CVS deals 2/27/11 - 3/5/11

I am posting this week's CVS deals while watching the Oscars, so I apologize for any mistakes! If you can make it to the store tomorrow, there is a great moneymaker deal on Oral-B battery toothbrushes using coupons that expire 2/28. 

 $3.29  Crest toothpaste or rinse, Oral-B floss, Scope Outlast rinse
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Crest toothpaste from the 2/27 P&G (exp. 3/31) OR $1/1 Crest rinse from the 2/27 P&G (exp. 3/31) OR $1/1 Oral B Satin Glide floss from the 2/27 P&G (exp. 3/31) OR $1/1 Scope mouthwash from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 3/31)
 $2.29  Out of pocket
-$3.29  Extra Bucks
 $1.00  MONEYMAKER! (Limit 2)

$12.00  Buy 2 Oral-B Cross-Action power toothbrush
-$6.00  Use BOGO coupon from the 1/30 P&G insert (exp. 2/28!)
-$3.00  Use $3/1 coupon from the 2/27 P&G insert (exp. 3/31)
 $3.00  Out of pocket
-$6.00  Extra Bucks
 $3.00 MONEYMAKER!
(If you don't have the BOGO coupon or it expires, you can still get 1 toothbrush free: $6 -$3 coupon -$3 EB.)

 $9.99  Gillette Fusion Proglide razor
-$4.00  Use $4/1 coupon from the 2/27 P&G insert (exp. 3/31)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Extra Bucks
 $1.99  Net price

 $6.79  Olay body wash
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 2/27 P&G insert (exp. 3/31)
 $5.79  Out of pocket
-$2.00  Extra Bucks
 $3.79  Net price
(If you have the coupons for Buy One Olay bodywash, Get One moisturizer or Secret deodorant from the 1/31 P&G, your last chance to use them is tomorrow 2/28!)

Spend $15 on select Dove, Degree, Caress, Lever, Vaseline, or Axe products, get $5 Extra Bucks
You can see all the available coupons here (thanks to Common Sense With Money)

$21.99  Similac formula
-$5.00  Use $5/1 coupon from the 2/27 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
$16.99  Net price

 $9.99  Breathe Right strips 26-30 ct
-$3.00  Use $3/1 store coupon printed from the kiosk a few weeks ago - if you got it!
-$2.50  Use $2.50/1 coupon from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 3/31)
 $4.49  Net price

 $5.00  Buy 2 Hershey's drops or pieces, 8-10.5oz
-$2.00  Use $2 store coupon printed from the kiosk last week - if you got it
-$2.00  Use $2/2 coupon from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 3/30)
 $1.00  Net price for 2

Rite Aid Deals 2/27/11 - 3/5/11

The goodies continue! This list is only a sampling of the best matchups - Maven of Savin has a much more complete rundown. Be sure to check your coupon expiration dates. There are tons of coupons that expire tomorrow, so if you planned on using any of them, do it now! There are also a couple of unadvertised +Up Rewards that will probably end on March 2 - Tuesday - so grab those quickly, too.

There are a new batch of Video Values coupons available to watch. Lynn at Maven of Savin has a list of what's available. There is a $2/10 Beauty Bonus coupon when you watch 12 specially marked videos, and two $1 off any purchase coupons, one marked Pharmacy Services and one marked Wellness+. Any coupons you watched in February are still valid all this month.

Special K, Smart Start, or Fiber Plus cereals or cereal bars, BOGO
Use any of these coupons:
 Buy one Special K, get one free printable (requires signup - if still available?)
 $1/1 Special K Oats & Honey printable or printable or printable
 $2/2 Special K protein products printable or printable
 $1/2 Fiber Plus cereal from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 3/20) or printable
 $1/1 Smart Start coupon from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 3/20) or printable
(Some of these printables might not still be valid - I've already printed them so I can't see them anymore regardless. If there's an invalid link in there, please let me know in the comments!)

 $5.99  Afrin
-$2.00  Video Values coupon from February
-$3.00  Use $3/1 coupon from the 2/6 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
 $0.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $1.00  MONEYMAKER!

 $5.99  Coricidin
-$2.00  Video Values coupon from February
-$2.00  Use $2/1 printable
 $1.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
FREE  Net price

$14.00  Buy 2 Tampax Pearl or Always Infinity
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Tampax Pearl from the 2/27 P&G insert (exp. 3/31)
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Tampax OR $1/1 Always Infinity from the 2/27 P&G insert (exp. 3/31)
$11.00  Out of pocket
-$3.00  +Up Rewards
 $8.00  Net price for 2

 $7.98  Buy 2 Stayfree at 3.99/ea
-$1.99  Buy one get one 50% off
-$1.00 Use $1/1 printable
-$3.99  Use BOGO coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
 $1.00  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Reward
 $1.00  MONEYMAKER!

$21.99  Similac baby formula
-$5.00  Use $5/1 coupon from the 2/27 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
$16.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  +Up Reward
$15.99  Net price

 $1.00  BodiHeat patches, 3-4ct
-$1.00  +Up Rewards (unadvertised deal through 3/1 only)
FREE  Net price

 $2.00  Buy 2 Nivea lip products ($1/ea)
-$2.00  Use $2/2 Nivea Facebook printable
FREE  Net price for 2

 $1.00  Sambucol tablets
-$1.00 Use $1/1 printable
 FREE Net price

 $1.00  Lays Stax potato chips
-$1.00  +Up Rewards (unadvertised deal through 3/1 only)
FREE  Net price

Walgreens Deals 2/27/11 - 3/5/11

Holy freebies, Batman! This is a huge week at all 3 drugstores, particularly Walgreens and Rite Aid. I am going to try my best to get all the matchups posted today, because there are a whole bunch of coupons expiring tomorrow.

A reminder that there is a new batch of monthly Instant Value Coupons available. Mercedes at Common Sense With Money has a full list of March Walgreens coupons, and of course you can print them at home here.

There is a wrap-around part to the weekly flyer - make sure you don't miss it, since it has some great Register Reward freebies! I'll start there first.

Walgreens A thru Z Select multivitamins, BOGO
Buy 2 and use $5/1 Select Multivitamins 400 ct monthly store coupon or printable (should deduct $10)

Walgreens Omega 3 supplements, BOGO
Buy 2 and use $5/1 Omega 3 Krill Oil 60 ct monthly store coupon or printable (should deduct $10)

 $2.99  Colgate Total toothpaste, 4oz
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Colgate coupon from the 2/27 SmartSource (exp. 3/19)
 $1.99  Out of pocket
-$2.99  Register Rewards
$1.00 MONEYMAKER!

Motrin 20 ct, $3 and get a $3 Register Reward
Scenario #1
  $6.00  Buy 2 Motrin PM
 -$6.00  Use $6/2 Motrin PM, Tylenol Precise, Pepcid or Zyrtec coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
  $0.00  Out of pocket
 -$3.00  Register Reward
  $3.00  MONEYMAKER!
Scenario #2
  $3.00  Buy 1 Motrin IB or PM
 -$1.00  Use $1/1 Motrin coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
  $2.00  Out of pocket
 -$3.00  Register Reward
  $1.00  MONEYMAKER!

 $6.00  Buy 2 Hershey's Bliss chocolates, 8.6-9.6oz
-$1.00  Use $1/2 coupon from the 2/27 SmartSource (exp. 4/2)
-$1.00  Use $1/2 monthly store coupon or printable
 $4.00  Net price for 2

 $3.49  Finish tabs or gelpacs, 20ct
-$0.75  Use $0.75/1 coupon from the 1/23 SmartSource (exp. 2/28!)
-$1.00  Use $1/1 monthly store coupon or printable
 $1.74  Net price

 $8.99  Schick Hydro Razor
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Hydro coupon from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 3/13)
 $6.99  Out of pocket
-$6.00  Register Rewards
 $0.99  Net price

 $8.99  Schick Quattro for women
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Quattro coupon from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/5)
 $6.99  Out of pocket
-$3.00  Register Rewards
 $3.99  Net price

 $9.99  Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor
-$4.00  Use $4/1 coupon from the 2/27 P&G insert (exp. 3/31)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Register Rewards
 $1.99  Net price

 $4.99  Buy 2 Pond's Cold Cream or Dry Skin cream, 3.5oz (BOGO)
-$3.00  Use 2 $1.50/1 Pond's printables
 $1.99  Net price for 2

$45.98  Buy 2 Enfamil powder formula, 22.2-23.4oz
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 12/5 SmartSource (exp. 2/28!)
-$4.00  Use $2/1 store coupon from the Infant Care booklet (should deduct $4)
$37.98  Out of pocket
-$6.00  Register Rewards
$31.98  Net price for both
(If you don't have the SmartSource coupon, or if it expires, it's $35.98 for both)

 $4.99  Aquaphor lip repair
-$1.00  Use $1/1 printable
 $3.99  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Register Rewards
FREE  Net price

Suck It, Martha Saturday - Harmonious edition

This week's Suck It, Martha moment came courtesy of the lovely ladies of Harmonious Soul, a women's a capella group that was silly enough to allow me to join them last December. Each week one of us is responsible for bringing a snack to rehearsal, so this week I decided on my mom's recipe for Cream Cheese Nut Bars. (This particular example was made without nuts, in deference to possible unknown allergies.) I know it doesn't look like much, but anyone who has ever tried these can tell you, they are fan-freaking-tastic.

