Regarding my silence...

Many thanks to the readers who have emailed to ask if I'm okay.

In short, due to changing priorities and responsibilities, I am needing to put this blog on the back burner indefinitely. I do not know if or when I will resume posting.

Thank you all so much for your participation around here. I've thoroughly enjoyed it, as I hope you have. If you want to stay caught up on any blog updates, I'd recommend subscribing to our blog feed. God bless you all!

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Apricot jam

Due to friends' generosity, I have an abundance of apricots to play with this week. Here's one of the recipes I'm hoping to try, with thanks to Make and Takes:

Apricot Leather

2 C. apricots
1 T. lemon juice
2 T. honey

Cut the apricots in half and remove pits. Blend apricots until smooth. Add honey and lemon juice and blend again.

Cover a tray with plastic wrap (a screen tray works best). Pour the apricot mixture onto the plastic wrap and smooth with a spatula to about 1/8" thick.

Put another screen rack on top and tape them together. If you don’t have a screen tray, find something that would keep out the bugs but allow air to come in and the sun to hit it.

Place trays outside on a table to dry. Leave them out for about 24 hours (shorter for a moister leather). Bring indoors and roll up the plastic wrap to create the roll-ups.

What are you making this week? Share it with other readers via Mr. Linky below!

Walgreens deals: July 6-12

A few deals to be had at Walgreens this week...

Bayer aspirin with Heart Advantage: $4.99; use $2.50 coupon from 5/18 insert. Produces $2 RR. Final cost: .49

Pledge: 2/$6.00; use Free Pledge product when you buy any Pledge aerosol product from 6/15 insert and this $1 printable. Mail in for EasySaver rebate #21 ($2). Total cost: free

Gift wrap or tissue: 3/$1

Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner: 3/$10; use $3/2 from 7/6 newspaper insert. Buy $30 and get $7 RR.
Suggested scenario: Buy 10 bottles and use 5 $3/2 coupons:

3.33
x 10
33.33
-15.00 ($3/2 coupons)
18.33
-7.00 (Register Reward)
11.33 or $1.13 each

July FAR items

TheraBreath Starter Kit, up to $10.99.

Hebert's Fully Loaded Chocolate Bars, 2.75 oz., up to $.99.

Nature Made Rx Essentials, up to $9.99; use $1 coupon from 4/20 or 6/1 newspaper insert. Or, if you're a Nature Made member and have points banked, request your own $5 or $7 coupon from their website.

This week's ad scans, compliments of Hot Coupon World, may be found by clicking here.

Kroger: Midwest deals

Kroger had some good deals last week that they've continued this week. Here's what I noticed in the ad.

The following are part of a "$3 off your order when you buy 10 qualifying items" promotion...

Breyer's ice cream: $1.97 after discount

Totino's pizza rolls: $1; use .35 printables available here, here, and here; free after coupon and discount

What other Kroger deals do you see this week?

Walgreens: Cheap Woolite & Spray 'n' Wash

Woolite and Spray 'n' Wash are on sale for 2/$5 at Walgreens this week. There is also a July EasySaver rebate (#30) for $2 on each, making them .50. To sweeten the deal further, use either this or this printable $1 Spray 'n' Wash coupon. You'll make a profit of .50 a bottle.

Note: The end price I've listed is purposely lower than the one in the ad flier. For some reason Walgreens combined two different rebate offers in one ad photo, confusing the final price. If you do the math on the deal, it still comes out correct.

Clean Home Journal gift pack

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for this heads-up on the July Clean Home Journal gift pack...

Sign up here for the July Clean Home Journal Gift Pack--available to the first 10,000 registrants:

Enjoy the best that summer has to offer with our July gift pack, which includes a free 50-count box of Ziploc® Brand Sandwich Bags and $5 in coupons for great SC Johnson products you use every day.

The first 10,000 people* to respond will receive a Clean Home Journal™ Joys of Summer Gift Pack containing coupons for OFF!®, Ziploc®, Scrubbing Bubbles® and Glade® —with a total value of $5.

Wal-Mart: Free samples

Here's the latest from the Wal-Mart sample page...

Greeting cards

Celine Dion Sensational perfume

Multi-Grain Cheerios

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Weather Works and Creme Serum

Benefiber

Playtex Gentle Glide Slender Applicator and Maximum Absorbency tampons

Playtex personal cleansing cloths

Pond's wet towelettes

Campusi.com: Find the best deals on books

Between needing textbooks at certain times and my distinct love for reading, I've long been on the lookout for the best deals on books. Several years ago, a family member mentioned campusi.com. Rather than being another "we always have the lowest price" site, campusi.com searches numerous other sites (including Half.com, eBay, Wal-Mart, and Amazon.com) and offers the cost of buying from each. Shipping, tax, and total cost are listed on a convenient table. I've been using the site for years and rarely find a lower price online than what they list on their site.

And FWIW, it's not just books--they also have sections for CDs, movies, and several other categories.

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Sidewalk Chalk

Continuing last week's theme of fun, simple playthings for kids, here are instructions for sidewalk chalk. This recipe is compliments of familyeducation.com.

Sidewalk Chalk

Ingredients

1 C. plaster of Paris
1 C. water
Powdered tempera paint
Mold for chalk (small paper cups, ice cube trays, toilet paper rolls, etc.)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix the water and plaster of Paris together.

2. Add the powdered tempera paint to the mixture.

3. Once the paint has been mixed in well, set it aside for a few minutes.

4. Pour the mixture into the mold and let it dry. This can take from several hours to a day or more, depending on the size of the mold. The bigger the mold, the longer it will take to dry.

5. Once the mold is dry, remove the chalk. If the chalk is still moist, let it air dry for another 24 hours.

For more Make-it-Yourself Monday features, click here.

Walgreens deals: June 29 to July 5

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for highlighting these deals...

Deerfield Farms Shredded Cheese - $1.50/bag (I'm not sure if this is 6 oz. or 8 oz.--if it's 8 oz., this is a pretty good deal.)

Buy 2 Cleaning Products at $2.50 Each, Get $2 Mail-In Rebate (Mix and Match, Limit 3)

*Deal*
Buy 2 Oust Air Sanitizer Spray or Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from 05/11 insert
Spend $3 out of pocket
Get $2 EasySaver rebate
$0.50 each after rebate and coupons

REGISTER REWARD DEALS

Buy 3 of Select Baby Products, Get $5 Register Rewards

*DEAL*
Buy 3 Jumbo Packages of Comfort Stretch Diapers or Training Pants at $5.99 each
Use $5/2 coupon from July EasySaver booklet
Spend $12.97 out of pocket (it is possible that the above coupon might take off $2.50 per pack of diapers instead of $5 so your out of pocket total would be less)
Get $5 Register Reward
$7.97 for 3 packages of diapers after Register Reward! (or possibly only $5.47 if the coupon takes off $2.50 per package of diapers!)

