Aquafresh coupons

If you have children, you may want to sign up here for the Aquafresh "Little Steps That Last a Lifetime" program.  According to the email I received, registrants will receive coupons:

The Little Steps for Oral Care program provides parents with age-specific information about oral care and positive routines for children ages 0-9.

Regular email communication provides insight and advice from our child behavioral expert, Dr. Abi Gewirtz, as well as oral care tips from our dental experts. You’ll even get valuable coupons and new product offers*!

I'm not sure if coupons will be printable or sent via snail mail.

Reminder: print your online coupons today!

Since online sites for printable coupons often reset on the first of the month, be sure you print out anything you might want from coupons.com, SmartSource, Red Plum, and Coupon Network.  What you see today may change tomorrow!

Tip of the day: Printing coupons for less

Even though I have ink and paper expenses from printing online coupons, I'm positive I save more than it costs me to print them.  That being said, I do try to keep my expenses down and thought I'd share with you how I save money.

The most expensive aspect of printing coupons is purchasing ink.  I used to always buy new HP cartridges at office supply stores but a few months ago I switched to buying refurbished and have seen no difference in print quality or quantity.  Not only do I save money buying refurbished over new, but I also earn cash back from my purchases.  I buy ink at 123Inkjets (I've had no issues with refurbished ink cartridges, but if your printer won't use them they also sell some new cartridges, too) through Ebates.com and get a check back for part of my purchase price (currently the offer is cash back for 16% of your purchase price!). If you're not already an Ebates member and you do any shopping online, you will want to sign up.  All you have to do is search Ebates for the online retailer you're looking for (there are over 1000, including sites like Groupon, Lands' End, JC Penney, and Walmart just to name a few) then shop from their Ebates link.  Checks are mailed out quarterly -- I signed up earlier this year and just received my 2nd check from them recently!

Another option for reducing ink expenses is to set your printer to print in black and white and/or to set it on the draft or economy print setting.  I've recently experimented with the economy setting on my printer and my coupons don't seem to have any problems scanning at the register.

When my ink cartridges are empty I recycle them at Staples, where they give you $2 in Staples Rewards credit for each one (recently they were running a $3 special on HP ink, I think).  I watch for deals on paper and use my Staples Rewards towards my purchases.  Just this summer, I've been able to get reams of paper for free up to $2 each after Staples rebates.  If you're not a Staples Rewards member, you'll want to sign up.  (I think OfficeMax also offers an ink recycling program, but I rarely shop there since Staples is much more conveniently located to me.)

Even though I still have some expenses associated with printing coupons, I can do it without feeling the least bit guilty because of the amount of money I'm saving!

I'd love to hear about any other cost-saving printing tips any other readers have. 

8/28 - 9/3 Tops deals: cheap P & G products!

For anyone collecting gas points (I am!), the gas point earning period ends on Saturday and points can be redeemed through 9/17.  I was able to not only get some good deals, but I also wracked up bonus gas points while I was at the store today. Here is what I bought:

Transaction #1

2 bottles of Kraft salad dressing - $1.50 each, see note below
On sale 2/$4, used $1 off 2 coupon from the 8/28 SmartSource coupon insert

4 cartons of Philadelphia cooking creme - $1 each, see note below
On sale 2/$5, used 4 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) from coupons.com

2 cartons of International Delight coffee creamer - $0.57 each
On sale 3/$5, used 2 $0.55 coupons (double to $1.10) printed from here

2 packages of Frigo Cheese Heads string cheese - $2.25 each
On sale BOGO ($5.29), used a $0.40 coupon (doubles to $0.80) from coupons.com (it's not showing up for me now so it may no longer be available, but I think saw a coupon in one of the 8/28 coupon inserts)

1 carton of Tropicana Pure Premium OJ - $2
On sale 2/$6, used $1 off coupon from the September issue of All You magazine

1 carton of Friendship sour cream - $0.40
On sale 2/$3, used $0.55 coupon (doubles to $1.10) from here

Note: The Philly cooking cremes and the Kraft salad dressings were part of a Tops promo this week.  The ad that I received in the mail featured them as part of a "Buy 5 products, get a $3 coupon" and the ad my mother received featured all the same products but read as "Buy 6 products, earn 200 bonus gas points."  Since the Tops I shop at will be getting a gas station in the future but doesn't have one yet, I didn't know what to expect at check-out.  After my transaction completed, I did get a $3 Catalina coupon but when I looked at my receipt, it said that I earned 200 gas points for the deal.  So, I was able to get in on both deals!

Total retail was $41.28, I paid $15.03 after coupons and discounts, and received a $3 coupon I used on my next transaction.

