Brendashandmade

My Vons Shopping Trip

2012-02-10T15:27:00.001-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $12.08 and saved $14.16, which is 54%. Here's what I bought:
4 Cheezit $1.67 each(although one rang up for $2.50) $10.00
Asparagus $.99/pound
Bananas $.49/pound

The Cheezits were supposed to be $1.67, but one was $2.50. I was going to go ask the cashier why, but my husband was with me, and he said not to bother.

I do love the new Vons Just 4 You program. The first 2 items were part of the regular store sale, but the bananas were part of my Just 4 You.

My Walgreens Shopping Trip

2012-02-10T15:20:00.001-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $14.59 and saved $17.14, which is 55%. Here's what I bought:
1 St. Josephs aspirin $2.00 + $2.00 register rewards
2 Lysol toilet cleaner $1.99 each = $3.98 - $1.00 coupon = $2.98
2 Cars Activity pad/pencil $.66
3 Aquafresh $.99 each = $2.97
2 Migraine Be Kool $8.23

I also had $4.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this trip. When I was done checking out, I asked why I hadn't received my register rewards for the aspirin. Well, apparently one of the register rewards I used to pay for this trip was from St. Josephs, so you can't use a register rewards and earn one on the same product at the same time. So, I asked the manager to refund the aspirin and then pay for it separately. That worked - I earned my register reward.

St. Patrick's Day

2012-02-07T15:08:00.001-08:00

I just started adding some St. Patrick's Day items to my Etsy shop and Ebay yesterday and today. The link to my Etsy shop is on the right sidebar. I have lots more buttons and magnets to add. Today, my daughter and I are going to start looking through my pattern books and magazines to see what else I can make for St. Patrick's Day. Do you decorate for St. Patrick's Day? If you do, what kind of decorations do you use?

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2012-02-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $14.10 and saved $14.54, which is 51%. Here's what I bought:
10 Gatorade $.76 each = $7.60
1 Mini Cookies $.99
4 Rice/Pastaroni $.88 each = $3.52
1 Flour tortillas $.99

At Albertsons, I spent $6.18 and saved $30.68, which is 83%. Here's what I bought:
2 Danimals $4.00
2 Kraft BBQ sauce $1.98
5 Ragu pasta sauce $4.95 - 2 $1 coupons = $2.95
3 Ronzoni Garden Pasta $2.25
2 Albertsons can vegetables free with store coupon

I also had $5.00 rewards earned last week to help pay for this trip. Even the cashier commented on how much savings I had this trip!

My Vons Shopping Trip

2012-02-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $32.54 and saved $49.75, which is 60%. Here's what I bought:
3 Oscar Meyer hot dogs buy one get one free $3.99
4 Keebler Fudge Shop cookies $1.67 each = $6.68
4 Toaster Strudels $1.99 each = $7.96 - 2 $.50 coupons, 1 doubled = $6.46
3 Gogurt $1.79 each = $5.37 - $.75 coupon = $4.62
5 Safeway Select ice cream $1.95 each = $9.75
Mushrooms $1.04 These weren't on sale, but Walmart was out, so I bought them here

Have you signed up for Vons' Just 4 You program yet? I love it! Click here to be taken to the web page. I especially like the personalized deals. That's how I got the ice cream at such a low price. The sales price for Lucerne ice cream was $2.28, but my personalized deal was Safeway Select for $1.95. I can't wait to see what my deals are next week!

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2012-02-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $12.26 and saved $15.34, which is 56%. Here's what I bought:
2 Walgreens cough drops $1.00
4 Pringles $6.00 - $1.00 coupon = $5.00 + $2.00 register rewards
3 Campbells Cream of chicken soup $.79 each = 2.37 - $.25 coupon = $2.12
4 Vancamps beans and Vienna sausage $.50 each = $2.00
3 Ajax/toilet cleaner $.59 each = $1.77
1 St. Joseph aspiring $2.00 = $2.00 register rewards

I also had $2.00 in register rewards from last week to help pay for this trip.

At CVS, I spent $5.94 and saved $8.52, which is 59%. Here's what I bought:
2 York peppermint patties $5.98 + $2.00 extra bucks
4 Pringles $5.96 - $1.00 coupon = $4.96 + $1.00 extra bucks

I also had $5.00 in extra bucks to use from last time.

Hearts Afire Tissue Box Cover and Coaster Set

2012-01-31T13:36:00.000-08:00

I just listed this Hearts Afire Tissue Box cover on Etsy. You can find the listing here. I will be listing the coaster set on Etsy tomorrow. I really like how they both turned out. They are great for Valentine's Day and Heart Month, which is all of February. Also, this Friday is wear Red Day to remember women's heart health.

I enjoyed making both of these projects. It took 16 days to make the tissue box cover and 9 days to make the coaster set. Once I completed a couple of sides, the pattern was pretty easy to remember. I hope someone else likes these as much as I do and buys them quickly!

My Stater Bros., Albertsons and Fresh & Easy Shopping Trips

2012-01-30T16:47:00.000-08:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $14.61 and saved $19.60, which is 58%. Here's what I bought:
10 Quaker rice cakes $.99 each = $9.90
2 Doritos $1.99 each = $3.98
Cabbage $.49/pound = $.73

At Albertsons, I spent $11.40 and saved $31.35, which is 73%. Here's what I bought:
10 Gatorade $8.00
5 Cheerios $1.88 each = $9.40 - 2 $1 coupons = $7.40

I also had $5 in rewards that I earned last week to help pay for this trip.

At Fresh & Easy, I spent $2.19 and saved $5.98, which is 74%. Here's what I bought:
2 F & E juice $4.00
1 F & E milk $3.19

The milk wasn't on sale, but I needed it. I bought it here because I had $5.00 rewards on my rewards card, so I used it for this trip.

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2012-01-27T13:36:00.001-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $43.22 and saved $40, which is 49%. Here's what I bought:
2 Oscar Meyer lunchmeat buy one get one free $4.99 - $1.00 ecoupon = $3.99
2 Fritos/Cheetos buy one get one free $3.49
Golden Delicious apples $.88/pound
3 pound bag onions $1.00
3 Safeway can fruit $.88 each = $2.64
1 Lucerne ice cream $2.49
1 Safeway orange juice $1.99
2 Hillshire Farms sausage $2.40 each = $4.80
1 Celery $.99
3 Breyers $2.79 each = $8.37
2 YoCrunch $2.50 each = $5.00 - $1.00 = $4.00
3 Refreshe soda $1.99 each = $5.97

Vons was supposed to have Danimals Crunchers on sale 2 for $4.00 but they didn't have them. So, I brought the YoCrunch up to the register and asked if they would give them to me for $4.00, and they did! Also, after I checked out, I pulled aside to check my receipt like I always do, and found out I was charged $1.99/pound for the apples instead of $.88/pound. So, the cashier had to give me $1.36 refund. I like the receipt for the refund - it says I saved 225%! :)

At Ralphs, I spent $15.70 and saved 15.60, which is 50%. Here's what I bought:
3 Hunts diced tomatoes $.59 each = $1.77
4 Lays/Kettle chips $1.99 each = $7.96
3 Kelloggs Poptarts $1.99 each = $5.97

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2012-01-27T13:20:00.001-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $15.01 and saved $17.56, which is 54%. Here's what I bought:
10 Paper towels & toilet paper $5.00
2 York/Hersheys candy $5.00 - $1.00 coupon = $4.00
2 Barbasol/Pure Silk shaving cream $.99 each = $1.98
1 Ultimate Flurry Protein bar $1.99 + $1.99 register rewards
2 Doritos/Lays $5.00 - $1.00 coupon = $4.00

I also had $2.50 in register rewards from last week to help pay for this trip. The cashier was very kind yesterday. I brought the wrong candy coupon, so she found the right one for me in her coupon book and let me use that one.

At CVS, I spent $19.45 and saved $16.38, which is 46%. In my second transaction, I spent $.72 and saved $4.80, which is 87%. Here's what I bought:
1st Transaction
3 Kraft macaroni and cheese $.88 each = $2.64
2 Stove Top stuffing $.88 each = $1.72
2 Doritos/Munchies $6.00 + $2.00 extra bucks
1 Blistex fruit smoothies $2.87 - $.25 coupon = $2.62 + $2.00 extra bucks
1 Huggies 3 pack wipes $7.99 - $.75 coupon = $7.24 + $2.00 extra bucks
3 Kleenex $.88 each = $2.64 - $.50 coupon = $2.14

I had $2.00 in extra bucks from last week to help pay for this transaction.

2nd Transaction
3 Pack Kleenex $2.99 - $.50 coupon = $2.49 + $1.00 extra bucks

I had $2.00 in extra bucks from the 1st transaction to help pay for this.

I didn't plan on doing 2 transactions, but I couldn't find the 3 pack Kleenex, so I asked for a rain check. He told me where they were in the store, so I found them and came back for the 2nd transaction.

Patchwork Heart Tissue Box Cover

2012-01-24T13:33:00.001-08:00

I purchased a huge box of plastic canvas magazines/pattern books from a person on Ebay a while back, and this cute tissue box cover is from one of those. My daughter and I like the way it turned out. Every holiday, we have fun looking through those patterns together to find ones that are appropriate for that holiday. We always find more patterns than I have time to make, so we just have to pick our favorite ones.

I wish they still made those Plastic Canvas magazines, but I haven't found any. At least they still make plastic canvas pattern books. Although, a lot of them are becoming available for download only and I still prefer having an actual book in my hand to follow.

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2012-01-23T17:35:00.001-08:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $8.94 and saved $9.58, which is 52%. Here's what I bought:
4 Campbell's soup $.59 each = $2.36 - $.40 coupon = $1.96
2 Lunchables $.99 each = $1.98
2 Farmland bacon $5.00

At Albertsons, I spent $25.51 and saved $42.12, which is 636%. Here's what I bought:
4 Essential pasta $.50 each = $2.00
Broccoli $.69/lb.
Cauliflower $.69/lb.
4 Albertsons ice cream $2.50 each
6 Lunchables $.99 each
4 Goldfish $1.00 each
Essential oatmeal $3.49 - $2.50 coupon = $.99

My Vons Shopping Trip

2012-01-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

I don't have any pictures for this trip because my daughter's orchestra went to Disneyland, so my husband had the camera with him.

Last Friday at Vons, I spent $25.84 and saved $41.25, which is 62%. Here's what I bought:
3 Goldfish $1.00 each = $3.00
2 Kleenex $.79 each = $1.58
2 Welches $1.99 each = $3.98
1-10lb. bag of potatoes $1.99
1 Danimals $1.69
4 Betty Crocker fruit snacks $.99 each = $3.96 - 2 $.50 = $1.96
12 Gatorade $.89 each = $10.68
1 Lucerne eggs free

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2012-01-23T16:56:00.001-08:00

Last Thursday at Walgreens, I spent $1.88 and saved $18.88, which is 91%. Here's what I bought:
2 M & Ms $5.00 - $1.00 coupon = $4.00
3 Softsoap $.99 each = $2.97
1 Thermacare Wrap $2.49 + $2.49 register rewards

I also had $7.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this trip.

