Free February Edition of InStyle Magazine

 Here is an awesome and fun deal for you to try. 

FREE INSTYLE MAGAZINE

Purchase the February Edition of InStyle Magazine $3.99 (Regular Price)

Use the $2.00 off coupon here

Use the $.50 off coupon from the coupon machine at Martins ONLY

Get $2.00 in your Savings Star Account

$ .50 Money Maker - Otherwise an awesome freebie!

You can also do this same deal at any of the participating Savings Star Stores, it will just end up being a freebie and not a money maker, still great though.  Other participating stores are ACME, Food Lion, Super Fresh, Giant/Martins, CVS, Rite Aid, Shop Rite, Weis and PathMark.

Martins Coupons and Deals for week of 1/30

Here are the coupons spitting out of the coupon machine this week:

• Save $.50 on your next purchase of any book or magazine
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $7 from our Health and Beauty Care Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $5 or more from our Carry Out Cafe
• Save $1.00 on your next purchase of $10 or more from our Meat Department

 

I haven't had a chance to look over the add this week and nothing really popped up while I was looking over the coupon match up's for the week, but here is an awesome FREEBIE to get this week using 2 coupons and your saving star account:

 

FREE INSTYLE MAGAZINE

Purchase the February Edition of InStyle Magazine $3.99 (Regular Price)

Use the $2.00 off coupon here

Use the $.50 off coupon from the coupon machine

Get $2.00 in your Savings Star Account

$ .50 Money Maker

You can also do this same deal at any of the participating Savings Star Stores, it will just end up being a freebie and not a money maker, still great though.  Other participating stores are ACME, Food Lion, Super Fresh, Giant/Martins, CVS, Rite Aid, Shop Rite, Weis and PathMark.

Free Coffee from Pilot and Flying J

Go here to get a coupon for a free coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate or hot tea from Pilot/Flying J through the month of February.

You will have to like them on Facebook to access the coupon.

$30 Challenge- Week 6

Here's how I did during week 5:

ACME - $5.00
Chick-fil-A -  $6.09
Target -  $2.68
Martins - 13.08

Total:   $26.85

Now there is one thing I am not telling you and that is that I had a girls night dinner and my tab was $62.00.  I know, that blows my budget but I'm not counting it.  It was well deserved and we all had an awesome time.  Well worth $62.00.

So, Girls Night aside, I did it, I mean
I DID IT!!!
The deals weren't worth going for, I didn't really splurge too much and I used gift cards to buy some of the things I needed this week.

I think the menu planning helped a little although we still managed to order pizza one night. 
Oh well.

So tips for week 6, hmm...

Keep on doing what you're doing, that is, if it is working.  As far as I can tell the Grocery Store Match Ups are a little on the boring side.  However, it does look like a good week at the drug stores especially CVS (Pepsi 12 packs 3/$6 after ECB's).  Check out Hip2Save for the drug store match ups, she's amazing.

Just joining me, check out my $30 Challenge Page and see how I've been doing.

Grocery Store Match Ups... week of 1/29

Here are the Grocery Store Match Up's

for Cecil County, MD for the week of 1/29/12:

ACME

Good prices for Softsoap and Wishbone Salad Dressing if you have the coupons.

Thanks, Cindy at Living Rich With Coupons.

Food Lion

Thanks, Laura at A Frugal Chick

Martins

Another Bummer of a Week at Martins, although I'm thinking the back page is looking good!!!
Check out my post on Monday to see if I find anything to BRAG about...
Thanks, Cindy at Living Rich With Coupons.

Redners
Thanks, Shannon at For The Mommas

Never pay money for Pantiliners...WHAT?

So I was doing a little organizing today and cleaning and cleaned out a drawer and look what I came across:

Over 300 pantyliners... I'm sure I never paid money or at least very little for these, but this is just a reminder to stay organized and NEVER PAY MONEY FOR PANTYLINERs.

Sorry guys, I don't think there are too many men reading my blog, but if so, at least now you know what you shouldn't pay for.  Spread the word.

In fact, Cindy at Living Rich With Coupons tells you how to get them for free at CVS this week...

