Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Walgreens Deals 5/17- 5/23

I loaded up on a bunch of clearance items this week. I'm still not finished with my shopping. I absolutely love the Dry Idea Clinical Strength. I've been waiting for it to go back on sale & now that it is... I plan on getting all that I can.

Here is what I bought so far:

3M Command Hooks, clearanced .90¢
9- hooks = $8.10
9- coupons from 3M site = ($9)
Total OOP = (.90¢) or FREE + Money Maker

Off 3-wick Citronella Candle, clearanced $1.78

Women's Garden Gloves, clearanced $1.09

Knee Highs, clearanced .20¢... rang up B1G1

Coleman Lantern Fuel, clearanced $1.59

Dog Toy, clearanced .75¢

Suction Cup Toothbrush Holder, clearanced 75¢

Glad 40 ct 30 gallon Trash Bags, clearanced $1.98

EverCare Lint Roller Refill, clearanced $1.09
1- roller = $1.09
1- coupon from www.coupons.com = ($1)
Total OOP = .09¢

Bic Utility Lighter, $2.99, earn $1 RR
1- lighter = $2.99
1- coupon 5/17 = ($1)
Total OOP = $1.99
RR earned = ($1)
Toatl = $1

Dry Idea Clinical Strength, $5.99, earn $5 RR
(I bought several of these in different transactions.)
1- deodorant = $5.99
1- coupon from inside box ($2) or roll-on coupon from www.coupons.com ($2)
Total OOP = $3.99
RR earned = $5
Total = ($1) or FREE + Money Maker
I'm so impressed with this stuff, that I will buy it without a coupon and just earn the RR's if I have to. It is good stuff!

OFF Clip-On Skeeter Repellant, Starter $8.99... earn $3 RR & Refill $4.99
1- starter set = $8.99
1- refill = $4.99
1- coupon 5/17 = ($2) off starter set
1- internet coupon ($4.99) buy starter, get refill free (see www.frugalcouponshopping.com)
Total OOP = $7
RR earned = $3
Total = $4 or $2 each



Tuesday, May 19, 2009

God has a funny way of telling us things sometimes...

So last night I posted my mini-rant regarding my latest experience at Target. While I kept my composure throughout the entire scenario... I'll admit that my mind was getting off track a bit. I wanted to "show that lady" that I was right and that she was wrong. My mindset was in the wrong place and for that I apologize.

What led to my reflection today?

This post by Heather at www.nwadeals.blogspot.com grounded me a bit.

Like I said... God has funny ways sometimes.

WAGs

This morning I decided to stop by and officially introduce myself to my local Walgreens manager. I've spoken with him a couple of times on the phone and thought that I should put a face with the voice... especially since I wanted to inquire about getting a deeper discount on some items for charity.

I explained to him that I am donating a lot of the items that I purchase. I told him about a couple of charities that my church supports & how our VBS kids will be working on service projects each night. Since all "official" donations must go through WAGs district office... I asked about the turn around on such requests. (2-4 weeks) He was kind enough to retrieve the district FAX number for me, but stopped short when it came to offering the employee discount on items to be donated. (Hey... it never hurts to ask.)

All and all, I enjoyed speaking with him and he seemed very impressed with teaching the kids to be charitable and help others.

If you choose to donate some of your coupon deals... I highly recommend mentioning that fact to your regular cashier or manager. I think it sheds a new light on "couponers" and makes the cashier feel good about customers stock-piling various items.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Target 5/17- 5/23

Nabisco 100 calorie packs
$2.39
$1 coupon from www.coupons.com
$1 Target coupon from the Target coupon generator at www.hotcouponworld.com
TOTAL = .39 cents each

Chinet 10" Plates $2.49
coupon - ($2) 5/3SS
TOTAL = .49 cents each

Bounty Basic Paper Towels 8pk, clearance $4.49
I think there is a coupon in the 5/17 paper... I'll have to double check later.

A1 Steak Sauce, $2.09?? Haven't checked my local store yet.
coupon- ($2) www.coupons.com or Kraft's website

Walgreens

Go to the pharmacy counter and ask for their WAG coupon flier. It's full of coupons for various WAG brand items.

I used the $2 off diapers, wipes, & training pants last week.

The training pants were B1G1 @ $9 - $4 from WAG coupon = 2 Pack for $5!