At CVS, I spent $4.21 and saved $10.82, which is 72%. Here's what I bought:
2 M & Ms $5.00 + $1.00 extra bucks
1 3 pack Ivory $.99 - $.35 coupon = $.64
1 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste $2.77 - $1.00 coupon = $1.77 + $1.00 extra buck

I also had $3.49 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this trip.

I Won A Coach Bag

2012-01-18T15:28:00.001-08:00

The week before Christmas, my kids and I were looking for presents for my husband. We were at a Big 5, and across the street was a Christmas Store, you know, one of those seasonal stores that only come around at holidays. So, we decided to go take a look at the store just for fun. When we entered, I saw a sign-up for a giveaway, and decided to enter. I didn't even know what it was for; I just assumed it was for a Christmas ornament. We looked around the store and saw some really cute trumpet and violin ornaments, but we didn't buy them because they were expensive.

Well, later that week, I received a phone call from the store saying I had won a Coach bag! I called my husband and asked him if he could pick it up on the way home from work, and he wondered if I knew how much it was worth. I had no idea, so I looked it up on the internet and was shocked! When he brought the bag home, the price tag was still on it and it was $379 marked down to $349. I couldn't believe it! I have never owned anything that expensive. In fact, I used to buy $10 purses, but they kept breaking, so when a store had a sale for a $30 purse, I asked my husband if I could buy it, because maybe it would last longer than the $10 ones. I felt bad even asking for that! So, I didn't know what to do with such an expensive purse. We decided to list it on Craigslist and I posted it on my Facebook page. One of the ladies at the dance studio where my daughter attends bought it from me. I will probably use the money to buy me some much needed new clothes.

Set of 6 Valentine's Heart Coasters

2012-01-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

I just added this Set of 6 Valentine's Heart Coasters to my Etsy shop and on Ebay. I love the conversation heart candies, so when I saw the pattern for these coasters, I had to make them.

My Albertsons Shopping Trip

2012-01-16T16:54:00.001-08:00

Yesterday at Albertsons, I spent $16.33 and saved $21.83, which is 58%. Here's what I bought:
3 Suave Kids Shampoo $4.98 - doubled $1 coupon = $2.98
4 Chicken of the Sea tuna $.49 each = $1.96
4 Chips Ahoy cookies $1.88 each = $7.52
1 Albertsons 6 pack blueberry bagels $1.49
1 Kelloggs Smorz Cereal $1.99

I usually shop here on Monday, but the tuna and cookies were only on a special Fri. - Sun. sale. Also, another customer noticed all the tickets we were collecting for the game going on at the store, and she asked if I wanted hers because she's not playing the game. That was very kind of her, and she had a lot of tickets! Are any of you playing the Albertsons game?

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2012-01-13T13:25:00.003-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $15.76 and saved $17.29, which is 52%. Here's what I bought:
4 Lucerne ice cream $1.99 each = $7.96
4 Keebler cookies $1.64 each = $6.56
Mushrooms $1.12 (these weren't on sale, but Walmart was out)

At Ralphs, I spent $16.78 and saved $14.99, which is 48%. Here's what I bought:
1 Ruffles $2.14
1 Sargento cheese $2.24
2 Dannon yogurt $4.00
1 Speed Stick deodorant $.88
6 Truly Awesome cookies $2.69 each = $16.14 - 6 $1.00 coupons = $10.14

At first, the cash register would only take one of my 6 cookie coupons and the cashier says it says one coupon per item. I said that's right, I have one coupon for each item. She had to go talk to a manager and came back and had to over-ride the system for all the rest of my coupons. Well, at least I got my savings.

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2012-01-13T13:12:00.003-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $12.91 and saved $37.33, which is 66%. Here's what I bought:
Transaction #1:
1 Kids Omega Smart $10.00 + earned $10.00 register rewards.

I used $3.00 in register rewards from last week to help pay for this transaction.

Transaction #2:
4 Bugles $6.00 - $1.00 store coupon - $3 $.50 manu. coupon = $3.50 + earned $2 register rewards
3 Mentos $.39 each = $1.17
4 Butterball chicken broth $2.00
1 Reach toothbrush $2.99 + earned $2.00 register rewards
1 Toms Of Maine mouthwash $3.99 + earned $3.00 register rewards
3 Essentials knee highs $.29 each = $.87

I used the $10 register rewards from the first transaction to pay for this.

At CVS, I spent $7.23 and saved $10.90, which is 61%. Here's what I bought:
4 Mars candy bars $.29 each = $1.16
2 Suave deodorant $2.00 - 2 $.75 coupons = $.50
1 CVS Vitamin D $3.49 + earned $3.49 extra bucks
4 Renuzit $.88 each = 3.52

I also had $2.00 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this trip.

Cat and Heart Valentine's Day Magnet

2012-01-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

Remember last Tuesday I posted my Frog and Heart Valentines Magnet? Well, just today I sold 5 of those animal magnets 1 of almost every kind I have listed! I sold 3 on Etsy and 2 on Ebay. I am so excited! These magnets sold well last year too.

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2012-01-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $4.64 and saved $12.81, which is 75%. Here's what I bought:
5 Toaster Strudels $1.48 each = $4.64

At Albertsons, I spent $20.63 and saved $21.75, which is 51%. Here's what I bought:
Kraft mayo/miracle whip $2.49 each = $4.98
4 Yoplait yogurt $1.49 each = $5.96 - $.75 = $5.21
2 Betty Crocker Potatoes $.99 each = $1.98
4 Betty Crocker Muffin Mix $1.99 each = $7.96

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2012-01-06T18:14:00.001-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $11.96 and saved $10.29, which is 46%. Here's what I bought:
2 Danimals $4.00
5 Poptarts $1.49 each = $7.45

At Ralphs, I spent $10.78 and saved $8.73, which is 45%. Here's what I bought:
Fuji apples $.99/pound
1 Speed Stick deodorant $.88
2 Deluxe ice cream $5.00
Cabbage $.50/pound
1 Truly Awesome cookies $2.69 - $1.00 coupon = $1.69

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2012-01-06T17:58:00.001-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $10.00 and saved $25.74, which is 73%. Here's what I bought:
4 General Mills Cereal $10.00 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $8.00 + $3.00 register rewards
4 Progresso Soup $5.00 - $1.00 = $4.00
Keebler/Cheezit $5.00 - $2.00 coupon = $3.00

I also had a $5.00 off $20.00 coupon to help pay for this trip. I gave the cashier this coupon first so that way the price would still be over $20.00. If I gave her this coupon last, my other coupons would've made the price below $20 and this coupon wouldn't have worked.

At CVS, I spent $3.80 and saved $25.76, which is 88%. Here's what I bought:
1 Dawn $.88 - $.25 coupon = $.63
1 3 pack Ivory $.99 - $.35 coupon = $.64
3 Puffs $.99 each = $2.97 - $.25 coupon = $2.72
3 Bumblebee tuna $.59 each = $1.77
4 Gatorade $.88 each = $3.52
1 Hunts pudding $.88
4 Campbells soup $.59 = 2.36 - $.40 coupon = $1.96
eggs $1.49

I also had $9.99 extra bucks to use to help pay for this trip. When my receipt printed out with coupons and things, the lady 2 customers behind me, said I wonder how many trees they had to kill to print that? I said it didn't matter to me because I just bought this whole cart full of things, and the cashier said, for only $3. The cashier then went on to tell the customer that the receipts were so thin, that it wasn't much paper anyway. I'm glad she stuck up for me!

Private Selection Frozen Dessert Review

2012-01-05T10:52:00.001-08:00

As a Bzzagent, I was sent coupons to try 3 different Private Selection Products. The third product my family and I tried was the Private Selection Apple Cinnamon Crisp Tartlets Dessert. They also have Blueberry Peach Panna Cotta, Northern Spy Apple Crisp, Pineapple Upside Down Cake and a wide selection of Ice Creams (like Strawberry Harvest, Vanilla Bean and SeaSalt Caramel) available. The Private Selection products are available in the Kroger family of stores for about $3-5. I bought mine at our local Ralphs. These desserts have rich, delicious flavors, making them a divine indulgence.

The Apple Cinnamon Crisp Tartlets we tried are made with rome apples and cinnamon and are baked in a flaky crust, topped with a brown sugar oat crumble. There are 10 tartlets in each pack, and as you can see, they come in a nice organized tray. That's very convenient for us because we only wanted one each, and there are 5 of us, so we left the other five in the tray and put them back in the freezer for another day.

These tartlets are very easy to bake. You just place them on a cookie sheet - I placed them on a tin foil sprayed with Pam first, for easy cleanup. You bake them in an oven preheated to 375 for 12 to 14 minutes. They were done exactly when they were supposed to be.

They baked to a nice golden color and were absolutely delicious! All 5 of us liked it a lot. My husband, daughter and youngest son had their tartlet with vanilla ice cream, like the suggestion on the box. They really liked that and thought it tasted just like apple pie a la mode. We look forward to next weekend when we will probably eat the last 5 in the box.

If you would like to learn more about Private Selection products, please visit Kroger.com. My family and I will definitely be purchasing these again and will probably try another dessert - probably the ice cream. Yum!

Frog and Heart Valentine's Day Magnet

2012-01-03T13:36:00.001-08:00

I just listed this frog and heart Valentine's Day magnet in my Etsy shop. I also have a cat, monkey, bear, and dalmatian dog magnet in a similar design. I will be listing those magnets over the next couple of weeks. I like to alternate the types of items I list everyday: magnets one day, tissue box cover another, and containers another day, etc. Do you list your items like that too, or do you like to list all items in the same category in a row?

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

2012-01-02T18:07:00.001-08:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $20.08 and saved $17.10, which is 46%. Here's what I bought:
4 Yoplait Yogurt packs $1.49 each = $5.96
4 Lean Pockets $1.49 each = $5.96
2 Juicy Juice $2.49 each = $4.98
1 Flour Tortillas $.99
1 Whipping cream $2.19

The whipping cream wasn't on sale, but I needed it for the cornbread that's baking in the oven right now. Walmart only carries heavy whipping cream, not the regular whipping cream, so I had to buy it here.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2012 filled with many blessings.

We had a nice quiet celebration at home last night, just the kids, my husband, and myself. We ate some Hickory farms meat and cheese, dip, pretzels and chips around 8:45, and toasted with sparkling cider. My youngest son and daughter went to bed around 9:30. My husband and older son stayed up, but after awhile my husband fell asleep, so it was just me and my 15 year old son that watched the ball drop. We had a nice time together.

I have one major resolution this year: to not complain! I complain all the time about everything, so I'm going to work very hard to just keep my mouth shut. I hope I can do it.

I also have some other things I want to accomplish this year like get the house more organized and less cluttered, work on my kids' scrapbook, and go through my recipes.

Do you have any resolutions/things you want to accomplish?

