Great surprised today!  No “love-letters” or we call it BILLS in the mailbox, but a box from P&G company.

When P&G has special sampler requests online I sign up to receive free coupons and samplers — great way to try new products before purchasing regular size at the store.

I am so excited!  Love getting FREE stuff in the mail!  There were list of FREE samples I could request, but I wanted only the things  I would use now or in near future — try to live a clutter free life!  LOL

Anyhow … here are the things I received:

Always pad – one (1) ct

Crest Complete Toothpaste

Dawn Power Clean dish-washing liquid

Downy UnStoppables – in-wash scent booster

Pampers Cruisers – one (1) diaper

Pampers Sensitive wipes six (6) ct

Scope Dual blast mouth wash — 44 ml (1.49 fl oz)

One (1) coupon booklet including:

$2.00 OFF ONE Pampers Diapers or Pants (exclude trial/travel size)
$1.00 OFF ONE Cascade Action Pacs (exclude trial/travel size)
$1.00 off ONE Charmin TP (exclude trial/travel size)
$1.00 OFF ONE Downy Liquid Fabric Softener or Unstopables (exclude trial/travel size)
$1.00 OFF ONE Crest Toothpaste 4 oz or larger
$0.50 OFF ONE Dawn (exclude trial/travel size)
$1.00 OFF ONE Ultra Druacell (exclude trial/travel size)
$5.00 OFF One Gillette Fusion Proglide Razor or Cartridge Pact 6ct or larger (exclude trial/travel size)
$2.00 OFF ONE Gillette Fusion Pre/Post Shave (exclude trial/travel size)
$1.00 OFF ONE Gain Detergent or Fabric Enhancer (exclude trial/travel size)
$5.00 OFF ONE Olay Professional Pro-X Facial Moisturizer
$2.00 OFF ONE Swiffer (exclude trial/travel size)
$2.00 OFF ONE Vicks Products (exclude trial/travel size)
$1.00 OFF ONE Oral B Pulsar, 3D White, Pro Health Complete or Any TWO Indicator or Cavity Defense Toothbrushes (exclude trial/travel size)
$0.50 OFF ONE Pampers Wipes 60ct or larger
$1.00 OFF ONE Scope Mouthwash 710 mL or larger (exclude trial/travel size)
$0.75 OFF ONE Oral B Satin Glide Floss (exclude trial/travel size)

Most of these coupons are similar to what you see on P&G Inserts from Sunday Paper, but coupons I received via mail had longer expiration date!

Still very excited here!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

It’s that time of year where people will stock up on pop (or soda) products to face holidays, BBQ, and/or get togethers.

Of course … this is the perfect time for coupon counterfeiters to deceive and victimize couponers, manufacturers, and stores by distributing fake coupons.

Many of you already know counterfeit coupons are on the rise, and these scam artists are getting smarter and smart … making it harder to detect “fake coupons.”

Here are the latest fake coupons circulating the market listed by CIC:

Gatorade ($4.50 vaue), exp 8/3/2012, Bar-code: 0052000-000967
Coca-cola, (Any Size – FREE), exp 4/30/2012, Bar-code: 0049000
Coca-Cola, ($2.00/any one 6-pk), exp 3/30/2012
Pepsi, (One 2-liter – FREE), exp 12/31/2012, Bar-code: 0012000-112661
Non-perishable Counterfeit Coupons:
Dove(Unilever), $2/1 on any, exp 8/28/2012
Air wick, $4.50/1, exp 6/26/2012, Bar-Code: 0062338-7773407
Glad, $1.75/1 any, exp 6/26/2012, Bar-Code: 0046500-306235

Just remember … if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is!

Don’t be a victim!

For a complete list please check outCoupon Information Corporation!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

There has been so many articles and blogs talking about pros and cons of having stockpiles for couponers.

In my opinion … there are more pros than cons. Before I can talk of pros I have to tell you that coupons changed my life for good.

Long before using coupons I would shop at Sam’s Club thinking I am getting the best price if I shop at bulk-stores.

Every month I would take my hubby and pick up bottled waters, paper towels, toilet papers, coffee, creamers, rice, pastas, meats, produce, and etc leaving between $250 – $400 at the checkout lane. Of course, this does not include going to the regular grocery stores – probably every other day to pick up little things here and there throughout the month.

After discovering COUPONS I would pick up all the things I would usually pick up at Sam’s Club at fraction of price at Dillons and Gerbes.

Unfortunately, I can’t completely take out Sam’s Club out of my shopping trip equation because I have not found cheaper alternatives. For instance, I cook only basamati rice at home, but buying them at regular grocery store is out of the question — a container of basamatic costs around $10, but I can pick up 20 lb of rice sack at Sam’s for only $17 … math adds up here.

In addition, my hubby is very picky with his coffee creamer, and only creamer he likes is International Delight French Vanilla creamer pumps — one pump equal 1 creamer singles. Before discovering creamer pumps he would go through a bottle of liquid creamer in 4-5 days (yes … we do drink lots of coffee at home), and with that math I would probably hash out around $14 – $20 in creamers. At Sam’s I would pick up a pump for $10 and will last a whole month! Once again … math adds up here as well.

With all that said … I have discovered a negative side to having a well-stocked and well balanced stockpiles!

According to many articles I have read online, many think couponers who stockpiles are hoarders, creater of unnecessary spending, broke (we don’t have the money to spend), and etc. You probably know what I am talking about here …

Anyhoot … you might be wondering, especially to couponers, what I might consider negative to my own stockpiles. Well … the answer is … SNACKING!

Since I have all kinds of snacks (chips, cookies, fruit bars, candy, and etc) I keep on going to my stockpiles and eating them! I know I should have some sort of self-control, but when I have taste for something I just get out of my chair and go to my stockpile room.

If I didn’t have a bag of chips I wouldn’t dream of driving to the store, or to gas station, to pick up a bag of chips, but since it’s so readily available in my house I keep on attacking my stash! AND the stash is winning because I have gained extra eight (8) pounds! LOL

So … there it is.

I found a con for having a stockpile! It’s snack-lover’s paradise!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

I used to spend tons of money at the grocery store shopping for fruits and vegetables.

In our house … fruits and vegetables NEVER go to waste!  Almost all planned meals I cook at home, are served with some sort of vegetables included in it, and my kiddos go through bags of apples, oranges, strawberries, and etc like potato chips!

I honestly cannot complain because there are so many kids not wanting to consume fruits and vegetables, and many parents struggle with this problem with their children.  There are also so many cook books teaching parents how to “secretly” include vegetables in their cooking.

I have never done this, but it really sounds like its a lot of work; however, if you have no choice then “secretly” adding vegetables (so kids don’t know its even in there) is a fair game for a picky-eater.

Before starting coupons I freely went to the grocery store to pick up whatever vegetables and fruit we needed at home.  Of course, my youngest one has the most expensive fruit preferences: i.e. blueberries, black berries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and etc.  If I let that child choose … this “Berry-Loving” child will eat pints and pints of berries!

When I shop for berries I open all the packages up, wash them, and put it in a large easy-to-open plastic containers; so whenever the the kiddos want to eat they can open themselves and add it to their cereal or yogurt and just eat it by itself.  One day, my “B-L” child managed to take the large container out of the fridge and ate the whole thing!  YES … about $20 worth of blueberries at one sitting!

I started to laugh, but worried that much berries will irritate the stomach!  I was prepared for the worst … a blowout of mass destruction in the bathroom!  However, nothing happened … no belly aches, diarrhea, or anything!  I am still dumbfounded by this phenomena!

Back to my point … I used to spend close to $100 a week on vegetables and fruit.  Of course, when we have company it would double or even triple; which was unacceptable when I had to control my grocery budget.

Even after purchasing produce when it is on sale I couldn’t bring down the grocery bill, and telling my kiddos they can’t have fresh fruits and vegetables were out of the question … I would rather cut budget on some other areas so I can provide necessary balanced diet.

So … I shop most of my produce at Aldi’s Food Store.  Few of my friends “phooied” the idea … shopping at a discount food store was out of their comfort zone.  Well … not me.  I have no shame and they actually have really great produce section!

I have been shopping at Aldi’s for over a year now, and I absolutely adore their price and quality of their produce!  I have not had, yet, a bad experience, and everything fresh!

As of now I only spend around $50-$60 every two weeks or $100-$120 a month in comparison to $400-$500 a month shopping else where.

Yes … I will still pick up few things here and there at Gerbes (Dillons) or HyVee, when it’s on sale or not worth the gas to go out of my way to pick up a container of mushrooms, but majority of produce purchases are done at Aldi’s.

I went to Aldi’s this morning and shopped $52 worth of produce.  My fridge is full (had to put extra melons and oranges in the downstairs fridge), and doesn’t even include potatoes, lemons, and onions.

With my little detective work … this much produce, I picked up at Aldi’s, would cost me over $137 (and some change) if I shopped at Walmart or HyVee or even at my beloved Gerbes!

With that said … I don’t usually pick up other grocery items because I can get brand-named products at Gerbes at much cheaper prices (when I buy them when they are on sale along with utilizing my coupons); however, no one can really beat Aldi’s produce prices unless other stores are running a very special produce sales.

If you have not yet shopped at Aldi’s then you have to check it out!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Gerbes and Dillons took Huggies wipes (soft packs) off the shelf for few months now.

At the time I was informed that The Corporate Office wanted them to take them off the shelf – it was either for discontinuation purpose or repackaging design purpose.  Either way, Huggies Wet Wipes at Gerbes were on sale, at a closeout price, for $1.19 a pack to $0.99 a pack (depending which store you went to).