Desitin is also part of the above deal. It is on sale for $5.99 and there is a $1/1 manufacturer's coupon here plus a $1/1 coupon in the July EasySaver booklet.

Buy 2 Post Cereals at $2.50 Each, Get $2 Register Rewards

*DEAL*
Buy 2 Post Honey Bunches of Oats
Use 2 $2/1 coupons here, here, here, here (if you got the free coupon from the recent insert deal where you could send in the other cereal brand coupons and get a free box, use that one instead!)
Spend $1 out of pocket
Get $2 Register Rewards back!
Free plus $1 overage after coupons and Register Rewards!

July FAR items

TheraBreath Starter Kit, up to $10.99.

Hebert's Fully Loaded Chocolate Bars, 2.75 oz., up to $.99.

Nature Made Rx Essentials, up to $9.99; use $1 coupon from 4/20 or 6/1 newspaper insert. Or, if you're a Nature Made member and have points banked, request your own $5 or $7 coupon from their website.

For this week's ad scans, compliments of Hot Coupon World, click here.

Walgreens: June/July overlap deals

The following are deals that overlap between the June and July EasySaver periods. They are only good on Friday and Saturday, June 27 & 28. As always when using more than one IVC, YMMV.

Airwick Ultra Starter Kit: $5.99, use $4 printable coupon. Send in for $3 July EasySaver rebate. Total cost: $1 overage

Maalox chewables: $3.99; use $2 June IVC, $2 July IVC, and $2 manufacturer's coupon from the 6/1 newspaper insert. Total cost: $2 overage

Nutripals: $6.49, some clearanced to $4.79; use $1.50 June IVC, $2 July IVC, and $1 manufacturer's coupon from 4/13 newspaper insert. Total cost: $.29 or more

Hershey's bag candy: Use $1/2 June IVC; send in for July $5 rebate WYB $15. Total cost: will vary

Benefiber: $6.79; use $3 June IVC, $2 July IVC, and $2 manufacturer's coupon from 4/13, 5/18, or 6/22 newspaper insert. Total cost: $.21 overage

I don't know of any amazing deals with the following, but in case you're interested:

M&Ms
June IVC: $1/2
July IVC: $1/2
6/1 manufacturer's coupon: $.75/1

OFF Repellent
June IVC: $1
July IVC: $1
6/22 manufacturer's coupon: $.55/1

Cutter Repellent
June IVC: $1
July IVC: $1
6/15 manufacturer's coupon: $1/1

Raid 2 pack
June IVC: $1
July IVC: $1
6/15 manufacturer's coupon: $1.50/1

Duracell Coppertop
June IVC: $2
July IVC: $1
5/18 manufacturer's coupon: $.50-1.00/1

Energizer hearing aid batteries
June IVC: $2
July IVC: $2
Printable $2 manufacturer's coupon

While you're working the overlap deals, don't forget the $5/20 coupon for Friday and the July FAR items. And in case your store hasn't put out the new EasySaver booklets yet, you can print your July IVCs from the Walgreens website.

Walgreens: Dixie plates 40¢/package

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for this deal...

Rachel wrote:

I bought the Dixie Ultra plates that are on sale with the in-ad Walgreens coupon B1G1 for $3.79. A coupon printed for $3 off the purchase of 2 Dixie Ultra products. I went back and bought two more B1G1 for $3.79 minus the $3 coupon and got them for $0.79+tax. I, again, got another coupon and went back and did the same deal 4 more times, getting the same printed coupon every time.

What a great way to stock up for the 4^th of July. Ended up with 12 packs of 24 Dixie Ultra plates worth $45.48 (at full retail) for $7.74 out of pocket!

It is being reported that the Dixie Blue and White Ultra plates 22 count and bowls 28 count are the items working for this deal. Let us know if find any other kind that is working, too.

Here's the deal breakdown:
Buy 2 Dixie Ultra plates or bowls on sale for $3.79
Use in-ad B1G1 coupon to get one free
Spend $3.79 out of pocket
Get a coupon for $3 off the purchase of 2 Dixie Ultra products

Repeat the above deal using the $3/2 coupon in conjunction with the B1G1 store coupon and get two packages of plates for $0.40 each! Repeat as many times as you'd like until you are well stocked up on plates!

Walgreens: July FAR items

This month's FAR pickings are sparse... but at least they included some chocolate. :-)

TheraBreath Starter Kit, up to $10.99.

Hebert's Fully Loaded Chocolate Bars, 2.75 oz., up to $.99.

Nature Made Rx Essentials, up to $9.99; use $1 coupon from 4/20 or 6/1 newspaper insert. Or, if you're a Nature Made member and have points banked, request your own $5 or $7 coupon from their website.

To view the July EasySaver catalog, click here. The July EasySaver period runs from June 27 through July 26.

Walgreens: $5/20 coupon **Friday only**

Walgreens is offering a $5/20 coupon good only on Friday, June 25. Once again, your total must be $20 after all other coupons and discounts, so you might plan to pick up some RR and FAR items.

The July EasySaver begins on Friday, so watch for a post about overlap deals and July EasySaver rebates on Thursday.

Click here to print your coupon.

Jack-in-the-Box: Free tacos **Thursday only**

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for this heads up...

Tomorrow all Jack In The Box restaurants are giving away two free tacos to every person who brings in a valid gas receipt. Be sure to call your nearest restaurant to see if they are participating. And dig out all your old gas receipts and bring the whole family since the offer is limit one per person! More details here.

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Play Dough

I have fond memories of making play dough when I was a kid. Here are a couple recipes to try out...

Edible Play Dough
Adapted from WikiHow

12 oz. creamy peanut butter
6 T. honey
1 1/2 C. nonfat dry milk

Mix all ingredients until dough is easy to handle. If dough is too sticky, add more dry milk in small amounts.

Plain Play Dough
Adapted from Fun Baby Games

1 1/2 C. salt
1 1/2 T. cooking oil
1 T. cream of tartar
3 C. boiling water
3 C. flour

Mix salt, oil, cream of tartar and water in a large bowl. Add flour. Stir well until the mixture leaves the sides of the owl. Add more flour if the mixture seems too sticky. Turn out to knead. Store in airtight container.

Walgreens: Cheap nuts and mac & cheese

Thanks to Mercedes for the heads-up on this deal...

Planters Nuts are spitting out an $5 RR wyb a certain number of items. Details here. Credit to Stifflersmmom and khmiller at HCW for sharing this.

If so, you can buy 12 boxes of Kraft Mac n cheese on sale through Saturday for 0.69 with 7 day coupon
8.29 (12*0.69, must use 7 day coupon in circular)
6.98 four planters nuts on sale BOGO
=15.27
-12 four $3 off planters IP wyb three kraft product (you will need access to two computers to get four coupons)
=3.27 + tax out of pocket and get $5 register reward back!!

UPDATE:
If you only have access to two coupons or can only use two coupons you can do this:
6.98 for four Planters
4.14 for six boxes of Mac and Cheese
= 11.12
- 6.00(2 planters Q's)
= 5.12 + tax, get $5RR So, it is still just cents for the whole package.

