Open Table

Have you ever used Open Table?  It’s a website where you make your reservations for restaurants.  You have to choose from the ones that use their services but this is great!  You don’t have to wait on the phone to see if they have it or when they will have something close to it.  All of the information is right there at your fingertips now via your computer. 

I joined Open Table because I found a link by searching a restaurant we know we wanted to visit, so I joined and made the reservation online.  Then I see that you can accumulate points for making and KEEPING your reservations!  How awesome is that?  Most places are only 100 points, but evidently there are some that offer 1,000 points!

Here is the breakdown on the points for our area and the reward.

2,000 Points = $20 Open Table Dining Cheque
5,000 Points = $50 Open Table Dining Cheque
10,000 Points = $100 Open Table Dining Cheque

The “cheques” can be used at any Open Table restaurant.  They expire 180 days after you get it.  BUT the best part is that your points don’t expire unless your account has been inactive for 12 months.  You could really rack up some points this way and cash out for a really nice dinner somewhere. 

I checked the locations that participate in the Raleigh area and they are in all price ranges which is nice.  I am going to keep my eye out for the ones that offer 1,000 points for visiting.  This way we can rack up some good points for free meals!  There are some strings attached to the bonus points… but they seem easy enough to meet!

::  Must have two people

::  Must both order an entrée (or equivalent)

::  If reservation made for two people but only one shows the bonus points will not be given.

Looking around the website I also saw that they have a mobile app for smart phones so I am going to download that onto my BB so when we are on the go we can also see if we can rack up some points when we need to find somewhere to eat.  Hmmm… maybe this is going to be a good deal.  Maybe not.  But it’s worth a shot!

 

 

 

Toys R Us Trip

I went to Toys R Us on my break for work and here is what I got…

 

::  (1) My Little Pony RC car @ 14.99

::  (1) Color Wonder Travel Tote @ 9.99

::  (1) Color Wonder Painting Disney @ 12.99

::  (1) Operation @ 7.99

::  (1) Connect 4 @ 7.99

 

Deducted 12.99 for the Crayola Deal

$5/$25 Coupon

(2) $4 Coupons for games

(1) $5 Coupon on MLP RC car

 

Total OOP = $25.75

 

** Crayola Deal:  Buy 9.99 worth of Crayola products and get the Color Wonder Painting Disney set (12.99 value) for free

 

New Toys R Us Deal

There is an awesome deal at Toys R Us on the Strawberry Shortcake RC car!

Buy (2) Strawberry Shortcake RC cars at 14.98 each
Use (1) $5/$25 coupon (PDF so unlimited prints) expires 10/03/10
Use (2) $10/1 coupons from this past Sunday's paper
Total $4.96 + tax

I think this is an awesome deal and you should grab a few for Christmas or birthday presents that you might have to get soon!

I am having coupon anxiety right now because I don't have these coupons!! I have been through my papers more than once and do not have them. I am going to go through them yet again and see if I can't find them. Hopefully I will find them.

TGI Friday Coupon

 Here is a $5 off $15 coupon at TGI Friday’s.  It doesn’t expire until October 9, 2010 and is REUSABLE!  You do not have to hand the coupon over when you use it.  It is for food purchases only (cannot be used towards alcohol), but if you get two meals I’m sure you can reach the $15 and if not, live on the edge and order something besides water! 

World's Largest Ice Cream Social

Tomorrow will be the 9^th Annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social.  It will be hosted by Coldstone Creamery between 5-8 pm.  Everyone who attends will receive a free 3 oz of Kate’s Creation!!  Kate’s Creation is caramel apple pie ice cream mixed with chocolate shavings, graham cracker pie crust and apple pie filling.

 

** a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation is encouraged but not required.**

 

Take your babies and put a smile on their face by giving them ice cream BEFORE dinner.  Then, have them give the donation, explain what donations are and explain what the Make-A-Wish Foundation is.  Use every opportunity you are given to teach your children about kindness and thinking of others, not only themselves.  Yes, our children teach us a lot about life, but it’s good to be the teacher as well! 

 

RDU Groupon

 Today’s Groupon is for a five class pass to Franklin Street Yoga Center in Chapel Hill, NC.  The Groupon is $20, which is a $45 savings from the $60 normal price.  This is not a bad idea if you live in that area.  All classes must be redeemed within 45 days of your first class! 

Do you know a student at UNC that would use this?  Could be a good Christmas idea.

Bojangles e Club

Sign up for the Bojangle’s eClub and you will get a coupon within 24 hours via email for your choice of a free sausage, steak, country ham or Cajun filet biscuit!!!  How awesome is that?  I love Bojangle’s and free food is always a great option to make my day a little better.

 

Leap Frog Deal

Through 09/28/10 you can save 20% site wide at Leap Frog using promo code LFFRIENDS.  I haven’t looked to see what kind of deals they have but thought I would put it out there for anyone else who might use it!