$30 Challenge- Week 5

Here is how I did during Week 4

Martins:  $42.53 - I'm blaming $20 of this on the Man of the house

Walgreens $5.15

Martins:  $3.08

CVS:  $14.98

Rite Aid:  $1.14

Total: $66.88

Not exactly close on my goal of $30.00.  I'm really struggling with this. 

So here are some thoughts for this week. 

• I did an inventory of what we had in our home for dinner time this week and planned out a menu.  Using what we already have and putting it on paper will hopefully help with last minute, full priced additions or take out.  Make a menu plan for the week.  I used a free printable from I Heart Organizing (whom I'm still stalking) I used "A Peek at the Week".

• Also, shop less with people who aren't on board with getting the best price for everything (I won't mention any names)  Stick to the plan STAN...

P.S.  I'm really going to try extra hard this week.  I think it may help that I have dinner planned for the week and there aren't many great deals... However, I do need to stock up on my Diet Coke... Ughh, that will cut into my budget, but totally worth it.  At least I got Diapers out of the way last week.

Martins Coupons and Deals for week of 1/23

Here are the coupons from the coupon machine at Martins this week:

• Save $.50 on your next purchase of any Nature's Promise Item
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $5 or more from our Bakery Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $6 or more from our Frozen Food Department
• Save $1.00 on your next purchase of $10 or more from our Seafood Department

As far as AMAZING deals, I don't really see a lot,

but

Strawberries are B1G1F, which Lady G loves. 
Also, try and take advantage of the Nature's Promise store coupon and pick up something inexpensive like a can of veggies, beans, etc.
Fiber One Brownies are on sale $2.88 (part of the buy 7, save $3.00 deal)
Use the $.75 off coupon I posted here - doubles to $1.50
Pay $1.38 - Awesome
Egglands Best Eggs $1.99
Use $.55 off coupon from 10/2, 11/13, 1/15 SS- doubles to $1.10
Pay $.89 for a dozen eggs

Free Godiva Strawberry Truffle Bar... Check your mail...

Did you get this Godiva Catalog in the mail???  Make sure to look inside for your coupon for a free Strawberry Truffle Bar.  No purchase necessary. 

Check out my previous posts about Free Godiva Chocolate each and every month...

Fiber One Coupons....

I don't know if any of you are doing Weight Watchers or trying to lose weight or just eat better, but I got an email today for some AWESOME Fiber One Coupons....

Save $1.00 when you buy any one box Fiber One 80 Calorie Cereal

AND

Save $.75 when you buy any one flavor Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies

THESE ARE AMAZING AND ONLY 2 POINTS IF YOU DO WW.  PLUS, THIS COUPON WILL DOUBLE TO $1.50 AT STORES THAT FULLY DOUBLE LIKE MARTINS AND ACME!!!! 

Go here to get the coupons.

Grocery Store Match Ups... week of 1/22

Here are the Grocery Store Match Up's

for Cecil County, MD for the week of 1/22/12:

ACME

Awesome deal on Produce this week with their $1.00 bags also a pretty great scenario for tissues at a really great price.

Thanks, Cindy at Living Rich With Coupons.

Food Lion

No Comment
Thanks, Laura at A Frugal Chick

Martins

Well, not looking great!

Thanks, Cindy at Living Rich With Coupons.

Redners
Thanks, Shannon at For The Mammas

Bath and Body Works Freebie for this Weekend

Through 1/22, head over to Bath and Body Works FB page and print out a coupon for a free sample of Bath and Body Works newest scented lotion -

Pink Chiffon. 

 No purchase necessary, just pop in, hand over the coupon and wa-lah, FREE LOTION.  You can also show them the FB post on your phone in case you forget to print out the coupon or like to save paper.

Also, while you're there, here is a 20% off coupon to help you save even more. 
Good through January 29th.

My Last Minute Trip....

Today I had a mission...

Pick up a few deals that end this week and before the snow comes (if it comes at all, you never know)... So, I ran to Oxford, PA and went to CVS, ACME, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Martins.  I know, a lot of stops but short lists and they are all right around the same area so decent on gas as well.  I spent $24.35 out of pocket for $81.91 worth of merchandise.  I also got back $5.00 ECB's from CVS and $6.00 Register Rewards from Walgreens to use for next week.  So really, if you count that, I only spent $13.35.  Either way you look at it, good deals and all stuff I will use.

