Sunday, October 28, 2012

New $5 Tops coupon!

In preparation for the effects of Hurricane Sandy, Tops has issued a new $5 off $50 purchase store coupon valid today through 11/3.  If you registered your email address on the Tops  website, you may have your coupon waiting in your inbox.  If not, click the picture above for a storm supply checklist and coupon.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Tops gas points reminder

If you are a Tops shopper collecting gas points, don't forget that today is the last day of the current earning period.  You also have until 11/10/12 to redeem any gas points earned.

I managed to get a discount of $3.10 per gallon this time around.  I'd love to find out about my readers' gas points earnings successes, too -- just leave a comment below!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Are you earning free Amazon gift cards?

 

I've done one search already on Swagbucks today. Have you? Every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day, where the chances of being rewarded large denominations of Swag Bucks is increased. What are you waiting for? Go do your searches now!

Not familiar with Swagbucks? Here's the deal:

Swagbucks is a search engine (like Google or Yahoo). You are awarded points randomly (called Swag Bucks) when you search the Internet, answer surveys, watch videos, play games, etc. Once you sign up (it's free!), you can also refer friends and family and earn points from their referrals.

I normally earn my points through doing the web searches only (and really, who doesn't already do that? Why not get rewarded for what you're already doing?). I seem to get points after my third or fourth search and I try to do it once in the morning and again in the evening. When I earn points for a search, they are generally in the 7 - 10 point range. I've also done some surveys and earned a bunch of points very quickly. And every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day, where the odds of winning high-value Swag Bucks are increased.

Swag Bucks are redeemed in the Swagstore. While there are a lot of things to choose from, my favorite item hands down is the $5 Amazon gift card for 450 points. I know, that sounds like a lot of points, right? Trust me, if you commit to doing 2 searches per day, the points can add up quickly. I started using Swagbucks in June 2011 and by the end of the year I cashed in for $45 in Amazon gift cards which really helped with my Christmas shopping. Even after being inconsistent about searching for over 2 months this year, I already have more Swagbucks than last year.

Interested? Sign up at Swagbucks (remember, it's free) and start earning free stuff!

Amazon gift cards earned in 2011: $45
Amazon gift cards earned in 2012: $55

Thursday, October 25, 2012

More 10/21 - 10/27 Tops shopping

I didn't get a chance to update last night on yesterday's shopping trip to Tops, so here is a rundown from both yesterday and today.  First, here are the deals I took advantage of yesterday:
4 boxes Barber Foods chicken - $2.25 each
On sale BOGO ($5.49), used 2 $1 off 2 coupons printed from here (there is also a $1 coupon in the October issue of All You magazine)

6 cartons Breyers ice cream -  $1.83 each, see notes
On sale 3/$10, used 6 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from their Facebook page
Notes: The coupon linked above is valid on the Breyers Blasts varieties only, so keep that in mind if you use the coupon.  Tops' coupon policy is to double only 4 like coupons, so I was expecting to pay a bit more for these.  However, the cashier did double all 6 of my coupons.  Also, these are part of a store promo where you earn an extra 200 gas points when you buy 6 select items.  Lastly, if you buy these make sure you head over to SavingStar and activate the Unilever eCoupon (receive $5 back when you buy $20 in Unilever products) before shopping so you can get some money back and lower your final cost even more!

2 YoCrunch yogurts - $0.10 each
On sale 10/$6, used 2 $0.25 coupons (double to $0.50) printed from here

The retail cost of this trip was $59.60 and I paid $20.18 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 66%.

And here are today's purchases:

6 boxes Hamburger Helper - $0.50 each, see note
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.75 off 3 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: Each of these earned 5 points in the Tops Free for All game

1 pouch Betty Crocker cookie mix - $1.00, see note
On sale 2/$4, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) from here (it seems to be no longer be available, but there is also a $0.60 coupon here )
Note: Be sure you activate the $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar before you shop, so you can have some money refunded back to you!

1 loaf Tops bread - FREE, see note
On sale for $0.99, cashed in 100 available points from the Tops Free for All game to get a free loaf
Note: If you are going to redeem any of your points for free items, you need to make sure to tell the cashier before the item is rung up.