My CVS Shopping Trip

2011-12-30T14:51:00.001-08:00

Yesterday at CVS, I spent $20.45 and saved $21.35, which is 52%. Here's what I bought:
1 M&Ms big bag $4.99(half off for after Christmas sale)
2 Kelloggs cereal $1.98 each = $3.96
1 Zyrtec 5 count $2.99 + $5.99 extra bucks
1 Bandaid $2.99 - $.50 coupon = $2.49 + $2.00 extra bucks
1 Combo $2.00 + $2.00 extra bucks
2 Skippy Peanut Butter $1.66 each = $3.32

I also had $3.00 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this trip.

Many places didn't have good sales this week, so I didn't have many stores to shop at. Hopefully next week the sales will pick up.

Private Selection Frozen Appetizer Review

2011-12-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

As a Bzzagent, I was sent coupons to try 3 different Private Selection Products. The second product my family and I tried was the Private Selection Southwestern Style Chicken Trumpets Appetizers. They also have Mediterranean Inspired Hors D'Oeuvres collection, Mushroom Walnut Profiteroles, and Spanakopita available. The Private Selection products are available in the Kroger family of stores for about $3-7. I bought mine at our local Ralphs. These appetizers are individually handcrafted and filled with a unique combination of high-quality savory ingredients.

The Southwestern Style Chicken Trumpets that we tried are tortilla trumpets filled with sauteed chicken, crisp peppers, cheddar cheese and chili pepper. These appetizers are easy to prepare. You just preheat the oven to 400 degrees, put the appetizers on a baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes. I lined my baking sheet with aluminum foil and sprayed it with generic Pam. They recommend lining it with parchment paper, but I didn't have that, and my way worked just fine. They came out perfectly crisp with the cheese melted after 15 minutes. I'm glad they were done on time because I was serving these for our Christmas dinner and I forgot to put them in the oven! I was cooking at the stove and looked down and wondered why the oven was still on, since the ham was already done, and then I remembered I needed to cook the appetizers! My family all agreed it was worth the wait. Besides the 5 of us, my parents and uncle were over for dinner. The only one that didn't try an appetizer is my mom because she's allergic to onions, and these appetizers have onion powder in them. Everyone loved these appetizers! They all thought they were delicious, not too spicy, had just the right amount of crispiness, and just the right combination of flavors. In fact, 3 people even took a second appetizer. There are 9 appetizers in the box, and only 1 was left. It says you can refrigerate the leftovers, so I did and I heated it in the microwave the next night, along with the rest of our leftovers and it was still just as delicious as the night before.

If you would like to learn more about the Private Selection products, visit Kroger.com . They also have frozen pizzas and desserts. I will be trying the dessert soon, so be on the lookout for that review. We will definitely buy some of these appetizers in the future. Let me know if you've ever tried any Private Selection products and what you thought of them.

Rainbow Colored Heart Bookmark

2011-12-27T13:55:00.001-08:00

I just started listing my Valentine's items in my Etsy shop. The first item I listed today is a bookmark. I will try to list a new item every day and also change all of my items' descriptions to Valentine's Day, rather than Christmas. Yesterday, my daughter and I went through all of my inventory to make sure I have an accurate record for the year end. While doing that, we pulled out all of my items to sell for Valentine's Day. I'm also currently working on a heart tissue box. I showed it to my mom after Christmas dinner and she really liked it.

Have any of you started listing your Valentine's items or changing your descriptions yet? What items have you listed?

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-12-23T14:53:00.001-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $5.84 and saved $2.32, which is 28%. Here's what I bought:
2 Crystals(for baking) $1.25 each = $2.50
Green beans $1.99/pound = $3.34

They had Dryers on sale for $2.88, but I only wanted Peppermint ice cream and they didn't have any! :( This is the first year the kids and I won't have that special ice cream for Christmas.

At Ralphs, I spent $7.98 and saved $9.08, which is 54%. Here's what I bought:
2 Deluxe ice cream $5.00
2 General Mills Cereal $3.98 - $1.00 coupon = $2.98

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-12-23T13:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $.29 and saved $1.00, which is 99%. Here's what I bought:
1 dozen eggs $1.29

I also had $1 in register rewards from last week to help pay for this trip. The cashier couldn't believe I only had to pay $.29.

At CVS, I spent $6.83 and saved $12.54, which is 65%. Here's what I bought:
1 hand sanitizer $1.99 - $1.99 coupon = Free
2 Ricola $3.00 - bogo free coupon = $1.50 + $1.00 extra bucks
3 Hersheys candy bags $2.50 each = $7.50 - free coupon = $5.00 + $2.00 extra bucks

Private Selection Frozen Pizza Review

2011-12-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

As a Bzzagent, I was sent coupons to try 3 different Private Selection Products. The first product my family and I tried was the Private Selection BBQ Chicken Frozen Pizza. They also have Margherita, Roasted Vegetable and Pepperoni available. The Private Selection products are available in the Kroger family of stores for about $5. I bought mine at our local Ralphs. These pizzas are baked in an Italian marble oven to create a thin, flaky base to top-tier ingredients.

This pizza is very easy to prepare. The directions on the back say to cook the pizza directly on the oven rack, but I didn't feel comfortable doing that, so I cooked it on my pizza pan and it turned out just fine. The thin crust was cooked perfectly. My family and I were divided about how much we liked the BBQ Chicken pizza. We all liked the flavor of the pizza, but the seasonings on the chicken were too spicy for me, my daughter, and my youngest son. My oldest son and my husband didn't think it was too spicy, in fact my son ate a second piece. This pizza was enough for the 5 of us to eat for dinner, along with some fresh vegetables. We would definitely try this pizza again, but we would try a different flavor.

If you would like to learn more about the Private Selection products, visit Kroger.com. They also have frozen appetizers and desserts. I will be trying these soon, so be on the lookout for those reviews. Let me know if you've ever tried any Private Selection products and what you thought of them.

I Won A Blender

2011-12-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

On November 29, I won a Farberware® Heavy-Duty 10-Speed Blender from Shining2Save. Here's a link to her blog: http://www.shining2save.com/. I'm sorry you can't just click on the link and go to it, but that option disappeared from my posting, and I can't figure out how to get it back. Anyway, this is the most valuable prize I've ever won! When Kari sent me the email saying I won the blender, I couldn't believe it!

The blender arrived very quickly and I've already used it to make a smoothie. The blender has several preprogrammed settings, and one of them is for a smoothie. All you have to do is put your smoothie ingredients in the blender and push the smoothie button. Then the blender does all the work and you get a perfectly blended smoothie! I love this new Farberware blender I won and I will definitely use it over and over again.

What is the most valuable thing you've ever won in a giveaway?

My Stater Bros.,Albertsons,& Fresh & Easy Shopping Trips

2011-12-19T16:55:00.001-08:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $25.32 and saved $21.20, which is 46%. Here's what I bought:
6 Nabisco crackers $1.49 each = $8.94 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $6.94
2 Caprisun/Koolaid $1.49 each = $2.98
4 Chips Ahoy $1.99 each = $7.96
1 Flour tortillas $.99
5 Tic tacs $1.29 each = $6.45 These weren't on sale, but that's what my daughter's best friend wants for a Christmas present. Not a bad price for a present!

At Fresh & Easy, I spent $9.97 and saved $3.32, which is 25%. Here's what I bought:
10 pound potatoes $1.99
2 pounds carrots $.98
6 Can vegetables $3.00
2 Fruit juice $4.00

It always looks like I don't save much at Fresh and Easy because they have some things with low every day prices. Their prices on the potatoes and carrots were much lower than everyone else's sales prices.

At Albertsons, I spent $14.60 and saved $30.93, which is 68%. Here's what I bought:
2 Swanson Broth $.50 each = $1.00
4 Campbells cream soup $.59 each = $2.36
2 Albertsons shredded cheese $1.99 each = $3.98
4 Ragu $.99 each = $3.96 - $1.00 coupon = $2.96
2 Wishbone dressing $.99 each = $1.98 - $.75 coupon = $1.23
2 Rice/Pastaroni $.79 each = $1.58
1 French Bread $1.49

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-12-16T15:40:00.000-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $8.19 and saved $13.37, which is 62%. Here's what I bought:
1 Sierra Mist free with store coupon
2 Oreo $1.99 each = $3.98
1 Egg Nog $2.99
1 Celery $1.00

I forgot to take a picture of my Ralphs shopping trip, sorry. I spent $12.55 and saved $18.55, which is 60%. Here's what I bought:
2 Pepperidge Farms Cookies $1.99 each = $3.98 - $1.00 coupon = $2.98
Broccoli and Cauliflower $.68/pound
4 Deluxe ice cream $10.00

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-12-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $2.45 and saved $15.52, which is 86%. Here's what I bought:
3 Russell Stover candy $.39 each = $1.17
6 Peeps/Hershey $.50 each = $3.00
3 Softsoap $.99 each = $2.97
1 Salonpas $1.00 + $1.00 register reward

I also had $6.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this trip.

At CVS, I spent $5.70 and saved $8.44, which is 61%. Here's what I bought:
2 Martinelli's apple cider $1.99 each = $3.98
4 Dole pineapple chunks with rain checks for $.88 each = $3.52 - 2 $.50 coupons = $2.52

I also had $1 in extra bucks to help pay for this purchase.

I Won A Marzetti Coupon

2011-12-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

On November 3, I won a coupon for a free tub of any variety Marzetti Produce Dips! I won it from Tidbits From a Mom. I haven't decided yet which dip I'll buy. I'm deciding between the caramel dip to help encourage my kids to eat apples, or the Greek dip to have with pita chips, or the ranch dip to eat with our vegetables. Which dip would you pick?

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2011-12-12T17:12:00.000-08:00

Today at Stater Bros, I spent $14.55 and saved $17.23, which is 55%. Here's what I bought:
5 General Mills Cereal $1.88 each = $9.40 - $1.00 coupon = $8.40
2 Farmland Bacon $5.00
Cabbage $.50/pound

At Albertsons, I spent $14.24 and saved $16.29, which is 53%. Here's what I bought:
4 Campbells tomato/chicken noodle soup $2.00 - $.40 doubled coupon = $1.20
2 Minute Maid orange juice $5.00
5 Hunts pudding $.75 each = $3.75
5 Chef Boyardee $.75 each = $3.75

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-12-09T15:33:00.001-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $7.38 and saved $5.82, which is 44%. Here's what I bought:
2 Lucerne ice cream $5.00
Fuji apples $.88/pound
green beans $1.00/pound

At Ralphs, I spent $8.68 and saved $32.16, which is 79%. Here's what I bought:
2 Hillshire Farms sausage $4.98 - $.75 coupon = $4.23
Kelloggs Cinnabon Cereal $1.99
Brown onions $.50/pound
Zucchini $.99/pound
Private Selection pizza, dessert, and appetizer free

I received the Private Selection items for free because as a BzzAgent, I received coupons to try the products for free and then review them. So, look out for the review sometime in the future on my blog.

