SHOP SMART AND SAVE

My New Etsy Shop & Blog

2010-11-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

I just launched my new Etsy shop and blog tonight - My Computer Is My Canvas Too. YEAH!!! I have teamed up with Colette, my sister and creator of My Computer Is My Canvas. She makes and sales DIY printables in her Etsy shop. My Etsy shop gives people the option to CUSTOMIZE her products. I am hoping to add some of my own original work soon, but for now I will just stick to the personalization side of things.

To help get the word out about my new Etsy shop, I am hosting a give away. My blogging friends and family now have the opportunity to win the above file personalized with your family's name. Me and the kids made ours today and we had a blast putting them together. So you all have 3 ways to enter . .

Go to my post HERE and leave a comment. Tell me what your favorite Christmas song is.
Become a follower of my blog. After you have become a follower, let me know in the comment section HERE.
Become a follower on my Facebook Page. Again, after you have become a follower, let me know in the comment section of my post HERE.

Now just because I have a new blog and Etsy shop does not mean I have stopped couponing. In fact, last week I saved 78% at Smiths. I paid $16.00 for $75.00 worth of food. YEAH for me!!!

I am still selling RJ subscriptions as well. If you have let your subscription end, give me a call and we can get you started up again. The prices are still the same!!! I hope to see a lot of comments from all my couponing friends - wink, wink!!!

Shop And Tell - Smith's NO FREE CEREAL :(

2010-08-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Smart Shoppers - I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news but there is no FREE cereal this week due to an ad mis-print. They have a similar deal but not as good.

Buy 8 and save $4 instantly on

Trix
Cookie Crisp
Cheerios (yellow box only)
Gold Grahams ?
Cocoa Puffs
Total ?

Sale Price $1.98/$1.48

Final Price $0.98 (IP coupon) or $1.15 with GM 8/8 insert

Even with the as mis-print, I was able to save 70%. Here is my shopping trip breakdown

Total Value - $85.41

Total Savings: $58.90

Total Spent: $26.51

GREAT MAGAZINE OFFERS - AS LOW AS $0.22 AN ISSUE

2010-08-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

Right now Magazine.com has a great back to school offer. Enter code schoolmags at checkout to receive $5.00 off your total subscription price. Here are some subscriptions that caught my eye

Parents: $9.97 - $5.00 = $4.97 for 12 issues ($0.41 per issue)
Family Fun: $9.95 - $5.00 = $4.95 for 10 issues ($0.49 per issue)
Parenting Early Years: $9.97 - $5.00 = $4.97 for 22 issues ($0.22 per issue)
Parenting School Years: $9.97 - $5.00 = $4.97 for 22 issues ($0.22 per issue)

Click HERE to see all the magazines that qualify for this offer.

Shop & Tell - Target

2010-08-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

My order came from Coupon DeDe today that I ordered on Monday. The main reason for my order was for the Gillette Razors on sale at Target this week so I had to go shopping today. It was a small trip that yielded me 63% savings. See my breakdown below

Total Value: $55.29
Total Saved: $34.61
Total Spent: $20.68

My Order From Coupon DeDe

2010-08-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Smart Shoppers!!! I just placed my order with Coupon DeDe this week. The P&G insert came in the mail this week and as always, it was a great one. Plus I used all my good P&G coupons in my Smith's transaction last week (see HERE) so I needed to restock for the month. One of my purchases was for the $4/1 Gillette Razor coupon. There is a great deal at Target this week that the extra coupons will come in handy for.

Transaction Plan # 1
2 Gillette Fusion Razors - $8.99 each
use 2 $4/1 PG-8/1
Total = $7.98 PLUS receive $5.00 gift card at purchase
Transaction Plan #2
Buy 5 Boxes of Kellogg’s Cereal $2.50 = $12.50
Minus buy 4 get 1 FREE sale = $10
Use $1/2 Target regional coupons from the 8/1 RP
Plus, stack with 2 $1/2 coupons found HERE
Use $5.00 GC from Transaction #1
Final cost $0.40 each!

I spent a little over $5.00 (includes shipping) for about $50.00 worth of coupons. Now since I am buying these coupons, I am planning to use them so I feel that the $5.00 investment is worth it. Are you ready to place your order with Dede? Click HERE to get started today.

SMITH'S PROMO YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS

2010-07-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

OK Smart Shoppers!!! This week Smiths has a sale you don't want to miss. They are running to great promos that when combined with their eCoupons (digital coupons you load to your Smith's Fresh Value Card), you are going to score big. The first promo is a P&G sale in which you get $4 off instantly when you buy 4 participating P&G products. The second promo is that all coupons will be redeemed at $1.00 face value at check out. I couldn't wait to see my savings so I hit this sale first thing this morning.

Check out my Pinching Your Pennies Post HERE to get all the juicy details of this deal.

Total Value: $138.29
Total Saved: $83.84
Total Spent: $54.45
Average Savings - 61%

SHOP & TELL - MARATHON STYLE AGAIN!

2010-07-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

I am one that does not like the extreme heat we have been experiencing lately so couponing has taken a back seat to sitting in my nice air conditioned home. I run only the errands I must and the rest can wait for cooler day. But today I had an emergency, I only had 2 boxes of cereal in my pantry and they were not going to last. So since I had to go out, I made my couponing trip worth it and went to 3 stores. I had huge success today and wanted to share all the details with you.

Smiths

Total Value: $115.69

Total Saved: $66.28

Total Spent: 49.41

Average Savings: 58%

Now here are some helpful coupon match ups for the remaining Mix and Match sale going on through 7/27. Kraft Mayo - $2.19/$1.69 use $1.50/2 SS-6/20 = $0.94 each (coupon not shown on GS list)

Irish Spring Soap 3 ct - $1.50/$1.00 use .50/1 SS7/25 = $0.50 each

Lady Speed - $1.50/$1.00 use 50/1 SS-7/25 = $0.50 each

Also there is another Lady Speed Stick not part of the promo that is on sale for $0.88 each. Use 0.50/1 SS-7/25 making them $0.33 each.

K-Mart

Total Value: $32.11

Total Saved: $19.11

Total Spent: $13.00

Average Savings - 60%

General Mills Cereal $2.00 use GM coupons found HERE

CVS

Box of Pampers not included in picture - I hope it is still in the car. Also, I did 2 transactions.

Total Value: $70.18

Total Saved: 51.83

Total Spent: $18.35

Average Savings - 74%

Coupon DeDe

2010-07-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

Did you not get the RedPlum this week or feel like you need more of a particular coupon. Remember to check out Coupon DeDe. She has her first batch of coupons this week ready for you.

See what she has HERE!

Lunch Tote Money Maker at Target

2010-07-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

My sister in law tipped me off to this great deal and it was even better than I thought once I saw it. Right not at Target Embark Insulated Lunch Bags are being sold for $3.99. Inside these lunch tote you will find a coupon for a FREE subscription to Parents Magazine. In the fine print is states that if you are not interested in the FREE subscription, simple fill out the form, write REFUND on it and return in the mail with address given on form (different from the one already printed on the form). You will then be eligible for a $4.96 refund. Thus making this lunch tote FREE + $0.97.

It gets even better!!! In addition to the FREE Magazine Subscription, there is a packet of coupons that total a $10 value. They are

$1/1 Flintstones Multivitamin
$5/1 Leapster2 Learning System or Game
$1/3 Horizon Organic Single Serve
$1/2 Dole Fruit Bowls, Gels or Parfaits
$1/2 Bumble Bee Premium Albacore or Light Tuna Pouch
$1/1 Yoplait Kids Yogurt Product.

Checks Unlimited - $5.50 Total with FREE Shipping

2010-07-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

We all like to stock up on things we need for our family, but I don't think that checks is one of those items you think we need to keep extra of. I didn't until the other day I need a check and I had used my last one and didn't know it. Well the same thing happened to my sister and she searched the internet for a great deal and here is what she found.

When you place your order at Checks Unlimited (HERE), if they use coupon code "F2QW"... (and you are a first time customer) you can get a box of single checks (150) for only $5.50 with FREE shipping. Normally priced at about $18.99 a box plus shipping this deal saves you an average of 71%.

Thanks Colette!

CHECK OUT THIS NEW BLOG!

2010-07-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember my couponing sister from Shop Smart in Vegas. Well, she has started up a new blog and let me tell you it is AWESOME!!! My sis is totally into digital design. She loves to scrapbook, make announcements, invites and so forth on her computer. Her projects are amazing. She is sharing her love of all things digital and all her tips she has learned along the way with us. Make sure to take some time today and check out - My Computer is My Canvas.

Back to K-Mart

2010-07-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

I headed to another K-Mart today for me and my sister in law. She watched the kids and I went shopping. I spent $74.00 and saved $70.00. The best purchase of today was the Fisher Price Trio Castle Set was originally $59.99 and I spent $15.00 - WahOOOOO!!! So if you haven't been to K-Mart yet, you still have time to save.

K-Mart Toy Clearance Sale

2010-07-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

You all need to RUN to K-Mart this morning to check out the awesome Toy Clearance Sale they have going on this week. Right now all clearance toys receive an additional 50% off at check out. I went late last night and here is what I scored. My sister in law arrived at the store just 30 minutes before me and came home with double the amount. So the good stuff is going FAST. I spent $52.98 and save $49.00!!! I am totally cool with my shopping trip today.

If you don't have time to head to your local K-Mart, they check out what they have online HERE and search under clearance toys. Happy Shopping!!!