4 bags Farm Rich appetizers - $4.24 each, see note
On sale for $4.99 each, used 2 $1.50 off 2 coupons from the 9/30 SmartSource coupon insert
Notes: Each of these earned 5 bonus points in the Tops Free for All game.  Also, I know there have been better deals on these in the past but I needed a quick dinner for tonight, and these fit the bill and were cheaper than hitting a drive-thru.

8 YoCrunch yogurts - 4 @ $0.10 each, 4 @ $0.35 each
On sale 10/$6, used4 $0.25 coupons (double to $0.50) printed from here and a $1 off 4 coupon also printed from the same link

The retail cost of today's trip was $50.08 and I paid $22.76 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of approximately 55%.  As of today, I have earned a gas discount of $3.00 per gallon.

I may or may not make 1 more trip to Tops this week.  It will depend on if there are any other good coupons I want to use to increase my gas points, since Saturday is the last day of the current earning period.  If I go back, I'll be sure to update with any other good coupon finds!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Free LEGO event at Toys R Us

This Saturday, October, 27th from 12:00 - 2:00pm, kids can get a free LEGO Monster Fighters Accessories pack at their local Toy R Us.  Click the picture above to find your closest store.

My kids will be so excited for this!

Free Folgers coffee sample


Head over to the Folgers Facebook page and register for a free sample of their new Folgers Gourmet Selections coffee.  There is a choice between Traditional and Vanilla Biscotti (I'm not a coffee drinker, but this sounds yummy!).

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Working Mother Magazine - Free 1-Year Subscription

Enjoy a free 6 issue subscription to Working Mother magazine. No strings attached. You'll never receive a bill. This subscription is yours, compliments of StartSampling.com. Working Mother is the only national magazine that helps moms with careers balance their personal and professional lives.

Click on the picture above for your free subscription!

Famous Footwear October Coupon


Need an excuse to buy shoes? You're in luck! ;-)

It's the Famous Footwear Friends & Family Sale!  Every shoe, no exclusions! Victory is Yours!

Use FALLFF2012 or print your coupon to shop in-store, 10/24/12 through 10/28/12.


10/21 - 10/27 Tops trip #2

Today marked another quick trip to Tops.  Here is a rundown of my purchases from earlier:
2 Gerber Graduates pouches - FREE, see notes
On sale 3/$4, used 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here a couple of weeks ago but seem to be no longer available
Notes: Tops' coupon policy does not allow for overage, so this coupon should have only taken off up to the $1.34 price.  However, the cashier manually entered and doubled it, so I did get some overage on these.  Also, I am a big proponent of only buying products your family will use as a way to save money.  Even though I don't have any babies or toddlers at home and will not use these, I decided to go ahead and buy them for a few reasons: they didn't cost me any money (and I even ended up getting an unexpected overage by buying them), I can donate them to someone who will be able to use them, and I got gas points credit for using these coupons.

6 boxes Hamburger Helper - $0.50 each, see note
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.75 off 3 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: Each of these earned 5 points in the Tops Free for All game.

4 pouches Betty Crocker cookie mix - 2 @ $0.80 each, 2 @ $1 each, see note
On sale 2/$4, used 2 $0.60 coupons (double to $1.20) from here and 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here (but seems to be no longer be available)
Note: Be sure you activate the $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar before you shop, so you can have some money refunded back to you!

10 PowerBars - $0.80 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 5 coupons printed from here

The retail cost of this transaction was $42.38 and I paid $14.27 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of 66%.  My gas discount is now up $2.50 per gallon.

I do have at least one more trip planned this week (possibly more, depending on what coupons I can round up), so stay tuned for more shopping ideas.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Just in time for Halloween -- pumpkin rebate

Whenever I shop at Tops, I always make it a point to mosey on over to the beer section to look for "no beer purchase required" rebates.  I was pleasantly surprised to find one today that will come in handy...
Save $4 via mail-in rebate on the purchase of a pumpkin.  Compliments of Shock Top.  Purchase price of the pumpkin must exceed $4.  No beer purchase required.  Valid for residents of AL, AR, CT, HI, KY, MA, ME, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NY, RI, UT, and WV only. Purchase must occur between 9/16/12 and 10/31/12.  Request must be postmarked by 11/14/12.  Limit: $4 per address.

