14. Total Value: 33.64. Total Savings: $30.50 or 91%. Total Coupons (inlcuding ECBs): $26.50. Got Back $5 ECB, $1 ECB, & 6.99 ECB.

CVS #2: $4.48. Total Value: $10.48. Total Savings: $6 or 57%. Coupon: $3. Got back $6.99 ECB which then took care of #3.

CVS: #3: TOP .32 cents. Total Value: $19.24. Total Savings: $18.92 or 98 %. Got newspaper ($3 version), sidewalk chalk, 6 bubbles, 1 toothbrush (Free).

I used my other CVS card on #2 & #3 so that is why I did not want to carry over ECBs...gets too tricky. But I have two nice candles for Frank's teachers and outside play stuff.

Week: TOP 36.05. Total Value: 173.58. Total Savings: 137.53 or 79%. Total Coupons:

Ending RR:
Ending ECB:

Grocery Update...

Bi-Lo: TOP: $67.27. Total Savings: $79.86 or 54%. Total Coupons: $13.65. Free Lou Ann Canola Oil. We got Roast (5 lbs), shrimp, Kielbasa (4), 4 lbs of sandwich meat, ground turkey, carrots, fruit bowls, grapes, grape tomatos, salad mix, cheese, feta cheese, 3 packages of plates, tea (2 1/2 gallons) 2 packs of Hefty "go" cups, dial soap, Dawn and wheat torillas.

Kroger: TOP: $12.74 plus $3.50 Catalina next purchase. Total Savings: $28.77 or 69%. Total Coupons: 10.40. Free: Nothing but good deals on final day of Mega sale. 24 pack Aquafina, Dole Orange Pineapple, 5 BC boxes fruit treats, refried beans, cookie mix, chocolate cake delight, 1.5 lbs of Kraf cheese.

Publix: TOP: $60.82. Total Savings: $52.81 or 47%. Total Coupons: $22.30. I actually did not hand over $7 worth of coupons which would have made me at 50% savings. ARGH! Free: 4 10oz A1 Sauce and 1 McCormick seasoning.

Week: TOP $140.78. Total Value: 301.92. Total Savings: 161.44 or 53%. Total Coupons: $46.35

Yikes! We officially have no room in the freezer or fridge...things are falling out when the door is opened. We are stocked up...want to come over for dinner?? For dessert we have plenty of Fruit Roll ups or Fruit snacks or some lemon Italian ice. :)

Are You Ready for Some Football...

I am! Go GAMECOCKS!

Only 7 more days until the Gamecocks head north to take on the Wolfpack. I am hoping for a great game and a win. I think the edge right now definitely goes to NC State with it being a home game and their more experienced QB (and our less unproven defense). But I think our team has something to prove this season and this could be the start of something good. With the toughest schedule around I do not have high expectations but I do expect some wins!

House update

House is still for sale. price lowered again...more interest shown in house. One bad offer turned down twice.

Please keep praying we get house sold soon.

Prayer

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6.

Lord, Help me to continue to pray and seek you in all things. Please help us to get our house sold and help us grow our business. Continue to bless us and help me to accept those things around me I cannot change and live knowing you will take care of things in your time and not mine. Give me the patience to do your will. Amen

Grocery - Weekend of August 21-23, 2009

Publix Trip #1 picture.

Kroger #1: TOP: $11.81. Total Value: $29.41. Total Savings: 17.60 or 60%. Total Coupons: $9.20. Free single Chiquita apple slice for Frank IV.

Bought: 1 Dole Pineapple Orange ($1.99); 2 Green Giant Sweet Peas ($.75/ea); 5 boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks ($.99 each after coupons); 1 bag Betty Crocker cookie mix ($.79 after coupons), strawberries ($1.99), 1 Betty Crocker Warm Delights ($.49 after coupons) and Chex Mix ($1.09 after coupons).

Kroger #2: TOP: $5.96. Total Value: $19.86. Total Savings: $13.90 or 70%. Total Coupons: $6.90. Bought 5 boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks & 5 cans of Green Giant green beans and peas.

Bi-Lo: TOP: $20.13. Total Value: $51.39. Total Savings: $31.26 or 61%. Total Coupons: $9.85. Free: 4 Method soap dispensers.

