Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Guest post - My Awesome CVS Trip

The Not-A-Crazy-Sister Kerri (of sirsmom.blogspot.com) has picked up my slack this week with a fantastic CVS trip she has deigned to share with us! Let me use this as a Teachable Moment to prove that you really don't need super powers to save huge amounts of money. Kerri used to swear she couldn't figure out how I did it, and now here she is, with her very own haul. I'm such a proud big sister. :-)
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$92.83 worth of stuff for $29.08 OOP and got $16 ECBs.

Herbal Essences hairspray $2.99
Aussie Mousse $2.98 (these were 2/$5.97)
BandAid 20 ct $4.49
Neosporin $5.99
(2) Right Guard deodorant @ $2.99 ea
(2) Dial body wash @ $2.88 ea
(4) L'Oreal Eversleek Shampoo/Conditioner @ $5.99 ea
Crest ProHealth mouth wash $3.49
Glide floss $3.49
Dial Nutriskin lotion $4.99
(2) 20 oz Coke Zero bottles @ $1.79 ea (w/ $.05 deposit)

I scanned my card at the kiosk and got a $5/$25 coupon. I used that, along with $9.58 in ECBs from previous weeks. Then I used the following coupons:
-(2) FREE 20 oz Coke product ($1.79 ea) Thanks, Coke Points!
-$1.50/1 BandAid and 1 Neosporin product
-$1.00/2 Dial body wash
-$2.50/1 Crest ProHealth mouth wash
-$1.00/1 Glide floss
-$1.00/1 Dial Nutriskin lotion
-$2.99 - B1G1 Herbal Essences/Aussie product
-(4) $2/1 L'Oreal EverSleek shampoo/conditioner
-$3.99 - B1G1 Right Guard product

Got the following ECBs:
$5 for the Crest/Oral-B ProHealth
$5 for the L'Oreal
$2 for the Aussie/Herbal Essences
$3 for the Dial Nutriskin lotion
$1 for the Right Guard
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PS - Let me just add, I am very excited that Kerri got a $5/$25 store coupon from the kiosk. Love those! I'm really hoping that they're universal and that anyone who scans their card this week will get one.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Suck It, Martha Sunday - Pi edition

So on top of everything, Suck It Martha, Saturday is being brought to you on Sunday this week. But I just couldn't wait until next week to show you the pie I made to bring in to work tomorrow for Pi Day (3.14 - get it?)


Mmm, apple pie. This one is made with a brown sugar syrup that you pour over the apples and the crust - it gives the crust a fantastic candy coating and the filling is all gooey. Even my husband, who does not have a sweet tooth, loves this pie.

Update

I have to apologize to you all. Last week there was a perfect storm of distractions and Real Life that kept me from posting any updates or even complete lists - our basement flooded, my car broke, I had the plague, and I have volunteered to help supervise the stage crew for my middle school's spring musical. Unfortunately, that last one is probably going to keep me busy enough that I can't make any promises for the next few weeks, either.

Don't despair! Lynn at Maven of Savin' has posted excellent shopping lists and matchups for CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. And if you guys see any great deals pop up, please please post them in the comments!

Thanks for staying patient!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

CVS Deals 3/6/11 - 3/12/11

I am starting to feel seriously shorted on my coupon inserts this week! It appears that some of the best ones must have been regional, like the BOGO Biore coupon and the $2/1 John Frieda coupon. Did any of you guys get those? I might have to take a look at the coupon-clipping sites and see if I can find any of them. Grump.

CVS is decent this week, although if you got the $3/1 Revlon coupon at the kiosk or on your receipt last week, you are looking at a moneymaker. If you didn't get it already, still try scanning your card at the kiosk - they might still be printing. It's a good reminder to always scan your card!

 $4.99  Revlon nail
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Revlon color cosmetic coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/20) or the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/10)
 $3.99  Out of pocket
-$3.00  Extra Bucks
 $0.99  Net price
(If you got a $3/1 Revlon cosmetic store coupon last week, this becomes a $2 moneymaker!)

 $7.49  Revlon eye or lip cosmetics
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Revlon color cosmetic coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/20) or the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/10)
 $6.49  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Extra Bucks
 $2.49  Net price
(If you have the $3/1 store coupon, this is a $0.51 moneymaker!)