SECOND UPDATE:

I went to the store to check this deal and the Planters are ringing
3.49 one can of Planters
0.00 free can
3.49 one can
0.00 free can

So you can only use two of the coupons because the third will beep and it will depend on your cashier if s/he pushes it through or not. I recommend you do the second deal variation: buy 4 Planters and 6 boxes of Mac and Cheese at a time for 12 cents after the register rewards is factored in. This is also a great way to roll those Oral B Cross Action RRs from this week offer as well. I bought the nuts first, then the toothbrush using the Planters RR to pay for them and then used the Oral B RR to buy more peanuts and Mac and cheese.

Walgreens deals: June 22-28

Revlon color cosmetics: BOGO; use 2 $3/1 coupon from 6/1 insert. Final cost: will vary

Edge shave gel: 7-day coupon for 1.99; use this printable coupon for $1 off. Total cost: 1.00 (Could someone tell me if there is an IVC on this product? It's been reported that there is, but I don't have my EasySaver booklet at the moment.)

Hawaiian Tropic sun care: BOGO; use $2 IVC. Total cost: Will vary

Theragran M: BOGO; buy two and mail in for full-price EasySaver rebate. Total cost: 2 for free

The following deals are part of a single RR deal: buy a combined total of $15 (before coupons), get $5 RR.

Ragu pasta sauce: 3/$5; use coupon from 5/18 insert (varies from .25/1 to 1.00/3). Total cost: will vary, but should be around .86 each

Lipton boxed tea: 3/$5; use coupon from 5/18 insert (varies from .50/1 to 1.00/2). Total cost: will vary, but should be around .61 each

June FAR items:

Multi-Betic Multi-Vitamins, 60 pack, up to $9.99; use $2 coupon from the Diabetic Products site (must complete brief diabetes-related survey) for $2 profit.

Walgreens Gluco-Shot, 2 oz, up to $1.99.

Walgreens Calcium Creamies, 75 pack, up to $5.99.

Walgreens Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge, up to $6.99

Theragran M, 130 pack, up to $4.99.

Ecotrin Low-Strength Tablets, 45 pack, up to $2; use $1 coupon from 5/11 newspaper insert.

For this week's ad scans, compliments of Hot Coupon World and Irish Lass, click here.

Walgreens Q+A: Adjusting coupons

Kristi writes,

My question is about your comment... “will need to be adjusted down.” Does that mean that since the item’s sale price is less than the value of the coupon, the cashier will need to adjust the coupon down to 99 cents? I’m just wondering because I’ve had issues with these sorts of transactions, where the cashiers have read the coupons and refused to use them because the price was less than the coupon.

I’ve been told that I was more or less crazy by cashiers at both Target and Walgreens for trying to make these kinds of coupon deals work and I have just left the products, taken my coupons, and gone home, embarrassed and confused.

Thanks for asking. Yes, it means that the cashier will need to manually adjust the coupon amount. I cannot speak for all stores, but I know Walgreens is quite capable of this. If your cashier doesn't know how to do it, you might (nicely) ask for a manager, who should know how to do this.

(And for the record, I've had them do it at Target, too. You're not crazy. :-) )

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Whole Wheat Waffles

This has been my favorite waffle recipe since I started regularly making waffles a couple years ago. They're completely whole wheat, but amazingly light and fluffy.

Whole Wheat Waffles

2 C. whole wheat flour
2 1/2 t. baking powder
3/4 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 T. honey
4 eggs, separated
1 C. plain low-fat yogurt
1 1/3 C. milk
1/3 C. oil or melted better

In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff, but not dry.

In a separate bowl, blend together the honey, egg yolks, yogurt, milk and oil. Add the dry mixture to the wet, blending thoroughly. Fold beaten egg whites into the batter.

Bake according to directions on your waffle maker.

After many good intentions, at the encouragement of a reader, I am introducing a Make-it-Yourself Monday meme. To participate, leave your link below with Mr. Linky.

Walgreens: July EasySaver rebates

For a preview of the July EasySaver rebates, click here.

Many thanks to Irish Lass and Hot Coupon World!

Walgreens deals: June 16-21

There are a couple good deals this week... and keep your eyes open for the July rebate form, which I plan to post shortly.

Oral-B Cross Action toothbrush or refill heads: $5.50, produces $5.50 RR. (May use BOGO from 6/15 for lower OOP on two.) Final cost: Free

Walgreens 40-count tampons: BOGO, buy 4 packages at $4.99 each (2 packages will ring up free) and send in for EasySaver rebate #13. Final cost: Free
Alternately, you could buy three packages and see if the third rings up at half price. If so, your OOP would be $7.50.

ThermaCare Heat Wraps: 2/$12, produces $5 RR. Do this twice (two transactions) and mail in for EasySaver rebate #26. Final cost: 4/$4

June FAR items:

Multi-Betic Multi-Vitamins, 60 pack, up to $9.99; use $2 coupon from the Diabetic Products site (must complete brief diabetes-related survey) for $2 profit.

Walgreens Gluco-Shot, 2 oz, up to $1.99.

Walgreens Calcium Creamies, 75 pack, up to $5.99.

Walgreens Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge, up to $6.99

Theragran, 130 pack, up to $4.99.

Ecotrin Low-Strength Tablets, 45 pack, up to $2; use $1 coupon from 5/11 newspaper insert.

For this week's ad, visit the Walgreens website.

Walgreens Q+A: $x/xx coupon

Charlene wrote, regarding the new $5/20 Walgreens coupon:

Now the total has to be over $20 before the coupon and I was wondering if you know if the formula checks count as a coupon? I thought I'd get a can of formula $20-$3/1 MQ and probably the Bic razors with the mail in rebate to hit the $20 mark. Then I can use the formula check as a form of payment right?

Charlene,

While I haven't used formula checks myself, others have done it and said that, yes, they count as payment, not as a coupon. Do any of you readers have experience to add?

Walgreens: $5/20 ***Friday only***

Walgreens is offering another $x/xx coupon--this one is good only on Friday, June 13. You can print your coupon at this link.

Unfortunately, they have added a new clause to this coupon: Minimum subtotal must equal $20 or more before sales tax; subtotal must include all other applied discounts and coupons. If you're still needing to pick up some of the June FAR items, this would be a good chance to do it. Otherwise, it looks like a lot OOP.

Clean Home Journal Summer Fun Coupon Booklet

Clean Home Journal is offering another coupon booklet. Here is the information from their website:

Get a great start on summer fun with savings on products that are simply perfect for planning ahead for family celebrations and get-togethers.

The first 10,000 people** to respond will receive a Clean Home Journal™ Summer Fun Coupon Booklet that includes coupons for:

• Ziploc® Brand Bags
• Ziploc® Brand Zip 'n Steam™ Microwave Steam Cooking Bags
• OFF!® FamilyCare Insect Repellents
• Raid® Disposable Yellow Jacket Trap

Each coupon booklet offers $8.10 in savings. There are coupons for you and ones for you to share with family and friends.