I managed to pick up couple of packages, but other shoppers beat me to it … this lady actually took box full of wipes!  I was really bummed out when I heard it.

Anyhoot, Dillons and Gerbes are carrying these wipes now … it’s been a very popular item at the store because every single time I go to the store there’s only 3-4 wipes left!  Thank goodness I pre-ordered them, and now I have enough wipes for the family.

When I picked up these wipes I really didn’t pay attention to the packaging, but the individual package seems to be lighter!  I didn’t really notice the real difference until I got home and did some comparing and contrasting.

I guess peanut butter and cereal companies are not the only ones decreasing its product sizes.  SavvyMom’s, Same Price but Less Product, described how companies are packaging less per product for same price.  For instance, Kellogg’s breakfast cereals went from 14.5 oz to 12.1 oz, and Edy’s Ice Cream from 1.75 quarts to 1.5 quarts for same price; which in turn you are paying more per oz!

So, Huggies companies are doing the same thing.  Less product for same amount of money … bummer!

Here are the comparisons from the Old Wipes to New Wipes by Huggies:

I know the differences are very little, but they have cut 16 wipes out of a packaging (or 128 total wipes in a box of eight) and individual wipes are not as thick as the older one.  However, I have noticed that the hard case wipes hasn’t changed a bit … YET!

With that said … I am still thankful that Gerbes and Dillons are carrying them because they are one of the few stores here that still doubles coupons!  Yeah!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Gas prices are on the rise – AGAIN!

I might sound old (I honestly sound like my grandma now), but we freaked out when gas prices hit $1.29 a gallon!  I can’t believe it has reached $3.50 a gallon today!

I remember just driving aimlessly around town or going to the city to go shopping or get something to eat, but now I have to think two or three times before I leave the house!

I remember my husband and I packing up our restless babies into their car seats and drive until they fell asleep?  This would take 10 minutes to an hour, but we did it because it was only way for them to fall asleep.  I don’t know how new parents can afford these trips today!

Like many of you I have been trying to cut unnecessary costs to weather out current economic situation.  I didn’t go see a financial adviser or attended seminars or anything like that, but rather looked into our financial situation and tailored our own ways to eliminate unnecessary costs.

Just by cutting out wasteful spending, that has not improved our living conditions what-so-ever, I have managed to save $38,000 a year; this does not include other small costs like gas, music/video downloads, impulse purchases and etc.

Personally, for me, the notion of “I have to cut back” or “I can’t have it” or “You can’t afford it” makes me want things more and get more fixated on the negativity – it’s in a human nature.

So … here is a little game I play, by myself, to trick my negative thinking process.  I know this may sound really juvenile, but this really works for me.

I used to go through lots of gas per week.  Even though I don’t physically go to an office I would put a commuter’s mileages to my car … best case scenario I would put around 250 miles a week, but usually would put around 1,200 to 1,300 mileages a month!  That is a lot for a woman who does not work outside, and drives only around the town!

Yes, I am the main transporter of my children – to school, to their extra curriculum activities, to the library, to grocery stores, to the mall, and etc.  However … I have to come out clean here … I did make many unnecessary trips because I was not organized what-so-ever, and/or was just too bored to stay home (in turn just shopping stuff at the mall or at the grocery store).

I am a type of person who gets really anxious just being in one place for a long period of time (like couple of hours), and I have to do something all the time.  I don’t literally have to drive around, but I would start a painting job or start vacuuming or cleaning the kitchen or go outside and do yard work … it’s something and anything I can physically do!

Well … it got to a point where I was spending way too much money on gas.  At one point my husband had to fill up my car every four (4) days … that is a lot considering the gas prices has surpassed the $4.50 mark!  As you can assume my hubby was really annoyed!  He is a type of a person who can’t say “NO,” but I actually pushed him to that end!

Anyhoot … I made up my mind that I was going to get more organized and start acting like an adult!  No more impulse trips … making wiser trips … get more organized … start thinking!

It has been a year since I made that decision, and has worked out beautifully!  I sometimes amaze myself!

1.     Have a weekly Gas budget.

I have a weekly gas budget of $25 a week!  PERIOD!  Depending on the gas price, usually $25 will fill up the tank between half (½) a tank to little over half (½) a tank, and takes me between 125 miles to 147 miles a week.  I play a game to see how far I can go with a ½ tank of gas before the light comes up!  I am such a dare-devil!

2.    Take advantage of “fuel-economy” function!

Since my car has “eco” driving mode I utilize that tool like a hawk!  I stopped gunning the car to save gas, and I try to keep my speed at a constant speed to further my gas mileage.  I was really skeptical with this, but it actually makes a huge difference.  At one point I went as far as 182 miles on $25 fuel budget!  AWESOME!!!

3.  Making Wiser Trips.

Make one (1) “longer” trip than many small trips.  We live in the out-skirt of the town so it usually takes good 15-20 minutes to get into the town (time depends on the traffic), so making many small trips to town is not really efficient.  So .. if I do need to stop at a grocery store or to the mall I will ONLY make that trip if I have to run out of the house: i.e. dropping the kids off to their destinations or picking up kids from school.  In another words, it has to be on my way, and will not take extra detours.

4.    Full use of School Bus Transportation.

No more picking up the kids from school because they don’t want to take the bus home.  I used to wait, usually 30 minutes, in the parking lot to pick up the kids from school because they beg me to pick them up.  I used to give up rather easily, but unless I HAVE to pick them up I make them take the bus.  These unnecessary trips saved me tons of money!

5.    Plan … Plan … Plan!

When I do my weekly grocery shopping I actually plan out my trips so I don’t detour extra mileages.  It is carefully calculated so I scoop around town rather than driving back and forth and adding extra mileages.

6.    More walking!

Not only this is beneficial, but I used to drive the kids to in-door activity places to keep them entertained.  Not only this was getting expensive, but we have a community park nearby, two (2) minute walk from our house, and we have play-set, sandbox, and other fun stuff at our own backyard!   I finally got off my lazy butt, and are more health and wellness conscious for the family.

7.    Entertain At Home!

Entertainment at home is more fun and comfortable than meeting friends at a fast-food joints.  Not only fastfoods are unhealthy, but this eliminates me from driving to that destination as well.  This is naughty, but I entertain and invite them to our house, so I don’t have to drive!  Sorry … my friends!

All-in-all, little changes like this made me stay in target and reached my goals without making any “real” sacrifices!  Not only it made us make healthier choices and eliminate impulse purchases (from sheer boredom to shop at the mall), but we all have been more conscious of the environment.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Couponing has become much more difficult than ever before.

With increasing coupon usage in America to survive (or for recreational uses – if you fit into this category) stores and manufacturers have instituted more restrictions.

As a trained economist, I totally agree with stores and manufacturers placing tougher coupon policies because at the end of the day these institutions have to survive by make profit … making it “even” “breaking eve” is not acceptable!

However, as a human-being, I sympathize with people who heavily depend on coupons to put food on the table.  Unfortunately, with these group of people, use of coupons are not a recreational purpose but a necessity.

I have two acquaintances who shops ONLY once a month to feed their families … one acquaintance has to feed 5 people in her family, and the second acquaintance has to feed a family of three.  You might think once a month shopping isn’t bad, but the truth of the matter is that they cannot spend more than $150 a month!

I am very fortunate and do not have such restrictions, but how about other people who aren’t as fortunate as I am?  However, with couponing and prioritizing our family’s needs and wants I managed to saved over $38,000 a year!

Use of coupons isn’t anything new.  I remember clipping coupons every Sunday morning with my parents, when I was young, but it wasn’t thought as “trendy” or a mainstream phenomena.

Use of coupons heavily increased by the TLC show called “Extreme Couponing.”  Who wouldn’t try couponing?  In EC shows, couponers can buy $1,000 worth of groceries for mere $50 or much less!  You would be silly not to coupon; right?

Unfortunately, these events are highly unusual … which in turn … EXTREME.  Normal people don’t save 95% plus savings … and normal people don’t shop $1,000 worth of groceries.

These shopping trips are carefully manipulated by the production company, and individuals (or groups) itself.

There has been many backlash from other couponers because EC participants have broken rules (following manufacturer and store coupon policies) and cheated stores to acquire groceries … in my personal opinion “stealing.”

Societal rules haven’t changed … when you are not following rules to acquire things then you are “stealing.”

I know I sound very harsh, but it’s the truth.  We teach our kids, at a very young age, to become law-abiding citizens to live in a fulfilled life; how about people bending rules to put stuff into their grocery cart?

I guess I can go on and on about this, but the bottom-line is that people like that makes couponing more difficult.

Stores, near where I live, are instituting more coupon rules … limiting number of coupons you can use in a transaction, limiting the number of coupons they will double, and limiting number of products you can get in a transaction.

Above restrictions are “workable” in my book, but the looks and attitudes I get from other shoppers and cashiers really bothers me … to this day.

Non-coupon users assume people use coupons because they can’t afford things; however, it is not the case at all!

People spend hours and hours trying to cut their spending budgets by changing cell-phone carriers, buying generic medicines and health & beauty products, driving less to save on gas, trading down (or up) to more fuel-efficient vehicles, and going out less to restaurants and bars.  So … why not coupon?

Ever since I have been couponing … I haven’t really cut down on our daily life activities and/or luxuries.  Actually, we are eating healthier/better and I have become very creative with meal planning with my own ways of stretching budget friendly meals tips.  The money I am saving at the grocery stores are making up for the difference.

So … not only I am buying healthier products at the store (which in turn allowing me to serve my family heathier meals), but I am putting less stree on my husband (a sole income provider).

