Walmart & Walgreens 1/30

Walmart:
Purina Cat Food: $4.97
-$4.00 IP

Frank's Hot Sauce: $.96
-$.50 IP

J&J Buddies: $.97
-$1.00 IP

Rayovac Batteries: $.94
-$1.00 IP

Nestle Cocoa: $1.00
-$75 IP

Total OOP: $1.59
Saved:$7.25
**82% SAVINGS** Walgreens
2x Sense & Spray: $9.99 each
-$9.99 (BOGO Free IP coupon)
-2x $4.00 ESR

2x Lasting Impressions: $9.99 each
-$9.99 (BOGO Free IP coupon)
-2x $4.00 ESR

Orajel Cold Sore Brush: $8.49
-$1.00 coupon
*Free after ES Mail-In Rebate (full $8.49)
*$7.49 Manufacturer Mail-In Rebate

Total OOP: $12.15 (with tax)
Total after rebates: +$3.83 profit!

I also would like to add that the Manager at Walgreens checked me out and I was surprisingly happy. I've heard some people having problems with the glade BOGO coupons being paired with the Walgreens Easy Saver coupons and he went right through them and noticed I had the orajel brush and made sure I knew the it was in the rebate book (which I did know), even had to me go get one to make sure I got the rebate. So glad to see that this Walgreens is coupon friendly. I have to also mention that our CVS is just as wonderful about coupons, how did I get so lucky (knock on wood). I'm going to go to another Walgreens this evening and try to get a few more of the Glade items. Crossing my fingers this next store will be just as nice.

Bloggy Giveaways

Get those fingers warmed up and start entering the hundreds of giveaways going on RIGHT NOW!!
I've entered so many I couldn't even give you a number. But I have seen some GREAT stuff out there including: $500 travel voucher, spa packages, cleaning services... yeah pretty nice huh? Get in on it now, many giveaways end today, tomorrow, or in the next few coming days. Good luck!

Free Magazines!

This post is specially made just for my mother AKA "magazine addict."

Follow these blog posts to register:
Woman's Day
Martha Stewart Living

Chocolate Cravings

So I'm a chocoholic and found the cutest recipe for Chocolate Cake in a Coffee Mug! With the snow falling and my little one fast asleep (and husband stuck downtown b/c of the weather for the night), I thought a little chocolate pick me up was in order. I have to be honest, you microwave the coffee mug with the cake mix and it's really nothing like a real oven baked cake, but it did hit the spot. Here's the link to the site that had the recipe: HERE. Word for the wise, spray your coffee mug before you start. I used mini M&M's instead of chocolate chips, not sure if it makes a difference but they ended up all on the bottom of the cake. Also, make sure you use a BIG coffee mug. Great for a winters night!

Gramma's Craft Room

This lady (my mother) is the one I got my creative side

from, and I guess you could say my dad gave me my decorating sense. I'm so excited to share with you my mom's creative side at her very own etsy shop. You can find the most adorable picture frames, interesting journal books, and unique scrabble tile pendants among other fabulous thing.

Gramma's Craft Room

Winter Weather

Here in the St. Louis area they are forecasting 4"-6" of snow, maybe up to 8" in my area... oh how I long for the first days of spring. This will be the first significant snow accumulations here this winter and as I know from living here my whole life, the slightest shift of this or that can change the entire forecast, and there is still time for that to happen. I'm always excited about the first snow though. Although my daughter is only 2 1/2 (3rd winter), it's like a new experience each time it snows for the first time, because her reaction is always new. So for this ONE time, bring on the snow! Soup and hot cocoa will be on order most of the day. Then lets hope the temperatures warm fast and get rid of it all for the weekend :-)

Freebies!

These are all the freebies I got in the mailbox this week:
*Magic Eraser mini sample
*Splenda packets and $1.00 coupon
*Dove shampoo/conditioner samples and $1.50 coupon
*Ocean Spray recipe book
*Sun-Maide recipe book
*Schoney's free kids meal coupon

CVS Trip 1/25

3x Gillette Shampoo: $4.99 each
-3x $2.00 coupons

Fabreze Candle: $3.99 (clearance)
-$2.00 coupon

Used: $10 ECB's
Total OOP: $1.54
Total Saved: $25.00
Earned: $9.00 ECB's

**94% SAVINGS**

Walgreens Trip 1/25

So I tried to do the dove/degree $10 RR deal, but noticed the coupons I had were for the more expensive degree (the ones the cashier said were NOT on sale for $1.99) - so I figured it up and the deal was NOT worth it. None the less I did end up with some great deals!