So, if you're like me and have completely slacked off going out pumpkin picking, you might be able to grab a cheap pumpkin at the grocery store and submit the rebate. :-)

10/21 - 10/27 Tops trip #1

To be totally honest, I haven't really looked at this week's Tops ad too carefully.  However, I had to run an errand close to my nearest Tops today so it made sense for me to pop into the store and grab a few things I had coupons for.  Here is a look at what I picked up today:
1 box Betty Crocker muffin mix - $1.00
On sale 2/$4, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) I printed a week or so ago but no longer seems to be available (sorry!)

6 boxes Hamburger Helper - $0.50 each, see note
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.75 off 3 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: Each of these earned 5 points in the Tops Free for All game. 

2 boxes Multi-Grain Cheerios - FREE
Used a raincheck from a couple of weeks ago ($1.50 each sale price) plus 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here

2 boxes Honey Nut Cheerios - $0.50 each
Used a raincheck from a couple of weeks ago ($1.50 each sale price) plus 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here

3 pouches Betty Crocker cookie mix - 2 @ $0.80 each, 1 @ $1, see note
On sale 2/$4, used 2 $0.60 coupons (double to $1.20) from here and a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) from here (although I'm not seeing it right now, so it may no longer be available)
Note: Be sure you activate the $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar before you shop, so you can have some money refunded back to you!

1 loaf Tops bread - FREE, see note
On sale for $0.99, used 100 available points from the Tops Free for All game to score a free loaf
Note: If you are going to redeem any of your points for free items, you need to make sure to tell the cashier before the item is rung up. 

The retail cost of this trip was $43.35 and I paid $7.80 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 82%.  I'm also up to a gas discount of $2.40 per gallon.

Since Saturday is the last day to earn gas points during the current earning period, I will definitely be scouring the ad more carefully and planning more trips throughout the week.  Happy shopping!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Earn Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

 

I've not been very diligent about collecting Swagbucks the past couple of months, but I'm trying to get back into the habit.  So, I've done one search already on Swagbucks today. Have you? Every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day, where the chances of being rewarded large denominations of Swag Bucks is increased. What are you waiting for? Go do your searches now!

Not familiar with Swagbucks? Here's the deal:

Swagbucks is a search engine (like Google or Yahoo). You are awarded points randomly (called Swag Bucks) when you search the Internet, answer surveys, watch videos, play games, etc. Once you sign up (it's free!), you can also refer friends and family and earn points from their referrals.

I normally earn my points through doing the web searches only (and really, who doesn't already do that? Why not get rewarded for what you're already doing?). I seem to get points after my third or fourth search and I try to do it once in the morning and again in the evening. When I earn points for a search, they are generally in the 7 - 10 point range. I've also done some surveys and earned a bunch of points very quickly. And every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day, where the odds of winning high-value Swag Bucks are increased.

Swag Bucks are redeemed in the Swagstore. While there are a lot of things to choose from, my favorite item hands down is the $5 Amazon gift card for 450 points. I know, that sounds like a lot of points, right? Trust me, if you commit to doing 2 searches per day, the points can add up quickly. I started using Swagbucks in June 2011 and by the end of the year I cashed in for $45 in Amazon gift cards which really helped with my Christmas shopping. Even after being inconsistent about searching for over 2 months, I already have more Swagbucks than last year.

Interested? Sign up at Swagbucks (remember, it's free) and start earning free stuff!

Amazon gift cards earned in 2011: $45
Amazon gift cards earned in 2012: $55

10/14 - 10/20:Tops trip #2

As much as I had hoped to get over to Tops again yesterday, I just didn't get a chance until today.  I was able to pick up a few cheap deals and freebies while I was there:
8 cans Libby's vegetables - $0.25 each, see noteOn sale 20/$10, used 2 $1 off 4 coupons printed from here
Note: This week Tops rolled out a new "Free For All" game in which certain purchases earn you Gold Anniversary bonus points that can be redeemed for free groceries. Each can of the veggies earned 5 points towards this program. You can learn more about the Free For All game here.  After 2 trips to the store this week, I already 140 points.