Unlike other couponers, from EC shows where they put 30 plus hours into their couponing, I only spend 2 hours (max) to get my coupons organized and get my grocery shopping list done.  Remember … smart couponing starts with you!

I don’t let coupons run my life … coupons are supposed to enhance your life!

So … just remember, don’t expect to shop like Extreme Couponers, like in EC shows, because you will be disappointed.  Shop for things you will need and use, and have reasonable goals … saving 50% or better.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

As many of you know … Kroger is my favorite grocery chain.  Well … we don’t have a Kroger store per say, but I do shop at a Kroger daughter company Dillons/Gerbes.

Here is how Kroger store is broken down.  Kroger store was first opened in 1883, by Mr. Kroger, at 66 Pearl Street in downtown Cincinnati with a simple motto … “Be particular.  Never sell anything you would not want yourself.”

After being in business for over 100 years, Kroger merged with Dillon companies Inc. in Kansas to “… become a coast-to-coast operator of food, drug and convenience stores (Kroger).”

In 1999, Kroger teamed up (or merged) with Fred Meyer, Inc. creating ” … a supermarket chain with the broadest geographic coverage and widest variety of formats in the food retailing industry (Kroger).”

As of 2011′s 3rd Quarter report, there are 2430 stores nation wide, and Kroger grocery stores operates under below banners:

1.  Supermarkets:

• Kroger
• RalphsDillons
• Smith’s
• King Soopers
• Fry’s
• QFC
• City Market
• Owen’s
• Jay C
• Pay Less
• Baker’s
• Gerbes
• Scott’s Food & Pharmacy

2.  Multi-department stores:

• Fred Meyer

3.  Marketplace stores:

• Dillons Marketplace
• Fry’s Marketplace
• Kroger marketplace
• Smith’s Marketplace

4.  Price-impact warehouse stores:

• Food 4 Less
• Foods Co.

Ok … enough with a history lesson!

I do almost 90% of my grocery shopping at Dillons/Gerbes because of their generous coupon policies, and competitive prices.  Honestly, many of the times they have the best prices in town … PERIOD!

Of course, I will go shopping at HyVee and Walmart when (and if) Dillons/Gerbes do not carry particular things I would need and want; however, most of the times Dillons/Gerbes will have them in stock.

In addition to their coupon policies and competitive prices I receive additional coupons, or Dillons and Gerbes Mailer, from Dillon’s Corporate office since I shop there so much.

Not only it’s a wonderful surprise (refreshing break from receiving bills or we call it “the love letters”), but these coupon values are really generous: i.e. free product coupon or B1G1 or store coupons, and etc).

Anyhoot … I was reading the ad couple of days ago and came across a statement saying Kroger Family of Stores are “Most Generous Company in America” as recognized by Forbes Magazine.

Well … that got me really curious … I know they are generous with coupon policies (doubling coupons) and home-mailer coupons, but what else?

So … I went to Forbes online Magazine to do little reading.

According to the article American Companies That Give Back the Most, by Susan Adams, Kroger … “gave away 10.9% of its $589 million in 2009 pre-tax profits, amounting to $64 million.”

To distinguish relevance and meaningful generosity of companies, Forbes made two list categories … 1) Generous in their cash donations, and 2) Most cash as a raw number.

Here are the results.

Generous in their cash donations:
First Place — Kroger
Second Place — Macy’s (8.1% or $41 million of 2009 profit)
Third Place — Safeway (7.6% or $76.5 million of 2009 profit)

Companies that gave away the most cash as a raw number:
First Place — Walmart ($319 million or 1.45% of sum)
Second Place — Goldman Sachs ($315 million)
Third Place — Wells Fargo ($219 million)

I thought this article was very interesting,and one major thing I love about Kroger’s generosity is to food bank called Feeding America.  Kroger does both donate cash and food, “… equivalent of 125 million meals a year, to food banks (Adams).”

We are one of the lucky ones  because we can still manage to wave out the tough economic circumstances, but I personally (friends and acquaintances) know there are many families who are struggling to put food on the table for their families.  These families heavily depend on local food banks to keep them afloat, and I give kudos to Kroger!

According to Lynn Marmer, Kroger’s vice president of corporate affairs, stated “Food stamps only provide about a half a month’s worth of food.  Food pantries have seen their volume not just double but quadruple (Adams).”

I really do try my best to support our local food banks (via donations and cash), and I think many more citizens and companies should participate in this program.

After reading this article, I am more of a fan of Kroger company.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

I love getting FREE samples and coupons, but I am always careful which website I sign up for.  For instance, many companies will sell your personal information such as your name, email address, home address, your phone number, and etc.

This is one of the main reason why I don’t sign up with small, off-shelf websites … just the fear, especially, of giving out my home address and stuff.

When I do sign up to receive freebies I always read disclaimers stating that they will NOT sell your personal information.  Yes … it’s not fool proof, but I want to know they will not profit from my personal information.

With that said … I signed up with P&G website to receive online offers and promotions.  In the past I received valuable, high value, coupons and free samples through mail.  Occasionally, P&G will have extra ordinary promotions going on so I always check it out to receive goodies.

Below are the list current promotions happening right now; so sign up with P&G website, and your goodies should arrive within the next four to six weeks

Sample offers and Promotions:

Sample of Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Extra White and Scope Dual Blast Toothpaste + Coupons

Sample and $1 off Coupon for Downy Liquid Fabric Softener and Unstopables

Samples and Coupons for Pampers Cruisers Diapers

Sample and Coupon for Dawn Power Clean

Free Sample of Always Maxi LeakGuard Plus with Odor Lock

Prilosec OTC (if you qualify)

$1 off ONE Coupon for Cascade ActionPacs

$1 off ONE Charmin Coupon

$1 off ONE Charmin Fresh Mates Tub Coupon

$5 off ONE Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor or Cartridge Pack (6 ct or larger) Coupon

$1 off ONE Ultra Duracell Coupon

$5 off ONE Olay Professional Pro-X Facial Moisturizer Coupon

$1 off ONE Gain Detergent or Fabric Enhancer

$2 off ONE Vicks product Coupon

$2 off ONE Swiffer Coupon

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

After hearing all the good things about the FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES, from my friends and neighbors, I finally got the courage to eat lunch there with my family.

It’s not like I was scared of eating restaurant foods, because I really do enjoy eating out, but reluctant to eat ground meat.  Here is my problem … I love the texture of meat, but I do NOT enjoy the taste of meat.

Let me clarify little bit more because I thought I was the only crazy one with this “problem,” but it’s more common than not.

When I say I don’t enjoy the taste of meat means that I don’t want my “meat” to taste like meat.  I know it defeats the purpose because the whole point of eating meat is to enjoy the taste of meat; right?

Personally for me … the meat flavor reminds me of raw meat … smell of blood!  Yuck!

So … there is my dilemma … I don’t want my meat not tasting like meat!  It’s it crazy isn’t it?

Back to my point … people have been ranting and raving about this burger joint!  The best burger … the best fries … blah, blah, blah!

Well … I have to disappoint the company and my friends … I didn’t think it was all that great!  Yes … it’s superior than McDonalds or Burger King burgers, but it didn’t have the “WOW” factor.

Here are the pros:

1.  Food came very fast

2.  Very structured menu (this is also negative and will be discussed further in the cons section)

3.  Food was steaming hot!

4.  Fries, especially the Cajun ones, were delicious

Here are the cons:

1.  No children’s menu available (so it’s really not family friendly to me).

2.  Very limited items on the menu.  I know this place is a burger joint, but I thought they would have some sort of chicken sandwiches or something.  However, they do have vegetarian menu, but not for chicken lovers … guess, you have to go to Chick-Fil-A for that.

3.  There isn’t any combination menu items … everything is ala cart so it does get expensive.  For instance, you have to order burgers, fries and a drink … so there isn’t any combination price saving.

4.  EXPENSIVE!  For example, we paid $42.00 (and some change) to feed family of four (two adults and two kids).  I was really in a shock, but told myself these burgers are supposed to be AWESOME!  I honestly wouldn’t have mind paying $42 if the food was great, but I personally didn’t think it was $42 great.

5. This specific joint we went to was rather on the dirty side.  Having white floor does come with extra up-keeps, and this particular franchise didn’t do their diligence to keep the place clean.  Also, the tables weren’t wiped down; so I had to use my handy Chorlox wipes to clean the table and chairs down.

All-in-all, I wouldn’t go back there to eat again.  Not only it was really expensive, but the ambiance wasn’t that great.

By no means I am bashing ALL FIVE GUYS joints, because I have not been to every one of them, but this particular one we went to wasn’t up to my expectations.  Maybe I went there with higher expectations (because of raving reviews) or something, but I wouldn’t spend another $42 again.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Nothing new when it comes to security tags on clothes or electronics or DVD/CD’s or expensive bottle of wine/liquor, but food?

There are strong correlations between recession and shoplifting: i.e. stronger the recession the greater the number of shoplifting happens.

Of course, shoplifting occurs at any time, but there are higher fluctuation increase during recession.  For instance, Stephen doughty from MailOnline (in United Kingdom) stated in his “This recession is clearly beginning to grate …” article, “The most frequently-shoplifted commodity … is not jewellery or computer games, … but cheese.”

One of the main reason why people in UK are stealing cheese is because it is very expensive (if you ever bought quality brick of parmigiano-reggiano you know how expensive they are), but also it’s also very quick to sell.