They are also ridiculously easy to make. My mom used to make them for Christmas all the time. I took over Christmas cookie duty several years ago, and I think these are the only cookies that I can say I have made every single year since then - they are that easy, and that popular.

Mom S's Cream Cheese Nut Bars (liberally adapted by yours truly)
1 box cake mix
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup walnuts, divided
1 cup brown sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened

• Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour (or line with parchment) a 13x9 pan. Or two 8x8 pans. Whatever.
• Chop 1/2 cup of the nuts fairly small. (Use a food processor.) Combine with the cake mix and the butter. (You can use the food processor for this too and save yourself washing another bowl.) Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Cream together the brown sugar and the cream cheese. Don't just stir them together - you've really got to beat them until they're almost whipped. (Insert husband joke here.) Spread over the cake mixture in the pan.
• Roughly chop the remaining 1/2 cup of walnuts. Sprinkle evenly over the cream cheese. Or don't. Your call.
• Bake for 30 minutes. Turn the heat off, crack the oven door, and allow to cool in the oven. Refrigerate until completely cool (or at Christmastime, set out on the back porch) before attempting to cut. A pizza cutter works best.
• Get out of the way before the ravening hordes tear your fingers off.

The best thing about this recipe, besides it's utter simplicity, is that it is quite adaptable. For example, the original called for golden cake mix, but as you can see in the picture, chocolate cake works deliciously too. Last Christmas I drizzled maple syrup over the bars as soon as they were done baking before putting them back in the warm oven. You can use any type of nuts you like in place of the walnuts - pecans would be lovely, or hazelnuts.

And finally, I'm aware that some of you may be saying, "Hey, this is the second week in a row where you've featured chocolate and cream cheese." To which I reply, Yeah, what's your point?

New Walgreens baby product store coupons

I have been hearing rumors for a while that Walgreens has a new coupon book for baby products, and

today I finally found one in a stack by the register.
Here are the coupons you can find inside:

• $2 off Enfamil formula powder 22.2oz or larger
• $2 off Similac Advance or Sensitive 23.2oz
• $2 off 2 Playtex infant products
• $2 off Huggies diapers big pack or wipes 184 or 216 ct
• $2 off Children's or Infant's Advil 0.5 or 4 oz
• $2 off Pampers big or jumbo packs
• $2 off Triple Paste ointment 2oz or larger
• $2 off Walgreens brand diapers jumbo pack

These are store coupons that look just like the monthly Instant Value Coupons in the booklets, but they do not expire until 12/31/11! Hopefully at some point they will be posted online as printables, but until then keep your eyes peeled and maybe grab an extra. If they're not by the register, check near the weekly flyers.

Remember that store coupons can be combined with manufacturer coupons as well as store sales. Also, bear in mind that when you're using these, they will go towards your coupon count for the "item number > coupon number" rule.

CVS Deals 2/20/11 - 2/26/11

Have I mentioned yet that I am deeply disturbed that the stores are advertising Easter candy already? And today I saw the classic Cadbury commercial with the different animals advertising to be the bunny - still cute! Anyway, sorry I missed on the 3-day sale when you could get free Cadbury, but check the back page of your flyer for free jelly beans.

 $5.54  Buy 2 Colgate toothpaste
-$1.00  Use $1/2 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/5)
 $4.54  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Extra Bucks (limit 2)
 $0.54  Net price for 2

 $3.99  Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets
-$3.00  Use $3/1 coupon from the 2/20 RedPlum (exp. 3/19)
 $0.99  Out of pocket

 $1.99  Purex Ultra laundry detergent
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 2/20 RedPlum (exp. 3/19)
 $0.99  Out of pocket

Buy 2 Revlon foundation, powder, blush, or concealer, get $8 Extra Bucks
Use $1/1 color cosmetic product from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/20) (good for the blush)
Look for clearance product! If you can find two on sale for $4, then they will be free after Extra Bucks. If for some reason the Extra Bucks don't print, ask the cashier or a manager - before you leave the store - and they should print it for you manually. Show them that the ad does not exclude clearance product, if necessary.

Spend $10 on John Frieda, Curel, Jergens, or Biore, get $3 Extra Bucks
Use $1/1 John Frieda haircare from the 2/6 SmartSource (exp. 3/5)
  $2/1 John Frieda Root Awakening product printable
  $1/1 Jergens product from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/5)
  $1/1 Curel product printable
  $1/1 Curel product from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/5)
Scenario:
$10.00  Buy 2 John Frieda Root Awakening shampoo, conditioner, or styler
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 Root Awakening printables
 $6.00  Out of pocket
-$3.00  Extra Bucks
 $3.00  Net price for 2

 $5.97  Buy 2 Aussie or Herbal Essences shampoo, conditioner, or styler
-$1.00  Use $1/2 coupon from the 1/30 P&G insert (exp. 2/28)
 $4.97  Out of pocket
-$2.00  Extra Bucks
 $2.97  Net price for 2

$14.99  Opti-Free twin pack contact solution (20oz total)
-$4.00  Use $4/1 coupon from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
$10.99  Out of pocket
-$5.00  Extra Bucks
 $5.99  Net price

 $0.99  Gold Emblem jelly beans
-$0.99  Extra Bucks
FREE  Net price

 $2.00  Buy 4 Mars or Wrigley's single candy bars
-$1.00  Extra Bucks
 $1.00  Net price for 4 ($0.25/ea)
(Limit 2 on this, so you can get a total of 8 bars for $0.25 each)

Rite Aid deals 2/20/11 - 2/26/11

It's the last gasp of cold and flu season (knock on wood, after my bronchitis last fall we've avoided any major illness this winter!), so there are still a few deals on cold remedies. Remember to check expiration dates, especially if you're planning to hold onto these until the fall.  Also be sure to look at the last page of the flyer - and hence the bottom of this post - for a deal on free Johnson's or Desitin baby care!

 $2.99  Sucrets lozenges
-$1.50  Use $1.50/1 coupon from the 1/23 SmartSource (exp. 4/30)
 $1.49  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $0.50  MONEYMAKER!

 $9.99  Zicam cold remedies
-$2.00  Use $2/1 printable (requires signup)
 $7.99  Out of pocket
-$4.00  +Up Rewards
 $3.99  Net price

 $7.99  Theraflu or Triaminic twin packs
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Theraflu printable or $2/1 Triaminic from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 5/31)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $3.99  Net price

 $3.99  Dial Nutriskin lotion
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 2/20 RedPlum (exp. 3/12)
 $1.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  +Up Rewards
 $0.99  Net price

 $6.00  Buy 2 Dove shampoo or conditioner
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 2/27)
 $4.00  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $2.00  Net price for 2

 $8.99  L'Oreal Healthy Look haircolor
-$3.00  Use $3/1 Video Values coupon (OR $2/1 coupon from the flyer)
-$3.00  Use $3/1 haircolor printable (click on Special Offers at the bottom)
 $2.99  Out of pocket

 $7.98  Buy 2 Playtex tampons
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 Gentle Glide from the 1/2 SmartSource (exp. 2/28) and/or $2/1 Sport from the 1/2 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)
 $3.98  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Reward
 $1.98  Net price for 2

 $7.99  Buy 2 Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets (on sale BOGO)
-$6.00  Use 2 $3/1 coupons from the 2/20 RedPlum (exp. 3/19)
 $1.99  Net price for 2
(Note if you only have 1 coupon the sale at CVS is better this week)

 $1.98  Buy 2 Kotex liners at .99 each
-$1.50  Use $1.50/2 coupon from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)
 $0.48  Net price for 2

 $3.99  Right Guard body wash
-$3.00  +Up Reward
 $0.99  Net price
(There used to be $1 peelie coupons on these - keep your eyes open to make these free!)

 $2.99  Johnson & Johnson baby care or Desitin
-$1.00  Use any of these coupons:
   $1/1 Johnson's baby product from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 3/20)
   $1/1 Johnson's baby bubble bath printable
   $1/1 Desitin product from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 3/20)
 $1.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Reward
FREE
(Note: There is no limit posted for the +UPR, so you should be able to buy multiples and use $3/3 Johnson's baby wash or baby shampoo or Desitin printable, or $2/2 Johnson's Bedtime products printable, and get multiple +UPR.)

