1 Bayer Contour Next EZ Meter Kit #7252 (no strips) | $9.99 | -$10 mfr coupon | earn $5 UP
= -$0.01 | $5 UP

1 Lipton iced tea 12 pk | $4.99 + $0.60 crv | earn $1 UP
= $5.59 | $1 UP

1 Yoohoo chocolate drink 3 pk | $0.88
= $0.88

1 Colgate Total mouthwash 250 mL | $2.99 | -$1 mfr coupon | earn $1 UP
= $1.99 | $1 UP

Used: UP Rewards | -$2, -$3, -$3
= -$8

Subtotal: $0.45
Earned: $7 UP

Discussing this topic with several others who do couponing in Ohio, and more specifically in my area, I have come to the conclusion that I will be shopping for food and personal care items between Buehlers, Wal-mart and Rite Aid. Mainly Buehlers for food unless I get a better deal at Wal-mart. 

Now that I have narrowed down my stores, I can now find the deals at each of these stores, find coupons that go along with the deals the stores have and shop during those sales!

This is what I have done so far

• Printed Manufactures coupons from Coupon Mom under the Grocery Deals By State section.
• Sorted through all coupons, picking ONLY the ones that I will use, (products like cat food I will not need coupons for since I don’t own any cats! But I do have them saved with all the other coupons I will not use, in case I come across someone who may be able to use them.)
• Sorted all printed coupons by date. This is how I plan on using my coupons to start since I don’t have a whole lot just yet. I have them in a little binder that almost looks like a clutch purse that I can carry in another purse with me whenever I go shopping.
• I sorted weekly. What expires this week goes in the first section, coupons expiring next week goes in the next section.. etc… Coupons from 7/13 and on I put in the back to sort through next month. I will only do two months at a time to make it easier currently.
• Clipped coupons from the circulars.
• I then paired all alike coupons so that I am able to DOUBLE my savings on certain products with the manufacturer and store coupon savings.

Eventually I will use my larger binder with the baseball card and other types of plastic holders and sort by product, I just like knowing when my coupons expire right now while I’m starting out.

Tip #1: Use the manufacturers coupon with the store coupon to save double on your purchase!
How to do this?
1) Print or clip Manufacturers coupon from flyers like the SmartSource & RedPlum, Magazines & different Circulars. You find these in Newspapers or they even come in the mail if you’re lucky!
2) Store Coupons, obviously are found in the store but also in the papers under their own flyers they throw in there.

Double check the coupon to see if it mentions the store name at the top (usually left) of the coupon or if it says “Manufactures coupon.” Some may say “Target Coupon” or “Dollar General” meaning you can only use those at those particular stores.

Buy (2) Werther’s sugar free candy @ $1.50 = $3
Use (2) $1 coupons HERE or HERE
Pay $1, get $1 UP wyb 2 = free  limit 4  

Buy (1) Bic FlameDisk Charcoal @ $2.99
Use (1) $2 coupon HERE (enter contest and play game for coupon)
Use (1) $1 Rite Aid coupon HERE
Pay $0

Get $3 UP wyb $10 of Nivea lip care, skin care, or men’s facial care: limit 2 

Buy (3) Nivea for Men face wash @ $3.50 (online price) = $10.50
Use (3) $3 coupons HERE - will need access to 2 computers 
Pay $1.50, get $3 UP = free + $1.50 MM

Or

Buy (3) Nivea for Men face wash @ $3.50 (online price) = $10.50
Use (2) $3 coupons HERE
Pay $4.50, get $3 UP =$1.50 ($.50 each)

Get $2 UP wyb $10 of Sally Hansen depilatories, wax, or hair removal treatments: limit 2 

Buy (2) Sally Hansen Creme Hair Remover Kit @ $5.99 (online price) = $11.98
Use (2) $2 Rite Aid in-ad coupon
Use (2) $2 coupons HERE
Pay $3.98, get $2 UP = $1.98 ($.99 each)

NOTE: will most likely have to split this into 2 transactions in order to use the 2 Rite Aid coupons

Get $3 UP wyb 2 John Frieda hair color or hair care:  limit 4 

Buy (2) John Frieda hair care @ $4.89 (online price) & BOGO 50% = $7.34
Use (1) $3/2 coupon HERE
Pay $4.34, get $3 UP = $1.34 ($.66 each)