According to Bruce Crumbley, in TIMEWORLD, shoplifting rose over 6% or loss of $115 billion for businesses.  These “…new shoplifters are … middle-class people who are walking off with French cheeses, quality meats, cosmetics, mobile phones, clothing and other goodies that they feel they need to maintain a quality of life they can no long afford.”

So … where am I going with this?  Well … today was my grocery shopping day so I went to Gerbes to pick up groceries for the week.  After bringing home my groceries I force myself to unpack everything and put it into specific locations; also, I had to individually pack my meat into different meal portions.

While I was ripping the plastic wrap off from my ground beef I noticed a little tag behind price tag.  I looked it for few minutes, but nothing was registering in my head … didn’t get enough sleep last night so I was little bit brain dead!

Anyhoot … it finally dinged on me!  It was a security tag!  I couldn’t believe my eyes!  I have been buying meat at Gerbes for over a year and never saw a security tag!  Honestly … it was cheap cut of meat … ground beef!

I understand if the stores are putting these little devices to expensive cuts of meats, but ground beef?  This should tell us all how tough the time is when the grocery stores are forced to track their merchandises.

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Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Thankgoodness I received a call from Dillons Corporate Office, yesterday, regarding product recall information.

The automated phone message informed me that the manufacturers have recalled Excedrin, NO DOZ, Gas-X and Bufferin … all codes!

According to the Dillons and Gerbes website, including Dillons company, the ACTIVE RECALLS are for (below information are directly from their website):

January 13, 2012

- EXCEDRIN PM EXPRESS GETL, 80 CT
- EXCEDRIN PM EXPRESS GEL, 20 CT
- EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE CAPLETS, 50 CT
* note: CLICK HERE to read full information

January 9, 2012

- NO DOZ\MAXIMUM STRENGTH CAPLETS, 60 CT
- EXCEDRIN P.M. TABLETS, 125 CT, 100 CT
- EXCEDRIN PM CAPLETS, 50 CT
- EXCEDRIN TENSION HEADACHE CAPLETS, 100 CT
- EXCEDRIN TENSION HEADACHE EXPRSS GEL, 20 CT
- EXCEDRIN P.M. TABLETS, 24 CT
- EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE EXPRESS GEL CAPLETS, 20 CT
- EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE CAPLETS, 24+6 CT BONUS PACK, 24 CT
- EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE CAPLETS, 100 CT
- EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE CAPLETS, 200 CT
- GAS-X PREVENTION CAPLETS, 20 CT
- NO DOZ MAXIMUM STRENGTH CAPLETS, 36 CT
- EXCEDRIN TENSION HEADACHE CAPLETS, 125 CT, 100 CT
- EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE GEL TABLETS, 24 CT
- EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE CAPLETS, 125 CT BONUS PACK, 100 CT
- EXCEDRIN P.M. TABLETS, 100 CT
- NO DOZ MAXIMUM STRENGTH CAPLETS, 16 CT, (C) 1 EACH
- EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE GEL TABLETS, 100 CT
- EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE CAPLETS, 24 CT
* note: CLICK HERE to read full information

January 8, 2012

- EXCEDRIN BACK & BODY CAPLETS, 100 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH CAPLETS, 100 CT
- EXCDRN EXTRA STRNGTH TABLETS, 200 CT
- BUFFERIN REGULAR STRENGTH TABLETS, 130 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH TABLETS, 50 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH EXPRESS GEL CAPS, 80 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH TABLETS, 24 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH CAPLETS, 50 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH TABLETS, 100 CT, 30 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH CAPLETS, 24+6 CT BONUS PACK, 24 CT
- EXCEDRIN BACK & BODY CAPLETS, 24 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH CAPLETS, 24 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH TABLETS, 8 CT, 8CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH CAPLETS, 125 CT, 100 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRNGTH EXPRESS GEL CAPS, 20 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH TABLETS, 24+6 CT BONUS PACK, 24 CT
- BUFFERIN LOW DOSE TABLETS, 130 CT
- EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH TABLETS BONUS PACK, 125 CT, 30 CT
* note: CLICK HERE to read full information

I picked up two boxes of Excedrin a month or so ago, but I don’t mess with recalls so I went to local Gerbes/Dillons store and received full refunds!

So … if you have any of these products listed above please go to your local retailer, where you bought it from, and receive your refunds!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

I have been debating if I should go to Schnucks to take advantage of their weekly 10/$10 sales.

Usually, I wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of these great sale items because I would utilize the price-match guarantee policy at Patricia’s.  However, since Patricia’s grocery store recently changed their coupon policies, AGAIN, to … AD PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE, from other stores, IF SAME ITEM(S) IS ON THEIR WEEKLY AD.

What does that mean?  Let me give you an example.  Schnucks has sale on StarKist tuna packs for $1.00 each.  In the past, Patricia’s grocery store would price match it to $1.00 and get as many as you would want.  However, because consumers, extreme couponers, started to empty out the shelves (and taking 20-30 products at a time) the store limited to six (6) item price match.

OK … back to my point … NOW, since Patricia’s ad does NOT have StarKist on their weekly sale ad the store will NOT price match it for you.  Moreover, hypothetically, if StarKist was on sale for $1.25 on their weekly sale ad and Schnucks had them for only $1.00 a piece then Patricia’s will price match to $1.00 a piece rather than their ad price.

So … there is my dilemma now.  First and foremost, picking $1.00 item sales at Patricia’s is out the window because of their new price-match policy; but I dread going to Schnucks.

Not only Schnucks limit 3-like coupons to double to $1.00 (anything over 3 coupons will not be doubled and taken at its face value), but they will not allow you to make multiple transactions.  You would literally have to come back the next day to take advantage of their sales and abide by their coupon policy.

I honestly wouldn’t go back day after day … it’s ridiculous!  I like couponing, but not to a point where I will spend more money on gas to save few bucks!  Also … I personally feel that Schnucks employees are not as friendly as they claim to be.

I have no problem shopping at other stores because I am a nice persona and always abide by the store’s policies; but Schnucks employees always made me feel like a criminal (Actually, I know few people who feels the same way and have been treated negatively) because they inspect coupons like you are trying to rip them off!  Another story … another time!

Anyhoot … so instead of making myself uncomfortable and don’t want to endorse stores who have been treated me awfully I decided to spend extra money at Gerbes and purchase my tuna from them.

Even though the tuna packets were $0.25 higher than what Schnucks were advertising I rather spend little bit more to make myself uncomfortably!

So with that said … I am all about saving money, but I will not jeopardize my dignity and/or comfort level.  I rather do business with people who appreciate me as a person and a customer … so … I am boycotting Schnucks now!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

My family and I went to visit the family last week, and unfortunately none of them coupon; so I was left alone.

That wasn’t the worst part … I paid FULL retail price at the grocery store!  I know I should be ashamed … Boo-hoo.

My youngest sibling doesn’t coupon at all, frankly she doesn’t have to, because most of the times they go out for dinner (between her schedule and her husband’s schedule they don’t have time to cook).

So … there I was thinking five times before I put anything into the grocery cart.  AND there is my little sister grabbing stuff off the shelf and putting it in the cart … Have I become hopelessly depended on coupons?

Well … by the time we checked, at the grocery store, my sister hashed out close to $100.  We didn’t buy anything fancy … nothing glorious!  I almost started to scream (in my head I was yelling like a mad woman) because we only purchased about 12-15 items!  Can you believe it?  Honestly, I was ready to pull out my coupon organizer and hand out the coupons; but I knew that would drive my sister crazy so I kept quiet!

Thank goodness we don’t do this often because paying full price on things is out of the question for me!  Ahhhh … I am still screaming!

Anyhoot … since we have been back I have been itching to go back to Gerbes store to do some couponing.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything worthwhile to purchase, but at least I went to the store and saved money!

This morning I purchased 45 items retailing little over $125.00, but paid ONLY $47.89 with my smart couponing skill; which saved me $77.90!  It’s little bit higher than usual, but I stocked up on canned drinks including Canada Dry, Sierra Mist, and etc (purchased 8 boxes of different pop for the holiday, and for my hubby).

I feel so much better now that I saved money at the grocery store, and fed my coupon hunger!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Which newspaper has the most coupon inserts?  Well, as most of you know … different papers will have different coupon inserts: i.e. varieties, selections and value itself.

Major metropolitan areas papers will have higher value coupons because of the living cost.  Living cost includes, but not limited to, higher food costs, higher utility bills, taxes, rental costs, and etc; so manufacturers distribute higher value coupons to major metropolitan areas in comparison to rural areas.

With that said … I think rural area’s food/grocery prices are competitive with major metropolitan areas because everything has to be shipped.  I am not saying everything is the same, but fruits and vegetables are expensive, sea food is definitely expensive, and we don’t have as much selections as big towns.

In addition, great meat coupons are very hard to come by; never mind finding produce coupons.

For example, my family from Florida couldn’t believe how much I was spending on fruits and vegetables when they came in town to visit us.  They knew it was expensive, but from my calculation I was paying about two times more than what my family was paying in Florida.

Reason?  We have to pay for shipping charges.  Most of the fruits and vegetables are grown elsewhere and the transportation costs are calculated into product; never mind the fact that we were not eating the “freshest” fruits and vegetables.

Most of these fruits and vegetables are transported right before it reaches its ripeness (to get the most flavors out of the produce) so by the time the produce reaches its destination it will ripen.  BUT … it’s not the same … you don’t get the “best” flavors … but, what are you going to do; right?

Cutting grocery bills and couponing for real people are hard .  I don’t believe in buying unnecessary things because you wind up hoarding “stuff,” and coupon rules and policies have drastically ever since Extreme Couponing show have become so mainstream.

