Enjoying the perks of being a CVS customer!!

Last night on the way home from a friends house, Brendan and I stopped at CVS to pick up Coke for Jose.  It is on sale for 4/$13, get back 3CVS Bucks.  (Today is the last day, so use your CVS card.  You can get one from the cashier if you don't have one.  You will have to pay the $13 if you are a new CVSer.  But then you get $3 CVS Bucks back which is same as cash at CVS.)  I had $10.49 in CVS Bucks so I only paid $2.80 with tax.  I got back the 3 CVS Bucks so really I had overage of $.20 for 4-12 packs of Coke.  That is something to be happy about!!! 

If you haven't been this week, this is a great way to get started.  Go to your CVS and purchase the Glade Fragrance Collection Scented Reed Diffuser or Soy Candle 4.9-10oz.  If you save your coupon inserts from the Sunday papers, look in the 10/4 Smart Source ad for the $3 off coupon.  If you don't have that you still may be able to find a coupon at: http://www.rightathome.com/offers/0908-fragrance-collection/Default.aspx?email= 
If you are fortunate enough to get a coupon, you will actually make money on this deal.  If not then you still will make out good!!
Purchase the Glade Fragrance for $6.99 and get $6.99 back in CVS Bucks.  I had the $3 off coupon so I only paid $3.99 but I still got back the $6.99.  You can then make a second transaction and buy the 4- 12 packs of coke.  Use your $6.99 CVS Bucks and you will only pay $6.01 and get $3.00 of CVS Bucks.
Once you start CVSing, you'll be hooked.  How could you resist getting free stuff or getting money for buying stuff......?

AND DON'T FORGET TO SAVE YOUR SUNDAY PAPER COUPON INSERTS IN A FILER.  DON'T CLIP UNTIL YOU NEED A COUPON AND YOU WILL HAVE A VERY EFFICIENT WAY TO FIND YOUR COUPONS WITHOUT TAKING UP ALL OF THE TIME OF CLIPPING.

Spring/Summer Shopping - What?!

Yes, you read it right!  Now is the time to buy for spring/summer clothes - especially for those growing children.  You can really get some great deals!!  I happened to be at Wal-Mart in our area last night and was able to get a nice Ocean Pacific bathing suit for $3 for my daughter for next year!!  I know with kids it is hard to shop early, but for the most part you can guestimate from their past growth patterns.  Not perfect - but works most of the time.  Hope everyone has a blessed day and week to come!! 
         ~ Krista ~

Garage Sales!!!! I love them!

     I had a great day today because I have been looking for a chair and coffee table since I moved here that fit what I was looking for.  I can't pay for something that isn't what I wanted and I just hate buying something brand new.  There isn't much that we own that we bought new. I think my mattress is the only thing we paid full price for (not counting the game consuls that Jose buys.  He still has a hard time waiting for the best deal.  All the more reason why I have to save!) 
     I was so excited when I saw just what I was looking for.  They were asking $25 originally for the chair and went down to $15, and a beautiful coffee table that I think they were asking $35-$40.  (I can't remember.)  I was able to talk it down to $35 for both.  It was a little difficult because the chair was part of a set and they didn't want to break it.
      I got all of my Fall/Winter clothes for $30:  2 sweat suits, 4 dress suits, 1 pair of slacks, 1 sweater, 1 skirt, and 4 blouses + I got 2 boxes of dishes and 1 pair of boy gloves for my nephew thrown in.  The dishes are beautiful white with most of the set of 8.  For those of you that know me, you know I love different sets of dishes for different times of year and occasions but I refuse to pay for my luxuries.  If I can't get it dirt cheap, I'm not getting it!
     I hope you take advantage of these garage sales, too.  Brent went with me and he bought a brand new game of Life, marked $5, for $1.  All of the pieces were there and it was in tip-top shape.  Brendan just said yesterday that was his favorite game, so Brent is giving it to him for Christmas.  (We're kind of competing with each in making our purchases overall, who can get the best deals.  We decided as a family to not get caught up with spending during the holidays so Brendan will be really excited when he finds out the deal Brent got!) 
     $65 for all of that is my kind of bargain!!

My Sunday Publix plan

     I am really excited this week because you can make a dollar on milk at Publix this week.  There is a coupon in their flyer for free milk when you purchase 3 Kelloggs.  (I'm sorry but I can't remember if it has to be cereal or any item from Kelloggs.)  Either way, there is a coupon machine in the cereal aisle for $1 off of Fruit Loops/Fiber or Applejacks/Fiber (makes them $3, too much if you ask me) or better yet, purchase the Mini-wheats which are BOGOF (buy one get one free) for $2.  I had some coupons for this so mine were $1.50/ea.  (I did this deal on Friday night.)  Get your free milk-$2.49-.  Head on over to the Sara Lee bread (on sale for $2.19) and look for a tear off pad for $1 off of milk. 
     Total for 2 Mini Wheats, 1 Fruit Loops, 1 milk, 1 loaf of bread without mini wheat coupons = $8.16.  A value of $16.85.  Guess what?  That is a 48% savings. 
     One of the most important things to using coupons to your advantage is using them when the store is running sales.  I rarely have to buy something when it is not on sale and without a coupon at the same time.  It will take about 8-12 weeks to really be on a good cycle with a good storehouse of coupons.  When I started using coupons, my pantry, refrigerator and freezer were bare.  (We were trying to prepare for moving.)  Anyway, I am still stocking up and with 2 growing boys so sometimes I am barely keeping up as it is.  But with deals like that, and most of them are better, we are well on our way. 
Thanks be to God for providing for us so plentiful!

Nothing like saving money!!

Krista and I went to Publix tonight and I spent $96 and saved $92.  I bought over 9 lbs. of ground beef and the most I spent on one lb. was $.74/lb.  That was my favorite buy, besides the free Publix bag and tube of Grands Biscuits.  The only things I bought that I didn't have coupons for were: 3 pack. of chicken legs/drumsticks and thighs for $.99 lb., 2 bags of black beans, 1 green bell pepper,olive oil and 2 packages of cream cheese, which Jose specifically asked for to make some of his yummy Cuban food.  Out of those items only the beans and cheese were not on sale.  Most of the items that I bought were under $1. Not too bad, if I do say so myself. Starting soon, Krista and I will be teaching classes on how to save money like this for only $10/person.  We are running a Grand Beginning Special:  $5 off for each friend you bring.  So you can attend the class for free!  You get your first of many freebies!!  If you are interested in scheduling a class, or for more information, contact us here or e-mail at sistersense@yahoo.com.   Have a great night!!

Been Sick - Caught The Cold

Sorry guys - haven't been around the past few days.  The kids and I have been fighting sinus issues and head colds.  We are so thankful, though, for home remedies like lemon water and the good ole' Netti Pot.  Thanks, Michelle, for commenting on our picture from the paper.  I actually have not seen it.  If anyone has a copy still, feel free to send it to me or we'll find a time to meet up.  The picture in the newspaper was taken when my family and I were enjoying the Bartow History Museum on Museum Day this past Saturday.  I hope everyone is having a wonderful and fulfilling week!  Blessings to you all!
          ~ Krista ~