Get $5 UP wyb $12 of Softsoap or Irish Spring body wash @ BOGO:  limit 2 

Buy (8) Irish Spring body wash @ $3.49 (online price) & BOGO = $13.96
Use (4) $1 coupons (5/19 SS)
Pay $9.96, get $5 UP = $4.96 ($.62 each)

Buy (2) Pearson Nips candy @ 2/$2
Pay $2, get $1 UP wyb 2 = $1 ($.50 each)  limit 4 

Buy (1) Colgate Total Advanced mouthwash @ $2.99
Use (1) $1 coupon (5/19 SS)
Pay $1.99, get $1 UP = $.99  limit 2

Buy (2) Dove deodorant or hair care @ $3.50 = $7
Use (2) $1 coupons (deodorant  HERE or HERE, hair care 5/19 RP)
Use (1) $1 Rite Aid coupon HERE
Pay $4, get $2 UP wyb 2 = $2 ($1 each)  limit 2

Buy Applebees or AMC gift cards @ $25
Pay $25, get $5 UP = $20  limit 2  

• Do I want to focus my attention on cosmetics or what the searches say “Personal Care” items? I have been told by a friend who has been couponing since 2011 that this seems to be the category in which she has time for and can save the most in.
• Do I want to search and spend most of my time on couponing for food products? We eat a lot, soon to be a family of 4, three of which are boys! 

• Do I want a detailed binder or do I want a little purse wallet with just what I need and keep the rest of my coupons in a basic bin I can buy for a few bucks at the dollar store? I like to be organized but I also don’t like wasting my time. I have found the binders to be a hassle as you have to put in and pull out all of the clipped coupons, instead of leaving them in the AD’s they came in until you are ready to cut them out. You have to do this sometimes weekly but more specifically monthly. That is more work than I want to do! But I am not aiming to be an extreme couponing momma, I just want to savings of our every day lives. Normality at its best.
• What websites can I use to help get me organized and calm my extremely clouded mind with all of this new information? Some of the websites recommended to me thus far by other couponing mommas are:

http://www.couponmom.com

http://thekrazycouponlady.com
(I went to the “Beginners” section)

http://coupons.com

By Annie Schneider & Liz Reddinger

Annie: I have a confession: My name is Annie and I am a goo hoarder. I define “goo” as the following: hair products, cosmetics, creams, balms, lotions, washes, polishes, perfumes, you know… goo! I am a self-taught Goo Guru, a goo-know-it-all. I read books and blogs and watch videos about goo. I am on a first name basis with the goo artists at MAC and Sephora and I have bought way, way, way too much goo for any one-three people. I even have to live at home to support my goo addiction. I hope that by sharing some of my goo research, I can empower you to not make the same mistakes as me.

I find the drugstore dangerous for a few reasons: 1) There are no testers and I can’t try any of the products on or speak with a consultant. As a result, I have wasted money on products that weren’t good quality or right for my coloring. 2) I get very excited by a good deal, but it’s only a good deal if it works and you love it.

I have done extensive drugstore goo research and these are the eye products that I keep coming back to, some of which are even better than products triple their price.

Liz: I have a confession: my name is Liz and I am addicted to CVS. There is no better feeling than seeing my ExtraBucks earnings print out at the bottom of my receipt. I love that I can buy a nail file, journal, tampons, batteries, Mother’s Day Card and eggs  all in one trip.

One fateful day in college, I was at the CVS checkout counter making my daily purchase (yes, daily… it was 50 steps from my apartment, OK?) At that point, I was pretty low on cash and figured, what better way to support my CVS addiction than to land a job and an employee discount there? I asked if they were hiring and a few days later, I was employed with my second home.

I feel that my four-month stint as the CVS self check-out girl (or as my manager called me in a pep talk before every shift: the “quarterback” and “eyes and ears” of the store), has adequately prepared me for this moment to impart my drugstore wisdom upon you. So listen up, ladies – grab your notebooks and sharpen your pencils. You will want to write all of this down.

