It's Finally Summer Break

It's amazing how time flies when you relax and let go. 

Schools out and we just returned home from a whirlwind 10 day visit to Orlando and the Eastern shore of Florida.  We went to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, The Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom that was 5 days of non-stop fun and exhaustion.

I had priced out our trip many ways including staying at 2 hotels, Disney property and a Universal property, to maximize on the on site advantages. I was almost ready to put my money down when I got a Costco coupon booklet in the mail and a lightbulb went on in my head reminding me that they have travel services.  I got on the phone with them and priced out my options.   Lo and behold it was $1000 cheaper in the long run to book through them, plus I get cash back on the trip by using my Costco Amex Card.  Have to say my Costco Executive Membership just paid for itself 10 times over.

Having now taken the trip I can admit that I've learned some things about the parks that I'd like to share. 

Bring 2 pairs of sneakers!!!  There are many water rides at both parks and your shoes will not dry overnight.

I don't know about the Universal Parks but a friend we met at Disney showed me that you can get free cups of ice water or Ice at the food stands throughout the park;  all you do is go to the cashier and order a cup of water, they ring it as free and you go to the counter to get it, she said they'll even fill your water jug for you. (thanks Lisa).

Get to the parks before they open, this will give you a better chance at getting on the "must do" rides in your itinerary before the lines build up.  If you're at disney, get a fast pass for one of the rides and go ride the other.  Getting to Universal Islands of Adventure early and waiting on line at the park entrance got us an unexpected bonus.  Our son was approached by the gentleman who opens the park and he asked our son if he would like to help him.  Jake is 7 and he was thrilled.  He got to make a speech on the public address system to all the people wating for the park to open.  Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Since we were there early we were able to ride the Harry Potter ride two times and take a tour of the castle in under 40 minutes (that's without buying an express pass) I think that really was the key to getting to do and see everything we wanted to.

In retrospect I think we wouldn't have gone to the parks back to back like we did.  Jake has boundless energy and limitless wonder, but we parent were utterly pooped way before he was.  I think next time we'll take a break between Theme parks and sit at the pool to recharge.

All in all it was a fabulous first family trip to Florida and I am looking forward to planning our Deleware beach trip.  I wonder what deals I can find for that trip.

Yours in Saving,
Lori

Productive Weekend

It feels like ages since I last posted.   Things have been busy.  Bob & I quit smoking 5 weeks ago, talk about saving money.  First order of business when we quit was to have the amount we were spending on cigarettes automatically transferred to a savings account. We did the same thing when we paid off our cars, kept on making the payment on to our savings.   This is something both of our Parents had taught us from a young age. Here's how we see it, if you don't save you can't spend and boy do we love to spend.

Yesterday I started on decluttering and cleaning up the kitchen.  The windows over the sink got a good scrubbing and the white eyelet curtains were not white anymore.  They got to spend a few hours soaking in oxyclean and hot water and came out bright and clean. 

I took my son to Kohl's and picked up some capri pants on sale for $16.00 plu an additional 15% off.  I was looking for the sneakers that I bought last year; unfortunately they didn't have them.

After a search online I found them on sale at Sears.com.  The sale price was $29.99 plus Sears.com has several coupon codes available, the one used was Womensshoes15.   That gave me free shipping and an additonal 15% off.  Plus I had some Shop your way reward points from Kmart that deducted another $6.  So they ended up costing me $19 and change.

Also I hit RiteAid for the Sobe Lifewater sale.  5 for $5 plus $1 up rewards with a 6 per household limit on the ups.   I did 5transactions  and used a $1.50 coupon for every 5 bottles. I purchased 30 Sobe's for $17.77.  That's $.56 a bottle compard to $.87 at Costco and $.70 at Giant Eagle.   That extra $1 off really made it a great deal.

Check back in a few days and I'll have more to share.

Walmart Matchups for April 24 to April 30

This is one of the best websites for Grocery Coupon Matchups and deals.  Like them on Facebook or sign up on their webpage.  The link is on the right hand side of this page.

Pocket Your Dollars Walmart Matchups

Rite Aid Pre Easter Trip

Had to get a few last minute basket stuffers to help out the Easter Bunny. 
Checked the Rite Aid Circular and the latest inserts and headed out the door.  I really should start walking over as I can see the darn store from my bathroom window.  I just never know how big my trip will be until I get there.
I had some $1/2 Mars Coupons on hand and saw the Kotex U BOGO half off sale in the ad.
I had $5 ups from my last purchase and am really p/o'ed that I forgot to print the $3 off $15 from my last visit.  No worry's as I'll be back there tomorrow to get zyrtec w/ups and sobe lifewater.


MM Milk Filled tin  2 @ 1.49 ea
Easter Pez  2@ .99 ea
Dove Milk Bunnies 3 pk  2@ 1.99 ea
Filled Eggs (Starburst jelly beans, skittles & pop up egg)  3 @ .80 ea
Kotex U Thin 18ct   1@ 4.79  1@ 2.39
Kotex U Tamp 18ct  1 @ 5.49
Kotex U Liner 18 ct 1 @ .74

Original Retail of $31.50 before 20% Wellness Rewards of $6.75
Coupons Used
$5 up
$1 Kotex U Tamp
$1 Kotex U Liner
$1 Kotex U Pad (2)
$1/2 Mars Easter Product (2)
$11 total in coupons

OOP with tax  $14.30 giving me a 55% savings ($17.20)

Even on Spring Break there's couponing

Jake & I are on Long Island visiting my parents on Long Island for part of spring break.  True to form I have my coupon organizers with me.  Plus my Mom saves me all the full inserts from her papers. 