Transaction #2

4 bags of Fresh Express salad - $0.99 each
On sale BOGO ($3.49), plus 3 of the bags I bought had $1 off coupons due to near "use by" dates

2 Yoplait Greek yogurt - $0.40 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.30 coupons (double to $0.60) printed from here

2 multi-packs (4-pack) YoCrunch fruit parfaits - $2 each
On sale 2/$5, used $1 off 2 coupon printed from the YoCrunch Facebook page

The following purchases in my second transaction were made as part of the "Savings for Back to School Success" promo featured in the Tops ad (buy $30 in Proctor & Gamble products, get a $10 prepaid MasterCard in the mail):
1 Pantene shampoo $3.50
1 Pantene conditioner $3.50
2 Gillette body washes $6.00
1 Gillette deodorant $3.99
1 Old Spice deodorant $3.99
1 Old Spice body wash $3.00
1 Crest Pro-Health rinse $3.50
1 Crest Pro-Health For Me toothpaste $2.79
Total P & G qualifying purchases: $30.27
Less coupons:
- $3.50 Free Pantene product coupon received in the mail from a recent Facebook offer
- $3.50 Free Pantene product coupon (I only signed up for the FB offer once, so I'm not sure why they mailed me another coupon, but who am I to argue with a free coupon? ;-))
- $3.99 Buy Old Spice body wash, get a free deodorant coupon from the 8/28 P & G coupon insert
- $3.00 Buy Gillette deodorant, get a free body wash coupon from the 8/28 P & G coupon insert
- $2.00 Gillette body wash coupon from the 7/31 P & G coupon insert
- $1.00 Crest Pro-Health rinse coupon from the 8/28 P & G coupon insert
- $1.00 Crest Pro-Health For Me toothpaste coupon from the 8/28 P & G coupon insert
Total out-of-pocket for P & G products: $12.28
After the $10 MasterCard mail-in-rebate, that's like paying $2.28 for a boat-load of health and beauty items.  I'm so excited about this deal!

Total retail for transaction #2 was $63.03, I paid $20.16 (I also used the $3 Catalina coupon from transaction #1), plus I will be getting back a $10 prepaid MasterCard.  Woo-hoo!

Transaction #3

1 package Sugardale bacon - $2.89
On sale for $3.99, used $0.55 coupon (doubles to $1.10 even though it states 'do not double' on it) I received in the mail from the manufacturer (remember, it pays to get on mailing lists!)

8 containers of YoCrunch yogurt - $0.50 each
On sale 4/$3, used 2 $1 off 4 coupons from YoCrunch Facebook page

I also bought another 2 packages of Frigo string cheese and 2 more multi-packs of YoCrunch fruit parfaits (with the applicable coupons, of course!)

Total retail was $29.75 and I paid $15.38 after coupons and discounts.

Overall, my products had a total retail value of $134.06 and I paid $50.57 for a savings of approximately 62%.  I will also be getting $10 back from the P & G rebate, plus I have now earned a discount of $2.90 off per gallon of gas. I have some more coupons that could net me the $3 off / 200 bonus gas points again, so I may go back one more time this week to take full advantage of it.

Free Target beauty bag



Head over here and sign up to receive a free Target beauty bag!  When these were available in the past, the bag came with product samples and coupons.  These went fast last time, and the site is running slow and timed out when I tried the first time, but if you get can in on this freebie it could be worth it!

More Tops deals 8/21 - 8/27

I  finished up my Tops shopping for the week, and this is what I bought:

Transaction #1

4 containers of Clorox wipes - $2.00 each
On sale 2/$5, used 4 $0.25 coupons (double to $0.50) printed from coupons.com (I'm not seeing any of the coupons I used on the Clorox deals now, so they may no longer be available)

1 bottle of Clorox bleach - $1.50
On sale 3/$6, used $0.25 coupon (doubles to $0.50) printed from here

1 bottle Hidden Valley Ranch Farmhouse dressing - $2.00
On sale 2/$6, used $1 coupon from the 8/21 SmartSource insert

1 bag of Fresh Express Iceberg Garden salad - $0.99
On sale for $1.49, plus used the Super Coupon in the Tops ad

1 package of Land O Frost deli ham - $1.99
On sale for $3.99, plus used the Super Coupon in the Tops ad

1 loaf of Tops Italian bread - $0.99
On sale for $1.99, plus used the Super Coupon in the Tops ad

3 packages (2-tub pack) Land O' Lakes Fresh Buttery Taste spread - $0.67 each
On sale 3/$5, used 5 $0.50 coupons (double to $1.00) from here (must register)

My total retail cost was $38.98 and I paid $13.31 after discounts and coupons (I also used the $5 Catalina coupon from the Clorox deal earlier in the week), for a savings of approximately 66%.  I had hoped to earn another $5 Catalina coupon from the Clorox deal again, but again in didn't print.  I did notice, though, that my receipt showed I earned 200 bonus gas points from the Clorox deal.  After doing some Internet searching, it turns out that there are different Tops deals regionally, and many of the "Spend $X, get $X back" deals don't exist where there are gas stations, but instead they offer extra gas points.  Since my regular Tops (Mt. Read in Greece) is getting a gas station soon, they must have switched over to the alternate deals.  While I would've liked the $5, I did earn an extra $0.20 off per gallon from this deal.  Since you can get 30 gallons of gas with gas points, $0.20 per gallon x 30 gallons = $6 savings, I actually made out better.

