Saturday, April 30, 2011

Suck it Martha Saturday: Shortbread edition

I am testing the mobile blogger function, so I hope this post formats OK!
This week's Suck It Martha recipe harkens back to last weekend. Last Sunday, of course, was Easter. Rather than handing out yet more chocolate, I decided to make shortbread cookies for my inlaws.
Shortbread is another baked good that is utterly uninspiring to look at, but that tastes freaking amazing. And it is so ridiculously easy to make, you literally do not need a recipe. Here's how it works: Cream together 1 part sugar and 2 parts butter. Mix in 4 parts flour. (ie for every cup of sugar, use 2 cups of butter and 4 of flour.) Form into cookies of any shape, about 1/2 inch thick. Bake at standard temp - 350F - until golden brown and delicious, which will be about 15-25 minutes depending on size.
I love these cookies for so many reasons. First, delicious. Second, 3 ingredients that I always have on hand. Third, using proportions instead of measurements means it's easy to scale to however much I want to make. I can make myself a snack, or I can make a giant batch of Christmas cookies. Fourth, if I have any extract on hand they are easy to flavor - I like vanilla, almond, and lemon shortbread. Fifth, um, delicious!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Big Y Deals and Coupon Matchups 4/28/11 - 5/4/11

It would be too much to hope for that we'd have two awesome weeks at Big Y in a row, so I'm not really surprised that this week is kind of meh. There is a great deal on strawberries if you haven't printed the Driscoll's coupon yet, and another good deal on Birds Eye frozen veggies. The rest of the matchups are below.

In addition to the usual coupon sources, don't forget to check www.bigy.com/coupons for printable coupons on store brand products!

Weight Watchers Smart Ones frozen dinners, 5 for $10
Use $1/5 printable (requires signup)
You pay $9 for 5 ($1.80/ea)

Driscoll's strawberries, $1.99
Use $0.50/1 printable (requires signup)
You pay $0.99 after coupon doubles (awesome price!)

Dannon Greek yogurt, 10 for $10
Use $1/3 coupon from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
You pay $2 for 3 ($0.67/ea)

Breakstone's sour cream, 3 for $5
Use $1/2 coupon from the 4/10 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
You pay $2.33 for 2 ($1.17/ea)

Birds Eye Steamfresh frozen veggies, 4 for $5
Use $0.75/3 printable
You pay $2.25 for 3 ($0.75/ea) after coupon doubles
(You can also use the $1/3 coupon from the 3/20 SmartSource to pay $0.92/ea)

Old Orchard juice, 2 for $5
Use $0.50/1 printable (requires signup)
You pay $1.50/ea after coupon doubles

Big Y tomato sauce 29oz, $1.19
Use $0.30/1 printable (does not double)
You pay $0.89 each

Lawry's marinade, 2 for $4
Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 4/17 RedPlum (exp. 5/15)
You pay $1 each after coupon doubles

Friskies canned cat food, 10 for $4
Use $1/15 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 4/30) or the 3/27 SmartSource (exp. 6/30)
You pay $5 for 15 ($0.33/ea) (This is a good price for food for our ridiculously spoiled cat)

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

New Schick Hydro coupon - drugstore deals

There is a new $3 Schick Hydro coupon on Facebook. It is kind of hard to find, though. First, of course, you have to "like" them. (You can always unlike them later.) Then go to the "Have a Blast" tab on the left.


You get one of those crazy graphics with link maps. Under the suitcase that says "Win cool travel prizes" is the link to "Get Coupons." From there you will be taken to the page where you can print your $3 coupon.

Anyway, both CVS and Walgreens sales on Schick Hydro this week. I will be updating my CVS matchup to include this coupon! (Walgreens is already up.)

Walgreens Deals and Coupon Matchup 4/24/11 - 4/30/11

 $5.00  Buy 2 Tilex Mold & Mildew or Clorox Clean-Up
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 Tilex printables  (coupon link at bottom of page) or Clorox Facebook printables (vote for the biggest mess to get the coupon)
-$2.00  Use $2/2 monthly store coupon from booklet or printable
 $1.00  Out of pocket for 2

 $3.99  Purex Crystals fabric softener
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 3/13 RedPlum (exp.4/30)
 $1.99  Out of pocket

 $4.99  Gillette bodywash
 $2.50  Gillette deodorant (Buy One, Get One 50% off)
-$4.99  Use Buy One deodorant, Get One body wash coupon from the 4/3 P&G (exp. 4/30)
 $2.50  Out of pocket for both

 $4.99  Luster White 7 toothpaste
-$1.50  Use $1.50/1 coupon from the 4/3 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
 $3.49  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Register Rewards
 $0.51  MONEYMAKER!