I realized I needed more Zyrtec. I knew I had some coupons in my binder but went through the circulars my Mom and Sis in Law saved for me.   Lo and behold there were $7 off Zyrtec coupons expiring on 4/24/2011 (usually I find these high dollar ones the day after they expire). 

So off I went to the local Rite Aid.  Of course I can't just walk in get my items and leave; I have to check out what's on sale.

Zyrtec gel caps were on sale from $29.99 down to $26.99 (with wellness card) for a 40 ct bottle.  I had them in my hand when I noticed the the bottle of caplets was a 30 with bonus makining it a 40 ct and only $22.99.  Since it wasn't on sale I get and additional 20% off with my wellness card ($4.60).  I got two of them. 
Then I found nose pads for my glasses, I've been looking for these at my hometown Rite Aid for weeks and they never have them.   My new glasses keep sliding down the non existant bridge of my nose.

I marched up and down the aisles and happened up the Planters Flavor Grove Almonds with olive oil and sea salt.  I tried these a while back with a coupon and really liked them, but there's no way I am paying $3.49 for them.  This RA had them on BOGO and I had $1/2.

So here's the breakdown

2 Zyrtec 30 plus 10ct (40)  $45.98 ea  RA price $36.98
Nose Pads $.99   RA price $.79
2 Flavor Grove Almonds  $6.98   RA price $3.49

2 Zyrtec Coupons  $14
1 Flavor Grove Coupon $1

Retail Price before Tax  $53.95
Actual cost after Wellness rewards and coupons
$26.13  Plus $5 up  for $25 Allergy purchase
Savings of $27.82

Discount Easter Baskets with Ebates $ & Shipping Rebate

A friend of mine let me know that Personalcreations.com had custom embroidered easter baskets on sale for $19.99.  Also if you do a search for Personal creations coupon codes you can get an additional 25% off on the basket.

Personal Creation is a division of ProFlowers which means there are many different discount options out there. 

First I went to Ebates.com to see if they were a partner and they are; offering 8% back on purchases when you go through their link.  After searching for  the discount code and trying a bunch of options I wasn't able to use the 25% off in conjunction with the cash back. 

I checked on Ebates Coupons list for Personal creations and found a link for 15% off which came to $3 off.  On the review your order page I noticed link under the Order Total section on the right side of the page that read Shipping Rebate Click Here.  For some reason it wouldn't click.  Then at the bottom of the screen is a bonus offer for a magazine if your order is $19.99 or more.  At the bottom of the box there's a link that reads; Get Details on rebate instructions.  When I clicked on it a new screen opened with details on the Free Magazine, but as I read down further I found that if I didn't want the magazine they would send me a rebate of $9.99 if I followed a few simple instructions.  Here is the paragraph:

As an added benefit to shopping at PersonalCreations.com, if you decide that you do not want a magazine subscription, please check the box on the "Review Order" page, or if you would like a rebate instead, simply send a copy of your order confirmation within 30 days of placing your order to: Flynn Marketing Services, Inc., PersonalCreations.com Program, PO Box 10469, Chicago, IL 60610 and you will receive a rebate of $9.99. Make sure to include: (1) a copy of your confirmation email; (2) a print out of the Reader's Digest Offer on the PersonalCreations.com Review Order page; and (3) this completed page in your correspondence.

My order total with the 15% discount, standard shipping and tax came to $24.98.  With the $9.99 rebate my final cost for the personalized easter basket will be $14.99.  I think that's a pretty nice deal for a personalized basket with some quality items in it.

Website that applies P&G coupons

I just came across this website that shows you the P&G coupon available for each item.  The have $5 shipping no matter what the order size.  I thought it was worth sharing for those of you that like to shop online but aren't able get the discounts from coupons.

Estore

Have a great day.
Lori

My Rite Aid coupons matchups for 4/3/2011

Getting ready to head over to Rite Aid this morning.

Yesterday I finally had a chance to sit down with the adverts and inserts and see what's what.  Rite Aid had the best deals on what I want/need.

Tide 40 oz powder is on sale for $5.99    

P & G Insert from yesterday has $3/1 Tide-the picture on the MQ shows the duo pacs but the description is  for one 26-50 oz powder, 15-34 ct Duo Pac or 36-68 oz liquid tide stain release.  Also I read in another post that there may be $3 peelies on these; combined with the coupon they will be free.

This is not an item that I use so when I was in RA yesterday I didn't look.  I intend to donate these to my son's school to be given to students families that are in need.

Gillette deodorant  2/$8  w $2 ups

P & G insert has $1/1 deodorant and a Buy one Deodorant get one Body wash Free.   With 2 coupons I'll get 2 deodorant and 2 body washes for $6 and get $2UPS

Glad Forceflex bags $6.99 (were $8.99 yesterday)

$1/2 coupon

Hersheys' Snap Chocolate Bunny  $1.99

coupon for $1/2 Hershey, Reeses, or Cadbury Centerpiece items (2oz +)

That's really all that's on my list for now.  I'll have to see the shelf prices when I get there.  I'd really like to stock up on some toothpaste and toothbrushes and I have some coupons in my file.

Will let you know how it went when I get back.