Staples freebies - Sunday and Monday only

I don't usually post Staples, but they are having a big President's Day Weekend sale that I wanted to make sure you were all aware of! You can get the following products for free after Easy Rebate:

• Staples 96 bright multipurpose paper, 500 sheets (limit 2)
• Avery 8160 mailing labels (limit 2)
• Staples 1 1/2" x 2" sticky notes, 12 pack (limit 1)
• Pentel RSVP pens, 5 pack (limit 1)
• Staples photo paper, 4x6 gloss 60 pack (limit 2)

Easy Rebates are submitted online. They're a lot like Rite Aid's Single Check Rebate program, if you've ever done that. You enter the information from your receipt on their web site, and then your check gets mailed to you. Note that this is not to be confused with the Staples Rewards program. Unlike the Rewards program, you don't need a card to get the rebate, but your rebate isn't processed automatically, either. You have to enter it online. The only "Easy" part is that you don't have to mail anything in.

In addition to those freebies, there are some $1 and $2 sales as well. Those run all week and may vary by store, so if you didn't get a flyer in your Sunday paper (some weeks I do, some I don't) you can view it online by clicking "Weekly Ad" in the upper right corner at Staples.com . You can also check in-store - the $1 and $2 deals are usually in displays near the front or off to the side.

Walgreens Deals 2/20/11 - 2/26/11

I'm kind of meh on Walgreens this week. Aside from the free tampons - which I always grab and donate to a shelter - there's not a lot I need. The Visine deal is good, and the Dove/Degree deodorant is great if you missed Rite Aid last week.

There is a rebate deal on L'Oreal Youth Code that has the potential to be a very good deal, but I have to call on Monday to check the fine print. The rebate is for $10 when you buy "$30 worth" of YouthCode. I don't know if that's off the regular price, or the sale price. If it's the sale price, then I want to check if $29.99 (the price at Walgreens this week) is OK, or not. I will let you all know what I find out!

 $7.99  Buy 2 Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets
-$6.00  Use 2 $3/1 coupons from the 2/20 RedPlum (exp. 3/19)
 $1.99  Net price for 2
(Note: If you don't have 2 coupons, you're better off with the sale at CVS)

 $5.99  RepHresh Brilliant tampons
-$1.00  Use $1/1 printable (requires signup)
 $4.99  Out of pocket
-$5.00  Register Rewards
FREE!

 $1.99  Dove or Degree Antiperspirant/Deodorant (with store coupon from flyer)
-$1.00-$2.00  Use $2/1 Dove coupon from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 2/27) OR $1/1 Degree coupon from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 2/27)
FREE - $1.00 each
(Note: If you are using the $2/1 coupon, make sure you hand the cashier the manufacturer coupon first, and then the store coupon. Otherwise, the register will beep because the coupon will be greater than the price of the item. If it does beep, tell them that according to their coupon policy they are supposed to accept it and adjust the price of the coupon to $1.99 so you still get it free.)

 $5.99  Visine Eye drops, .5oz (must be with Hydroblend)
 $6.99  Visine Soothing Wipes
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the flyer
-$2.00  AND $2/1 coupon from the February Savings Book or printable
-$2.00  AND $2/1 Visine with Hydroblend printable
-$6.99  AND Buy 1 Visine, Get 1 Wipes printable
 $0.99  Out of pocket for both

$14.99  Opti-Free 2-pack contact solution
-$4.00  Use $4/1 coupon from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
$10.99  Net price
(Note: This deal is better at CVS this week - net of $5.99 after Extra Bucks)

Rainchecks, feel it on my fingertips...

Before I get into the drugstore matchups today, I figured I would go into a little more detail about rainchecks - when to get them, how to use them, fine print, etc. You know last week's 2 toothpaste moneymakers at CVS and Rite Aid? Yep, well, so did everyone else, because the shelves were stripped bare at CVS. Rite Aid was also out of the free/moneymaker Dove deodorant. But not to worry!

A raincheck is just a note that the store gives you when they are out of a product that is on sale. The note entitles you to get that product later, whenever it comes in, at the promotional price. Since it was the store's fault they were out of stock, they owe you the opportunity to still take advantage of the sale.

Where it gets a little trickier is when you start throwing store rewards, like Extra Bucks, Register Rewards, and +Up Rewards, and/or manufacturer coupons into the mix. Each store deals with rewards and rainchecks slightly differently.

CVS: I'll start with them, since they are the easiest and also the most generous. When you want a raincheck for a product that is advertised as earning Extra Bucks, CVS writes out the raincheck to include both the sale price, and the ECB code. When you go to buy the product later with your raincheck, they can manually change the price, and prompt the ECB to print, just as it would have during the actual sale. This means that you can treat scenarios on a raincheck exactly as you would have normally, including coupons, and that if it's a moneymaker deal you will still get it. That's not always the case, as you'll see below, and it's yet another reason why CVS is far and away the most coupon-friendly store out there.

Rite Aid: Now it starts to get complicated. When you want a raincheck for a product that earns +Up Rewards, Rite Aid will give you a raincheck that includes both the sale price, and the reward. But when you go to buy the product, they will change the item price to reflect the net of the sale and the +Ups, rather than having the +Ups print separately. So, take for example the Dove deodorant last week: My raincheck states "2 Dove deodorant at 2/$4 with $2 +UP Reward." When I buy them, they will change the price to $1 each to reflect the sale and the reward. ($4-$2=$2, or $1/ea) Which is nice in that it often means less out of pocket, but can be a PITA if you planned on using coupons to make it a moneymaker. If, for instance, I had 2 of the $2/1 Dove coupons, I would not be able to use them anymore, because they would now be for more than I was charged for the item. I know it's confusing - here's the comparison:
Original sale
 $4.00  Buy 2 Dove deodorant
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 coupons
 $0.00  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Reward
 $2.00 moneymaker
With Raincheck:
 $2.00  Buy 2 Dove deodorant, price changed to reflect net of sale and +Up
 $2.00  Out of pocket & Net price for 2
This is really only an issue on moneymakers, where the value of your manufacturer coupons is greater than the net price of the item. Still, since those are the best deals and hence the ones that tend to sell out the fastest, it will affect a disproportionate number of your rainchecks. Now, you can usually get a sympathetic manager to at least adjust the price of your coupon so you can get the item for free, but there's no guarantee. So plan ahead to get there early on really good deals, and be prepared to make your case to a cashier or manager.

Walgreens: Aaaand then there's Walgreens. I guess you can give them credit for simplicity, at least - Walgreens doesn't give rainchecks for Register Rewards. I hear they used to do price changes similar to Rite Aid, but as far as I know they won't even do that anymore. You can still get rainchecks for sale prices.

In each case, a lot of raincheck policy is set by the individual store, rather than by corporate, so make sure you ask:

• Does this raincheck expire? (Usually within 30-60 days, although some stores might issue them indefinitely)
• Can I use it at any store, or only at this location? (You should be able to use at any location, but some store managers are funny like that)
• Double check that the information is correct and legible! You don't want a sloppy $ to turn $4.99 into $14.99. You don't want the raincheck to be rejected because the cashier forgot to enter a date or a size. Make sure if it's at CVS or Rite Aid that they included any rewards in addition to the sale price.

Once you have the raincheck in hand, clip it to the coupons you plan on using it with and then remember to use it next time you're in the store! Keep an eye on your coupon expiration date, too.You might not have a lot of time if the coupon expires soon.

One last thing - while to my knowledge there are no rules against getting a raincheck on Week 1, finding a coupon in an insert in Week 2, and then using them together on Week 3, I shy away from doing it. The purpose of the raincheck is to allow you to get a sale price that you missed out on because of the store's fault. I don't feel that it's ethically OK to use it to get a deal you would not have been able to get under the original terms of the sale. Other people may disagree, but to me it's just not the Not-Crazy Couponing Way.

Suck It, Martha: Valentine's Edition

For Valentine's Day, my husband wanted oatmeal cookies. So I made him these - and they were fantastic. But as delicious as they were, there is just no way to photograph oatmeal cookies that makes them look appetizing, sorry.

Luckily there was still my treat to myself - Cheesecake brownies! Because I love me.



Valentine's Cheesecake Brownies

Big Y deals 2/17/11 - 2/23/11

Yes! There are some good matchups at Big Y this week using their store printable coupons, located here. I have not yet run into any print limits on these, so they're great for stocking up. Usually the expiration is a week from when you print them. I suggest making up your list and then printing all the coupons you want in one go - they will print multiples on one page, so you can save some paper. Make sure the cashier sees that if the barcode doesn't go through - which has happened to me before - that there is a code for them to type in so you get the discount.

As always, be sure to check your flyer for the rest of the sale prices. There is a lot of BOGO chicken, which I always love - chicken freezes really well.

Dannon yogurt, 20 for $10
Use $1/10 coupon from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 3/30)
You pay $4 for 10 ($0.40/ea)

Hood Simply Smart Milk 64oz, 2 for $3
Use $1/1 coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 2/28) or printable
You pay $2 each

Big Y Sour Cream 16oz, 4 for $5
Use $0.45/1 Big Y printable (no print limit, coupon does not double)
You pay $0.80 each

Tribe Origins Hummus 11oz, BOGO
Use 2 $2/1 printables (PDF - no print limit)
Your price varies, but possibly free - I will check!