 $8.99  Buy 2 Schick Hydro razors (BOGO)
-$6.00  Use 2 $3/1 Facebook printables (hard to find - there is a small graphic on the right side that says "Get coupons")
 $2.99  Out of pocket for 2

 $2.99  Stayfree pads
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 3/27 RedPlum (exp. 6/30)
 $1.99  Out of pocket
-$2.99  Register Rewards
 $1.00  MONEYMAKER!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Rite Aid Deals and Coupon Matchups 4/24/11 - 4/30/11

There are a lot of BOGO and Buy One Get One 50% off sales at Rite Aid this week. In fact, there are so many I'm sure I missed some - please let me know in the comments if there is a coupon matchup I didn't catch!

Don't forget there is a new batch of Video Values coupons available to watch in May. I don't see much to use this week, however there are two of the $1 off your purchase coupons, listed under "Wellness" and "Rx Services." I don't see any of the offers they've had in the past where you could earn $2 or $4 for watching a certain number of videos, but I will hold out hope that maybe they will post those a little later in the month.

 $5.24  Buy 2 Degree deodorant (Buy One Get One 50% off @ 3.49 each)
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 4/17 RedPlum (exp. 5/15)
 $3.24  Out of pocket for 2

 $4.49  Buy 2 Kashi cereal (BOGO)
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 printables
 $2.49  Out of pocket for 2

 $5.99  Buy 2 Purex laundry detergent (BOGO)
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 3/13 RedPlum (exp. 5/7)
 $3.99  Out of pocket for 2

 $1.76  Buy 2 M&M/Mars candy bars
-$1.76  +Up Rewards
FREE  Net price for 2

 $8.99  Motrin PM
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 3/13 SmartSource (exp. 5/15)
-$3.00  Use $3/1 in-ad store coupon
 $3.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  +Up Rewards
 $2.99  Net price

$10.98  Buy 2 Aleve or Midol ($5.49 each)
-$4.00  Use 2 of the following coupons: $2/1 Aleve printable; $2/1 Midol printable or printable
 $6.98  Out of pocket
-$4.00  +Up Rewards
 $2.98  Net price for 2

Mineral Ice, Doan's, Bufferin, and NoDoz - BOGO  (prices vary)
Use any combination of 2 of the following coupons:
  $1/1 Doan's from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 7/31)
  $1.50/1 Mineral Ice from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 7/31)
  $1/1 Bufferin from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 7/31)

 $4.99  Buy 2 Sea Breeze cleansers (BOGO)
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
 $2.99  Out of pocket for 2

 $6.00  Buy 2 Herbal Essences or Aussie hair care (at least 1 must be a styler)
-$3.00  Use Buy 1 product, Get 1 styler coupon from the 3/13 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
 $3.00  Out of pocket for 2

 $8.24  Buy 2 Head & Shoulders (Buy One Get One 50% off @ $5.49)
-$4.74  Use BOGO coupon from the 4/17 RedPlum (exp 5/31) (max value $4.74)
 $3.50  Out of pocket for 2

 $5.99  Veet hair remover
-$2.00  Use $2/1 printable here (requires signup) or here
-$3.00  Use $3/1 in-ad store coupon
 $0.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  +Up Rewards
FREE  Net price
(Note - There is a Veet Video Values store coupon, BUT the in-ad coupon is better, and you can only use one. I don't want you to hand in the $1 VV coupon and then not be able to use the $3 one!)

CVS Deals and Coupon Matchups 4/24/11 - 4/30/11 (Updated 4/27)

Since I messed up last week somehow and never posted CVS, I figured I'd start with it this week, even though all my matchups are still pretty late. I hope everyone had a good Easter/Passover/beautiful spring weekend! (Keep your eyes open for clearance Easter candy if the Bunny was not good to you.)

 $4.99  Buy 2 Arm & Hammer 2-in-1 dryer cloths (BOGO)
-$3.00  Use $3/2 coupon from the 4/10 SmartSource (exp. 6/15)
 $1.99  Out of pocket for 2

$16.00  Buy 2 Jergen's Natural Glow ($8 each)
-$3.00  Use $3/2 coupon from the 4/10 SmartSource (exp. 5/21)
$13.00  Out of pocket
-$5.00  Extra Bucks (when you spend $15)
 $8.00  Net price for 2

Clean & Clear products, spend $15 get $5 Extra Bucks
Use $1/1 coupon from the 3/27 SmartSource (exp. 5/15) and/or $2/1 printable
Your price varies

$15.00  Buy select Loreal moisturizer or cleanser
-$2.00  Use $2/1 skincare coupon from the 3/20 RedPlum (exp. 5/15)
$13.00  Out of pocket
-$5.00  Extra Bucks (when you spend $15)
 $8.00  Net price

 $7.99  Blink eyedrops
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/3 SmartSource (exp. 5/9)
 $6.99  Out of pocket
-$7.99  Extra Bucks
 $1.00  MONEYMAKER!
(Look for coupons on the products - I have heard that people are finding "peelies" for $2 or even $4 off!)