Giant Eagle shopping trip 3-27-11

Big shopping trip on Sunday at Giant Eagle
Here's what I bought:

   BNLS WHOLE PORK TENDER 
    BNLS WHOLE PORK TENDER 
    TYS T1 CHKN BREAST PATTIES 26OZ 
    CASCADE POWDER LEMON 120OZ 
    CASCADE POWDER LEMON 120OZ 
    VT PIZZA CHEESE 6.50OZ 
    VT PIZZA PEPPERONI 6.50OZ 
    GE UNSALTED BUTTER 1/4'S 16OZ 
    GE UNSALTED BUTTER 1/4'S 16OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
   ORE-IDA SWEET POTATO FRIES 19OZ 
    NAB WHOLE WHEAT RITZ 15OZ 
    NAB WHOLE WHEAT RITZ 15OZ 
    GORT LG CRUNCHY FILLET 19OZ 
    GORT LG CRUNCHY FILLET 19OZ 
    GORT LG CRUNCHY BREAD STICKS 19OZ 
    GORT LG CRUNCHY BREAD STICKS 19OZ 
    VT PIZZA SUPREME 6.50OZ 
    OREIDA EXTRA CRSP FAST FD FRIE26OZ 
    GROUND BEEF-VP 1 LB 
    GRND BEEF ROUND VP 85% LEAN 1 LB 
YOPL GOGURT SCOOBY DOO BERRY 18OZ 
    YOPL GOGURT SCOOBY DOO BERRY 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    TYS GRLD & READY CH BRST STRIP22OZ 
    SIMPLY JIF CRMY PEANUT BUTTER 27.30OZ 
    SIMPLY JIF CRMY PEANUT BUTTER 27.30OZ 
    SIMPLY JIF CRMY PEANUT BUTTER 27.30OZ 
    SIMPLY JIF CRMY PEANUT BUTTER 27.30OZ 
    PILL SIMPLY RUSTIC FRNCH LOAF 13.2OZ 
    PILL SIMPLY RUSTIC FRNCH LOAF 13.2OZ 
    PILL SIMPLY RUSTIC FRNCH LOAF 13.2OZ 
    PILLS SIMPLY BUTTERMILK 10CT 12OZ 
    BE EDAMAME BAG 12OZ 
    A&H 2X FREE LQ LAUNDRY DETERGT32LD 
    A&H 2X FREE LQ LAUNDRY DETERGT32LD 
    A&H 2X FREE LQ LAUNDRY DETERGT32LD 
    A&H 2X FREE LQ LAUNDRY DETERGT32LD 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    C.F. DIET COKE 12Z 12P FRIDGE 144OZ 
    C.F. DIET COKE 12Z 12P FRIDGE 144OZ 
    C.F. DIET COKE 12Z 12P FRIDGE 144OZ 
    GE SHRIMP LINGUINI 24OZ 
    GE SHRIMP & SGE JAMBALAYA 27OZ 
    GE SHRIMP ALFREDO 24OZ 
    GE SHRIMP STIR FRY 24.20OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE THIN SPAGH14.50OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE THIN SPAGH14.50OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE PENNE RIG 14.50OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE PENNE RIG 14.50OZ 
    CHICKEN GE ROASTERS 855 USA 48LB 
    CHICKEN GE ROASTERS 855 USA 48LB 
    TOSTITOS LIME 13OZ 
    TOSTITOS LIME 13OZ 
    TOSTITOS SCOOPS 10OZ 
    TOSTITOS SCOOPS 10OZ 
    LOL ALL NATURAL LARGE BROWN 1DZ 
    LOL ALL NATURAL LARGE BROWN 1DZ 
    CAPRI SUN GRAPE 10 PACK 10%60OZ 
    CPR SN RRN WTRS GRAPE 10PK 0%60OZ 
    CPR SN RRN WTR TRP FR 10PK 0%60OZ 
    CPR SN RRN WTR STR KW 10PK 0%60OZ 
    CAPRI SUN STRAW COOL 10 PK 10%60OZ 
    CPRI SN TRP PNCH CLR 10 PK 10%60OZ 
    CAPRI SUN FRT PUNCH 10 PK 10%6OZ 
    KR 1/3 LESS FAT PHILA BRK 8OZ 
    KR IWS AMER MASTER CS 16OZ 
    KR IWS AMER MASTER CS 16OZ 
    CAPRI SUN STRBRY/KWI 10 PK 10%60OZ 
    GRAPE GREEN SEEDLES USA 1LB 
    APL GALA 3 LB USA 3LB 
    SMKR GRAPE JELLY 32OZ 
    SMKR STRAWBERRY JELLY 18OZ 
    KLNX WHITE FACIAL BOX 200CT 
    KLNX WHITE FACIAL BOX 200CT 
    KLNX WHITE FACIAL BOX 200CT 
    KLNX WHITE FACIAL BOX 200CT 
    BE STM PREM GOLD & WHITE CORN 12OZ 
    BE *STMFRSH BROCCOLI CUTS 12OZ 
    BE *STMFRSH BROCCOLI CUTS 12OZ 
    BE *STMFRSH SUPER SWEET CORN 12OZ 
    SF KRAZI CURLS 7.5OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE X-WIDE NDL12OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE X-WIDE NDL12OZ 
    KASHI GO LEAN CRISP 15OZ 
    MIO SWEET TEA 1.62OZ 
    TYS BONUS FUN NUGGETS (DINO) 32OZ 
    TYS BONUS FUN NUGGETS (DINO) 32OZ 
    YOPL GOGURT BAN/STRAW MSHAKE 18OZ 
    YOPL GOGURT CANDY/BERRY 18OZ 
    TYS GRLD&READY CHK BRST FILLET22OZ 
    TYS GRLD&READY CHK BRST FILLET22OZ 
    APL FUJI USA 1LB 
    ONION SWEET 40 LB USA 1LB 
    BUSH BEANS VEGETARIAN 28OZ 
    BUSH BEANS VEGETARIAN 28OZ 
    BE *STMFRSH CUT GREEN BEANS 12OZ 
    BE STM SWEET MINI COB CORN 4CT 
    BE STM MIX BROC/CAUL/PEAS/CHST12OZ 
    BE STM MIX BROCC/CAULIFLOWER 12OZ 
    FOLGERS BREAKFAST BLEND 29.20OZ 
    FOLGERS BREAKFAST BLEND 29.20OZ 
    ZYRTEC LIQUID GELS 25CT 25CT 
    ZYRTEC LIQUID GELS 25CT 25CT

Total before using my Giant Eagle loyalty card   $498.80

Total after rewards card  $419.91

I had 44.19 in coupons and earned 20% (60.00) off with Giant Eagle Food perks from buying gasoline at their gas station.  I also earned an extra $.45 off a gallon ($1.15 total for this purchase) on gas for purchasing $60 worth of frozen foods and 15 Box tops for purchasing 4 Gogurt.