Transaction #2

1 box of SnackWells granola bars - $1.00
On sale 4/$10, used $0.75 coupon (doubles to $1.50) from the September issue of All You magazine (this is my new favorite magazine -- it's a great source for high-value coupons)

2 cans of Chef Boyardee whole grain pasta - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used $0.50 off 2 coupon from the September All You Magazine

1 box Aunt Jemima frozen waffles - $0.67
On sale 3/$5, used $1 coupon from "liking" them and then watching the video on their Facebook page

2 packages Carefree pantiliners - FREE
On sale $0.99 each, used 2 $0.50 coupons from the 8/21 SmartSource coupon insert

Total retail value was $11.14, I paid $2.67 after coupons and discounts, and I saved about 76%.  At this point, I've also earned $2.40 off per gallon of gas!

8/22 Target deals (and some venting!)

I hadn't been to Target in several weeks, but wanted to take advantage of some deals there today.  I generally love shopping at my local Target.  Notsomuch today.  I usually hit the store on a mid-week morning, but shopped Monday afternoon today.  It seems that all the registers opened when I got in line were being run by cashiers-in-training (I have no problems with this -- everyone has to learn and is new at one time or another).  Unfortunately, the employee who was supervising my cashier was less than knowledgeable about coupons (and of course, I had a bunch of coupons).  Now, I know there are couponers out there who are trying to pull a fast one and use coupons fraudulently.  However, I'm not one of them and I always play by the rules, read the wording and descriptions on my coupons, and familiarize myself with each store's coupon policy.  I only wish the store's own employees would do the same (especially if they are training other employees!).

Anyway, here is what I bought:

Transaction #1

1 bottle Up & Up baby shampoo - $0.87

Priced at $1.37, used $0.50 Up & Up hair care item Target coupon

This is where my trouble started.  This coupon appears regularly on Target's website and I have used it many, many times on both the baby shampoo and hair detangler.  I've never had an issue until today, when the "supervisor" told me that the coupon is good only on the color protecting shampoo (say what?!?) but that she'll let it go through just this once (really?!?).

1 pouch Tide single load detergent (travel/trial section) - FREE

Priced at $0.97 (although the shelf price said $0.99), used the $1 off any Tide detergent coupon from the 7/31 Proctor & Gamble coupon insert

As far as I can tell, this coupon scanned fine once my cashier actually scanned it.  The supervisor first told me that I didn't buy any Tide.  When I produced it from my bag, the issue was then that the coupon wasn't good for that size.  When I politely showed them the wording on the coupon and that it said "any Tide" and had no size restriction (which a lot of coupons do), he was finally allowed to scan it.

3 packages (3-packs) Trident White gum - $1.32 each

Priced at $1.99 each, used the $1 off 2 Trident 3-packs Target coupon and the $1 off 3 coupon from the 8/7 SmartSource coupon insert

For some reason, the Target coupon didn't scan but this time the cashier stood up for me and assured his supervisor that I indeed bought the correct items and quantities :-)

1 package (3-pack) Orbit White gum - $0.99

Priced at $1.99, used $1 off coupon from here (even though it is on the Target website, it is actually a manufacturer coupon)

6 packages of Lean and Hot Pockets - $1.63 each

4 were on sale for $2 each and I found 2 more on clearance for $1.90 each (the Philly Steak and Cheese Lean Pockets are being discontinued), used 2 $1 off 3 coupons from the 8/21 SmartSource insert

1 package Dannon Activia yogurt - $1.00

On sale for $2, used $1 off Dannon Activia Target coupon

1 package Danimals yogurt smoothies - $1.00

On sale for $2, used $1 off Danimals Target smoothies coupon

1 package BIC Twin select razors (14-count) - $0.94

Priced at $2.94, used $2 off coupon from the 7/31 SmartSource

1 bottle of Garnier Fructis conditioner - $0.79

On sale for $2.79, used $1 off Garnier Fructis hair care item Target coupon and $1 manufacurer coupon from the 6/5 RedPlum coupon insert (there are also coupons in the 7/24 RedPlum insert and printable coupons here)

There are several varieties on sale for $2.79 and the one I picked had a bonus leave-in treatment attached to it.  The supervisor said my coupons wouldn't work because there was a free bonus product attached to the conditioner bottle, but she would push them through for me again "just this time."  Both coupons actually worked fine without being pushed through.  Go figure.

Update:  Oops!  I just realized that the bottle of conditioner I bought was 13 ounces and the Target coupon was for 24 ounces.  I feel bad for not using the coupon correctly.  :-(

2 packages Hefty One-Zip storage bags (7-count travel size) - $0.49 each

Priced at $0.99 each, used $1 off 2 coupon from the 8/14 Red Plum coupon insert

1 package Wet Ones wipes - $0.47

Priced at $0.97, used $0.50 off Wet Ones Target coupon 

3 bottles of Vitaminwater - $0.59 each

On sale for $0.88 each, used the Buy 2 Vitaminwaters Get 1 Free Target coupon

4 boxes (20-count pkg.) of Capri Sun - $2.87 each

Priced at $3.99 each, Target is currently running a buy 3 get 1 free promo, plus I used a $0.50 off a 10-count or 20-count Capri Sun Target coupon

Seeing how this is the equivalent of $1.44 per 10-pack which is currently on sale for $1.79 at Wegmans and priced at $2.50 at Tops, I think I will go back to Target for more of these later this week.  School will be starting soon and we'll be going through these quickly!