$11.99  Buy 2 Schick Hydro cartridge refills (BOGO)
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 refill coupons from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/28)
 $7.99  Out of pocket for 2

UPDATED!
 $8.99  Buy 2 Schick Hydro razors (BOGO)
-$6.00  Use 2 $3/1 Facebook printables
 $2.99  Out of pocket for both

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Couponing for Community

Kaley over at ChaChing on a Shoestring is once again organizing the amazing Couponing for Community drive. To coincide with National Stamp Out Hunger Day on May 14, couponers across the country are invited to make donations to their local shelter, food bank, pantry, or other worthy cause during the week of May 8-14, 2011. The goal is to have couponers donate 10,000 items.

I think this is freaking brilliant and I am super excited. Last year I participated on my own, but this year I am signing up the blog on the Couponing for Community Facebook page and inviting my readers to join in as well. Here's the plan:
  1. Start setting aside donations now. Non-perishable food, household items like TP, and personal care items like toothpaste and shampoo are all in huge demand. Any and all of these items can be gotten free or very, very cheap from grocery and drug stores! So as you're doing your own weekly shopping, keep your eyes open for good deals.
  2. Spread the word! If you have your own blog, please consider linking to ChaChing's post. (or back here!) On Facebook, "like" the Couponing for Community page.
  3. During the week of May 8-14, make a list of what you've put together (if you can remember it, maybe include what coupons you used and where you got them, just for curiousity's sake). You can also take a photo of your donation.
  4. Post your list and/or photo to the Facebook page, and consider telling them you learned about the event through this blog! (I'm not above drumming up a little blog traffic while I'm at it, I admit.)
  5. If you'd like to be featured on this blog, please also email me your list/photo at notacrazycouponer@gmail.com. I will be making a series of posts that week detailing what my readers have donated.
  6. Finally, of course, make sure you find somewhere to bring your items. If you only have a bag or two, you can leave them by your mailbox on May 14th for your mail carrier to pick up as part of the Stamp Out Hunger drive. I know a lot of grocery stores in my area have set up drop-off boxes as well, which is super convenient. I'll probably bring mine straight to the Tri-Town Food Pantry - I've been saving up for a while now and I don't want my mail carrier to hate me forever. :-)
Please leave a comment on this post if you think you can participate. Let's do this thing!

Friday, April 22, 2011

OMG April is almost over!

Sorry for the 14-yo girl freakout there, but that's what it feels like. :-) I'm going through all my coupons and I realized that I have a ton that expire 4/30 - aka a little over a week! I'd feel a little better about it if I thought that May would actually bring us spring here in CT, but I'm not very optimistic on that point.

However, the end of the month does raise a couple couponing issues:
  1. Check out all those coupons that expire next week and make sure you don't miss anything;
  2. If there are printable coupons you've been putting off printing, do it soon - they might disappear on May 1; and
  3. The deadline to view the April Rite Aid Video Values is tomorrow - Saturday the 23rd. There were some good ones, including 2 $1 off your total purchase coupons, so make sure you view those soon. Also, any coupons you earned in March will also expire after Saturday.
I am off to make a huge shopping trip - Big Y plus all 3 drugstores. Don't ask me how I was off all this week for April vacation and I'm only now managing to get my shopping done.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Big Y Deals and Coupon Matchups 4/21/11 - 4/27/11

This is a major week at Big Y! After being slightly disappointed in the last Buy One Get Two sale, I am wicked impressed this time around. There are a ton of great matchups below. As always, remember that while their official coupon policy states that they will not accept coupons on free items, in practice they usually will, so I assume that in my matchups.

(Note that where my "You pay" price says "appx." it's based on the ad giving the average price on 1 for the B1G2 or BOGO. So for instance, they say the B1G2 Birds Eye veggies are "Less than $0.71 each." That means you would pay $2.13 total for 3, minus a $1 coupon for $1.13 total, or the equivalent of $0.38 each. Sorry that's kind of confusing! Also, your prices may vary - check your flyer.)