Nabsico Toasted Chips, BOGO
Use $1/2 Nabisco Crackers coupon from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
Your price varies

Pepperidge Farm cookies, 2 for $5
Use $1/2 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 4/24)
You pay $4 for 2

Fisher party peanuts 12oz, 2 for $5
Use $1/1 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 4/16)
You pay $1.50 each

Big Y cranberry juice cocktail 64oz, $1.99
Use $0.60/1 Big Y printable (no print limit, coupon does not double)
You pay $1.39 each

Old Orchard juice 64oz, $1.77
Use $0.50/1 printable (requires signup)
You pay $0.77 each after coupom doubles

Kellogg's Crunchy Nut cereal, 2 for $5
Use $1/1 coupon from the 1/23 RedPlum (exp. 3/6) or printable
You pay $1.50 each

Big Y broth, 14oz can, 5 for $3
Use $0.25/1 Big Y printable (no print limit, does not double)
You pay $0.35 each (this is definitely a stock-up price!)

Big Y Canola oil 32 oz, $1.99
Use $0.60/1 Big Y printable (no print limit, does not double)
You pay $1.39 each

Rite Aid deals 2/13/11 - 2/19/11

And here's Rite-Aid - Moneymaker toothpaste, deodorant, and lightbulbs! Plus some other really great deals - be sure to check your flyer.

 $3.50  Colgate Total Advanced or Sensitive toothpaste
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Sensitive coupon from the 2/6 SmartSource (exp. 2/26) OR $1/1 any Colgate from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 2/19)
 $2.50  Out of pocket
-$3.50  +Up Rewards
$1.00 MONEYMAKER
(Limit 2 - if you have 2 coupons, this becomes a $2 moneymaker. There is also a $1/2 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource you could use. Even without coupons, this deal is good for free toothpaste.)

Revlon face and eye cosmetics 40% off
Use $1/1 color cosmetics from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/20)
And/or $2/1 face cosmetic from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/20)
And/or $1/1 eye cosmetic from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/20)

$15.00  4 Tresemme shampoo, conditioner, or stylers
-$4.00  Use up to 4 $1/1 Tresemme printables (you will need access to 2 computers)
$11.00  Out of pocket
-$5.00  +Up Rewards
 $6.00  Net price for 4  ($1.50 each)

 $7.99  Clairol Nice'n'Easy haircolor
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $3.99  Net price

 $5.99  Bengay
-$3.00  In-ad coupon
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
 $0.99  Net price

Buy $15 of Band-Aid or Neosporin products, get $15 +Up Rewards
Scenario:
$13.98  Buy 2 Neosporin
 $2.99  Buy 1 Band-Aid
-$1.50  Use $1.50/2 Neosporin + Band-Aid Rite Aid Video Values coupon
-$0.50  Use $0.50/1 Neosporin or Band-Aid Rite Aid Video Values coupon
-$1.50  Use $1.50/2 Neosporin and Band-Aid from the 2/13 RedPlum
$13.47  Out of pocket
-$5.00  +Up Rewards
 $8.47  Net price for all 3

Selected Almay cosmetics 40% off
Use $2/1 coupon from the 1/23 SmartSource (exp. 2/27)
And/or $1/1 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/26)
Plus if you buy mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow, you can submit for a $2 Single Check Rebate 
(Hint - look for eye makeup that is regularly around $$6.99.  This will make it $4.19 after 40% off. After $2 coupon and $2 SCR it will only be $0.19.)

$11.98  2 L'Oreal EverPure, EverStrong, or EverSleek shampoo or conditioner
-$2.00  Use $2/1 L'Oreal EverPure Video Values coupon
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 1/23 RedPlum (exp. 3/20)
 $5.98  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Reward
 $3.98  Net price for 2

 $7.99  Clairol Nice'n'Easy foam haircolor
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Nice'n'Easy coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  Up Reward
 $4.99  Net price

 $8.99  L'Oreal Preference haircolor
-$3.00  Use $3/1 Preference Video Values coupon OR $2/1 in-ad coupon (can only use 1)
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 2/13 RedPlum (exp 4/10)
 $3.99  Net price

 $5.00  2 Ziploc storage bags or containers
-$1.50  Use $1.50/2 containers coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 3/5) or $1/2 bags coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource or the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 4/9)
 $3.50 Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Reward
 $1.50  Net price for 2 containers  ($2 for 2 bags)

Finish Automatic dishwasher detergent or Palmolive dish detergent 20oz- BOGO
Use $1/1 Finish Video Values coupon
AND $0.75/1 Finish powerball or gelpac coupon from the 1/23 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)
And/or $1/1 Palmolive Antibacterial dish liquid from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 2/19)

 $2.99  GE Compact Fluorescent Lightbulb
-$0.50  Use $0.50/1 GE CFL Video Values coupon
-$1.00  Use $1/1 GE lightbulb from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp 3/5)
 $1.49  Out of pocket
-$2.00  +Up Rewards
 $0.51  MONEYMAKER

 Dove or Degree Invisible Solid antiperspirant/deodorant, 2 for $4, get a $2 +Up Reward
Use $2/1 Dove deodorant coupon from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 2/27)
And/or $1/1 Degree deodorant coupon from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 2/27)
And/or $1.50/2 Dove deodorants printable
If you have a $2 Dove coupon, you can get 2 FREE after UPR! If you also have the $1 Degree coupon, or another Dove, this turns into a MONEYMAKER.

Walgreens Deals 2/13/11 - 2/19/11

Sorry these are late! Nothing stellar, but some nice makeup deals - make sure to check out all the L'Oreal coupons available at the end of the post.  Don't forget you can use both a store and a manufacturer coupon for each item. Also, make sure to check what's on clearance - you can still use coupons on those items.

Maybelline Eye cosmetics, Buy One Get One 50% off
Use $1/1 mascara coupon from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 4/6)
And/or $1/1 eyeshadow or liner from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 4/6)
And/or $1/1 mascara from the 1/9 RedPlum (exp. 3/9)

Revlon cosmetics or beauty implements, Buy One Get One 50% off
Use $3/1 Revlon Implements store coupon from the February Savings Book or printable
And/or $1/1 color cosmetic from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/20)
And/or $1/1 lip or nail product from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/20)
And/or $2/1 face product from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/20)
And/or $1/1 eye product from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/20)
(Notes: If you are buying 2 beauty tools you should only need to give them 1 store coupon - watch as they scan it and it should take off $6. "Color cosmetics" usually refers to everything except foundation or powder.)

Almay cosmetics, Buy One Get One 50% off
Use $1/1 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/26)
And/or $2/1 from the 1/23 SmartSource (exp. 2/27)

$11.99  Lysol No-Touch Hand Soap kit
-$3.00  Use $3/1 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/15)
 $8.99  Out of pocket
-$7.00  Register Rewards
 $1.99  Net price

 $7.99  Clairol Nice'n'Easy foam haircolor
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Nice'n'Easy coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  Register Rewards
 $4.99  Net price

 $3.34  Tresemme shampoo, conditioner, or styler (3 for $10)
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Tresemme printable
 $2.34  Net price

Gold Bond or Cortizone-10 Cream, Lotion, or Moisturizer, Buy One Get One 50% off
Use $1/1 Gold Bond hand sanitizer moisturizer from the 1/2 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
And/or $1/1 Gold Bond Ultimate lotion from the 1/2 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
And/or $1/1 Cortizone-10 Hydratensive lotion from the 1/2 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
And/or $1/1 Cortizone-10 product printable

 $5.99  Schick Quattro 3-pk
-$2.00  Use $2/1 coupon from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/5)
 $3.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  Register Rewards
 $2.99  Net price

 $2.49  Skintimate Cream Shave
-$1.00  Use $1/1 coupon from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/5)
 $1.49  Out of pocket
-$1.00  Register Rewards
 $0.49  Net price

Vick's Nyquil, Dayquil, or VapoRub Spend $15 get $5 RR; Spend $20 get $10 RR
Use $1.50/1 Nyquil from the 1/30 P&G insert (exp. 2/28)
And/or $1.50/1 Dayquil from the 1/30 P&G insert (exp. 2/28)
And/or $1.00/1 Vick's product from the 1/30 P&G insert (exp. 2/28)

 $7.00  2 U by Kotex feminine care
-$2.50  Use $2.50/2 pads or tampons coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/26)
 $4.50  Net price for 2

Neosporin and Band-Aid, Buy One Get One 50% off
Use $1.50 when you buy both coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 2/13) or printable