RECIPE EXCHANGE - BROCOLLI GRAPE SALAD REMIX

2010-07-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

I have posted this recipe before, but I have recently made a healthy change to it and wanted to pass it along to you all. My hubby and I love this salad, but think it is crazy to dress it in a cup of Mayo. So I recently tried making the dressing with Yoplait's Greek Yogurt and it was a hit.

Broccoli Grape Salad
4 cups Broccoli Florette's
4 cups Purple Grapes
1/2 cup Red Onion -sliced thin (I substitute chopped green onion)
1 pound Crispy Bacon - cut into chunky pieces
1/4 Sunflower Seeds
1 6 oz cup Greek Yogurt (print coupon HERE) 1/4 cup Sugar
2 T Cider Vinegar

Directions
Wash and dry broccoli and grapes. Mix together Greek yogurt, sugar and vinegar for dressing. In a big mixing bowl combine all ingredients and dress. Chill before serving.

K-Mart Back To School

2010-07-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

There are some of the great back to school deals going on this week at K-Mart in store and online.

School Supplies
Crayola Crayons 24 ct - $0.25 each
Elmer's Glue Stick 2 pack - $0.25 each
Simmons Woodcase Pencils 10 ct - $0.25 each
Crayola Markers or Colored Pencils 10 ct - $1.00 each
School Select Eraser 7 piece set - $0.50 each
Stretchable Book Covers - $0.50 each
Avery 1" Economy Bionder - $1.00

25 % off all Back To School Backpack. See what styles they have HERE or check out some of my favorites below

Athletech Love Print Backpack - $8.49
Athletech Heart and Plaid Backpack - 8.49
Athletech Plaid Print Backpack - $8.00

PLUS - Get up to $8.00 off online when you buy $25.00 worth of participating products (Crayola, Mead, 3M, Sanford, Avery or Post-It Office Products). Now through 7/24

Double PLUS now through August 31st, spend $49.00 on school supplies and get FREE shipping.
Start shopping HERE!

AND FINALLY to finish off this weeks Back To School highlights, use this coupon code KMART5OFF50 for ALL online purchases of $50.00 or more and receive $5.00 off at checkout.

CHEAP BATTERIES

2010-07-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

My 4 year old loves to play with a flashlight so much he got one of his own for Christmas last year. Yep, I pulled out the big guns. I may have only spent $1 on his flashlight, but I can't tell you how much I have spent in replacing the batteries. Yeah, I am now realizing a flashlight is not such a frugal gift. However, I discovered the other day that the $1 Store carries batteries. YEAH!!! Now I don't get so mad when I see that he has left his flashlight on again or when he comes to me just after a few day and asks for new batteries.

So if you have a toy (or child) that keeps your battery budget on the rise, invest in the $1 Store brand and save yourself some big bucks.

TARGET - SCHOOL SUPPLIES

2010-07-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that we are just around the corner for the new school year. This year I will be sending my oldest off to Kindergarten. YEAH!!! She is counting down the days so I think we are looking at a LONG six weeks ahead.

Here are some of school supplies that are on sale this week at Target:

Rose Art Markers - $0.50

Rose Art Colored Pencils - $.050

Rose Art Crayons - $0.20

Rose Art Glue Sticks (2 pack) $0.20

This sale ends Saturday!!!

MY LIST

2010-07-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

We have reached half way through this weeks sales and I am just getting to looking at the lists. Here is what I caught my eye this week.

Grapes, Green seedless $.089/lb

Minute Maid Lime or Pink Lemonade, 64 oz. $1.00 each

General Mills Cereal - Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs $1.38 each

$1/2 HERE

General Mills Cereal - Cheerios $1.33 each

.55/1 HERE

Scotch Brite Scrub Sponge $1.50/$1.00 $0.63 each

$0.75/2 SS-6/6 (EXPIRES 7-15-10 I will have to go to the store TODAY!!!)

LOreal Vive Pro Hair Care, 1.7-13 oz Shampoo or Conditioner $1.00

$1/1 (9-12-10) RP-6/20

LOreal Kids Hair Care, 9 oz, Shampoo or Conditioner $0.75 each

$0. 75/1 (8-29-10) RP-6/6

Boulder Canyon Chips, 5 oz. 0.49 each

$1/2 HERE

Floridas Natural Orange Juice, 64 oz, $2.27

Keebler Town House Crackers, 9.9-16 oz $1.49 each

$1/2 (8-1-10) RP-6/6

Yoplait Yogurt, 4-6 oz. cup $0.43 each

$0.45/6 HERE

$1.66 Photobox at Michaels

2010-07-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

I am trying to help keep my hubby's office organized and clean. It's a tuff job, but it's GOT to be done. I love using these photo boxes to store and organize. However, they can be pricey at $4.49 a box. So I have been watching for a sale and my waiting has paid off. This week Micheal's has photo boxes on sale for 3 for $5 or $1.66 each. Here is how my transaction went down today . . .

Total Value for 6 - $26.94
Total Spent for 6 - $9.96
Total Saved - $16.98
Average Savings - 63%

So now I that I have the boxes (which look GREAT on my book shelf), the hard part is going to be having my hubby actually use them. Wish me LUCK!!!

Another Play-Doh Deal from Target

2010-07-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

I was perusing the isles at Target yesterday and came across another great deal for one of the Play-Doh coupons I mentioned in this POST. Currently, Target has the Play-Doh Poppin Movie Snacks on clearance for $10.00. Use the $3.00 of Poppin Movie Snacks Coupon from the instant win game and you can snag this set for just $7.00. I am thinking this is going to make a great birthday present for one if my kiddos next month.

FREE Chili's Chips and Queso

2010-07-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Chili's has been my favorite restaurant for years. I get an order of Chips and Salsa To Go all the time. I could drink the salsa. Just recently I tried their chips and queso and fell in love. So when I saw this coupon, I just had to sign up for Chili's e-mail club. We frequent Chili's often so I am sure I will be enjoying the queso real soon.

Make sure to sign up soon as this offer will not last for long!!!

Play-Doh Deals at Toys R Us

2010-07-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

There is a great deal going on this week that you need to start working on right now. Play Doh has new instant win sweepstakes going on. Head on over here to play the Play-Doh You Can Win! sweepstakes! Enter this code KDN185UV9JN34 to play. There will be 10 winners daily, thru September 30th, who will win a $50 gift card! The best part is after playing, you’ll be able to print a various coupons for Play Doh products (a different coupon prints each day) I have been play since last week and I have been able to print off 4 different coupons.

$5 off Play-Doh Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe!

$5 off Play-Doh Burger Builder

$3 off Play-Doh Poppin Movie Snacks

$2 off Play-Doh Fun Factory Spin 'N Store

Here is something that makes these coupons even better. This week, Toys R Us has all Play-Doh products on sale for Buy One Get One 50% off. It is never to early to start shopping for Christmas in my house so I am heading to Toys R Us to do the following transaction

Transaction Plan

1 Play-Doh Burger Builder @ $15.99

1 Play-Doh Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe @ $15.99

minus $8.00 (for sale)

use $5 off Play-Doh Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe

use $5 off Play-Doh Burger Builder

Total $13.98

This makes each set $6.99 - not bad if you ask me!!! I would love to hear of other ways and sales that you have found to use these coupons with so be sure to let me know.

(Thanks Hip 2 Save)

RECIPE EXCHANGE - CUCUMBER SANDWICHES

2010-07-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was introduced to the best little sandwich EVER at my daughter's Preschool Mother's Day Tea Party. I kid you not when I say I ate about 5 (ok 6) of these little babies that day AND I was not the only one. It sounds like such a weird food combo, but let me tell you IT WORKS. I have made these about 4 times since (my mom even more) and can't stop talking about them. My sister in law (who hates cucumbers) just requested these sandwiches for our 4th of July BBQ. So if you are heading to a BBQ this week, take these sandwiches.

Cucumber Sandwiches
1 Baguette (not the french kind - too holey)
1 8 oz brick Cream Cheese (room temp)
1 package Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
1 large Cucumber (peeled "zebra" style)
Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Mix together the cream cheese and ranch dressing mix. Peel and cut the cucumber into thin slices. Cut the baguette into thin slices. (I cut on an angle to make for a prettier presentation). Then layer as follows - bread, cream cheese mixture, cucumber (1-2 slices depending on the size of the bread) lemon pepper seasoning.

A HUGE thanks goes out to Erika for this recipe!!!

FREE DIGITAL KIT

2010-07-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

One of my passions in life is digital scrap booking. I was never been a fan of scrap booking until I discovered Photoshop and the wonder of digital scrap booking. A few years ago I found this awesome blog that offers FREE digital kits. I have used most all of them in my digital creations and get gitty when I see her on the top of my blog roll.

Head on over to Summertime Design to download her FREE digital scrap booking lot Freedom Ain't Free Kit and all her other kits too!!!

2 PAIR OF SANDALS - $6.64

2010-07-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hip 2 Save highlighted a great deal this morning that I wanted to pass along to you all. Click HERE to get all the details. I purchased two pair of sandals for $7.99 each. With the BOGO sale, the coupon code provided by Hip 2 Save and picking the option to pick up at local store, I was able to get both pair of sandals for $6.64. My total would have been $21.59 at regular price so that is a savings of 70% . Be sure to get your sandals today before the stocks runs out. Remember to shop through Ebates to make this deal even better.

I can't wait to get my new sandals.

