My *almost* free CVS Shopping Trip

I headed over to CVS to pick up my z-pack (bad head cold) after seeing the doctor.  Since I was there I decided to take advantage of this weeks sales and my Extra Care Bucks that were left over from my Black Friday trip.

I bought two items:
1 Lysol No-touch Hand System which was on sale for $9.99.  I had a coupon for $3 off, so my total was $6.99.
1 Complete Contact Eye Solution that was on sale for $8.99.

I was able to use the $13.31 ECB from my Black Friday trip, plus I found another $2 in Extra Care Bucks hidden in my wallet:)

My total after taxes was $1.25!  AND I received $5 ECB back from the Lysol soap and $8.99 ECB back from the contact solution.  Now I had a replenished supply of $14.99 in ECB!  YAY!

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My Black Friday CVS Shopping Trip

As I am not a fan of crowds at the mall, the only store that I ventured to today was CVS.  I much prefer Cyber Monday as opposed to Black Friday:)

After reading this post on Simply CVS - I was inspired and excited to make the trip.  I went after dinner so that I would be able to do multiple transactions at the self checkout without causing others to have to wait.  My plan worked out perfectly!  I was able to do 7 different transactions, spent $15.65 and still have $13.31 Extra Care Bucks (ECB) to use on my next trip!! 

Here is a break-out of my trip (since this sale ends tomorrow you still have time to try this yourself!):

Transaction #1:
1 L.A. Looks Styling Gel 20 oz. (on sale $2.49; regular price $3.99 and get $2.49 ECB)
1 Colgate Total Advance 4 oz. (on sale $2.87; regular price $3.49 and get $2.87 ECB)
1 Benefiber Sticks 3 count (on sale $1.49; regular price $1.67 and get $1.49 ECB)

Coupons used:
$1 off of Colgate Total
$1 off of any Benefiber

Total after coupons and tax: $5.25  (my receipt says that I saved $4.30)
AND I received $6.85 Extra Care Bucks to be used on my next purchase!

Transaction #2:
1 Listerine Pocketpaks 72 count (on sale $2.99; regular price $3.99 and get $2.99 ECB)
1 Colgate Total Advance 4 oz. (on sale $2.87; regular price $3.49 and get $2.87 ECB)
1 Finish Quantum 10 count (on sale $2.99; regular price $5.29 and get $2.99 ECB)

Coupons used:
$1 off of Colgate Total
$1 off of any Finish product
$6.85 from Transaction #1

Total after coupons and tax: $0.65  (my receipt says that I saved $12.77)
AND I received $8.85 Extra Care Bucks to be used on my next purchase!

Transaction #3:
2 Fireballs (my favorite candy) ($0.99 each)
1 Listerine Pocketpaks 72 count (on sale $2.99; regular price $3.99 and get $2.99 ECB)
1 Cepacol Lozenges 16 count (on sale $4.99; regular price $5.89 and get $4.99 ECB)
1 Wet and Wild Festive Flirt Nail Kit  (on sale $2.88; regular price $5.99 and get $2.00 ECB)
1 Be Kool Kids Gel Pack 4 count  (on sale $4.49; regular price $5.49 and get $4.49 ECB)

Coupons used:
$8.85 from Transaction #2

Total after coupons and tax: $9.06  (my receipt says that I saved $14.86)
AND I received $14.47 Extra Care Bucks to be used on my next purchase!

Transaction #4:
1 Snickers Candy Bar (on sale $0.75; regular price $1.19 and get $0.75 ECB)
1 Kleenex Cool Touch (on sale $1.50; regular price $2.57 and get $1.50 ECB)
1 Carmax Tube (on sale $1.00; regular price $1.67 and get $1.00 ECB)
1 CVS Flossers (I bought the wrong ones, these cost $2.27 as they were the 36 count instead of the 90 count that was on sale...oops!)

Coupons used:
$0.30 off of Carmax
$0.40 off of Kleenex Cool Touch Tissues
$4.99 from Transaction #3

Total after coupons and tax: $0.16  (my receipt says that I saved $7.87)
AND I received $3.25 Extra Care Bucks to be used on my next purchase!


Transaction #5:
1 Starbucks Double Shot Drink 6.5 oz. (on sale $1.69; regular price $2.09 and get $1.69 ECB)
1 Pepto Bismol 4oz. (on sale $2.99; regular price $3.99 and get $2.99 ECB)
1 Breathe Right strips (on sale $5.99; regular price $7.29 and get $5.99 ECB)

Coupons used:
$1.50 off of Breathe Right
$8.98 from Transactions #3 and 4

Total after coupons and tax: $0.19  (my receipt says that I saved $13.18)
AND I received $10.67 Extra Care Bucks to be used on my next purchase!