Bought 2 bags salad mix, grape tomatos, 1.7lb grapes, 2 boxes of Mr Clean Magic erasers, 1 gallon 2% Milk, 1 Gallon sweet tea, Feta Cheese, & bag of frozen skinless chicken tenders.

Publix #1: TOP: $5.16. Total Value: $28.04. Total Savings: $22.88 or 82%. Total Coupons: $9.58. Free: (2) Shout Triggers, Motts Applesause, Uncle Ben Chicken Rice. I have picture of this below.

Publix #2: Top $39.01. Total Value: $76.98. Total Savings: $37.97 or 49%. Total Coupons: $15.83. This was the bread, meat and frozen items trip plus more Juicy Juice (apple this time). Got 1.25lb gr turkey, 2 Juicy Juice, Mrs Paul fishsticks, 2 Nature's Own 100% whole wheat bread, Publix Rotis Chicken (supper @ 4.99), 2 lbs pork chops, 2 Dig Pizza ($4 lunch), 3 Boston Market meals ($5.50 lunch), 3 lbs of lunch meat (Daddy lunch), All natual cinnomon snacks (Frank IV's class snack contribution $.49) Public Big Paper Towel (.01) , Pert hair for Men ($.49)

TOP: $82.07. Total Value: $205.68. Total Savings: 123.61 or 60%. Total Coupons: $51.36.

This was a great grocery week (which is good 'cause my drug store deals were not as good but they will be next week).

Wags & CVS August 2-22, 2009

CVS: quick trip for just two items. L'oreal eye treatment (14.99) and Cleaner (5.99). Used $4/20 facial product CVS, $4 ECB, $5 L'oreal coupon: TOP: 8.89 , Total Value $28.89. Total Savings $20 or 69%. Got Back $10 ECBs.

Wags: I had a pretty good trips to Wags last night. I got the last box of Huggies wipes for $.29 after Store and .50 MC, 4 M&Ms & Snickers (.49 for all 3 after $1/2 and B1G1), 2 Tylenol ($2, $1 MC, B1G1 @4.49), 2 jumbo crayons, 1 24 count crayon, pencil box, highlighters (my store only had one left) glue sticks, gummy worms (two year old favorite) & FINALLY I found Wags Children activity books.

I used a $3/15 RR, $2 wipes, $2 RR, .50 wipes coupon, $1/2 candy items, B1G1 Candy. It was $21 OOP with me getting back $5 RR & $6 RR. Total Value $57.24. Savings: $35.99 or 63%. No beeps since I had made sure my number of items exceeded my number of coupons.

CVS: FORGOT to split up my stuff my transactions so I ended up back with 26.79 ECBs and bigger TOP tonight. Just when I think I have the couponing down...Guess I will be shopping at CVS again soon. :)

Got Execedrin, Aveeno, drinks, personal items. TOP: $50.32, Total Savings: $45.02. Total ECbs back $26.79.

TOP: $80.21. Total Value: $181.47. Total Savings: 101.26 or 56%. Total Coupons & ECBs/RR: $46.29. Ending Total ECBs $26.79 and Total RR $11.

Grocery Store Shopping

Kroger: TOP: $42.16. Total Savings: $40.23 or 49%. Total Coupons: $17.25. Nothing free but deals on Mega Sale. Stocked up on BC fuit snacks. Got strawberries which Frank IV immediately started eating out of the package.

Publix: TOP: $54.83. Total Savings: $36.21 or 40%. Total Coupons: $13.48. Nothing free but this does include dog food at $14.99 with $1.00 coupon. Without that would be almost 50% savings

Bi-Lo: TOP: $43.34. Total Savings: $31.15 or 42%. Total Coupons: $13.00. We did get $.66 Kraft cheese. Plus meat and salad mix.

Totals --> TOP: $140.33. Total Savings: $107.59 or 43%. Total Coupons: $43.73. Total Value: $247.92.

Baseball family fun.

Daddy got Frank IV a new plastic baseball bat and ball tonight at CVS. We played ball in the front yards when we got home. Right now Frank is a better right fielder/"ball chaser" but he was swinging away with the bat. Of course I managed to hit the ball at him in the head but luckily not too hard. And while Frank IV was pitching he hit Mommy a couple times - Daddy said I was crowding the plate.

And the Braves beat the Phillies so a nice evening overall!