My OOP (out of pocket) total was $312.08  a savings of $182.06.

This was my biggest shopping trip yet.  When we break down and get a second freezer I'll be able to buy more meats and store them in foodsaver bags.

Items I used coupons for were:

Land o Lakes eggs 

Miso Water

Tysons

Kleenex

Kraft Singles

Steamfresh Vegetables

Ronzoni pasta

Ritz

Gortons Fish

Folgers

Gogurt

Pillsbury Simply (bread & biscuits)

Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Zyrtec

Kashi Crisp Cereal

Ore Ida French Fries

Arm & Hammer Laundry detergent

Since I was getting the 20% off there were many items I didn't have coupons that may or may not have been on sale.  This was my stock up shopping trip and it should last me about a month and a half.

Now that I'm working 5 hours a day I don't have the time to go store to store or shop the sales everyday.  I wait until I have that 20% discount to buy the necessities.  For items I use up quicker like milk, bread, juice concentrate and fresh fruit and veggies I stop in at Aldi's every few days.  They have the best prices on those items and I can get in and out quickly.

I don't "stockpile" too many items and only buy things I use frequently when I get down to the last few I'll look out for sales to replenish. I do have  a lot of Scott toilet tissue and Bounty Paper towels also now  I have enough laundry detergent to last me at least the next 6 mos.  One of the keys is to know  about how much you use of certain items and try to take advantage of sales and coupons for those items.

The Doctor Visit

Bob & I took Jake to the Doctor yesterday.  
He's 51.2 lbs & 48 inches tall his blood pressure is good and so are his reflexes. 

She looked at his hands and talked to him a bit about it but unfortunately, even with her research interest in  development, this is as far as She can take us on this journey.  Next step, Psychologist/Psychiatrist to determine where the behavior is stemming from and if he needs a medication change. 

I contacted the Psych's Dr. Sachs referred us to and at $350 and hour for the 3 hour evaluation, $175 for 1/2 hour appointments thereafter and out of network I decided to check out the Dr's on our insurance plan.  The first one isn't taking new patients until May and the receptionist at the second one I called, upon explaining the situation a bit, transferred me to the Crisis Department.  The Crisis Department was an answering machine saying they were unable to take my call and 13 hours later I have not received a call back.

Forgetting it was St. Patty's day I phoned a friend from the Developmental Center and caught her out on the town.   She's such a doll and listened to my story and will see who she can find for me through her work contacts.

So now it's 6 pm and time to get ready for Cub Scouts.  As the new Den Mother, I can't believe I agreed to this , even though I'm mentally not up to it we have to go to the meeting.  Luckily Bob can make it as well as I really needed him to help me focus the kids and discuss cloud formations with them.

Gotta wake the boy and start another day of adventures.  Luckily today is going to be great weather and we'll get to hang out outside after school.  Hurray!!!!!

Disturbing behavior from our son.

Having a child with ADHD makes mornings a trying time in our household.  Especially coupled with taking 10 days of antibiotics for strep throat.  Every morning and evening for the past 6 days has been the same mantra.  Take the pills, have you taken the pills, this is taking too long!!!!!  I've tried every trick in the book from rewards to taking away treasured toys and nothing works.

Today we're going for a Medicine checkup.  He's been on Metadate CD for almost a year now.  Things have been going well up until the last few months.   His concentration and behavior in class is sprialing downward.   I'm hoping a change in dosage will help.  

Recently Jake has started using a pencil to dig into his hands.  His palms are covered with little puncture marks.  I'm struggling to not shut down and spiral into despair. 

Bob and I have sat him down several times to try and figure out the cause.  We've told him he's not in trouble and we're not angry with him, but are concerned about him hurting himself.  When asked how it feels when he does this, he says it feels kind of good. 

He tell two different stories of why; one is that no one listens to him and the other is that he does it when he doesn't get his way.  Bob caught him picking at his hands last night when he we wouldn't let Jake sleep in our room.  Bob discussed it with him and asked if he's doing it for attention and he admitted to this.   But he's only 7 so who know how much of what he says is what he thinks we want to hear and how much is the truth.

I'm hoping the Doctor can shed some light on the situation.  I'm trying not to panic until I hear what she has to say. 

He's come so far in the past year, made many improvements in his school work and at home, but lately he's become argumentative and rude.  He trys to be a goofball for attention but doesn't understand that the things he says sometimes are inappropriate and hurtful.   He's not following directions and appears not to hear us when we ask him questions.   I know some of these things are typical 7 year old things but it's hard not to become frustrated and keep our patience. 

He's always had some social issues; i.e. not knowing when he's too close or listening when people ask him not to hug or to let go.  Social cues are hard for him to understand.  

I'll post more when I have some definitive answers later.

Tale of the price war: Walmart vs Target - KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |

Here's an intersting article I found on Target vs Walmart prices and who has the better deals.

I had been shopping at Target about a year and a half ago and was getting great deals but had to stop when i went back to work as it was one too many store to shop at with the limited time I had.   Now I am seriously rethinking this decision.  Target does offer many "store" coupons which can be used in conjunction with a manufacturers coupons.  This will give you a double discount and a great deal especially if the item is on sale.