At CVS, I picked up the Diapers I needed, got a great deal stacking coupons, I paid $9.99 for a big pack of diapers.  I also picked up the greeting cards (free after ECB's), Kettle Chips (I had a free coupon), Ivory Soap and the Carmex Lip Gloss.

At ACME, I had a $2.00 off produce coupon that expired today, so they are running the awesome buck a bag sale, so I picked up 2 bags of produce - FREE.  Plus I was looking for Produce, Win-Win for me.

At Rite Aid, John Frida Hair Color (free coupon) Up2U gum, and some V-day Candy for the hubby.  Also, they had stuffing on clearance for $.57, can't beat it, unless I had a coupon too, which I didn't. 

At Walgreens, I picked up the South Beach Diet Bars (Free after register rewards) and 3 Carmex Hand Lotions. 

At Martins, I went back for the buy 3, get 1 free deal.  I also went to pick up some more Pup-Peronis, but somebody beat me to it.  Shelves were clear.  No worries though, I picked up a rain check and will get them next week.  Hopefully the Catalina will still be going on next week.  I hope I helped someone get some great treats for their dog.

You might be wondering how my $30 Challenge is going for the week, ughh, not great.  I could blame it all on my wonderful husband, but I won't.  We don't see eye-to-eye on the value of SAVING money.  He is good for the economy and I am not.

Coupons for Gerber Clothing...

Here are some coupons for Gerber Brand Clothing....

Try looking at Target where they are sometimes on clearance.  You can snag a good deal.

15% off your $20 purchase at Staples

Here is a coupon good for 15% off your $20 purchase at Staples.

Don't forget this week you can get Avery Mailing Labels free with Staples Rewards. 

You pay $9.99 out of pocket and then apply for the rebate.  It is really easy to do.

Martins Coupons and Deals for week of 1/16 - UPDATE

Check out my updates in RED - I forgot to take a Picture
Here are the coupons from the coupon machine at Martins this week:

• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $7 or more from our Deli Dept.
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $6 or more from our Floral Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $6 or more from our Produce Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of any Greeting Card

Here are some deals I'm cooking up for my trip to Martins this week:

B1G1F Blueberries at $4.99 - not a stellar deal, but Lady G loves her some blueberries

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers 4/$4.00
Use must buy 4
$.75 off e-coupon from Martins website - My E-Coupon did not come off so I have to back to the store, so make sure before you leave it comes off.  I have not had this issue before with e-coupons, they have always worked just as they should.  I'll let you know how customer service is.
Pay $3.25 for 4 bags of Goldfish
Totinos Pizza Rolls $1.00
Use $.35 off coupon from 1/8GM - Doubles to $.70 - This coupon beeps, but it is for the right item.
Pay $.30 per box
Hatfield Ham Steak $2.00
Use $1.00 off coupon from 10/16RP
Pay $1.00
Activia Yogurt $2.00
Use $1.00 off coupon from 1/15 SS
Pay $1.00
Pup-Peroni Dog Treats - B1G1F at $3.09 for both
Use $1.50 off any 2 coupon from 12/11 RP
Pay $1.59 for 2 packs of dog treats PLUS GET A $1.00 CATALINA GOOD ON YOUR NEXT STORE PURCHASE (this was a surprise, I had no idea, so really you pay $.59 for 2 packs).  I think I'm gonna go back and try and roll this deal...  This coupon does beep, and it could be questionable that you aren't buying 2 packs because they are on a B1G1F deal, so it could totally depend on your cashier.
Edge/Skintimate Shave Gel - $1.99
Use $.55 off any coupon from 1/15SS - Doubles to $1.10
Pay $.89 each (not the best deal, but if you need some, worth the price) Shelves were EMPTY
Purina ONE Beyond Dog Food $6.00
Use $5.00 off coupon from 1/15 SS
Pay $1.00 for 3.5lbs of Dog Food

I should make my run tomorrow, I'm also working on another Cereal Deal, I'll let you know how it goes.
On Page 6 of the flyer, they are running a Buy 3 Get the 4th Free Deal on General Mills Products.  Here was my deal scenario:

Fiber One 90Cal Bar $2.88
Used $.50 printable - doubles to $1.00
or look in the 1/8 GM

Fiber One 80 Cal Cereal - $3.00
Used $.75 off coupon from 1/1SS - doubles to $1.50

Frosted Toast Crunch - $3.00
Used $.75 off printable - Doubles to $1.50

Dulce De Leche Cheerios - $3.00 (this was my free item, I was surprised it wasn't the lesser priced item of the 4)
Used $.75 off printable - doubles to $1.50

Total $3.38 for 3 boxes of cereal and 1 box of Bar's.  - Not as great as last week but still worth it.
Click here and search for Fiber One Coupons and General Mills Coupons that are still available to print from Collin over at Hip2Save.