Great Trips to Walgreens & CVS

CVS: T'action #1: L'Oreal Advance Cleansing Wipes (5.99), L'oreal Deep Eye T'ment (14.99), clearance paper plates (.75). Coupons: $4/$20 Facial Product CVS, $1 off L'Oreal cleanser, $5 off L'oreal Eye Treatment, $2 ECB, $4 ECB. TOP: $6.97 with tax. Got back $10 ECB.

CVS T'action #2: 4 Pepsi 12 packs, 1 clearance baseball bat and ball (plastic summer for Frank IV). Coupons: $10 ECB. TOP $5.32. Got back $4 ECB.

CVS: Total Savings $43.56 or 78%. Total Value $55.85. Total ECB used: $16, Total Coupons: $6 and $4ECB for next trip.

Walgreens: 2 boxes Playtex tampons (3.99 each), 6 tubs of Huggies wipes (2.79 each), 6 bags of BIC pens (2/$1.00). TOP: $7.19, Used 4.50 in RR that expired 8/16, Total Coupons/savings: $22.50 or 76%. Got pens for free after 3 $1.00 off coupon, Huggies were $.29 for 2 and $.79 for 4, playtex $2.99 each after coupon.

Mommy has big hair

Yesterday morning I was trying to brush Frank's hair. Since I got it cut I have tried to keep a little neater before school. I tried to brush it and Frank grabbed the brush and wanted to do it himself of course. Then he said he was "too little" to do it. He then said Mommy has big hair. I laughed and asked him are you sure Mommy has big hair? He said YES Mommy have big hair.

First Day of School

Frank IV had his first day of the official 2009-2010 school year today. He was wearing his uniform as were his friends. It made them look more grown up! I took a big bag of school supplies in for Frank. Hopefully they are having a great day without too much crankiness after being out of school a week.

No picture (unless I take one tonight) because after we went to bed early I still woke up late. Oops! But I had everything packed and ready to go including having both our outfits ready which helped me catch up some time. We still got to school a little late but his class was still eating breakfast. So Mommy got to work right at 8:30. And Mommy has been busy all day since then.

CVS saving game

Okay I had been hesistent about saving at CVS or Wal-greens but I did try CVS on Saturday night (after 6pm for this week's deals) and I actually did good.

Bought 2 packs of Pull Ups ($9), Coppertone Nutrashield Sunscreen with free face lotion ($8.99), Huggies wipes ($3) and CVS lotion ($1.49). Used $1.49 free lotion coupon, $5/$25 purchase coupon, CVS ECB $4, ECB .99, Coppertone coupon $5.00, Pull Ups coupons $2 & $1.50 and Huggies wipes coupons $.50.

Total Value: $42.70. TOP: $11.75. Total Savings: $30.95 or 72%. ECB used: $4.99. Coupons: $9.00 manufacturer coupons and $5.00 CVS coupon. And best part ECB received: $6.00 for the next trip.

In my basic terms I got all that for the regular price of one package of Pull Ups! And it was quite easy and no problems (unlike when I try to use my Wal-greens ones).

Grocery deals...

Went shopping without Frank IV since he is still in Virginia - they are on route to SC as I type. We have a big Monday ahead of the "first"day of the school year. Uniforms are starting and I have big bag of school supplies ready to take in. Plus I had a little something for his teachers but I have to find it. Lol. All this buying on sale has me desperately needing more space. I REALLY NEED a big freezer.

Bi-Lo. Total Value: $118.64. TOP $52.77. Total Savings $67.71 or 57%. Total Coupons: $14.90. Was supposed to be a free Shout spray but I do not see it in receipt plus no bag credit...I did get Kleenex for $.81 a box for big boxes and anti-viral boxes. Spent $.14 on butter quarters and $.11 on cat treats (probably for church although one of neighbor cats likes Frank IV).

Publix. Honestly I needed $52 to get to me to the $150 for Kraft rebate. Then I forgot my list at home and shopped without a list. Bad, very bad Blakely but there were lots of good stuff on sale! And I did get the rest of my Kraft rebate items so I just have to mail off to get my $30 in Publix gift cards.