Land o'Lakes butter sticks, 2 for $6
Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 4/3 SmartSource (exp. 5/28)
You pay $2 each after coupon doubles

Turkey Hill ice cream, BOGO
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 4/10 SmartSource (exp. 7/10)
You pay appx. $4 for 2

Birds Eye frozen veggies, B1G2
Use $1/3 coupon from the 3/20 SmartSource (exp. 5/15)
You pay appx. $1.13 for 3

Cains Salad Dressing, B1G2
Use $1/2 coupon from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 6/20)
You pay appx. $2 for 3

Pop Secret popcorn, B1G2
Use $1/2 coupon from the 4/17 RedPlum (exp. 5/29)
You pay appx. $2 for 3

Mt. Olive bread & butter pickles, B1G2
Use up to 3 $1/1 coupons from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 6/19)
Should be 3 for FREE or possible overage! (Note: If your store won't let you use 3 coupons because of overage, then use 2 and pay $0.79 for all 3)

Hefty One Zip bags, BOGO
Use $1/2 coupon from the 2/20 RedPlum (exp. 5/31)
You pay appx. $3.30 for 2

Pennsylvania Dutch egg noodles, BOGO
Use $1/2 coupon from the 3/27 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
You pay appx. $1.30 for 2

Lay's potato chips, BOGO
Use $1/2 coupon from the 3/13 SmartSource (exp. 5/2)
You pay appx. $3 for 2

Yoplait yogurt, 20 for $10
Use $1/10 coupon from the 3/27 SmartSource (exp. 5/21)
You pay $4 for 10

Hood sour cream 16oz, 2 for $3
Use $1/2 printable
You pay $2 for 2

Wyman's frozen fruit, 2 for $6
Use $1/2 coupon from the 1/23 RedPlum (exp. 4/30)
You pay $5 for 2

Pepperidge Farm cookies, 2 for $4
Use $1/2 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 4/24)
You pay $3 for 2

McCormick Gourmet spices, 50% off
Use $1/1 coupon from the 3/13 RedPlum (exp. 4/24) or $0.75/1 coupon from the 4/10 RedPlum (exp. 5/22)
Your price varies

Cinnamon Burst Cheerios, 2 for $5
Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/28)
You pay $1.50 each

Dole canned pineapple, 10 for $10
Use $1.00/3 coupon from the 4/10 SmartSource (exp. 6/30)
You pay $2 for 3

Zatarain's rice mix, $1.69
Use $0.75/2 coupon from the 4/17 RedPlum (exp. 6/12)
You pay $0.94 each after coupon doubles

All laundry detergent, $3.99
Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/10 RedPlum (exp. 5/22)
You pay $2.99

World Classics Olive Oil 17oz, $4.99
Use $1/1 Big Y printable
You pay $3.99

World Classics Balsamic vinegar 17oz, $3.99
Use $2/1 Big Y printable
You pay $1.99
(Note: The coupon states it's for the 8.5oz. Your mileage may vary as to whether they will let you use it on a larger size.)

Driscoll's strawberries, BOGO
Use 2 $0.50/1 printables (requires signup)
You pay appx. $3 for 2 after coupons double

Driscoll's raspberries or blackberries, 2 for $6
Use $0.50/1 printable (requires signup)
You pay $2 each after coupon doubles

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Rite Aid Deals and Coupon Matchups 4/17/11 - 4/23/11

(Updated 4/21: Does anyone tell me that I had the title of this post wrong? They do not. This is the Rite Aid post, not the CVS post - obviously!)

Rite Aid isn't quite as exciting as Walgreens this week, but there are definitely some good deals. I have not even begun to tackle the $10/$30 Household products +Up Rewards, but it certainly looks promising! A lot of times when they run these I can't find enough products worth buying, but there are plenty of items here that I buy on a regular basis anyway. I'm taking a road trip tomorrow; maybe I'll bring along my flyer and try to come up with a few scenarios in the car!

$17.00  Buy 2 Loreal Preference haircolor
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 3/20 SmartSource (exp. 5/15) or the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 6/12)
-$4.00  Use $4/2 in-ad store coupon
 $9.00  Out of pocket
-$5.00  +Up Rewards
 $4.00  Net price for 2

$4.99  Little Remedies fever, cold, or tummys
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 3/27 SmartSource (exp. 5/31) or printable
 $3.99  Out of pocket
-$3.00  +Up Rewards
-$1.00  Submit for Single Check Rebate
FREE  Net price

 $2.50  Lysol Disinfecting wipes
-$1.50  Use $1.50/1 Facebook printable
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Rite Aid Video Values
FREE  Net price

 $5.99  Got2Be stylers
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Rite Aid Video Values
 $3.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $1.99  Net price

 $7.99  Schick Quattro or Intuition
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Intuition from the 3/20 SmartSource (exp. 5/1) or the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/29) or $2/1 Quattro from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/29)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$3.00  +Up Rewards
 $2.99  Net price

 $15.96  Buy 4 Nivea for Men bodywash
-$12.00  Use 4 $3/1 coupons from the 4/17 RedPlum (exp. 5/15)
   $3.96  Out of pocket
 -$5.00  +Up Rewards
   $1.04  MONEYMAKER
(I realize that a lot of you do not have 4 of these coupons. In fact, I hesitated to even post it, but it is such a good deal I did want to make you aware of it. There are a couple things you can do. You can go in with a friend. Or, even if you only have 2 or 3 coupons, this is still a great deal. It works out to $1.96 for 4 if you have 3 coupons; $4.96 for 4 if you have 2 coupons.)

