Operation Dry Bum

Just by reading the blogs, I found out about a diaper study. I called a number and left my information. Time went by and I figured I wasn't chosen.  A few weeks later I got a call asking me to participate! We got two packages of diapers (40 total), a survey, a follow-up phone call and.....$10 when we are complete! 

Today is our first day. There are two separate packages so I'm curious how they are different, what brand could they be and hoping they don't leak! Wish us luck!

Try your luck!

If you try your luck at sweepstakes, you might just win! 

This is what I got in the mail today...

Beauty bag & coupons from Target

Skincare kit from bareMinerals

Big Savings at CVS today!

Check out the deals I scored at CVS today -

Colgate ProClinical toothpaste marked down to $1.37.
 Minus the $1.00 off coupon for a total price of $.37.
I was able to buy two since I had double coupons. 

Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets were $3.99 with Extra Care card.
Minus $3.00 coupon for total cost of $.99 each. 

Total cost $2.72 for two toothpastes and two cartons of laundry detergent. These deals are good until Saturday, February 26th. Jackpot!

My (Updated) Coupon Book

In less than a month, I've already upgraded to a bigger binder. Today, in an effort to stay organized, I had splurged on tabbed dividers. This hobby is really too fun for me despite Jeff's confusion about the whole thing! I've come up with my own categories, based on how I visually shop -

Cleaning
Drinks
Bread
Snacks
Breakfast
Dairy
Meat
Frozen
Refrigerated
Canned & Boxed
Baby
Pets
Rx & Vitamins
Skincare
Oral care
Hair care
Deodorant
Beauty

I also read on a blog to put your name & phone number inside in case you lose your book.

More helpful sites

I just finished the book Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey. It is written by two woman, one of which was featured on Extreme Couponing on TLC.  If you are into it, I recommend reading or watching their story.

They also have a website called the Krazy Coupon Lady. Contrary to the Grocery Game from an earlier post, this website guides you to many deals without a fee. I still recommend the Grocery Game for the first 4 weeks since it's free, but afterwards its $10 a month for one store, plus $5 for each additional store. I alternate shopping at three local stores, so $20 for a list of deals, is a bit much. Especially now that I'm loving saving every single penny.

I also came across a website called Hip2Save.  These (free) blog sites are so helpful in finding deals and telling you which coupons to use with them. For a busy mom who can hardly focus for more than a few minutes, its nice to have someone else do the leg work!

"I can taste the value"

This post is titled after one of Jeff's comments regarding my new shopping tactics. I sense some sarcasm...

Today's savings

I've been saving these...

Catalinas are the coupons
you receive from the cashier with your receipt.

I put the catalinas with my manufacturer coupons - plus waited until the item was on sale - and some really awesome deals! Here's some of my big deals today - 

This stuff, especially the Very Vanilla, is yummy.
Today it was on sale for $2.99
Minus $1.00 off catalina
Minus $.75 coupon
Total = $1.24 

Dannon Light & Fit yogurt
Today it was on sale for $1.88
Minus $1.00 catalina
Minus $.50 coupon
Total $.33!

Grocery Saving

I've been scaling back our grocery budget this year. I have to brag about how 1) easy and 2) fun it is to find deals. Since I've started, I've averaged 45% savings on my grocery trips. That is huge!  Here's some of my tips:

1. Buy the Sunday paper and save every single coupon. Even if you think its something you might not buy, it could align itself in a great sale and end up free or close to it. Plus, you could always donate it to a food pantry.  I'm still learning how to sort my coupons, but for now I'm using a binder with "baseball card style" clear slots for my coupons.  I'm always looking for easier ways to organize them.

2. Join The Grocery Game. I had been trying to watch for sales that I could combine with my coupons, then I realized that the website will do it for me for any store(s) I want. Plus, its the first 4 weeks for free. If you join, please use my name as a referral. It would be under gourmetlisa@gmail.com.  Thank you!

3. Look up your favorite products online and join their mailing list. As much as I hate giving my email out, it most usually results in promotions and coupons. Examples for me include Beechnut baby food, Gerber, Pampers, etc.

4. Get a shopper card for every grocery store. I just found out Meijer Perks that is a virtual card via your cell phone number.  Also, Kroger cards offers gas discounts (I just got $.40 off a gallon!) and additional coupons in the mail.

5. Follow these wonderful blogs for information on free samples, coupons, Facebook offers, store sales and more. 

Money Saving Mom

A Frugal Friend

Crazy Coupon Mommy

Freebies 4 Mom

I have to admit I feel so empowered to be aware of what I'm spending. Its such a rewarding feeling! The best part is that its making an impression on Alydia. Last weekend she helped me shop with my list and coupons. On the way home she was pondering and says "Mom, do some people just buy stuff and not pay attention to how much it costs?" Oh, my little sponge...I love her!

Best Websites for Freebies, Coupons and Deals!

I recently started reading these websites. They are great! Lots of good coupons and deals that I otherwise wouldn't have known about. Enjoy!!

http://afrugalfriend.blogspot.com/

www.moneysavingmom.com