Target

So I decided to make a trip to Target to take advantage of the Kraft & travel size deals available. I loaded up several boxes of Nabisco 100 calorie snacks, Kraft mayo, lunch meat, Bliss candy bars, Granola Bites, Dove deodorant, Purell travel size, Banana Boat travel size, etc.

(Thank you http://www.attentiontargetshoppers.com/ and http://www.frugalcouponliving.com/!)

As I wandered up to the register... my emotions were mixed. My absolute favorite cashier was available, but my least favorite manager (or whatever they are called at Target) was standing up front talking to other employees. I swear that woman has it out for me.

In an attempt to avoid confrontation... I browse around for a few minutes. When it becomes obvious that she is not going anywhere... I "go in".

During our last encounter, she made it clear that they had to adjust down the coupons when the coupon is for more than the purchase price. Okay. I put those coupons on top and inform the cashier (did I mention that she is my favorite cashier?) that those coupons will need to be adjusted.

Once my items have been scanned and the cashier is beginning to scan the coupons... guess who wanders over? Yep, you got it. My least favorite manager lady. She begins to inspect each coupon & glances over into my cart. (Last time the bags were still on the counter and she was peeking into them. Peek away lady, peek away.)

When the lovely Target coupons will not scan, she starts in on me. She points out that the coupons state "one per transaction". I agree, tell her that I have never had to ring up separate transactions before, and point out that the gracious cashier is almost finished with my transaction. She says that we will need to re-ring everything. What!?!? I manage to politely comment on how that may inconvience me, them, and the customers waiting in line. She decides to consult with another manager lady. That lady comes over, checks out the situation, and says to just take my money. (Thank you 2nd manager lady with common sense!) The "enemy" manager mentions *again* how they coupons state "one per transaction". The 2nd manager just says to finish the transaction.

Then guess what my least favorite manager says? She says that for now on I will have to separate my transactions (I say "No problem. I will always ask cashier & if you are working, I'll just do it.") Then she says that I will have to go to the back of the line after each transaction. While I am always a courteous shopper... I couldn't resist. I responded (politely), that I will do no such thing. She says that a lady had to do it the other day. I asked if it was a new Target policy. The nice manager lady rushes her off and tells her to open another register since a line has formed.

I decided that I had had enough of this back and forth and called the store later on. I wanted to speak with the store manager, but he never seems to be available. I instead talk to someone further down the food chain. She was very nice, listened, took notes, and said that she would look into it. I then e-mailed corporate (twice) and just got the standard coupon policy and an e-mail stating to call the 800#, while still in the store, if I had any problems. (Thanks for clarifying!/sarcasm) I waited two days and called the helpful lady back. Guess what? She actually looked into it! She even went so far as to call a manufacturer and ask about coupon redemption.

In the end... I think I helped out future Target couponers in my area. My least favorite manager is probably not happy with me, but at least she'll have her store policies correct & perhaps will watch how she treats the customers.

I'm "going back in" tomorrow & sort of hope she is working. :)

Monday, May 11, 2009

Target 5/10 - 5/16

Last week, I racked up at Target. Before coupons, my balance was over $90. After coupons..... $14!!! Since the sales have ended, I'm not going to bother posting my purchases. Instead I will focus on this week.

Nabisco 100 Calorie Snacks, $2.39
Target Printable Coupon www.afullcup.com - ($1)
http://www.coupons.com/ - ($1)
Total = .39¢ each

Swiffer Dry Mop Refills $4.04, Get $5 Gift Card with 2
Target coupon hanging on Tide & Cascade bottles- (.75¢)
Total = $8.08 - $1.50 = $6.58
Earned Gift Card = ($5)
Total = $1.68 or .84¢ each

Circo 5pk Newborn Onesies, Clearanced $2.37

Irish Spring Body Wash, Clearanced $2.12
Coupon- (.50¢)
Total= $1.62 each

I actually discovered these deals on my own while browsing the store. I can't wait to see what the other gals have posted on their blogs. I may have to make another trip...