 $7.00  Buy 2 Tresemme shampoo, conditioner, or styler (at least 1 must be Climate Control)
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Climate Control from the 3/20 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Rite Aid Video Values
 $5.00  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $3.00  Net price for 2

Buy $30 of select household products, get a $10 +Up Reward
There are a ton of qualifying products! I'm too overwhelmed to do a scenario right now. :-) But For The Mommas has an excellent post giving you all the coupon matchups, including Video Values! The only caveat I will add to her post is that I have heard elsewhere that this reward is NOT tracking, and all $30 must be purchased in a single transaction.

Walgreens Deals and Coupon Matchups 4/17/11 - 4/23/11

Wow! Huge week at Walgreens. Check out the list below for a ton of freebies after coupons and Register Rewards. I'm sorry these are so late - it took me a lot longer to put this list together, it's so big!

Because there are so many deals this week, I expect shelves will start to be emptied. Remember to get your rainchecks! And before you go, it's always a good idea to refresh your memory on Walgreens' coupon policy - you can find it, along with answers to other Walgreens questions, on the Walgreens Basics page.

 $3.99  Airwick Freshmatic Compact I-Motion (reg. 7.99 - 50% off)
-$4.00  Use $4/1 Freshmatic Compact coupon from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/29) (Note: The coupon will probably beep. The cashier will have to manually adjust the value down to 3.99. They will act like you are asking them to climb Everest without oxygen, but it can be done.)
FREE  Net price

 $3.99  Buy 2 Scotch-Brite sponges (3-pk), BOGO
-$1.00  Use $1/2 coupon from the 4/3 SmartSource (exp. 5/15)
 $2.99  Out of pocket for both

 $5.00  Scott Naturals paper towels (6 rolls)
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/29) or printable
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Walgreens monthly store coupon or printable
 $3.00  Out of pocket

 $1.50  Crayola Color Wonder On-the-Go
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Color Wonder coupon from the 4/3 SmartSource (exp. 6/30)
 $0.50  Out of pocket
(Might make for some cute Easter basket stuffers)

 $1.99  Buy 3 Scotch Magic tape - Buy One Get 2 with in-ad coupon
-$1.00  Use $1/1 printable
 $0.99  Out of pocket for 3
(You can see if they will let you use 2 coupons to get these for free, but even if they don't this is a good deal!)

Head & Shoulders, Gillette disposable razors, Gillette deodorant, Gillette bodywash, Old Spice bodywash: Buy One Get One 50% off
Use any of the following coupons:
  BOGO Head & Shoulders from the 4/17 RedPlum (exp. 5/31)
  BOGO Gillette disposable razors from the 4/10 RedPlum (exp. 5/31)
  BOGO Gillette bodywash when you buy deodorant from the 4/3 P&G (exp. 4/30)
  $1/1 Gillette deodorant from the 4/3 P&G (exp. 4/30) (can be combined with the BOGO above!)
  BOGO Gillette bodywash from the 4/3 P&G (exp. 4/30)
  BOGO Old Spice bodywash from the 4/3 P&G (exp. 4/30)
The cashier should take off the full price of one item, meaning that you will pay half price on one item and get the other one FREE.
Scenario #1:
 $4.99  Gillette bodywash.
 $2.50  Gillette deodorant (reg. $4.99 - 50% off)
-$4.99  Use BOGO bodywash wyb deodorant coupon
-$1.00  Use $1/1 deodorant coupon
 $1.50  Net price for both
Scenario #2
 $5.49  Head & Shoulders shampoo
 $2.75  Head & Shoulders conditioner (50% off)
-$5.49  Use BOGO coupon
 $2.75  Net price for both

 $8.99  Schick Quattro or Intuition
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Intuition from the 3/20 SmartSource (exp. 5/1) or the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/29) or the $2/1 Quattro from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/29)
 $6.99  Out of pocket
-$3.00  Register Rewards
 $3.99  Net price

 $6.99  Schick disposable razors
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/3 SmartSource (exp. 5/15)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  Register Rewards
 $3.99  Net price

$11.99  Buy 2 Schick Hydro cartridges (BOGO)
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/28) (if you don't have 2 inserts, you can get 1 package of the Hydro 3 and 1 of the Hydro 5)
 $7.99  Net price for 2

 $3.00  Goody Ouchless hair accessories
-$3.00  Register Rewards
FREE  Net price

$44.98  Buy 2 Enfamil infant formula
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
-$4.00  Use $2/1 store coupons from the Walgreens Infant Care booklet (will deduct $4)
$36.98  Out of pocket
-$5.00  Register Rewards
$31.98  Net price for 2