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-12-09T13:47:00.003-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $18.71 and saved $36.82, which is 67%. Here's what I bought:
6 Chex Mix $1.50 each = $9.00
4 Pork and Beans/Vienna sausage $2.00
3 Nestle Candy Bars $.75
6 Christmas candies $.39 each = $2.34
5 Sharpies $.29 each = $1.45
6 Puzzles/activity pads $2.00
3 Pantyhose $.79 each = $2.37
1 Revlon nail polish $3.99 + $3.00 register rewards
1 Dove Men deodorant $3.99 - $.25 coupon = $3.74 + $3.00 register rewards

I also had $10.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this trip.

By the way, I'm sorry my picture isn't very good, but I had to take it on my bed because I have Christmas items I can't let my kids see.

At CVS, I spent $17.56 and saved $17.04, which is 50%. Here's what I bought:
1 eggs $1.49
4 Renuzit $.88 each = $3.52
2 M & Ms $5.00 - $1.00 coupon = $4.00
2 Dawn $.88 each = $1.76 - 2 $.25 coupons = $1.26
4 Hersheys minis $2.22 each = $8.88 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $6.88

Ralph's The Truly Awesome Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies Review

2011-12-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

As a BzzAgent, I was sent 2 boxes of Ralph's The Truly Awesome Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies to review. Each box of cookies contains 8 cookies. These cookies have chocolate chips as the #1 ingredient, so there are plenty in each cookie. These cookies taste like mom baked them because they're made with real, wholesome ingredients and don't have any added preservatives or artificial colors. They are almost 2 times the size of other chocolate chip cookies and if you warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave, they'll taste just like they came out of the oven. The suggested retail price for the box of cookies is $2.79.

My kids and husband and I really liked the wonderful taste of these chocolate chip cookies. I also really liked the large size because I feel better eating just one cookie, rather than a whole bunch! :) My eldest son and my husband are the big cookie eaters in our family, so the box disappeared quickly. The price of the cookies isn't bad either, especially if you have a coupon. We didn't try them warmed up in the microwave, because we thought they were great just out of the box.

If you would like to try these Truly Awesome Cookies yourself, you can! Just check out the Kroger new product page. They also have other new products in their The Truly Awesome line like yogurt, macaroni and cheese, and vegetable combinations.

We will definitely buy these cookies again! Have any of you ever tried them? What did you think?

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2011-12-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

Today at Stater Bros, I spent $6.93 and saved $3.45, which is 34%. Here's what I bought:
Pears $1.00/pound
Zucchini $.99/pound
2 Gogurt/Yoplait Trix $1.99 each = $3.98 - $.75 coupon = $3.23

At Albertsons, I spent $24.80 and saved $19.44, which is 44%. Here's what I bought:
6 Lunchables $1.00 each = $6.00
10 Lean Pockets $1.88 each = $18.80

My Vons Shopping Trip

2011-12-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $22.93 and saved $13.29, which is 37%. Here's what I bought:
Asparagus $1.47/pound
2 Refreshe soda(not pictured) $4.00
Celery $.99
4 Lucerne ice cream $10.00
Yakult $2.99
Mushrooms - not on sale

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-12-02T18:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $22.62 and saved $19.82, which is 47%. Here's what I bought:
3 Russel Stover Christmas candy $.29 each = $.87
3 Betty Crocker Muffin Mix $1.00
1 Brachs Chocolate Santa pack $1.99
3 Lysol toilet cleaner $1.99 each = $5.97 - $1.00 coupon = $4.97
1 Ajax $.50
6 Sticker books $.39 each = $2.34
1 Walgreens cold sore treatment $7.99 + $7.99 register rewards
1 Soft lips $2.00 + $2.00 register rewards
1 Planters peanut butter $1.50

I also had $2.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this trip.

At CVS, I spent $5.96 and saved $12.75, which is 69%. Here's what I bought:
2 M & Ms $1.98 each = $3.96 - $1.00 coupon = $2.96
3 Puffs $.77 each = $2.31 - $.25 coupon = $2.06
2 Betty Crocker Brownies $.88 each = $1.76

Nature's Own Bread Review

2011-12-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

As a member of BzzAgent, I received a coupon for a free Nature's Own Bread product. I chose Nature's Own Butter Top Bread. Nature's Own products have no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, no trans fats or cholesterol and are low in fat. They also have whole grain items available. Nature's Own also has nutritional benefits like reduced carbohydrates, higher fiber, lower calories and Omega 3.

My family and I really liked the taste and texture of the Nature's Own Butter Top Bread. Every slice was nice and soft and had a good flavor. A couple of my kids are very picky, so if they liked it, I'm sure you and your kids will like it too. I also liked that you can see through the bag, so you can make sure the bread looks good before you buy it. It also helps me keep track of how much bread is left without having to open the bag.

If you would like to learn more about Nature's Own Bread so you can try it yourself, here's the link to their website. I couldn't find the Butter Top bread that we tried on their website, but here's the link to their Butterbread.

We will definitely try Nature's Own bread products again, especially if we have a coupon. Have any of you ever tried these products before? What did you think?

I Won Wet Ones

2011-11-29T15:21:00.000-08:00

I recently won this wonderful Wet Ones giveaway. I thought I kept the information about what blog I won it from, but unfortunately, I can't find the email where it's listed. So, I'm sorry for not being able to give credit to the blog that hosted this giveaway.

Anyway, I'm very glad I won these Wet Ones because our household is very germ-conscious so this is the perfect thing for us. We will definitely have many places we can use these - at home or on the go.

What have you won recently?

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2011-11-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $16.40 and saved $24.88, which is 61%. Here's what I bought:
2 Stove Top Stuffing $.75 each = $1.50
10 Nabisco Crackers $1.49 eace = $14.90

At Albertsons, I spent $15.49 and saved $17.68, which is 53%. Here's what I bought:
2 Cool Whip $.75 each = $1.50
3 Barilla pasta $.75 each = $2.25
5 Pasta/Rice a Roni $.75 each = $3.75
Smorz Cereal $1.99
2 Minute Maid Orange Juice $5.00

My Ralphs Shopping Trip

2011-11-19T13:47:00.000-08:00

Today at Ralphs, I spent $9.36 and saved $9.27, which is 50%. Here's what I bought:
2 Deluxe ice cream $5.00
3 pound Clementines $2.99
Celery $.79
Green beans $.69/pound = $.58

Several stores had celery and green beans on sale this week, but Ralphs had the lowest sales price. I love all the sales before and after the holidays!

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-11-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $6.63 and saved $9.21, which is 59%. Here's what I bought:
5 Royal Jello $1.00
3 Princella Yams $.69 each = $2.07
6 Mars/Nestle Christmas candy $.39 each = $2.34
1 Scunci hair clips $2.99 + $2.00 register rewards

I also had $2.00 in register rewards to use from last time.

At CVS, I spent $.84 and saved $5.44, which is 87%. Here's what I bought:
3 Wet n' Wild eye liner $.69 each = $2.07
1 Blistex $2.00 - $.55 coupon = $1.45 + $1.00 extra buck to use next time

I also had $3.00 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this purchase.

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2011-11-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Stater Bros., I spent $19.46 and saved $14.20, which is 43%. Here's what I bought:
4 Kraft Dressing $.75 each = $3.00
6 Kraft Mac. and Cheese $.75 each = $4.50
3 Hostess $1.99 each = $5.97
2 Farmland Bacon raincheck for $5.00

At Albertsons, I spent $8.94 and saved $11.00, which is 56%. Here's what I bought:
4 Fritos/Cheetos $1.50 each = $6.00
2 Albertsons Bagels $1.49 each = $2.98

I decided to ring my things up at the self-checkout line, but when I checked my receipt, I was overcharged $5.96 because the register hadn't accepted my coupons and rang up double the amount of bagels. The cashier brought me to customer service and they just rounded it up and refunded me $6.00. They also gave me 4 game pieces and some coupons for extra points when I shop there again. That was very kind!

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-11-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Today at Vons, I spent $15.44 and saved $8.34, which is 36%. Here's what I bought:
Red and Golden Delicious apples $.77/pound
Miracle Whip and Mayo. $2.99 each = $5.98
Lucerne sliced cheese $1.99
2 Red cake decorating gel $5.58(these weren't on sale, but I need them to decorate my son's birthday cake. I already have the cake and frosting, purchased on a previous shopping trip, on sale)

At Ralphs, I spent $9.53 and saved $14.02, which is 60%. Here's what I bought:
Broccoli $.88/pound
1 Del Monte vegetable $.49
3 Campbells cream soups $.49 each = $1.47 - $.25 coupon, doubled = $.97
6 Pringles $1.29 each = $7.74 - $1.00 coupon = $6.74

Ralphs often has buy 10, get $.50 off each item. Last week, I noticed a lady with a huge box of canned vegetables, so I decided to ask if there's a limit to how many of the 10 items you can purchase and the cashier said she didn't think so. In fact, she recently saw a lady buy 50 canned vegetables, and she received the sales deal on all 50 cans!

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-11-11T15:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $4.02 and saved $20.88, which is 81%. Here's what I bought:
2 Keebler cookies $1.99 each = $3.98 - $.55 coupon = $3.43
3 Betty Crocker blueberry muffin mix $1.00
3 Renuzit $2.54
1 Oral B toothbrush $1.99 + $1.00 register reward
1 Carefree $.99 - $.50 coupon = $.49
1 Blistex Revive $1.99 + $1.99 register reward

I also had $7.00 in register rewards to use from last time. While I was shopping, I noticed a lady with her coupons in a binder, and the coupons were in baseball card plastic sleeves. I need to learn to shop like that! She asked me some questions about what our Walgreens accepted, she's from out of town, and I knew some answers, but not all. So, when I checked out, I asked if I could break up my purchases, in the future, into multiple transactions so I could use the register rewards to pay for the next purchase, and the cashier said yes! In fact, she showed me how to do it this time. I paid for everything other than the muffin mixes in the first transaction, then used the $1.00 register reward I earned to pay for the muffin mixes, thus paying $0.00 for that transaction! I'm going to have to do this again in the future!

At CVS, I spent $1.07 and saved $10.78, which is 91%. Here's what I bought:
2 Smuckers jelly $5.00 - $1.00 coupon = $4.00 + $3.00 extra bucks
1 Softsoap $.99

I also had $4.00 in extra bucks to use from last time. Next time, I'll have to ask them if I can break up my transactions, like I can at Walgreens.

I Won A Pair of Earrings

2011-11-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

I won these earrings in a giveaway last Wednesday from Artisan Crafted blog, and I already received the earrings yesterday! They came packaged very nicely in a small decorative paper bag, and enclosed in bubble wrap and tissue paper, inside a small plastic bag. My daughter thinks they are so beautiful and can't wait to wear them to church!

The earrings were made by Dianes Dangles. She makes wonderful hand crafted jewelry and even has a matching necklace available that goes with these earrings. You can find that necklace here. You can also see all of the other wonderful hand crafted jewelry she sells at Dianes Dangles on Artfire.

I am having so much fun winning these giveaways! It's a great way to try out products first to see if you like them, before making a purchase.