So what must a person do?  I try to save much money as possible on pre-packaged items and health/beauty products (cans, rice mix, pasta sauces, spices, toothbrushes/pastes, body washes, and etc.) so I can distribute my savings to purchase fruits, vegetables, and meat for my family.

It’s all about give and take process.  It’s just mastering it that takes time.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

It has been estimated that every year Americans throw away around $57 billion worth of coupons.

Increase in coupon usages are highly correlated and influenced with consumer purchasing behaviors, mergers/consolidations of both manufacturers and retail grocery chains, and economic conditions.

However, the actual usage of coupons are not determined by the availability of coupons by manufacturers (values might change but usage will be determine by shoppers), but rather economic conditions.

For instance, in 2001, manufacturers reduced their advertising costs, promotional spending, and etc to improve their short-term bottom line; however, consumers still saved over $3 billions with coupons in that same year.

It’s a given fact that in sluggish economic conditions people are forced to modify their lifestyles to survive: i.e cutting cable bills, decreasing entertainments, modifying electricity and gas bills, and etc.
Unfortunately, you can only cut so much of your living costs, especially on things that are out of your control, thus the only plausible way to decrease your spending is through your grocery budget.

Things haven’t changed … this isn’t anything new.

Let me give you an example.  When my parents were buying their first house, 40 some odd years ago, they mainly ate homemade french onion soup with some ground beef in it.

They laugh about it today, but they managed to save up enough money in ONE year to make a sufficient down-payment on their first house as a husband and a wife.

This story will live through us, the kids, but I don’t think I can make that kind of sacrifice … I guess it’s a different generation mentality!  I guess I will stick with coupons, and still save some money!

Back to my point … according to Valassie, in 2010, shoppers saved $3.7 billion by using coupons, which is a 5.7% increase from 2009 (JPS).

According to JPS Press Release … “Overall, 87.7% of all coupons were distributed in 2010 in the free-standing insert … a 37% increase in the number of digital coupon offers.”

Moreover, NCH’s Consumer Survey further discovered ” … that frugal consumer shopping habits as a result of the recession continued in 2010, maintaining overall high consumer coupon use and an increasing regularity of coupon use.”

Here is the percentage breakdown of coupon usage fluctuations in a graph …

Thus, shows like Extreme Couponing on TLC became so popular TV show in an American household because it shows viewers how little people can spend on their grocery bills.

According to TV by the Numbers, EC show delivered “1.7 M P2+ viewers, ranking the network #1 in Prime for all ad-supported cable among W25-54 and #2 among W18-49, W18-34, excluding NBA playoffs.”  In another words, women between ages 25-54 and #2 among women 18-49 in age, and women 18-34 in age diversification.

On average 2.0 million people are watching this show to date, and “posted double-to-triple digit gains in ratings and delivery us TLC’s 2011 to date Prime average among all key demons …”

I personally have to say that this show is quite addictive because I just can’t wait to see how much these shoppers are saving; however, many shoppers on this show have faced numerous criticisms due to their questioning couponing methods and tactics.

I do not endorse nor criticize people who shops in massive quantities … it is all up to the shopper themselves.  However, I do criticize couponers abusing coupons fraudulently because it trickles down to rest of us who follow rules, policies, and enforce good couponing etiquette.

Couponers who abuse coupons do NOT understand that their short-term gain will have a long-term negative backlash to all couponers by manufacturers, retailers, and fellow shoppers.

With that said … don’t abuse coupons because many law-abiding couponers depend on coupons to save money and put meals on their dinner table.  It’s really unfortunately, but times are still tough for many families.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

According to Coupon Information Center (CIC), “Even if there is not a direct criminal penalty involved, both coupon buyers and sellers open the door to potential litigation when they buy or sell coupons because they are in violation of the “non-transferability” clause printed on all coupons distributed within the United States.”  Also, you might be obtaining fake or counterfeit coupons.

Even if the seller’s are making claims that they are not re-selling coupons for monetary gain, but are charging “YOU” for their time, service and shipping does not protect them from any legal actions.  Rather, “such statements suggest that the sellers know that their coupon sales are inappropriate and wrong (CIC: Buying Coupons)”

Wow … how scary is that?  This whole thing reminds me of when Napster Company was facing lawsuits, and law enforcements cracking down on music/movie/software down-loaders.

Here are some following rules and suggestions to  coupon etiquette:

1)  Stores are not legally obligated to accept your coupons; Period.  It is up to individual store’s discretion to accept or decline coupons.

2)  Follow manufacturers coupon restrictions and limitations.  For instance, if coupon states “LIMIT 4-LIKE COUPON” then you are bounded by their rules to do so.

3)  Avoid using expired coupons because stores might not get reimbursed from the manufacturers; which in turn will make couponing more difficult.

4)  Overages are based on individual store’s or retailer’s policy.

5)  Photocopying coupons are a big NO-NO, and it is a criminal offense.

6)  Coupon decoding is considered as a fraud/shoplifting because you are not using coupons other than what the coupon was intended for.  Coupon Maven, from Jill Cataldo, broke down the show EXTREME COUPONING when Jaime Kirlew committing fraud on TV.  The funny thing was that I was watching this particular episode and didn’t catch it because “normal” people don’t shop like that … very interesting article.

7)  Stealing newspapers are theft and you can face a felony charge.

8)  You CANNOT buy extra coupons from a newspaper carrier.

9)  You CANNOT resell your stockpiles in garage sales or online ads.  Not only you are violating terms and conditions of coupons you used, but it also violates local health codes.

10)  Dumpster diving in a “private” property can lead to trespassing charge.  It is highly not-recommended because of possible physical injuries.

Now … here are the coupon etiquette:

1)  Please be polite to your cashiers!!!  I have not had a real bad experience with cashiers so far (I am always polite to them and return they are polite to me), but I have seen some crazy couponers going-at cashiers; especially the young ones!!!  So … that is not nice.

With that said … I think there are lot more rude cashiers than couponers.  I have had a cashier, at Walmart, who was lecturing me about coupons.  For instance, I bought two Rimmel makeup and one Revlon makeup, and use three coupons … two for Rimmel and one for Revlon.

Next thing you know this male cashier looked at me and scold me by saying “you know you have to buy two of Rimmels … you know that?”  Thank goodness I was having a good day because I looked at him with a smile and told him … “yes, I bought two Rimmel and one Revlon.”  He then huffed and said I’ll let it go!  What?  Can you count?  Well … I better stop because I can feel myself all worked up again, but that was my worst experience there.

2)  Don’t clear out selves.

3)  Don’t take all peelies, blinky or tear pads in stores … please share with others!!!

4)  Making multiple transactions might be inappropriate to take advantage of store’s generous policy to purchase many items.

5)  Be organized … don’t let cashiers and customers wait in line to figure out and sort out your coupons.

6)  If you are a heavy coupon users please shop at off-peak hours.

7)  Set an example … “most couponers are simply smart shoppers … unfortunately, the inappropriate actions of a few extreme couponers inaccurately portray couponers in a bad light (CIC: Etiquette).”

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

After hearing about this store and carefully doing my calculations it made sense for me to drive up-town to pick up few things; of course, the sale and savings muct exeed to cover the gas costs.

Three major perks of Patricia’s are: they double coupon up to a dollar, there are no coupon limits, and they price match competitor’s ads.

In the past I would pick up few things at Schnucks, when they have great sales, but they limit like-coupons to three and you cannot make multiple transactions.

The customer service lady specifically informed me that I had to come the next day to use more 3-like-coupons … sorry, not going to drive back and forth to save $0.50!  So, Patricia’s have become one of my two favorite stores!!!  Yeah!!!

With that said … Patricia’s having great frozen vegetable sales!!!  I managed to pick up 23 bags of WestPac Frozen vegetables and dish detergents.

Westpac Frozen Vegetables are on sale for $0.99, but the real good blends and selections are not part of $0.99 deal; however, I managed to pick up quite a few selections of frozen vegetables.

Here are few selections I managed to pick up from the store this morning:

3 – Seasoning Blend (onions and pepper blend)
5 – Mix Vegetables
5 – Cut corn
5 – Stew Vegetables
5 – Sweet Peas

Also, managed to pick up two bottles of Dawn Dish detergent that were priced at $1.09 a piece.

Coupons used:
$0.35 on any FLAV-R-PACK or WESTPAC product 9/19/11 SS (exp 12/31/11)
$0.50/1 Dawn 10/30/2011 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2011)

Balance before coupons and tax: $26.10
Coupons: $18.10
Tax: $0.30
OOP: $7.15
Savings in percentage: ~74%

With all the coupons I used I ONLY paid $0.29 a bag of frozen vegetables, and $0.09 a bottle of Dawn Detergent!

What a DEAL!!!!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Please note that selections and variations will differ by geographic/regional locations, and selections and variations will vary based on individual stores.