3x Frosted Flakes: $1.99 ea. (sale)
-3x $1.00 coupons

3x Fruit Loops: $1.99 ea (sale)
-3x $1.00 coupons

2x Rice Krispies: $1.99 ea (sale)
-2x $1.00 coupons

4x Royal Pudding: 4/$1 ad coupon

Bio Conditioner: $2.19 (clearance)
-$2.00 ES coupon

Cheesecake Mix: $.65 (clearance)

Amp Energy Drink: $1.50 (sale)
-$1.00 coupon

V-Day Cup: $.16 ad coupon

Similasan Ear Wax Removal: $2.69 (clearnace)
-$2.00 ES coupon
-$1.00 IP
+$.31

Colgate Toothpaste: $2.99
-$1.50 coupon

2x Red Baron Pizza: 2/$5 (sale)
-$1.00/2 coupon

Carefree Pantyliners: $.99 ad coupon
-$1.00 coupon
+.01

Used $10 RR
Total OOP: $7.56 (+.54 tax)
Total Saved: $63.96

**89% SAVINGS**

Fruits of My Labor

Here's a sneak peak of my day of bow making yesterday. My lovely mother and sister watched my daughter so I could spend the whole day creating. This week I'm adding my bows to my first boutique, yay!! Once they are up in the boutique I'll post pics and let you know where you can find them. www.TheBumbleBeeBowtique.com till then!

Meal Plan for 1/25-1/31

This coming week will be BUSY! With me not being home in the evenings and my husband working the annual car show in downtown St. Louis and working late half the week I'm thinking EASY dinners this week. We also have bought a lot of meat these past 3 weeks to stock up our deep freezer so our $200 monthly food budget is now down to just under $30 so cheap also comes to mind.

Sunday- Elmo's Green Thumb
Dinner at Scott Trade Center

Monday-
Hamburger Helper
Green Beans

Tuesday -
Canned soup (great deal at Target this past week)
Crackers

Wednesday-
Chicken Divan with Broccoli
Scalloped Potatoes

Thursday-
Pork Chop Night
Mashed Potatoes
Peas

Friday- Anniversary Party
Dinner Out

Saturday-
Red Beans and Rice
Polish Sausage

Mail In Rebate 1/24

Yet ANOTHER MIR came for me today.

$5.00 for the Disney DVD / Rayovac offer!

Year to Date MIR: $17.42

Expanding My Bow Business

I'm working HARD trying to get my bows into boutiques and shop here locally (St. Louis Metro area). I know of 3 so far that are ready and will... now just to get enough made to fill up the space I'm given, many of my orders are custom so there isn't enough already made things on hand to use as fillers. I'm also trying to get NEW and FRESH items made to offer my past customers something totally different so they want to return to purchase more. On the agenda: doggy bows and tutus, clippies with felt appliques, designer kufi hats, lots of new bow designs. I'll post when they are ready and in the mean time - check out my other great items in my online boutique: www.TheBumbleBeeBowtique.com!!

Walgreens 1/22

2x Sunsilk: $3.50 each (sale)
-$2.00/2 coupon
*Extra freebies in packaging!

2x Popcorn: $1.50 (sale)
-2x $1.00 coupon

Bio Conditioner: $2.19 (clearance)
-$2.00 ES coupon

2x Skippy: $1.99 each (sale)
-2x $.40 coupons

4x Ragu: $1.99 each (sale)
- 2x $.50/2 coupons

Subtotal: $16.33
Used: $5.00 RR
Total OOP: $11.33
Total Saved: $42.35
**EARNED: $10.00 RR**

79% SAVINGS!

CVS 1/22

3x American Greetings Cards: $.99 each

Herbal Essences Shampoo: $2.99 (sale)
-$1.00 coupon

St. Ives Lotion: $2.99 (sale)
$2.00 IP

Used: $4.79 ECB's
Total OOP: $1.16 ( + $.27 tax)
Total ECB's Earned: $4.00
Total Saved: $11.79

89% SAVINGS

Year to Date OOP: $6.78
Year to Date Saved: $119.66

Target Deals 1/22

Those darn $1 bins they have at the front of every Target store!! My bill would have been 1/2 if I just walked past that, but it sucks you right in. I put those $1 items in my photo: 3 file folders, 1 dry erase board, Valentine's Day mail box for my daughter. The rest was GREAT DEALS!