MY SHOP AND TELL MARATHON

2010-06-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

When my hubby asked my last Saturday if I was on a couponing vacation, I knew it was time to impress him again. I have been on couponing trips since my baby was born, but I have kept it a little low key. I must admit I was a little nervous to go couponing at more than one store on the same day with 3 kids, but I gathered up all my courage, bribed my kids with their "brownie point" rewards, fed the baby and headed out. It was business as usual ( I had nothing to worry about) and I came home with tons of stuff. See all my shopping breakdowns below . . .

TARGET
Total Value: $70.48
Total Spent: $21.29
Total Saved: $49.19
Average Savings: 70%

SMITHS
Total Value: $75.93
Total Spent: $42.64
Total Saved: $33.92
Average Savings: 43%

CVS
Total Value: $13.47
Total Spent: $2.35
Total Saved: $11.12
Average Savings: 83%

I always get the question, "Is it worth it to make a trip for just a few items?" The answer is YES. I was in major need of some cereal. I only had 5 boxes left in my pantry, crazy I know. I was done shopping at CVS in less than 5 minutes and I was able to get something that my family really needed. So to me that makes this trip very worth it.

SHOP AND TELL - CVS

2010-06-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

I find it a little hard to get out and do any kind of shopping in THIS HEAT, but when I have ECB's and a $5/$30 coupon for CVS about to expire I had to hit the road. I had a FULL shopping cart tonight. Who would ever have a full shopping cart at CVS? A couponer that's who!!! I can't imagine what the people behind me where thinking. because I was the only one in line with a cart. Regardless of what they where thinking as the checker read EVERY coupon carefully, I pulled off a killer transaction (yes just one transaction tonight). See my breakdown below . . .

Total Value: $113.83

Total Saved: $87.15 ( $27.59 MQ - $20.49 CVS Q's - $39.07 Sales)

Total Spent: $26.68 (used CVS gift card from Rx Transfer coupon)

Average Savings 77%

NO COUPONS THIS WEEKEND

2010-05-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's Memorial Day Weekend, so that means no coupon inserts this Sunday. Remember that just because the coupons are taking a vacation doesn't mean you have to. The sales should be good because of the holiday weekend. Be sure to check out GS to print your shopping list off today!

DIASTER IN THE KITCHEN

2010-05-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

My not so little girl graduated from preschool today. I can't believe it. She had already started her Kindergarten countdown. Why am I telling you this? I signed up to bring dessert to her after graduation party. When I sign up for anything (especially dessert) I like to take something extra special and not just the ordinary. So for her graduation party I decided I was going to make these pudding cups (click HERE to see). They looked simple enough and had the "WOW" factor I like. Oh boy, what did I get myself into. They turned into the biggest kitchen disaster to date. Balloons started popping and chocolate got everywhere. My sister said, "I hope you got pictures!" and I did go for the camera, but my wonderful hubby had taken it with him to work - dang-it! After an hour of recovery (which included a load of laundry), I decided to make cake ball. AND because of Grocery Smarts, I had everything I needed on hand. AWESOME!!!

The original idea comes from Bakerella. They always have a HUGE "WOW" factor so I don't know why strayed away. I am still trying to perfect this little guys. I have to say this is my best batch. If you have never heard of Bakerella and her famous cake pops, then don't waste another minute and hop on over. She makes a ton of different versions of Cake Ball, some that will blow you away.

Shop & Tell - Smith's (take 2 this week)

2010-05-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

I shopped at Smith's already this week (Tuesday) and was not planning on shopping again this week or next. However, my sister in law told me of the great water deal that was going on so I changed my mind and headed out today. I did a total of 2 transactions. The first transaction was the water that gave me a $5 coupon to use on my next purchase. The second transaction was everything else pictured. I used the $5 coupon to further my savings even more.

Total Value: $50.53
Total Spent: $24.35
Total Saved: $26.18
Average Savings: 52%

SHOP AND TELL - SMITHS

2010-05-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

I was in dire need of a shopping trip to restock my fridge. I felt like Smith's had the best deals this week so I planned my trip and headed out this morning. I only saved an average of 39% but in no way feel like a failure. Sure I like to save over 50% every time, however I did some "need" shopping (milk, bananas, yogurt, bottle liners, carrots) while I was there that ate up some of my savings.

As an added BONUS from now until the end of the sale (Tuesday) all coupons are honored at the value of $1.00. For example all $0.50 coupons are $1.00 coupons. This little surprise helped me to save about $2.00 more overall. Head on over to Pinching My Pennies to see my list of deals that work with this current coupon promo.

Total Value: $88.47
Total Spent: $53.88
Total Saved: $34.59
Total Coupons Used: $10.00
Average Savings: 39%

I also shoppped at Walmart and Sams to round out my shopping trip. I am hoping to go 10-14 days without hitting the stores again.

SHOP & TELL - CVS

2010-05-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

I usally don't like shopping at CVS in the end of the week, but I have been noticing lately that I receive a $5/$30 coupon in my e-mail around Thursday. So I waited around this week with some soon to be expired ECB's in my hand. Sure enough on Thursday the $5/$30 coupon arrived so I started planning my shopping trip. I was excited to pick up 4 boxes of Rice Krispies. My 3 year old has been asking for these every morning this past week. He will be so happy this morning when he sees what I got for him. I was VERY pleased with my shopping trip this week and I earned more EBC's for next week.

Here is my breakdown . . .

Total Value: $62.24
Total Spent: $10.45
(used CVS gift card from a prescription transfer coupon)
Total Saved: $51.79
Average Savings: 83%
Average Cost per Item: $0.75

Used $11 ECB's Earned $14.99 ECB's

Lisa's Tip
Make sure that CVS has your updated e-mail address so you can get those cool $5/$30 coupons just like me!

LETTER CARRIER FOOD DRIVE

2010-05-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Mark SATURDAY MAY 9, 2010 on your calendars ladies as it is the Letter Carrier Food Drive. You may have received an empty grocery bag in your mail box some time this week to help promote the food drive. This is a great time to go through your pantry to give away some items that are about to expire. Now don't go giving expired foods, as they will not be accepted as a good donation. You'll just have to toss the expired and keep hunting in your pantry. You will be amazed at what you can find to share with those people that are less fortunate than us.

Here is a small clip from the NALC site - "Only a few days remain . . . with expectations that the drive will break through the 1 billion pound mark in total donations collected since the union's effort began 18 years ago. The drive this year hopes to exceed last year's 73.4 million pounds total, which would easily surpass the 1 billion total mark, since the current total stands at 982.7 million pounds."

Let's all give a little of our coupons victories to this food drive and help give back to our community.

2 Educational Computer Games for $5.82 Shipped!

2010-05-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

My hubby and I feel it is necessary to give our kids computer time so they can learn how to navigate a computer in this day and age, We want to give our kids a jump start on their computer knowledge. With that being said, we also don't want them play mindless computer games. We want their computer time to challenge them mentally while having fun.

A while back I ran across this website called Bird Rock Family that offers GREAT deals on children's computer software games. This week I received an e-mail about a great promotion and I couldn't pass it up (HERE). I ordered Smart Steps Kindergarten - CD for $3.95 and Alphabet Express CD. I got Alphabet Express for FREE when I entered the code EXPRESS. When my order was complete I spent only $5.82 for 2 games. This deal ends tomorrow so act fast so your kids can enjoy these games as much as my kiddos will.

RECIPE EXCHANGE - STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD

2010-04-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a great spring salad, then this one fits the bill. 3 out of the 4 items can be purchased on sale this week for $1.00 each.

Ingredients
Spinach - $0.99 (Albertsons)
Sliced Strawberries - $0.99/lb (Vons)
Ken's Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette - $0.99 (Albertsons)
Candied Walnuts - see recipe here

Directions
Layer spinach, sliced strawberries and candied walnuts. Toss with dressing just before serving.

SHOP & TELL - YOU GOTTA ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES

2010-04-23T10:58:00.001-07:00

Today's shopping trip came with many obstacles. However, I overcame them with a good attitude and walked away with an awesome savings report. I did 2 transactions. The first one gave me back $14.00 worth of coupons to use on my next trip. I used them immediately in a second transaction on more sale items that had coupons to go with it (following rule #1).

I decided in the middle of my shopping trip that the best kind of attitude you can have while couponing is to be able to roll with the punches. Couponing seems straight forward enough, but we have to deal with out of stock items, ad misprints and even our own miscalculations. A good positive attitude and a friendly voice will score you some brownie points with the store employees and will get your problems solved quickly. By the time I left Albertsons for the second time today, I felt just as welcome as I did when I first walked through their doors this morning.

Check out my posts on PYP to see what to avoid when shopping at Albertsons this week.

(You couldn't see all items I purchase in the picture. I wanted to make sure you knew just exactly all I purchased today!)

Total Value: $104.03

Total Spent: $40.02

Total Saved: $64.01

Average Savings: 62%

SHOP & TELL - CVS

2010-04-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

I had coupons and ECB's burning a hole in my pocket so I put together a CVS shopping trip this morning. I had $10 in ECB's from last week to put towards this transaction, along with coupons of course. I love walking into CVS and being greeted by the staff, gathering my list of things, and heading to the check out counter knowing that I have just put together an awesome transaction that save me so big buck.

Total Value: $46.41
Total Saved: $35.19
Total Spent: $11.22

(actually the total spent was $0.00 as I used a prescription transfer coupon)

Average Savings: 76%

I put my list together using GS CVS List and Hip 2 Save.

CVS PRESCRIPTION TRANSFER COUPONS

2010-03-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hey Fellow Couponers!!! Don't forget to get the $25 CVS prescription transfers coupons out of this Sundays paper. These coupons can equal a huge saving for all your couponing needs at CVS.