Tale of the price war: Walmart vs Target - KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville

Frederick Maryland Marshalls Store - Frederick Maryland Clothing Stores

Frederick Maryland Marshalls Store - Frederick Maryland Clothing Stores

Just Another School Delay

Why is it that I always wake up at 3 am and can't go back to sleep on a day when we end up with a school delay?  

The wind was howling and it woke me up.  When I checked outside the cars were coated with ice and the grass had a thin layer of snow.  Somehow I missed the weather forcast yesterday.  Since it rained all day and the temperature dipped below freezing we ended up with ice. 

So now it's bright and sunny out and school opening is delayed for two hours.  Oy vey this will throw off the whole day.

Although it did give me some time to look into a question a friend asked about Bloom Grocery stores.  March 1st they did do what's called a Super Double. They will double coupons up to $1.99 (limit 20 per transaction) up to the regular retail price of the product.  Which means if the item is on sale for $2.00 but you have a $1.50 coupon you'll have an extra $1 off your total sale.  I don't shop at Bloom but I may have to give them a shot on there special coupon days.   From my research I also see that they have Triple coupon days as well.  I did see a post on http://www.weusecoupons.com/  in their Bloom forum that the manager at their store said this will be a monthly event and would suggest that you check the circular or the We Use Coupons website for advance circular or sale info.

It's finally Sunday, time to Relax?

I've hardly had a minute to catch my breath over the last couple of weeks. 

The PTA had our fall Scholastic Bookfair last week.  Annette, our Bookfair Organizer and Administrative Vice President, is my new hero.  She selflessly spend all day at the school organizing the volunteers and running the cash register.  Our profits increased over the past couple of years, we couldn't have done it without her. I was able to help out in the evenings and afterschool.

I got a taste of how hard it is by running the register on Family Fun night.  We had a huge line that seemed endless.  It was crazy, but so nice to see the parents and students buying books.

I'm still working part time doing Data Entry for a company that processes non-profit donations.  They've given me the job of entering the credit card donations so I haven't been able to go to the gym in the mornings since the workload has increased.  I'm surprised to find I miss it and will have to motivate myself to go in the evenings and on the weekends.  Spring is coming and I really need to get back in shape.

We recently enrolled our son, Jake, in cub scouts.  He's 7 1/2 and in second grade so he's a Wolf cub.  It's great to see him spending time with other boys.  I think he really enjoys it.  They've done some building and racing activities like the Raingutter Regatta, Rocket building and the Pinewood Derby.  He received to medals at the Derby.  One for best paint job and one for 2nd place in his racing group.  This qualified him for the Super Derby with the area scout groups. 

The pack leader approached me to become the Wolves Den Leader; he's currently running the meetings for all the groups.  I was hesitatant to get involved in another project since I'm the PTA Treasurer and working.  But he did make a valid point that I'm at the meetings and all the functions anyway.  So I decided to take the plunge.  I've completed my online Den Leader training and am meeting with him to discuss responsibilies.... today.  What have I gotten myself into???

I did get some time to myself yesterday, finally able to co-ordinate a hair appointment.  I sorely needed a haircut and my highlights touched up.  My friend Robyn clued me in to the local Paul Mitchell Hair School.  They have a school salon and the prices are very reasonable.  It does take a lot longer than if I went to a regular salon but I find the savings worth the extra time.  I've been going there for about 8 months. 

Yesterday it only cost me $68.55 for a cut, color and Paul Mitchell styling products; Extra Body Sculpting Foam (for thickening)  2 oz. and Express Style Round Trip liquid curl definer .85 oz. .  I decided to pay a bit extra and use a more experience phase II stylist instead of a newbie and I was only there for 3 1/2 hours.  Looking at their pricing table online the cut & style was $20 and I think the color was $35.
I would highly recommend checking out a School in your area  here's a link to our local school http://temple.paulmitchell.edu/frederick-md/guest-services

KP Update

Thought I'd give an update on the KP Products I've been using. 

I started out using the scrub only on my arms but have progressed to using it on my whole body.  All I can say is WOW!!!  First off my skin hasn't felt this smooth since I was in my 20's.  I dampen one hand the take a pinch of the scrub with the other mix it together and rub it in with my finger tips.  The exfoliation is very gentle and when I rinse it off in the shower my skin feels like silk. 

The lotions absorbs quickly and is non greasy.  I can see and feel an improvement in my skin already.  Since my pores are unblocked and my skin stimulated for new growth I anticipate that in a few weeks I will be bump and redness free.  I can't wait to wear short sleeves and not be self consious about my arms.

Keratosis Pilaris: i.e. chicken skin

Our skin is our largest organ.  So it stands to reason that it's so hard to take care of it.  Before I got pregnant I had beautiful smooth clear skin; during my pregnancy my upper arms started to get red spots and raised bumps.  7 years later I'm still battling this problem.  My Mom found an article that finally explained to me what is causing this and possibly how to rectify it.  It's called Keratosis Pilaris or Chicken Skin because it looks like goose bumps except they don't go away. 

Once I knew what I was dealing with I was able to look it up on the internet.  I found this article from helpforKP.com :

Half the Population Has Keratosis Pilaris

And Most of Them Don't Know It

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common skin condition often referred to as "chicken skin". If you have keratosis pilaris, you are not alone. Worldwide, keratosis pilaris affects an estimated 40 to 50% of the adult population and approximately 50 to 80% of all adolescents. Varying in degree, cases of KP can range from minimal to severe.

Most people with keratosis pilaris don't know they have it. While KP resembles goosebumps, it is characterized by the appearance of small, rough bumps on the skin. Primarily, it appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, but can also occur on thighs and buttocks or any body part except palms or soles. (Often confused with acne.)

Keratosis pilaris is unsightly but completely harmless. KP tends to be worse during the winter months or other times of low humidity when the skin dries out. It may also occur and/or worsen among pregnant women or show up after childbirth.