2x Kashi TLC Bars: $2.75 each
-2x $2.00 IP
$.75 each

8x Yogurt: $.62 each
-$1.00/8 IP
-$1.00 /8 Target coupon
$.37 each

2x Coffee Mate Creamer: $1.50 each (sale)
-2x $1.50 IP
FREE

Ocean Spray: $1.99 (sale)
-$.55 MF
-$1.00 Target coupon
$.44

Kotex Pads: $2.79 (sale)
-$2.00 Target
-$1.00 MF
+$.21

2x Progresso Soup: $1.40 each (sale)
-2x $1.10 IP
$.30 each

4x Buddies: $.97 each
-2x $2.00/2 IP
+$.12

Total OOP: $10.17
Total Saved: $21.70
68% SAVINGS

Sweepstakes!

I did my first sweepstakes and it took about a week of off and on trying but I finally WON! Kraft is putting this on for the whole Super Bowl thing. Go here and It's Hip 2 Save will ink you over and explain it. After it said CONGRATULATIONS is said my coupons for FREE kraft products will be mailed in x amount of time. I thought it just for coupons, but if it's for FREE food EVEN BETTER!

MIR 1/20

Another lovely check came in the mail yestereday from my Excedrin Mail In Rebate. $5.49 to be exact!

Year to Date MIR: $12.42

Unique Blends

This truly is a "Unique" site: Unique Blends By: Kitryn Marie has SO MANY great items to use for yourself or as gifts. Some of these things include beautiful monogrammed jewelry and gifts, flavored coffees and baking goods, and wonderful scented bath and body products. This lady is multi-talented too! If you want a one-of-a-kind custom art piece she does wonderful work. Also available for kid's art parties if you live in the St. Louis metro area. HIGHLY recommended! So go over to her website and let her know that Shannon sent you! You won't be dissapointed!!

This Weeks Meal Plan

We are stocked on meat so this will be a very light grocery shopping week - YAY!

Monday:
Chicken Pot Pie (frozen from last week)
French Bread

Tuesday:
Spaghetti
Salad
Garlic Bread

Wednesday:
Chicken Breast with BBQ rub
Potatoes and Onioins
Carrots

Thursday:
Pork Chops
Scalloped Potatoes
Broccoli

Friday: Paper Plate Night
Pizza
Chicken wings
Salad

Saturday:
Pork Roast with carrots and potatoes
Rolls

Sunday:
Going to see Elmo's Green Thumb
Dinner Out

Mailbox Freebies

Saturday was a GREAT day for receiving freebies. My mailbox was stuffed full. Here's all the goodies from this week:

-3 tea bags from Yogi Tea and $.50 coupon
-Metamucil Packet (Berry Burst)
-Tide and $1.00 coupon
-Mini tube of Colgate toothpaste
-Sippy cup from Juicy Juice
-Shampoo and Conditioner from Pantene
-Car Care Guide
-Prilosec OTC
-DVD for kids workouts
-Jiffy Cookbook

Welcome To The Club

Many blogs I frequent were posting you can get a NEW Sam's Club member ship from January 15-25 and receive a free $25 gift card. We thought that would be worth it! We used out $25 gift card on paper towels and napkins (things that are NON-perishable). So even though the membership was $40 we hope to save money there and we also got some nice FREEBIES!

CVS 1/18

Since my last visit to CVS ended with a big return I thought I'd take a break from there for awhile. I didn't go one time last week! I did go today though, and my savings says $23.93 on my receipt; however since they put my bucks from my return on a gift card I am going to consider my GC as part of my savings for this transaction.

6x Pepsi Soda cases: $3.00 each

1x Tostitos: $3.00

1x CVS antihistamine: Free after ECBS
($3.79)

1x Herbal Essence Conditioner: $2.99

Coupons Used:
$4.00 off $20.00 purchase coupon
-$1.00 Herbal Essence coupon
-$2.00 ECB's
-$15.85 GC

Total OOP: $5.15

Earned: $14.79 ECB's

Total Saved: $44.93

89% SAVINGS

Year to Date OOP: $5.62

Year to Date Saved: $107.87

Walgreens 1/17 & 1/18

We are stocked on soda! Along with the Walgreens $10RR for spending $20 we also hit CVS making for a grand total of 16 cases of soda, 3 bags of chips, and 5 bottles of soda for doing this deal 3 times and earning $20RR (Walgreens) and $10ECBs (CVS).