8 packages Trans Ocean Crab Classic imitation crab - $0.87 each
On sale BOGO ($3.49), used 4 $0.50 off coupons (double to $1) printed from here plus the $3 Tops store coupon in the ad ($1 off a $7 seafood purchase, $3 off $12, or $7 off $20)

4 Renuzit Tempting Indulgences air fresheners - FREE
Priced at $1.49 each, used 4 $0.75 coupons ("double" to $1.49) I printed off coupons.com just the other day when I saw it pop up on the site but it seems to be already gone (sorry! - hopefully you saw it and printed it)

The total retail cost of this trip was $44.20 and I paid $9.20 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 79%.  My gas discount is now at $2.20 per gallon.

I have a few more coupons I'd like to use tomorrow, so I should hopefully be back with a couple more deals to pass on then.  Happy shopping!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

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10/14 - 10/20 Tops trip #1: free crackers, cheap veggies & more

I can't believe it's already Wednesday night and I'm just sitting down to write about my first trip to Tops this week.  After last week's marathon shopping trips and being sick earlier this week, it seems like it's been forever since I've been to the grocery store!  Here is a look at the things I picked up today:
16 cans Libby's vegetables - $0.25 each, see note
On sale 20/$10, used 4 $1 off 4 coupons printed from here
Note: This week Tops rolled out a new "Free For All" game in which certain purchases earn you Gold Anniversary bonus points that can be redeemed for free groceries.  Each can of the veggies earned 5 points towards this program.  You can learn more about the Free For All game here.

3 Glade Expressions starter kits - FREE
On sale for $1.99 each, used 3 $2 coupons printed from here

1 box Grain Berry crackers - FREE, see notes
On sale 2/$4, used the $2 coupon from the 10/14 SmartSource coupon insert
Notes: Save your receipts and UPCs from Grain Berry and Silver Palate products!  There is a buy 2 products and get a coupon for a free product mail-in rebate in the 10/14 insert (next to the coupons).  Also, there are additional coupons printed inside the boxes as well as rebates for getting free product coupons.  And on a personal note, these have become one of my absolute favorite crackers! :-)

1 box Silver Palate oatmeal - $0.99, see notes from the Grain Berry crackers above
On sale for $1.99, used the $1 coupon from the 10/14 SmartSource coupon insert (FYI: the pancake mix is also on sale at $1.99 and there is a $1 coupon for it as well in the coupon insert)

1 package Jell-o Mix-ins - $0.50
On sale 2/$3, used a $0.50 coupon printed on the inside of a previously purchased package (note: the coupon stated "do not double" but it had a new bar code that the cashier manually entered and doubled)

1 roasting chicken - $3.49 ($0.50/lb.)
Priced at $11.08 ($1.59/lb.), used a raincheck from when they were out of stock at the $0.50/lb. price a few weeks ago

The total retail cost of this shopping trip was $52.46 and I paid $9.43 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of  82%. 

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for me, but I'm hoping to head to the store again for more veggies, Glade, and to use some more rainchecks -- as well as pick up a few other sale items.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping!


Thursday, October 11, 2012

More 10/7 - 10/13 Tops deals: free air freshener

I was so busy today, I wasn't sure I would make it to Tops.  Lo and behold I was able to head over tonight to grab some freebies and cheapies and earn more gas points:
4 packages Oscar Mayer single serve deli meat - $0.50 eachOn sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.50 off 2 coupons (double to $1) printed from here

2 boxes of Betty Crocker potatoes - $0.50 each, see note
On sale 10/$10, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) printed from here
Note: In case you haven't done it yet, activate the $0.50 off 2 eCoupon for these over at SavingStar before you shop. 

4 boxes of Coco Puffs - $0.50 eachOn sale 4/$6, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here (there is also a $0.60 coupon here, plus a $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar you can register for before shopping)

3 Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist starter kits - FREE, see notes
On sale for $1.99 each, used 3 $2 coupons from here
Notes: I received this coupon link for being a member of BzzAgent, so I'm not sure if it's a general link or if it's member specific.  Hopefully it works for you!  Also, Tops' policy is to not give overage but I did receive the full $2 off since the coupons were manually entered by the cashier for the full coupon value.

The retail cost of this transaction was $37.47 and I paid $4.20 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of almost 89% (I also used the $1.25 Catalina coupon from yesterday's shopping trip).  My gas discount is now at $1.80 per gallon.