Transaction #6:
1 CVS AAA Batteries (on sale $3.65; regular price $3.99 and get $3.65 ECB)
1 Advil 10 count (on sale $2.99; regular price $3.29 and get $2.99 ECB)
1 Hersery's Chocolate Candy (on sale $0.99; regular price $1.87 and get $0.99 ECB)

Coupons used:
$7.74 from Previous Transactions

Total after coupons and tax: $0.23  (my receipt says that I saved $9.26)
AND I received $7.63 Extra Care Bucks to be used on my next purchase!

Transaction #7:
1 Snickers Candy Bar (on sale $0.75; regular price $1.19 and get $0.75 ECB)
1 M&M Candy Bar (on sale $0.75; regular price $1.19 and get $0.75 ECB)
2 SoftLips (on sale $2.00 each; regular price $3.39 each and get $2.00 ECB - for just one) 

Coupons used:
$1 off of 2 Softlips
$4.50 from Previous Transactions

Total after coupons and tax: $0.11  (my receipt says that I saved $9.16)
AND I received $3.50 Extra Care Bucks to be used on my next purchase!

So my total out of pocket tonight was $15.65 and I have $13.31 in Extra Care Bucks left -- even with my one mistake on the CVS Dental Flossers!! 

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Turkey Cupcakes

Almost done cooking our Thanksgiving feast!  Woohoo!!  I cannot wait to celebrate with my family:)

I made a bunch of things in advance but still have a few last minute things to do tomorrow.  What was my favorite thing that I made so far?  The turkey cupcakes, of course!!  I have made these for the last 5 years because they are just SO cute.  I got the idea from a Betty Crocker ad I saw in a magazine.  Here is how mine turned out.

I started out by making chocolate cupcakes and then frosted the top with chocolate icing.

Next I put some chocolate icing in a ziplock bag and cut the corner off.  I piped on a turkey head.

Last but not least, I took candy corns (left over from Halloween) and gave my turkey a beak and feathers.  I also added a few chocolate sprinkles to his body. 

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

XOXO

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Scented Glue Art

My kitchen smells great thanks to our art project of the day!  I got this idea after reading two other blogs (here and here), but I had to modify it a bit for my daughter's age.  Here is what we did.

I taped two sheets of paper down to our table, located some Elmer's glue and took out three different spices - cinnamon, sage and oregano - nothing hot in case some ended up in little tummies!

Together, we squeezed the glue all over the paper.  She tried to do it on her own, but didn't quite get the concept yet (and at 22 months, that is OK with me).

Then I let her loose with the spices.  First the cinnamon and sage.  Then the oregano (which was slower to come out of the bottle).  She had a blast shaking the bottles!!

After we got rid of what didn't stick to the glue, this is what we had left.  She kept smelling the paper HA!

Lesson learned...keep your vaccum handy...this was a little messy:)

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5 FREE photo cards!

My Publisher has another offer!  Enter in your email address and get a code for 5 free photo cards PLUS free shipping!  No need to enter in a credit card.

Hurry, this offer ends on Nov. 23rd!

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Thanksgiving Morning Traditions

Growing up my mom always hosted Thanksgiving at our house.  I loved it!  It became my favorite holiday!  Waking up to the smell of the turkey in the oven and munching on whatever I could all morning...yum!  We would NEVER miss the Macy's Thanksgiving parade on TV!  EVER!  My favorite part was Santa of course at the very end:)

One other tradition that I remember is our breakfast.  I guess my mom didn't want to have to spend too much time cooking breakfast since she was so busy with the turkey dinner.  She would wait until right before the parade started and serve up warm Pillsbury Cinnamon Buns as a treat:)  Now you should know - I have a major sweet tooth - so these were always a favorite of mine!

Fast forward a few years and Thanksgiving has become "my" holiday.  So of course I find myself making alot of the same dishes my parents had served at their house, watching the Macy's parade (usually now just in the background) and now that I have a daughter of my own, serving our little family cinnamon buns for breakfast:)  It always takes me back in time...love it!

I haven't gotten a chance to buy them yet for Thursday, but I printed out this coupon to use at the store.  If you want to use it too, head over here and click on the "Food" link on the left.

Note:  I have not been paid by Pillsbury...this is just my Thanksgiving story I wanted to share:)

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More inexpensive Photo Cards!