SHOP & TELL - I HEART TARGET

2010-03-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

My hubby was in need of some razors in a bad way and I always like to treat myself to the nice shave that Venus Embrace offers so when I saw the razor deal in the Target ad this week I knew that I would be making another couponing trip. Grocery Smarts does not currently have a Target list so I depend on Hip 2 Save for all my Target couponing needs. Through her website I was able put together a killer list of items that my family needed and yielded a HUGE savings.

Total Value: $104.04
Total Spent: $29.30
Total Saved: $72.88
Average Savings 72%

BACK TO BLOGGING

2010-03-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone - I know some of you have wondered where the heck I have gone!!! I have taken a little vacation from blogging, couponing and teaching over the past weeks as I have welcomed my new little guy to the family. We had a little bit of a rocky start with Chase being in the NICU for 8 days, but he is doing well and growing way to fast. My other two kiddos have adjusted well and we are finally getting back to "normal" whatever that is RIGHT!!!

Well, I am attempting to get back in to couponing, blogging and teaching. I can't guarantee a regular posting schedule, but I will try my best. My calendar is open for bookings and am excited to already have 2 classes on my calendar. And as for the couponing, my pantry and linen closet are starting to look sparse so I headed out to Albertsons on Monday to start stockpiling again. I spent around $40 and save $75.00. Wow, I almost forgot the what the feeling of VICTORY felt like. Sorry for the lack of a picture, I don't know what I was thinking. Maybe the lack of sleep is finally kicking in!!!

So if you are interested in booking a class, give me a call at 702-417-1450. I have some new and exciting hostess incentives that you don't want to miss out on!!! If you have any questions or topics you want me to blog about, email me at shopsmartandsave@hotmail.com

HOW TO STORE MISC COUPONS

2010-03-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

I have found that over the past few years of couponing, that clipped coupons were the death of me. These are the coupons that I find on purchased products, in magazines, and blinkie coupons from the store. I never knew how to store them, where to store them, and I could never find them when I needed them.

However, I found the perfect solution - Baseball Card protector sleeves. My hubby is a huge baseball card collector so I asked him if I could have a few of his protector sheets to help store my coupons. Now I keep all clipped coupon in one convenient spot. Each sleeve can hold up to 9 different coupons and it is easy for me to spot what extra coupons I have on hand. No more coupons in a million places or flipping through a huge pile of coupons to see what I have.

So if you are having the same problem with your clipped coupons you pick up along the way, get yourself some baseball card protector sleeves to help you out.

I TAKE THEM WITH ME EVERYWHERE

2010-02-23T07:52:00.000-08:00

I have what I like to call "I TAKE THEM WITH ME EVERYWHERE" coupons. I have a small 4x7 mini-check sorter that fits nicely in my purse (find them at Target's dollar spot for a buck or at Wal-Mart in the office supply section for around the same price). I keep store, fast food, pharmacy and service coupons in it. I also like to keep a calculator and pencil so I can figure out deals on the spot. It is even where I keep my copy of the Wal-Mart and Target Coupon Policy. Breakdown the sections to match your shopping need, but here are a few of my categories to help get you started.

CVS
Walgreens
Targer
Kohls
Micheals/JoAnn's
Other Retail (Ulta, Bed Bath and Beyond and Bath & Body Works etc)
Prescription Transfer Coupons
Fast Food
Entertainment

I found that I was always leaving these types of coupons at home, and missing out on even more savings. So, being a Smart Shopper, I knew I needed a convenient solution. The mini-check sorter has worked out great for sorting and storing coupons that I don't use at the grocery store, but that can be used in every day shopping trips . Try it out and you will start to see savings in other areas of your family budget.

DID YOU KNOW . . .

2010-02-17T07:01:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Micheal's and JoAnn's excepts competitor coupons? Yup they do!!! And it gets even better, at both stores you can use one of each in a single transaction. Just last week, I was at Micheal's for two sticker activity books for my kiddos to use at church. They were not on sale, but I NEEDED them for my sanity. I used one Micheal's 40% coupon and one JoAnn's 40% coupon in the same transaction and was able to save 40% on both books I bought.

I used to pass on cutting out JoAnn's coupons because the Henderson location is just too far for me to frequent all the time. However, now I clip them and keep them with my Michael's coupons to help further my savings.

DINNER IS SERVED

2010-02-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

One of my most asked questions is, "how do you get dinner on the table buying mix and match items every week." Simple!

1) I make a menu from the ads. I look at what I have bought in the weeks past and what is on sale the current week to put together my menu.

2) I make sure my pantry is full of my basic (most commonly used) ingredients. Some of my favs are chicken stock, cream of chicken, soy sauce, noodles, rice, tomato sauce and bread crumbs. I have a lot of go to recipes that use these ingredients so when all else fails I can pull together a basic meal from my pantry.

3) I always watch the meat and poultry sales and stock up when I can. If I am able to get ground beef for a great deal, I will buy enough to last me at least a month. Then I can put together a "beef"meal from most of the basic pantry items (spaghetti, stroganoff, tacos, inside out burritos).
Finding success at dinner time comes with a little bit of planning. Grocery Smarts helps me to plan my meals more successfully while cutting my budget.

Shop & Tell - Huge Success

2010-02-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

Attention fellow shoppers - don't miss out on the Smith's sale this week!!!!

I was going to skip out on shopping this week as I am on the 5 day count down for my new arrival, but I couldn't let this sale slip by. I am so glad I went because my pantry is now overflowing with food. I can't think of a better time to have my pantry overflowing then days before my little man comes.

Here is my AWESOME breakdown and I hope it inspires you to hit the sale.

Total Value: $136.72

Total Spent: $34.04

Total Saved: $102.68

Average Savings: 75%

Cost per Item: $0.68

CHECK THE DATE

2010-02-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about couponing is that we can stock up on items our family uses the most for cheap. However, you need to make sure that you are keeping tabs on what you buy. Whenever, I am stocking up BIG on items like the Pasta HERE, I check the expiration date before purchasing large quantities. The expiration date on the pasta was 10/2012 so I felt good buying 24 packages. I hate when the items I bought on sale with a coupon have to be thrown out because I did not use it before the expiration date (we experienced some BAD corn bread the other day and it's no wonder, the expiration date was over 1 year old).

Here are some helpful tips that can help you keep tabs on your expiration dates

Always rotate your pantry stock. When I come home with new canned items, like the Cream of Chicken Soup, I always take the time to put the newest can in the back and move all other cans forward. Yes - it can be a pain, but it helps me keep tabs on my expiration date.

Know what is in your pantry before you shop. Just because the Peanut Butter is on sale for $1.00 doesn't mean you have to buy it. Especially if you already have 10 at home. Set a good limit for your stock and stick to it.

Be smart about your stockpile. Make sure you only stock items your family uses regularly. It would not be wise to buy 10 bottles of a certain salad dressing that is only used in one recipe.

Look at the expiration dates at the store. I try really hard to look at the date before I even put the item in my cart. This can help you determine if you want to buy more or less of the item. Back to the pasta example, I originally only had about 10 packages in my cart, but when I looked at the expiration date (10/2012), I knew that at $0.50 a bag I could stock up on more and be safe.

RETURN QUEEN

2010-01-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

As of late I feel like I am the Return Queen. Most of the items are things I purchase for my hubby that end up not working out - I even have trouble with socks. Thankfully I keep all my receipts in a small according file (you can find one at the Target Dollar Spot) so it makes it easy for me to locate my a certain receipt when it comes time for me to make a return. My receipt file has 13 different slots so I organize my receipts by the month and I even have a special spot for all Christmas receipts. At the end of the month I weed out fast food, gas and maybe even some grocery shopping receipts that I do not need. This helps keep my according file from bulding at the end of the year.

So if you feel like you are standing in the Customer Service line way too much as of late (like me), make sure you have your receipts stashed away in a nice and organized spot so you will always know where to find them.

SHOP AND TELL

2010-01-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

Not every couponing shopping trip needs to be big and exciting to be successful. I went to Albertsons this morning and only picked up a few items, but my savings still yielded 69%. I need the Rice Krispies for Valentines Day treats I am planning to make and we were out of our favorite granola bars. I was in and out of the store in less than 10 minutes and that was with my little man being a very special helper.

So just remember that just because your shopping list may be small, it is still worth it to make the trip.

Total Value: $37.01
Total Saved: $25.49
Total Spent: $11.52
Average Savings: 69%

PS - The Albertson's Brand Cookie Crisp caught my little man's eye and he politely ask if he could have it. It was on sale for $1.00 a box so I gave in. I looked over my receipt just now and saw that this cereal is normally $2.49. Lucky for my little man that this cereal just happened to be on sale.

RECIPE EXCHANGE - AUSSIE CHICKEN

2010-01-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe online a few months ago and it has quickly become a family favorite. My hubby asks for it once a week and I don't mine because it is so GOOD!!! I can not find the website that gave me the recipe so thank you to the anonymous home cook out there for sharing this KILLER recipe.

Aussie Chicken Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons seasoning salt
6 slices bacon, cut in half
1/2 cup prepared mustard
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterrey Jack cheese (or what ever cheese you have)

Directions

1) Rub the chicken breasts with the seasoning salt, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until crisp. Set aside.
3) In a medium bowl, combine the mustard, honey, and mayonnaise. Remove half of sauce, cover and refrigerate to serve later.
4) Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the breasts in the skillet and saute for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove from skillet and place the breasts into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Apply the honey mustard sauce to each breast, then layer each breast with mushrooms and bacon. Sprinkle top with shredded cheese.
5) Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and chicken juices run clear.

Serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce any ENJOY!!!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REBATES

2010-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

I love qualifying for rebates because they increase your savings bottom line. And when the qualifying item is on sale and has a coupon to go along with it, the rebate becomes even more desirable for me. With that said, rebates can be tricky and you might end up spending more money just to get the rebate. Here are some things I look for in rebates

Are the qualifying item(s) things I really need and use. Let's say there is a rebate for Act II popcorn. I would not be interested in participating in this rebate because I am a hot air popcorn kind of gal. I get a big bag of kernels for under $2.00 and it lasts my family a good couple of months. I do not see the value of buying the microwavable kind of popcorn, when my first option is good ole air popped.
Are the qualifying item(s) on sale? I never want to pay full price for a item that is attached to a rebate. More times than not, the qualifying items will go on sale during the promotional dates so wait and watch for the sale.
Are there coupons for the qualifying item(s)? Be sure to check out GS Alphabetical Coupon Index or search the web for coupons to help lower the cost of the qualifying items. I am sure they are out there, you just have to be found. Usually when I see a rebate form, I am able to do a quick Google search and find one.
Does the Rebate ask me to buy another item just to qualify? With the recent Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs rebate, I had to buy 2 Hefty products to qualify. I have and will use the Hefty products I bought to qualify for the rebate. So the extra spending was OK and worth it. On the other hand, I got the G Force DVD for my kids to give to them at a later date. To qualify for the rebate, I have to buy 2 Kernel Season's Products. I had to look up what this brand even was as I have never heard of it (unique seasoning for popcorn). I would never use this product so the extra money spent to qualify for the rebate would be a waste.

I hope that these tips help you to make rebates more successful in your couponing journey!!!

Couponing at Target

2010-01-14T18:07:00.000-08:00

I have recently received a lot of e-mails about how I shop at Target. I am going to send you over to Hip 2 Save and her "Target Store Guide" to pick up some great tips. This guide also includes a video. Click HERE to view guide.

Every week, Hip 2 Save posts the best deals for the week at Target. Her weekly lists help me put together my shopping list. I also love to read the comments that come with the weekly post because a lot of friendly readers leave deal ideas.

I then check the list I have made against the GS Alphabetical Coupon Index to see if I have the coupons to clip. Coupons are regional so her coupons are different from ours. Just keep this in mind when making your list from her site.

Target is a really awesome place to coupon and you can get some really good deals. Just remember to start out small and add more as you feel more comfortable with Target's policy.

I hope this helps!!!

MORE INFO ON MAIL IN REBATE

2010-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

So I wanted to give you more info about the Mail in Rebate I mentioned in my Walgreen's post yesterday HERE. In the SS-1/11 you will find a rebate certificate that states "Get $10.00 Rebate check by mail when you buy $30.00" of qualifying items. It list the qualifying products as Ambi, Aveeno, Clean & Clear, Lubriderm and RoC. All of these items have coupons in the SS-1/11 insert and they are all on sale for Buy 1 Get 1 50% off at Walgreen's this week (this is what the ad states however at my Walgreen's the sale was honored as Buy One Get One FREE).

Everything pictured above came to $44.22 and qualified me for the rebate. I only spent about $6.46 after sales and coupons kicked in. Now all I have to do it fill out the form shown below, circle all qualifying items on my receipt and send the form and receipt to the address provided on the form. They will not take into consideration the coupons or the sale promotion to calculate the cost of all items.

So when all is said and done and I have the $10.00 check in my hand, my whole Walgreen's deal (not just what I pictured above) will become a $7.62 MONEY MAKER for me.

You can head on over to Hip 2 Save HERE or HERE to get more rebate deal ideas.

A MUST SEE SHOP & TELL

2010-01-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

Awhile back I used a prescription transfer coupon at Walgreen's and was able to get a $25.00 check to use on my next purchase. I rarely shop at Walgreen's because their reward program has more rules than CVS and I like to keep the stores I shop at to a minimum. However, I needed to use this $25.00 check and didn't want it to go to waste. I knew that I had to use the whole $25.00 check in one trip so I have been waiting for just the right sale. And let me tell you, this is the week to shop at Walgreen's.

With the sales, coupons and $25.00 prescription transfer check, I was able to get everything pictured above for $2.38. WaHoOoO!!!!!!!!!!!! I was down to my last bottle of Scrubbing Bubbles so the fact that I was able to stock up on some today made this deal even better. And to add even more icing to my cake $23.00 of my $27.00 of my used coupons came from yesterday's paper (SS-1/11). I feel like I could go on and on about this sale but I won't. I think my breakdown speaks for itself.

Total Value: $103.92
Total Spent: $2.38
Total Saved: $101.54
Average Savings: 98%

Oh My Gosh!!! I almost forgot one of the best parts. There is a "Spend $30 in participating products, get $10.00 Rebate" found in SS-1/11. My purchase today qualifies me for this rebate. So I am going to mail off my rebate form tomorrow and will get $10.00 check in the mail. So in reality, I will make $7.62 on this transaction. WHAT A DEAL!!!

EDIT: OK Gals - I don't want you to think you can't do this deal. It might not be as good as mine, but it is possible to walk away with a huge savings. If you take the $25.00 check away from my transaction, I still would have only paid $27.38 for $103.92 worth of product. That is still a 74% savings rate. Make sure to check out GS Walgreen's List and the coupon insert from Sunday (SS-1/11) to get all your coupons gathered for your transaction. Good Luck and send me pictures of your savings. I would love to see them.

I also stopped my K-Mart today. My hubby pointed out a pretty good cereal deal to me last night from the ad and I didn't give it a second glance. However, Hip2Save had the cereal sale with coupons to match HERE and as soon as I saw it I was totally on board for the sale. I felt bad that I didn't check into the deal a little more after my hubby told me about it.

Total Value: $20.00
Total Saved: $14.00
Total Spent: 6.00
Average Savings 70%

PS - I did two transactions to make this deal work.

SHOP & TELL - CASE LOT STYLE

2010-01-09T14:23:00.001-08:00

Smith's is features their famous Case Lot sale this week. Case Lot sales are not my favorite kind of sale. They sound like BIG savings and they help you stock up on your family's essentials. However, I feel that you can walk away spending way more than needed.

I am lucky enough that my Smith's does not require you to buy the whole case to get the sale price. This is one of the main reasons I went shopping there today. I looked at the GS list to see what items where on sale, checked my pantry to see what I need and how much of it, and tried to limit my shopping trip to under $30.00. The items I purchased were all items that I was running low on.

My savings was not stellar (about 38%) but I did stay under my $30.00. My total for everything above was $22.78. Although this shopping trip is definitely not one I will be talking about much after this post, it will help keep my "need" list to a minimum for the next little awhile.

RECIPE EXCHANGE - CIDER PORK ROAST

2010-01-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

My mother-in-law was the first to serve this recipe to me and let me tell you I was very skeptical. I love trying new recipes, but this one seemed a little weird. Let me tell you how WRONG I was. I crave this recipe all the time and the gravy served over mashed potatoes is to die for. Don't wait TOO long to try this recipe out.

Cider Pork Roast
1.5-2 pound Boneless Pork Loin
2 T Oil
1.5 cups Apple Cider (I use apple juice most of the time)
3 Beef Bouillon Cubes
1 tsp Mustard
1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Directions
Heat oil in skillet and brown pork loin on all sides. Combine all other ingredients together in a separate bowl. Remove pork from skillet and place in a crock pot. Pour apple cider mixture over pork. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until pork is shreddable.

Drain cider mixture into a small sauce pan and bring to a low boil. Add corn starch to thicken. Serve with mashed potatoes.

SHOP & TELL

2010-01-07T15:34:00.001-08:00

CVS and Target seem to be my GO TO couponing spots these days. I was able to get to both stores today and saved an average of 63%.

For everything above, I paid $13.15 and receive $12.00 in ECB (or CVS coupons) to use on my next purchase. I usually roll my ECB's in to another transaction, however that did not happen today. All of the items I had on my second transaction list were gone. So I came home with $12.00 to use next week. I am sure this will make for a good shopping trip next week.

Total Value: $34.39
Total Spent: $ 13.15
Total Saved: $24.21
Average Savings: 62%

Lisa's Tip
Shop earlier in the week (or sale) to ensure the sale items will be stocked.

Target has become one of my favorite stores to coupon at. Plus they just opened a new store not too far out of my way and I can't resist shopping there. I don't know what it is about a new target and a new shopping cart, but I will drive the extra 10 minutes just to shop there. Here is my shopping trip breakdown . . .

Total Value: $70.63
Total Spent: $25.87
Total Saved: $44.76
Average Savings: 63%

Shopping Trip Highlights
Finish Dishwasher Tablets $0.68 each
Special K cereal $0.64 each
Juice Juice $0.50 each

Thanks to HIP 2 Save for helping get my shopping list put together.

Here's Tip #2
Target offers a good variety of Target Coupons (or store coupons) and they accept Manufacture Coupons. You can combine both types of coupons on one item to make the savings even sweeter. For example, the Juicy Juice I bought today was on sale for $2.00 a bottle. I used $1/1 Target Coupon and $1/2 Manufacture coupon on one bottle. So because I combine both coupons on one bottle, I was able to snag a bottle for $0.50.