And I know that this will sound petty, but I brought 2 reusable bags in and both were used.  My cashier was going to give me the $0.05 credit twice, but the lady supervising him said to only give it to me once.  I generally only need 1 bag, but I've always been given $0.10 credit on the rare ocassions I bring in 2 bags.

My original total was $58.12 and I paid $37.29, for a savings of about 36%.  I left feeling like I really had to fight to earn every penny of it, too!  I also had a Catalina coupon print out good for 1 free packet of Kool-Aid.

When I was in the dairy/frozen section, I realized that the $4.99 Jose Ole tacquitos I bought earlier in Tops were $3.99 at Target.  Of course, I had all my Tops coupons out in my car, so I figured I'd return another day to buy them.  But, my son reminded me out in the parking lot that we forgot to buy a lock for his bike, so I figured I might as well grab the Jose Ole coupon and go back in for a few things.

Transaction #2

1 Master bike lock - $4.99

Not on sale and no coupon.  Rare for me!

1 packet of Kool-Aid - FREE

Priced at $0.22, used the free Catalina coupon from the previous order

1 box Jose Ole tacquitos - $1.99

On sale for $3.99, used $2 coupon from the 8/21 SmartSource coupon insert

1 package of Dannon Activia yogurt - $1

On sale for $2, used the $1 off Dannon Activia Target coupon

1 package of Danimals yogurt smoothies - $1

On sale for $2, used the $1 off Danimals Target coupon

The original total was $15.95 and I paid $9.40.

Hopefully I'll have fewer issues when I go back later this week!

My 8/21 - 8/27 Tops deals

I stopped by Tops and picked up about half of my planned purchases for the week.  Here is what I bought:

Transaction #1

1 box Jose Ole tacquitos - $2.99
On sale for $4.99, used $2 coupon from the 8/21 SmartSource coupon insert
*I realized later in the day that these are a better deal at Target, where they are on sale for $3.99!  I was planning on buying another box at Tops later this week, but ended up purchasing my 2nd one at Target instead.

2 canisters Clorox wipes - $2.00 each, see notes below
On sale 2/$5, used 2 $0.25 coupons (double to $0.50) from coupons.com

2 bottles of Clorox bleach - $1.50 each, see notes below
On sale 3/$6, used 2 $0.25 coupons (double to $0.50) from coupons.com

2 bottles of KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce - $0.67 each, see notes below
On sale 3/$5, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from coupons.com (this is no longer showing up as available to me, though)

1 bottle Hidden Valley Ranch Farmhouse Originals salad dressing - $2.00, see notes below
On sale 2/$6, used $1 coupon from coupons.com

2 Heluva Good dips - $0.67 eachOn sale 3/$5, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here

1 package Land O Frost sliced ham - $1.99
On sale for $3.99, used Tops Super Coupon in the weekly ad

1 bag Fresh Express Iceberg Garden Salad - $0.99
On sale for $1.49, used Tops Super Coupon in the weekly ad

1 loaf Tops Italian bread - $0.99
On sale for $1.99, used Tops Super Coupon in the weekly ad

Notes: While the out-of-pocket prices I paid for the Clorox, KC Masterpiece, and Hidden Valley Ranch products aren't the best prices out there, I bought them because they are part of a "Buy $15 in select products, get a $5 coupon good on your next shopping trip" store promo running this week, which sweetens the deal.  I had planned on using that coupon on my second transaction but didn't realize until my second transaction had been rung up that my coupon never printed!  When I realized what had happened, I asked my cashier if she knew why it didn't print.  She did some research and said it was because my total fell below $15 after I used the coupons, but she was still able and willing to print out my coupon for me after the fact.  I'm not sure if this is a new policy, because I have done these types of deals many times in the past and I know my total falls below the threshold after my coupons are used.  And in another instance where my coupon didn't print out and I went to customer service, I specifically asked if it was because I used coupons and was told it was a programming glitch and coupons didn't effect it.  I'm planning on buying more products for this deal later in the week, so I'm curious what will happen then.

Total retail for this order was $40.27, and I paid $19.20 after discounts and coupons plus I have a $5 coupon I can use towards a future order.

Transaction #2

2 Naturally Delicious salad dressings - $1.50 each
On sale 2/$4, used $1 off 2 coupon from the 8/7 SmartSource coupon insert

1 box SnackWells granola bars - $1.50
On sale 4/$10, used $1 coupon from the 7/31 SmartSource coupon insert (I think)

I also bought mushrooms and tomatoes (no coupons, but they were on sale!).

Total retail for this order was $15.65 and I paid $8.50 after discounts and coupons.  Not my best savings, but still OK.  I had planned on only spending $3.50 out of pocket, but since my $5 coupon from the Clorox deal didn't print out after my first transaction, I'll just use it later in the week.

Overall, I spent $27.70 on orders that retailed $55.92, for a savings of about 50% (plus I already have $5 off my next order).  I've also earned $2.00 off per gallon of gas!

I'll be picking up several more items in the next day or so.

New printable coupons!