Meat Sales:

Alaskan Cod Fillets $5.99/lb

Assorted Pork Loin Chops $2.49/lb

Atlantic Salmon Fillets $5.99/lb

Bar-S Lunch Meat $5.49

Boneless Bottom, Eye of Round or Sirloin Tip Roast $3.49/lb

Boneless Top Sirloin Steak (B1G1 – up to $9.49/lb)

Cook’s Whole or Shank Half Hams $1.69/lb

Ground Round $2.69/lb

Hebrew National Beef Franks in a Blanket $9.99

Johnsonville Brats or Italian Sausage $3.99
$1/1 Johnsonville Italian Sausage Links or Ground 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$0.50/1 Johnsonville Italian Sausage 10/16/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$0.50/1 Johnsonville Italian Sausage 9/18/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)

Kroger Bacon 2/$7

Kroger Buffalo chicken or Party Wings $1.97/lb

Kroger Lunch meat 2/$5

Kroger Meals Made Simple Side Dish 2/$5

Kroger Shrimp $4.99/lb

Kroger Spiral Sliced Ham $2.29

Kroger Value Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs $1.79/lb

Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked or Turkey Bacon 2/$6

Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat 2/$5

Oscar Mayer Wieners 2/$4

Tyson Fajita Strips 2/$5

Other Great Sales:

Cheez-It Crackers $2.39
$1/2 Sunshine Cheez-It 9/18/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/13/2011)

Coca-Cola Soft Drinks 3/$11

Dillon’s Large 18 ct Eggs $1.88

Duracell Batteries $4.44
$0.75/1 Duracell Batteries Kroger eCoupon
$0.75/1 Duracell Batteries 10/30/2011 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2011)
$0.50/1 Duracell Batteries 10/30/2011 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2011)
$0.50/1 Duracell Batteries 10/16/2011 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2011)
$0.75/1 Duracell Batteries 10/16/2011 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2011)

Green Giant Frozen Vegetables 10/$10
$0.50/2 Green Giant Steamers Frozen Vegetables 10/2/2011 GM Insert (exp 11/26/2011)
$0.60/3 Green Giant Frozen Boxed Vegetables 10/2/2011 GM Insert (exp 11/26/2011)

Kroger Frozen Vegetables 10/$10

Nature Made Vitamins or Supplements (B1G1)
$3/1 Nature Made CoQ-10 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/6/2011)
$1/1 Nature Made Vitamin D 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/6/2011)
$1/1 Nature Made Vitamin D 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/6/2011)
$1/1 Nature Made Vitamin B 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/6/2011)
$1/1 Nature Made Product 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/6/2011)
$1/1 Nature Made Fish Oil 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/6/2011)

Pampers Diapers or Easy-UPs Training Pants $9.49
$2/1 Pampers Cruisers Diapers Kroger eCoupon
$2/1 Pampers Easy Ups Trainers Kroger eCoupon
$2/2 Pampers Diapers bags, $2/1 Diapers or Pants 10/30/2011 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2011)

Pillsbury Cinnamon, Crescent Rolls or Grand Biscuits $1.88
$0.50/2 Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls Kroger eCoupon
$0.50/1 Pillsbury Grands! Sweet Rolls 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 1/28/2012)
$0.40/2 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls or Grands! Sweet Rolls 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 1/28/2012)
$0.40/2 Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 1/28/2012)

Purex Landry Detergent $3.99

Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue $5.99

Ritz Crackers 2/$4

Sparkle Paper Towels $5.99
$1/1 Sparkle 6 Big Roll Pick a Size Kroger eCoupon
$1/2 Sparkle Paper Towels 10/9/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/19/2011)
$0.50/1 Sparkle Giant Roll Paper Towels 9/25/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2011)

Sundown Vitamins or Supplements (B1G1)
$2/1 Sundown Naturals Fish Oil or Co Q-10 11/6/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/20/2011)
$1/1 Sundown Naturals Vitamin or Supplements 11/6/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/20/2011)
$1/1 Sundown Naturals Vitamin or Supplement 10/2/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/16/2011)
$1/1 Sundown Naturals or Marvel Heroes Vitamin Kroger eCoupon

MEGA SALES (when you buy any 10 – Mix and Match):

Annie’s Natural Macaroni & cheese $0.69

Armour Meatballs $1.99

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Beverage $1.99
$1/2 Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk 10/16/2011 SS Insert (exp 1/31/2012)
$0.55/1 Blue Diamond Almondmilk 8/7/2011 SS Insert (exp 11/30/2011)

C&H Granulated Sugar $2.49
$0.35/1 C&H Organic or Raw Sugar 8/28/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/25/2011)
$1/2 C&H Sugar Products 8/28/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/25/2011)
$0.75/1 C&H Granulated Sugar 8/24/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/25/2011)
$0.40/1 C&H Organic Sugar or Washed Raw Sugar 8/28/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/25/2011)

Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup $0.49
$0.25/4 Campbell’s Condensed Great for Cooking Soups 11/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 1/15/2012)
$0.25/4 Campbell’s Condensed Great for Cooking Soups 10/9/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/15/2011)
$0.25/4 Campbell’s Great for Cooking Soups 9/18/2011 SS Insert (exp 11/30/2011)
$0.25/4 Campbell’s Great for Cooking Soups 9/18/2011 SS Insert (exp 11/30/2011)

Cheetos or Fritos $1.99

Cool Whip (frozen) $0.88

Del Monte Tomatoes $0.79

Del Monte Vegetables $0.49

Doritos $1.99

Dove Chocolate Candy $1.19
$0.55/1 Dove Promises Chocolate All You Dec 2010 (exp 12/26/2011)

Edwards Pie $4.49

Freschetta Pizza $4.99
$1/1 Freschetta Artisan Pizza Crust 9/25/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)

Ghirardelli Brownie Mix $1.79

Healthy Choice Entree or Steamers $1.86

Heinz Gravy $0.75
$3/1 Butterball Turkey WYB (4) Stove Top, Heinz

Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunch Meat $2.77
$0.75/1 Hillshire Farm Deli Carvers Lunchmeat 11/6/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$0.35/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat 10/16/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/12/2011)
$1/2 Hillshire Farm Lunchment Packages 10/16/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/12/2011)

Honest Tea $0.75

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter $1.79
B2G1 Buy 2 I Can’t Believe Products Get Free Bread
$1/1 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Tub Product
$1.50/2 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Products

Imagine Organic Broth $1.99
$1/1 Imagine Broth, Stock, Soup, or Gravy 10/16/2011 SS Insert (exp 1/31/2012)

International Delight Coffee Cream $2.29

Johnson’s Baby Care $2.49
$1/1 Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil Product 11/6/2011 RP Insert (exp 1/15/2012)

Kashi Pizza $4.29

Kellogg’s Cereal $2.74
$1/3 Kellogg’s Cereals 10/16/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/27/2011)

Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks $1.19

Kraft Salad Dressing $1.79

Kroger Singles Cheese $1.49

Krusteaz Cookie Mix $1.79
$0.50/1 Krusteaz One Step Muffin Mix 10/9/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)

Land O Lakes Butter $2.49
$1/2 Land O Lakes Fresh Buttery Taste Spread 10/16/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$0.50/2 Land O Lakes Butter 10/23/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$0.50/1 Land O’Lakes Fresh Buttery Taste Spread 10/16/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)

Land O Lakes Half & Half $2.29

Listerine Mouthwash $3.79
$0.50/1 Listerine Total Care Zero Anticavity 10/9/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$1/1 Listerine Zero Anticavity Mouthwash 10/9/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$1/1 Listerine Total Care or Advanced 10/9/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$1/1 Listerine Smart Rinse or Reach Toothbrush 10/9/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$1/1 Listerine Products 10/9/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$2/1 Listerine Total Care Zero 10/9/2011 RP Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$1/1 Listerine Mouthwash 7/31/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$1/1 Listerine Smart Rinse OR Reach Toothbrush 7/31/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$1/1 Listerine Mouthwash or Reach Kids Toothbrush 7/31/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$1.50/2 Listerine Mouthwash and/or Reach Products 7/31/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$3/3 Listerine Mouthwash AND Reach Products 7/31/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
$0.50/1 Listerine Mouthwash OR Reach Product 7/31/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)

Marie Callender’s Entree $1.86

Marie Callender’s Fruit or Cream Pie $4.49

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider $1.99

Maxwell House Coffee $8.49

Ocean Spray Craisins $1.99

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce $0.99

Ocean Spray Juice Cocktail $2.31

Oreo Cookies $2.48

Oscar Mayer Complete Lunchables or Sandwich Combo $2.49

P.F. Chang’s Skillet Meal $7.49

Pepperidge Farm Bread or Dessert $1.99

Pepsi Soft Drinks (2 liter) $0.99

Pop-Tarts $1.19

Quaker Cereal $2.74

Red Baron Pan Pizza or Pasta $4.99

Rockstar or Amp Energy Drink $0.99

Scotch-Brite Scrub Sponge or Easy Eraser $2.49
$0.50/1 Scotch Brite Botanical Disinfecting Wipes 10/16/2011 SS Insert (exp 11/30/2011)
$0.75/2 Scotch-Brite Scrub Sponge 10/9/2011 SS Insert (exp 11/30/2011)

Smartwater $0.50

Stove Top Stuffing $0.99
$3/1 Butterball Turkey WYB (4) Stove Top, Heinz

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix $0.99
$1/3 Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa 10/2/2011 SS Insert (exp 11/14/2011)

U by Kotex $2.99

V8 Vegetable or V-Fusion Juice $2.31

Velveeta $5.49

Vitaminwater $0.50

Happy Shopping Everyone!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Went this afternoon to pickup my pre-ordered goodies, and few of the MEGA sale stuff.

What can I say … I am a sucker for a good deal!

My total was close to $200.00 (before sale prices and after taxes), but managed to bring it down to under $50.00 … a savings of 76%.

I was so excited I screamed down to my hubby to check out what I got!  I am still doing the Couponing dance!