Here's our trip(s) to Walgreens:
5 transactions in 2 days - 3 different Walgreens
I won't break down 5 transacations but in a nut shell here's how we made out:

$10 RR x2 for Pepsi Deal = $20 RR
$10 RR x1 for Ragu and Skippy Deal
$5 RR x1 for Dimetapp and Robitussin Deal

2x BioInfusium Shampoo and Conditioner: $.19 each
Clearance $2.19 each
-2x $2.00 ES coupon

Wal-prophin: BOGO at $3.99each
-$1.00 ES coupon
-$1.00 ES coupon
$1.00 each!!

2x Aleve: $5.00 each
-2x $1.00 coupons

2x Bayer: $2.50 each
- 2x $1.00 coupons

Alka-Seltzer: $5.00
-$1.00 coupon
*Earned $10RR from Aleve, Bayer, and Alka-Selter

2x Dimetapp: $3.99 each
-2x $2.00 IP coupons

Robitussin:$3.00
-$2.00 IP coupon
*$5 RR from Dimetapp and Robitussin

10x Cases of Pepsi Brand Soda

5x Bottles of Pepsi Brand Soda

2x Bags of Tostitos

5x Ragu: $1.99 each
-2x $.50/2 coupons
-1x $.25 coupon

3x Skippy: $1.99 each
-3x $.40 coupons
*$10RR from Ragu and Skippy

3x Trident Gum: Sale $.99/3

Gillete Travel Size Body Wash:
Clearance: $.50

Total OOP: $49.33 (with tax)

Total Saved: $100.73

67% SAVED

*** I must also add that some of the soda (Pepsi w/ Cherry) didn't ring up at sale price rather at regular price. Also a bag of chips clearly marked as on sale 2/$5 rang up at regular prince. Also one of my $2.00 coupons the register wouldn't take from my robitussin deal. So had I caught these mistakes before checking out I would have made out A LOT better ($6.07 LESS! ugh..) But I still think having savings of over $100 is pretty good.

Walgreens 1/16

I wanted to get in on the Starbucks deal 2/$10 - $6.00 easy saver coupon ($2.00 per box). I LOVE CHOCOLATE! There were also posts of hidden deals and clearance items so I thought I see what my store had... and they didn't really have anything as far as that goes. It's a really well put together store and I hardly see many clearance items. I did come across some Wet n' Wild make up that was marked down to $.75 each so I got some powder and some cream blush. One of the Starbucks Chocolates I got were the covered coffee beans... yuck! I really like flavored coffees but these things were no good at all. The caramel filled truffles are really good though. There was rumor some stores were offering peelies for free Fraps if you bought a Starbucks chocolate, but no luck at my store. Kind of a waist of a trip, but I'll be trying the skippy/ragu deal tomorrow! I'll let you know how that goes!

Wife Swap

I love watching Wife Swap only because it's funny to watch the people try to adapt to a new environment, last night I was laughing so hard at the episode. The basic two sided swap was about a woman who loved to spend and the other a woman who loved to COUPON! She had her basement shelves filled with all her different stockpile items and loved clipping coupons, even saying "It's a high walking out of the store with all the free stuff." I was thinking, that's who I've become in the last 2 months, yes I'm a newbie. But the woman that was the "spender" had many great points throughout the show. Saying to spend the money saved to do family things and still have fun without being all about the coupons and savings. It really can start to consume your life. So it not only was another great episode, but was also a reality check. The lady that loved to save and the end of the show made a great point saying - you'll probably never be able to quit couponing once you start!

The Verdict Is In

I'm just amazed at how much one whole chicken can make! We got 4 meals out of a almost 5 lb whole chicken (the one I cooked all day in the crock pot Sunday). We had: Chicken Pot Pies (2 - one was left over and I froze!), Chicken wraps, Mexican casserole, and Chicken Noodle Soup. WOW! I may do this again after next week since it was such a success. It's amazing how many different ways you can cook chicken. Stay tuned for more of my frugal meals in the coming weeks!

Kufi Hat Restocked

If you haven't seen these ADORABLE crochet "kufi" hats you are missing out on one of the biggest trends to hit the boutique scene. Attach a bow or flower clip, even embellish with ribbon to match lots of outfits, and you have a great accessory and addition to your little ones wardrobe. They are great for toddler sizes and up. They are HOT right now. I've gotten a new shipment in yesterday and they are restocked and ready to be sent out. Colors available: white, black, light pink, and hot pink. $10 each per hat. Flower clips also available at $5.00 each and have a HUGE rhinestone center. All orders can be placed at my online store: www.TheBumbleBeeBowtique.com or e-mail me with questions at: busybumblebee@ymail.com

Walgreens 1/14

I had to go by Walgreens today anyway to get my Rx refilled so I grabbed more of the colgate toothpaste that was free/money maker. I decided to go for the plain toothpaste only because they came with free toothbrushes. We have lots of toothpaste, but could use more toothbrushes. I also got 2 of the Glade airfreshners $.89 each (sale) and a $1.00 off 2 coupon. Might as well right? I'm there anyway. Althought I was dissapointed that all the Chex Mix bars (3/$6) were all gone since I had one $1.00 off/1 coupon left. I'll just have to save it for later.