I have more coupons to use this week, so I will hopefully be back with results from 1 or 2 more shopping trips.  Happy shopping!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

10/7 - 10/13 Tops trip #4: cheap meat & yogurt

Today was such a cold, rainy, and dreary day, wasn't it?  What could be better on a day like this than to stock up on some cheapies at Tops, right? :-)  Here is what today's shopping trip consisted of:
18 cups Yoplait yogurt - $0.37 each, see notes
On sale 20/$10, used 3 $0.40 off 6 coupons (double to $0.80) printed from here
Notes: Before you shop, be sure to activate the $0.40 off 6 eCoupon at SavingStar in order to get money back and make these an even cheaper deal in the end.  Also, my store was out of the Simplait variety, but if you can grab them at your store there were some awesome $0.30 (no longer available -- sorry) and $0.40 off 1 printables here which would make them free (there was also a BOGO coupon in the 8/26 SmartSource coupon insert).  And finally, if you buy at least 16 cups you will get a $1.25 Catalina coupon to use on a future shopping trip!

2 jars of Heinz gravy - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons from previously purchased jars in my stockpile

4 packages Oscar Mayer single serve deli meat - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.50 off 2 coupons (double to $1) printed from here (for some reason, I can't seem to link this coupon directly, but if you scroll through you should be able to find it)

2 bags Green Giant Seasoned Steamers frozen vegetables - $1.00 eachOn sale 5/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here
Note: We ate the Tuscan Seasoned Broccoli tonight with dinner and thought it was delicious!

The retail cost of this trip was $29.95 and I paid $4.12 after discounts and coupons (I also used the $5 Catalina coupon I earned yesterday), for a savings of 86%.  I also have a $1.25 Catalina from the Yoplait that I can use the next time I shop, and I'm up to a gas discount of $1.70 per gallon!





Tuesday, October 9, 2012

10/7 - 10/13 Tops trip #3: Catalina deal

Today was my most expensive Tops trip of the week so far:

2 boxes of Betty Crocker potatoes - $0.50 each, see noteOn sale 10/$10, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) printed from here
Note: I think I forgot to point this out with yesterday's purchase, but there is a $0.50 off 2 eCoupon for these over at SavingStar.  Be sure to activate it before you go shopping!

4 jars of Heinz gravy - $0.50 each, see note
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons from previously purchased jars in my stockpile
Note: These are part of a store promo where you earn 200 bonus gas points when you buy 8 select products.  I like deals like these, but in this case I didn't have enough coupons to make it worth my while to buy 8 products.

4 boxes Fisher Boy fish sticks - $2.00 each, see note
On sale 2/$7, used 4 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: These, along with the veggies below, are part of a Catalina deal: get a $5 Catalina coupon when you buy $20 in select products or get a $10 Catalina when you buy $30.

3 bags Green Giant Seasoned Steamers frozen vegetables - $1.00 each
On sale 5/$10, used 3 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here

The retail cost of this transaction was $45.87 and I spent $14.00 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 69%.  Plus, I have a $5 Catalina coupon I can use on a future shopping trip to lower my out-of-pocket costs.

Believe it or not, I still have at least 2 more trips I'm planning to make this week.  Stay tuned for more shopping results!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Tops trip #2: 10/7 - 10/13

As I mentioned yesterday, I am dire need of cereal. So, I hit the store again today to take advantage of Tops' cereal sale (remember, you must buy in quantities of 4 in order to get the sale price):
4 boxes of Coco Puffs - $0.50 each
On sale 4/$6, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here (there is also a $0.60 coupon here, plus a $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar you can register for before shopping)

4 boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios - $0.50 each
On sale 4/$6, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here (there is also a $0.60 coupon here, plus a $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar you can register for before shopping)

4 boxes of Betty Crocker potatoes - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here

The total retail cost of this trip was $40.68 and I paid just $6.00 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 85%.  Using my 10 coupons today earned me another 100 gas points for $0.10 off per gallon, putting my current total gas discount at $1.50 per gallon.

I'm sure I'll be back at the store tomorrow, so I'll let you know what that trip looks like.  Happy shopping!

Sunday, October 7, 2012

10/7 - 10/13 Tops trip #1: free and cheap cereal

At one point in the recent past, I had close to 30 boxes of cereal in my stockpile.  As of last week, I was down to just a couple.  This week's cereal sale* at Tops couldn't have come at a better time, since I really needed to build up my stockpile again.  Here is a look at my quick trip from this morning:
*Note about the cereal sale: Select General Mills cereals are on sale 4/$6.  You may mix and match the selected cereal varieties, but your total boxes must be in multiples of 4 in order to get the sale price (otherwise they are $2.50 each).