Free samples

For your frugal enjoyment...

Clorox2 Color Safe Bleach

Folgers Gourmet Coffee

Body Eclipse Aromatherapy Shampoo

PERFECT 10 and Pantene Expressions

Vaseline Men Lotion

Car Air Freshener

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Shortbread

Shortbread is simple, buttery goodness at its best. Try serving it with tea or fruit for a delightful treat.

Shortbread

1 1/2 C. flour
1/3 C. sugar
3/4 C. butter

Blend ingredients well. Dough will be stiff. Press into a 9 x 9 inch glass dish or form into log on cookie sheet. Bake in oven preheated to 350 until edges are pale golden brown. Cut while warm.

For more Make-it-Yourself Monday features, click here.

Free trial-size body wash

There were several coupons in the 6/1 P&G newspaper insert that should make for free body wash. (These do not specify "Excludes trial size.")

There is a $1 off coupon for Old Spice body wash. The trial sizes are reported to be .94 at Wal-Mart.

There is a $1 coupon for Gillette 2in1 body wash. These are reportedly .79 at Wal-Mart--yea for overage!

Walgreens deals: June 8-14

The deals are looking a little better this week. Here you go...

Band-Aids: .99; use $1 coupon from 4/27 and 5/18 newspaper inserts (will need to be adjusted down). Total cost: free

Reynolds aluminum foil: 7-day coupon for .89; use manufacturer's coupon from 5/18 (varied from .55/1 to 1.50/2). Total cost: varies

Brut shave gel: 50% off, use with $1 coupon from 4/6 newspaper insert. Total cost: (reportedly) .19

Samy hair spray: 3.99; use $2 manufacturer's coupons from 4/6 newspaper insert; buy 2 and get $5 RR. Total cost: Profit

Nivea for Men: 2/$10, get $5 RR; use two $1 printable coupons (signup required). Total cost: 2/$3

(Free all month) Maalox Chewables: Use $2 manufacturer's coupon from 6/1 newspaper insert and $2 June IVC. Total cost: Free

June FAR items:

Multi-Betic Multi-Vitamins, 60 pack, up to $9.99; use $2 coupon from the Diabetic Products site (must complete brief diabetes-related survey) for $2 profit.

Walgreens Gluco-Shot, 2 oz, up to $1.99.

Walgreens Calcium Creamies, 75 pack, up to $5.99.

Walgreens Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge, up to $6.99

Theragran, 130 pack, up to $4.99.

Ecotrin Low-Strength Tablets, 45 pack, up to $2; use $1 coupon from 5/11 newspaper insert.

This week's ad scans may be found here, compliments of Irish Lass and Hot Coupon World. What other deals do you see?

Krispy Kreme: Free Doughnut Day

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for the heads-up on today's freebie...

Friday, June 6 is Doughnut Day at Krispy Kreme. They are offering you a free doughnut of your choice! As with all offers like this, please call your local store to see if they are participating. Also, if you sign-up for Friends of Krispy Kreme you will get a coupon by email for a free doughnut.

Free samples: Various Nature Made supplements

Thanks to Lisa for sharing the following Nature Made supplement samples:

Multi Vitamin

Women's Multi Vitamin

Super B Complex

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Calcium

Q+A: Future coupon inserts

Do you know if there is a place on the internet that a person can look up the following Sunday coupons for SmartSource, Red Plum and CVS ads?--Verna

Verna,

Yes, Taylortown Preview offers a coupon preview. They also have a 2008 coupon schedule that lists how many coupon inserts there will be in each week's newspaper for the rest of the year. As always, keep in mind that coupon inserts vary from one area to another (and one newspaper to another), so your coupons may not be exactly what is listed.

Walgreens Q+A: Register Rewards

I rarely bother to do the Walgreens RRs because when I do I usually have problems with the cashiers. Often the RRs don't print even when I buy the correct product. Once... the manager refused to let me use a RR, he said it could only be used on a certain product even though the RR clearly stated "any product on your next visit...." These were... different managers at the same Walgreens store. I have better luck at other Walgreens locations--Cindy

Cindy,

I have a few pointers that would hopefully improve your Register Rewards experience.

1. Since you know which stores are nicer to work with, shop there.

2. If your RRs don't print and you're sure you've purchased the correct products, save your receipt and call Catalina at 888-826-8766 or email them. They should mail you the missing RR.

3. If you have problems at a store, email Walgreens customer service with a detailed description. Be polite but firm.

4. Be courteous through it all. It's better to miss out on a deal then to blow up at a cashier--even an unreasonable one.

Any other tips from Walgreens veterans? How do you handle it when deals don't work out like they should?

Walgreens deals: June 1-7

Once again, there aren't too many deals this week, but here are a couple...

Satin Care shave gel: $2; use $1 June EasySaver coupon and $.55 coupon from 6/1 P&G newspaper insert. Buy 10 shave gels and get a $5 RR. Total cost: Profit

Werther's candy: $2/2; use .75/1 or 1.50/2 coupon from 5/11 newspaper insert. Total cost: .50/2

Walgreens Ibuprofen or All-Day Pain Relief, 100 ct: $4 each, buy 3, get $10 EasySaver rebate. Total cost: $2/3

Walgreens Allergy, Sinus & Cold Relief: $3.99; send in for $3.99 EasySaver rebate. Total cost: Free

June FAR items:

Multi-Betic Multi-Vitamins, 60 pack, up to $9.99; use $2 coupon from the Diabetic Products site (must complete brief diabetes-related survey) for $2 profit.

Walgreens Gluco-Shot, 2 oz, up to $1.99.

Walgreens Calcium Creamies, 75 pack, up to $5.99.

Walgreens Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge, up to $6.99

Theragran, 130 pack, up to $4.99.

Ecotrin Low-Strength Tablets, 45 pack, up to $2; use $1 coupon from 5/11 newspaper insert.

This week's ad may be found on the Walgreens website. What other deals do you see?

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Gift Bags

I love using gift bags because they're fun and reusable. Here are instructions to make your own...

Supplies needed

brown paper bag (size depends on how large you want to make the gift bag)
glue or paste
drawstring or ribbons
rolls of gift paper (use heavier gift paper for larger bags, and lighter weight for smaller bags)

Directions

1. Open the seams of the brown paper bag, making sure you also open the bottom folded area.

2. Place the roll of paper on a table, with the cut brown paper bag on top. Trace around the brown paper.

3. Fold the decorated paper the same way that the brown paper was folded. This will make your bag.

4. Put a slit at each corner of the extra paper fold down at the top of the bag. Do the same thing with the bottom. Paste or glue the folded areas. Smooth with your hands as you paste.

5. Make a hole on either side of the bag on top. Insert the rope or string to create the handles.

Gift bag instructions thanks to wikiHow. For more Make-it-Yourself Monday features, click here.