Paper Plate Dinner Night

So paper plates my not be the most environmently friendly way to go, but neither is running my dishwasher 2 times a day. I've offically proclaimed, one night a week, we will have a paper plate dinner night. LESS clean up for me - the mom. Last night we used chicken from the whole chicken I cooked Sunday in the crock pop and made wraps with lettuce, cheese, and ranch dressing and our side dish was fresh carrots I steamed and added brown sugar to. I'm already liking this new deal! Our family LOVES pork chops to, so there will also be one night a week we will enjoy our favorite meal of them all. Here's the meal plan for the week:

Monday - Chicken Pot Pies
Tuesday- Paper Plate Night (chicken wraps & carrots)
Wednesday - Mexican Casserol/Salad
Thursday - Chicken Noodle Soup and French Bread
Friday - Pork Chop Night/mash potatoes/veggies
Saturday - Hockey Game - dinner at Scott Trade
Sunday - Spaghetti Night & Garlic Bread

A day in the life...

...of a new stay at home mom. After having lunch with daughter and cleaning up the mess in the dining room and the kitchen I noticed my cabinets were a little (a lot) dusty. I thought, I'll just wipe those down it won't take that much time. I started on the bottom and cleaned the appliances while i was at it and when I got to the top I notice all my greenery on top of the cabinets really needed a good cleaning too. I tore them all down along with the ceramic Tuscan pots and jars of pickled veggies that were just for show. I threw the grape vines in the bathtub and got to work dusting the other items from up above. We have 20 ft. vaulted ceilings on that end of the house and the sun was coming in the window just right to catch all the cob webs that were, of course, all the way at the top. I got out the extension pole and started going away at swiping them down and thought since I'm already do that I better get the hanging light and then after in our foyer with the same extra high ceilings. I put all the vases and jars back up, pulled the grape vines out of the water and hung then over the curtain rod to dry. Now I have a mess on the floors/counters from stiring up all the dust and cob webs so I now have to dust the foyer and wipe down the counters again in the kitchen and sweep and mop the floors. At this point I'm actually done cleaning and a mess from my cleaning fit that I need I shower... except the grapevines are now hanging from the shower curtain rod and I have to clean the bath tub now from the mess they made. It's a whole 24 degrees outside right now, so throwing the grapevines outside is not and option... guess I'll have to wait on the shower. So releived my kitchen is now totally clean from top to bottom though. This kind of thing happens to me all the time. I start one little project and is just turns into one huge project.

Mail-In Rebates

I got 2 rebate check in the mail yesterday! I always wonder if I do every step they say to do or I'll be disqualified for the rebate. So far so good. I got the Arm & Hammer Essentials rebate along with a $1.00 coupon off a refill set. I also got the Betty Crocker Brownies rebate and those were SOO good!
Year to Date Rebates Received: $6.93

Chicken Pot Pies

Here's the first of the three meals I'm making with my whole chicken I cooked Sunday all day in the crockpot - Chicken Pot Pie. Here's the link to the blog I found this awesome recipe from click here. Round one was a success!

Here's the fully cooked chicken
It smelled WONDEFUL
That's A LOT of Chicken!
I pulled the meat off after it sat all night to cool off
The bones I'll use to make more Chicken broth
The finished product!
One pie fed 5 people
The other I'm going to freeze for dinner next week

Next I have plans to make a Mexican casserol and the Chicken Noodle Soup from the $5 Dinners blog.

YUM!

Here's a price break down:
Chicken $1.83
3 potatoes: $.50
Broth: Free (from chicken)
Salt/Pepper/Tyme: penny?
Bag of Frozen Veggies: $.50
Milk/Butter:$.25
Pie Crust: $3.92
Total: $7.01 for TWO MEALS
$3.50 per meal

Baby Wipes

I wish I'd found this 2 1/2 years ago when my daughter was still in diapers 24/7. We are in the potty training stage and she is doing really well, we still use diapers for naps and bedtime and pull up when we are out and accidents are more likely. So we still use our fair share of baby wipes. Here's a VERY simple and inexpensive recipe for baby wipes:

*3 qt. container with lid (mines 2.7 qt)
*1/2 roll paper towels (soft not cheap ones)
*1 tsp. baby oil
*1 tsp. baby soap
*2 c. water

-Cut a whole roll of paper towels in half (I used the Viva select-a-size kind) and remove the cardboard center. Put half roll into container.
-Mix together: water, baby oil, and baby soap
-Pour mixture over papertowels
DONE!