4 boxes of Multi-Grain Cheerios - FREE
On sale 4/$6, used 4 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here

2 boxes of Coco Puffs - $0.30 each, see note
On sale 4/$6, used 2 $0.60 coupons (double to $1.20) printed from here (there is also a $0.50 coupon available here)
Note: Be sure to register your Tops Bonus Card and activate the $0.50 Coco Puffs eCoupon at SavingStar before you shop.  It won't lower you initial out-of-pocket cost, but it will make 1 box a money maker after you cash out your SavingStar savings.

2 boxes Honey Nut Cheerios - $0.30 each, see note
On sale 4/$6, used 2 $0.60 coupons (double to $1.20) printed from here (there is also a $0.50 coupon available here)
Note: Before you shop, also activate the $0.50 Honey Nut Cheerios eCoupon at SavingStar.

2 boxes Fisher Boy fish sticks - $2.00 each, see note
On sale 2/$7, used 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: These are part of a store promo where you will earn a $5 Catalina coupon when you spend $20 in select products or a $10 Catalina when you spend $30.  Had I thought about this more before shopping today, I probably would have worked out a deal for this promo. :-(

The total retail cost of this trip was $45.30 and I paid $5.20 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of over 88%, plus I earned another $0.10 off in gas points (I'm currently up to $1.40 off per gallon).

I'll be headed out for more cereal and other sale items this week, so stay tuned for additional Tops shopping list ideas.  Happy shopping!

Friday, October 5, 2012

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9/30 - 10/6: Tops shopping with Dollar Doublers!

After not doing much shopping in what seemed like eons, I was so happy to get back to couponing this week.  I've been to Tops 4 times so far this week and may possibly hit the store again tomorrow. 

Just a quick refresher about couponing at Tops...We are in a gas points earning period where you can earn 10 points per manufacturer coupon with a limit of 100 gas points from coupons per transaction.  Since I use so many coupons and Tops is very close to home, it is worth it for me to visit the store multiple days throughout the week to take full advantage of their gas points. 

This week's ad also features 4 Dollar Doubler coupons that will double 4 $1 manufacturer coupons with a $20 purchase (after Bonus Card savings, before tax, and before coupons).  I will be honest -- I try to abide by coupon policies and rules, but Tops has me a bit stumped.  Their last policy posted online mentions that when Dollar Doublers are issued, there is a limit of 4 per household per week.  However, the Dollar Doublers themselves make no mention of this and state a limit of 4 per customer.  Since they seem to be contradicting themselves, I made the decision to follow the rules printed on the Dollar Doublers.  Depending on your comfort level, you may or may not agree with this.

Below is the run down of my Tops shopping trips so far this week...

Trip 1:
2 cans Contadina tomatoes - FREE
On sale 10/$10, used the $1 off 2 coupon from the 9/16 SmartSource coupon insert and a Dollar Doubler

2 boxes Quaker oatmeal cookies - $1.00 each
On sale 5/$10, used the $1 off 2 coupon from the October issue of All You magazine and a Dollar Doubler

2 rolls Bounty Basic paper towels - $0.29 each
Priced at $1.29 each, used the $1 off 2 coupon from the 9/30 P & G coupon insert and a Dollar Doubler

6 bags Banquet chicken nuggets - $2.49 each, see notes
On sale for $3.99 each, used 6 $1.50 coupons inside boxes of previously purchased Banquet frozen dinners
Notes: These are part of a gas points promo where you earn an extra 200 gas points when you buy 6 select items.  Also, I did not check at the store to see if any Banquet frozen dinners are still labelled as containing coupons inside, but if they still have them, there are several really good coupons printed in the box and they dinners are on sale this week for $1 each.

1 package refrigerated Jell-o mousse pudding - FREE
On sale 2/$4, used the $1 coupon from the 9/16 SmartSource coupon insert and a Dollar Doubler

The retail cost of this trip was $44.97 and I paid $17.57 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of approximately 61%.

Trip 2:
1 box Hefty slider bags - $0.90
On sale 2/$4, used a $0.55 coupon (doubles to $1.10) printed from here

2 boxes Apple Jacks - $1.00 each
On sale 5/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from being registered here (but they don't seem to be available now - sorry!)