RDU Groupon Side Deal

Today’s side deal is $39 for Ashforth Chiropractic Wellness Center that is a $240 value.  They are located at 8340 Bandford Way, Suite 109, Raleigh, NC  27615

::  Includes consultation, exam ($95 value), x-rays ($100 value), and 30 minute massage ($45 value)

::  Expires March 30, 2011

::  Limit 1 per person

::  May buy multiples as gifts

::  New customers only

::  By appointment only

Go here to check it out!

 

RDU Groupon

Today’s Groupon is SUPER cute!!!  You can get a custom photo clutch for $29 or a custom photo bucket bag for $50 from Snap Totes.  These are really super cute.  I might think about getting myself one, but considering I have two girls I wouldn’t know which one to do… oh wait… I could get one with a pic of them together.  Go here to check it out!!

::  Expires 03/29/11

::  Tax and shipping INCLUDED (shipping normally $9.95)!

::  Durable handbags

::  High quality photo printing

::  Could make for a GREAT Christmas present!!

CVS Photo Deals

CVS has some photo deals going on right now.

::  25% off photo gifts, books, cards and calendars with promo code 25SUMMEREND

::  Buy one 5x7 or 8x10 enlargement get one free… here

Ulta Rewards

Have you joined Ulta Rewards yet?  Well, you should.  I have joined and have received lots of great perks from mailers with coupons to get 3x or 5x the points on my next purchase.  I currently have 126 points.  You get 4 points for every dollar you spend and below are the rewards for the various point levels.  Go here for the FAQ page on how the program works.

Since I am going this afternoon to cash in on the great deal I found earlier this week to get some good stuff for Christmas baskets.  I will get 30 points for my little purchase.  Which I am going to do twice this week, so 60 points.  It’s not a lot but they will eventually add up.

 

500 points = $4.00 off

1000 points = $9.00 off

2000 points = $20.00 off

3000 points = $32.00 off

4000 points = $45.00 off

7500 points = $100.00 off

 

If you didn’t save your ad and don’t have the $3.50 off $10 purchase you are IN LUCK!  Here is the coupon!!!

 

 

Scrubbing Bubbles Coupons

Check out the Scrubbing Bubbles coupons that I was emailed from SC Johnson.

::  $1 on ONE Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer Refill

::  $3 on ANY Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer Starter

I have not tried this stuff but would like to hear from someone who has to know if this stuff actually helps and you don’t have to clean the bathroom as often.  Sometimes the little bit of extra cost that saves me some time (and scrubbing) is definitely worth it!

CVS Deal for NEXT week

I was just saying this past week that I needed to be on the look out for nail polish for a good deal to put in my girls’ Christmas stockings.  Well, CVS is going to have a GREAT deal on Revlon nail polish NEXT week.  Revlon nail polish @ 3.99 each, get $3 ECB (limit 6).  I am going to post in two scenarios because one of them depends on a coupon for $7/$15 CVS beauty coupon printing out when you scan your CVS card.

Scenario #1

Buy (4) Revlon nail polishes @ 3.99 each

Use $7/$15 CVS beauty coupon

Use (4) $1 Revlon color cosmetics coupon from the 09/12/10 SS or the in store coupon (in flier)

Spend $4.96 plus tax and get back $12 ECBs

$7 money maker!!!

 

Scenario #2

Buy (4) Revlon nail polishes @ 3.99 each

Use (4) $1 Revlon color cosmetics coupon from the 09/12/10 SS or the in store coupon (in flier)

Spend $11.96 plus tax and get back $12 ECBs

Makes them “free”

For the store coupon that says “in flier”… I’m not sure which flier it is referring to so I will have to check mine at home from this week and get back to you on that one.  Look for update on this post later.

Oil of Olay Deal at CVS

I did the deal on the Oil of Olay face wash at CVS today

Buy (2) Oil of Olay face washes at $5 each

Used (2) $2 coupons from 09/26/10 P&G

OOP = $6

Earned = $5 ECB

I had a $3 ECB I used on this one so my out of pocket was $3.78 (with tax) so I’m guessing the OOP will be $6.78 and earn $5 ECB back.  Regardless still a great deal on Oil of Olay face wash and I am on my last bottle so I had to get it.

I will be going home this evening and getting together some more stuff that I plan on doing at CVS tomorrow evening.  I will post this evening what it’s going to be because there seems to be some great deals on make up too!

Jif Omega 3 Coupon

There is a coupon available here for $1 off Jif Omega 3 peanut butter.  This should make for a great deal when paired with a sale and who doesn’t need more peanut butter?

Is it bad that the following conversation occurred at my house last night…

Hubs:  Hey Babe.  We need some more peanut butter.

Me:  Are you serious or did you see the five jars up there and trying to make a joke?

Hubs:  I saw the five jars!

Me:  Well, we were down to one and they had a deal at CVS where a coupon printed out for $3 off a $10 grocery purchase and peanut butter was on sale and I had coupons so we got peanut butter.

Hubs:  I think we’ll be OK for a while.

Me:  You didn’t see the six boxes of Cheez Its up there did you?