I just purchased two products from DERMAdoctor from their KP Duty Line.  I using applied both for the first time today.  The lotion is non greasy and absorbs quickly leaving your skin silky smooth and the scrub, althought pricey, feels great and you use very little.  Literally I dipped my finger tip in it and used that for my entire upper arm. 

My son has it on his legs and arms and hates any lotions or creams.  While he was sleeping I massaged some into his legs and it was absorbed in seconds.  When he woke up he had no idea I had done it.  I'm going to continue this nightly to see if it alleviates the bumps since I find him scratching them from time to time and then he has little scabs on his legs.

Saturday February 26, 2011

Wow I can't believe it's been almost 2 weeks since my last post.  
Last Friday we headed up to my parents on Long Island in NY.  Unfortunately Bob couldn't make the trip with us due to work obligations.  Jake had off on Monday for Presidents day so it was nice to have an extra day to visit. 

Jake was really excited to see Grandma & Grandpa and his Aunt, Uncle & Cousin.  We don't get to visit that often so we've recently started using Skype to keep in touch and "see" each other.

Unfortunately allergies started hitting us on the drive up and we were under the weather for the whole visit.  But it all worked out.  Jake got to play with his 2 year old Cousin and they had a blast together.  Saturday Grandpa and Jake went to see Gnomio and Juliet in 3D and they both loved it.  Mom & I got to spend some quality time together doing what we do best  SHOPPING.  We hit Marshall's and got to browse at our leisure.  We have one in MD but I have a hard time getting there; plus it's way more fun to shop with my Mom.

Last time we went I found these Kinetic Go Green Food Storage containers, they're BPA free & FDA approved and recyclable.  They nest inside each other with the covers on (they snap closed on all four sides for an airtight seal) this way I don't have a cabinet full of mismatched covers and they save space. 



This time we found a 2 pack of water/juice pitchers (68 oz ea) for $9.99 and a  7 piece Food Storage set for $24.99.  The one I purchased stores in a 328 oz Container with a Handle.  The other 6 containers are all rectangular : two 37 oz, one 31.7 oz, one 21 oz, one 12 oz, one 10 oz.
I find these don't discolor or cloud like the disposable kind.  I plan on storing brown sugar, cane sugar and other dry goods in them in my pantry which should help me organize and find items when I need them as well as keeping them fresh. 






To save money I buy frozen 100% juice concentrate; now I can get rid of my old pitchers, which probably contain  BPA, and use these safer pitchers.  They'll fit on my refrigerator door or the shelf and take up less space as they're narrow and a bit taller than a standard pitcher.


I used to buy off brand or dollar store storage containers  and quickly found they cost me more money in the long run as I had to replace them more often. 

I've learned that even though I want to save money and spend less sometimes you need to spend a few dollars more on items that are used daily.  They last longer and end up saving you money in the long run.

My Mom bought some pitchers as well, she needed to replace the old shelf one my Dad has been using for his green tea.  

I bought Jake a couple of new pairs of sneakers and some socks but we had to go return them the next morning since he didn't like the way they felt.  Jake has a tactile issue and we have a difficult time finding clothing items and shoes that he'll wear.  He's 7 1/2 and we just recently got him to start wearing socks, but that's a whole other story for another post.

The rest of our visit we just hung out at home.  We ordered in Chinese food which is a New York  must.  Chinese food in MD is definately not up to par with New York. Usually I have Pizza & a Pastrami sandwich from Ben's but we weren't up to going out to eat.

Monday morning we headed home in between snow storms.  We were sad to leave but wanted to get home safely and missed Daddy/Husband.  Jake & I will head back up North over the summer for a longer visit.  We enjoyed our visit and miss our family very much.  It makes the time we spend together that much more precious.

Is it really only Tuesday?

Happy day after Valentines Day/weekend.  
Sometimes I feel that Tuesdays are harder than Mondays.   We make so many promises to ourselves over the weekend about what we're going to do on Monday that when we don't get a chance to do them all Tuesday morning we berate ourselves about it and give up. 

Especially after a holiday where we may have spent a little more money than we intended to and it sidetracks our saving plans for the next few weeks.  To offset these little speedbumps in life it's a good idea to squirrel away a few extra dollars, whether it's in a separate bank account or the "Girl's Night Out" fund Jar on the kitchen counter.  Saving money for a "rainy day" can seem like an insurmountable task, especially if you set a goal amount.  What I've come to realize is doing it a little bit at a time makes it much easier.  Even if you start with $.25 a week and then try to increase it by adding $.25 to it every week (i.e. week 1 $.25, week 2 $.50, week 3 $.75) pay yourself first and don't try to jump start it by throwing in $5 or $10 in the beginning as you'll only find yourself reaching into the proverbial cookie jar when funds are running low.   The idea is to slowly learn how to live without that deposit amount and get used to living on what's left.  Once you reach your goal amount then continue to put in your final amount until you double the savings balance.  

We like to use ING Direct as our "don't touch" savings account.  We send a set amount to that account every month when my Husband gets paid and are using those fund to try and reach our goal.  We buy Certificates of Deposit every month we can.  Our Ultimate goal is to have 12 months of mortgage payments and living expenses in CD's that mature every month of the year. 

Holy Hershey Bars, Kmart Clearance

Got a call from my Girlfriend a little while ago.  She wanted to know if I got her page, I hadn't and was so glad she called when I heard what she had to say.

She went to Kmart and they have 6 packs of the big 1.55 ounce Hershey Bars on Clearance for A DOLLAR a pack.

I headed right over and they had a lot left, they're on a rack at the front of the store.