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

2011-11-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $9.78 and saved $8.40, which is 47%. Here's what I bought:
Asparagus $1.49/pound
Cauliflower $.99/pound
6 Lunchables $.99 each = $5.94

I offered for the people behind me to go ahead, but they declined. I felt bad because I needed a rain check and the cashier had to go somewhere else to get one, then she didn't have a pen, then she left my ad and had to go back and get it!

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-11-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

Today at Vons, I spent $15.34 and saved $12.89, which is 46%. Here's what I bought:
2 12 ct. Pop Tarts $2.50 each = $5.00
2 Stovetop stuffing $.88 each = $1.76
2 Minute Maid orange juice $2.50 each = $5.00
2 Lucerne shredded cheese $1.99 each = $3.98

At Ralphs, I spent $26.48 and saved $26.18, which is 50%. Here's what I bought:
Apples and pears $.77/pound
4 Deluxe ice cream $10.00
1 Campbells cream of mushroom soup $.49
1 Del monte vegetables $.49
4 Pringles $1.29 each = $5.16 - $1.00 coupon = $4.16
4 Dannon $1.99 each = $7.96 - $1.00 coupon = $6.96

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-11-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at CVS, I spent $2.83 and saved $15.39, which is 85%. Here's what I bought:
3 Puffs $.77 each = $2.31 - $.25 coupon = $2.06
2 Dawn $.99 each = $1.98 - 2 $.50 coupons = $.98
2 Speed stick deodorant $5.50 + $4.00 extra bucks to use next time

I also had $6.00 in extra bucks to help pay for this trip from last time.

At Walgreens, I spent $4.74 and saved $17.06, which is 79%. Here's what I bought:
3 Campbells chicken noodle/tomato soup $.59 each = $1.77 - $.40 coupon = $1.37
2 Ricola $2.00 + $2.00 register rewards
2 Oral B Cross action toothbrushes $7.00 - 2 $.75 coupons = $5.50 + $5.00 register rewards

I also had $5.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this trip.

Renuzit Holiday Air Freshener Review and Giveaway

2011-11-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

As a Purex Insider, I was sent two Renuzit Fresh Accents Holiday to try. I was sent Festive Snow and Winter Berry. These products have very nice two-sided holiday designs that fit in very well with your home decor. They provide 30 days of continuous fragrance and are great at eliminating unwanted odors. They don't need plugs, batteries or flames.

After smelling the scratch and sniff stickers on the packages, I decided to try winter berry first. It is very easy to use. You just open the package, peel off the foil,place the scented pack into the decorative holder, and place it where you want. It made our house smell very pleasant in just a short amount of time, and it didn't bother my son's allergies. In fact, the my son said the trick or treaters that came to our door on Halloween, commented on how nice our house smelled!

I have been given 3 coupons for a free holiday air freshener to give away to 3 of you. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below, fill out one option or as many as you want. The giveaway ends at 12:01 p.m. eastern time on 11/10/11.

My Stater Bros.,Albertsons & Fresh & Easy Shopping Trips

2011-11-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at Albertsons, I spent $5.50 and saved $8.74, which is 62%. Here's what I bought:
1 5 pound bag of potatoes $.99
2 Keebler cookies $1.99 each = $3.98 - $.55 coupon = $3.43
1 Softsoap $1.00

At Fresh and Easy, I spent $15.95 and saved $.98. I really saved more than that, but some of their sales prices just rang up as a regular price. Here's what I bought:
2 Halloween cookies $5.00
2 Fruit jellies $5.98
1 Chocolate covered pretzels $2.99
2 Oscar Meyer hot dogs $1.98

At Stater Bros., I spent $21.63 and saved $16.00, which is 43%. Here's what I bought:
2 Foster Farms lunchmeat $2.99 each = $5.98 - $1.00 coupon(on package, luck me) = $4.98
4 V05(not in the picture) $.69 each = $2.76
3 Mothers cookies $1.99 each = $5.97
3 Cheezits $1.49 each = $4.47

I was able to help a lady at the store. She didn't know if she had to buy a certain amount of products to get the Cheezits deal, so when I told her she had to buy 6 of those, or a combination of 6 other things, she put her 1 Cheezits back and told me thanks. It felt great to be able to help someone.

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-10-28T15:44:00.001-07:00

Today at Vons, I spent $10.36 and saved $10.78, which is 51%. Here's what I bought:
2 Doritos and 2 Ruffles, buy 2 get 2 free $8.58
2 Anthonys spaghetti $.89 each = $1.78

Today at Ralphs, I spent $13.36 and saved $8.28, which is 39%. Here's what I bought:
4 Deluxe ice cream $2.50 each = $10.00
Zucchini $.99/pound = $1.51
Pears $.99/pound = $1.84

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-10-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $10.45 and saved $7.36, which is 42%. Here's what I bought:
2 Brachs candy corn $3.00 + #1.00 register rewards
2 Walgreens pantiliners $1.00
3 Comet $1.77
2 Colgate toothpaste $6.00 + $4.00 register rewards

I also had $2.00 in register rewards to use from last time to help pay for this trip.

At CVS, I spent $2.65 and saved $15.88, which is 86%. Here's what I bought:
1 Gold Emblem cinnamon $.49
1 CVS eggs $1.49
1 Thermacare $3.79 + $3.79 extra bucks
2 Colgate Optic White $2.99 each = $5.98 - $1.00 coupon = $4.98 + $2.00 extra bucks

I also had $8.50 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this trip.

I Won A Cerel Treat Bars Giveaway

2011-10-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

I actually won this giveaway on September 19, but I haven't had the time to post it until now - sorry! I'm trying to get better at posting more variety of topics on my blog, but life sometimes gets in the way.

I won one box of Lucky Charms® Cereal Treats Bars, one box of Golden Grahams® Cereal Treats Bars, lunch bag, locker whiteboard, and a colored pencil set from a giveaway on ohboyohboyohboy.com. My kids and I were very excited about this prize! My 4 year old couldn't wait to make something with the colored pencils. My 12 year old daughter hopes my husband will put up the whiteboard in her room, since the kids don't have lockers at school. All of us want to try the cereal treat bars, as soon as we finish the snacks we currently have in our cupboard. The lunch bag is really great for travelling because it's insulated.

I love winning giveaways! What giveaways have you won recently?

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

2011-10-24T17:20:00.001-07:00

Sorry the picture's dark, but it was dark and cloudy this morning.

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $21.88 and saved $7.08, which is 25%. Here's what I bought:
Asparagus $1.49/pound = $1.73
3 Chips Ahoy $1.99 each = $5.97
2 Welches juice $1.99 each = $3.98
8 Gatorade $.88 each = $7.04
Cauliflower $.99/pound = $2.36

They had advertised Brachs candy corn on sale, but unfortunately they were all out. I already have 2 bags, but I need 3 more for my son's class party. I'm going to have to tell the teacher I couldn't find any more. I really feel bad. I hope someone else in the class can find some.

My Walgreens and Vons Shopping Trip

2011-10-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $6.12 and saved $12.10, which is 67%. Here's what I bought:
3 Campbells Cream Soups $.79 each = $2.37 - $.25 coupon = $2.12
3 Walgreens aluminum foil $.69 each = $2.07
4 Tuff Paper Towel rolls $.50 each = $2.00
1 Walgreens Ultra Thin pads $2.00 - $.50 store coupon = $1.50 + $2.00 register rewards

I also had $2.00 in register rewards to use from last week to help pay for this shopping trip.

Today at Vons, I spent $30.33 and saved $37.66, which is 55%. Here's what I bought:
5 Breyers ice cream $2.88 each = $14.40
2 Honey Nut Cheerios $1.97 each = $3.94 - $.75 coupon = $3.19
4 Kettle Chips $1.98 each = $7.92 - 4 $1.00 coupons = $3.92
1 Lucerne String Cheese $3.49
2 Cake gels $5.58 - these weren't on sale, but I need them to decorate my daughter's birthday cake

The cashier even mentioned the great Bryers ice cream deal!

Christmas Nutcracker Soldier Tissue Box Cover

2011-10-20T13:45:00.001-07:00

I recently listed this Christmas Nutcracker Soldier Tissue Box Cover on my Etsy shop. This is one of my favorite items that I make to sell. I think it's very cute! It takes a little while to put together because you have to match the four different colors of the sides, and the arms are a little hard to put on; but I definitely think it's worth it though because I usually sell it every year.

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2011-10-18T13:32:00.001-07:00

Yesterday at Stater Bros., I spent $23.13 and saved $20.72, which is 48%. Here's what I bought:
Peaches $.99/pound $2.67
2 Hillshire Farms Sausage $5.00
Broccoli $.99/pound $1.52
2 Stater Bros. lunchmeat $2.99 each = $5.98
4 Manwich $.69 each = $2.76
2 Swiss Miss Cocoa $.95 each = $1.90
4 Hunts Pudding $.95 each = $3.80 - $.50 coupon = $3.30

At Fresh and Easy, I spent $3.98 and saved $.98. Here's what I bought:
Onion pack $.98
2 Fresh and Easy Apple Juice $3.00

At Albertsons, I spent $11.77 and saved $21.82, which is 65%. Here's what I bought:
1 Michelinas $.59
3 Hamburger Helper $1.00 each = $3.00 - $.75 coupon = $2.25
2 Betty Crocker Muffin Mix $1.49 each = $2.98 - $1.00 coupon = $1.98
1 Betty Crocker Cake Mix $.99 - $.75 coupon = $.24
1 Betty Crocker Frosting $1.49
3 Yoplait Yogurts $1.99 each = $5.97 - $.75 coupon = $5.22

Boutique Dilema

2011-10-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

Authored by Leandro Delgado

After 25 years of working in retail, I finally opened up my own boutique. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing.It has always been my dream to own my own boutique, and do all of the things that go along with running it. From deciding on the décor, choosing items to showcase, hiring and managing the staff, etc.- I was up for it! I will tell you- it has been overwhelmingly exhausting pretty much from day one. In the beginning though, I was excited about it and all, but now I sometimes just wish that I would have used my money to buy clothes for myself! Don’t get me wrong, it has definitely been an experience that I’ll never forget, but it is very hard to make a profit, keep everyone happy, and in general just stay afloat. I wanted to make sure that my most prized possession was safe, and so to keep my mind at ease when I can’t be at the shop, I checked out home alarm. For anyone trying to decide if they want to open a store of your own, I suggest first managing one that someone else owns to save yourself from a lot of overhead costs and headaches!

My Vons Shopping Trip

2011-10-14T13:40:00.002-07:00

Today at Vons, I spent $24.92 and saved $13.48, which is 35%. Here's what I bought:
Red delicious apples $.88/pound = $1.46
2 Farmland Bacon $2.99 each = $5.98
2 Lucerne yogurt 6 packs $2.49 each = $4.98
5 Lucerne ice cream $2.50 each = $12.50

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-10-14T13:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $2.71 and saved $10.79, which is 80%. Here's what I bought:
2 Brachs candy corn $3.00 + $1.00 register rewards
2 Arrid and Arm & Hammer deodorant $.99 each = $1.98
1 Halls drops $1.00 + $1.00 register rewards

I also had $3.50 in register rewards from last week to help pay for this trip.