Eyeshadow

L’Oreal Paris One Sweep Eyeshadow

L: I rarely wear eyeshadow, but when I do, this product makes my life so much easier. I can apply three different shades of eyeshadow with one swoop of a brush and don’t have to worry about using, buying and washing multiple brushes. My favorite shade (there are multiple) is the charcoal that gives my eyes an effortlessly smoky look (a look that I’ve tried to accomplish on my own that only led to disaster.) Just make sure to have Q tips dipped in eye makeup remover handy, or Almay Makeup Eraser sticks (below) to fix any mistakes.

Eye Makeup Remover

Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks

L: This is one of those inventions everyone wonders why they hadn’t thought of sooner. They are essentially Q-tips dipped in eye makeup remover, which you can ultimately do yourself, but these are super convenient and especially great for traveling or to keep in your purse for emergencies.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

A: Gentle for my sensitive skin and perfect for when I don’t feel like washing my face before bed. Best for removing face and light eye makeup.

CVS Eye Makeup Remover

A: I love this and I almost never go for the generic version; I only discovered this product because my ex-boyfriend bought me this instead of the Neutrogena version I had requested. This is cheaper and works so much better. Soak a cotton round and hold it to your eye for 30 seconds. No rubbing required!

Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Pads & Wipes

L: I have been loyal to this eye makeup remover since I was an awkward tween wearing bright blue eyeshadow. I have super sensitive skin and most removers irritate me, but this brand works like a charm. I buy both the pads (for eyes) and the wipes (for face). Make sure to buy the oil-free kind (it has purple packaging); the kind with oil (blue packaging) makes my vision blurry for some time after.

Mascara

A: The following mascaras are so good that I will never buy a high end mascara again. These are just as good, if not better, than mascara from Dior, Benefit, and YSL. They are buildable, non-clumping, and don’t give you raccoon eyes.

(Pictured from left to right)

• Physician’s Formula Organic Jumbo Lash
  
• CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume
• L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

This is part one of a series exploring the best of the best in drugstore cosmetics. Part two will continue with the eyes and discuss the best lip products. What are some of your favorite drugstore cosmetic eye products?

While I was going through Pintrest late one night, I saw a pin about Organix Thick & Full Biotin and Collagen hair system. When I saw biotin and collagen in the same sentence I immediately liked and made a note to look it up the next day. The hair system comes with shampoo, conditioner, a root lifting spray and an amplifying lotion.

The website claims that the hair system will add “A high performance blend of powerful ProVitamin B7 biotin infuses nutrients into every strand, while plumping collagen adds volume and dimension, and hydrolyzed wheat proteins strengthen, for thicker, fuller, healthier looking hair.”  I honestly don’t know if my hair has been infused the powerful provitamin B7 but my hair is DEFINITELY thicker fuller and healthier looking. I’m even beginning to get my curl back, which was lost due to countless of hair color and processing that has been done to my hair. I was so happy with the results! I purchased all four items that come in the line and use them exactly as directed. I like to switch between Not Your Mothers Way to Grow Shampoo and Conditioner and I feel like thickness and fullness doesn’t go away or feel any different to when I am using Organix. Although I do have a few complaints with the products. I find it really hard for my hair to keep a curl since I started using them. It’s also really easy to get product build up with the root lifting spray if used quite often. And, I don’t really care for the smell it has.

All four items retail for about 7.99 USD each and are sold at, but not limited to, Ulta, Walgreens, CVS, Target, Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid, and Drugstore.com. I would recommend you do shop around while looking for these items just because it is a little pricey to buy all four at once and usually different stores have them for a lower price.

Organix definitely had different types of shampoos and conditioner for different type of hair types. I encourage you to try them out and let me know what you think of them!

But in the mean time, what do you use to get your hair thicker and fuller? What type of shampoo and conditioner do you use?

Yes, I’m blogging. It’s because I feel the need tonight.

In short, Ann logged into our online banking account tonight and found a charge to the tune of $221.25 at Office Depot.

First of all, I can’t tell you the last time we went to Office Depot for anything. It’s rare when we have to go there and when we do, we don’t drop over $2oo because we can. It just doesn’t happen, let alone in Tennessee. I’m in California. (The bank transaction included the store’s number which I then looked up online, hence the Tennessee connection.)

On top of all that, I can tell you that I’ve never been to Tennessee let alone an Office Depot in Tennessee. I can’t even think of a situation in this lifetime or any other where that scenario would make any sense.