Monday, May 4, 2009

CVS Deals 5/3 - 5/9

I didn't pick up much this week, but I did do several transactions in order to reduce my OOP.
____________________________________________________
Transaction 1:
Adidas Deodorant $3.99, Earn $3 ECB
1- deodorant = $3.99
1- coupon, 4/5 RP = ($1)

Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste $2.99, Earn $2 ECB
1- toothpaste = $2.99
1- coupon, 4/19 or 4/26 SS = ($1)

Total OOP = $4.98
Earned ECB = $3 + $2 = $5
___________________________________________________
Transaction 2:
Select Kellogg's Cereal 3/$10, Earn $5 ECB
3- boxes = $10
3- coupons = ($3)

Total = $7
2- ECB = ($5)
Total OOP = $2
Earned ECB = $5
__________________________________________________
Transaction 3:
Adidas Deodorant $3.99, Earn $3 ECB
1- deodorant = $3.99
1- coupon, 4/5 RP = ($1)

Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste $2.99, Earn $2 ECB
1- toothpaste = $2.99
1- coupon, 4/19 or 4/26 SS = ($1)

Total $4.98
1- ECB = ($5)
Total OOP = $0 (Lost .02¢ in ECBs)
Earned ECB = $3 + $2 = $5
__________________________________________________
Transaction 4:
Adidas Deodorant $3.99, Earn $3 ECB
1- deodorant = $3.99
1- coupon, 4/5 RP = ($1)

Total = $2.99
1- ECB = ($3)
Total OOP = $0 (Lost .01¢ in ECBs)
Earned ECB = $3
_________________________________________________
Total out of my cash... ~$7
I left with $5 in ECBs and a print out to get $4 off of $20 purchase.

Walgreens Deals 5/3 - 5/9

Lots of transactions and plan on returning later this week...
___________________________________________________________
Transaction 1:
Dr. Pepper 3/$11, Earn $5 RR
3- 12pks = $11
1- RR = ($5)
Gift Card balance = ($4.82)
Total OOP = $1.18
Earned RR = ($5)
___________________________________________________________
Transaction 2:
Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste $4.49, Earn $4.50 RR
1- toothpaste = $4.49
1- coupon = ($1)

Gillette Men's Shampoo clearanced $1.59
2- shampoos = $3.18
1- coupon B1G1, 5/3 P&G = ($1.59)

Total = $5.08
1 RR = ($5)
Total OOP = .08¢
Earned RR = $4.50
___________________________________________________________
Transaction 3:
Bayer 4ct Crystals $2.49, Earn $2.50 RR

Right Guard Deodorant $2.99, Earn $2 RR
1- deodorant = $2.99
1- coupon = ($1)

Bubble Knee High clearanced for .15¢

Total = 4.63
1- RR = ($4.50)
Total OOP = .13
Earned RR = $2.50 + $2 = $4.50
___________________________________________________________
Transaction 4:
Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste $4.49, Earn $4.50 RR
1- toothpaste = $4.49
1- coupon = ($1)

Legg's Shaper Pantyhose clearanced for $1.19

Bubble Knee Highs clearanced for .15¢

Total = $4.83
2- RR = ($4.50)
Total OOP = .33¢
Earned RR = $4.50
___________________________________________________________
Transaction 5:
Right Guard Deodorant $2.99, Earn $2 RR
1- deodorant = $2.99
1- coupon = ($1)

Energizer 2pk AA clearanced for $1.09
3- packs = $3.27
3- coupons = ($3)

Legg's Pantyhose clearanced for $1.19
2- packs = $2.38

Total = $4.64
1- RR = ($4.50)
Total OOP = .14¢
Earned RR = $2 ***saving this one for later this week***
___________________________________________________________
Transaction 6:
Right Guard Deodorant $2.99, Earn $2 RR
1- deodorant = $2.99
1- coupon = ($1)
Total OOP = $1.99
Earned RR = $2 ***saving this one for later this week***

__________________________________________________________
Total out of my cash tonight... $3.85 with $4 in RR to roll forward.

I sure am going to miss the rebate gift card program...

I wanted to pick up two bottles of the Listerine Total mouthwash. They are on sale 2/$9, I have 2- $2 coupons, and you earn $4.50 RR when you purchase two bottles. That ends up being .25¢ a bottle! However, they were out of stock. Figures.

I'm also going to pick up more Dr. Pepper. I just didn't feel like carrying it all tonight. (Plus I can roll the Listerine & Dr. Pepper RRs back and forth... if I want.
__________________________________________________________
I want to give a special 'thank you' to my favorite blogs...
http://www.frugalcouponliving.com/,
http://www.survivingthestores.com/, &
http://www.couponing101.com/.

I found most of my coupon match-ups and internet printable links through those websites.