L'Oreal cosmetics Buy One Get One 50% off
Use the following store coupons from the February Savings Book or printables:
 $1/1 Infallible LeRouge lipcolor, Studio Secrets eye shadow, or De Eye Illuminator mascara
 $2/1 Voluminous Million Lashes mascara
 $2/1 Lash Boosting Serum
 $2/1 Studio Secrets face primer or Magic Smooth Souffle foundation
Combine with:
 $2/1 eye product printable
 $2/1 lip product printable
 $1/1 lip product from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 3/27)
 $3/1 face cosmetic from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 3/27)
 $2/1 eye product from the 1/23 RedPlum (exp. 3/20)
 $2/1 Lash Boosting Serum from the 1/23 RedPlum (exp. 3/20)
 $2/1 face product from the 1/2 RedPlum (exp. 2/27)
 $5/2 face products from the 1/2 RedPlum (exp. 2/27)

CVS deals 2/13/11 - 2/19/11

It's a great week for makeup at CVS - lots of sales and ExtraCare Bucks deals to combine with coupons to help you get ready for a hot Valentines date. Oh, and a toothpaste moneymaker for smooching. :-)

$3.79  Colgate Sensitive or Total Advanced toothpaste
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Colgate Sensitive from the 2/6 SmartSource (exp. 2/26) or $1/1 Any Colgate from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 2/19)
 $2.79  Out of pocket
-$3.79  ExtraCare Bucks
$1.00  Moneymaker!
(The ECBs are limit 2, making this a potential $2 moneymaker if you have 2 coupons. There is also a $1/2 coupon in the 2/13 SmartSource. Even if you don't have any coupons, the toothpaste is free.)

L'Oreal eye cosmetics, Spend $10 get $3 ECB
Use $2/1 L'Oreal Eye coupon from the 1/23 RedPlum (exp. 3/20) or printable (click on "Special Offers" in bottom left)
At least $5 off after coupons and ECB

Buy 2 selected Maybelline products, get $4 ECB
(FitMe foundation, powder, blush, or concealer, or Superstay lipcolor)
Use $1/1 FitMe foundation from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 4/6)
And/or $3/2 FitMe products from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 4/6)
And/or $2/1 Superstay lipcolor from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 4/6)

Almay Cosmetics Buy One Get One 50% off
Use $2/1 coupon from the 1/23 SmartSource (exp. 2/27)
And/or $1/1 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/26)

Revlon cosmetics or beauty tools, Buy One Get One 50% off
Use $1/1 color cosmetics coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/20)
And/or $1/1 lip or nail product from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/20)
And/or $2/1 face product from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/20)
And/or $1/1 eye product from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/20)

 $7.99  Clairol Nice'n'Easy foam hair color
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Nice'n'Easy coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/31) or the 1/23 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$1.00  ExtraCare Bucks
 $4.99  Net price

 $3.99  Listerine Total Care, Zero, or Advanced mouthwash 16.9 oz (500 ml), Reach toothbrush, or Reach TotalCare floss
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Listerine Total Care OR $1/1 Listerine Zero OR $1/1 Listerine mouthwash/Reach toothbrush/Reach floss from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 12/31)
 $2.99  Out of pocket
-$2.00  ExtraCare Bucks
 $0.99  Net price
(This deal is limit 2)

 $7.00  U by Kotex liners, pads, or tampons
-$2.50  Use $2.50/1 tampons OR $2.50/1 pads coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 3/26)
 $4.50  Net price for 2

 $5.97  2 Aussie or Herbal Essences shampoo, conditioner, or styler
-$1.00  Use $1/2 coupon from the 1/30 P&G insert (exp. 2/28)
 $4.97  Out of pocket for 2
-$2.00  ExtraCare Bucks
 $2.97  Net price for 2

Big Y deals 2/10/11 - 2/16/11

Here are my matchups for Big Y this week! Cheap Milano cookies (yummm), 'butter' spread, and canned tomatoes (excellent for donating). They are in the same order as in the flyer.

Don't forget you can get coupons for Big Y brand products at http://www.bigy.com/coupons/.  You can also view their month-long sales here.

Pepperidge Farm Swirl bread $1.99
Use $0.75/2 coupon from the 2/13 SmartSource (exp. 4/10)
You pay $2.48 for 2 after coupon doubles
(Note – this is the reported coupon value – I will update if the actual value in my insert is different)

Progresso soup, BOGO (reg. 2.49/ea)
Use $1/4 coupon from the 2/13 GM insert (exp. 4/9), the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/12), or the 1/2 GM (exp. 2/26)
You pay $3.98 for 4

Hood cottage cheese 16oz, 5 for $10
Use $1.00/1 from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)
You pay $1.00 for 1

Land o’Lakes Fresh Buttery Taste spread, 2 for $3
Use $0.55/1 printable  (requires signup)
You pay $0.40 each after coupon doubles

Sorrento ricotta 32oz $3.49
Use $1/1 coupon from the 2/6 SmartSource (exp. 5/6)
You pay $2.49

Stouffer’s entrees, 4 for $10
Use $1/2 coupon from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 3/31)
You pay $4.00 for 2

Hood ice cream 48oz, 2 for $6
Use $1/2 coupon from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
You pay $5.00 for 2

Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies, BOGO
Use 2 $0.55/1 Milano printables  (Facebook coupon, but you do not have to Like them first)
I will check on final price, but very cheap after both coupons double!

Healthy Choice microwave soup, $1.69
Healthy Choice canned soup, BOGO
Use $1/2 soup coupon from the 1/2 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)
You pay $1.19/ea for microwave bowls (will check on price for cans)

RedPack tomatoes, 28oz can, 3 for $3
Use $0.75/2 printable
You pay $0.50 for 2 after coupon doubles

Stop & Shop deals 2/11/11 - 2/17/11

Finally, something worth posting about at Stop & Shop! Not a lot, but something. There are 3 different “Save $5 instantly” deals that I posted at the bottom.

Perdue Boneless Chicken Breast, BOGO
Use $1/2 Perdue Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast from the 1/30 RedPlum (exp. 3/27)

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers 12oz 3 for $5.00
Use $1/3 coupon from the 1/2 GM insert (exp. 2/26)
You pay $4.00 for 3

Pillsbury Cake Mix 10 for $10
Use $0.50/1 Pillsbury Sugar-Free brownie, cake, or frosting printable  (if included)
FREE after coupon doubles
(I will double check if the sugar-free is included. No idea what it tastes like, but if nothing else you can donate it to a food pantry!)

Prego Pasta Sauce 2 for $4
Use $1/3 coupon from the 1/2 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)
You pay $5.00 for 3

Keebler Club Crackers, 4 for $10
Use $1/2 coupon from the 1/30 RedPlum or printable
You pay $4.00 for 2

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner or Disinfecting Wipes, 2 for $4
Use $1/2 Lysol All Purpose Cleaner from the 2/6 SmartSource (exp. 3/8)
Or $1/2 Lysol Disinfecting Wipes from the 2/6 SmartSource (exp. 3/8)
You pay $3.00 for 2

$5 Instant Savings 
All require you to use your loyalty card at checkout, and all the qualifying items must be bought in a single transaction.

• Buy $25 in Gift Cards and a dozen roses (starting at $19.99), take $5.00 off your order at checkout (for when your husband calls on the way home from work on Monday and asks what you want for Valentine’s!)
• Buy Fekkai Hair Care products, take $5.00 off your order at checkout
• Buy 5 Jif Peanut Butter, Smucker’s Preserves, and/or Hungry Jack Pancake mix, take $5.00 off your order at checkout

Possible coupons.com virus - watch out!

If you've tried to print any coupons off of the coupons.com website lately, you might have run into a bizarre page redirect virus. Here was the response posted on their Facebook page:

There are some posts about a virus being passed around the Web. This issue is unrelated to Coupons.com. There is a Fake AVG Anti-Virus virus that is redirecting users' browsers when they visit certain websites. Users who are seeing this redirect should search the Web for “Fake AVG Removal” for removal information. We can assure you that Coupons.com is not distributing viruses of any kind.

Which set off my bullshit meter as the kind of classic non-apology apology that corporate behemoths issue whenever they have seriously messed up and don't want to take responsibility. They went on to add in the comments:

This issue is affecting less than 1% of our users; However, there is a lot of buzz surrounding it on the coupon blogosphere so we felt compelled to clear the air on any rumors out there.

While our site remains safe for people who are uninfected by the virus, we are looking into how and why this browser redirect trojan is targeting our site on those computers that are infected by it.

The "1%" comment set off the kind of guffaws that greeted Ahmadinejad's assertion that there were no gay people in Iran. It's pretty clear that a lot more people than that have been affected. Also, several people who seem far more knowledgeable about this stuff than me chimed in to state that the problem was with a malicious ad on the coupons.com site itself, and that it wasn't merely a matter of users who already were infected with a virus running into problems on the site, but with the site actually infecting people with the virus.

What to do? The easiest solution, which has been supported by several users, when you get a suspicious popup or page redirect is to use ctrl-alt-del to bring up Task Manager, then close out your browser. Clicking anywhere on the window - including the "Close" button - could possibly install malicious software.