So after numerous calls to our financial institution, Visa (to report a stolen credit card) and the Office Depot in Tennessee, here’s what I learned:

• Ann’s card was the one that was compromised which is why Visa couldn’t find the transaction. But once I gave them her card number, the person at the other end gave a more-than-nervous chuckle when the charges appeared on her monitor.
• The charges were in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles and Madison, Tennessee (store #58).
• Retailers included JoAnn, FedEx, Rite-Aid and the aforementioned Office Depot.
• Charges exceeded $1,000 but all but one of them were blocked because of the activity on the card.
• The Office Depot charge may go through and then can be disputed. But when speaking with the manager, she said they can cancel the transaction once they find it and then everything will be back in place.

With all of that out of the way, I have a few things to say to some of those involved in this crime ring, both victims and criminals.

To the criminals: Fuck you. Honestly, fuck you fuck you fuck you fuck you to Hell and back and then fuck you again – twice and without lubricant. This is not the first time this has happened to me so I’m doubly pissed about this. It must be nice to sit there at home and with your dirty little criminal mind, figure out how to steal the identities of hard-working and honest people just trying to make ends meet. I wish nothing but the worst for you bastards who find it okay to steal from others. Karma, fate, whatever you call it. I want shit to turn on you so bad that you won’t know what hit you, you fucking assholes. Oh, and guess what? If you were a dumbass enough to use an Office Depot Worklife Rewards card when you bought your stuff, the transaction will be tied to that account which contains all of your personal information for authorities. Wouldn’t that be a goddamned hoot, ya little shit?

To the retailers: While I’m pleased as punch that only one transaction of many went through, WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO CHECKING FOR AN ID for large transactions? Seriously, each charge was well over $200! Holy fucking shit, I can’t even buy a fucking Carl’s Jr. hamburger without being asked for my driver’s license. How’s about a little added safety for the consumer? Am I asking for too much here? You could have captured a criminal who is now free to roam the streets and defraud others.

To my financial institution: I can’t believe what a pain in the ass it was to get the ball rolling on this. I moved from a big bank to a credit union in the hopes of having things run a lot smoother and get that so-called “attention” that I never got from BofA. Well, I didn’t. Each call was a royal pain and led to dead ends until the final call. And every time I call for something you make me jump through hoops of fire and because of that, it’s not likely we’ll stay with you very much longer. At this point it seems that keeping our money under the proverbial mattress might be a better idea.

We spent at least an hour on the phone speaking with Office Depot managers, the credit union, Visa, etc. While I’m glad that most of the situation has been remedied, I’m still pissed at the thought of having a criminal asshole out there with a copy of Ann’s debit card even if it has been cancelled. All they have to do is look up someone else and make a card with their info on it.

And in the end, it’s us honest people who pay for the actions of the criminals in the form of personal time invested trying to get things sorted out and price increases due to shrinkage (retail lingo for stolen merchandise).

Mean people suck.

Each store offers a loyalty program with which you accumulate rewards, generally printed out to be used with your next purchase. These are not surprises and, generally, are not bonuses. Treat this like cash! You made a purchase and they gave you money back; be clever about how you spend it and you can earn money back on every purchase…read here long enough and you’ll find that I can stretch $10 or $20 into hundreds of dollars!

CVS

Store Coupons: CVS offers a variety of perks to couponers. Start by joining the ExtraCare program. Set up your profile online and subscribe to their weekly offers. It may take a few months, but you should start receiving awesome incentives by email; 20% off your entire purchase, $5 off $25, etc. Sign in regularly to your cvs.com account and visit the ExtraCare ExtraSavings page for printable coupons. CVS.com offers other product coupons, some which count as CVS coupons and some as manufacturer, so be sure to glance over these before you run to the store!

Loyalty rewards: While you’re online, join the Beauty Club. Guys, this is good for you, too! Skin care and hair products are included. I think most of you use soap and shampoo, so just do it! Every $50 you spend will earn a $5 ExtraBucks reward.ExtraBucks are coupons that print on your receipt and are redeemable with your next purchase. This is their primary loyalty reward and they expire generally after 30 days.