I had my daughter put stickers on the container to make it more cute. She also helped with the mixture and helped to pour it over the towels. I pulled one out and she gave it the seal of approval - success!
Once you have the container/soap/oil it will cost about $1 per half roll of paper towel or each time you make this. MUCH cheaper then the $2.50 per tub you'd pay at the department store.

Target 1/10

Target Brand Diapers: $5.74

Target Brand Pull-Ups: $8.54

2x Buddies Soap Bars: $.97 each
-$2.00/2 coupon
+$.06 overage

3x Kotex Pads: $2.79 each (sale)
-3x $2.00 Target coupons
-3x $1.00 coupons
+.63 overage

2x Kotex Lightsdays: $2.79 each (sale)
-2x $2.00 Target coupons
-2x $.75 coupons
+ .08 overage

4x $1.00 bin items:
2 - Valentine's Day doilies
1 - Set of nail files
1- letter file

Target Brand Baby Shampoo: $1.22

Buddies Conditioner: $2.89
-$2.00 coupon

Buddies Detangler: $2.89
-$2.00 coupon

Total OOP: $20.67 (+$1.38 tax)

Total Saved: $21.25
51% SAVINGS

Wonderful Walgreens!! 1/10

2x Suavitel Fabric Softener: $2.89 each
-$2.89 BOGO deal

2x Scrubbing Bubbles Spray Cleaners: $2.99 each
-$2.99 BOGO deal
-2x $1.00 coupon

2x Scrubbing Bubbles Wipes: $3.79 each
-$3.79 BOGO deal
-2x $.75 coupon

2x Glade Air Freshener: $1.99
-$.89 each with Walg. coupon
-$1.00/2 coupon

Fantastic Orange: $3.50ish
CLEARANCE: $1.09

Easy Off BAM: $3.50ish
CLEARNANCE: $1.09

Fantastic Spray Cleaner: $3.79
-$3.79 BOGO deal
-2x $1.00 coupons

Bounty Basic Paper Towels: reg price ??
-$.89 with Walg coupon
-$.25 coupon

4x Celestial Teas: $3.49 each
-2x $3.49 BOGO deal
-4x $1.00 coupon

Chex Mix Cereal Bars: $2.00 each (sale)
-$1.00 coupon

Colgate Total Toothpaste: $2.79 (sale)
-$2.79 BOGO deal
-2x $1.50 coupons

Tradewinds Tea: $2.99 each
-$2.99 BOGO deal

Total OOP: $19.97 (+ $.94 tax)

Walgreens coupons: $10.86
Walgreens advertised savings: $32.48
Manufacturer coupons: $14.75

Total Savings: $58.09
75% SAVINGS

Mailbox Freebies

These are freebies/samples I received in the mail this week:
- GoodNites Diaper
-Bear Naked Granola and $1 coupon
-Fisher Price Geo Trax DVD
-Kotex samples
-Lacoste Elegance Cologne Sample

Valentine's Day <3

All new super cute Valentine's Day clips, bows, and pony streamers are NOW AVAILABLE at:

The Bumble Bee Bowtique

Bows starting at $3.50
Heart Clips: $2.50
Pony Streamers: $5.50
Tutus and Tutu Dresses - Customer Made To Order

Shopping Trip 1/9

Well I can explain one of my shopping transactions today and that was at Walgreens:
Sun Laundry Detergent: $3.99 (sale)

South Beach Cereal Bars: $2.50 (sale)
-$2.00 IP coupon

Garnier Gel: $2.99 (sale)
-$2.00 Walg. coupon
-$1.00 coupon
FREE

Splenda: $2.99 (Wal coupon)
-$3.00 IP coupon
FREE + $.01 overage

Total OOP: $4.47 (+ $.50 tax)

Walg. coupon savings: $1.30
Walg. advertised savings: $2.49
Manf. coupons: $8.00
Total Savings: $11.79
70% SAVINGS

Now it gets confusing. I won't go into detail, but I made a booboo at CVS... luckily I knew the cashier and the manager was VERY nice. In short, I bought the 24 ct. Stayfree pads x4 (used 2 BOGO coupons) and listerine to get the J&J deal (spend $20 get $10 ECBs). Well after I get to my car there is only $1 in ECB's!! NOT $11!! YIKES! So I went in to find I needed to buy the 28 ct. pads and so I did a big return got cash back and my used ECB's on a gift card. I decided this wasn't worth the cashier's or managers time to hassel with me anymore so I just left! LoL! Oh well, I actually ended up making out a little better since I got a GC that doesn't expire.