Hubs:  (no comment, just rolls his eyes)

RDU Groupon - GOODBERRY'S!!!

Today’s RDU Groupon is for Goodberry’s frozen custard… this stuff is sooooo good!  Spend $3 on your Groupon  and you get $7 worth of Goodberry’s frozen deliciousness.  You can get a Carolina concrete for $4.49 for a regular size.  They also have cup or cones available for $2.89 for single, $3.49 for a double and $4.09 for a triple.  They also make one, two or three scoop sundaes ranging in price from $3.69-$5.19.

Details on the Groupon

::  Expires 12/28/10

::  Can be used at all nine NC locations

::  One Groupon per person

::  You can buy two and gift the second one

I think I might do this and spoil our family for a little treat before the weather turns cold.  We can get two Groupons.  I will use one and get a concrete for myself (mint chocolate chip) and then get one of the girls a single cup for $7.38 + tax.  That means I will pay about $1 OOP.  Then hubs can use Groupon #2 and do the same deal but in his own flavor and get another single cup for one of the girls.  All in all we would end up paying $6 for the two Groupons and $2 OOP at Goodberry’s, so $8 total which will be about a 50% savings.  Hmmm… will have to think about this one.  Very good food but I would like to start losing weight again.  Such a hard decision!!

Knorr Recipes

Knorr sent me an email with all kinds of delicious recipes in it using their sides to make them.  They look great.  Check them out here and see if you can find something to spice up your usual menu that will hopefully save you some time as well.

Christmas Planning - Part III

Onto more Christmas planning and deals to keep in mind. I have three nephews that are going through manly scented body wash, deodorant, Axe sprays, etc. quicker than my sister can replenish the supply. I have decided for Christmas that I am going to make them "baskets" of manly toiletries. I'm not really going to put them in baskets, but I will find something manly to put them in, like a toiletry bag or something to that extent. I'm going to peruse the ads real quick to see what I could get this week to put into their baskets.

Starting at CVS...
Oral-B Vitality Floss Action Rechargeable Toothbrush $23 Earn 13 ECBs Limit 2
-$10/1 Oral-B Vitality or Other Rechargeable Toothbrush 9/26/2010 P&G Insert (exp 10/31/2010) =FREE after coupon and ECBs

** If you have two ECB cards you could get three of the toothbrushes. Granted you would have to spend $39 OOP BUT if you are like me and have a CVS gift card from getting a new prescription filled and other ECBs you need to roll over, this wouldn't be a bad idea because in the end they would wind up being free after getting the ECBs back!

Next we go to Rite Aid...
Buy (3) Gillette Body Wash $12.00
Buy (3) Gillette Deodorants $12.00
Buy (3) Old Spice Body Spray $12.00
Total Before Coupons $36.00

use $5.00/$25
use (3) $1/1 Gillette Deodorant, exp. 10-31-10 (P&G 09/26/10)
use (3) FREE Gillette Body Wash wyb Deodorant, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
use (1) $1/2 Old Spice Product, exp. 10-31-10 (P&G 09/26/10)
use FREE Old Spice Body Spray wyb select items, exp. 10-31 (P&G 09/26/10)

Total after coupons $ 11.00
Get $10.00 UPR

** Yes you have to spend money out of pocket but in the end you do end up with UP Rewards which are more in line with ECBs versus Walgreen's RR.

At this point between CVS and Rite Aid you have spent $50 OOP BUT you have $39 in ECBs from CVS and $10 UPR from Rite Aid, totalling $49 you have to spend another time, so really you've spent $1.

Now on to Walgreens... where they have a deal on Axe Products.

Axe products $3.99, Earn a $1 RR when you buy one
Use B1G1 Axe Shower Gel or Detailer 8/29/2010 RP Insert (exp 10/22/2010)
Use $0.75/1 AXE Shower Gel or Detailer Shower Tool (exp 10/2/2010) or
Use $0.75/1 Axe Shower Gel or Detailer Shower Tool 8/1/2010 RP Insert (exp 10/24/2010)

While I probably won't cash in on this deal, just wanted to let you know it was out there.

Now, I'm at Super Target. My local store has the bottles of Gillette body wash, not the big full size ones but about half size for $2 and there were $2 coupons in todays P&G insert. You can get these for the cost of tax so this would be an awesome deal. Get as many of these coupons as you can and get 'em!

That's all I can really find that I would want to stock up for my nephews at this point. After today's "shopping" I would have...
:: (3) Oral B Vitality Floss Action rechargable toothbrushes

:: (6) Gillette Body Washes (3 from Rite Aid and 3 from Target)

:: (3) Gillette Deodorants

:: (3) Old Spice body sprays

Total OOP would be $50 plus tax, but in the end I would have $49 in rewards for CVS and Rite Aid. I don't think this is a bad idea and I might just do that this week. However, my OOP at CVS wouldn't be as high since I have ECBs and a gift card that I can use. Aside from toiletries I will probably get them a small gift card to a game shop, iTunes or Target.

