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!

Retail vs. Sale

Yesterday I saved $194.73 on my lunch hour with a quick trip to CVS. I took full advantage of some super deals on clearance items. Here's what the items would retail for:

Crest White Strips, full price $41.49, on clearance for $20.74, used a $5 off white strips coupons
Purex detergent pods, full price $6.49, on sale for $2.49, used $1/1 coupon
PopChips, full price $2.99, on sale 2/$4, used a $1/1 coupon

Craig MP3 players retail $87.99 on super duper clearance for $9.99 and got 2 $10 CVS money cards (yes they were FREE!! Yeah!)

A fun little way to spend my lunch hour, wouldn't you say?

Pizza

I admit it. I love pizza. It's in my blood but when I got the chance to try Ristorante Pizza by Dr. Oetker's as part of a Bzz Campaign, I jumped at the chance. I finally was able to use my coupons and pick one up for dinner -- and it was delicious. Since I love mushroom pizza I picked up the Funghi pizza which has mushrooms, mozzarella, tomato sauce, parsley and oregano. I added a little extra cheese and 12 minutes later it was done. It was delicious! I couldn't believe a pizza so crispy came out of my oven.

Here's a shot of a slice on my plate.

As you can tell. We absolutely hated it. Ha!