 $6.00  Buy 2 Colgate Total toothpaste
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 4/3 SmartSource (exp. 4/23) or 4/10 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
 $4.00  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Register Rewards
FREE  Net price for 2

 $6.00  Buy 2 Always pads
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 4/3 P&G (exp. 4/30)
 $4.00  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Register Rewards
FREE  Net price for 2

 $2.99  Reach toothbrush or floss
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 12/31)
 $1.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  Register Rewards
FREE  Net price

 $3.79  Nivea for Men bodywash
-$3.00  Use $3/1 coupon from the 4/17 RedPlum (exp. 5/15)
 $0.79  Out of pocket

UNADVERTISED DEAL
This deal is not in the flyer, but some people got notices from the catalina machine and apparently it is working. Through 5/15, buy 2 Splenda products and get a $3 RR, buy 3 or more and get a $4 RR. The Splenda With Fiber 80-packs are on sale for $2.99 this week and there was a $3 coupon in the 4/17 SmartSource. Here's how to get free Splenda:
 $5.98  Buy 2 Splenda with Fiber @ $2.99/ea
-$5.98  Use 2 $3/1 coupons from the 4/17 SmartSource (exp. 5/2) (Note - these will probably beep. The cashier will have to manually adjust the price of the coupon down to 2.99.)
$0 Out of pocket, and get back a $3 Register Reward!
Thanks, Common Sense With Money!

I'm NOT Crazy, I swear!

Before I get to my matchups, I wanted to share a close call that I had with borderline Crazy Couponer behavior this weekend. My a cappella group, Harmonious Soul, was at the local senior center for the RDA A Cappella Slam (we didn't win, but we had an awesome time!) So the green room for the performers was in the senior common/game room (yes, there was shuffleboard). And there, next to the magazine rack, was a big ol' stack of coupon inserts with a sign... "Coupons - Take One."

I admit it, I was tempted. Very, very tempted. That's right, I almost took coupons meant for sweet little old ladies. Luckily, I remembered that I'm supposed to NOT be a Crazy Couponer (and that there were witnesses!), and I stopped myself. Because truthfully, taking coupons from the senior center is actually a step below dumpster diving, if I'm completely honest with myself.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Quick Sunday update

I'm not going to be able to post the drugstore matchups today - first, my paper did not get delivered until almost 1pm (I hate our delivery guy so so much), and then I'm heading to a birthday party this afternoon. Plus, I'm going outlet shopping with my sister tomorrow (taking advantage of all the Tanger Outlets coupon flyers over the last few weeks, plus the Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory coupons from today's USA Weekend). I will try to put them up as soon as possible, or at least links to the best matchups from other sites, I promise!

But in the meantime, just a couple things I wanted you to be aware of. Lynn at Maven of Savin' has posted an alert about a fraudulant Johnson & Johnson coupon. This was a $2/2 printable. If you printed this one, you should tear it up - stores will not get reimbursed for it, and most will no longer accept it. I'm not sure what the issue was - whether the original coupon was a fraud, or if they just had a problem with too many people copying it.

Second, there was supposedly a $3 off Nivea bodywash coupon on the RedPlum site that must have hit the print limit within hours, because it's already gone. This is a bummer, because there is a good deal on Nivea bodywash at RiteAid this week, if you can get your hands on 4 $3 coupons. Now normally I wouldn't even bother posting a deal like that, because most of us Non-Crazy couponers don't have 4 copies of each coupon. But there was also one in today's paper, so if you could have printed 2, then you would only have needed to get your hand on 2 from the inserts, which is doable. SO, my point in all this is to stay tuned and keep your eyes open on RedPlum.com in case the coupon goes live again (which it might, since it went so fast).

Thanks for your patience, everyone! I will be back as soon as I can.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Walgreens deals 4/10/11 - 4/16/11

 $5.00  Buy 2 Mars Easter candy bags 8-11.5oz
-$1.00  Use $1/2 store Instant Value Coupon or printable
-$1.00  Use $1/2 coupon from the 4/10 RedPlum (exp. 4/24)
 $3.00  Out of pocket for 2

 $2.00  Buy 2 Trident Vitality gum
-$0.50  Use $0.50/2 store Instant Value Coupon or printable
-$1.00  Use BOGO Trident coupon from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
 $0.50  Out of pocket for 2

 $3.29  Buy 2 Hefty One Zip bags, sale BOGO
-$1.00  Use $1/2 coupon from the 2/20 RedPlum (exp. 5/31)
 $2.29  Out of pocket for 2

Lysol Cleaners, BOGO (starting at $3.49)
 Use any of the various $1/2 printables here (register, then click on the Surface Care tab to see the Lysol coupons)

$12.00  Buy 2 Dove body wash or clinical deodorant
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 body wash coupons and/or $1/1 deodorant coupons from the 3/27 RedPlum (exp. 4/24)
$10.00  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Register Rewards
 $6.00  Net price for both
(IMHO, not a great price for body wash, but if you have 2 deodorant coupons, it is a good price for the clinical deodorant.)