Ulta Deal

I found a good deal while perusing the Sunday ads today. I was, of course, thinking with Christmas in mind, especially for my sister because I wanted to do her a good basket for Christmas. I want to overload her with awesome stuff in a pretty basket.

Ulta has a deal right now that you buy three get three free of their Ulta Smoothies, Swirl Creams and Bath stuff, so I looked online and this is the scenario I came up with.

Buy (4) Ulta Shower gels @ $3.00 each
Buy (2) Anti bacterial hand lotions @ $4.00 each
So far your total will be $20.00
The sale will take off $9.00 (3 of the shower gels)
Then there is a $3.50 off $10 purchase coupon on the flier
Total = $7.50 or $1.25 each

I think I will go do this deal during lunch this week to start stocking up on some more Christmas stuff. I might actually do this offer twice so I can get some stuff for other baskets too.

Tinkerbell & the Great Fairy Rescue

As you know from my earlier Toys R Us post I purchased Tinkerbell & the Great Fairy Rescue. What a deal this movie has turned out to be! Not only did I get a free Tinkerbell watch in a dome case, but I also got my Disney Movie Rewards and I am getting a bracelet with a Tinkerbell charm for only the cost of shipping and handling.

If you haven't joined Disney Movie Rewards I highly suggest that you do. See my post here as to why. Try the code that I got with my Tinkerbell movie to see if that will get you started with 100 points... VW2WMGFR4TE. You buy these movies anyways so might as well get all that you can with them.

Once I put in my code for the Tinkerbell movie there was a link to click on for another promotion associated with this particular fairy movie. For only the small cost of shipping and handling you get a bracelet with Tinkerbell charm for $2.85. This will make a nice edition to the Christmas stash that I am slowly but steadily building!

Weekly Menu

I have added another page, Weekly Menu. This is where I will post our weekly menu along with hints on how I am going to make it easier on myself to hopefully cut some corners and save some time!

Recipes Page

I have added a new page called "Recipes". You can access it by clicking on the link on the right hand side of the page. Each time I post a recipe I will put it on that page with a link to that exact post so you can find them and access them easily.

Today I am going to attempt to make a chicken and vegetable soup. I will post the recipe as I go along. Hopefully it will be scrumptious, but we shall see. I'm trying to channel my granny in hopes that this recipe will be just like hers, but we shall see!

Weekend Shopping

I didn't cash in on any great grocery deals this weekend. I have decided to curb my grocery spending for the next few weeks since we have a small chest freezer full of food along with a pantry and fridge and freezer side by side slam full of food! I did stop at a bread outlet on the way home for a family function on Saturday. This place is not somewhere I would normally go as it's 45 minutes away but since I was out there I went ahead and stopped. I'd never been in there before and didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised! I got three loaves of Nature's Own wheat bread for $2.79 and a pack of English muffins. I spent less than $5 on my purchase.

Even though I have decided to curb my grocery spending for a few weeks that does not mean that I am not going to be doing my coupons. I bought two papers today which boast $275 worth of coupons in them. I can't wait to get started on them to see what I can possibly get.

Here are the links for the weekly drug store deals that I have found.

CVS by The Thrifty Mama

Note on a CVS deal that I'm definitely going to be cashing in on this week. They have a great deal on Oil of Olay face wash (that I'm almost out of)... $5 each, buy $10 and get $5 ECB... buying 2 = $10, using (2) $2 coupons = $6 OOP and $5 ECB's back so .50 each!

Rite Aid deals by For The Mama's

Walgreens by Common Sense With Money

Don't forget to check out the Target deals from The Krazy Coupon Lady. Sometimes Target has some GREAT deals that I can't pass up on nearly free stuff.

You should also check out the Wal-Mart deals by Coupon Mom to see if you can't snag some good deals there too.

Truth About the Toys R Us Deals

If you didn't get to Toys R Us to cash in on their deals I wouldn't sweat it too much! I went to Toys R Us Friday night after having dinner with some family. And... the deals to be had weren't all that great. The games were priced $3-$5 more than what was stated online so that deal wasn't a good deal. Then, the Tag Books were actually $13.99. The Tag Jr Books were the 10.99. Regardless the Tag book was still a decent deal. In the purchase with the Tag books I also got some Mr. Potato Head pieces. Here is what I got in my two transactions...

Transaction #1
(3) Tag Books @ 13.99 each
(3) Mr. Potato Head pieces @ 4.99 each
Less (1) Tag book @ 13.99
Less (1) Mr. Potato Head pieces @ 4.99
Used (1) $5/25 coupon
Total $23.51

The Tag books would have been a better deal per book had I not gotten the Mr. Potato head pieces, but they will make good stocking stuffers for my little one.

