The ECB-Emergency Expiration Run

I hate how sometimes ECB expirations go on and on, and you never have to worry about them…and other times the next time you glance at them, they’re expiring that day. *Surprise!* That was me this morning, realizing that (a) my ECBs expired on the 22nd and (b) today was the 22nd. Often I realize one or the other, never both.

But, it worked out pretty well with a thankfully, providentially, stocked CVS.

2 Colgate Toothpastes @ $2.99
CVS deal $0.50 off
Used two $1.50/1 printable coupons
Final Cost: $0.99 each
Received: $2.00 ECB each

2 Oral B-Crossaction 2-packs for $6.99 each ($13.98 )
Received $13.98 in ECB

2 CVS Band-Aid 40-pk for $1.99 ($3.98 )
Received $3.98 in ECB

1 Brut Deodorant for $3.19
Used $0.55/1 coupon
Final Cost: $2.64
Received $3.00 in ECB

Because of the band-aids, I even got to use a $3.00/$10.00 CVS Brand coupon that printed from the machine.

After my ECBs were used, I paid $6.28 OOP (I also bought The Globe for $2.50) and got back $24.96 in ECB. Yay!

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Working the Deals

So excited! I’d been holding off on shopping, but this weekend’s sales were too good to resist. Bath & Body Works was having their Big Semi-Annual sale, wherein many of their soaps, mini-body sprays and other counter items were only 1$, regular-sized products were about 5$, and their True Blue Spa items were Buy 2, Get 2 Free. I also had a gift certificate, so I picked up all this stuff that was on my summer wishlist:

ALL of this. Normal Price: $57.00. After a $10.00 Gift Certificate, I paid $20.00.

Then, the day after, I went to Victoria Secret’s Semi-Annual Sale where I got 2 bras and 2 pairs of underwear for the unheard-of price of $37.48. The non-sale merchandise total? $78.50, for a total savings of $41.02.

Plus, on both receipts, I got “call for survey & validation codes” print out on my receipts; from BBW I got a $10.00/$30.00 coupon, and from Vickie’s I got a $10.00/$50.00 coupon code, both of them valid for 3 months.

So happy…I get to cross things off my list knowing that I got what’s pretty much the best possible price. Which I suppose it was being a frugal-minded, but still modern!, girl is all about.

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Whole Foods Body Product Swap!!

Attention, attention! Have about 230,000 things of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and lipgloss from CVS that you got for free? If you’re going to the Cambridge Whole Foods, you can swap them for their line of natural-ingredient only body care products:

From their website:

“At Whole Foods market, we sell a variety of body care products containing only natural ingredients. We invite you to give the alternative we offer a try by participating in our body care product swap. Bring in a conventional lip balm, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste or bar soap and we will give you a free natural product in return. Limit one item per product category per customer.”

As far as I can tell, this seems to be confined to the Cambridge location, June 21st only, but never hurts to call and check!

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The Round-Up

It’s odd how much easier it was to look up all the deals, post them, then go right out and buy them. All the information’s still fresh, you remember what coupons you need…strenuous, but nice. For groceries to last us until the rest of the month (except for perishables like milk) I spent $123.45 total, hitting Shaws, Market Basket and Trader Joes. It’s still more than I’d like to be spending for two weeks of food, and I hope to get it down even lower; but in the meantime, it’s better than the $500/month runs we used to spend!

I hit only a few snags; this was the second time now that a catalina didn’t print for me at Shaws; the first time I was supposed to get a 3$ coupon for my next order, this time I was supposed to get one for free milk. Back to customer service…

The second snag was an extraordinarily brain-dead, embarrassing moment when I picked up the Sunday paper at CVS, scanned my card for the coupons, and promptly left. Without paying. I realized it when I got home, turned around after a detour, and shamefacedly paid. The teen cashier didn’t seem all that upset though, and its amazing that it didn’t seem like anyone at all noticed. *sigh*

So, with my goodies, here’s my menu for the next two weeks for the two of us:

Breakfast:

Leftover Post cereal & General Mills Cereal from today
Banana-Cherry Cake (What? If it’s got fruit, its for breakfast)
Egg, Cheese & Bacon sandwiches on English Muffins
Scrambled Eggs & Hash with toast
Eggos
Cinnamon Toast with Chocolate Milk

Lunches:

We mostly eat leftovers since I don’t eat dinner, and will cook extra portions accordingly.
Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches (for husband)
Trader’s Chile Verde Burritos (for husband)
Trader’s Real-Meat Chicken Nuggets (for husband)
Tuna Rolls
Rice with Cheese & Broccoli & soy sauce
Macaroni & Cheese
Salads

Dinners (not in order):

Chicken breasts with Sweet Potato Fries and Broccoli
Steak with cous-cous and corn on the cob
Hot Dogs with Broccoli
Annie’s Organic Macaroni & Cheese with Kielbasa
Chicken Caesar Salad (DH literally requests this nearly every night, so this will be at least once a week, if not more)
Trader Joe’s Orange Mandarin Chicken with rice and broccoli
Tacos
Spaghetti & Meatballs with Pillsbury rolls
Homemade vegetable soup with homemade bread
Shephards Pie
Steak with roasted potatoes and corn on the cob
Homemade deep dish pizza

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Rite-Aid Again!