Here’s my shopping trip items (prices listed below are sale prices):

40 Kandoo wipes (pre-ordered a week ago) @ $1.00 each
20 Huggies Wet wipes (pre-ordered a week ago) @ $1.99 each
2 loaf of Sara Lee Bread @ $1.99 each
5 cans of Swanson Chicken Broth $0.49 each
1 box of organic Spinach @ $2.89
8 packs of Dan-o-nino’s Yogurt @ $1.49 each
2 boxes of Lipton Onion Soup Mix @ $0.99 each
3 bags of Spainish Rice @ $0.89 each
11 Carmex chap-sticks @ $1.00 each
2 jars of Ragu Alfredo Sauce @ $1.26 each
2 bags of Kroger Frozen Peas @ $1.00 each
1 package of Carefree panty liner @ $1.09 each
2 bottle (2 liter) Sierra Mist $ 0.99 each
1 jar of Hellmann’s mayo @ $3.15 each

Total Cost before using my Plus card and coupons, and after taxes not adjusted yet was $193 (and some change).

Total Coupons used: $83.77
Total Store Coupons: $54.61
Total Saving: $138.38
Total Savings in Percentage: 76%

OOP cost: $45.90 (includes taxes)

I have discovered that Kandoo wipes are great for removing eye make, and great to travel with.  Also, going to share my wipes with a friend of mine who is expecting their 3rd child.

Yeah for Coupons!!!

Forgot … managed to get “$5.00 off on your next visit” printout at the register … so I guess I spent only $40.00!

Happy dance!!!!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Well … we all knew it was going to happen.

Coupon policy at Gerbes, which is a daughter company of Dillons, on Broadway location, has instituted few changes to protect their customers.

The customer service rep was very friendly and sympathetic to the changes, but their reasons to change few rules are to protect ALL of their customers (including couponers).

I know many of you have gone to the grocery store and discover shelves being totally emptied out!  Not only this inconvenience really mess up with your plans (especially if’s MEGA sale items where you are required to purchase specific number of products), but it also means that you have to make another trip to the grocery store.

This happened to me more than once and it can be quite annoying.  I had to wait extra 3-4 days before the next shipment comes to the store, and the coupons you were going to use may have expired.

Thank goodness the changes are not major, and guidelines are quite simple to work with.

Things that stayed the same:
1.  They will still double coupons up to a $1.00
2.  You CANNOT stack coupons: i.e. cannot combine e-coupons (or digital coupons) to the paper manufacturer’s coupons.
3.  The e-coupons (digital coupons) will go through first so be careful what kind of digital coupons you load onto your Gerbes Card.

Things that has changed:
1.  There are limits … you can use 5 like coupons per transaction.  The store limits the “like coupons” is to avoid shelf clearing.
2.  There are NO overages.  For instance, if you buy something for $0.75 and have a coupon for $0.55/1 the coupon will double up to the value of the product (not $1.00); which is $0.75.
3.  Coupons starting with “9″ and “7″ bar code will not double up to a $1.00.  The computer will read it and will not allow doubling process … Period.
4.  Coupons that say “DO NOT DOUBLE” may not double even if the bar codes may start with “5.”  It’s up to the computer program … so you might be taking a chance and the cashier will not automatically double it into the register.

With all that said … honest couponers, like myself and many of you, are left with repercussion of inconsiderate couponers.

I really do try my best not to clear out the shelves … if I have more than 10 like items I always pre-order and PICK IT UP.  For instance, I pre-ordered and picked up 20 Huggies Wet Wipes (and received $5.00 CAT even though I didn’t buy diapers).  Apparently there has been lots of people pre-ordering and not picking them up as well; which in turn the store has to eat the extra merchandises.

With that said … couponing allows me to stretch my grocery budget (but also it is fun as heck), and to make my life easier; however, I do NOT coupon to make money off stores (i.e. you see on Extreme couponing show that a lady goes out the store with $150 gift card).

I honestly understand why Gerbes store decided to modify their coupon policies; anything extreme will have an impact … in this case coupon policy change.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

The concept itself is simple … you clip the coupons you want (and need) then take it to the store to redeem it … but effectively getting the most value out of the coupon is the key to smart couponing.

Like most of you, who started couponing, I had experienced the frustrations and disappointments that came with coupon; never-mind the feeling of being overwhelmed.

I used to buy 10 newspapers to get coupons, and used to clip and cut all those coupons because according to the ladies on the Extreme Couponing you buy things (you may not really need) to get overages.  For instance, a bottle of salad dressing is at the Manager’s Special or Clearance rack for $0.25, and you have a coupon for a $1.00.  You might not want this particular brand, but your store allows overages of the difference between the coupon value and the product price; so you stock up.

I had a coupon organizer binder full of inserts, and let me tell you it was HEAVY!  The funny thing was that I would pass along the products my family and I don’t use them anyway; so why in the heck was I clipping coupons I don’t need and carrying them around?

After trial and error and really prioritizing my family’s needs and wants the couponing process made sense one day.

First and foremost, I do not buy things I don’t need or want … PERIOD!  Not having or stocking up on products I don’t need make my stockpile room more organized and intrusive to my family.  I just feel (my personal opinion) that it is ridiculous to have piles of products after products stored in children’s bedrooms or spare room or bathrooms and etc.

I have one dedicated area to store all the extra merchandises … a storage room.  Yes, I do have product-specific merchandises located outside the storage room: i.e. toilet papers in the linen closet, hair products in the bathroom vanity, pastas and other pre-packaged groceries in the pantry, and etc.  With that said … those merchandise belong there anyway; so I am not being intrusive to my living-space.

So … here are my tips and suggestions to smart couponing.

1.     Prioritize what your family need
2.    Don’t believe the TV show!!!!!!!  Many Extreme couponers on TV has been scrutinized by bending and breaking the couponing rules!  Don’t be one of them!!!
3.    Don’t set your mind on getting things for FREE!!!  This point is important because when I started couponing I was so determined that I will get all the things for FREE that I was really missing out on sales!!!!!  Tell yourself … if it is FREE then it’s awesome, but I know I have to spend some money on my grocery bill!!!!!
4.    Be patient.  Just because you have a coupon does not mean you have to use them right now.  Wait until price hits the bottom … for instance, where I live the best and the lowest price you can get Heinz ketchup (this is a family size bottle) is $1.49.  So don’t wait or wish it to go down because you will be losing out on the sale.  The more you coupon and the more you pay attention to the sale cycles the better shopper you will become!
5.    Do your calculations at home to see how much you will be spending in the store AND stick with the list!!!!
6.    Make sure to pay attention to the register (so the price rings up correctly), and count the number of coupons as the cashier scans.
7.    Make sure to double check your receipt!  It has happened to me more than once … so it’s important to double check your receipt before you leave the store!
8.    Use the larger value coupons at store that do not double your coupons; unless the store that double have specials on them!  I always use the higher value coupons at Walmart and HyVee.
9.    Finally … have a reasonable expectations and goals!  People will spend 20-30 hours in couponing; I think that is silly!  Between jobs, kids, husband, commitments, and etc I will be lucky to have 2 hours to myself never mind trying to find coupons!

Couponing should make your life easier, and help with your grocery budget; however, don’t let the coupons run your life!!!!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Finally, Dillons Weekly Ad (and Gerbes as well) includes many great MEGA Sale event items!

As well as you know individual stores and regions have different product selections and variations, even though the same brand of product maybe on sale.

Selections and variations are due to geographical locations and the size of the stores (i.e. bigger metropolian areas will have bigger stores; thus larger array of selections).

Also, other factors include laws, taxes, deposit requirements, and distribution costs to individual locations (states); which in turn will affect selections and price of products itself.

With all that said … even though I do my homework by preparing my grocery list with proper coupons attached to it there are many instances where I couldn’t use my coupons because the particular selection is NOT part of the sale items … a bummer!!!

This morning, I made a little trip to Dillons/Gerbes to pick up items that are on sale and also check out what other items are on sale.  I scored big on many staple and necessity items: i.e. pasta sauces, canned goods, bagged meat, and Kleenex.

Just to make your couponing little bit easier … at my Dillons/Gerbes store Kleenex MEGA sale included the Soft Touch boxes.  This is a new Kleenex product in the market, and usually it runs between $1.49 – $1.89 a box.

Luckily since it was a part of MEGA sale item I picked up 11 boxes … perfect timing because all my kids are having runny noses!  Let the coughing, sneezing, and drooling begin!  I am ready!!!!

In relations to Campbell’s soups … cream of mushroom and chicken are on sale for $0.49 each (mix and match 10 items), but other soups are on sale for $1.00 (it is part of 10/$10 sale).

Other than that … this week’s ad is pretty straight!

Happy Hunting!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Went to Gerbes (store under Dillons Grocery Store Division) has an awesome MEGA sales!  There were so many things to grab!  I felt like a little kid in a candy store.

I controlled myself and strategically listed my grocery items, and tried my best to stay on track.  I did relatively well!

Here is what I picked up:

11 – KLEEXES Soft Touch
1 dozen EGGS
3 – packages of Peppridge Farm Garlic Bread
2 – Imagine Organic Chicken Stock
8 – DAWN Dish Detergent
4 – pks of Hormel Turkey Pepperoni
2 – SoftSoap
2 – Stove Top Stuffing
2 – Land o Lakes Butter
2 Ax Body Spray
2 – Hillshire Turkey Meat
8 Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
8 – Cans of Cream of Chicken Soup
18 – jars of Ragu Spaghetti Sauce
1 loaf of Sara Lee Wheat Bread

Total (before sales tax and store reward card): $159.84

Total Saving (coupons and store sale): $103.56

Total (coupons and tax adjusted): $50.28

Saved about 2/3′s of total grocery store bill … so happy!