Transactoin #2
(2) Tinkerbell & the Great Fairy Rescue @ 19.99 each
(2) Tinkerbell watches with dome case @ 9.99 each
Less (2) Tinkerbell watches with dome case @ 9.99 each for promotion for buying movie
Less (1) $5/25 coupon
Total $37.69

I got the Tinkerbell movies for pretty much the same price I could have gotten at Wal-Mart or Target BUT got free watches in cute dome cases and got to use the $5 coupon! Most times the "every day low prices" type of stores will get you the best deals, but you have to keep your eyes open at all times for deals other stores have.

Don't limit where you search for deals. I have found great deals at Ulta, Toys R Us, American Eagle, Kohl's and other generally more expensive stores. Kind of the same premise as shopping for groceries at Harris Teeter. In general they are more expensive than other stores but when you take their promotions into consideration you can get some GREAT deals!

Toy Coupons

These coupons could get you some great deals with the B2G1 toy deal at Toys R Us!  Here is the list for the B2G1 toys that runs through 09/25/10.  The $5/25 coupon expires on 09/26/10.

 

Legos
Barbie dolls
Leapfrog learning toys
All Video games priced up to 19.99
Fisher price Imaginext toys
Kung Zhu and Zhu Zhu hamster, play sets and accessories
Beyblade single metal fusion battle toys
Mega Blox
Geo Trax
Playschool
Books (excludes leap frog, vetch, video game strategy guides, magazines and comic books)
Playmobil
Crayola color wonder and color explosion
Plug n play games
Thomas wooden railway engines
Play doh
Melissa and Doug
Calico critters
Hasbro games (monopoly, sorry and scrabble only 7.99 ea)
Fisher price little people
Mighty beanz
Trio, k’nex and erector sets
Topps, yu gi oh and pokemon cards and tins
Uno and apples to apples games
Animal planet
Mood dough, moon sand and aqua sand
Bendaroos, aqua doodle and pixos
Totally me craft sets
Fast lane, true heroes or the home depot
Hot wheels and match box 5 packs
Disney princess and Fairies dolls, play sets and dress up
You and me, just like home and dream dazzlers
Toy story action figures
Star wars and superhero squad mini figure 2 packs
1:55 scale Cars and Cars toons single vehicles
Squinkies
Littlest pet shop
Transformers Scout Action figures
Nano hexbugs
Mattel basic and flexforce single wrestling figures
Zoobles
Live in concert
Furreal snuggimals or newborns
Ben 10 4” ultimate alien action figures
Tech deck 96mm boards and flick trix basic bikes
Snap n style
Polly pocket
Fin fin friends play sets and accessory packs
Sesame street DVDs

Wish Bone Coupon

Go here to print a .50/1 Wish-Bone coupon

::  off one bottle of Wish Bone or Wish Bone Western Dressing (16 oz or larger) or Wish Bone Salad Spritzers Dressings (7 oz)

::  Don’t forget to hit your back button three times so you can print the coupon twice

Huggies Diapers

Looks like Rite Aid has a great deal on Huggies this week. I just sent it to one of my friends to check out.

Buy 3 Huggies Jumbo Pure & Natural Diapers at $8.99 each, Get $10 Rite Aid Gift Card (SCR #70) + $2 UP Reward
Use $5/$25 Rite Aid coupon
Use $1/1 September Video Values Huggies coupon
Use 3 $3/1 Huggies coupons or $3/1 Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers (IE) (FF)
Spend $11.97 plus tax out of pocket, Get $10 Rite Aid Gift Card + $2 UP Reward
Free after coupons, gift card and UP Reward

Side Note: If you know of someone who is having a baby or you are invited to a baby shower this would be a GREAT present! You can essentially spend nothing and give a gift worth about $30!

Viva Catalina

I had a Viva paper towel Catalina print out at HT the other night.

:: Buy 2 get .50 OYNO

:: Buy 3 get 1.00 OYNO

:: Buy 4 (or more) get 2.00 OYNO

:: All items must be purchased in the same transaction.

Here is the best scenario I came up with…

Buy (4) Viva paper towel single rolls @ 2.19 ea = 8.76

Use (4) .40 coupons (from 09/19/10 paper) 3.20 = 5.56

Get $2.00 Catalina OYNO = 3.56

This comes out to .89 each

If you didn’t get the coupon or didn’t save it go here for a .50/2 coupon.

While this may not be a great deal overall for paper towels it will be a good deal for someone who loves the Viva paper towels and will buy nothing else. While you may not be “against” other brands per say you might want to give other ones a chance especially because Viva is so expensive compared to other brands.

I myself have tried quite a few other brands just because you are buying them to throw away. Even though you are only buying them to toss you still want good quality. Who wants to buy trash bags that fall apart and leave you with a mess? Same applies… you still want quality.

May I propose a challenge? Try seeing if you can NOT use paper towels. I did this when I was laid off and trying to save money any way I could and trying to save on things as expensive as paper towels that I was only buying to throw away seemed like a good place to start.

:: I took some old wash clothes and designated them to “rags” and used these like paper towels.

:: I took the car washing towels out of the garage (washed because they were dusty) and put these somewhere more accessible to use for bigger messes.

:: I used the rags for dusting and anything else I could instead of paper towels.