Last year was my little peanuts very first Christmas so I went all out on everything - her dress, photo sessions, gifts, cards - everything!  It wasn't until after I got all my bills that I realized how over the top it all was.  So this year my goal is to spend less, starting with our Christmas cards. 

Everytime I find another deal I will share it with you.  I already shared with you my 10 free cards from My Publisher here.  Today I found another great deal at InkGarden.  Use the code HOLIDAYCARDS at checkout and you can score 20 Photo Cards for just $1 plus shipping!!  Hurry because this code expires on November 30th!

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$25 Gift Certificate for as low as $3!!

Another deal at Restaurant.com!!  This time use the code TRAVEL at checkout and you can get a great deal on restaurant gift certificates!  These would make great Christmas presents or perfect for date night:)

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How did I get 10 FREE Christmas cards?

Although I haven't had the time to take a nice Christmas card photo, when I heard about getting 10 free Christmas cards from My Publisher I jumped at the opportunity.

My cards came in the mail yesterday.  The turnaround time is incredibly fast and the product was really nice, so I wanted to share the deal with you.

All you have to do is head over to MyPublisher and use the code HAPPY10FREE at checkout.  No need to enter in a payment method since your total will be $0.

Thanks Frugal Coupon Living!

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Wordless Wednesday

In honor of Jack's birthday about a week ago....he was 7!!

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Deals of the day - CVS and A&P

I made two quick stops today because the deals were too good for me to pass up.

First on my list was CVS.  If you saved the November P&G brand saver (from the coupons in the paper on the last weekend in October), there is a $1 off coupon for any size Gillette Fusion Shaving Cream.

I bought one trial size Gillette Fusion Shaving Cream (2.5 oz) which was regularly priced at $2.37, but with my coupon it came down to $1.37.  However, this week CVS is giving you back $2 in Extra Care Bucks to use on your next purchase when you buy one of the Gillette Shaving Creams.

So I paid $1.37, but I walked out of the store with $2 to use for my next purchase!

Next up, we headed over the A&P.  I picked up a jumbo pack of Huggies and a package of Huggies wipes (64 count) since their deal was buy a jumbo pack of diapers and get the wipes for free.

Of course I also had coupons.  Here is how I got the best deal.

Jumbo Pack of Huggies (on sale; $8.99; regular price was $10.99)
64 count of Huggies Wipes (on sale; $2.49; regular price was $3.59)

Coupons used:
$3 off of 1 pack of Huggies Diapers
$.50 off of 1 pack of Huggies Wipes (which doubled)

The store also subtracted the sale price of the wipes ($2.49)

Total after coupons: $4.99

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Turkey Cards

My little peanut is the only grandchild on both sides, so whenever I can send them something "handmade" I like to.  Family...this is your cue to stop reading:)

This weekend we made turkey cards.  We did something similar at our Mommy and Me class for Mother's Day so I just modified it slightly for the different holiday.

We started out with red, orange, yellow, brown and white construction paper...the little peanut picked out each color by herself!

On the red, orange and yellow paper, I traced out her hands and cut them out.  I needed a total of 6 hands (two in each color) per card.

Then I traced her feet on the brown paper and cut that out.

I took the white construction paper I had and folded it in half (so it turned into a card) and glued the hand prints down like this (thumbs out) to become the turkey's feathers.

Next the cut out foot print was glued on top of the feathers (toes down).  The last thing we did was cut out a triangle from the orange paper to use for the turkey's beak.

I put the little peanuts name and age down at the bottom.  I know all the grandparents are gonna LOVE this!  It helps to freeze time - her hands and feet won't grow on this turkey!!!

This link was shared with life made lovely , sewcando, Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo

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Our Shoprite Trips - Triple Coupons!!

We were lucky enough to live close to a Shoprite (White Plains, NY) that was offering triple coupons this weekend (up to 99 cents)!! 

Together with both husbands and the little peanut we headed over there tonight after dinner.  Here is what we walked away with!

The older saster spent $62.85 and the receipts says I saved $85.80 today:)

The younger saster (only by 14 months) spent $36.08 and the receipt shows a $72.02 savings!!  She obviously wins the "I saved the most" award and bragging rights...

I cannot think of a better way of spending our Saturday night together...saving money:)

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Giveaway winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered in our first giveaway!!  Not to worry, it will not be our last, so be sure to follow us via GFC:)

I am very excited to announce our winner!!  Using the random generator from random.org, we have selected Comment #6, Miranda Ward to receive this adorable turkey hairbow.

Congrats Miranda!!