Walgreens

Store coupons: The weekly flier often has store coupons printed right inside! Bring these to get a great in-store price. Additionally, there are monthly Savings Book packets (they look a bit like travel brochures) at the front of the store next to the flier. These have great coupons which generally count as store coupons, which mean you can use them in conjunction with a manufacturer coupon. Around the store, you will find other booklets for different health concerns – diabetes, feminine health, allergy, cold, etc. Most of these have coupons in them as well.

Loyalty rewards: Walgreens offers two primary programs; Balance Rewards and Register Rewards. You’ll need to join their loyalty program, the Balance Rewards. There is also a healthy-living incentive associated with Balance Rewards; I’ll cover that elsewhere. Balance Rewards Points are earned on qualifying purchases, generally indicated on the product’s shelf tag. Points generally convert to 1,000 points per dollar, but there are bonuses at tiers such as 18,000 points – more on that another time. Balance Reward points load to your card and are recorded on your receipt. Register Rewards are coupons that print out in addition to your receipt. These must be used in full and are counted like manufacturer coupons; Walgreen’s policy is that you may only use one manufacturer coupon per item, so you can not use a Register Reward and a newspaper coupon if you are only purchasing a single item. More on that another time. Register Rewards expire generally after two weeks.

Rite Aid

Loyalty rewards: Rite Aid’s loyalty program is called wellness plus. The loyalty rewards are called +UPs (“plus ups”) and can be printed with your receipt or loaded to your card; I recommend having them print and will get into why another time. These generally expire after two weeks. The wellness plus program is tiered; with more spend at Rite Aid, you can earn bonuses like a one-time 10% off pass or 10% off the store for a year.

Store Coupons: The weekly flier often has store coupons printed right inside! Bring these to get a great in-store price. In addition to the other perks of being a wellness plus member, coupons through AdPerk can be printed by watching short commercials. These are Rite Aid coupons and are therefore useable in conjunction with a newspaper coupon, making for some great deals!

I want to wish everyone who’s participating in the 2013 Cleveland Marathon good luck this weekend! This clip from The League seemed fitting, too ;)

Whether you realize it or not, you are an inspiration to me & many others! :)

Have a great race day!

Rite Aid (Starting 5/26!):
Colgate Max Toothpaste 6 oz $2.99
Use the $1/1 coupon
Or, use the $1/2 coupon found in the 5/12 SS (values may vary)
Pay as low as $1.99
Get back a $2 +Up Reward (limit 4 offers)
Final Cost: Free, plus applicable tax!

Note, there is a limit of four on this offer, so if you are able to print two coupons, from two computers, you can maximize savings on this great stock-up pricing deal!

Total Money Out of Pocket: $84.35

Product Total: $468

Rewards Left for Next Week: $20 Target Gift Cards, $15+Up Rewards, $15 Register Rewards. Totalling $50 for next weeks spending! I LOVE COUPONING!!!

May 10 Shopping:

Rite Aid: Total OOP $6.03 for about $66 of product and I walked out with a $15+Up Rewards.

Nursery Water (2) $1.99 ea (Used $.55/2 coupon, leaving $3.43)

Crystal Rock Deodorant (2) $4.99 ea (Sale Price $2.99, used (2) $2/1 Coupons, leaving $1.98)

Osteo Bi-Flex (2) $19.99 ea (BOGO and used (2) $3/1 Coupons, leaving $13.99)

Covergirl Nail Polish (2) $5.99 ea (BOGO 50%, used $3/2 coupon, leaving $5.98)

I used the (2) $10+Up Rewards and the $1+Up Reward, this left a total of $6.03 including tax. I received (2) $1+Up, $3+Up Reward and a $10+Up Reward.

Target: Total OOP $2.42 for about $77 of product and I walked out with a $6.31 new Gift Cards.

1st Transaction:

Glade Air Freshener (2) (Clearance Sale Price $.68)

Glade Air Freshener (Clearance Sale Price $1.48, used a $1 Coupon, making this $.48)

Bounce Dryer Sheets (12) $1.97 ea (Used (4) $3/3 Target Coupons and (4) $3/3 Manufacturer Coupon, making this a $.12 MM)

Eclos Face Masks (2) $2.29 (Used (2) $5/1, leaving a $5.42 overage)

Ben Gay (2) $4.89 (Used (2) $3/1 Coupons leaving $3.78)

After coupons my subtotal was $.92, with tax my OOP was $2.42. I received a $5 Gift Card for the Ben Gay.