I bought 6 packs (36 bars) for $6.36 OOP (total Out Of Pocket)

Rite Aid great Colgate Toothpaste deal for week of 2/13/2011

Just checked the Rite Aid circular that starts 2/13/2011 and I'm glad I didn't buy Colgate toothpaste yet. Just saw the Total and Senstive are $3.50 with $3.50 UP re/wards. There is a 2 UPS per household limit.

I have 2 $1 off coupons that expire on the 19th.
My OOP (Out Of Pocket) will be $5 for 2 and I'll get back $7 in UPS.


Well just realized one of my coupons expired. So I can buy 1 for $3.50 get $1 off and pay $2.50. Get $3.50 ups and buy another one which will be free and get another $3.50 UPS back. Actually this works out better anyway. I'll get 2 for $2.50 and still have $3.50 in UPS left.

"Lightbulb moment" really I can get 3rd one for free and have spent $2.50 OOP for 3.  Now I'm actually glad one of the coupons was expired.

How to organize your coupons

For a while now I've been clipping every coupon out of the coupon inserts and filing the ones for products I use and putting the rest in a baggie to share with friends.  I'm rethinking that process as it's taking me way too much time.  Now that I'm working part time, my set up time is limited.  I'm going back to clipping the ones for products I use regularly, writing the date of the insert on the front page in black marker and saving them in a folder or box.  This way if I see a deal mentioned on one of the forums I read and they have the insert name and date I can find it easily.

The way you keep your coupons is really a matter of personal preference and affordability.  I used to have a big file book, kind of like a check keeper but notebook size.  That turned out to be too big for me and it didn't have enough dividers for all my categories; I ended up having 20 labeled envelopes in there as well and it became a huge mess.

I've gone back to using the smaller check holders.  I decided to use two of them, one for food and one for everything else.  I have found I'm able to find food coupons better when I organized them by brand name since those items are usually found together.  The non food are organized by categories.  Hair, Face/Body, Teeth, Laundry, Paper good/storage..... this new system has been working nicely.

Before shopping I go over the circulars and make a list for each store and clip the circular and coupons and shopping list I intend to use there all together.  I do take my coupon holders in case I see an item that I have a coupon for at a good price.

My shopping list will have the store name on top and I list each item to buy, quantity, price, how many coupons & the value of each coupon and any store bonuses I should receive at checkout.  So for the most part I know how much I should be spending before I even get to the store.  This is a great way to budget as well.

Giant Shopping Trip 2-6-11

Todays trip took me to the Giant Supermarket

I am quickly learning that the more organized I am the more money I save.

It pays to save your coupons for a sale:

2 $1 off two Cheerios  2/$6  bought 4

2 $1 off 3 Birdseye Steamfresh   $10/10  bought 6

1 $.75 off 2 gogurt    2/$5  bought 1

2 $.75 off when buy both Betty Crocker Cake mix & frosting  $10/10  & 3/$5 frosting  bought 2 of each

1 $1 off 6 roll or more of Bounty     9.99   Bought 1 but realized when got home it rang as $15.99, either I bought the wrong one or there was a mistake

2 $.75 off Tabasco sauce   $10/10  Money Maker  bought 2  made $1

1 $1 off  Kelloggs Wheaties  coupon worked for Kelloggs Raisin bran   2/$4  bought the last 2 in the store

Flavored Thomas' english muffins   2/$6  no coupon

Quakes Rice Cakes  $10/10  bought 6 and Catalina printed for $2 off after I scanned and I was able to use it on this order

2 Kraft Easy Mac  $3.29 each  no coupon

 2 $1 off Ronzoni Garden pasta & 1 $1/2 Ronzoni Smart Taste coupons  4 Ronzoni smart Taste pasta  $1.50 each

3 cans minced clams  3/$5 no coupon

1 $1/2 Kens Salad Dressing   bought 2 Kens Dressing  $2.50 each

2 $.75 off  Kraft slices  bought 2  @ 2/$5

1 $1 off Philadelphia Cream Cheeze Mini's  coupon took for 2 Philadelphia Cream Cheese 8 oz packages  $1.99 each 

Bunch of Sunflowers  $7.99 no coupon

Total was $119.06  before coupons and store savings  had $25 worth of coupons and received $.98 Personal Thanks savings

Total Savings  $44.33

Final Total $74.73

43 items with an average price per item of $1.77

2 day savings total of $166.33

Total spent

$277.66

Giant Eagle shopping trip today

Well I'm just back from my first really big shopping trip.  Had all my coupons organized and ready to go.  Dropped my son in the Eagles Nest and headed around the store to see what damage I could do.  This was my 20% off my entire purchase trip so I was prepared to see a big number on the register.  I had coupons for almost all the items I purchased except for the meat and poultry and a few dairy items. 

I used the self checkout and didn't initially scan my Giant Eagle card and I took a photo of the register screen before I scanned it in.

The total was $323.23, that's the most I have ever purchased (except for at Costco).  Then I scanned in my card and all the store discounts came off:

Store discounts brought my total down to $284.70.   I started scanning in my coupons and got to the last two when the register froze up :lol: that's the first time something like that has happened to me.  The Manager had to reboot the computer and take me over to his register to load up my order and enter the last two coupons and deduct my 20% discount.

My grand total for 93 items including $50 worth of meat & poultry and 21 cans of Campbells soups was $201.59.  I was giddy and on cloud nine with my two shopping carts piled high with groceries.

Next time I'll have a better acounting of the actual coupons I used and item matchups.  But to sum it up I used $33.40 in coupons and my 20% off (the discount eligible purchase was $248.55) came to $49.71.
Plus I received Catalina's; 15 box tops coupon, $.75 off Campbells Chunky soup, $.75 off Select Harvest soup, and $1.00 off Danimals coolision yogurt.  My average was about $2.71 an item.