$14.00  Buy 2 Garnier Nutrisse or Herbashine haircolor
-$4.00-6.00  Use 2 of any of the following coupons:
   $3/1 Herbashine printable
   $2/1 Herbashine from the 3/6 RedPlum (exp. 6/6)
   $2/1 Nutrisse printable
   $2/1 Nutrisse from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 5/6)
   $2/1 Nutrisse from the 4/10 RedPlum (exp. 7/10)
 $8.00-10.00  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Register Rewards
 $4.00-6.00  Net price for 2

$18.00  Buy 2 Pampers jumbo pack diapers
-$4.00  Use $2/1 store coupon from the Walgreens Infant Care booklet (should deduct $4)
-$3.00  Use 2 $1.50/1 coupons from the 4/3 P&G insert (exp. 4/30)
$11.00  Out of pocket
-$3.00  Register Rewards
 $8.00  Net price for 2

 $7.98  Buy 2 Playtex GentleGlide or Sport tampons, 18pk
-$2.00  Use $1/1 store Instant Value Coupon or printable (1 coupon will deduct $2)
-$2.50  Use $2.50/2 coupon from the 3/20 SmartSource (exp. 5/22)
 $3.48  Net price for 2

 $0.99  Carefree Pantiliners
-$0.50  Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 3/27 RedPlum (exp. 6/30)
 $0.49  Out of pocket
-$0.99  Register Rewards
 $0.50  MONEYMAKER!

 $6.99  Buy 2 All laundry detergent BOGO
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 4/10 RedPlum (exp. 5/22)
 $4.99  Out of pocket for 2

 $4.99  Luster White 7 toothpaste
-$1.50  Use $1.50/1 printable
 $3.49  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Register Rewards
 $0.50  MONEYMAKER!

Rite Aid deals 4/10/11 - 4/16/11

All right, so if you skip CVS this week, you should have plenty of time to hit up Rite Aid. There are moneymakers on body wash and multipurpose solution, as well as cheap razors and shampoo.

 $20.00  Buy 4 John Frieda products
 -$8.00  Use up to 4 $2/1 coupons from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/30) or Root Awakening printable
 $12.00  Out of pocket
-$10.00  +Up Rewards
  $2.00  Net price for 4

 $9.99  Breathe Right 26-30 ct
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Rite Aid Video Values coupon
-$2.50  Use $2.50/1 coupon from the 4/10 RedPlum (exp. 6/30)
 $6.49  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $4.49  Net price

 $5.00  Buy 2 Stayfree maxi or Carefree pantiliners
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 Stayfree from the 3/27 RedPlum (exp. 6/30)
 $3.00  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $1.00  Net price for 2

$11.99  John Frieda Precision Foam haircolor
-$5.00  Use $5/1 Rite Aid Video Values coupon
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 3/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
 $4.99  Out of pocket

 $5.00  Buy 2 Vive Pro Hair Care
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 2/20 RedPlum (exp. 4/17) or 4/10 RedPlum (exp. 6/5)
 $3.00  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $1.00  Net price for 2

 $9.98  Buy 2 Bic Flex 3 or 4 or Hybrid razors
-$6.00  Use 2 $3/1 coupons from the 4/10 SmartSource (exp. 5/22)
 $3.98  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $1.98  Net price for 2

 $5.98  Buy 2 Old Spice or Gillette body wash
-$2.99  Use BOGO coupon (either Gillette or Old Spice) from the 4/3 P&G insert (exp. 4/30)
 $2.99  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Get 2 $2 +Up Rewards
 $1.00 MONEYMAKER!

 $7.99 Complete Multipurpose solution
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/3 SmartSource (exp. 5/9)
 $6.99  Out of pocket
-$7.99  Submit for Single Check Rebate
 $1.00  MONEYMAKER!

CVS Deals 4/10/11 - 4/16/11

Wow - wicked slow at CVS this week. Unless I'm missing something big here, this might be a 'skip' week.

$10.00  Buy 3 Special K cereal or bars
-$2.00  Use $2/3 printable
 $8.00  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Extra Bucks
 $4.00  Net price for 3

$15.00  Buy 2 Jergens Natural Glow
-$3.00  Use $3/2 coupon from the 4/10 SmartSource (exp. 5/21)
$12.00  Out of pocket
-$5.00  Extra Bucks
 $7.00  Net price for 2

Spend $10 on Maybelline cosmetics, get $3 Extra Bucks
Use any of the following Maybelline coupons:
 $1/1 Eye shadow or liner from the 4/10 RedPlum (exp 6/10)
 $1/1 Mascara from the 4/10 RedPlum (exp. 6/10)
 $1/1 Mascara from the 3/6 RedPlum (exp. 5/6)
 $1/1 Mascara printable
 $1/1 Eye shadow or liner printable
 $2/1 Dream foundation printable
 $2/1 Superstay 24 lipcolor printable
(Note: The ad does specifically say "Excludes clearance items." Boo.)