GO KIDLESS

2010-01-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

Shopping with your kids can add stress to your shopping trips. When I had my kiddos in tow, I felt like I was less focused on my savings and more focused on getting through my list as fast as I can. I was constantly telling my kiddos, "we can't get that today, it's not on sale" or "just a few more minutes." I was about ready to pull my hair out by the time my shopping was done. I would be safe in saying that I have good well behaved kids, but there is something about the grocery store that brings out the worst in them.

Over the past few months, I have adopted a new motto, "Go Kidless!" I go grocery shopping when my hubby is home and work going around his schedule. This has been the best thing ever and as an added bonus I get some alone time. I know "alone time" at the grocery store doesn't sound as appealing as getting a pedicure or browsing around Target aimlessly, but sometimes you have to take what you get.

So if your kids are making it hard for you to give your full attention to your shopping list, LEAVE THEM HOME WITH DAD!!! Oh and if you can't do that - check out THIS POST.

2010 Savings Tracker

2010-01-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

I love to track my savings so I created a new Savings Tracker for 2010. AND because I love all of my readers so much and I am still in the Christmas giving mood, you can click HERE to download your own copy today.

Happy Savings in 2010!!!

COUNT THEM . . .

2010-01-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Count them up ladies, we got 3 different inserts in the paper today. Make sure that you pull them all.

HUGE DIAPER DEAL!

2010-01-01T19:17:00.001-08:00

THIS DEAL IS DEAD TOMORROW!!!

I ran across this diaper deal at Hip 2 Save and thought it would be a good way for me to start stocking up for my new arrival coming in February. However, for the first time in over two years, I had to enlist the help of my hubby for couponing purposes. I am not sure that we was totally on board with the whole process until we walked out of Babies R Us with 4 packs of diapers for $7.64 or $0.04 a diaper. These diapers are regularly priced at $11.99 a pack and I was able to score mine for $1.50 a pack. WHAT IN THE WORLD . . . I can't even believe my breakdown.

Here are some things you need to know to make this transaction work for you. 1) You can only print 1 Earth's Best coupon per computer so I had to use 4 different computers (help #1 from hubby). 2) The Babies R Us coupon (expires 1/2) states 1 per customer, however my sales associate told me that she would allow 1 coupon per transaction - which made my savings even better. 3) The sale states "3 diaper packs per customer." I knew I wanted more than 2 packs so I knew I needed someone to go shopping with me (help #2 from hubby). So between me and my hubby, we did a total of 4 transactions. My hubby wants to go back for more, so I told him if he could find more computers to print new coupons, I would gladly go back with him.

RESOLVE TO SAVE MORE

2010-01-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to EVERYONE!!! Today is the day that we sit down and write out our goals for the year. Is one of your goals to SAVE MORE AT THE GROCERY STORE? If so then Grocery Smarts is here to help you succeed. Grocery Smarts has helped my family save over $5000 last year (an average of $450 a month). The added bonus is that my pantry and linen closets are stocked full of the things my family consumes.

If you answer YES to any of the following questions, then give me a call today (702-417-1540) so I can help get you started on your 2010 savings goal.

Have you let your RJ subscription lapse?

Did you order a subscription, but didn't get enough for your family's consumption rate? (remember one paper per consumer in your household)

Did you attend a class and leave without getting a subscription, but really wanted to?

Have you never attended a class and want to get started?

RECIPE EXCHANGE - CHICKEN CORDON BLUE

2009-12-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

I love chicken cordon blue, but I hate the process in which you make is so I make mine this way, like it the recipe found HERE. I top the chicken with gravy recipe below and serve with rice. YUMM-O!!!

Creamy Gravy
1 can Cream of Chicken
1 cup Sour Cream
1/4 cup Lemon Juice

Shop & Tell - CVS

2009-12-29T10:44:00.001-08:00

I was excited by the CVS ad this week and I saw a lot of things I needed to stock up on. Thanks to Money Saving Mom and Hip2Save for helping me put my list together. For this purchase I did 2 rolling transactions. The first was for all of the ECB reward items and the second was to buy things that were on sale, I had a coupon for and I needed. I rolled all the ECB reward coupons into my second transaction.

Here is my Shop & Tell breakdown:

Total Value $72.68
Total Spent $24.21
Total Saved $48.47
Average Savings 67%

Lisa's CVS Tip
Use any earned reward coupons right away in another transaction. This way you don't chance letting the reward coupons expire.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-12-25T06:05:00.000-08:00

RECIPE EXCHANGE - BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

2009-12-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe from my aunt when many years ago. I remember eating it growing up but only on special occasions, and one of those special occasions was Christmas morning.

Because this meal can be made upto 24 hrs in advance, it makes for an easy going Christmas morning meal. I usally make it in Christmas Eve. Then when we get up to see what Santa's brought, I sneak downstairs and throw it in the oven to bake. By the time all the presents are open and played with and our stomachs are grumbling, my breakfast casserole is ready to be served. It couldn't be any easier.

Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
24-32oz Shredded Hash Browns
1 Stick Butter
3 Eggs - beaten
1 c Half & Half
1/2 tsp Season Salt
1 cup Cheddar Cheese - shredded
1 cup Swiss Cheese - shredded
1 cup Bacon crumbles
2 T Green Onion - chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 325. Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Mix together hash browns and melted butter. Add to the pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until hash browns are crispy.

Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour over hash browns. If you are making to bake later, make sure the hash browns have cooled first. Bake casserole at 375 for 30-40 minutes. ENJOY!!!

SHOP AND TELL

2009-12-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

I guess that even the holidays can't stop me from couponing. I was able to sneak away with out my kiddos yesterday and made a quick trip to Target for some deals. I was able to get everything pictured above for only $11.52 and yes that includes the Tinkerbell Blu-Ray DVD.

Here is my transaction breakdown:

Total Value: $54.10
Total Spent:$ 11.52
Total Saved: $42.58
Average Savings 79%

Happy Shopping!!!

GIFT GIVING COUPON STYLE

2009-12-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

Do you need a last minute gift for a co-worker or neighbor, but you don't want to blow your Christmas budget. Then here is the gift for you. Purchase a Betty Crocker Warm Delights and and make a tag that says

"May your Holidays be Warm & Delightful!"

I waited for a good Betty Crocker sale, but the Warm Delights never showed up. So I purchase mine at Walmart for $1.62. I used printable coupons I printed from HERE (I had access to mutliple computers) and was able to get all my Warm Delights for about $1.00. I made a cute tag and tied it all up with some matching ribbon. Overall, each gift cost about $1.15 each. Something my hubby could live with when our gift giving list was over 20.

NO COUPONS TODAY!

2009-12-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

There may be not coupon insert in the paper today, but I did find these coupons hiding in the Parade and USA Today magazines. The Hasbro coupon may help you out with some last minute shopping.

RECIPE EXCHANGE - BROCCOLI GRAPE SALAD

2009-12-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

OK Ladies - I missed out on some real goodness by not trying this recipe years ago. I can remember the day it showed its face in my family and thought to myself "you've got to be kidding me, grapes and broccoli!" However, I took a leap of faith a year a go and this has become anther personal favorite. Even my picky hubby, who doesn't like broccoli loves this salad.

Broccoli Grape Salad

4 cups Broccoli Florette's

4 cups Purple Grapes

1/2 cup Red Onion -sliced thin (I substitute chopped green onion)

1 pound Crispy Bacon - cut into chunky pieces

1/4 Sunflower Seeds

1 cup Mayo (can substitute plain yogurt)

1/4 cup Sugar

2 T Cider Vinegar

Directions

Wash and dry broccoli and grapes. Mix together mayo, sugar and vinegar for dressing. In a big mixing bowl combine all ingredients and dress. Chill before serving.

G Force DVD

2009-12-16T09:04:00.001-08:00

You may or may not know that I have one rule for buying a new release DVD, and it is easier than you think to stick to it. I NEVER pay pull price for a new release. In fact, I like to take it a step further and keep the cost of the DVD under $10 if not $5.

Well, last night I was able to score the G Force for only $6.17 at Target. NOT BAD!!!! According to Target's website this DVD should retail at about $44.00 so if that is true, I saved 86%. Here's how . . .

Print coupons found HERE (thanks Hip2Save)
Take Walmarts ad to price match $19.96 price
Check out - Now, I was told by a Target employee that all price matching has to been done at customer service, but I don't really think that is the case. So if you have trouble price matching the Walmart price of $19.96 then ask to check out at customer service.

Now since I have all of my Christmas shopping done - YIPEEEEE - I will be saving this DVD for Valentine's Day. I can never start shopping to early for the next big holiday!!!

PICK ONE THAT WORKS FOR YOU

2009-12-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

We all know that getting started with the Grocery Smarts can be daunting and I believe that one of the reasons is because we all feel like we need to shop at every store. We don't want to miss out on all the good deals that are going to help us save money, RIGHT?!?! To help simplify and streamline your whole shopping experience, choose a few stores from the GS lists that work for you. I will never know if you don't shop all the sales.

I generally shop at either Albertsons, Smith or CVS because they are close to my house and each other. I usually shop at 2 stores or less in a week to keep it simple. I have found that by not looking at the other GS lists, I am not even tempted to hit the other sales.

I know that I have streamlined my Grocery Smarts experience even more by picking a store that works for me. Try doing the same and see the difference it makes in your shopping experience.

HOMEMADE BIRTHDAY

2009-12-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

Ever since my kids were born, I have been buying a birthday cake at the local bakery. I wanted my kids to have the perfect cake for their birthday and that included having the character/theme of their choice. Well, this year I made a frugal decision to stop over paying for my kids cakes (which we never finish and throw half away) and go homemade.