Walgreens: June free after rebate items

The June EasySaver period begins on Friday, May 30. For May/June overlap deals, check this post. To view the June EasySaver catalog, click here. Here's to hoping you enjoy this month's rather unusual section of FAR items.

Multi-Betic Multi-Vitamins, 60 pack, up to $9.99; use $2 coupon from the Diabetic Products site (must complete brief diabetes-related survey) for some profit.

Walgreens Gluco-Shot, 2 oz, up to $1.99.

Walgreens Calcium Creamies, 75 pack, up to $5.99.

Walgreens Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge, up to $6.99

Theragran, 130 pack, up to $4.99.

Ecotrin Low-Strength Tablets, 45 pack, up to $2; use $1 coupon from 5/11 newspaper insert.

Walgreens: May/June overlap deals

The following deals are only valid on Friday and Saturday, May 30 and 31. If your store doesn't have the June EasySaver booklets displayed, print your coupons from the PDF version on the Walgreens website. Don't forget to use the $10/30 coupon for your deals on Friday!

Hawaiian Tropic products: B1G1 50%; use $2 May IVC and $2 June IVC. Some have also found $2 manufacturer's coupons at Kmart, further reducing OOP expenses. Some Hawaiian Tropic products are reportedly marked down by 75% in select stores. If that's the case at your store, this could be a moneymaker.

Schick Quattro Titanium Razor or Trimmer: (some have reported that these are on sale for $9.49, which would make it possible to get a bit of overage) use $3 May IVC, $4 June IVC, and $3 manufacturer's coupon from 5/18 paper insert.

Edge Shave Gel, 7 oz: Use $1 May IVC and $1 June IVC.

Snickers 6-pack: Use $1/2 May IVC and $1/2 June IVC.

L’Oreal Feria Hair Color: Use $2 May IVC, $3 June IVC, and $2/1 or $5/2 manufacturer's coupon from 3/16 and 4/27.

Marc Anthony Pro Root Touch-Up: Use $2 May IVC and $1 June IVC.

GenTeal Lubricating Eye Gel Twin Pack: Use $3 May IVC, $3 June IVC, and $3 manufacturer's coupon from 1/20 or 4/13 newspaper insert or $2 printable coupon.

OFF Personal or Outdoor Insect Repellent: Use $1 May IVC, $1 June IVC, and .55/1 or 1.50/2 manufacturer's coupon from 5/18 newspaper insert.

Hot Shot Ultra Ant Bait 4 Pack, Ant & Roach Killer 21 oz., or Wasp & Hornet Killer 18 oz: Use $1 May IVC, $1 June IVC, and BOGO manufacturer's coupon from 5/4 newspaper insert.

Raid Ant & Roach Spray, 2 pack: Use $1 May IVC, $1 June IVC, and $1.50 manufacturer's coupon from 5/11 newspaper insert.

Cutter Personal Or Outdoor Insect Repellent, 6 oz or larger: Use $1 May IVC and $1 June IVC.

Duracell Ultra AA or AAA 8 pack: Use $1 May IVC and $2 June IVC.

Energizer EA Change Hearing Aid Batteries, 8 pack: Use $2 May IVC, $2 June IVC, and $2 printable manufacturer's coupon.

Walgreens: $10/$30 ***Friday only***

Walgreens is doing another $10/$30 promotion, with this one being good tomorrow only. Click here to print your coupon.

There aren't too many deals in this week's ad, but the June EasySaver period begins on Friday (the EasySaver booklet is available here), so you can start picking up June rebate items. There are also a few overlapping May/June deals, which I plan to post about later today. And don't forget to grab any remaining May rebate items you're lacking. (If you use online rebate submission, it shouldn't be a problem to have May and June items on the same receipt.)

Walgreens deals: May 25-31

Between some crazy days around here and the meager deals this week, I hadn't yet posted the Walgreens deals. Finally, thanks to Money Saving Mom, is this week's report...

Chex Mix - on sale for $0.99
Use $1/1 coupons here (This coupon will likely have to be adjusted down.)
Free after coupon! (Thanks, Mercedes!)

Also, if you've not gotten all of your free-after-rebate items for this month yet, you only have a few more days to do so!

MAY - MONTHLY FREE AFTER REBATE ITEMS

Oral-B CrossAction Toothbrush - $4.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 4/6 insert
Free plus $1 overage after rebate

Orajel Kids Plaque Revealing Rinse - $5.79
Use $1/1 coupon from 1/6 SmartSource insert
Free plus $1 overage after rebate

Nexcare 3M Cold Sore Lip Treatment - $8.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 4/6 RedPlum
Free plus $1 overage after rebate

Walgreens Maxi Pads 12 or 24 pack - $1.99
Free after rebate

EARinse with SinoMarin Ear Cleansing Spray - $9.99
Free after rebate

Walgreens Standard Light Bulbs - $1.69
Free after rebate

Kickers Energy Spray - $3.29
Free after rebate

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberries are in season and it's a great time to try new recipes. Following is a strawberry shortcake recipe I love--I've had it for quite some time, but just now rediscovered where I picked it up: Tammy's Recipes. For the original recipe and lots of other amazing treats, check out Tammy's website.

Whole-Wheat Strawberry Shortcake

4 eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup oil
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound (about 2 cups) fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
1 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1. In a large bowl with electric mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Continue beating at high speed and add 1/4 cup sugar, about 2 tablespoonfuls at a time. Beat well after each addition, until sugar is completely dissolved and egg whites stand in stiff peaks.

2. In another mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the egg yolks, flour, water, oil, baking powder, vanilla, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the flour mixture into the beaten egg whites until completely blended. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9-inch springform pan or two smaller round cake pans.

3. Bake cake at 325 degrees for about 40 minutes or until the top of the cake springs back when lightly touched with finger and cake tests done. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before removing from pan. The cake will sink slightly as it cools.

4. Beat whipping cream in a chilled bowl on high until soft peaks form. Add a tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and continue beating until cream is stiff.

5. To serve, spread the whipped cream over the cake. Top with strawberries. Cut into slices and serve! Or, cut into slices and top each slice with whipped cream and strawberries just before serving.

For more Make-it-Yourself Monday features, click here.

Free samples

Thanks to Bekah for emailing about these freebies:

Free sample of Fizzion carpet cleaner

Natura pet food sample (choose "samples/coupons" from the pull-down menu)

And here are some more for your enjoyment...

On the Go Drink Mixes

John Frieda hair care

Ban Antipersirant Deodorant

Excedrin Extra Strength

Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants

Poise Extra Coverage Panty Liners

Playtex Gentle Glide

FYI...

Because it's a holiday weekend, there are scheduled to be no regular coupon inserts in the Sunday newspapers.

Walgreens: $5/20 ***Friday only***

Thanks to the readers who wrote in and mentioned this.

Walgreens is offering a $5 off $20 coupon good only Friday, May 23. To print your coupon, click here. This is a great chance to use any extra Register Rewards and pick up the FAR items for the month!