Tell me what I'm missing?

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Big Y deals 4/7/11 - 4/13/11 (Updated 4/10!)

Big Y is having another Buy 1, Get 2 Free sale this week! It is not as big as some I have seen in the past, but there are still some great deals to be had. Remember that while Big Y's official coupon policy is that they do not have to accept coupons for the free items, in practice they almost always do, so you can use up to 3 coupons for each B1G2 deal and up to 2 on any BOGO deals.

UPDATED:
Dynamo laundry detergent, B1G2 ($6.99)
Use $1/2 coupon from the 2/27 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
(Note: get 2 deals - 6 bottles - and use up to 3 coupons! Thanks, Kerri!)

Naturally Delicious Salad Dressing, B1G2
Use up to 3 $1/1 coupons from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 4/11)

Various Gorton's frozen seafood, BOGO
Use up to 2 $0.50/1 coupons from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)

Pampers Kandoo wipes, BOGO
Use up to 2 $1/1 coupons from the 4/3 P&G insert (exp. 4/30) OR coupon mailed to you from the Kandoo website

Old Orchard Healthy Balance juice 64 oz, BOGO
Use $1/2 printable (requires signup)

Apple & Eve cranberry juice 64 oz, BOGO
Use $1/2 printable (requires signup)

Chinet Comfort Cups, BOGO
Use up to 2 $1/1 printables (requires signup, coupon will be emailed to you)

Bestlife Buttery Spread, 2 for $3
Use $1/1 coupon from the 2/27 SmartSource (exp. 5/8) OR the 4/3 SmartSource (exp. 6/12)
You pay $0.50

Driscoll's strawberries 1lb, 2 for $5
Use $0.50/1 printable (requires signup)
You pay $1.50 after coupon doubles (yessss!)

As always, be sure to check your own flyer for regional differences, as well as sales on items for which there aren't any coupons.

Suck It Martha Saturday: Sweet, Sweet Carbs Edition

I'm back! It has been an absolutely crazy last few weeks, but I am so glad to finally get back to couponing, and this blog, again. Would you believe me if I told you that I haven't even made any drugstore shopping trips in the last few weeks? I'm in withdrawl! I hope you all kept clipping and saving while I was away.

And what better way to celebrate my return than with another epic Suck It Martha Saturday? The school where I now work does a fairly regular potluck staff breakfast. This being my first since I started, I wanted to impress. I was originally signed up to bring muffins - scoff! I'll see your muffins, and I will raise you a scrumptious raisin scone:

They were a big hit, I think because, like bagels, they're chock full of delicious carbs and yet not overly sweet. I happened to have raisins on hand from making Irish soda bread a few weeks ago, but what I love about scones is that you can put just about any fruits, nuts, or chips in them.

My next attempt, sadly, suffered from a mechanical failure. I wanted to make a pain au chocolat - bread and chocolate. And I just happened to have seen this recipe for Yeasted Chocolate Coffee Cake from - guess who! - Martha Stewart herself. Now I've made pain au chocolat before, but I wasn't 100% happy with the recipe I'd used, so I figured I'd give Martha's a try.

The good news was, the bread tasted amazing. So freakishly good that just thinking about it is making me drool right now. The chocolate-to-bread ratio is almost absurdly high, so every bite is buttery and chocolatey, wrapped in a bare cocoon of gluten. The bad news was, all that chocolate wreaks havoc on the structural integrity of the bread. As soon as I tried to slice it, the whole thing dissolved into a shower of crumbs. I was able to salvage a few decent pieces that could pass for half-slices, but most of the loaf ended up crumbled into a ziploc bag. Where, don't get me wrong, it is still being devoured by yours truly, but I would rather have had my coworkers bowing down and worshipping it.

Here's what it was supposed to look like...

And here's how it actually came out.
 The lessons I take away from this? 1) Next time (and oh yes, there will be a next time), I will either make this as mini-loaves, muffins, or in roll form, like cinnamon rolls but with chocolate. 2) This is not the first time I've been disappointed by Martha's actual recipes. Her stuff always looks amazing, but in reality they're only so-so. I'm sticking to Allrecipes.com from now on.

In other news, travelers, Big Y is having a Buy 1 Get 2 Free sale this week, so I will try to jump back into things with your coupon matchups by this afternoon!