The bottom line was that just by me significantly reducing the number of paper towels I used myself this made the ones we did have last much longer because I was the one doing the cleaning with them and using them for everything. Granted, hubs does use quite a bit, but I realized that I used them much more. Repurpose some old towels and wash clothes for rags and use these instead of paper towels and see if you can make a difference in your grocery budget that way.

If you can’t not use paper towels then you need to…

:: Look for the deals and when they come out you need to stock up on them. Stock up enough to last until the next time there are good deals. Generally speaking sales rotate about six weeks.

:: Make a price list for things you use on a regular basis and list each store’s regular price for them. This way when you get to the point you have to have “it” now you can look at your list and see where you need to go.

Kroger - Cheap Flaslights

If you still have your $1.00 off Energizer Batteries or Flashlight from the 08/01/10 or 09/12/10 SmartSource inserts (or from coupons.com) the flashlights are regularly priced at Kroger for $1.19 so you could score some flashlights for .19 each.  That is a great deal.  I know every time we look for a flashlight we can never find one so with winter approaching (hopefully) and the possibility of power outages due to 1” of ice this may not be such a bad idea. 

** This picture is from a different website and this may not be the exact price of them in your area but I can’t imagine they are going to be far off as this was the regular price.

Jason's Deli Deal for Friday 09/24/10

Jason’s Deli in Crossroads is offering a grand opening special on Friday, September 24^th from 11:30 to 1:30 pm and from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Everything on  the menu is available for a $1 donation.

They catered a meeting I was in yesterday and their food was phenomenal!  The pasta with the chicken was seriously fantastic.  I don’t even want to get started on the sweets!!!  I seriously suggest that any and everyone go there at some point to cash in on this deal. What a cheap way to feed the family!!

 

HT Sale has Reset

Harris Teeter has reset their sale today, so go check out the deals and see what you can find. I suggest checking out Southern Savers for a complete list where you can also make your own shopping list by clicking on the items you want. I will be taking a bit of a sabbatical from doing heavy duty grocery shopping because we have a TON of food, but I will still be perusing the store as I get the things we HAVE to have each week and will post my finds on here. If you find any please feel free to leave comments or links to your shopping trip.

Sad Day for Toys R Us

I am on the phone with Toys R Us on hold to see if you can mix and match from the B2G1 sale. The lady said she didn’t know and said some you could and couldn’t. She asked which ones I was talking about and I said the Hasbro games and Tag books. She put me on hold. She said no, you can’t mix and match! L Sad day! Guess I will have to do the Hasbro games for three and then the Tag books for three and do in two separate transactions…

Buy Operation (16.99), Connect 4 (15.99) and Guess Who (14.98) = 47.96

B2G1 sale will deduct 14.98 = 32.98

Use $5/25 coupon first = 27.98

Use (3) $4 coupons = 15.98 (5.33 each)

Buy (6) Tag books at 10.99 each = 65.94

B2G1 sale will deduct 21.98 = 43.96

$5/25 coupon = 38.96

Use (6) $4 coupons = 14.96 (2.49 each)

Total for all six would be… 30.94/6 = 5.16 ea

Still all in all is not a bad deal, but would love to get the better deal by mixing and matching items. Oh well, looks like I will be making two trips to Toys R Us tomorrow! Luckily it’s not far from work.

Leapster games at Toys R Us

Looks like the Leapster games are also included in the B2G1 sale!

Buy (3) Leapster games @ 24.99 ea = 74.97

Less one for sale = 49.98

$5/25 Toys R Us coupon = 44.98

Use (3) $5 Leapster coupons from 09/19/10 paper = 29.98 (9.99 each)

Toys R Us Deals

I am definitely getting in the Christmas mode and starting to hunt up great deals for my girls for this Christmas. There are a few great deals to be had at Toys R Us right now. Geoffrey is having a birthday sale and many of the toys are on sale for B2G1 (buy two get one free) so check that out.

There was a great deal on Monopoly and Sorry games but the coupon has reached its limit and cannot be printed. This I’m actually pretty upset about and I will continue to check the remainder of the week to see if that coupon becomes available again because you would be able to get SIX games for $2.96!!!!!

But since that wonderful deal is not available at this time I had to try and find other deals to cash in on right now. And truth be known, there are a few more deals to be had!

Hasbro games are B2G1

There is a $5/$25 coupon for Toys R Us (this is a PDF coupon so can be printed unlimited times)

And a $4 coupon for Connect 4, Guess Who, Operation and Pictureka

Here is the scenario I came up with (after checking the website for prices)

Buy Operation (16.99), Connect 4 (15.99) and Guess Who (14.98) = 47.96

B2G1 sale will deduct 14.98 = 32.98

Use $5/25 coupon first = 27.98

Use (3) $4 coupons = 15.98 (5.33 each)

You will need two computers to be able to print the coupon three times. After you print it once you can hit your “back” button three times to print it again but there is a two print limit.