Walgreens: Wet Ones

Thanks to Erin for passing this deal on...

Wet Ones is on sale this week and a really great deal at 2/$3. Plus there's printable for $.75/1.

I’m going to use it tonight to pair with the 2/$3 sale on wipes at Walgreens. I was already excited about the cheap wipes, but now I’m more excited with the extra coupon!

Free after rebate: Wish-Bone Bountifuls salad dressing

Wish-Bone is doing a promotion for Bountifuls, their new line of salad dressings. To get a free bottle, purchase it between May 30 and June 1 and send in your receipt with the rebate form. For full details, check out the Wish-Bone website.

Walgreens: June EasySaver catalog

The June EasySaver period runs from May 30 to June 28. For a sneak peak at the June EasySaver booklet, click here. Many thanks to Irish Lass and Hot Coupon World for the preview!

Walgreens: Cheap paper

Thanks to Sally for passing on this deal...

Walgreens has Corner Office all purpose paper on clearance for $7.59. These are the boxes that contain 1600 sheets of printer paper and were originally priced at $14.99. To make it an even sweeter deal, I’ll send in my receipt for item number 42 in the Easy Saver catalog for a $5.00 rebate. That’s like getting my paper for $2.59!

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Crepes

Crepes are a lovely treat and homemade ones can be delicious. With strawberries in season now, it's a great time to serve up crepes with whipped cream and strawberries. Or use your creativity to come up with other tantalizing fillings. The following recipe was originally from Recipezaar.

Crepes

1 1/2 c. milk
1 c. flour
2 eggs
1 T. oil
2 T. sugar

1. Mix together milk, eggs, oil and sugar.

2. Add flour until combined.

3. Heat a nonstick skillet on high. Remove from heat, pour 1/4 cup batter onto skillet, tilt pan to spread batter.

4. When crepe is dry on top, turn onto paper towels. Repeat steps with remaining batter.

5. Serve with fruit, whipped cream, syrup, anything! If you want savory crepes, omit the sugar in the recipe.

For more Make-it-Yourself Monday features, click here.

Walgreens deals: May 18-24

The deals aren't too hot this week, but here's the best I've seen...

Glade air freshener spray: 2/$3; use with BOGO (up to $2.49) from 5/11 newspaper insert. Final cost: will vary

Lysol toilet bowl cleaner: 2/2.79 (use 7-day coupon); use2 .75/1 coupon from 5/4 newspaper insert. Final price: 2/1.29

Joy dish soap: .99 with 7-day coupon; use .30/1 coupon from 5/4 newspaper insert. Final price: .69

Coffee filters: .99

Sunsilk hair care: 3/8.58; use with BOGO (max value 3.99) from 4/6 newspaper insert and 2 1.50/1 printables or coupons from the 4/6 newspaper insert. For the best deal, but 6 products, and the math should work something like this (may not be exact, due to not knowing how the register will ring up the sale items):

8.58
x 2
17.16
-11.97 (3 BOGO coupons max value 3.99)
5.19
-4.50 (1.50/1 coupon x 3)
.69 plus tax

May FAR deals:

Walgreens Maxi Pads, 12 to 24 pack, up to $1.99.

EARinse Ear Cleansing Spray, 1 oz, up to $9.99

Walgreens Standard Light Bulbs, 4 pack, up to $1.69

Kickers Energy Spray, 7 oz, up to $3.29

Oral-B CrossAction Toothbrush, up to $4.99; use .75 coupon from the 4/6 P&G newspaper insert. Profit: $.75

Orajel Kids' Plaque-Revealing Rinse, 12 oz, up to $5.79; use $1 coupon from 1/6 newspaper insert (expires 4/30) or sign up here to have coupons mailed to you. Request rebate receipt and mail in for this $1.50 rebate. Profit: $2.50+

Nexcare Cold Sore Lip Treatment, .07 oz, up to $8.99

The week's ad scans may be found by clicking here, thanks to Hot Coupon World. What deals did you spot?

Creative gas-saving tips

With gas prices steadily rising, it's a good time to re-evaluate driving habits--both how much you drive and how you drive. I read a blog post this morning that got me thinking... I don't plan to implement the Pulse and Glide technique in its entirety, but the concept does intrigue me.

Here are some other fuel-efficiency tips the article mentioned:

• Driving slower
• Coasting to stoplights, stop signs and parking spots
• Accelerating slowly from stops
• Keeping windows and sunroof closed
• Parking in pull-through spots
• Clearing out my trunk

To read the original post in its entirety, click here. How are you dealing with the increase in gas prices?

Edit: Please do consider safety concerns before implementing something like the Pulse and Glide technique! As I said, the concept intrigues me, but turning off your engine while on the highway sounds more like a hazard than money-saving brilliance. :-)

Longs drug store: Huggies

Since I'm not personally familiar with Longs, I don't generally post deals for them. However, I'm happy to pass on the deals others share. Here's what Charlene had to say about the sales this week...

I have been finding some great deals at Longs lately and the stores are so nice and quiet (and well stocked) compared to Walgreens, Target and Walmart.

In this week's ad they have Huggies Bath products, lotions or wipes for 1.99- with a $1 mail in rebate. I have never done rebates there but thought I'd give it a chance since $1.99 is a great price to begin with- minus the .50/1 or $1/1 coupons out there. Rebate is a max of 2 on Huggies but there are also rebates this month for Kandoo, Huggies diapers, Pampers, Avent btls and Formula.

Thanks, Charlene!

Albertsons: All detergent

Thanks to Jill for the alert on this deal:

Yesterday I went to Albertson’s & used the Fred Meyer coupon for the 2.99 All Small & Mighty [I'm assuming Albertson's takes competitor's coupons and that's why this works]. I combined it with the $1 off coupon & got them for 1.99 each… However, today in the new Albertson’s ad, if you buy 5 Alls for $15, they take off $5 at the register, making them $2 apiece [$1 after the coupon]! So I went and printed more coupons so I can go back & stock up for $1 apiece!

Target store coupon deals

There are reportedly a couple of current deals to be had with printable Target coupons.

Small packages of Archer Farms coffee are reportedly priced at $1. There are printable Target coupons for $1 off Archer Farms coffee, making it free. This coupon expires 6/7/08.

Some have also found small packages of Archer Farms trail mix clearanced to $.48 each. There are printable Target coupons for $.50/1 Archer Farms trail mix or nuts, so this would be free as well. This coupon also expires 6/7/08.

You can print the coupons from the Target website, at the registry kiosk in Target stores (on their penny), or (in easy multiples) from the Hot Coupon World coupon generator (must be signed in).

Free ice cream and pretzels

Haagen-Dazs ice cream from Money Saving Mom:

To celebrate their new flavor, Vanilla Honey Bee, Haagen-Dazs ice cream shops are offering a free scoop on May 13, 2008 from 4-8 PM. More details here.

Be sure to call your shop ahead of time to make sure they are participating in this special offer!