I also took advantage of Birds Eye Frozen Veggies deal for 5/$5 - you have to buy 5.  I didn't buy the Steam Fresh Variety, I got the regular frozen veggies because you were getting more per pound and a better value for dollar.  No Coupons though.

$30 Challenge- Week 4

Welcome to the 4th week of the $30 Challenge .  If you are just tuning in, check out my previous posts or the $30 Challenge Page.



My awesome Shop Rite trip!!!



I really didn't do super great, but I also didn't do terrible... Here is how my week breaks down:

• CVS - $16.24
• CVS - $1.79
• Post Office- $2.41
• Martins -$5.38
• Shop Rite - $0 out of pocket, I had a giftcard
• Staples - $40.xx - So I know, but I'm going to get the entire amount back in rebate... I got some amazing organizing items to go with my new Organization Kick that I told you about and they were all FREE (after rebate of course)



Amazing Cereal Deal at Martins.



Total:  $66.79

So I've decided that a $30 challenge is much like a diet.  You have to have will power.  I think, that the deals this week won't be as enticing and hopefully the stars will align and I can maintain some sort of budget this week so that I can make you all proud.

Tips for Week 4:

I'm not sure I should be giving tips this week... Maybe I need someone to give me some tips.

Grocery Store Match Ups... week of 1/15

Here are sites on where to find the best deals at grocery stores in the county:

• Martins - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons - This states that it is for Stop and Shop but Stop and Shop, Giant and Martins are all owned by the same company. I did notice that some items are a little more expensive in her match-ups than in ours. I see a great deal on Goldfish, Frozen Veggies and Cereal - maybe!  Stop back tomorrow for Martins Monday (I know, its gonna be Tuesday, but I'm a day behind) to see what I figured out.
• ACME - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons. Man, ACME had some great deals last week and I didn't manage to make it out, I can probably skip it this week.
• Food Lion - Thanks afrugalchick.  Dear Food Lion, Why do people shop at your store?, Sincerely, I Dream of Saving
• Redners - Thanks forthemommas.  Anyone shop at Redner's regularly? 

What are we buying this week? 1/14 edition

Here is what I am looking for this week...

Diapers (yes, I know, again!) and Fruits and Veggies...

Check back later in the week to see where I was able to find the best deals on these items.  Last week didn't work out so well with Diapers, so I'm still searching for a good bargain. 

Diapers... Here is a post from Cindy at Living Rich With Coupons regarding where the best Diaper Deals are this week.

My Diet Coke Trip to Shop Rite

There isn't a Shop Rite located in Cecil County, but there are plenty close by if they are having a good sale week, AND THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE WEEKS!  There are several Shop Rites in Harford County and in Delaware.

In my previous post about What are we buying this week?, I was looking for the best deal on Diet Coke.  I found that awesome deal at Shop Rite - 5 twelve packs for $10.

 $2.00 A PIECE - CAN'T BEAT IT.

There were a few catches, one being that you had to buy 5 (no big deal) and that you had to spend an additional $10 in the store.  Shop Rite is having great sales this week paired up with coupons and here is what I got for $18.72:



• 5 packs of Diet Coke - $10.00
• 9 Big Cup of Noodles - Free after coupons
• 6 Campbell's Chicken Noodle/Tomato Soup - $.22 each after coupons
• 1 Chi Chi's Salsa - $.59 after coupon
• 3 Packs of Hunts Chocolate Pudding - $.58 each after coupon
• 1 Chi Chi's Tortillas - $.66 after coupons
• Pack of Strawberries - $1.99
• 1 Cantaloupe - $.99
• 1/2 gallon of Smart Balance Milk - $.49 after coupon
• 1 Friendship Cottage Cheese - $.94 after coupon

Check out Cindy's Blog here about the coupon match ups for Shop Rite this week. 

