Hooray for Coupon Finds

You ever stop at a store, completely forget what you went in to get and end up with a bag full of swag? That was me at CVS tonight. I scored all of this for next to nothing.

Here's how I did it:
CVS Green class and surface cleaner $1.07 on clearance for 75% off
Revlon Crazy Shine also 75% off clearance $1.09 used $1 coupon = $.09
Accu-check Diabetes Monitor finally I'm starting to find these after getting rainchecks $9.99 used $10 off coupon = Free
Venus Razor $7.29, used $3 off coupon and got $5ECBs back = Free
CVS body wash $2.37, used $2 off body wash coupon from the magic coupon machine = $.37
Nexxus Shampoo $3.49, used $3 off Nexxus shampoo or conditioner coupon from the magic coupon machine = $.49
John Frieda Frizz Ease $10.49 each, used 2/$3 off coupons, plus got $10 ECBs = $1.99 each

Plus I found a hidden gem at CVS. They have a new program called the Extraordinary Savings Program where you get 20% off non-sale items with your CVS card through Sept. 29. Ask the cashier to sign you up. There's also a $3/15 coupon on it too!

Hey, Remember me?

I haven't gone anywhere, I just got married! As I settle into married life, I am still couponing just not as much at the moment. This week I was so happy to get some #BzzAgent swag. The first one, I'll write about later but the one that arrived today was for Unreal candy. I've seen this all over the place and have been dying to try it.

I love the fact this candy has NO corn syrup and I love the packaging. I remember reading about this company in the Globe not too long ago so I'm really excited to try it. As part of my BzzAgent package I got a coupon for a free candy bar and five b1g1 free coupons.

And to all my readers (which I'm sure there aren't any left at this point), I'll be doing a giveaway of a b1g1 free coupon. All you have to do is leave a comment and I'll pick the winner on Monday.

Knowing your Coupon Policy

I can't even begin to count how many times I've been turned down when I've tried to use coupons. Since I've been couponing for over a year now, coupons still have a stigma. Cashiers think you are trying to pull one over on them, even when you use coupons correctly. Case in point I had a minor run in with a cashier at Rite Aid.

The first time I tried to use a $1 off a coupon any Newton's product on the individual cookies which were $.79 and I was told I couldn't use the coupon. I didn't argue with the cashier the first time because I didn't have a copy of the coupon policy with me and instead took my coupon and left, knowing full aware I was going to try using the coupon again -- because I was right.

I tried again today. The cashier who was ringing up my order was super nice, his manager or head cashier was not. She gave me total attitude "You were in here last week and tried this, I told you you can't use this coupon, the picture is different or you have to buy two. The item is less than the value of the coupon so I can't allow it."

I was calm and said, "Actually I don't, if you read the coupon it says ANY Newton's item."

Her, "The item is less than the coupon. You have to buy two or the cookies pictured on the coupon.  The coupon is more than the value of the item."

At this point, I tried to talk to her which was clearly going nowhere and then I used my secret weapon. I had a printout of the Rite Aid coupon policy with me and clearly read this to her, "In the event that any item’s selling price is less than the value of the coupon, Rite Aid will accept the coupon in exchange for the selling price of the item. Coupon redemption can never exceed the selling price of an item and no cash back is allowed."

She took the policy, read it and said, wait, I need to check with someone and came back a few minutes later.

She made a big production over it and said to the cashier, just reduce the amount of the coupon to the amount of the item.

In the end, I was right and got my cookies.

Smiley 360

One way I get to try new things is through Smiley360. I just received my first package and I am more than thrilled with what I received. I'm on a mission to try the new Knorr Homestyle Stock. I was psyched to get this because I make a lot of soups and because I'm trying to cut a lot of butter out of my diet, stocks are a great way to do this and maintain great flavor.

I'll be trying it out soon and as soon as I do, I'll report back!

Note: I received this as part of my membership in Smiley360 and was compensated with free product to sample this product.

Whole Foods

Yes, I do shop at Whole Foods. Do I spend a lot of money? No, because I shop smart there and also because I save so much money on other things we use I don't mind spending a little extra on better quality food. I'm lucky because there is a Whole Foods right near my house.

Well the other day when my local Whole Foods posted on Facebook they were having a Customer Connection group (basically a focus group) for people who shop at their store, I jumped at the chance! Kimberly and Nora were awesome to meet and I learned more than I ever knew about my local store! I'm going to shop there more often knowing what I do now about their values and standards for sustainable food products -- because I do care about what I put in my body.

As a thank you, I got a great goodie bag and a gift card (awesome surprise!!) -- I'm really hoping they not only continue these meetings but I can also use my marketing expertise to help Kimberly and Nora out.

A great night indeed!

Rite Aid for Under $2

I had a $1 +UP that was expiring which prompted my trip to Rite Aid. Never one to lose out, even on one dollar, I took advantage of a few things that were on sale and hit up the clearance bin.

I needed a sewing kit for up upcoming wedding and for $1, I think I have this one covered.
Loreal Youth Code was on sale for $4.39 and I used a $2 off printable coupon and a $5 Rite Aid video values coupon
Essie nail polish on clearance for $4
Cadbury creme eggs were b1g1 free and I used a $.50 off 2 Rite Aid video value coupon

Now, who wants a Cadbury egg? I sure don't. I have to fit into a wedding dress soon!

I Love Saving 80%

Often times going to the store and sticking to a list is a good thing. I do tend to go off my list but at a recent trip to Shaw's and while I went into the store for a few items. After spending under $9 on all of this, I don't think I did half bad.

Here's a breakdown of my savings:
Dr. Oketer pizza $4.99 on sale b1g1 free, I used one free pizza coupon from being a BzzAgent (both were free!)
Reach floss on sale 10/$10, I had $1/1 coupons on all 5. All were free!
Luna Bar, I received a Catalina coupon for a free bar on my last trip. Yeah free!
Mom's Better Oats Oatmeal on sale 10/$10, I had a $.55/2 coupon which doubled making two boxes $.90
Sherwoods's Tikki Masala sauce $4.99 on sale b1g1 free. I used a $1/1 coupon. $3.99 for two.
Marzetti Blue cheese dressing wasn't on sale (EEKS!) and I used a $1/1coupon making this $2.69

Total savings $33.77 for a savings of 80% and only $8.72 out of pocket. Cha-ching!