Aunt Annie's pretzels from Hey, It's Free:

From May 10th through June 12th, if you’re at the mall and find yourself by an Aunt Annie’s Pretzel, text the word “pretzel” to the number 70734. You’ll then get a coupon good for a free Aunt Annie’s Pretzel. And you can do this one time a day! Seriously! So why not just head daily for a pretzel, you know? Instead of a coffee break, have a pretzel break. If you work at the mall, don’t meet your co-workers at the water cooler, meet them at the pretzel stand–which is an autonomous unit for mid-mall snacking, mind you.

Offer only valid at participating locations (which will have signs reminding people of the codes and numbers), standard text messaging rates apply.

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Sweet Southern Tea

Thanks to Suzanne for sharing this weeks' Make-it-Yourself Monday idea.

Sweet Southern Tea

6 regular tea bags
6 C. water
2 C. sugar

Bring tea bags and water to a rolling boil. Let boil for 15 seconds. Steep for five to ten minutes. Put sugar into gallon pitcher and add hot tea. Stir vigorously until sugar is dissolved. Add water until pitcher is full. Chill.

Are there projects you'd like to see in our Make-it-Yourself Monday feature? What do-it-yourself ideas are you wanting to learn about this spring?

True Lemon Samples and Airborne savings

Crystal at Money Saving Mom recently posted about receiving True Lemon samples. I'll second her recommendation--I love the stuff in water, icees, and smoothies. Click here to request your own samples.

And if you fall in love with the stuff like I did, here's an additional deal for you: Coupons.com, Coupon Bug, and Boodle.com have printable coupons for $1 off True Lemon, True Lime, or True Orange products. Boxes of True Lemon packets are regularly priced at $1.99 at Walgreens, so I often pick it up with the coupons (thus making it half price) when I have some extra RRs.

Additionally, if you blog about the True citrus products, you can get 15 free packets in the flavor of your choice. Click here for more details.

Airborne Products: To get a printable coupon for $2 off Airborne health products, click here.

Walgreens deals: May 11-17

The deals this week aren't so numerous, but here are a few...

Gillette 2 in 1 Body Wash: Buy one for 3.49, get a RR for one bottle free.

Pert Plus: 3.49; use 1.50 coupon from 2/24 newspaper insert; mail in for 2.50 EasySaver rebate. Final cost: Profit

Hefty OneZip bags: 2/2.80; use with $1/1 coupons from 4/6 paper insert. Final cost: 2/.80

Breathe Right Strips: 3.99; use $3 EasySaver coupon on page 25. Final cost: .99

Colgate MaxFresh toothpaste: 2/$4; use with $2 EasySaver coupon and $1/1 or .75/1 manufacturer's coupons from 4/27 newspaper insert or this printable. Final cost: Free or .25


May FAR deals:

Walgreens Maxi Pads, 12 to 24 pack, up to $1.99.

EARinse Ear Cleansing Spray, 1 oz, up to $9.99

Walgreens Standard Light Bulbs, 4 pack, up to $1.69

Kickers Energy Spray, 7 oz, up to $3.29

Oral-B CrossAction Toothbrush, up to $4.99; use .75 coupon from the 4/6 P&G newspaper insert. Profit: $.75

Orajel Kids' Plaque-Revealing Rinse, 12 oz, up to $5.79; use $1 coupon from 1/6 newspaper insert (expires 4/30) or sign up here to have coupons mailed to you. Request rebate receipt and mail in for this $1.50 rebate. Profit: $2.50+

Nexcare Cold Sore Lip Treatment, .07 oz, up to $8.99

The week's ad scans may be found by clicking here, thanks to Hot Coupon World.

Day-to-day coupon organization

As a follow-up to the post about my coupon box, here's how I handle coupons each week... at least in theory! :-)

1. Clip all coupons from the Sunday newspaper inserts.

2. Decide which ones to keep. The ones I'm not keeping, I put in a pile to mail to military families.

3. Sort by category. I also arrange mine by expiration date, so that the coupons expiring first are always in the front. It makes it simpler when I'm discarding expireds or attempting to use up coupons.

Coupon organization

I recently mentioned that I was renewing my coupon organization, and thought I'd share my system. There are lots of great ideas out there, but this is what has worked for me.


1. Obtain a small plastic box and plastic file dividers (as pictured).

2. Make a list of coupon categories. You'll have to decide how technical to get--mine are rather general: Canned, Dairy, Meals, Mouth, Hair, etc.


3. Separate categories into Food and Non-food. Alphabetize Food and Non-food categories separately.


4. Label plastic dividers with category names (I keep my Food coupons in front, Non-food in the back).

5. Put your name and phone number on the inside cover of your coupon file. I've heard way too many "lost coupon box" stories... :-)

How do you organize your coupons? What helps you stay on top of it?

Extremely Frugal tips

One of the blogs in my Google feed reader is Extremely Frugal, where Pat shares frugality tips for everyday life. Here a few recent ideas:

Grow garlic on a windowsill

Garlic will grow happily in a container on your windowsill. Buy fresh garlic from the grocery store and use the largest cloves to plant. Put the unpeeled clove, pointed side up, in light soil with the tip just showing. Keep the soil damp and in a few days you should see a green shoot. You can use this shoot as a mild garlic flavoring (Give it time to grow at least six inches first, then trim only a few inches at a time. If you don't trim this top, it might become quite long and topple over - that's ok. When it turns brown and dries up, dig the clove of garlic you planted and you should have a full bulb. Take a clove from that and start over! (Container grown garlic will make small cloves.)

Keeping a broom

Never stand a broom on its bristles. Hang it upside down on a rack or nails. Clean it when you've used it for real dirt - garage floors or sidewalks. Use a bucket with warm, soapy water, swish the broom in it several times, then rinse with clear water. Hang it to dry.

Freebies

Freebies are frugal! The internet is a fantastic way to sleuth them out. Toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and coffee samples can help stretch your budget. Don't be wasteful with them just because they're free. Use them carefully and put off the time when you'll have to replace the item.

Be sure to check out more tips on Pat's website.

Walgreens: Beginner's Q&A

I have received a number of requests to post a Walgreens beginner's guide, and would appreciate some input from you, my readers. What questions do you have about shopping at Walgreens and working the deals? What was confusing to you when you were just beginning--terms, techniques, etc.? What have you learned that you'd like to pass on to someone else who beginning to shop Walgreens?

Thanks in advance for your input! :-)

Organize your coupons! :-)

I've let myself get a bit behind on clipping and organizing coupons the last couple months. I had the fliers, but my "system" had kind of gone out the window. So one morning last week, I took a couple of hours to go through my entire coupon box, eliminate expireds, and clip and organize the valid coupons.

I didn't get it completely finished, but it was far better, and provides needed motivation to keep my coupon box organized. It's so much easier to maintain a system that's already in place than to attempt to deal with a sloppy mess.