It's worth it just for the sodas. 

$30 Challenge, Week 3

Welcome to the 3rd week of the $30 Challenge .  If you are just tuning in, check out my previous posts or the $30 Challenge Page.

So Week 2 was a little bit of a wash out and I went over my budget by $23.38.  ooopsie.  Week 3, I'm gonna start fresh and try a little harder.  I got a little carried away with the fast food last week and the Christmas bargains at Walmart were just a little too good and I needed a few things to store away my Christmas decorations.  Are these excuses?  Hmm...  This week I will try and document more with pictures all of the things I spend my budget on so that it puts everything into perspective.

Here is how I spent my week:

• Martins $7.30
• McDonald's - $5.91
• Target $1.82
• Chick-fil-A $7.80
• Walmart $21.03
• Rite Aid $9.52

Total: $53.38(ugh oh)

Here are two more pointers to try and keep your budget maintainable

(yeah, cause I totally did that during week 2): 

• Use what you have already purchased in your home to survive on.  May it be groceries, toiletries, office supplies, etc.  Get creative and look up new recipes.  I've had my in-laws over for dinner twice and have made dinners from what I had already had in the house.  You just have to think outside the box and play around. 
• Share meals with your family/friends if you chose to spend your budget going out to eat.  This is really easy with Lady G and I because she rarely eats all of her meal and I always bring a few things with me to supplement what I know she might not eat. I just try to pick something that is semi-healthy and that I know/hope she will eat.

Thinking that this is impossible?  My friend checked in to let me know that her family of 4 spent only $40.68 for last week.  So it might be a challenge, but worth it.

Martins Coupons and Deals for week of 1/9

Awesome deal to share with you for Martins this week... but before I do that, here are the coupons coming out of the machine this week:

• Save $.50 on your next purchase of any book or magazine
• Save $1.00 on your next purchase of $10 or more from our Meat Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $5 or more from our Carry Out Cafe
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $7 from our Health and Beauty Care Department (makes Living Rich with Coupons Scenario with Stayfree and Carefree a better deal, click here to read her deals)

So, Now for the awesome

Cereal deal going on at Martins...

Martins is having a sale where you buy 4 General Mills Cereal and you automatically get $4 off at the register and you get a Catalina (coupon) for a free gallon of milk up to $4.50 (which is great, cause milk has gone up).  Here is what I got today for only $5.38 out of pocket...

• 2 boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch $3.19 - used $.60 off coupon - doubled to $1.20
• 2 boxes of Cocoa Puffs $2.99 - used $.85 off coupon - doubled to $1.70
• 2 boxes of Multi Grain Cheerios $3.19 - used $1 off coupon
• 2 boxes of Peanut Butter Multi Grain Cheerios $3.00 - Used $.75 off coupon - doubled to $1.50
• 1 gallon of milk $3.94 - used Transaction 1's Catalina - deducted $4.50
• 1 Catalina for another free gallon of milk

Where to find the coupons:

1. Go here and look for the printables, I still see the Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cheerios and PB Cheerios available.
2. Go here and register with Pillsbury and print out the coupons.  I still see Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fiber One and Multi Grain Cheerios Available.
3. Go here to Living Rich With Coupons and read her post on more coupons.
4. Remember, you can print 2 coupons per computer per site.  So once you print the first one, go back and print another so that you can get the best deals. 

Remember, you can only double one like coupon per order, hence why I did two different orders and got my milk on the 2nd order. 

Any General Mills cereal will work (except for clearance and single serve) so look for the lowest priced box. 

You must buy all 4 boxes in the same transaction and you won't get your milk coupon until after you've paid. 

You don't have to use the milk coupon that day, you have 2 weeks before it expires.

If you haven't used your e-coupon yet for $.75 off any GM product, this will only sweeten the deal.  Go here for more information on where to find this coupon.

This deal will work at Giant, Martins and Stop and Shop.

NOW GO BUY SOME CEREAL AND MILK PLEASE, STOCK UP WHILE THE DEALS ARE HOT!!!

TO MUCH FOR YOU ALL AT ONCE, HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?  POST A COMMENT AND I'D LOVE TO HELP YOU SAVE SOME MONEY TOO!