While coupons.com gets their act together, I'm at a bit of a loss for what to do in the meantime. I will attempt to check if any of the mirror sites that host the same coupons are also affected and, if not, I will point my links there instead.

What makes a "good" deal?

I remember when I first started serious couponing, I kept jumping at every sale and using every coupon I could get my hands on. I would stock up on tons and tons of stuff, assuming that I would never be able to get such a good price again. And then, a month later, I would see the same item on sale again, for the same super-low price - or even worse, lower.

The truth is that it's hard to know sometimes if the deal you're getting is the best possible one. Week to week, store to store, prices vary a lot. Throw revolving coupons in the mix - new ones coming out, old ones expiring - and you start to think that the whole idea of scoring the lowest price ever is completely futile.

But after awhile, you start to get a sense of pricing trends. I can't say with any certainty that next week, I will be able to buy Brand X shampoo for $1.00 at Store Y. What I can say, with quite a bit of confidence, is that within any given 2 week period I will be able to get some brand of shampoo at some store for $1.00 or less. I know that I will always be able to find free toothpaste, somewhere. I know to stock up on chicken when it's $1.99/lb and toilet paper when I can find it for less than $0.25 a roll.

Eventually, as you keep an eye on what goes on sale, what coupons are available, and what you buy the most of, you'll start to build up your own "price book" - a mental (or written!) list of what you are willing to pay for certain items. If I see an item hit a "buy" price, I will usually grab it. When I see an item go way below my buy price, that's when I try to stock up. Everyone's buy prices will be different, based on which items you buy, how many stores you're able or willing to hit up each week, and how brand loyal you are. All of the items on my list are items that, for me, don't have to be a certain brand. Obviously, if you're loyal to one, that's going to affect the availability of deals for you and you'll have to adjust your buying patterns.

It seems like a lot of work, but in the end having this information will actually help you save time, money and sanity. You won't be jumping all over the place, feeling like you have to snap up every single sale that comes along, and you'll be more willing to let coupons expire without being used if you can't find a really good deal with them.

Just to give you an idea and get you started, here are some entries from my price book.
$0.00 Toothpaste
$4.00 Hair color
$1.00 Shampoo/conditioner, 10-13oz
$1.00 Body wash, 10-12oz
$0.50 Razors, disposable, each
$2.00 Lotion, 10-12oz
$0.25 Toilet paper, roll
$3.00 Laundry detergent, 48 loads
$2.00 Cleaning spray (ie Windex or Fantastik), 32oz
$1.50 Pasta sauce, 26oz
$0.50 Pasta, box
$0.50 Soup, can
$2.00 Cereal, 10-15oz
$1.00 Cake or brownie mix, 18oz
$2.00 Crackers, 10-16oz
$0.40 K-cups coffee, each
$1.00 Soda, 2 liter
$2.00 Juice, 64oz
$0.40 Yogurt, 6oz
$0.75 Frozen veggies, 10oz
$2.00 Frozen dinners
$1.99 Chicken breasts, lb
$2.99 Ground beef, lb

Walgreens Deals 2/6/11 - 2/12/11

Updated: I messed up the math on my Garnier Scenario #2 below... sorry! I have corrected it.

Not too shabby at Walgreens this week. Make sure to check out the Garnier deal for practically free hair color, or what I call the "Why yes, I am a natural redhead" Scenario. :-)  And I know some teachers who are going to love free hand sanitizer! Now remember, when a deal is free thanks to Register Rewards like the sanitizer is, you can get more than one, but a) they must be in separate transactions and b) you can't use the RR you earned from the first time to pay for the second (because then it "knows" you already got the offer).

Also, as you start combining coupons and paying with RR, bear in mind that at Walgreens the total number of manufacturer coupons cannot exceed the number of items. Manufacturer coupons includes IVCs (monthly coupons in pamphlets or online - even though these are store coupons for this purpose they count as mfr) and Register Rewards. If you do find you have extra coupons, you will need to add to your item count with "fillers" - stuff like gum or candy, or else really cheap stuff that's usually in the seasonal aisle. This week, for instance, you could use Valentine pencils at 5/$1 (note that the store coupons from the flyer don't count towards your coupon total - confused yet?) or Valentine gifts (bubbles or coloring book) at 3/$1.

 $3.99  Veripur Hand Sanitizer
-$3.99  Register Rewards
FREE  Net price

 $5.00  2 Hershey’s or Reece’s Drops, Pieces, or Minis 8-10.5oz
-$2.00  Use $2/2 coupon from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 3/30)
-$2.00  Use $2/2 store coupon from the February Savings Book in stores or printable
 $1.00  Net price for 2

$11.99  Lysol No-touch hand soap system
-$3.00  Use $3/1 coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)
 $8.99  Out of pocket
-$7.00  Register Reward
 $1.99  Net price

Buy $15 in select Garnier products, get $5 Register Rewards
Use any of these coupons:
 $2/1 Garnier Nutrisse from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 5/6)
 $1/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo or conditioner from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 5/6)
 $1/1 Garnier Fructis Styler from the 2/6 RedPlum (exp. 5/6)
 $3/1 Garnier Herbashine from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 4/9)
 $3/1 Garnier Herbashine printable
 $1/1 Garnier Fructis Styler printable
Scenario #1
$15.00  Buy 3 Garnier Herbashine haircolor
-$9.00  Use 3 $3/1 Herbashine coupons
 $6.00  Out of pocket
-$5.00  Register Rewards
 $1.00  Net price for all 3
Scenario #2
$10.00  Buy 3 Fructis shampoo, conditioner, and/or styler
 $5.00  Buy 1 Garnier Herbashine
-$3.00  Use 3 $1/1 Fructis coupons
-$3.00  Use $3/1 Herbashine coupon
 $9.00  Out of pocket
-$5.00  Register Rewards
 $4.00  Net price for all 4

 $9.00  Buy 3 Kotex pads, liners, or tampons
-$1.50-$2.00  Use $1.50/2 liners, $1.50/2 tampons, or $2/2 pads from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)
 $7.00-$7.50  Out of pocket
-$3.00  Register Rewards
 $4.00-$4.50  Net price for 3
(These are a smaller size than the ones on sale at Rite Aid this week)

 $5.00  2 Colgate MaxFresh or MaxWhite toothpaste 6oz
-$2.00  Use 2 $1/1 any Colgate toothpaste coupon from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 2/19)
 $3.00  Out of pocket
-$3.00  Register Rewards
FREE  Net price

 $3.99  Right Guard body wash
-$3.00  Register Rewards
 $0.99  Net price

Rite Aid deals 2/6/11 - 2/12/11

There are quite a few good SCR deals this week, and I realized that I never quite explained this program. SCR is short for Rite Aid’s Single Check Rebate program. When there is a SCR available, you can redeem it one of two ways. You can pick up a flyer in the store, then fill out a form on the back and mail it in. If you choose to go this route, I assume that the Pony Express then brings you your rebate in gold doubloons, or something. Regardless, I certainly can’t help you.

Fortunately for the rest of us living in civilization, you can also request your SCR online. First, go to https://riteaid.rebateplus.com/ to set up your account. (The one thing that bugs me about Rite Aid’s website is that they cannot consolidate accounts. I have a separate login for Video Values, Wellness+, and SCRs. PITA.) Then, throughout the month, you enter your receipts on this website. At the end of the month, you request your check, and a few weeks later it arrives. (Note – they will only send one check each month, so don’t request your check until the end of February, after you have entered all your receipts.)

Now some months, my SCR check might only be a buck or two. Normally, this would not even be worth cashing. But the nice thing is that you can redeem them right at the store and use it towards your purchase, just like a gift card. So although your money is tied up a lot longer, and it’s more complicated, in essence you can work SCRs just like the +UP Rewards.

OK, on to the deals:

 $6.00  2 Finesse shampoo, conditioner, or stylers
-$5.00  Up Rewards
 $1.00  Net price for 2

 $4.99  Biotrue contact solution, 4oz
-$4.00  Up Rewards
 $0.99  Net price

$17.00  2 L’Oreal Feria hair color
-$5.00  Use $5/2 in-ad store coupon
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 Feria printables  OR $2/1 Any L’Oreal hair color from the 1/2 RedPlum (exp. 2/27)
 $8.00  Net price for 2

 $8.00  2 Gillette antiperspirant
-$4.00  Use BOGO Gillette deodorant from the 1/30 P&G insert (exp. 2/28)
 $4.00  Out of pocket
-$3.00  Up Rewards
 $1.00  Net price for 2

 $8.00  2 Gillette bodywash
-$4.00  Use 2 $2/1 Gillette bodywash from the 1/30 P&G insert (exp. 2/28)
 $4.00  Out of pocket
-$3.00  Up Rewards
 $1.00  Net price for 2

 $4.99  Children’s Chestal cough syrup 4.2oz
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Children’s Chestal printable
 $3.99  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Submit for $4 SCR
FREE  Net price

 $6.99  Adult Chestal Cough with honey 8.45oz
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Chestal printable
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$6.00  Submit for $6 SCR
FREE  Net price

 $8.99  Adult Oscillococcinum
-$2.00  Use $2/1 Oscillococcinum printable
 $6.99  Out of pocket
-$8.00  Submit for $8 SCR
 $1.01  Moneymaker!

