Monday, June 30, 2008

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.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

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.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

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 4th 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.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

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.

Monday, June 23, 2008

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.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Walgreens: Cheap nuts and mac & cheese

Thanks to

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.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

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. :-) )

Monday, June 16, 2008

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.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

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?

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

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.

Monday, June 9, 2008

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.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

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!

Friday, June 6, 2008

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.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

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?

Monday, June 2, 2008

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.