2 boxes Frosted Flakes - $1.00 each
On sale 5/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1)also printed from here

4 boxes Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons printed from Facebook (note: you could use Dollar Doublers with these 2 coupons, but I didn't have any with me on this shopping trip.  I did have a $2 Catalina coupon that was expiring, though, so I used that instead to bring down my total out-of-pocket cost).

2 cartons Bailey's coffee creamer - $0.17 each
On sale 3/$5, used 2 $1.50 coupons no longer available from their Facebook page (sorry!)

The total retail cost of this trip was $31.49 and I paid $5.36 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of almost 83%.

Trip 3:
2 rolls Bounty Basic paper towels - $0.29 each
Priced at $1.29 each, used the $1 off 2 coupon from the 9/30 P & G coupon insert and a Dollar Doubler

2 boxes Frosted Flakes - $1.00 each
On sale 5/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here

4 cans Goya beans - $0.44 each
On sale for $0.69 each, used the $1 off 4 coupon from the 9/16 Red Plum coupon insert

8 cans Campbell's cooking soup - $0.50 each, see notes
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 4 coupons (no longer available to print -- sorry! -- but there is a $0.40 off 3 coupon now available here, which makes them $0.73 after the coupon doubles) and a Dollar Doubler
Notes: If you need a deal on boneless skinless chicken breasts, the big packs are on sale for $1.99 per pound.  In addition, you can earn an additional $2 off the chicken instantly when you also buy 6 select items.  The soups and the pasta below were part of the deal, but I unfortunately wasn't paying close enough to the ad on this trip (I did on the next one, though!).  This purchase also triggered a $1 off 4 Campbell's cooking soups Catalina coupon.

2 boxes Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta - FREE
On sale 10/$10, used a $1 off 2 coupon printed from Facebook and a Dollar Doubler

3 Healthy Choice Baked entree - $0.50 each
On sale 5/$10, used 3 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here

The retail cost of the third trip was $43.09 and I paid $9.89 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of 77%.

Trip 4:

8 Nabisco Go-Packs - FREE, see note
On sale 10/$10, used 4 $1 off 2 coupons printed from here and 4 Dollar Doublers
Note: The coupon excludes single serving size.  I was half expecting to get hassled by a cashier not wanting to accept the coupons on these (for the record, the cashier put them through without question) but for reference the packages state they are 2.5 to 3.5 servings depending on the variety.

4 Campbell's cooking soups - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used $1 off 4 Catalina from my previous trip

1 box (10-ct.) Brillo pads - $0.89
On sale for $1.99, used a $0.55 coupon from the 9/30 SmartSource coupon insert (note: the coupon states "do not double" on it, but it automatically doubled when scanned)

2 boxes Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used a $1 off 2 coupons printed from Facebook

1 bag Earthbound Farms organic carrots - FREE, see note
Priced at $1.49, used a $0.75 coupon ("doubles" up to $1.49) from being registered on their website
Note: The coupon is good for any Earthbound Farms product.  I noticed they also had some Apple Crunchers (I think that 's the name) snacks on sale 10/$10, which would also be free with the coupon, but I needed carrots.

1 Healthy Choice Baked entree - $0.50
On sale 5/$10, used a $0.75 coupon (doubles to $1.50) printed from here

4.04 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts - $6.04 ($1.50 per pound)
On sale for $1.99/lb, plus I had $2 taken off my bill automatically for buying 6 select products (the Campbell's soup and Ronzoni pasta)

The retail cost of the fourth trip was $47.35 and I paid $11.47 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of almost 76%.

Overall, this was great week for me. I paid $44.29 for $166.90 worth of groceries, which is a savings of 73%.  It certainly made getting back into the couponing game very rewarding and fun for me. :-)

Happy shopping!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

I'm back after a long hiatus!

I can't believe how long it's been since my last blog post.  After having a very busy summer and being able to eat out of my pantry and freezer (with the exception of a few items like milk, bread, and fresh produce) and avoid grocery shopping, I'm back to my typical shopping and couponing habits!  I've made a few trips to Tops this week, so I'll be back later to update you on some of this week's good deals.  Stay tuned for this week's purchases! :-)