I just checked coupons.com to see what new coupons were available.  There are some good ones that will pair up nicely with the "buy $15, receive a $5 coupon" deal Tops is running (and are better values than the ones in today's newspaper coupon insert):

• $0.25 off any Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
• $0.50 off any KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce or Marinade
• $0.25 off any Clorox Liquid Bleach (82 oz.+)
• $1.00 off any Hidden Valley Ranch Farmhouse Originals Dressing

I was originally hoping to run over to Tops today, but it doesn't look like that will happen.  I'm planning in getting my match-ups done this evening and heading over tomorrow. 

My final Tops trip for the week

Today was my "big" visit to Tops to get all the rest of the deals I didn't grab earlier in the week.  Here is what I bought today:

Transaction #1

1 box Emerald Breakfast-to-Go packs - $1.50
On sale 2/$5, used $1 coupon from the 8/7 Red Plum coupon insert

2 bags of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish grahams - $0.97 each
On sale 3/$5, used 2 $0.35 coupons (double to $0.70) from here

2 boxes of Mom's Best Naturals cereal - $1.44 each
On sale for $1.99 each, used $0.55 off 2 coupon from signing up here

32 cartons of Yoplait yogurt (we are *huge* yogurt eaters in our house) - $0.45 each
On sale 10/$6, used 4 $0.60 off 8 coupons (double to $1.20) from being registered here

I also bought some fresh chicken wings (no coupon, but they were on sale and I will use some of the $0.19 Frank's Red Hot I purchased recently at Wegmans to make Buffalo wings to go with a free Papa John's pizza I've earned from their Papa's Points program!)

I had also planned on getting 2 single serve cartons of the So Delicious coconut milk I saw in the ad, but I couldn't find them in the store and I also couldn't find anyone to help me track them down.  Kind of a bummer, since they are 10/$10 and I found a $0.55 coupon here which would make them free after they double.  Has anyone else seen these in their local Tops?

My total retail for this transaction was $57.40 and I paid $35.57 after discounts and coupons.  Not my best trip, but still about 38% in savings.  My yogurt purchase also triggered a $2 Catalina coupon, which I used on my next transaction:

Transaction #2

4 YoCrunch Greek yogurts - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons from their Facebook page

3 boxes of Fisher Boy fish sticks - $1.50 each
On sale 2/$6, used 3 $0.75 coupons from here

2 packages of 12 double rolls of Cottonelle toilet paper - $4.99 each
On sale $5.99 each, used 2 $1 off coupons -- 1 from the 7/17 SmartSource coupon insert and 1 from the 8/14 SmartSource insert

2 packages Butterball turkey bologna - $1.50 each
On sale 2/$4, used $1 off 2 coupon from the 6/26 SmartSource coupon insert

2 boxes of Emerald Breakfast-to-Go packs - $1.50 each
On sale 2/$5, used 2 $1 coupons from here

I also bought some produce which I didn't have a coupon for, but the $2 Catalina from the previous transaction kind of made up for that.

The total retail for this transaction was $60.60 and I paid $26.44 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of approximately 56%.

Overall, it was a pretty good shopping week for me.  Oh, and I'm now at $1.70 off per gallon of gas!

My $2 Wegmans trip

Not to be outdone by my $4 shopping trip from earlier today at Tops, I took 8 coupons and $2 to Wegmans and came home with this:

4 boxes of North Star Patriot Pops - FREE (yes, I've been buying a *ton* of these because my kids are going through them like crazy!)
On sale for $0.99 each, used 4 $0.50 coupons ("double" to $0.99 since Wegmans doesn't allow overage) from being registered here

2 bags of Snikiddy Snacks - $1 each
Priced at 2/$5, used 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from coupons.com (use zip 08054 if you don't see it)
2 boxes of Pillbury Funfetti brownie mix - FREE
On sale for $0.99 each, used 2 $0.50 ("double" to $0.99) coupons printed from here

Total retail was $14.14 and I paid $2 after Shoppers Club and coupons.  The funniest part is that my young teenage cashier did a double take at the final total.  I think he was pretty surprised at how low my bill was!

Tip of the Day: Get on mailing lists!

Just today I received a coupon good for $2 off any Bar-S purchase (their hot dogs often go on sale at Wegmans and Tops) and a free shampoo or conditioner coupon from Pantene.  Over the past 2 weeks I've gotten other coupons from Sugardale, Proctor & Gamble (remember the free Bounty paper towels I just bought at Tops?), and Target. 

Writing or emailing companies with feedback on their products is a great way to help them improve and they will sometimes reward you for it by sending you coupons.  More and more products are getting Facebook pages and give away coupons from "liking" them. 

Signing up for company or product newsletters and emails has gotten me more coupons than just clipping from the Sunday inserts, too.

If you have the opportunity and are willing to put forth the effort of contacting companies, you just might find yourself with some great, high value coupons!

My $4 Tops trip

Curious to find out what $4 and 8 coupons can get you at Tops this week?  Here is what I just bought:

3 boxes of Mueller's pasta - FREE

On sale 10/$10, used 3 $0.55 coupons (they won't double to $1.10, since Tops doesn't allow for an overage, but they will double up to $1) from signing up here

4 cartons of YoCrunch Greek yogurt - $0.50 each

On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons from "liking" their Facebook page

Note: I had planned on buying 8 and using a couple more coupons, but there were only 4 left so I had to grab a rain check.