Today at CVS, I spent $.82 and saved $7.22, which is 90%. Here's what I bought:
1 Right Guard Body Wash $2.88 + $1.00 extra buck
1 Tone pack $1.88 + $1.00 extra buck

I also had $4.00 in extra bucks to use from last time.

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-10-07T16:16:00.001-07:00

Today at Vons, I spent $11.37 and saved 8.57, which is 44%. Here's what I bought:
2 Refreshe 12 pack sodas $4.00
2 Safeway kidney beans $.89 each = $1.78
2 Pantry Essentials sliced cheese $2.00
1 Safeway orange juice $1.99

At Ralphs, I spent $13.55 and saved $12.86, which is 49%. Here's what I bought:
4 Deluxe ice cream $10.00 - $.40 coupon = $9.60
5 Gatorade $.89 each = $4.45 - $1.00 coupon = $3.45

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-10-07T15:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday at CVS, I spent $6.43 and saved $15.02, which is 71%. Here's what I bought:
1 Skippy peanut butter $1.66
2 Dawn $.97 each = $1.94 - $.50 coupon - $.25 coupon = $1.19
1 Oral B Cross Action Power toothbrush $5.99 - $3.00 coupon = $2.99 + $1.00 extra bucks
1 CVS allergy 5 pills $3.69 + $4.00 extra bucks

I also had $4.00 in extra bucks from last week to help pay for this shopping trip. I earned $5.50 in extra bucks from my summer shopping trips, to use next time. Also, the cashier wanted to know where I found my coupon for the toothbrush because she wants to take advantage of the deal too. :)

At Walgreens, I spent $7.45 and saved $22.76, which is 76%. Here's what I bought:
1 Santa Fe Tortillas $.99
4 M & Ms $10.00 - $1.00 coupon - $1.50 coupon = $7.50
1 Cepacol $2.99 + $2.99 register rewards
1 Kleenex Cool Touch $1.49 - $.50 coupon = $.99 + $.50 register rewards
3 White Rain body wash $.79 each = 2.37
3 Walgreens bar soap $1.00

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2011-10-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $13.18 and saved $12.13, which is 48%. Here's what I bought:
2 Stater Bros. Oatmeal $1.50 each = $3.00
1 Mini cookies $.99
3 Yoplait Splitz $1.49 each = $4.47 - $.75 coupon = $3.72
2 Toaster Strudels $1.99 each = $3.98 - $.50 coupon = $3.48
1 Cinnamon Toast Crunch $1.99

I was reminded today that it's really important to pay attention to the exact item that's on sale. I thought the Yoplait Trix yogurt was on sale, but when it rang up, it wasn't. So, I had to buy another Yoplait Splitz instead while the people behind me had to wait for the cashier to get approval to void the Trix. I felt so bad. It was definitely a good reminder, though.

Today at Albertsons, I spent $9.57 and saved $13.84, which is 59%. Here's what I bought:
2 Welches juice $2.00 each = $4.00
4 Francisco Rinaldi pasta sauce $.99 each = $3.96
Peaches $.88/pound

This time, because I was reminded at Stater Bros. to pay attention, I noticed all of the Welches were marked $2.29, instead of $2.00. Sure enough, they rang up as $2.29. When I showed the cashier the ad, she thought I picked the wrong product, but this time I knew I hadn't. The bagger came back saying all of the juice was marked with the wrong price, and they would have to tell a manager. I got them for the $2.00 price, although the lady behind me wished another lane was open. I told her sorry, but I really want my $.58! :)

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-09-30T15:31:00.001-07:00

Today at Vons, I spent $34.41 and saved $35.78, which is 51%. Here's what I bought:
Bananas $.49/pound
Farmland Bacon $2.99
3 Anthony's Pasta $.89 each = $2.67
2 Fritos/Cheetos $1.49 each = $2.98
4 Lucerne ice cream $1.99 each = $7.96
1 Rice-a-Roni $.75
Pears $.99/pound
2 Hostess $1.99 each $3.98
1 Precious String Cheese $3.99 - $1.00 coupon = $2.99
4 Pillsbury toaster strudels $1.99 each = $7.96 - 2 $.50 coupons doubled = $5.96
1 Dannon yogurt $1.49

At Ralphs, I spent $10.62 and saved $10.63, which is 50%. Here's what I bought:
Cauliflower $.99/pound
3 Ralphs tuna $.69 each = $2.07
5 Michelinas $.88 each = $4.40 - $1.00 coupon = $3.40
1 Sara Lee Bread $2.99

I was going to buy Chicken of the Sea Tuna for $.79 each, but I couldn't find it. While I was looking, I saw the Ralphs tuna on sale for $.69, so I decided to buy that instead! I love it when things work out like that, don't you?

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-09-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $10.53 and saved $8.25, which is 44%. Here's what I bought:
4 Butterball Chicken broth $.50 each = $2.00
2 Brachs Autumn candy $3.00 + $1.00 register reward
1 Walgreens Pads $2.00 + $2.00 register rewards
1 Remington King of Shaves $4.99 + $4.99 register rewards

I had $2.00 register rewards to use from last week to help pay for this trip.

At CVS, I was paid $.28 and saved $13.18, which is over 100%. Here's what I bought:
3 Tomato/chicken noodle soup $.59 each = $1.77 - $.40 coupon = $1.37
2 SoftSoap Bodywash $6.00 - $1.00 coupon = $5.00 + $4.00 extra bucks

I also had $7.00 in extra bucks to help pay for this purchase. The only reason I was paid $.28 is because initially, I paid $.72. While the cashier was writing up my rain checks, I realized I hadn't used my $1.00 Softsoap coupon. I asked the cashier if it was too late, and she said no, and handed me $1.00.

Smoothie Rock-A-Teller Book Review

2011-09-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

The latest book I'm reviewing for Bring It On Communications, is Smoothie Rock-A-Teller on the Whopper Stopper by Dr. Gerald Mittmann. It is illustrated by Gregory Cannone. The book was published in 2011 by Fish Pond, a division of Deep River Books.

Smoothie Rock-A-Teller is a children's book about David and Goliath, told from the perspective of a rock. There are 5 chapters and each chapter ends with a Devotion Time. The first chapter is about being made by God, the second chapter is when we meet Goliath, the third chapter is when we meet David, the fourth chapter is when David goes to the Israel camp, and the fifth chapter is when David defeats Goliath. Each devotion time at the end of each chapter asks questions about the story and ends with a prayer. Since this book is told from the perspective of a rock, the rock re-names everything according to it's perspective. Here are some examples of the rock's new names: a fish is called a "wiggle-mover," people are called "talking-walk-abouts," and sheep are called "baa-baa-mini-cloud-walkers."

It took my 4 year old son and I a couple of months to read this book! It is 52 pages long, and I don't think it's appropriate for a 4 year old. Since the rock re-names everything, it's very difficult to follow who's who in the story, especially if there's some time gaps in between the days when you read it. Also, 4 year olds are already trying to figure out the right name for things, so when things are named the "wrong" thing, it makes it difficult to keep everything straight. The questions at the end of the story are great, but again, my 4 year old wasn't able to answer most of them. I did really like the illustrations in the book, though. They're very bright and colorful, and really make the story come to life. I think we will try reading it again when he's at least 6 years old. I think my son would be able to appreciate and understand this book much better then.

If you would like to buy this book for your own boy or girl(I do recommend ages 6 and up), here are the #'s: ISBN 10: 1-935265-78-4, ISBN 13: 978-1-935265-78-8. It sells for around $10 on amazon.com.

Have any of you already read this book with your child? What did you think?

*To read more reviews like this, go to: TellUsTheTruthReviews.blogspot.com.

My Stater Bros., Fresh & Easy and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2011-09-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $3.12. I don't know how much I saved because when their produce is on sale, they only list the sales price. Here's what I bought:
Broccoli $.99/pound $1.41
Nectarines $.99/pound $1.71

Today at Fresh and Easy, I spent $2.00 and saved $1.56, which is 44%. Here's what I bought:
2 Fresh and Easy Can Corn $.50 each = $1.00
2 Fresh and Easy Diced Tomatoes $.50 each = $1.00

Today at Albertsons, I spent $8.58 and saved $4.40, which is 34%. Here's what I bought:
1 Hickory Farms Turkey Sausage $4.29
1 Hickory Farms Summer Sausage $4.29

Usually, they only have these available around Christmas, and we love these, so when I saw they were on sale, I just had to buy them!

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-09-23T17:28:00.001-07:00

Today at Vons, I spent $24.15 and saved $22.40, which is 48%. Here's what I bought:
1 Country Crock $2.99
2 Welches Juice blends $1.99 each = $3.98 - $1.00 coupon = $2.98
2 Sara Lee bread $1.99 each = $3.98
1 Hunts pudding $.79
2 Lucerne shredded & 1 Sliced cheese $1.79 each = $5.37
3 Kraft Macaroni & cheese $.69 each = $2.07
3 Lucerne ice cream $1.99 each = $5.97

At Ralphs, I spent $19.64 and saved $27.75, which is 59%. Here's what I bought:
3 pound bag of Clementines $2.99
2 Wheat Thins $1.99 each = $3.98 - $1.00 coupon = $2.98
3 General Mills Cereal $1.99 each = $5.97 - $1.50 coupon = $4.47
2 Yoplait yogurt $1.99 each = $3.98 - $.75 ecoupon = $3.23
3 Chips Ahoy cookies $1.99 each = $5.97

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-09-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today at Walgreens, I spent $3.36 and saved $13.33, which is 80%! Here's what I bought:
3 Toilet paper and 3 Paper towel rolls $.50 each = $3.00
3 Cream of Chicken soup $.79 each = $2.37 - $.40 coupon = $1.97
1 Blistex cold & allergy lip care $2.00 each + $2.00 register rewards
2 Deerfield Shredded cheddar cheese $3.00, from a rain check

When the register tried to print the register rewards, it was out of tape. So, when they refilled it, it wouldn't print my rewards. The manager ended up giving me a gift card with $2.00 on it instead.

I also had $7.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this shopping trip.

At CVS, I spent $2.40 and saved $17.77, which is 89%! Here's what I bought:
1 Revlon lip gloss $5.99 + $5.00 extra bucks
3 Barilla pasta $.99 each = $2.97
6 V05 shampoo & conditioner $.66 each = $3.96

I also had $11.29 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this shopping trip.

The cashier asked where my little one was, so I told her he was at kindergarten. She said her daughter just pulled her granddaughter out of public school kindergarten to a private school because there's too many kids in the classroom. My son has 29 kids in his classroom, and on Wednesdays, both a.m. and p.m. kinder. come at the same time, so there are 60 on that day!