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Last day of Giveaway and Restaurant.com is 80% off!!

TGIF!!!!!  I am ready to get this weekend started - are you?

Happy 11.11.11 :)  That also means today is the last day of our Turkey Hairbow Giveaway!  If you haven't already entered, you have a few more hours (ends at midnight)!

Also.........have you heard about Restaurant.com?  If not, today is the perfect day to check it out since they are offering an 80% discount when you use the coupon code HAM during checkout (valid through 11/15)! 

I was able to pick up 5 $25 Gift Certificates for ONLY $11 in total!  Amazing!

These are perfect for date nights, family dinners, mom's night out, christmas gifts or whatever!  Enter in your zip code and check out all the deals near you!! 

Enjoy your weekend!!

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Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

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Every second counts!

As a working mom I try to make every minute I am with my daughter count!  This is especially important to me in the morning as we both get ready for our day.  I have come up with a few "activities" that are fun, keep her engaged for a few minutes and help her to count.

I also try to recycle items whenever possible.  One of my daughters favorite things to do is take a few packets of tissues (these have Winnie the Pooh characters on them - I got them for sale at Bed Bath and Beyond a few years ago) and put them in and out of an old Huggies Wipes container (again Winnie the Pooh...if you haven't already guessed, she really likes him!).  This keeps her busy while I dry my hair or put on make-up.  I try to have her count the tissues as she takes them in and out of the box.

Another favorite activity of hers is to take straws and put them in a plastic cup.  Again she loves to count them one by one and then when she finished she will take the cup and dump it out and start all over again. 

I would love to hear from you if you have any other ideas on keeping your little one occupied, engaged and learning all while using everyday household items.

This link was shared with 1+1+1=1, Mom to 2 Posh Little Divas, Strictly Homemade, Polka Dots on Parade and Laugh, Love and Craft

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My CVS trip - 8 items for under $10.00!!

I ran up to CVS this afternoon mainly because I love Aveeno and saw that it was on sale in the CVS flyer.  While I was there I went thru the Halloween items since they were marked down 75% percent (I have no problem putting things in a box for next year)!  For less then $10.00, here is what I walked out of the store with:

Here is what I did:

My 1st Transaction:
2 Aveeno 12 oz. bottles of moisturizer (on sale; 2 for $13; regular price was 9.99)

Coupons used:
$3 off of 2 Aveeno products (from the SmartSource 10-31 circular)
$3 Extra Care Bucks left over from last week

Total after coupons and tax: $8.09  (my receipt says that I saved $12.98)
AND I received $7 Extra Care Bucks to be used on my next purchase!!!


My 2nd Transaction (I went to the back of the line so I didn't upset any customers):
1 500 mL bottle of Listerine (on sale; $3.99; regular price was $5.99)
1 pack of Trident (on sale for $.99; regular price was $1.49) - I really wanted gum today:)
4 different Halloween items found in the clearance section (all were 75% off)

Coupons used:
$1 off - Listerine (from the Red Plum 10-9 circular)
$7 Extra Care Bucks from my previous transaction

Total after coupons and tax: $1.22  (my receipt says that I saved $19.86)
AND I received $2 Extra Care Bucks to be used on my next purchase!!!


These are all items that I needed/use.  I try not to buy things just for the sake of having a coupon, but rather try to match the coupon up with a sale on something that I need or could use.

Was this helpful?  Will you be heading over to CVS for some deals?  Please share, I would love to hear about your shopping trip savings:)

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Not one but TWO Freebies today!

Two different freebies for you today!!

The first one is for a free Thanksgiving Card from Tiny Prints!  For today only, you can head over to Tiny Prints, customize a card and have it shipped to yourself for free (you can pay extra to mail it to someone else).  Once you add the card to your cart, use the code FREETHX11.

I am not sure what Post-It is giving away, but it's worth signing up real quick.  Plus I LOVE surprises that come in the mail:)

Head over here to Post-It Notes (3M) and enter in your information.  When you are done you can also print out a $1.00 off coupon!

Thanks Money Saving Mom!!

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And the winner is....

A few weeks ago I told you about my upcoming 5K race...well, the little peanut and I FINISHED!  YAY!

I just got an email from the organizers of the race with a link to the photo album - being that I was only one of a handful of moms pushing a stroller, I ended up in front of the camera a few times:)  (That day VERY windy and chilly; I quickly realized the reason for the small number of jogging strollers around me....pushing one directly into the wind was like pushing a brick!)

In action...

Crossing the finish line...

P.S. The new sneakers were...AWESOME!  What a great purchase!

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