1 roll of Bounty Basic paper towels - FREE

On sale 10/$10, used a $1 coupon I received in a Pampers mailing the other day (since my youngest has been out of diapers for years -- and I used cloth diapers with her on top of that -- I have no idea why I get their promotional stuff in the mail, but I certainly don't mind getting more coupons!)

4 Banquet frozen meals - $0.50 each

On sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.50 off 2 coupons from here (use code 74575328)

Just a note on these: I've been grabbing these ocassionally as a cheap addition to my husband's lunches at work and they always seem to be on sale.  I finally took a look at the sale tag on the shelf and it looks like these will be "on sale" through the end of the year.

Total retail was $17.48 and after discounts and coupons I paid $4.00.  I was expecting to still owe tax on the paper towels, even though the coupon made them free, but I wasn't charged any.  I like pleasant surprises!  And I now have $1.40 off per gallon of gas.  :-)

I'm still planning another trip to Tops this week to stock up on some more sale items, but that will probably be on Friday.

Get a free Swiffer Duster!

Head over to Vocalpoint and get a free classic Swiffer duster, plus a sneak-peak at the new Swiffer line of products coming out!  This offer is only for Vocalpoint members, so make sure you sign up if you haven't already done so.

Minute Maid juice coupon!

With back-to-school sales happening this month, you may want to print the $1 off Minute Maid juice box coupon here at coupons.com now, since it might not last long.  Hopefully, we'll see these on sale for a good price locally sometime soon!

8/14 - 8/20 Tops deals: free pasta & protein bars!

Since my kids were hungry after a softball game today, I ran into Tops and purchased only a few items.  I have a lot more coupons, though, so I will definitely be going back for another transaction or 2.  Here are the deals I picked up today:

4 dozen Tops medium eggs - $0.45 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.55 off 2 Facebook coupons (double to $1.10 -- I hope anyone who wanted the coupons grabbed them when I blogged about them last week, because it looks like the coupon giveaway is now over!)

5 Michelina's Authentico frozen entrees - $0.80 each
On sale 10/$10, used a $1 off 5 coupon from here

5 Michelina's Lean Gourmet entrees - $0.80 each
On sale 10/$10, used a $1 off 5 coupon printed from here

4 Pure Protein bars - FREE
On sale 10/$10, used 4 $1 off coupons from signing up for their newsletter here

1 box Fisher Boy fish sticks - $1.50
On sale 2/$6, used $0.75 coupon (doubles to $1.50) found here

1 box of Mueller's pasta - FREE
On sale 10/$10, used $0.55 coupon from registering here (the coupon states not to double, but mine automatically "doubled" another $0.45, which made it the same $1 as the product price)

My total retail was $35.22 and after discounts and coupons I paid $11.30, for a savings of approximately 68%.  Plus, I am now up to $1.30 off per gallon of gas! 

I'll be hitting up the store again this week, since I have more coupons for the fish sticks and pasta, plus I have coupons I'm planning on using to get deals on YoCrunch yogurt, Mom's Best cereal, Bounty paper towels, Cottonelle toilet paper and more.  Stay tuned for further savings!

Free Lysol wipes rebate!

I just posted my story of the dirt-cheap cleaning supplies I was able to purchase at Staples recently, and here is a mail-in rebate to make the deal even sweeter:

Purchase 3 Lysol products, with 1 of the products being Lysol wipes.  Mail in your receipt(s) and this rebate form and get your Lysol wipes purchase price (up to $3) refunded.  Purchases must be made between 7/1/11 and 10/31/11 and postmarked by 11/30.

Tip of the Day: Think outside the box

So, company is coming over and you realize you're out of toilet bowl cleaner and wet Swiffer wipes.  You run over and grab some at Staples, right?  What?  Not your first thought?  That's what I did recently but I had to think outside the box!

I have a Staples Rewards card that I use when I make purchases or recycle ink cartridges there, but I often forget to log into my account and print my rewards.  I remembered to do that a couple of weeks ago and was surprised to find I had about $20 in rewards to redeem at the store.  Since the only school supply item I still needed to purchase was a specific binder I couldn't find elsewhere, I decided I'd use part of my rewards to purchase it.  Then it hit me...Staples carries all sorts of office necessities including cleaning supplies, which I needed to buy.  Instead of taking my couple of coupons to the supermarket or discount store and paying out of pocket, I took them over to Staples and paid nothing (well actually, I stocked up and ended up paying $0.31 -- oh, and I found a Lysol rebate I'll be able to send in)!  So, don't forget to think outside the box when it comes to getting a good deal.

If you don't have a Staples Rewards card, I highly suggest signing up.  It's free and you'll earn a percentage back on select purchases and $2 for each ink cartridge you recycle there.

*Head's up: super cheap eggs next week!*

A few days ago I blogged about an egg coupon available on Facebook.  If you "like" the Incredible Edible Egg's Facebook page, you can print a coupon for $0.55 off any 2 dozen eggs (temporarily disable pop-ups or it won't print).  The coupon will double to $1.10 off 2 dozen eggs.  I just received next week's Tops ad in the mail and they will have a dozen of their store brand medium eggs on sale for $1.  With the above coupon, that will be $0.90 total or $0.45  per dozen!  That is an awesome price for eggs, so I will definitely be looking forward to making that purchase.  Coupon quantities are limited so be sure you print yours before they're gone!