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

2011-09-19T16:57:00.003-07:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $26.44 and saved $18.93, which is 42%. Here's what I bought:
6 Lean Pockets $1.49 each = $8.94
5 Maruchan $1.00
4 Michelinas entrees $.79 each = $3.16
2 Farmland Bacon $2.99 each = $5.98
2 Sundae cups $2.50 each = $5.00
Cauliflower $.99/pound = $2.36

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

2011-09-19T16:57:00.002-07:00

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

2011-09-19T16:57:00.001-07:00

My Walgreens and CVS and Vons Shopping Trip

2011-09-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $11.41 and saved $28.38, which is 72%. Here's what I bought:
1 Air Wick Freshener $7.99 - $4.00 coupon = $3.99 + $3.00 register rewards
2 Glide Floss $5.00 + $3.00 register rewards
4 Barbasol/Pure Silk shaving cream $.99 each = $3.96
1 Crest Toothpaste $1.99 - $.50 coupon = $1.49 + $1.00 register rewards
4 Lays Stax $.99 each = $3.96

I had $7.00 in register rewards and $1.46 left on my gift card to help me pay for this purchase. By the way, while I was checking out, some odd looking fellows entered the store, and one of them was riding his bicycle! The cashier was a young girl and she didn't know what to do, other than we shared a strange look. :)

Today at CVS, I spent $9.19 and saved $11.36, which is 56%. Here's what I bought:
1 Soft Soap Body Wash $2.99 + $2.00 extra bucks
1 Colgate Optic White Toothpaste $3.99 - $1.50 coupon = $2.49 + $1.50 extra bucks
1 St. Josephs aspirin $2.00 + $1.00 extra bucks
1 Brilliant Tampons $6.79 + $6.79 extra bucks

I had $5.99 in extra bucks, earned last week, to help pay for this purchase.

At Vons, I spent $25.74 and saved $25.94, which is 50%. It's funny that what I spent and saved is almost the exact amount! Here's what I bought:
1 Safeway Apple Juice $1.49
3 Dannon yogurt $1.69 each = $5.07
6 Pop Tarts $1.49 each = $8.94 - $1.00 coupon = $7.94
2 Safeway can fruit $.88 each = $1.76
4 Quaker rice cakes $1.00 each = $4.00
2 Dole Juice Blends $2.49 each = $4.98

This week I was able to give away 10 bags of groceries to the low income apartment complex I always give to every month. The apartment manager said it was good timing because a single dad and his girls were in need of food and other supplies. I love knowing that my frugal shopping can help others!

My Vons, Stater Bros., Albertsons, and Fresh & Easy Shopping Trips

2011-09-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today at Vons, I spent $10.74 and saved $5.19, which is 33%. Here's what I bought:
2 Safeway orange juice $1.99 each = $3.98
2 Lucerne yogurt 6 packs $2.39 each = $4.78
2 Safeway frozen corn $.99 each = $1.98

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $19.90 and saved $13.18, which is 40%. Here's what I bought:
4 Lunchables $.99 each = $3.96
2 Danimals/Danino yogurt $2.00 each = $4.00
4 Koolaid/Caprisun $1.49 each = $5.96
2 Kraft Mayo./Miracle Whip $2.99 each = $5.98

At Fresh & Easy, I spent $1.96. I technically didn't save anything because these items are just every day low prices. Here's what I bought:
1 Romeros flour tortillas $.98
1 2 pound bag yellow onions $.98

At Albertsons, I spent $10.91 and saved $24.50, which is 69%. The cashier told me I did a good job using coupons. :) Here's what I bought:
1 Cantaloupe $.69/pound = $3.22
3 Hamburger Helper $.50 each = $1.50 - $.75 coupon = $.75
4 Betty Crocker Cake Mix/Brownie mix $.99 each = $3.96 - $.75 coupon = $3.21
1 Betty Crocker Frosting $1.49
2 Betty Crocker Potatoes $.50 each = $1.00
2 Albertsons Kidney Beans $1.00
1 Mother's Cookies $1.99

They didn't have the Hamburger Helper that was on sale, so when a worker walked by and asked if I needed help, he told me to bring up the Tuna Helper to the cashier and tell him to ring that up(that was on sale), and I could just pick any of the Hamburger Helper that was on the shelf instead! That was very nice of him!

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-09-09T17:54:00.001-07:00

Today at Walgreens, I spent $0.00 and saved $8.36, which is 100%! Here's what I bought:
3 Nice tomato sauce $.25 each = $.75
1 Wet n' Wild nail polish $.99
1 Mitchum deodorant $2.99 - $1.00 coupon = $1.99 + $2.00 register rewards

I also had $1.50 in register rewards and a gift card from last week to help pay for this trip.

Today at CVS, I spent $2.90 and saved $16.68, which is 86%! Here's what I bought:
1 Hunts pudding $.88
1 Hersheys Air Delight candy bar $.99 + $.99 extra bucks
1 CVS Pantiliners $.50
1 Carefree Pantiliners $1.00 - $.50 coupon = $.50 + $1.00 extra bucks
2 Suave deodorant $.99 each = $1.98 - 2 $.75 coupons = $.48
1 St. Josephs aspirin $2.00 + $2.00 extra bucks
1 Bic Soleil Shimmer $5.99 - $2.00 = $3.99 + $2.00 extra bucks

I also had $7.00 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this trip.

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

2011-09-05T14:16:00.001-07:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $12.01 and saved $10.60, which is 47%. Here's what I bought:
Yellow peaches $.99/pound = $2.08
2 Oscar Meyer hot dogs $.99 each = $1.98
2 Caprisun/Koolaid Jammers $1.49 each = $2.98
2 Wheat Thins $1.49 each = $2.98
8 pound bag russet potatoes $1.99

My Walgreens & CVS & Vons & Ralphs Shopping Trip

2011-09-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $6.95 and saved $10.45, which is 61%. I would have saved more, but the register wouldn't let me use one of my $4 register rewards. The fine print says the # of coupons/rewards can't outnumber the # of items. Well, I bought 6 items and had 6 coupons/rewards, but it would only take 5. I asked for the manager, but he said he couldn't override the system. I told him I didn't want to lose my $4 when the rewards expire next week, so he gave me $4 on a Walgreens gift card instead. So, here's what I bought:
1 Ajax $.59
4 bags M & Ms $10.00 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $8.00 + $5.00 in register rewards to use next week
1 Carmex lip balm $1.50 - $.30 coupon = $1.20 + $1.50 in register rewards to use next week

I also had $3.00 in register rewards to help pay for this trip.

Today at CVS, I spent $7.13 and saved $21.68, which is 76%. Here's what I bought:
2 Dawn $.99 each - $.75 coupon - $.50 coupon = $.73
3 Pop Tarts $5.00 - $1.00 coupon = $4.00
3 Puffs $2.97 - $.25 coupon = $2.72
2 Gold Emblem pasta $.88 each = $1.76
2 Oral B floss for braces $1.99 each - $.75 coupon = $3.23 + $2.00 extra bucks

I also had $6.00 in extra bucks to use from last week to help pay for this trip. I also earned $5.00 in extra bucks for accumulating $50.00 in beauty care purchases.

At Vons, I spent $13.34 and saved $13.94, which is 51%. I would have saved more, but I had to buy whipping cream for 2 recipes and it wasn't on sale. Here's what I bought:
2 Dryers $2.79 each = $5.58
3 Danon/Danino $1.49 each = $4.47
1 Fresh Express Salad $2.50 - $2.50 coupon from Vocalpoint = Free
1 Lucerne whipping cream $3.29

At Ralphs, I spent $10.00 and saved $5.96, which is 38%. Here's what I bought:
4 Deluxe ice cream $2.50 each = $10.00

My Stater Bros. and Fresh & Easy Shopping Trips

2011-08-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $3.09. I don't know how much I saved because I only bought produce and produce only shows the sale price on the receipt, not how much was saved. So, here's what I bought:
White onions $.79/pound = $1.14
Asparagus $1.99/pound = $1.95

At Fresh and Easy, I spent $10.96. The juice was on sale, but only the sales price shows on the receipt, so I don't know how much I saved. Here's what I bought:
2 Fresh and Easy juice $2.49 each = $4.98
2 Fruit jellies candy $2.99 each = $5.98

My Walgreens and Vons Shopping Trip

2011-08-26T17:47:00.001-07:00

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $9.05 and saved $16.46, which is 65%. Here's what I bought:
6 Big Roll toilet paper $.50 each = $3.00
4 Butterball chicken broth $.50 each = $2.00
1 Mitchum deodorant $1.99 - $1.00 coupon = $.99
1 Dial Nutriskin Body Wash $3.99 + $3.00 in register rewards
1 Colgate Sensitive toothpaste $4.99 + $4.00 register rewards

I also had $7.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this shopping trip. The cashier told me she was impressed with my shopping! She said that's definitely the way to do it, using store coupons and manufacturer's coupons. She said she's never seen anyone else save as much as I did! That nice compliment made my day! :)

Today at Vons, I spent $31.35 and saved $47.82, which is 60%. Here's what I bought:
3 Cheezits $1.49 each = $4.47
4 Fritos/Cheetos $1.49 each = $5.96
1 Pepperidge Farms cookies $2.00
5 Bryers $2.49 each = $12.45
4 General Mills cereal $1.99 each = $7.96 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $5.96

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2011-08-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $5.88 and saved $2.79, which is 33%. Here's what I bought:
1 Pasta Roni $.88
2 Sundae cups $2.50 each = $5.00

At Albertsons, I spent $10.20 and saved $17.60, which is 63%. Here's what I bought:
1 Cantaloupe $.69/pound
2 Kraft BBQ sauce $.79 each = $1.58
1 Wishbone Salad Dressing $.99 - $.50 coupon = $.49
7 Ragu pasta sauce $.99 each = $6.93 - 3 $1.00 coupons = $3.93

Looking back on this, I realize my total doesn't come up to $10.20. So, I looked at my receipt. What happened is the cashier missed one of my Ragu pasta sauce, which meant I only purchased 9 items, not the 10 items needed for the $5.00 off. So, I didn't get the good deal I should have. I hate when that happens. I'm so careful to check everything as it rings up, but the deal doesn't show up until the end of the transaction. I checked my receipt, but failed to check for the $5.00 at the bottom. Ugh! Oh well!

My Vons Shopping Trip

2011-08-19T13:51:00.001-07:00

Today at Vons, I spent $32.13 and saved $25.92, which is 45%. Here's what I bought:
2 Hostess Zingers $1.77 each = $3.54
1 Kleenex $.79
1 Safeway orange juice $1.99
1 Dole Juice Blends $2.49
1 Capri Sun $1.49
2 Safeway can fruit $.88 each = $1.76
Bartlett pears $.99/pound = 1.73
2 Lucerne string/stick cheese $3.99 each = $7.98
4 Toaster Strudels $1.99 each = $7.96 - $.50 coupon, doubled = $6.96
Broccoli $.99/pound = $1.51
Cauliflower $.99/pound = $2.33

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-08-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today at Walgreens, I spent $6.13 and saved $23.98, which is 80%. Here's what I bought:
3 Kraft Mac & Cheese $.69 each = $2.07
3 Campbells Cream Soups $.79 each = $2.37
2 Brachs Autumn Mix $3.00 + $1 register rewards to use next time
1 Revlon nail polish $3.99 + $3.00 register rewards to use next time
2 Reach Toothbrushes $5.00 - $1.00 coupon = $4.00 + $3.00 register rewards to use next time

I also had $10.00 in register rewards,earned last time, to use to help pay for this trip.