Spend $10 in Almay cosmetics, get $4 ExtraBucks
Use $1/1 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/26)
And/or $2/1 coupon from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/10)

Spend $15 in select Garnier skincare, get $5 ExtraBucks
Use $2/1 moisturizer or cleanser from the 12/5 RedPlum (exp. 6/15)
 And/or $1/1 moisturizer or cleanser from the 1/9 RedPlum (exp. 6/1)
 And/or $2/1 moisturizer from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 5/6)
 And/or $1/1 cleanser or moisturizer from the 3/6 RedPlum (exp. 6/6)
 And/or $2.50/1 Garnier Ultra-Lift moisturizer printable
Scenario #1:
 $12.00  Garnier Ultra-Lift
  $5.00  Garnier Nutritioniste
 -$2.50  Use $2.50/1 Ultra-Lift printable
 -$2.00  Use $2/1 moisturizer
 $12.50  Out of pocket
 -$5.00  ExtraBucks
  $7.50  Net price for both
Scenario #2
 $15.00  Buy 3 Garnier Nutrioniste @ $5/ea
 -$6.00  Use 3 $2/1 moisturizer coupons
  $9.00  Out of pocket
 -$5.00  ExtraBucks
  $4.00  Net price for 3

 $7.89  Revitalens multi-purpose solution 10oz
-$3.00  Use $3/1 coupon from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/11)
 $4.89  Out of pocket
-$4.00  ExtraBucks
 $0.89  Net price

 $4.99  Old Spice or Gillette deodorant
 $3.99  Old Spice or Gillette bodywash (must be same brand)
-$3.99  Use Buy one deodorant, Get one bodywash coupon from the 2/27 P&G insert (exp. 3/31)
 $4.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  ExtraBuck
 $3.99  Net price for both

 $8.49  Schick Hydro razor or cartridges
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 3/13) (Says razor, but you can usually use on cartridges too)
 $6.49  Out of pocket
-$5.00  ExtraBucks
 $1.49  Net price

$10.00  Buy 2 Wisk laundry detergent
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 3/6 RedPlum (exp. 4/17)
 $6.00  Out of pocket
-$2.00  ExtraBucks
 $4.00  Net price for 2

Rite Aid Deals 3/6/11 - 3/12/11

Check your Rite Aid flyers this week for a 4-page insert of store coupons! Remember since they're store coupons, you can stack them with manufacturer coupons. However, I don't know any of the regular prices on the items in the flyer, so I don't know what's a good deal or not. I will try to check prices Monday or Tuesday and let you know!

This is a good week for Single Check Rebates. If you're not familar with Rite Aid's rebate program, I have added it to the "Rite Aid Basics" page. In essence, you submit your receipt info for qualifying items online, then at the end of the month you get a single check for all your rebates, which you can cash at the bank or use like a gift card at Rite Aid. I am very happy about the Keri lotion and Comtrex moneymakers!

King size candy bars, BOGO
Use BOGO Hershey's or Reese's King size coupon from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 3/30)
FREE  Net price for 2
(If they give you a hard time about using a BOGO coupon with a BOGO sale, you might have to point to their coupon policy - there's a link to print it from the "Rite Aid Basics" page above.)

 $5.00  Buy 2 Hershey's Drops or Reese's Minis, 8-10.5oz
-$2.00  Use $2/2 coupon from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 3/30)
 $3.00  Out of pocket
-$1.00  +Up Reward
 $2.00  Net price for 2

 $2.99  Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste, 4oz
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 2/27 SmartSource (exp. 3/19) or the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 3/26)
 $1.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Reward
FREE  Net price

 $9.99  Breathe Right strips, 26-30 ct
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Video Values store coupon
-$2.50  Use $2.50/1 coupon from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 3/31)
 $6.49  Out of pocket
-$1.00  +Up Reward
 $5.49  Net price

 $4.79  Revlon nail enamel
 $2.40  Buy one, get second 50% off
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 Revlon color cosmetic coupons from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/20) or the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/10)
 $5.19  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Reward
-$1.00  Submit for $1 Single Check Rebate
 $2.19  Net price for 2

 $5.99  Garnier Nutrisse or Herbashine haircolor
-$2.00-3.00  Use $3/1 Herbashine from the 1/9 RedPlum (exp. 4/9) or $2/1 Nutrisse from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 5/6) or $2/1 Herbashine from the 3/6 RedPlum (exp. 6/6)
 $2.99-3.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  +Up Reward
 $1.99-2.99  Net price