Free Keebler Granola Fudge Bars!



Last week I was excited to score Keebler Granola Fudge Bars for $1 per box after coupons and the Tops sale.  Today in Tops I found a mail-in rebate for a free box!  After completing the form and including the receipt and UPC symbol, Keebler will refund the purchase price up to $3.99. 

I'm not sure where the rebate forms will be found in other stores, but at the Mt. Read Tops they are on a tear-pad on a Keebler display in the produce department (not at all where I'd expect and was sheer luck that I even saw them!).  If you can't find one in your store, let me know.  I grabbed a couple extra and would be happy to pass them on.  Just leave me a comment here or email me at rachelvcoupon at gmail dot com.

What are you waiting for?  Go get a free box!

8/7 - 8/14 Tops deals

Just like my shopping trip at Wegmans earlier this week, most of my Tops trip consisted of back-to-school lunchbox stock-up.  This is what I bought:

Transaction #1
2  boxes of Fiber One bars - $1.70 each
On sale $2.50 each, used 2 $0.40 coupons (double to $0.80) that I printed online but can't find now (sorry!)

8 boxes of Natural Valley granola bars - $1.65 each
On sale $2.50 each, used 4 $0.85 off 2 coupons (double to $1.70!) printed from the Betty Crocker website

1 Dole fruit jar - $1
On sale for $2.50, used $0.75 coupon (doubles to $1.50) printed from here

4 cartons of Yoplait Go-gurts - $1.25 each
On sale $2 each, used 2 $0.75 off 2 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here

Total retail was $54.25 and I paid $22.60 after discounts and coupons, plus I had a certificate for 100 Box Tops for Education print out at the register based on the number of Box Tops products I bought.  My daughter can't wait to turn it in when she goes back to school!

Transaction #2
4 bags of Gardetto's snack mix - $0.80 each
On sale for $2 each, used 4 $0.60 coupons (double to $1.20) also found at the Betty Crocker website

2 boxes of Old El Paso taco shells - $0.69 each
On sale for $1.69 each, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from coupons.com (it's not showing for me now, though)

8 cartons of Yoplait Go-gurts - $1.25 each (yes, my kids love these and will eat them all!)
On sale for $2 each, used 4 $0.75 off 2 coupons (double to $1.50) from here and here

Total retail was $41.86, I paid $14.58 after discounts and coupons, plus I received another Box Tops certificate that printed out at the register.  My daughter is convinced her class will win a pizza party because of all of our Box Tops.  :-)

Transaction #3
4 Dole fruit jars - $0.50 each
On sale for $2.50 each, used 4 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50)  from here, plus these were part of a "buy 6 get $3 off instantly" store promo which took off an additional $0.50 from each jar

2 packages of Dole fruit bowls (4-packs) - $1 each
On sale for $2.50 each, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here, plus these were also part of the  "buy 6 get $3 off instantly" store promo which took off an additional $0.50 from each package

Total retail was $16.14 and I paid $4.00 after discounts and coupons.  These purchases also triggered 2 Catalina coupons: $1 off 1 Dole peach fruit crisp and $0.75 off any 4 Dole fruit bowls.

The total retail value of all transactions was $112.25, I paid $41.28 and had a savings of approximately 63%.

One last note...I split up my transactions for a few reasons.  Since Tops only doubles 4 like coupons in any 1 transaction and I had more than 4 of some of them, I made sure to split them up so they would all double.  Also, since I collect gas points (I'm now up to $1.10 off per gallon!) and they give 10 points per manufacturer coupon with a limit of 100 points, I make sure to not use more than 10 coupons per transaction in order to get credit for all of them.  Lastly, when they offer deals that print out at the register (like Catalina coupons and the Box Tops bonus) multiples of the same deal will not print out if they are included in the same transaction.

8/7 - 8/14 Wegmans freebies and cheapies

With school starting in another month, I'm continuing my quest to stockpile lunchbox snacks when I find a good price with coupons.  I decided to brave today's torrential downpour and head out Wegmans, where I picked up some good deals.  Here is what I came home with:

Prices can vary from store to store.  These prices are what I paid at the Ridgemont Wegmans...

4 Yoplait frozen smoothie mixes - $0.99 each
On sale for $2.49 each, used 4 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here

2 bags of Snikiddy Snacks - $1 each
Priced at 2/$5, used 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from coupons.com (use zip 08054 if you don't see it)

1 can Edge shave gel - $0.88
On sale for $1.88, used $1 coupon from the 7/24 SmartSource coupon insert

4 cans Skintimate shave gel - 2 @ $0.88 each and 2 @ $0.38 each
On sale $1.88 each, used 2 $1 off coupon from 7/24 SmartSource insert and 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) from here

2 boxes of Pillsbury Funfetti brownie mix - FREE
On sale for $0.99 each, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $0.99 since Wegmans doesn't allow for an overage) printed from here

2 boxes of North Start Patriot Pops popsicles - FREE
On sale for $0.99 each, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $0.99 since Wegmans doesn't allow for an overage) printed from here (will need to register first)