If you have three children you are buying for then you can do Guess Who and buy three = 44.94

B2G1 sale will deduct 14.98 = 29.96

$5/25 coupon = 24.96

Use (3) $4 coupons = 12.96 (4.32 each)

Next you have an AWESOME deal on Tag Books!

Buy (6) Tag books at 10.99 each = 65.94

B2G1 sale will deduct 21.98 = 43.96

$5/25 coupon = 38.96

Use (6) $4 coupons = 14.96 (2.49 each)

The $4 coupons were in this past Sunday’s paper (09/19/10) and they can also be found on coupons.com. If you did not cut the coupons then you will need three computers in order to be able to print six of them.

RDU Groupon

If you have someone in your life that likes to golf then today’s Groupon is for you!  Today’s deal is for Crooked Creek Golf Club in Fuquay Varina.

::  $21 for an 18 hole round of golf, plus cart, any time Monday through Friday

::  $29 for an 18 hold round of golf, plus cart, for Saturday or Sunday after 11:00 am

::  Expires March 31, 2011

::  Limit one per person

::  May buy one additional Groupon as a gift

This is a 50% savings off their normal prices. 

Think Christmas present!!! (but keep in mind whether or not they’re going to want to play golf between Christmas and March 11!)

 

Today’s side deal is $9 admission to the Beer Garden at the Hillsborough Street Opening Celebration on September 25^th. 

 

Christmas Planning - Part II

So, you have the basics down for how I budget our Christmas. Now, even though you have budgeted out a plan you can afford it is time to try and cut corners from this budget and save even more money! This can be done with a little effort and working smart. Here are the ways that I save on Christmas

:: Our insurance company has a point system. We input the number of minutes we work out each day and the number of fruit and veggies we eat and we earn points from this. We can redeem these points for gift cards or merchandise. This actually adds up quite quickly, especially between the two of us. (If you're curious we have BCBSNC, check out their website if you have them.) I already have over $200 worth of amazon.com gift cards from this year alone.

:: Swagbucks is another site that I earn points called Swag Bucks from. You use it as your search engine like google or yahoo and earn random points. This can take a bit to add up, but it's free! They have also added trusted surveys to their site to earn more points. You get 30 points for joining (link at the bottom of the page), points for searching (random points and megaswagbucks on Fridays), points for surveys (points just for going there each day to check) and a bunch of other random things. I normally get the amazon.com gift cards because you get a code eletronically in your account. 450 swagbucks = $5 amazon gift card and these can add up throughout the year.

:: Disney Movie Rewards - do you have a lot of Disney movies around your house? Are the little inserts still in the DVD case? Check them and see if you have the codes to sign up on Disney Movie Rewards website. I had 1700 points and just cashed them out yesterday for a Princess three wheeled scooter! This will make the little one happy Christmas morning.

:: Gift baskets - I use a bunch of the free/cheap stuff I get to make Christmas baskets for people. I try to do them individually. Like I have someone in my family who loves coffee so the $1.50 off Millstone coffee coupons will get the little ones free (even though its says for a larger size) so I get a lot of these little flavored coffees and put in with some mugs and other stuff for a great gift basket.

More... to come!

CVS Photo Specials

CVS is having a End of Summer Sales Event!!! 

::  Get 25% off all photo gifts, books, cards and calendars

::  Free shipping always (when you have your order shipped to any CVS/pharmacy

::  Use promo code “25SUMMEREND”

::  This offer excludes prints

::  Expires September 27, 2010 (Monday)

 

(PS:  if you sign up for extracare, for the first time, you will get a $4 off $20 in store coupon instantly)

Free Chicco Booster Seat

Did you know it’s Child Passenger Safety Week?  In honor of this Money Saving Mom is having a drawing for a Chicco KeyFit Strada Booster to one winner.  Go here to register for this (you put in your name and email address and that’s it).  I have registered.  I would love to win this!  The giveaway closes on September 23^rd at 11:50 pm CST.  I have yet to win anything on Money Saving Mom (or anywhere else for that matter) but you can’t win if you don’t sign up! 

Details on Chicco KeyFit Strada Booster

::  More energy absorbing EPS foam than most other seats

::  Entire backrest adjusts up and sidewings adjust out for maximum protection of head, shoulder and lumbar zones

::  Deluxe padded seat with micro-vented mesh for breathable comfort

::  Angle-adjustable, clip on cup holder for use on either side of the seat

::  For use with children 4-10 years old, 38”-57”, and 33-100 lbs.

::  Converts to backless booster for children from 40-100 lbs.

Cutting Christmas Costs:  Even if you don’t have a little one yourself, you should sign up if you have a grandchild or know someone who could really use one.  This is a great present!

RDU Groupon

Today’s RDU area Groupon is $50 for $250 worth of prescription eyewear (frames and lenses) from Eye Car Associates!  This sounds like a GREAT deal.  You can choose from over 19 locations.

::  Not valid for contact lenses, non-prescription sunglasses and frames less than $99

::  Locations include – Aberdeen, Burlington, Cary (4 locations), Chapel Hill, Durham, Knightdale, Louisburg, Raleigh (6 locations), Wilmington (2 locations), and Zebulon.