 $4.00  Buy Betty Crocker Cake Mix AND frosting
-$1.00  Use $1/2 Betty Crocker cake mix and frosting from the 1/30 SmartSource (exp. 3/26)
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Betty Crocker baking items Video Values store coupon
 $2.00  Out of pocket
-$2.00  Up Rewards
FREE Net price

 $4.99  Revitalens Multi-purpose solution
-$4.99  Submit for $4.99 SCR
FREE  Net price

 $5.99  Adult Coldcalm 60-ct
-$5.99  Submit for $5.99 SCR
FREE  Net price

 $6.99  Children’s Coldcalm 80-ct
-$1.00  Use $1/1 Children’s Oscillo, Coldcalm, or Chestal printable
 $5.99  Out of pocket
-$6.99  Submit for $6.99 SCR
 $1.00  Moneymaker!

$11.00  2 Kotex pads, liners, or tampons
-$1.50-$2.00  Use $2/2 Kotex pads OR $1.50/2 Kotex liners OR $1.50/2 Kotex tampons from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)
$9.00-$9.50  Out of pocket
-$4.00  Up Rewards
$5.00-$5.50  Net price for 2
(I was going to say that this deal is much better at Walgreens this week, but these are for the larger size, so they are actually comparable.)

Big Y matchups 2/3/11 - 2/9/11

Yes! Finally, a Buy One Get Two Free sale at Big Y. There is also a Unilever deal that I discuss at the end of this post.

When it comes to using coupons with a BOGO or B1G2 sale, bear in mind that according to their official coupon policy, Big Y does not have to accept coupons against the free items. Theoretically you should only be able to use 1 coupon per deal. In practice, however, I have almost never had any trouble using coupons against the free items. (The exception was one time when the sale didn’t ring in and she had to take it off manually – in that case, the 2nd coupon wouldn’t go through.) So go ahead and give them multiple coupons – the worst that can happen is that they will hand them back to you, and at best you get some really amazing deals.

I also wanted to use this as an opportunity make another quick plug for donating extra items to your local food bank, pantry, or shelter. I was so excited when I found out that the Tri-Town Pantry in Vernon now has a fridge and a freezer for perishable goods. If you look at the first two pages of the flyer, a lot of the best B1G2 deals are for meat and seafood. Some of those I can freeze myself, but when, for instance, am I going to be able to use 15 pounds of russet potatoes (5lb bags B1G2) before they all sprout? Now I know that the Pantry can take the extra 10 pounds and put them to good use.

OK, here are the best matchups for this week. As always, check your own flyer for regional differences as well as for good sales that don’t include a matchup. Also, don’t forget that you can print coupons for Big Y brand products at http://www.bigy.com/coupons/. There is a new monthly sale flyer out for February as well that I will try to go through soon. Grab a copy in stores or view it online at http://www.bigy.com/coupon_book/20110203-20110302-CBcoupons.pdf.

Jolly Time popcorn, 3-pk – B1G2
Use $1/2 coupon from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)

SuperPretzel soft frozen pretzels, B1G2
Use up to 3 $0.50/1 coupons from the 1/23 RedPlum (exp. 2/23) or printables

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest pasta, BOGO
Use $1/2 coupon from the 1/23 SmartSource (exp. 3/31)

Campbell’s Chunky soup, BOGO
Use $1/2 Chunky Healthy Request from the 2/6 SmartSource (exp. 3/20)
Use $1/2 Chunky Healthy Request from the 1/2 SmartSource (exp. 2/13)

Ken’s marinade, BOGO
Use up to 2 $1/1 coupons from the 1/9 SmartSource (exp. 2/28)

Old Orchard Healthy Balance juice, BOGO
Use $1/2 Healthy Balance juice printable  (Requires account setup)

Weight Watchers snack cakes, muffins, or cookies BOGO
Use up to 2 $1/1 Weight Watchers Sweet Bakery items printable

Dr. Oetker pizza, BOGO
Use up to 2 $1/1 coupons from the 1/16 SmartSource (exp. 3/6)

Buy $20 of Unilever products, get a $5 coupon on your next order
This is like the grocery store equivalent of a Register Reward or +UP Reward. If you buy $20 worth of specified products, you get a $5 coupon (called a “catalina” after the company that makes the machines that print them out) to use on your next order.
The big question with these catalina deals is, what counts as “$20 worth”? When we used to have Shaws in Connecticut, they would calculate the amount you needed to buy before any sales or coupons. So let’s say you bought 4 items that were normally priced at $5 (the “pre-sale price,” or PSP), but were on sale for $3 each, and you had 4 $1/1 coupons. You would pay $8 and still get back the $5 catalina. Stop & Shop, on the other hand, specifically states on most of their catalina deals that the qualifying total must be after any sales or coupons. Boo.
I did some quick checking, and no one seems to know how Big Y is calculating their qualifying prices on this deal. Based on the wording of the ad, which states that you must use your Big Y loyalty card, I am going to guess that the $20 must be based off of the sale prices, however since they don’t say anything about coupons I would think that any coupons taken off would not count against your total. But that is totally my own uninformed opinion. If anyone tries this, please let me know what worked for you!
There were a ton of Unilever product coupons in one of last week’s RedPlum inserts. I’m not going to post all the matchups here, but take a look at what’s included and what coupons you have and decide if it’s worth it for you.

Introducing Suck It Martha Saturdays

You know how some blogs have theme days, like Foodie Tuesdays, Wordless Wednesdays, or Freebie Fridays? Well, I've decided to start a new one here that has nothing to do with coupons: Suck It, Martha Saturdays. Those of you who know me know that I love to bake. Here is where I will brag about my domestic divahood.

This first installment comes courtesy of my friend Nicole's son's first birthday party.

Those are chocolate mini cupcakes with my secret frosting recipe (OK, it's 3/4 buttercream and 1/4 cream cheese) and sprinkles. The sprinkles made quite a satisfying mess when the birthday boy smooshed his cupcake in his face. (Incidentally, I drew all those treble clefs freehand. Good to know that old music theory class was good for something!)

Crazy Coupon Non-Acceptance Tactics

I had a couple of incidents today with cashiers that I thought I'd share, partly to get them off my chest and partly as a public service announcement.

My first stop was at Walgreens. I was planning on buying 4 items (TP, Arnicare, Blink eyedrops, and Icy Hot). I had 4 mfr coupons, 1 store coupon, and 3 Register Rewards I wanted to use. Because of Walgreens' policy that the number of coupons used cannot exceed the number of items, I bought 4 "filler" items - Valentine's pencils that were on sale for $0.12. Eight items, eight coupons - good to go.

Or not. For some reason, the Arnicare $2 printable coupon wouldn't scan. (I admit that I have had this problem with pdf coupons - I think my printer automatically fits to page and I always forget to tell it to print actual size, so the bar code gets a little screwed up.) Grumble, grumble - but it shouldn't be a big deal. Usually the cashier will just verify that there is nothing wrong with the coupon and that I did indeed buy the product, and then enter it in manually. Occasionally, they will have to call over a manager to override the register.

Not this woman. Instead, the transaction went like this.
Scan. Beep. Scan. Beep.
Cashier: Hands coupon back to me. "I can't take this one."
Me: "Why?"
Cashier: "You have too many coupons."
Me: "No, I have 8 items and 8 coupons. Besides, you tried to scan this one second. You scanned 6 more after it and they went in fine."
Cashier: Glares. Counts my items. Counts my coupons. Studies all 7 suspiciously. "You must have gotten the wrong size."
Me: "No, I didn't." Shows her that I did, indeed, buy the right size.
Cashier: "The coupon can't be for more than the item is worth."
Me: "It cost $5.99. The coupon is for $2."
Cashier: Sighs. Scan. Beep. Scan. Beep. Looks at me expectantly, holding the coupon out as though waiting for me to break down, apologize, and take it back. 
Me: Returns her stare. I have stared down a room full of freshman learning Shakespeare against their will today. This woman does not intimidate me.

Eventually she relented and put it through. Here's what bugged me about this transaction: If the cashier had just admitted, "I'm sorry, I don't know why this won't go through," I would have just told her to set the Arnicare aside, ring me out for the rest of the items, and ask her to call a manager so I could do the Arnicare separately. Instead, she tried to lie to me to get out of accepting a valid coupon. If I hadn't been familiar with Walgreens' coupon policy, I probably would have gotten flustered and taken the coupon back. Whether she honestly didn't know and was just guessing to save face, or she was deliberately lying to get me to leave, she was the kind of cashier you have to watch out for.