2 bottles of Frank's Red Hot - $0.19 each
Priced at $1.19 (smallest bottle), used 2 $0.50 coupons I printed online a while ago from coupons.com that seem to no longer be available (sorry)

4 boxes of Nature Valley Granola Thins - $1.30 each (can I just say I am addicted to these?)
On sale 2/$5, used 4 $0.60 coupons (double to $1.20) from the Betty Crocker website (must register)

3 bags of Pepperidge Farms Goldfish Grahams - $0.99 each
On sale for $1.69 each, used 3 $0.35 coupons (double to $0.70) from the Campbell's Kitchen website

4 boxes Golden Grahams Treats - $1.30 each
On sale 2/$5, used 4 $0.60 coupons (double to $1.20) from the Betty Crocker website above

I also found a package of Wegmans organic boneless skinless chicken thighs reduced for quick sale and marked down to $4.98 from $6.94.  I bought it and used a $1 off any Wegmans organic chicken item coupon I found on the meat cooler. 

My total before Shoppers Club and coupons was $72.37 and I paid $27.84, for a savings of approximately 61%.

And to top it off, I did my random act of kindness by giving an elderly lady buying French's worcestershire sauce an extra $1 coupon I had in my coupon binder.  It made her day and made me feel good in the process!

New egg coupons

There is a new $0.75 Land O' Lakes coupon for eggs. I'm not sure if these are sold at Wegmans or Tops, but if they are it should make for decent deal after the coupon doubles.  Has anyone seen these sold locally?

Also, if you "like" the Incredible Edible Egg's Facebook page, you can print a coupon for $0.55 off any 2 dozen eggs.  Make sure you temporarily disable pop-ups or you'll have trouble printing this one.

Win coupons for free Suave Professionals products!

You can head over here to play the Suave Professionals "Can You Tell" game.  Watch the short videos and guess which model was styled using Suave Professionals products.  I guessed correctly on all 8 earlier today and earned 2 coupons, each good for a free Suave Professionals product.  My coupons should arrive via snail mail in 6 - 8 weeks.  I don't know about you, but I love getting free stuff in the mail!

There are a limited numbers of coupons available, but they reset every Monday. Good luck!

More cheap buys at Tops

As expected, I made some more purchases at Tops this week in order to take advantage of the coupon doublers and gas points.  Here are the next 2 transactions I made:

Transaction #1:

3 jars of Ragu pasta sauce - $1 each
On sale 3/$5, used $1 off 3 coupon from the 7/31 Red Plum coupon insert and $1 doubler from Tops ad

2 boxes of Sure-Jell pectin - $1.19 each
On sale for $2.19 each, used $1 off 2 coupon and $1 doubler

1 Hatfield ham steak -  FREE
On sale 2/$4, used $1 coupon from "liking" the Hatfield Facebook page and $1 doubler

3 boxes Eggo Mini Muffin Tops - $1.33 each
On sale 2/$4, used $1 off 3 coupon from the Kellogg's website and $ doubler

I was also able to buy some Fresh Express salads that had all been marked down by $1 each because of a near "use by" date.

My total retail was $33.49 and I paid $13.38 after discounts and coupons for a savings of  about 60%.

Transaction #2:

4 boxes of Cheez-Its - $1.59 each
On sale $2.99 each, used 4 $0.70 coupons (double to $1.40) from here (note: can be used on the Colby variety only)

2 bottles of Wish-Bone dressing - $1.37 each
On sale 2/$4, used $1.25 off 2 coupon from 7/31 Red Plum coupon insert

2 bags of Boulder Canyon potato chips - FREE
On sale 2/$4, used 2 $1 coupons I can no longer find online (sorry!) and 2 $1 doublers

4 bottles of Fruit2Day juice - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons from here (although it looks like there is now a $0.45 coupon available here -- I may be going back!)

3 Hatfield ham steaks - FREE
On sale 2/$4, used 2 $2 off coupons from here, 1 $1 off coupon from their Facebook page, and 1 $1 doubler

1 package Land O'Frost lunchmeat - $1.89
On sale for $2.99, used $0.55 coupon (doubles to $1.10) from the 7/24 Red Plum coupon insert

4 2-liter bottles of Adirondack/Waist Watchers soda - $0.49 each (plus tax and deposit)
On sale $0.99 each, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons from the 6/26 Red Plum (I think) coupon insert

My retail total was $57.72 and I paid $15.96 (plus tax and deposit), for a savings about 72%!

Overall, I am very pleased with the deals I found this week, plus I'm now up to $0.70 off per gallon of gas! 

Meat coupon!

I have company coming later this week and have been thinking about what I'm going to cook.  Since I have a decent stockpile of BBQ sauce I thought about making ribs in the crockpot.  Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across a coupon for ribs, since meat coupons are fairly rare!  Snag a $2 coupon for pork ribs here.  Now I just have to do some price comparisons at Wegmans and Tops to see where I can get the best deal.

Back-to-school coupons

Register at Campbell's Kitchen and print coupons for various products from Campbell's, V8, Pepperidge Farms and more!  Time to start thinking about stocking up for back-to-school.