Fun Times at IKEA and FREE Yogurt

Lady G and I took a road trip today down to IKEA to look around.  I just love how clean, simple and organized everything looks at IKEA.  Although, my house doesn't quite look the same, I just love browsing around.  Lately I've been stalking some new blogs about DIY home organization, remodels and decorating.  I'll share below but be forewarned, its addictive. 

 

Anyways, I haven't been to IKEA in a while and noticed a kiosk advertising to sign up for "IKEA Family".  I hadn't heard of the program but was curious, so I checked it out and signed up.  It is a free program that gives you montly discounts on certain products.  For example:

 

EXPEDIT

shelving unit

Member price:

$179.00

Regular price:

$199.00

Valid 1/1/2012–1/31/2012

  I still haven't figured out the catch (always the skeptic) or how it benefits IKEA but still interesteing.  So here is the exciting part:  For signing up, you got a coupon for a free Vanilla Frozen Yogurt from the Cafe by the checkout.  Wonderful, Lady G was thrilled.  

 

Blogs I'm now STALKING (you have been warned):

• I Heart Organizing
• Jones Design Company
• Centsational Girl

Grocery Store Match Ups... week of 1/8

Here are sites on where to find the best deals at grocery stores in the county:

• Martins - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons - This states that it is for Stop and Shop but Stop and Shop, Giant and Martins are all owned by the same company. I did notice that some items are a little more expensive in her match-ups than in ours. Some really great deals on cereal this week.  Stop back tomorrow for Martins Monday to see what I figured out.
• ACME - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons. Free Tuna and an interesting deal with Betty Crocker products.  I'll let you know what I can put together.
• Food Lion - Thanks afrugalchick. 
• Redners - Thanks forthemommas.  Not yet posted...

What are we buying this week? 1/7 edition - UPDATE

UPDATE:  Check out the info below for the best deals!

Just a heads up, this week I am looking for the best deals on

Diet Coke and Diapers....

What a great combination.  I'm running low of my favorite beverage and haven't gotten my free coke coupons yet, so I have to shop around.  I also need a pack or two of diapers if I can find some decent deals this week.  Lady G is pretty much potty trained so I haven't bothered with buying any, but we are down to our last pack and I don't want to run out and PAY FULL PRICE!!!!

Diet Coke:
At ShopRite this week, all Coke 12 packs are on sale for 5/$10 - that's $2.00 a piece people.... That's an amazing price that you won't find very often.  There is a catch, you have to spend $10 to get the sale price and you must buy 5.  No biggy, pick up some milk and a few other items with the great sales this week and bam - WIN WIN!!!!
Check out Cindy's deals here on Living Rich with Coupons for this weeks ShopRite match ups.  Also, MD and DE ShopRite's don't fully double coupons.  They will double up to $1.00.  So if your coupon is for $.75, it will not double to $1.50, it will double to $1.00.  Stinks, I know.  Make sure to double check the final prices, because Cindy lives in NJ and they fully double there.

Diapers:
Bad News... IMO there aren't any great deals on diapers this week.  I did read on a blogs comments section that ACME has the Huggies Blue Jean Diapers marked down to $4.99.  I might see if I can find those.  Other than that, I'm gonna hope for better sales for next week.  Otherwise... I don't even wanna say it.

Check out the Krazy Coupon Ladies Post about where the best prices for diapers are this week here.

Thursdays at the Mall... 1/5 edition

Finally, some resemblance of a calm Christiana Mall.  Although it was calm, I didn't really get into too much shopping except for a few deals at Target that I'll quickly tell you about.

(Photo Credit: Totally Target)

Market Pantry Boxed Macaroni & Cheese 5.4 oz 2-serving Box for $0.42
Use the $1/1 Market Pantry Boxed Macaroni & Cheese Target store coupon found here
Final cost FREE!

Thanks, Hip2Save

Dannon Activia 4-Packs $2.19
Use the $2/2 Dannon Activia Target store coupon found here
Plus, use 2 $1/1 coupons found here
Final cost only $0.19!