Today is my daughter's 5th birthday and I was able to make this really cute cake (yes I am bias because I made it) for about $10.00. She is totally in love with it and hasn't said a word to me about a store bought that matches her birthday theme - The Princess and the Frog.

GIFT IDEA #5 - CROCK POT

2009-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

OK I have not yet received this gift, but this Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 6qt Crock Pot is on the top of my wish list this year. I love my crock pot, but it is one of those small appliances that still works with a few hiccups. Plus the bonus with this crock pot is that the lid clamps on. No more spills in the car. Oh I hope that I find this under the Christmas Tree this year!!!

Get all the info about the crock pot HERE!

GIFT IDEA #4 - FOOD SAVER

2009-12-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

I got this Food Saver for Christmas over 5 years ago and I am still using it today. Amazing, I know for a small appliance. I love using the Food Saver when I buy in bulk. You can definitely save money in bulk, but only if your family eats what you buy. The Food Saver helps me to preserve the bulk foods I buy until my family is ready to consume.

Get all the info on the Food Saver HERE!

GIFT IDEA #3 - SHOP SMART BOOK

2009-12-10T07:13:00.000-08:00

If you want to take your couponing skills to the next level, then this is the book for you. I learned so many great tips from Shop Smart, Save More and still refer to this book to learn more. This gift would make a great stocking stuffer!!!

Get all the info on this book HERE!

GIFT IDEA #2 - STEAM MOP

2009-12-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

I got this for my birthday (not Christmas) a few years ago after we moved into our new home. The whole first floor is tile and quite a daunting task to clean. The Shark Steam Mop makes cleaning my floors a snap and I am not using harsh cleaning chemicals, just steam. So if you have tile or hardwood floors in abundance in your home, this is the perfect gift for you.

See all the info about this item HERE!

GIFT IDEA #1 - BREAD MAKER

2009-12-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

I received this Sunbeam Bread Maker for Christmas last year and love it. Surprisingly, I do not use it to make bread, just dough. I love getting up on Sunday morning, throwing ingredients into the bread maker, pressing a few buttons and viola I have dough in 90 minutes for the most delicious homemade rolls. YUMMY!!! Try out these awesome recipes Buttery Bread Machine Dough and Homemade Pizza Dough with your new bread maker.

Check out all the info on this Bread Machine HERE

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR YOURSELF

2009-12-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

When it comes to making out a Christmas list, I must admit I sometimes struggle. I am so worried about everyone else, I forget about myself and what I want. A common scenario for most moms. My hubby and mom almost have to compete over the gifts that I do want. I find it somewhat ironic that around Christmas time I can't think of anything that I would like, but as soon as the season has past the ideas start flowing.

For the next week, I will be highlights gifts from Christmas past to help give you some gift ideas for yourself. All of these items help me to save money in one way or another, are practical and make my life easier.

SHOP AND TELL PART 2

2009-12-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

I knew that I wanted to hit both the Smiths and Albertsons sale this week, but my time was limited. So I hit Albertson's yesterday and Smith's this afternoon. My savings at Smith's was not stellar (under 50%), but I was the mom of the year when I brought home 6 boxes of my little girl's favorite cereal. For everything pictured above I spent $51.72 and my pantry is restocked on cereal, snacks and some cooking essentials.

SHOP AND TELL

2009-12-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

I hit the Albertsons 3 day sale this morning, and oh boy. I felt like I had to dust the cob web off my brain because I haven't been so couponing in so long (due to the fact I have such a good stockpile at home). However, I was still able to remember all my tips and tricks and pulled off a great shopping trip, with only a few hiccups.

Total Spent: $29.09
Total Saved: $45.76
Total Value: $74.85
Average Savings: 61%

Haven't looked at the Grocery Smarts Lists yet? Check them out HERE!!!

MY GO TO DEAL BLOG

2009-12-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Hip 2 Save is my go to deal blog. I check her out every morning just to see what new deals have been posted. She has greats shopping lists for CVS, Walgreens and Target that I use regularly.

Just today, I was able to score a Dora Leapster game FREE and just had to pay $5.95 shipping. I have been watching this item on e-bay for weeks but haven't wanted to pay the premium that it was going for. I am so excited about my purchase.

Make sure to add her to your blogroll ( or check out my on my right sidebar) so you don't miss out on the deals that you might just be looking for.

A NEW LOOK!!!

2009-12-02T23:11:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to WELCOME all new and old readers alike to my new blog design. I have done some "spring cleaning" if you will to make my blog easier to navigate. For those that read my blog often, you have noticed a lack of posting. SORRY!!! I am pregnant with baby #3 and let's just say I have been feeling a little blue in the face amongst other things.

I have a bunch of exciting ideas floating around in my head that I want to share with you all. So please stick with me and my not so settled stomach.

In the mean time, if you have any questions, want to book a class or just want to share an exciting shopping trip experience with me - don't hesitate to e-mail me at shopsmartandsave@hotmail.com.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

2009-12-01T15:35:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since my last post. It seems that family life and the holidays have gotten the best of me. However, with 95% of my Christmas shopping done, I am ready to put my focus on enjoying the Christmas Season. My couponing sis spent many hours last year putting together this awesome Christmas Advent Blog. I looked forward to the inspiring posts everyday. Her blog really helped my family get into the Christmas spirit and to understand the true meaning.

I hope that you can find it contents inspiring and uplifting as I do. Happy Holidays!!!

A Shadow Canyon Christmas

COUPONING AT TARGET

2009-11-18T19:06:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite places to coupon is Target. Maybe it is because I love walking into a Target just to browse or maybe it's because it is so unexpected that you can save big buck with coupons there. What ever the reason, I only spent $13.40 for everything pictures above and save 70%. The best deal of all was getting the butter for $0.37 a tub, and such good timing since I just threw my last butter tub away this after lunch.

ADDITIONAL SAVINGS

2009-11-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

Going through the Sunday ads is something I look forward to every week. I can wait to see what new sales are going on. Today I found a bunch of extra coupons throughout the paper. Make sure to check out the coupons in the Parade and USA Today Magazines. They usually have some coupons hidden in their pages. Also - CVS has issued more $25.00 Gift Card Prescription Coupons. I calculated an extra $165.00 in coupon savings this week because of all the EXTRAS I found in the paper.

Lisa's Tip - REMEMBER that the Sunday paper has more value to us than just the weekly coupon inserts. Take some extra time to see what treasures you can find.

CRAIG'S LIST POSTING

2009-11-05T20:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone - Around this time of year and get the urge to clean out the old to make way for the new. I just spent today going through my kids toys trying to weed out what they just don't use anymore. So I just posted a bunch of toys and such on Craig's List. I wanted to give you all the opportunity to see what is up for sale. Take a look and see what you think. If you are interested, just e-mail me or give me a call. All my contact info is on each Craig's List listing.

Thanks Everyone for looking!!!!

UPDATE:
I sold everything on my list, YIPEEEEE!!!!!!!

SUCKER CRAZY

2009-10-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

My sister has gone sucker crazy making ghosts and pumpkins this Halloween season and now I seem to be following suit. Both of my kids have Halloween parties today that I needed to bring treats for. These suckers are easy to make and fun for the kids to eat. Check out my sister's post HERE to see how to make these fun suckers.

Small Transaction = Huge Savngs!

2009-10-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Just because you have a small transaction doesn't mean you still can save BIG.

I had to run to Target today to pick up some cookie decorating supplies at their Dollar Spot. I decided to do a little research to see what I could pick up on sale while I was there. There wasn't many sales that caught my eye, but this one HERE made me gitty. I was able to walk out of Target paying ONLY $0.50 for all 6 packages of cookies. That makes them only $0.08 a package. Not to bad for a quick little shopping trip.

EDIT: USE ZIP CODE 90210 TO PRINT COUPONS

My Hubby still doesn't believe the outcome of my shopping trip and I finally had to say to him, "If I am going to lie about something, why would it be what I paid for some cookies?" Even after 2 years of couponing I am still able to surprise him with my savings.

I HEART KOHL'S

2009-10-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

When I started couponing over 2 1/2 years ago, I learned really quick that I could take the same couponing concept and apply it to everything I purchase. One of my favorite non-grocery stores to shop is Kohl's. Over a year and a half ago my Mother-In-Law talked me into applying for a Kohl's credit card just to get the extra savings. (I never keep a balance on this card, but I sure benefit from all the additional savings.) By shopping the sales, using coupons (found in last week's Sunday paper - sorry expired last week) and utilizing extra savings by using my Kohl's credit card, over the past 2 weeks I was able to score 8 pair of pants, 4 long shelf tees and 1 waffle iron for under $75.00. AMAZING!!! See my breakdown below . . .

Total Value - $244.81
Total Spent - $69.27
Total Saved - $175.54
Average Savings - 72%

Why I Keep the Weekly Ads

2009-10-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

Every week on Tuesday or Wednesday I get all the grocery store ads in my mail. Do I scour the ads? No - that is what Grocery Smarts if for. However I do keep the ads just in case an "in-ad coupon" is hidden inside. In my last shopping trip, I was able to get 2 bottle of Tree Top Apple Juice for $4.00 because I used the in-ad coupon to boost my savings.

I only keep the ads until I shop, and then I throw them away when I get home. So don't be so quick to through the weekly ads out, they can add to your total savings.

CANDY STOCK-UP

2009-10-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

There are two brand new candy coupons which I'm guessing will not be available for long. Click on the Group A icon on my side column to print a coupon for $2/1 24 oz. or larger bag of Nestle candy and $2/1 24-oz. or larger bag of Wonka candy.