Schuncks was our last stop. Too much stuff I needed to put away so no pic or receipt breakdown. We did get chicken breast for $1.87 lb ($10 on chicken to make 9 meals!) and also a whole chicken to do this mealplan from $5 Dinners HERE (makes 3 different meals). And ohhhhhh the PIZZA ROLLS!! 10 boxes for only $4.90! There were items we had to have so we did get items on sale but not at dirt cheap prices. Still made out of there for just over $40, so for all that chicken I was still happy.

A Beautiful Sight!

To most people this wouldn't be a thrill, but to me it's a different story. I won't say a $$ amount I spent - but enough to get FREE shipping! I haven't ordered ribbon for my bow/tutu business in a few months so I'm so excited to have some new stuff to get creative with. Now that fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving and Christmas is over I can make really bright and colorful creations! Yay!! I'll post a sneak peak of some of my new stuff after my power session of bow making this evening.

Free Stuff

Click here to get your free sample of Sunsilk

Click here for free sample of CankerMelts

Click here for coupons off Colgate and Palmolive

Click here for free sample of Always Infinity pads

Click here for free sample of Quaker Mini Delights

Schnucks 1/6

2x Soup Mugs: $.99 each (sale $1.50 off each)

Fuze: $1.00 (sale)
-$.50 ($.25 coupon doubled)

2x Snapple Water: $.50 each (sale)

2x Boxed Potatoes: $1.00 (sale)
-$1.60 (2x $.40 coupon doubled)

8x Yogurt: $.50 each (sale)
-$1.00/8 coupon

6x Pizza Rolls: $1.00 each (sale)
-2x $1.00/1
-2x $1.00/2
2 FREE

3x Luden's Cough Drops: $1.00 each (sale)
- 3x $1.00 coupons
FREE

Suave Deoderant: $1.00 (sale)
-$.55 coupon

Total OOP: $9.83

Total Saved: $27.52
** 74% SAVINGS **

Walgreens 1/6

3x Glade Scented Oil Candles: $2.50 each (sale)
- Buy2 Get1 Free Coupon

Garnier Hairspray: $2.99
-$2.00 Walgreens coupon
-$1.00 coupon

Elecrtasol Gel Packs: $3.49 (sale)
-$2.50 coupon

Palmolive: $1.79
-$1.00 Walgreens coupon
-$.25 coupon

Soft Soap: $.99 (walgreens coupon)
-$.35 coupon

-$2.20 easy saver rewards on my gift card
Total OOP: $6.05

Total Saved: $19.37
** 76% SAVINGS **

WalMart Freebies

These were the items I got for free at Walmart. The batteries were .96 each and the soap was .97 each and the coupons I had were for $1.00 off. I bought a few more items along with this purchase (totaling around $7.00). Each coupon beeped as the cashier was ringing them and she was checking everything over pretty good. She did give me $1.00 off of each one though since she didn't realize that the items were under $1.00 and that's why they were beeping.

Come on already!

Before I started to even go to CVS they started building a brand new CVS right next to a Walgreens, lol! I thought, I'll never go in there... well I was sure wrong. I've gone twice this week already (to the original store location) and it's only Tuesday. Anyway, I asked when they were scheduled to open this new store and the cashier said she heard March, very cool! Well my bubble is burst... I over heard yesterday the cashiers talking about it not being till 2010 now!! I don't understand it, but I hope it's sooner because ours is super small and they don't even carry some of the monthly deals. Cross your fingers for a Grand Opening sooner then later for me and other local CVSer's.

First Mail-In Rebate

I've mailed off 6 MIR in the last month or so and was excited to get my first one in the mail today!! A whole $1.99 for TheraFlu. Love getting unexpected checks in the mail!!

$2.00 Storage Solution

I had my daughters shoes stored in a hanging organizer in her closet but it was taking up too much room. I ended up having to move her dresser into her closet to make room for her kitchen she got for Christmas so I had to take the organizer out. Solution = Dollar Store. I always hung her wet bath towels on the back of her bedroom door and found these shoe organizers at the Dollar Tree for, yep, $1.00 each. Best part is there is still room to hang her towels! I also put her mittens and her winter hat in there since those always seem to get lost or thrown to some random corner.