My stockpile is getting full again, and finally managed to pick up few Turkey Pepperoni for $2.00 a pop … a huge saving!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

ONE (1) 12 bottle pack Kroger Green Tea $3.50
SAVE $1.00 on Kroger Tea – CAT printout
Paid: $2.50 (or $0.21 a bottle)

2 – GUM Crayola Toothbrush (2 toothbrushes in a pk) @ $1.00
$0.75/1 GUM Toothbrush 8/7/2011 RP Insert
Paid: FREE

2 – Oral-B Toothbrush @ $1.00 each
$0.50/1 Oral-B or Crest Manual or Zooth Power Toothb 10/30/2011 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2011)
Paid: FREE

Lipton Tea @ $1.00 each
$1/2 Lipton Natural Ice Tea Bottles 9/11/2011 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2011)
Paid: $1.00 (or $0.50 a bottle)

Nature Bounty Vitamins @ $4.48 each (B1G1 Sale – $2.24 each)
SAVE $2.00 Nature Bounty Vitamins – CAT printout
$1/1 Nature’s Bounty Vitamin or Supplement 10/16/2011 RP Insert (exp 11/30/2011)
Paid: $1.48 or $0.74 a bottle

Fresh Gourmet Crispy Onions $1.99
$0.55 off Peelie on the bag (did not double though)
Paid: $1.44

Excedrin PM Gel Caps $4.99
$3.00 OFF – CAT printout
Paid: $1.99

Excedrin Extra Strength Capsols @ $3.26
$2.00 OFF – CAT Printout
Paid $1.26

Carmex Lip gloss @ $1.00 each
Save $0.30/1 Carmex Lip Balm 10/30/11 insert
Paid: $0.40

2 – Dawn Dish Detergents @ $1.49
$0.50/1 Dawn 10/30/2011 P&G Insert (exp 11/30/2011)
Paid: $0.98

2 1/2 lb of bananas $1.16

3 lb Gala Apples $1.49

Total after tax (and before q’s): $48.91
Total After Coupons: $15.02
Total Saving: $33.89

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Here is the upcoming sale starting this Wednesday.

Check it out, and there are LOTS of amazing sales!  Yeah!

Please remember that selections and variations will differ by geographic/regional locations, and selections and variations will vary based on individual stores.

10 ITEM MEGA EVENT (SAVE $5 when you guy any 10 participating items):

Annie’s Natural Macaroni & Cheese $0.69
Bertolli Skillet Meal or Oven Bake $5.79
Best Blend Oil $2.99
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Beverage $1.99
Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna $0.79
C&H Granulated Sugar $2.49
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken soup $0.49
Carefree or Stayfree $1.99
Cedarlane Entree $2.49
Chili Master $0.87
Colgate 360 or MaxFresh Toothbrush $1.99
Colgate Total Advanced or MaxWhite Toothpaste $1.99
Cool Whip $0.88
Dannon Yogurt $1.49
Del Monte Tomatoes $0.79
Del Monte Vegetables $0.49
Dial or Tone Body Wash or Liquid Soap Refill $2.69
Doritos $1.99
Edwards Premium Pie $4.49
Eggo Waffles, Pancakes or French Toast $1.98
Excedrin Pain Reliever $6.99
Freschetta Pizza $4.99
Fusion ProGlide Power Cartridges $15.49
Healthy Choice Entree or Steamers $1.86
Heinz Gravy $0.75
Hellmann’s Mayonnaise $3.15
Hillshire Farm Deli Select Lunch Meat $2.77
Honest Tea (16.9 oz) $0.75
Hormel Chili with Beans $0.87
Hormel Pepperoni $2.49
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter $1.79
Imagine Organic Broth $1.99
Kashi Pizza $3.99
Kashi Waffles $2.49
Kellogg’s Cereal $2.74
Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks $1.19
Kleenex Facial Tissue $0.99
Klondike Frozen Treats $2.49
Kraft Natural String Cheese $2.49
Kraft Singles $2.49
Kroger Salad Dressing $0.99
Land O Lakes Butter $2.48
Lipton Recipe Soup Mix $0.99
Marie Callender’s Entree, Pot Pies or Flavor Steamers $1.86
Marie Callender’s Fruit or Cream Pie $4.49
Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider $1.99
Maxwell House Coffee $8.49
Melitta #4 Cone Coffee Filters $2.99
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce $0.99
Ocean Spray Juice Cocktail $2.31
Oreo Cookies $2.48
Oscar Mayer Complete Lunchables or Sandwich Combos $2.49
Pam Cooking Spray $2.99
Pepperidge Farm Bread or Dessert $1.99
Pepsi Soft Drinks $0.99
Pop-Tarts $1.19
Pringles $1.00
Pure Life Water $3.49
Quaker Cereal $2.74
Ragu Pasta Sauce $1.26
Red Baron Pan Pizza or Pasta $4.99
Smartwater $0.50
So Delicious Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert $3.49
Stove Top Stuffing $0.99
Swanson Broth $0.49
Swiss Miss Hot cocoa Mix $0.99
Tony’s Original Crust Pizza $1.79
V8 Vegetable or V-Fusion Juice $2.31
Vitaminwater $0.50
Wesson Vegetable $2.99

Other Great Sales:

Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent 2/$7
Cheez-It Crackers $2.39
Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue $5.99
Crest Toothpaste 10/$10
Dr. Pepper soft Drinks (12 cans) 3/$10
Green Giant Vegetables 10/$10
Kroger Vegetables 10/$10
Lipton Natural Tea 10/$10
Minute Maid Orange Juice $2.49
Oral-B Cavity Defense Toothbrush 10/$10
Pepsi Soft Drinks 3/$12
Progresso Soup 8/$10
Ruffles Potato Chips 2/$5
Sara Lee Homestyle Pie $3.99
Snuggle 2/$7
Sparkle Paper Towels $5.99
StarKist Chunk Light Tuna $0.69
Stouffer’s Entree $5.99
Tostitos Tortilla Chips 2/$5
Yoplait Yogurt 10/$6

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

From cans to meal helpers to bottles to bags … it can be quite tricky; how you can use all of them before it reaches its expiration date.

In my family, especially my husband who is quite anal when it comes to expiration dates, makes sure he looks at the expiration dates before he uses them.  For me?  Well, I feel comfortable using them two (2) weeks past the product’s expiration date.  Of course, I am talking about cans and meal helpers; things that are already prepackaged for long shelf-life stability products.

With that said … when I add more products onto my shelves I make sure to rotate them.  Making sure that the earliest expiration date is always in the front; also, controlling who goes in-and-out of the stock-room helps as well!

I know people who takes their inventory system quite seriously: i.e. maintaining excel sheets and/or scanning bar codes to upload information into the computer program and etc.

I guess I am lazy and/or don’t have enough stuff to maintain that strict of inventory system; but I personally believe it’s too much of work.

I ONLY buy things we will be using (or need), and stock-up supplies to last us 3-6 months (except for things that will never or LONG shelf life like toothpaste, soaps, brushes, detergents and etc).

If you want to keep accurate track of your supplies than I think using bar scanning system/software is worthwhile, but if you are like me then rotating products will be sufficient.

Also, I have discovered that rotating process makes me feel good about what I am doing (I stand in front of my shelves and admire!), and makes you aware the things you have to make necessary dinner or lunch plan.

Thus, for me it does not make financial sense to invest my money on gadgets or invest my time on inventory.  Like many of you … time is precious; trying to maintain my family’s busy/hectic activities and work is already difficult never-mind doing an inventory.

Either way … it’s a personal preference.

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Can your candy from Walmart before Halloween!

You can pick these little babies up at Walmart for $2.49 a bag, and with this $1.50 OFF Mars Coupon it will be only $0.99!

Hurry before it’s gone!

Only good at Walmart, and make sure to enter zip code 90210!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Print SAVE $2.00 Butterball Meat coupon before it’s gone!

Make sure to enter zipcode “65203″

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/

Thank goodness there were something to shop for!

Since it is getting cold outside and will be facing cold winter weather soon I always  stock-up on meal helpers, canned goods, pastas, baking goods, and etc.

Last year we had so much snow on the ground we couldn’t get out of the house for good two days or so.  I, of course, am a coward when it comes to driving in snow (we have dips and hills); so I don’t go out unless it’s totally and 100% necessary for me to tackle snowy streets.

Of course, we live farther out of town so our streets and subdivisions are almost always the last to get cleaned and plowed!

When we were stuck in our house for good two days I had enough stuff in my stockpiles for me to cook, bake, and roast!

It was so awesome to really see that the time I spent on organizing, adding and shopping came very handy, and was totally worth it!

Anyhoot … I went to Gerbes this morning to get few things added to my stockpile.

I bought 97 items and ONLY paid $45.58 (includes tax)

Math breakdown …

Total: $181 and change (forgot exact amount)

Total Savings (includes coupons and store sales): $127.52

OOP (out of pocket): $45.58 (with tax adjustment)

It was about 74% saving, and able to pick up about $45.00 worth of FREE stuff!

Here are the things I picked up from the grocery store:

36 – bags of rice mix (I didn’t clear out the whole shelf!)
15 – Hamburger/Tuna Helpers
10 – packs of Kandoo flushable Wipes
10 – Dawn dish detergents
6 – Toothpaste
5 – Toothbrush
4 – bags of Kettle Brand Potato Chips
2 – pks of 24 can Pepsi
2 – Pepsi Max
2 – Carmex lipbalms
1 – bags of Frozen peas
1 – Fructis Hair Style
1 – Oral-B battery brush
1 – Sara Lee Bread
1 – Kroger Cream Cheese

I should have taken a picture, but I was so anxious to add those items to my stockpile that I forgot!  Sorry!

Self help : http://www.justestuff.com/ and Coupons : http://www.justestuff.com/coupons/