Thanks, Hip2Save

A few notes, no overage for the Mac and Cheese and the Activia at the Christiana Mall was a few cents more.  Still a great deal.  Check the expiration dates though, the first pack I picked up had an expiration date from December - eww.  I also got a pound of Beef Stew Meet for only $1.44.  Look for the red stickers for great deals on meat that needs to bed used immediately or frozen. 

Also, I know most people have New Years Resolutions to get in shape/lose weight, etc... I contacted the Christiana Mall to find out if they had measured the walking distance of the mall yet, and great news.... One complete lap, including all corridors is 1 mile!  Mall walkers can come to the mall as early as 8am.

Happy Shopping!!!

$30 Challenge, Week 2

I've been trying the $30 Challenge for about a month now, but last week was my first 'official' week.  At least, my first documented week.  Here is how I did:

Week of December 26th -

• McDonalds - $5.29
• Shipping at the Post Office (unexpected but I'm gonna make it work in my budget) - $10.50
• Kmart - $6.45
• Martins $4.34
• CVS $3.65
• Kohl's - $.21

Total $30.44

I did fairly well, at least I think.  My biggest expense was postage and was totally unexpected but I made it work and didn't really have a lot of other items that I either needed or wanted to buy!!! Win-Win for me.

So here begins Week 2 -

Here are a few pointers to try and stick to your budget. 

• Take $30 cash out of the ATM.  I've tried to do it with my Debit Card, but it seems easier to lose track of spending when you can't actually see it in your wallet.  When the cash is in your hand, you are less likely to splurge and more likely to think about what it is you are buying.  Plus it helps you plan out your week, if you know you have an expense coming up later in week, you can see what you have left to work with and plan accordingly.
• Take advantage of any left over gift cards.  I had a few random gift cards in my wallet (why I only paid $.21 at Kohl's during Week 1) and that helped me purchase something that I needed (possibly wanted) and kept me around my budget.  If you need milk, and have a couple dollars on a Walmart/Target/Grocery Store/Drug Store, use those couple of dollars to cut down the final out of pocket cost.  Remember though, if you aren't anywhere near the store and have to drive 30 miles, the cost of gas isn't going to outweigh the cost of you going to nearest store and picking up milk... Did that make sense?

Grocery Store Match Ups... week of 1/1

Here are sites on where to find the best deals at grocery stores in the county:

• Martins - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons - This states that it is for Stop and Shop but Stop and Shop, Giant and Martins are all owned by the same company. I did notice that some items are a little more expensive in her match-ups than in ours. 
• ACME - Thanks Livingrichwithcoupons.
• Food Lion - Thanks afrugalchick. 
• Redners - Thanks forthemommas. 

Martins Coupons and Deals for week of 1/2

Here are the coupons coming out of the coupon machine at Martins this week:

• Save $.50 on your next Nature's Promise Item
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $6 or more from our Frozen Food Department
• Save $.50 on your next purchase of $5 or more from our Bakery Department
• Save $1.00 on your next purchase of $10 or more from our Seafood Department

I found a good deal on Fiber One Shredded Wheat today on clearance for $2.54.  I had a $.85 off 1 coupon that doubled to $1.70 off, which made the box of cereal $.84.  Plus I had loaded the e-coupon for $.75 off any General Mills cereal, which made the box of cereal $.09. 

I had 2 coupons for the Fiber One Cereal, but only 1 e-coupon (you can only redeem it once) so for two boxes of cereal, I paid $.46 a piece.  Not bad, actually REALLY GOOD!!!

Here is the link to the printable coupon and here is the link to the e-coupon.  Remember, the cereal was on clearance and there weren't too many left, but keep your eyes peeled and remember to combine/stack the paper coupons with e-coupons.

Also, I picked up some Egglands Best Eggs.  Regular Price at $2.59.  Used a $.55 off coupon which doubled to $1.10 (11/13 SS) and the $.60 e-coupon which made the eggs only $.89.  Pretty good price with no sale.  I needed them, so they were coming home with me.

I haven't gotten to the grocery store match-ups this week.  It is on my list of things to do, so check back soon.  I should have them done by this evening. 

Kids Eat Free At Chili's, January 2 - 4 with adult meal...

If you are headed out to eat in the near future and want to save a few bucks, here is a coupon from Chili's for a free kids meal when you purchase an adult meal.  It is valid from January 2 - 4.