2nd Transaction:

Poise Wipes (3) $2.99 ea (Used (3) $3/1 Coupons, making this a $.03MM)

Ben Gay (2) $4.89 ea (Used (2) $3/1 Coupons, leaving $3.78)

With tax there was a balance of $4.61, I used the $5 Gift Card from Transaction 1 (leaving a $.39 balance on that card) and I received a $5 Gift Card.

3rd Transaction:

Ben Gay (2) $4.89 ea (Used (2) $3/1 coupons, leaving $3.78)

With tax there was a balance of $4.08, I used the $5 Gift Card from Transaction 2 (leaving a $.92 balance on that card) and I received a $5 Gift Card.

May 10 Shopping Total:

Total Out of Pocket was $8.45. Total value of product was about $143. I also have $15+Up Rewards and $6.31 Target Gift Card. (Total of $21.31)

May 6 Shopping:

Target: Total OOP $4.86 for about $40 of product and I walked out with a $5 Gift Card.

1st Transaction:

Neutrogena Bar $1.87 ($1 Coupon, leaving $.87)

Skintimate (2) $4.88 for both (BOGO, leaving $2.44)

Poise Wash $2.99 ($3 Coupon, $.01 overage)

Bengay (2) $9.78 for both ( (2) $3 Coupons, leaving $3.78)

Total was $7.43 and I used a $5 gift card from the previous week. Paid $2.43 OOP and got a $5 gift card. (Saved $18.10)

2nd Transaction:

Neutrogena Bar $1.87 ($1 Coupon, leaving $.87)

Skintimate (2) $4.88 for both (BOGO, leaving $2.44)

Poise Wipes $2.99 ($3 Coupon, $.01 overage)

Bengay (2) $9.78 for both ( (2) $3 Coupons, leaving $3.78)

Total was $7.43 and I used a $5 gift card from the previous transaction. Paid $2.43 OOP and received a $5 give card. (Saved $18.10)

Rite Aid: Total OOP $3.78 for about $60 of product and I walked out with a (2) $10+up and a $1+up.

Osteo Bi-Flex (2) $19.99 ea. (BOGO, Used$3 Coupon leaving $16.99)

Covergirl Nail Polish (2) $5.99 ea (BOGO 50%, Used $3/2 Coupon, leaving $5.98)

M&M’s (2) (Not shown in picture because kids ate them haha!) Sale 2/$5 (Used $1.50 coupon, leaving $3.50)

Used (2) $10+up, $1+up and a $3+up, this left $3.78 including tax.

Walgreens: Total OOP $6.16 for about $34 of product and I walked out with (3) $5 Register Rewards for next week.

1st Transaction

Plastic Ruler $1.29 (Sale price $.30)

Breathe Right Nasal Strip $5.99 (Sale price $4.00)

Walgreens Gentle Bar Soap $.89 (Sale Price $.39)

I used (2) $1RR and a $2RR, this left me to pay $.98 OOP and I received a $4RR.

2nd Transaction

Calagel Itch Cream $6.49 (Sale Price $5)

I used the $4 RR from 1st transaction and paid $1.31 OOP and received a $5 RR.

3rd Transaction

Breathe Right Nasal Strip $5.99 (Sale Price $4, used $2 Coupon leaving $2)

I paid $2.25OOP and Received a ($4 RR)

4th Transaction

Calagel Itch Cream $6.49 (Sale Price $5)

I used the $4 RR from 3rd transaction and paid $1.31 OOP and received $5 RR)

5th Transaction

Calagel Itch Cream $6.49 (Sale Price $5)

I used my Balance Rewards and paid $.31 OOP)

May 6 Shopping Total:

Total Out of Pocket was $14.80. Total value of product was about $134. I also have $15 Register Rewards, $21+Up Rewards and a $5 Target Gift Card. (Total of $41)

This was a good day for shopping!!

May 9th shopping trip coming up…

Buy any 2 Got2Be hair stylers, $6.99 each, Regular Price

-6.99 (b1g1) Rite Aid promo, thru 5/18

Use: (2) $2.00 off any one Got2Be hair styling item, RP 5/5

Final Cost: $2.99 for two, or just $1.49 each!