Mail Call Saturday 2-5-2011

Just hit the mailbox and found a few surprises:
Free Bloomberg Business Week Magazine
Free Blood Glucose and Cholesterol Screening from Rite Aid
Giant Eagle survey where I can win a $100 gift card
And the icing on the cake..... a manilla envelope stuffed to full with coupon inserts from my Mom in New York

Just got back from the gym and am getting ready to dive into a pile of coupons and scour my Grocery & Drug Store Circulars for my shopping trips today

Recent RiteAid Shopping Trip

Here's a good example of one of my shopping trips, I carefully planned what I was going to purchase and how many transactions to maximize my savings:

Rite aid purchase 1-11-11 in Frederick MD:

FYI you can use your earned up rewards in the same trip just do two transactions

Purchase 1

Scrubbing Bubbles Mega shower foamer & Scrubbing bubbles toilet cleaner (2 for $7)

Palmolive dish detergent (2 for $5)

Found $2 off 2 on Foamer container

$2 off Palmolive coupon

Rite Aid deal buy $12 of these items and get $4 up rewards

Final cost of $8 plus $4 up rewards

Secret deodarant 2 for $8 plus $2 up

Bought 3 with a buy 2 get one free

plus $1 P&G Secret coupon

Final cost 3 for $7 plus $2 up

Gain dish detergent on sale for $.89

$1 Gain P&G coupon

final cost profit of $.11

Total Cost 14.89  plus  tax and received $6 up rewards

Purchase 2

2 Ziploc Sandwich bags 50ct  2 for $4

coupon $1.25  =  $2.75

2 Bounty Basic Paper towels   $.89 each

coupon $1 = $.78

BOGO free Bandaid & Neosporin (mix and match)

Neosporin .5 oz $5.99

45 ct Bandaid sport $4.99 (free)

coupon $1.50 when buying both Bandaid & neosporitn

=  $4.49

Merchandise Total $8.02 

Used $6 up rewards from purchase 1 and $1 up reward from a previous purchase.

Final price $1.02 plus tax

Total for $41.65 worth of merchandise

$15.91 plus sales tax

Savings of $25.74

To coupon or not to coupon, that is the question

If you've found your way here to my blog then you're on the right path.  Those little pieces of paper can add up to big savings if you use them correctly. 

One of the keys to saving is not to buy things just because you have a coupon.  If you're not going to use it any money you "saved" won't be realized if it goes to waste.   You need to be cautious when buying items with rebates and register rewards like CVS rewards and Rite Aid UPS.  If you're the type of person that forgets to send in the rebate or doesn't use the register rewards then again you're not saving money.  I don't count my savings on a product where I get an UP reward (Rite Aid UP rewards are an instant rebate that prints out on your receipt to use on your next purchase) because I haven't saved anything until I use it on a product.  I count my savings on the purchase I use it with.

You can find coupons in many different places; some are on the actual product and are nicknamed peelies, in magazines, newspapers, in your mailbox, on the internet and directly from the manufacturer.

I've been pleasantly surprised by the amount of coupons received in the mail from manufacturers just for sending them an email telling them how I feel about their product.  I sent on to a company called Bar S and received at $5 product coupon and 5 $1 coupons.

Just today I received an email from company that I wrote to about a year ago; they are about to produce their radio commercials and loved my letter so much that they want me to be the real life Mom in their commercials.  So you never know what can happen when you sit down and write a note.

The internet is an amazing resource for saving money.  There are a wealth of websites online where you can print coupons for free (never pay to sign up with a website).

I will be adding more links to my favorite sites on the sidebar of my blog.

Organizing your coupons

Well I spent part of the weekend clipping coupons.  For the most part I clip them all since I have quite a few friends that share in my passion and we like to trade or give each other the ones we don't use.  There are many different views and ways to organize and store coupons.  I personally like to use the plastic Check holders.  They're fairly cheap to get at Walmart or Target; ususally around a buck or two.

I used to keep them all in one and divided them by category.  I decided to try a new system recently, two coupon holders.  One for Food items organized alphabetically by brand name and one for non-food items organized by category (hair, teeth, face/body, drugs, paper good/storage...).  I have found this to be the easiest solution since most food items are grouped by brand.

After work today I'll sit down with my local store flyers and see what coupons I have to match up with the sales.  I make lists by store and attach the coupons to each list so everything is handy.  I was only shopping at Giant Eagle for a while but realized that I was missing out on a lot of savings at other grocery stores, so now I shop at a few stores.  I try to hit them all on the same day, heading to the furthest one and working my way back home.

I'm going to start making spreadsheets with prices and deals to post here so you can see how I decide what to buy and when.

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday.

Lori

What is this thing called Blogging?

It seems like everyone is blogging nowadays.  I considered it a few years ago and even set one up, but never posted.  I wondered, Lori, what could you possibly have to say that other people would want to read about?  Absolutely nothing.


I do find myself being a wealth of  useless information.  Knowing a little bit about many things.  I do a little crafting, a little beading, a little reading and love to shop (and get a bargain). 


I've been a Stay-at-Home Mom since 2003 when our son was born. I became a first time Mom at age 38 and we moved from Long Island, NY to Rockville, MD when Jake was a mere three weeks old.  But that's a whole story for a later date.


I think starting this blog has stemmed from the feeling that I should share what I've learned about shopping and saving.  As a casual couponer and bargain shopper, I had to kick it into high gear when my Husband (Bob) lost his job in February of 2010.  Bob was not so big on coupons, really didn't see the value in the effort and time it took to do the couponing.  He wasn't involved in the day to day spending, budget and bills, actually he had no clue as to what any of the utilites cost.  Until I showed him the fruit of my labors; a grocery store receipt with the total percent I had saved.  From that point forward he was on board.