Buy $15 of select Biore, Jergens, or Curel, get $5 +Up Rewards
Note: All of these coupons from the 3/6 SmartSource appear to be regional, and I did not get them - boo! If you didn't either, you might try checking one of the coupon-clipping sites, but do it soon - I guarantee they will go fast.
Use Buy one Biore pore strips, Get One cleanser coupon from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
 And/or $3/2 Jergens moisturizer from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/9)
 And/or $1/1 Curel moisturizer from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)

 $8.99  Revitalens multi-purpose solution, 10oz
-$3.00  Use $3/1 coupon from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/11)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$5.00  +Up Rewards
 $0.99  Net price

$11.98  Buy 2 Tylenol Precise patch or cream
-$6.00  Use $6/2 coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
 $5.98  Out of pocket
-$2.00  Get 2 $1 +Up Rewards
 $3.98  Net price for 2

 $4.99  Comtrex 24ct
-$1.50  Use $1.50/1 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
 $3.49  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Submit for $4 Single Check Rebate
 $0.51  MONEYMAKER!

 $3.99  Lysol Disinfectant spray
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 2/6 SmartSource (exp. 3/8!)
 $2.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  Submit for $1 Single Check Rebate
 $1.99  Net price

 $4.00  Buy 2 Lysol All-Purpose, Kitchen, or Bowl Cleaner, or Wipes
-$1.00  Use any of the $1/2 Lysol coupons from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/5)
 $3.00  Out of pocket
-$1.00  Submit for $1 Single Check Rebate
 $2.00  Net price for 2

 $6.99  Keri lotion 15oz
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 4/16)
 $4.99  Out of pocket
-$6.00  Submit for $6 Single Check Rebate
 $1.00  MONEYMAKER!
(There is also a $1/1 printable coupon you could use to get this for free.)

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

When did Rite Aid turn into an Irish monastery circa 795AD?*

Dear Crazy Couponers,
KNOCK IT OFF!
Sincerely,
Me

Yesterday was Monday. As in, less than 48 hours since the new drugstore sales were posted. And yet, when I went to Rite Aid and CVS last night, shelves were already starting to be cleared! Where do you come from? How are you doing this? And why?

First stop after work on Monday was at Rite Aid.  BodiHeat wraps, free after unadvertised +Ups - gone. Lays Stax, same deal - also gone. Nivea lip balm, free after Facebook coupon - nearly gone. (In their main location with the other lip balms, in the same aisle as the cough drops, they were cleaned out. Luckily I knew there is usually a secondary batch of these in the skincare aisle with the other Nivea.)

Second stop, after rehearsal Monday night, at not one but two CVSs.  The free/moneymaker Oral-B toothbrushes - gone at both locations. I could have continued 1/4 mile up the road and tried a third store, but I was 99% sure they would be out, too.

What really grinds my gears, though, is that with the exception of the Nivea, none of these deals is even raincheckable.  The Rite Aid +Up Rewards were unadvertised, so there was nothing a cashier would have done for me. And the CVS toothbrush deal was contingent upon using a coupon that expired yesterday.

Now, CVS enforces a 2-per-person limit, so I will be charitable and lay that one at the feet of stores not ordering enough stock to keep up with anticipated demand. But I am blaming vultures for the Rite Aid troubles. On one blog I saw a commenter bragging - bragging! - that she had bought 12 of the BodiHeat and 16 Lays Stax on Sunday! I guarantee you that the only reason she didn't get more is that there were no more to be had. Congratulations on gorging yourself at the expense of the rest of us, who might have liked the chance to get maybe 1 or 2 of these.

I'm sorry, but those are the Crazy people who ruin it for the rest of us. Not only do they wreck it in the short term when they pillage the shelves like hungry Vikings, but in the long run, stores have to impose restrictive limits or cut back on the best deals. Again, I'm specifically talking about snapping up limited-time deals and buying ridiculous amounts of products you don't really need, not stocking up on staples and necessities. No one is going to blame you for loading up your cart with diapers or toilet paper, but 16 packages of potato chips? Really?

Unfortunately, the only response I can think of is a campaign of public shaming. Anyone who has the gall to brag about their Crazy, shelf-clearing ways in front of me is going to get an earful (eyeful? what do you call it when you rip someone a new one online?). Play nice, kids, and learn to share.

* This is the kind of obscure historical reference I enjoy, perhaps too much. I'm a medieval history major, which makes me a complete dork, even among history majors.