Total Value: $243.67. TOP: $127.36. Total Savings: $120.03 or 49%. Total Coupons: $37.34. Free: Kraft BBQ Sauce and Honey bunches of oats cereal. I got Kraft cheese for $.66 each, crayons 24 ct $.33/each, elmer's glue $.33 each, Chex mix for $.67 bag, Excedrin Migraine $1.00 for 24 count. And why I need a big freezer Tyson fajita kits were $4.99 (regular $7.99) and I have a $1.00 off coupon. Two bags makes a great EASY dinner when I add black beans to it. Yum!

Totals: Value: $362.31. TOP: $180.13. Total Savings: $187.84 or 52%. Total Coupons: $52.24.

prayer request updates

We are still praying for the house to sell, business to improve, health concerns for Nana, Uncle Bill, Uncle Winfield and Mylene's Mom Leony. "Mama Leony" will be having surgery soon. Plus we need safe travels for Frank IV, Nannie and Granddaddy. We are happy to know Poppy Bob and Moo are safely back from their travels.

We are blessed with each other and looking forward to new school year at daycare. The first PTO meeting is August 20.

Love to everyone. :)

Power Outage

It was dark and HOT last night at our house since the power went out before I got home at 6:30 and stayed off until 3:00am. It was really bad for Frank because he could not use his machine. So neither one of us slept much and poor Wolfie panted like he was in Sahara. It was a relief to have air again!

I did get one coat of paint on the trim done and i am hoping to finish up tonight. It was hard to see in the dark.

Frank's Visit to Virginia

Frank IV left yesterday with Nannie and Granddaddy for his week in Virginia. They made it safely there last night and Frank was already playing with his cousins Hunter and Jordan. Frank was quick to tell Mommy and Daddy bye-bye when the words "we are going fishing" were mentioned. Today, Granddaddy planned to take his boys fishing. Hopefully no one falls in the water - I know they will all have a great time.

It was quiet around the house last night and Markie and Wolfie were glad to get some attention from Mommy and Daddy for a change.

*****

Frank is loving his time in VA. He does not even want to talk on the phone with Mommy or Daddy because he is too busy having fun!

Fuel for School Rebate

Kelloggs has a Fuel for School Rebate of $10.00 for buying 10 items of participating items. You have to purchase all 10 at one time.

Today at Publix, I got 2 big boxes of Fruit Loops w/marshmallows, 4 boxes of Pop Tarts and 4 boxes of 100 Calorie Cheezits or Cookies. These 10 items were all B1G1. Plus 1 gallon of Publix Milk and 2 - 4 count Danimal Yogurts.

Total Value $21.76. TOP: $9.66 (plus I still get $10 rebate check). Coupons: $12.10. Turns out with purchase of cereal you got $2 off Milk and with purchase of 2 100 calories you got $2.00 off 2 yogurts. And I had 2 $1/1 yogurts coupons plus coupons for B1G1 items. I got milk for $.99/gallon and free yogurt!

House update

Please keep the sale of our house and the direction of our business in prayer. We continue to have interest in the house and really need to get it sold. Getting it sold will help us make a decision on the business. Right now we are in limbo about what to do.

I know prayer works so keep it coming please!

Grocery Update

Had to use the coupons expiring 7/31 yesterday...should be a good Sunday paper tomorrow.

Kroger: TOP: $22.00. Total Savings: $46.16 or 71%. Coupons: $31.29. Total Value: $68.16.
Free: 3 Crest toothpaste, Herbal Essense Styler ($2.99), most expensive: Huggies jumbo wipes $6.85 after coupons. Yes my e coupons worked.

Publix: TOP: $12.43. Total Savings: $14.75 or 54%. Coupons: $8.40. Total Value $27.18. Free: Deluxe Mac & Cheese (for Kraft rebate)

Second Publix Trip. TOP: $74.20. Total Savings: $70.32 or 49%. Coupons: $25.73. Total Value: $144.52. Free: 2 4 packs Danimal Yogurts, tomato sauce & I earned my $10 Kelloggs Rebate. School supplies: Washable Crayola Markers (8 count) $1.85.

Bi-Lo. Quick trip. TOP: $16.47. Total Savings: $12.31 or 43%. Coupons: $1.98. Total Value: $28.78. Free: Totino's Pizza Rolls

Final: TOP: $125.10. Total Savings: $143.54 or 53%. Total Coupons: $67.40. Total Value: $268.64