 

Drug Store Deals

Sorry for my tardiness in posting the best drug store deals I could find.  Keep in mind that I think you should work smart, not hard, to save your money.  You don’t have to do all the leg work because someone else has already done it. 

I do not spend my time sitting down with the ads, matching it all up with the huge binder of coupons I have or by searching coupon databases to see if I can POSSIBLY find a great deal.  With all that is on my plate, life namely, I don’t have the time.  BUT I do take a few minutes and seek out the best match ups I can find and here are this week’s candidates!

Walgreens from Common Sense with Money

Rite Aid from For The Mommas

CVS from The Thrifty Mama

Free TAG Book!

Get a free Leap Frog TAG book here.  You have to register and answer a few questions but it was SUPER EASY and only took me about two minutes. 

** Think Christmas present!!!  Even if you don’t have a little one you might as well go ahead and sign up for this deal if you know you are going to be buying for one for Christmas.

Free Night of Theater

The Free Night of Theater is back again this year.  Go here to see the NC listings and details.  There are two in NC…

::  “Angels in America: Millennium Approaches” in Asheville on 10/15/10 @ 7:30 pm

::  “Educating Rita” in Greensboro on 10/22/10 @ 8:00 pm

There are none local to Raleigh, but if you are planning a trip to either of these areas this might make for something you can do that is free!

Malt O Meal

If you haven’t signed up for the Malt O Meal website, you need to.  I get emails quite frequently and they have some good coupons.  Right now there is a .75 coupon off BetterOats Oatmeal.   I’ve never tried this but I couldn’t imagine they’d be bad. 

:: Remember after you print to hit your “back” button three times to print another one

:: I have not found the Malt O Meal products at the FV HT, but they are a great price regularly so use these coupons at Wal-Mart instead

:: Walmart will take internet printable coupons if they are in color!  (This is per the one in FV and I’ve had no problems using the color ones there)

Vitamin Shoppe

The Vitamin Shoppe has some deals going on right now that can be paired up for a pretty good deal

:: Buy one get one 50% off Vitamin Shoppe brand items

:: $10 off $75 purchase using “5852” at check out

:: $20 off $125 purchase using “9060” at check out

:: Free shipping on orders of $99 or more

This expires on 09/24/10 at 11:59 pm EST

RDU Groupon for the day

Today’s Groupon is $22 for a twenty four count cookie gift box from Insomnia Cookies which is a $50 value.  Go here to check it out and get your groupon!

Expires November 30, 2011 so you have over a year to use this deal!

Side deal for today… $9 admission to the Beer Garden at the Hillsborough Street opening celebration on September 25^th. 

I used my first Groupon Friday evening.  I had bought two Groupons for $2 each for a $6 value at a local coffee shop.  I met my friend there Friday after work so we could do some studying and homework.  I got a huge mudslide mocha and a massive delicious looking blueberry muffin for $6.14, so I actually paid $2.14 for it.  I was VERY happy with that deal and really suggest that you cash in on some groupons if you find one that you would use. 

If you know you are going to be taking a trip somewhere sign up for that city’s groupons as well!  You never know what kind of deals you might score and save some serious cash for your trip.

Christmas Planning

OK, so once upon a time I said that I would do a series on planning for Christmas. Here are my basics on how we get away with doing our entire Christmas without killing ourselves on time, energy and especially money! This is easy to do but you have to be a bit creative, and this year will be my most creative ever!!! Here is the first step in the Christmas Planning Process.

Step #1 - budget, Budget, BUDGET!!!

List everyone you have to buy for, and I mean everyone. Don't leave anyone out. This includes the Secret Santa gift you may be buying for a co-worker, gift cards for the mail man, trash man, whomever you buy for!

Once you have your list put a limit by each person. For ours we set the limit for each of our children first and this is normally the most expensive that we buy for. Next we set the limit for each other, but before I set this limit we talk about what we want that limit to be. Then, for each adult we normally do $50 and each child is normally $25.

Add everyone up and see the total you come out to. Does this number sound reasonable? If not, go back and revamp your limits for each person.

Once you have your grand total, divide it by the number of weeks or paychecks you have from now until Christmas. I however, use the Black Friday date for my "ending" time frame because this is my major shopping day for the holiday season. This is how much you need to take out IN CASH each week and put into a Christmas envelope.

From now until Christmas you need to keep an eye out for deals. You can start buying presents once you have money in your Christmas fund.

Next time... how to cut corners from your Christmas budget!!!!

Starting Early

There is nothing wrong with enlisting help on your couponing quest. Even younger ones can be a help. Granted she's starting on the coupons that I won't use BUT this is only until I know she's "experienced" enough that she won't slaughter the coupons that I do want. Kids at this age are eager to help so tap into your younger resources and you may be surprised by the outcome. Yes, you can do it quicker and better but still, it will free up some of your time to do something else. Any time saved is valuable!
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