My challenge to you is to set a time to go through your coupons, eliminate the expired ones, and organize the ones that are still good. There's no point in saving coupons unless you can use them! :-)

And while you're getting rid of coupons, consider passing them on to members of the military who can use them.

Make-it-Yourself Monday: Sweet & Spicy Relish

Garden season is beginning--here's a relish recipe to get you in the mood for using your produce. :-)

Sweet & Spicy Relish

12 C. grated zucchini or cucumber
4 C. chopped onions
1 C. chopped red pepper
1 C. chopper green pepper
1 chopped jalapeno (alter to personal preference)
5 T. pickling salt
5 C. sugar
3 C. cider vinegar
1 T. mustard
1/2 T. celery seed
1 t. pepper
3/4 t. turmeric

In large glass or ceramic bowl, combine zucchini, onions, peppers, and salt. Cover and chill overnight. Drain in colander and rinse under cold running water. In a kettle, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery seed, pepper, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add zucchini and peppers. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Pack into pint jars, leaving 1/4" head space. Process in hot water bath for 20 minutes. Makes about 7 pints.

For more Make-it-Yourself Monday features, click here.

Sunday paper

The P&G Saver comes out in this week's paper and is reported to have coupons that will work great with this week's Walgreens sale (see forthcoming post). If you have a chance to pick up a couple extra papers, it might be worth your while.

Walgreens deals: May 4-10

This week's Walgreens deals sound fabulous, but my fading brain can't quite do them justice. Here are some highlights from this week's ad, and I'll plan to update this post when I have more brain power. :-)

Wednesday, May 7 only: Free 8x10 photo enlargement. Use in-ad coupon.

Zantac Cool Mint 8 ct: 3.99; produces $3 RR; use $5/1 printable coupon (will probably need to be adjusted down). Final cost: Profit

Gillette Venus Embrace: 9.99, produces $6 RR; use with $4/1 coupon from 5/4 paper insert. Final cost: Free.

Ascensia Breeze 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System: 9.99; send in for manufacturer's rebate. Final cost: Free

Post Chocolate Honey Bunches of Oats: 1.99; use with $2/1 printable coupons--and this one, this one, and this one. Final cost: Free.

Dawn dish soap: .79 with in-ad coupon; use with .25/1 from 4/6 paper. Final cost: .54

The big news for the week is the P&G Register Rewards deal. It gets a bit complicated, but here's the gist of it: Get $4 RR when you buy 3 participating products, $6 RR when you buy 4, $10 when you buy 5, or $20 when you buy 9. There are numerous coupons to combine with this deal--and more coming in Sunday's P&G Saver. Briefly, if you do a transaction with nine items, you get back $2.22 per item--so anything with a cost less than $2.22 will earn you profit. Following are some coupon match-ups to help get you started. What else do you see?

Cascade Action Packs: 2/$5; use $1/2 coupon from 4/6 P&G. Cost after RR: Profit

Charmin Freshmates: 1.99; use .25 coupon from 4/6 P&G. Cost after RR: Profit

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, cleaner, or wipes: 2/$5; use .50 coupons from P&G Solutions mailer. Cost after RR: Profit

Crest Pro-Health toothpaste: 2/$5; use $3/2 IVC (there are also several different manufacturer's coupons floating around--some have been found at dentists' offices). Cost after RR: Profit

Cover Girl cosmetics: BOGO1/2. Use with BOGO or $1/1 coupon from 4/6 paper insert or B3G1 coupon from 5/4. If this promo runs the same way the Suave deal did a few weeks ago, buying 6 items will give you credit for 9, thus producing a $20 RR.

May FAR deals:

Walgreens Maxi Pads, 12 to 24 pack, up to $1.99.

EARinse Ear Cleansing Spray, 1 oz, up to $9.99

Walgreens Standard Light Bulbs, 4 pack, up to $1.69

Kickers Energy Spray, 7 oz, up to $3.29

Oral-B CrossAction Toothbrush, up to $4.99; use .75 coupon from the 4/6 P&G newspaper insert. Profit: $.75

Orajel Kids' Plaque-Revealing Rinse, 12 oz, up to $5.79; use $1 coupon from 1/6 newspaper insert (expires 4/30) or sign up here to have coupons mailed to you. Request rebate receipt and mail in for this $1.50 rebate. Profit: $2.50+

Nexcare Cold Sore Lip Treatment, .07 oz, up to $8.99

The week's ad scans may be found by clicking here, thanks to Hot Coupon World.

Free YoMommy Yogurt

Click here to request a coupon for a free four-pack of YoMommy yogurt.

Limit one request per household through May 31, 2008, while supplies last. Coupons for $1 off a 4-pack of YoMommy will be substituted after all available free coupons have been distributed.

Thanks, More Than Enough!

It's RSS Awareness Day!

If you're not yet familiar with RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds, this is a great time to learn: It's RSS Awareness Day.

For those who are wondering what in the world an RSS feed is, here's a quick explanation: If you like staying up-to-date on several blogs, but want to save time, you can subscribe to a "feed," or content subscription. Your feeds will be complied into the reader of your choice, such as Google Reader. The result is that you're able to check all of your feeds from one central location, rather than having to drop by each blog to check for updates. For a more technical explanation of feeds, visit What Is RSS?

If you'd like to subscribe to the Centsible Shopper feed, you can do it in a reader by clicking here or via email by clicking here.

Freebies

Sensodyne

L'Oreal Skin Genesis

GoodNights Sleep Boxers

Bush's Beans Cookbook (Thanks, More Than Enough!)

TheraCran Supplement (Thanks, More Than Enough!)

Kotex (Thanks, More Than Enough!)

Cooling Care™ disposable hydrogel nursing relief pads

Kashi Moutain Medley (Thanks, Hey, It's Free!)

Sweat Block Deodorant (Thanks, Hey, It's Free!)

Juicy Juice Sippy Cup

Baskin Robbins: 31¢ Scoop Night

Baskin Robbins is offering a special promotion from 5 to 10 P.M. tonight. In honor of America's firefighters, you can get a scoop of ice cream for 31¢. For details on the promotion, click here. To find a Baskin Robbins location near you, click here.

Walgreens: Online rebate submission

Thanks so much to the readers who passed this on to me. If you're like me, you feel like breathing a sigh of relief while simultaneously doing a happy dance. :-) And if you're wondering what all the happiness is about, here's what Sally had to say:

Newsflash: Now residents of all 50 states can submit their rebate receipts online! It’s SO easy! I can enter each receipt as I bring it home after purchasing eligible items and save my information. If I forget to submit the whole thing at the end of the month, they’ll do it for me!

For those who could use step-by-step instructions, here are the ones posted on SlickDeals:

Go to the link directly to the following: http://www.walgreens.com/store/rebateclub.jsp

Click on Claim Rebates

If you have an ID and PWD, try to login otherwise Register yourself by clicking on Register button.

Once registered, the system asks for the address.

When address is entered, you can start entering your receipts by selecting the month.

Happy Rebating!