Next stop, Rite Aid. I needed more ice cream (!) and I wanted to see if they had any more of the BOGO Stayfree. Yay, they did! And I still had one more BOGO coupon.

But when I got to the register, the cashier (who is actually very nice and has been very helpful to me in the past) got all aflutter when I handed her the coupon. Next thing I know she's taken it into the manager's office! When she came back, she said that there had been a "conference call" a few days ago and that they were no longer supposed to honor BOGO coupons in conjunction with a BOGO sale. They were only supposed to give you 1/2 the value of the item, since "you're really not buying any" and "the store was losing so much money."

This is where my bullshit meter started going off. First off, I double checked when I got home, and there has been NO change to Rite Aid's coupon policy. So this was clearly a decision by a manager at the store or district level. And it was a decision based on a totally faulty premise. The whole "store losing money on coupons" argument is baloney. Your store, like every other store, is compensated by the manufacturer for the full value of the coupon. It doesn't matter if I pay $3.99 in cash, or if I give you a coupon and you later get the $3.99 from the manufacturer (actually $4.07 - they get an $0.08 handling fee, too), the store still gets their money. Trying to make me feel guilty, like I am somehow ripping you off, is just another way of trying to get out of accepting a valid coupon.

In this instance, she did end up letting me use the coupon, although of course she tried to make it seem like she was doing me a huge favor. We'll see what happens next time, and I will keep an eye on Rite Aid's coupon policy in the meantime.

Whew! OK, I feel better. Like I said, part of my frustration is just in the wasted time, part comes from the feeling of being manipulated, and part of it comes on behalf of everyone who's following the rules, just trying to save some money, and getting lied to in the process.

Anyone have any cashier horror stories to share?

Coupon Organization

So those of you who know me are probably laughing right now at the thought of me talking about ANY kind of organizing. And it's true that my couponing system is much more efficient in theory than in practice. Still, at some point you, like me, will need to figure out a way to store your coupons, and a way to find them again. The more effort you put into the former, the less effort you will need for the latter.

Filing
My mom used to put all her coupons in a plain white envelope. Some extreme couponers keep theirs in large bankers boxes or plastic tubs. I tend to think that the two most sensible, least Crazy options are a coupon file, or a 3-ring binder. These are two very different approaches, and only you know which will work for you.

1) Coupon file: You can find these at any office supply store for about $2. They look just like an expandable file folder, but smaller. If you decide to go this route, you will also have to decide how you want to organize your clipped coupons. Usually, that's some combination of category (health & beauty, groceries, household), expiration date, and/or source.
Since this is the method I use, I can tell you how I do mine, although of course you should customize this to meet your needs. Mine are separated first by category, each in its own little section in the file.

• Current shopping trip (coupons I plan on using that day)
• Store coupons and rewards (RR, ECB, etc)
• Grocery, non-perishable
• Grocery, refrigerated and frozen
• Health (OTC medication, dental care, deodorant, razors)
• Beauty (hair care, lotion, makeup, skin care, soap)
• Household (cleaning products, paper goods, etc)
• Pet (cat food and litter)
• Miscellaneous (includes restaurants)

And then within each section, I put them in order by expiration date. This makes it easy to purge coupons as they expire, and also helps me make sure I see coupons expiring soon so I don't forget to use them.  

Pros: Highly portable - you can always have your coupons with you. Easy to rotate coupons in and out. Can incorporate printable coupons into your filing system easily.

Cons: Takes a lot of time to clip and file coupons. Coupon file can get very bulky, especially if you have duplicates. 

2) Three-ring binders: This system requires less effort up front. All you need is a heavy duty binder and some of those plastic sleeves. Each week, file the entire coupon insert(s) into a new sleeve. You only clip coupons as you need them. 

A lot of the more experienced couponers use this system or a variation. If you have multiples of the same insert, they suggest merging them - lining up all the page 1s, then all the page 2s, etc, rather than keeping them separate. Again, you will have to organize the inserts in a way that makes sense to you. You can put all the RedPlums in one section, the SmartSources in another, etc. Or you can file them strictly by date. You'll also have to take into account how you want to file internet printables, coupons from inside product, etc. 

Pros: No advance clipping - you don't throw away any coupons, and you don't clip what you don't need. Easy to find as long as your matchup lists the coupon source. 

Cons: Bulky - most of your coupons stay at home, which gives you less flexibility in the store. Harder to filter out expired coupons or know when it's safe to toss an insert. (Maven of Savin' has a good article on How to determine what coupon inserts are expired.) Even if you know what insert a coupon came from, you will still have to page through the whole insert looking for it. 

Finding Your Coupons

Regardless of which system you use, there's no way you can keep track of every coupon you have and where it's filed by memory alone. 

Here's my secret: a coupon database. You all thought I was pulling all those matchups out of my head, didn't you? The truth is that I would be completely lost without a database. I used to make my own in Excel, until I realized there were some already out there ready to use. 

Maven of Savin and Common Sense With Money use a common shared database that is very popular with a lot of other coupon bloggers. Deal Seeking Mom has her own version, so does Hot Coupon World. You can search by product (Schick or razors), source date, or expiration date. The lovely thing about them is that they include internet printables in addition to inserts - coupons you might not have even known about otherwise!

Now, none of these is perfect. Because of regional variations, I have found gaps and different values in all of these databases where their info differs from the coupons available in CT. Sometimes printables are no longer available or are expired, but still show up in the database. But a coupon database makes it possible to get your hands on any coupon already in your file, plus printable coupons from all across the web, in a matter of minutes. However you end up filing your coupons, when it comes to retrieving them you're going to need a good database. 

Getting Your Coupons From Your File Into The Store

As you've probably figured out, the time to dig out the coupon you want is not when you're standing in line ready to pay. You do not want to be "that person." Put together your list and get your coupons ready before you go. You'll need to print any internet coupons, anyway. As I write out my shopping list, I will usually make a note of which items I have coupons for, just as a double check to myself. After I go through the store and find all my items, but before I go to pay, I pull out the stack and go through it once more, setting aside any coupons for items I didn't end up getting. As I'm shopping, if I see something I missed or an unadvertised sale, I will go through my coupon file right away (this is why I like being able to bring the whole collection with me) and pull out the coupon - otherwise I will either forget to grab it entirely, or I will remember at the last second and become "that person" at the register. That way I can hand the cashier a nice little stack and hopefully forestall any eye-rolling.

So what do you guys think? Do you have a method that works for you, or are you still experimenting? Any tips or tricks? Questions, comments? 

Design changes

So obviously I am attempting - perhaps futilely - to prettify things in here. The yellow was just starting to bug me. But Blogger does not make things easy - ARGH! I know some of you out there have absolutely gorgeous blogs - where do you get your banners? After spending 2 hours trying to make one and having Blogger resize it to NOT fit EVERY single time, I am ready to throw my laptop out!

Enough of that... let's see if I can post something useful before bedtime. Organization, anyone?

My Rite Aid trip 1/31

I made it to Rite Aid yesterday before the snows! I was so proud of myself, because usually I don't make it there until the end of the week and I often miss out because of empty shelves. "Aha, it's Monday, there will be plenty of everything!" Didn't happen. They were already out of the Dixie Ultra paper plates, the smaller packs of Stayfree pads, and the Lays Stacks. (There is a deal on these that I will be adding to the Rite Aid post - on sale for $1 and get a $1 UP Reward!) Here's what I did get:

 $2.99  Edy's ice cream (reg. 5.99)
 $5.76  2 Reese's Mini 8oz bags (reg 3.99/ea - Husband is obsessed with these)
 $5.98  2 Colgate toothpaste 4oz (reg 3.69/ea)
 $5.99  Coricidin cold medicine (reg 6.99)
 $9.99  Breathe Right 26ct (reg 13.99)
 $6.99  2 Stayfree 48ct (reg 6.99/ea)
$37.70  Total before coupons (56.31 worth of stuff)
-$2.00  $2/2 Hersheys or Reese's bags from the 1/30 SmartSource
-$2.00  2 $1/1 Colgate from the 1/16 and 1/30 SmartSource
-$2.00  $2/1 Coricidin printable
-$2.50  $2.50/1 Breathe Right from the 1/30 RedPlum
-$6.00  BOGO Stayfree coupon (Max Value $6.00)
-$2.00  Coricidin Video Values store coupon
-$2.00  Breathe Right Video Values store coupon
-$1.00  Rite Aid "$1 off total purchase" Video Values coupon
$18.20 After coupons
 $2.00  Edy's UPR
 $4.00  2 Colgate UPR
 $2.00  Breathe Right UPR
 $4.00  Coricidin UPR

Paid $18.20 out of pocket ($5 in UP Rewards from a couple weeks ago, $13 in cash) for $56.31 worth of items, plus got $12 back in UP Rewards, or a net of $6.20 for everything. I will be donating the Stayfree and the toothpaste, but the ice cream is all mine!