So, it incredibly looks like another good Rite-Aid week. I went for last week’s sale for the first time ever; despite them not carrying the Pantene Pro-V I needed, and me forgetting some coupons, it was still pretty good. Nobody goes to Rite-Aid around here, so they definitely had stock, despite me shopping on a Saturday night at 9:50 PM, as I’m so wont to do.

Purex Laundry B1G1 Free
Use with $1.00/2 Coupon

Banana Boat Sunscreen B1G1 Free

Doritos B1G1 Free

Nexcare Bandages $0.99
Use with $1.00 off/1 coupon
Final Cost: free!
*edit: apparently Rite-Aid won’t adjust down $1.00 coupons to $.99, which is something new to me.*

Stayfree/OB 2/$5.00
S.Check.R $1.00
Coupon $1.00/1
Final cost: 2/$3.00

SoyJoy B1 G1 50% off
Use with B2G1 Free coupon

Raid $2.99
In-ad Coupon $1.00
Manuf. Coupon $1.00/1
Final cost: $0.99

Lifesaver Gummies or Mints $0.99
Use with B1G1 Free Coupon
Final Cost: 2/$0.99

McCormick Grinders 4/$5.00

Chock Full of Nuts $2.49
S.Check.Rebate $0.50 (Limit 1)
Use with $1.00/2 Coupon
Final Cost: 2/$3.48

Bam! Cleaner $2.99
In-ad Coupon: $1.00/1
Manuf. Coupon $1.00/1
Final Cost: $0.99

Lysol All Purpose/Kitchen/Sanit. Wipes $2.49
In-ad Coupon $0.50 (Limit 1)
Manuf. Coupon $1.00/2
Final Cost: 2/$3.48

Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber $3.99
S. Check R. $1.00
Manuf. coupon $1.00
Final cost: $1.99

Herbal Essences $2.99
S. Check Rebate $2.99
Manuf. Coupon $1.00/1
Final cost: Earn a dollar!

Organix Shampoo or Conditioner $5.49
Single Check Rebate $5.49
Final Cost: Free!

Twizzlers & Planters Nuts B1G1 Free

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New England Savings June 13-19, 2008

I was gone the first week of June, and spent what seems like all of last week just catching up. But, with a nearly-empty freezer and cupboards (OK, not nearly empty. Just empty enough to warrant some extra thought.), I’m more than ready to jump back into things.

Best Deal: Shaws $1 Sale

Best Store to Shop: Shaws

Stop & Shop:

Red Seedless Grapes $0.99

Previously Frozen Swordfish Steaks $5.99/lb.

Lays Potato Chips B1G1 Free

Snapple Greek & White Tea 10/$10.00

Market Basket:

Sargento Shredded Cheese 2/$4.00

Market Basket Cottage Cheese & Sour Cream $0.99 (as usual)

Hillshire Polska Kielbasa 14-16oz. $1.79

“Our Best” Meatballs $4.29

Previously Frozen Swordfish Steaks $5.99/lb.

Classic Whipped cream $1.89

Betty Crocker Cake Mix 3/$3.00
Use with $1.00/2 coupon for
3/$2.00

Betty Crocker Frosting 2/$3.00

Classico 26 oz. Spaghetti Sauce 2/$4.00

Sweet Baby Ray’s B-B-Q Sauce 2/$3.00
Use with $1.00/2 coupon
2/$2.00

Dole Juice 2/$4.00
Use with $1.00/2 coupon for
2/$3.00

Shaws:

Doritos B1G1 Free (4-days only)

Corn $0.29 each (generally cheaper, but seems to be the best price this week)

Grape Tomatoes B1G1 Free

Near East Cous-Cous 10/$10.00

Crystal Farms Shredded Cheese B1G1 Free

Fiji Water 16.9 oz. 10/$10.00

Filippo B. Olive Oil 17 oz. $3.99

LifeWater 20 oz. 10/$10.00
Use with $1.00/2 coupons

General Mills Cereal 5/$10.00…and get a catalina for free milk!
Use with 2 $1.00/2 coupons for
5/$8.00 + Free Milk

Shaws $1.00 Sale!:

Hamburger Helper
Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes
Progresso Classic Soup
Bowl Appetit
Progresso Tomatoes
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix
Loose Jumbo Vidalia Onions
Progresso Bread Crumbs 15 oz.
Shaw’s Dessert Shells
Shaw’s Frozen Vegetables 16 oz.
Gatorade 32 oz.
Large California Iceberg Lettuce
Chatham Village Croutons
Claceau Vitamin water
Friendly’s Sundae’s-to-Go
Hershey’s, M&M Mars, or Nestle Candy Bars 8-pk, selected varities
Kellogg’s Cereal to Go
Shaw’s English Muffins
Prince Pasta
Shaw’s Cutlery
Sweet Leaf Tea
Garlick Farms Chug
Shaw’s Pretzels
Shaw’s Resusable Shopping Bag
Softsoap Hand Soap

Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad
Use with $1.00/2 coupon

Betty Crocker Cake Mix
Use with $1.00/2 coupon

General Mills Chex Mix
Use with $1.00/2 coupon

Pillsbury Crescent, Cinnamon or Golden Layers Rolls
Use with $1.00/3 coupon

Poland Springs 1-Gal or 3-ltr.
Use with $1.00/3 coupon

Scotties Facial Tissue
Use with $1.00/5 coupon

Ajax Dishwashing Soap 16 oz.
Use with $.20/off 1 coupon

Hannafords:

$5.00/$50.00 purchase coupons online

Vidalia Onions $.79/lb.

Strawberries 2/$4.00 (1-lb.)

Suddenly Salad $0.99
Use with $1.00/2 coupon

Pillsbury Brownie Mix 5/$5.00

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Rite-Aid June 1-7

I’m also thinking of signing up for the single-check rebate program at Rite-Aid–they’ve got some good deals on products I haven’t seen on sale yet. So, here’s my list anyways:

Bikini-Zone Anti-Bumps Shave Gel B1G1 Free! (I’m most excited about this. 1st sale I’ve ever seen, and I have a thing for B1G1!)

Secret Flawless Deodorant $3.99 (my favorite brand!)
Single Check Rebate $2.00
Coupon $1.00
Final cost: $0.99

Samy i-stylers (valid only through today) $4.49
Single Check Rebate $4.49
Final Cost: Free!

Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths $3.00
Single Check Rebate $1.50
Coupon $1.50
Final Cost: Free!

SoyJoy 5/$5.00
Use with 2 B2G1 Free Coupon
Final Cost: 7/$5.00 (I normally wouldn’t get this, but I figure they’d be good to have on our trip)

Stayfree/OB 2/$5.00
Single Check Rebate $1.00
Coupon $2.00/2
Final Cost: 2/$2.00

Aquafresh $2.49
Single Check Rebate $2.49
Coupon $1.00
Final Cost: Dollar Overage!

Dawn Dish Soap $0.89
Coupon $0.20/1
Final Cost: $0.69

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New England Saving June 1-June 7

Why is it that I’m always away during the “good weeks?” There are some fun good deals out this week, but I’m heading down to Virginia to be in a friend’s wedding; I’m hoping I have the time to shop tomorrow before heading off!

Best Deal: If the Tropicana Shaws coupon could have be found, that one would have won!
Best Store to Shop: Tie between MB and Shaws.

Stop & Shop:

80% Lean Ground Beef $1.99 (not the best I’ve seen, but good this week)
General Mills Cereal 2/$4.00. Use with $1.00/2 coupons for 2/$3.00
Avocados 4/$5.00
Red Baron Pizza 3/$9.00; Use with $1.00/2 coupon for 3/$8.00
Pringles 10/$10.00
Tuna (Bumblebee) 10/$10.00

Market Basket:

Fresh Large Dozen Eggs $1.19
Rice Pilaf 5/$4.00
California Cherries $2.99/lb.
Sargento Shredded Cheese 2/$4.00
MB Cottage Cheese $1.29 each
Josephs Big Pita $0.99
Romaine Lettuce $0.79
Zucchini $0.89/lb.
Organic Yellow Onions $1.99/3-lb bag
Eggos 2/$3.00
7-Up 12 pks 4/$10.00

Shaws:

Buy 25$ of Kelloggs, use in-ad coupon for $5.00 off:
Fruit Loops, Corn Pops, Apple Jacks 2/$5.00
Kellogg’s Cereal To-Go 10/$10.00
Pop Tarts or Special-K Bars: 2/$5.00
Eggo Syrup or Mini Wheats or Special-K 2/$5.00 (combine with Shaws TSNE $1.00/2 Eggo Syrup coupons)
Eggos 3/$5.00

7-Ups 12-pks: with in-ad coupon 4/$10.00
California Cherries $2.99/lb.
Tropicana Orange Juice 64 oz. $2.99. Buy 2 and use with $1.00/2 insert coupon. The ad said there was a Shaws coupon online at shaws.com, but I couldn’t find it anywhere.
Nabisco 12-15 pk snack trays are B1G1 Free
Red Baron Deep Dish Singles 2/$6.00; use with $1.00/2 coupon for 2/$5.00
Cedars Hummus $1.99/8 oz.
Fillippo Berio Olive Oil $3.99
Cabot Greek Style Yogurt $0.89

Hannafords:
$5.00/$50.00 coupon available online.

Hannaford Hamburger buns $0.99
European Cucumbers $0.99
Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad $0.99
Pringles 5/$5.00
Hannaford Orange Juice 2/$4.00
Athenos Feta Crumbles $3.49; use with $0.55/1 coupon for $2.94

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