I took these coupons to CVS today with a $5/$25 CVS coupon found HERE (take the flu quiz to receive the coupon) and got all my my Halloween candy for $10.96. NICE!!!! Plus, I got $5.00 back in CVS cash to use next week. Oh yeah, I was also able to use a FREE $25.00 CVS gift card I received last week for feeling my prescription with them. WaHoOoO!!!!!!!!!!!

You might not have the CVS gift card, but you can print the coupons (remember 2 per computer), take the quiz and still get a great deal on your Halloween candy.

Making a Weekly Menu

2009-10-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

I love to make weekly menus for my family dinners. I take the time to make my menu when I am preparing my shopping list for the week. It only adds about 10 minutes to my prep time. Do I always follow my menu? No! But I usually just carry over what I didn't make into next week's menu. Here are some reasons I find it very helpful to make myself a weekly menu:

It helps me use up what is in my pantry and fridge
It helps me to know what I need to buy for the week
It helps me to get great dinners on the table for my family
It helps me not stress out about "What's for Dinner?"

Here is a sneak peak of my menu for the upcoming week

SUNDAY: Pot Roast and Mashed Garlic Potatoes

MONDAY: Pesto Chicken Pasta

TUESDAY: Inside Out Burritos

WEDNESDAY: Beef Lo Mein

THURSDAY: Aussie Chicken w/ Scalloped Potatoes

FRIDAY: BBQ Pork Chop with Baked Potatoes

SATURDAY: Left Overs

SHOPPING ON VACATION

2009-10-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Me and my family just returned from a great California Vacation and were lucky enough to spend some time in Disneyland. Told help tame the costs at the park, we told our kids they were only able to get one prize each. So we shopped around to get the perfect Disneyland prize.

However, me and my hubby realized that we were leaving behind some toys our kids would love. So we planned an undercover operation, I went back and purchased two additional toys for our kids as Christmas gifts. They will totally be shocked when they find toys they had to leave behind under the Christmas tree. Yes I did pay full price for these items, but I will not be able to find them anywhere else so I am willing to fork out the full retail cost.

So the next time you are on family vacation and you see your kiddos eyeing something, pick it up and surprise them later with a great unexpected present.

Lisa's Shop & Tell - 10/15

2009-10-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

This is my first true shopping trip is about 4 week. While in vacation in California I caught a nasty bug that has left me sick for the past 3 week. I have been on two antibiotics and even spent some time in the emergency room. I don't tell you this for sympathy, but to let you know that for the past 3 week, my family has lived off of my pantry and freezer stockpile. My hubby had to make a few trips to the grocery store for milk and fresh produce, but other than that we survived off what I had stocked up on. What a nice feeling to know that grocery shopping could be put on the back burner.

When I saw the GS list for the week, I thought it was a good time to get out of the house and restock my pantry with some needed items. Albertsons was a small but productive trip and at Smith's I purchased all of me need items for the week, plus a few stockpile items as well. Overall for this week's spending, I am at $92.73. I am hoping to stretch this shopping trip last 10 days.

SMITHS

Total Purchase Value: $102.18 Total Saved: $32.76 Total Spent: $69.42 Average Savings: 32%

ALBERTSONS

Total Purchase Value: $90.71 Total Saved: $67.50 Total Spent: $23.21 Average Savings: 74%

As a side note - Albertsons is have a great promo this week, "Buy $25.00 in participating GM products and save $10.00 on your next purchase." The ad also states "limit one offer per customer" and "excludes manufacture and store coupons." So I only did one GM transaction. I looked over the GS list and found what Promo items I wanted the most. I had additionally planned for 3 different transactions before reading the ad. I re-organized my list for the must have items and came up with one good transaction. And in reality I really only needed to run one transaction. My advice to all of you is to stick to one transaction and follow what the ad says.

As for the Manufacture Coupon exclusion, I am not sure exactly what that means. I planned my transaction by using the "before promo price" and had in my mind what I could add to my transaction if my coupons brought me below qualifying amount. My total came to $28.32 before my coupons and $22.52 after my coupons were scanned. So again, I am not sure about the wording in the ad, but I think I am safe to say that coupons are welcome in the promo and to go ahead plan your shopping trips with the "before promo price."

OK that was a big side note, but I just wanted to make sure you all knew the "rules" for this promo ahead of time so you didn't waste too much time planning a million transactions to roll.

Shop on Craigs List

2009-10-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

My daughter told me last week she wanted a Dollhouse for Christmas. I have waited or maybe even dreaded this moment for a long time. A new Dollhouse and accessories can cost well over $100.00 and in my opinion, that is a huge investment for something that may or may not be played with. A HUGE gamble in my Christmas budget.

However, I looked on Craig's List and found an older version of the Fisher Price Loving Family Dollhouse for only $25.00. It came with a few accessories and may need some more to make it totally playable, however the newer accessories will fit this model just fine ( so I am on the look out for some great sale price). I will need to put a little elbow grease to get it cleaned really nice, but nothing Mr Clean can't handle.

You can also look for good deals at your local Goodwill or Thrift store. My Sister-in-Law was able to get a used Princess Kitchen for only $10.00 at Goodwill that retails for about $60.00 new- NOT BAD

You should also give E-bay a try. A few years ago, I purchased an old Fisher Price Farm (I like to older model better) for only $10.00 and that included shipping. It is still one of my daughter's favorite toys.

Coming to terms with the fact that my kids don't always need brand new toys and that I can find good deals on perfectly good toys through other sources, I am able to save and maximize my Christmas budget.

Christmas Already!!!

2009-10-14T09:12:00.001-07:00

In the past I have always assumed that the best deals for Christmas gifts would come after Thanksgiving, but last year I found that is just a myth.

Around July, I start scouring the Sunday Ads (another benefit I get by subscribing to the Sunday paper) looking for great toy deals. A lot of big box retail stores have huge clearance markdowns around July to clear their shelves for the NEW and MUST HAVE toys for Christmas. I have armed myself with this knowledge and have found some great deals that help me get my Christmas for less.

As of today, I am 90% done with my kiddos Christmas shopping, and I must say I think it is going to be a great Christmas morning around here. Here are some of the things I have been able to pick up at a great price.

Fisher Price Cash Register - Retail $25.00/My Cost $9.50 = 62% savings
Snow White DVD - Retail $30.00/My Cost $4.99 = 83% savings
Pink Brick Lego Set - Retail $30.00/My Cost $19.99 = 33% savings
Monster vs Aliens DVD - Retail $20.00/My Cost $4.99 = 75% savings
Doll House and Accessories - Retail $100.00/My Cost $25.00 = 75%

I will still be on the look out for great deals in the months to come, but for know I know that I have gotten Christmas for less by shopping smart.

Come back tomorrow to see how I got my doll house for so cheap.

Snow White DVD - Awesome Deal

2009-10-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is available on DVD tomorrow. Because the DVD is combined with a Blu-Ray DVD, this DVD is quite pricey. But print off the $10.00 coupon HERE and purchase it at Toys R Us, Target or Walmart this week (all priced at $19.99) and get the DVD combo pack for just $9.99.

But WAIT there's more . . .there is also mail-in-rebate available for this movie: get $5 back when you purchase one participating Hefty products and the Snow White Diamond edition. You can print the rebate form and check out the details HERE. (Just as a heads up, there is a .55/2 Hefty Coupon in the RP-8/30). So if you complete this rebate, you'll basically be purchasing this movie for just $4.99! WaHooooooo!!! What a great Christmas gift for my little girl.

MAKE SURE TO BUY THE DIAMOND EDITION!!!

Thanks Hip 2 Save for the heads up!!!

KNOW THE POLICY

2009-10-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

It seems that every now and again, we couponers can run into problems getting our coupons accepted. I can see why we may look "fishy" with a stack of coupons in hand, but we are all honest couponers. We have held onto our coupons for just the right time so we can get a big bang for our buck and we are trying to get a good deal, but the honest way. So the next time you run into some problems getting some of your coupons accepted, know the store policy and pull it out of your purse. Remember to be nice as you are trying to explain to the cashier that, "you do accept Buy One Get One FREE coupons" because you will get further with that smile on your face.

Click on the image to print your copy of the coupons policy today.

WHY I LOVE GROCERY SMARTS

2009-10-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

One of the main reasons I love Grocery Smarts is because my pantry is always full. After my last Albertson's shopping trip (SEE HERE), my pantry is stocked with my family favorites. I wish you could see through my wall, because my piles on the top shelf almost reach the ceiling. It is so nice to know that because I use Grocery Smarts

I can stock my pantry on a budget.
I can pull together quick dinners for my family because I have my top ingredients stocked,
I have a variety of snack for my family

Every time I open I pantry, I am reminded of why I love Grocery Smarts. So if you too want to have a full pantry like me, give me a call at 702-417-1540 so we can get you started today. If you mention this post when ordering your newspapers, I will honor my in class incentives.

MONSTERS VS ALIENS DVD

2009-09-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on buying the Monsters vs Aliens DVD for your kiddos, CVS is the place to go this week. They have a great deal where you get $15 off the DVD when you buy $20.00 worth of Coke or Hershey Product. So if you want to start stocking up on Halloween candy or need to restock your Coke supply, make sure to got o CVS so you can get your DVD for $4.99.

(I did a quick Internet search and was unable to find a coupon or mail-in-rebate for the DVD. So if you come across one this week, be sure to let me know.)