At CVS, I spent $.77(which is only the tax) and saved $11.58, which is 94%. Here's what I bought:
2 Revlon nail polish $4.99 each = $9.98 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $7.78 + $6.00 in extra bucks to use next time

I also had $8.00 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this trip.

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

2011-08-15T14:20:00.001-07:00

The only place that had good sales today was Stater Bros. I spent $15.11 and saved $10.85, which is 42%. Here's what I bought:
1 Mini Watermelon $1.99
Cabbage $.59/pound = $1.39
1 Farmland Bacon $2.99
1 Michelinas $.79
5 Maruchan soup $1.00
4 VO5 shampoo and conditioner $.69 each = $2.76
2 Oreos $1.99 each = $3.98

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-08-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures of my shopping trips today, but it was a very busy morning. This morning, I had to go with my high school son to turn in his school registration papers, get his picture taken, and get his schedule and text books. When we came back, my daughter and I went grocery shopping. When we returned, it was already past lunch time, so I just needed to hurry up and put my groceries away so we could eat.

Today at Vons, I spent $25.24 and saved $42.10, which is 63%. Here's what I bought:
4 Lunchables $1.00 each = $4.00
4 Anthony's pasta $.88 each = $3.52
10 Goldfish $1.00 each = $10.00
1 6 pack Lucerne yogurt $2.29
2 Chex Mix $1.00 each = $2.00 - $.50 doubled coupon = $1.00
2 Dannon Light yogurt and 1 Danino yogurt $1.49 each = $4.47
1 Ore Ida Sweet Potato Fries $3.50 - $3.50 coupon = Free

Today at Ralphs, I spent $17.00 and saved $18.54, which is 53%. Here's what I bought:
3 Peaches $.88/pound = $1.24
4 Deluxe ice cream 2/$5 = $10.00
2 Yoplait Gogurt $1.88 each = $3.76 - $.75 doubled coupon = $2.76
2 Toaster Strudels $2.00 each = $4.00 - $.50 doubled coupon = $3.00

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-08-11T15:29:00.001-07:00

Today at Walgreens, I spent $20.16 and saved $37.62, which is 66%. Here's what I bought:
1 24 Crayola Crayons $1.00 + $1.00 register rewards to use next time
1 10 pack Penway #2 pencils $.19
2 Tab Dividers $.39 each = $.78
3 Elmer's glue/glue sticks $.29 each = $.87
1 School box $.59
4 Green Giant vegetables $.69 each = $2.76
3 Campbells chicken noodle/tomato soup $.69 each = $2.07
3 Pencil sharpeners $.39 each = 1.17
3 Chapstick $.99 each = $2.97
1 Keri Lotion $5.99 - $2.00 coupon = $3.99 + $5.00 register rewards to use next time
2 Colgate toothpaste/toothbrush $6.00 - $.75 coupon = $5.25 + $4.00 register rewards

I also had $3.00 in register rewards to use from last time to help pay for this trip.

At CVS, I spent $1.05 and saved $32.14, which is 97%! My daughter and I are pretty proud of ourselves for this great savings! Here's what I bought:
2 Keebler Fudge cookies $1.99 each = $3.98 - $1.00 coupon = $2.98
2 Kettle Potato Chips $2.49 each = $4.98 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $2.98
3 Renuzit $.88 each = 2.64 - $.88 coupon = $1.76
1 Pampers Jumbo Pack Cruisers $8.99 - $2.00 coupon = $6.99 + $3.00 extra bucks to use next time

I also had $13.99 in extra bucks to use from last time to help pay for this trip.

Downy Unstopables Review

2011-08-09T17:12:00.001-07:00

As a member of Vocalpoint, I was given a full size sample of the new Downy Unstopables in-wash scent booster to try. I received the Fresh scent. You put these scent beads in the wash before you start it, to keep your laundry smelling fresh for at least 30 days. You decide how much scent you want by shaking the desired amount into the cap. You then just drop it into your washer, and load in your usual soap, laundry, and fabric softener(if desired). It's especially great for active wear and towels.

My family and I really like the smell of these Downy Unstopables scent beads. The great thing is, you can just squeeze the bottle and sniff above the top of the cap, to tell what the scent is. Even my 15 year old son, who's allergic to almost everything, likes the scent and it doesn't bother his allergies. The whole house smells great while the laundry is in the wash. I've only tried it with my towels, but it works great! My towels smell wonderful, even after 30 days! My parents were over for dinner this weekend, and my dad really liked the smell too. I think my mom got too strong of a whiff, so she didn't really say what she thought. :)

If you would like to find out more information about Downy Unstopables, check out their website. If you've already tried it, let me know what you think.

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

2011-08-08T15:37:00.001-07:00

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $12.74 and saved $11.40, which is 48%. Here's what I bought:
4 Hillshire Farms Sausage $ 1.99 each = $7.96
2 Hillshire Farms 5 oz. Lunchmeat $1.49 each = $2.98
White Peaches $.99/pound = $1.80

At Albertsons, I spent $11.12 and saved $14.76, which is 57%. Here's what I bought:
4 Lunchables $1.00 each = $4.00
4 Francisco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce $.99 each = $3.96
4 Essential Everyday Pasta $.79 each = $3.16

There was another mom shopping for the pasta sauce and pasta too, and she was doing what I was, checking to make sure she had the exact right product according to the store coupon. After we left that aisle, my 12 year old daughter commented that there was another "couponer" like me. When I got home and told my 15 year old that there was another mom like me, he teased, "You mean there was another crazy lady like you." :)

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-08-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

Today at Vons, I spent $6.98 and saved $4.91, which is 42%. Here's what I bought:
2 Welches Juice $1.99 each = $3.98
1 45 oz. Country Crock Spread $2.99

The cashier was very nice - when he was handing me my receipt, he noticed the store coupon for the Country Crock hadn't rung up, so he just gave me a cash refund.

At Ralphs, I spent $17.89 and saved $15.36, which is 47%. Here's what I bought:
2 Toaster Strudels $2.00 each = $4.00
2 Gogurt/Trix yogurt $1.88 each - $.75 doubled coupon = $3.01
4 Deluxe ice cream = $10.00
Broccoli $.99/pound = $1.63

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

2011-08-04T15:24:00.001-07:00

Today at Walgreens, I spent $13.69 and saved $31.96, which is 71%. Here's what I bought:
3 Chicken of the Sea tuna(rain check) $.55 each = $1.65
5 3 prong folders $.11 each = $.55
3 packs of eraser caps $.29 each = $.87
3 packs of erasers $.29 each = $.87
2 packs of 6 Paper Mate highlighters $.39 each = $.78
1 Goody hair clips $2.00 + $2 register rewards to use next time
2 7mm Pentel lead $.99 each = $1.98
1 Bic 5 mechanical pencils $.99
3 boxes of 100 Aco paperclips $1.00
1 Crest Pro Health mouthwash $3.99 - $2.00 coupon = $1.99 + $1 register rewards

At CVS, I spent $17.76 and saved $30.94, which is 64%. Here's what I bought:
3 Puffs $.88 each = $2.64 - $.25 coupon = $2.39
1 Dawn $.99 - $.50 coupon = $.49
2 Skinny Cow clusters $.99 each = $1.98 - $.99 coupon = $.99 + $.99 extra bucks
1 Gilette Fusion ProGlide razor $9.99 - $4.00 coupon = $5.99 + $5.00 extra bucks
2 Nivea Lip Moisturizer $5.00 - $3.00 coupon = $2.00
1 5 count Zyrtec $5.59(rain check) + $7.00 extra bucks
4 Bells sliced olives $1.00 each(rain check) = $4.00
1 Hershey's Bliss $3.50 + $6.00 extra bucks(from rain check)

I also had $4.69 in extra bucks from previous trips to help pay for this, and $5.00 off $30.00 from an online e-coupon.

Sand to Pearls Book Review

2011-08-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

I'm a book reviewer for Bring It On Communications, and the latest book I was sent to review was, Sand to Pearls, written by Heidi McLaughlin. Heidi is a teacher, mentor, and a great inspiration to women. The book was published by Deep River Books in 2011.

Sand to Pearls is a great book about "making bold choices to enrich your life." It's about how our insecurities can hold us back from the wonderful future that God has planned for us. The book has 13 Chapters and each chapter covers a different topic that women often get stuck in. These topics are obligations, sabotaging ourselves, friendships, resentment, blended families, buyer's remorse, comparing ourselves to others, fears, regrets, shame, panic, and careers. The author shares personal stories and examples in each chapter and how to move past the area you're stuck in. She also quotes from other books, which give wonderful encouraging, inspiring words to help you move forward in your life. Every chapter has a section about how to make choices that enrich your life that are very practical and helpful. Also, every chapter ends with a section entitled, "Stop and Ask God To Help You Change Sand to Pearls." Each "s" is a scripture, "t" is thanksgiving, "o" is observation, and "p" is prayer.

I really enjoyed this book and found a lot of practical ways to help turn my insecurities into a wonderful new life that I can live for God. One of my favorite things I learned was in Chapter 6 " Broken or Blended." Although, I've been married to my one and only husband for 16 years, I still found something great in this chapter. It talks about how your husband can't meet all of your emotional and spiritual needs, that God is the one to look to in order to meet all the empty places in our hearts. This really spoke to me - and I think reminding myself to turn to God will take a lot of pressure off my husband and make our marriage happier. Another thing I liked was in Chapter 12 "Panic or Prayer." It suggests to say a prayer to God, thinking of words that describe him using every letter of the alphabet. What a great challenge!

If you want to read this book yourself, the ISBN numbers are: ISBN-10 1-935265-43-1, ISBN-13 978-1-935265-43-6. You can find it at amazon.com on sale for $2.53! What a great price! You can also contact Heidi McLaughlin on her web page.

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

2011-08-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile, but we've been busy with dance recital and then a quick trip to see my in-laws. I'm hoping to start adding some more variety to what I post, so hopefully I will find time to do that soon. Anyway, here's my trips.

Yesterday at Vons, I spent $13.32 and saved $25.51, which is 66%. Here's what I bought:
10 Gatorade $.49 each = $4.90
2 Lucerne Novelty ice cream bars $.99 each = $1.98
6 Barilla pasta $.89 each - $1 coupon = $4.34

At Ralphs, I spent $19.06 and saved $15.95, which is 46%. Here's what I bought:
1 Minute Maid Orange Juice $2.00
2 Deluxe ice cream $5.00 - $.40 coupon = $4.60
4 General Mills Cereal $14.46 - 2 $.75 coupons(doubled) = $12.46
2 Ralphs Gallon Milk free(would have been $5.98)

The Ralphs ad was confusing, even according to the manager. It looked like the GM cereal was 4 for $10, and then you get the 2 free gallons of milk. So, I looked carefully at all the tags and made sure the cereal we bought was part of the deal. Well, apparently it should have been 2 separate promotions - you can either get the cereal 4 for $10 or 2 free milk, not both. Oh well!