CVS 1/5

I read in a forum that the scotch tape despensors were 75% off at CVS along with all the Christmas and there is a printable coupon for $.75 off. And yep, our CVS had then for $.49 each! The cashier said they obviously couldn't give me $.75 off of something that was $.49 but I still got them all for free (5 despensors and 1 refill pack).

6x Scotch items: $.49
- 6 $.49 coupons
FREE

Cottonelle Bath Tissue: $12.97
-$.75 coupon

Soy Joys (6 pk): $6.00

-$3.69 coupons
ECB's used: $14.00
Total OOP: $.28
ECB's earned: $10.00

Total SAVED: $32.20

Year to date OOP: $.47
Year to date SAVED: $62.94

Walgreens

I've never messed with the Walgreens easy-saver catalog except for the coupons (not the mail-in rebates). I read a blog explaining how to do it and it's super simple (if you do it over the internet). So here's my very first Walgreens gift card rewards (get 10% more if you get a gift card and not a cash back check). So here it is! A whole $2.20 on my gift card!!

CVS 1/4

Soyjoys 6 pack: $6.00

2x Glade Scented Oil Plug Ins: $5.49 each
-Buy one get one free coupon

Colgate Total Toothpaste: $2.50
-$1.50 coupon

Colgate Maxfresh Toothpaste: $2.50
-$1.50 coupon

Garnier Moose: $2.99
-1.00 coupon

ECB's used: $13.00
Total OOP: $0.19

Total ECB's earned: $14.00

Total SAVED: $30.74

Walgreens 1/4

Sun Laundry Detergent
$3.99 (sale)

Palmolive
$1.79 (sale)
-$1.00 walgreens coupon
-$.25 coupon

Reynolds Wrap
$.99 (sale)

Quart size zipper seal bags
$.99 (sale)

Electrasol Tablets (20 ct.)
$3.49 (sale)
-$2.50 coupon
*$1.50 easy saver mail-in rebate
+ $.51 money maker

Garnier Hair Gel
$2.99 (sale)
-$2.00 super saver coupon
-$1.00 manf. coupon
FREE

Glade Scented Oil Refills
2/$5
-Buy one get one free coupon
*$2.00 easy saver mail-in rebate
($.25 each)

Soft Soap Pump
$.99 (sale)
-$.35 coupon

Ben & Jerry's Icecream
2/$6 (sale)
-$3.00 printable coupon
-$3.00 printable coupon
FREE

Subtotal: $41.18
Walgreens coupons: -$3.30
Walgreens savings: -$10.28
Manf. Coupons: -$15.60

Grand Total: $10.63 ($1.31 tax) OOP
PLUS: $4.00 in easy saver rebates
(Like paying $6.63 + tax)

Total Saved: $33.18

Freebies for the Week

Nothing spectacular in the mail this week as far as freebies go, but still free is FREE!
-Airborn sample and coupon
-Eukanuba Puppy training DVD
-Ragu cookbook
-Instructions on how to jump start your car (sticker)
-2 coupons for Solo brand
-Sample of Christina Aguilera "Inspire" perfume
-Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons

So far...

I've spent every minute of this New Year sick. I made it out today, but was very sluggish. However what do you do when you have your sisters birthday, mother-in-law in from out of state, and grandmother in for the weekend? I couldn't miss out on a minute of that. My wonderful husband has been the fill in, taking care of not only me but our daughter and even did some cleaning around the house. Now that's something that's FREE that makes my day. I hope by tomorrow I'll be back to my old self and off to do my Sunday trip to CVS and Walgreens. I saw some really awesome deals at Walgreens that I have my eyes set on so I'll post those transactions tomorrow, if I can make it out.
I FINALLY finished my coupon binder (photos to come soon). Now that it's done I've found out that there will be 5 coupon inserts in this weekends paper!!! OMG... 5! Now that's some work. I officially became a SAHM TODAY so I will be home more to keep up with it all I guess.

SAMPLE SALE

Please visit my online store: The Bumble Bee Bowtique
I am currently running a HUGE Sample Sale of all my on hand tutu's and tutu dresses. Save up to 70% OFF!! Awesome deals if you have a little girl(s) or niece(s) or granddaughter(s). Also there are some other items marked down such as: bows, paci clips, picture frames, etc.