Savings Cafe

Couponing 2.0 or Why I Love Amazon Subscribe and Save

2011-03-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

So its been a while since I wrote a post. A lot has changed in my personal life since I last blogged. The biggest change was the birth of my first baby, a boy named Liam. He is the greatest thing that ever happened and I love him so much! I've since gone from working full time and being career driven, to working part time and being happy family driven.

Also, my thoughts on couponing have shifted quite a bit. I no longer have the time to run out to CVS or Walgreens as soon as I find a hot deal. Scoring a sweet deal on toothpaste or any other household item used to be such fun but now I just don't want to have to go to the trouble of loading the baby in the car seat and getting him back out...blah blah blah. With that said, I've discovered the joy of Amazon's subscribe and Save program. Now, everything I need shows up on my door step and I don't have to clip a coupon or make a special trip. I love how the prices are broken down by oz. or wipe or diaper. It helps me to know exactly what I'm spending and if I'm getting a good deal. In addition to that, I do a lot of internet searches for my job as a designer so I use Swagbucks for all of my searches and when I accumulate enough Swagbucks, I redeem them for Amazon gift cards and use them to pay for my Subscribe and Save purchases.

I'm not saying I've given up on couponing completely, its just at this phase in my life, Amazon is a better deal for my time and money. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Amazon and if it has helped your family.

Also, if you haven't signed up for Swagbucks, you can click on the link to the right and get started.

Good Deal on Colgate Toothbrushes at CVS

2009-09-25T08:33:00.001-07:00

Look in the travel size section of CVS and you'll find Colgate toothbrushes on sale for .99 cents. Purchase this toothbrush and receive $1.00 Extra Care Buck. Its like getting them free after Extra Care Buck.

Consignment Shop Deal

2009-07-30T10:32:00.001-07:00

As part of my recent birthday suprise, my hubby took me clothes shopping. Of course my penny pinching self had to figure out how to score a good deal. I can't bring myself to pay full price on my birthday! For a while now, I have been wanting to visit this new consignment shop called Renaissance that recently opened up in the Lee Branch area of Birmingham. When hubs asked me if there were any new shops I wanted to try, I immediately thought of this place. The atmosphere of the shop feels really upscale and boutique-y however, their prices are so great!

I looked around for a while and found several things that I loved. They have casual and formal clothes and they also sale accessories and bridal gowns. But imagine my shock when I spotted this J. Crew seersucker suit for $19. Its in excellent condition and it fits perfectly. I kept telling my hubby, "can you believe this?" After I tried the suit on I was so excited that I didn't look for anything else to purchase but I will definitely be back very soon to update my wardrobe.

Renaissance is not only a fun place to shop but charitable. On the first Friday of every month, they donate 5% of total sales to a charitable organization. If your in the Birmingham area, you should definitely check them out.

E-Mealz

2009-07-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

In my quest to save time and money with menu planning, I have recently started using E-Mealz. I saw the menu on a friend's refrigerator while I was visiting her one day. Needless to say, it peaked my curiosity. She started telling me how it cut her monthly grocery budget almost in half. I was hooked by this point, then she tells me how E-Mealz will plan menus based on whats on sale at Publix this week. I could have squealed, this is the answer to menu planning.

As soon as I got home, I looked up E-Mealz and started reading about all the benefits. Here is the breakdown:

$15 for 3 months
Plans a menu for seven days
Organized shopping list is printed for you
Meals are numbered so you can eliminate meals you don't need that week.
Meals are developed based on what is on sale at several stores including Publix, Wal-Mart, Aldi & Kroger
Choose from Low Fat, Low Carb & Points System Menus

So what are you waiting for? I've been doing this for about three weeks and it has saved us so much time and money. And did I mention the food is delicious as well?! The recipes are printed on the side of the menu and they are real simple and easy to follow. The food is quick to prepare as well.

If I've peaked your interest, just click on the button on the right to save time & money for your family!

Blogger Giveaway

2009-06-16T10:57:00.001-07:00

Head on over to Trina's blog at Fabulously Frugalicious. She is giving away TWO cute handmade key fobs. These things are sooo cute, the would make great gifts ideas plus they are perfectly practical. They come in all kinds of stylish fabrics that are sure to suit your taste. Let me know if you win!

Free Christian Music Downloads

2009-04-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite sites to check out new Christian music is iTickets. Every Tuesday they offer a free download of a new Christian artist or a well known artist's new song. They promise one every week but usually there is two or sometimes three. I have discovered so many new artists this way such as Kari Jobe, Since October, Deluge, Dizmas, House of Heroes, Fiction Family, Starfield, I could go on and on. When you open the page, look to your lower left to see who the download of the week is. This week its Mercy Me and Future of Forestry. By the way, Future of Forestry has an awesome Euro-rock sound!

In addition to free music, you can stay up to date on Christian concerts and events that are going on in your area. You will have to create a log in with your email address and a password and then you'll be on your way to tons of positive, upbeat free music!

Coupon Roundup

2009-04-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Horizon Organic - Sign up here to print coupons for Horizon Organic products, currently you can print $.55 off of their Tuberz products but usually you can find $1.00 off of their milk.

Artscow.com is offering their custom cushion case for $5.99. These would make great Mother's Day gifts...just have her favorite picture of her children or grandchildren printed on them. Use coupon code CUSHIONCASE599 at checkout.

Click here to print a $10 off a $30 purchase from Party City.

Bath & Body Works is having a buy 3 get three free promotion on their Signature Collection. Check out this awesome sale here. They offer free shipping for orders over $65. Use code FREESHIP65 at checkout.

Saving for Christmas Shopping

2009-04-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Recently, it dawned on me that if I was patient, I could have a very frugal Christmas. "How?" do you ask?

Swagbucks - I've been using Swagbucks for about 3 weeks now and already I've got enough to get a $5 Amazon gift card and then some. All you do is sign up, log in and use their search engine for your internet searches. Their search engine is powered by Google, so you'll find what your looking for. You can click on my Swagbucks button on the right and sign up and be on your way to some awesome gift cards. I'm going to let mine accumulate until I get ready to Christmas shop so I can get some good gifts for practically nothing.

Inbox Dollars - Get paid to read emails! Its as simple as that. Everyday I get an average of three emails and I open them, scan them and then go on about my business. You can also get paid to shop, play games and take surveys. I currently have about $17 in my account, but by Christmas I'll be ready to shop 'til I drop! You can also click on the link to the right and start earning some cash for Christmas.

E-Rewards - This is a survery site that rewards you in e-currency. You can redeem your e-currency for various rewards such as gift cards, airline miles, magazine subcriptions, clothing, food and dining.

Coupon Roundup

2009-04-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

Print $10.50 in coupons from Arm & Hammer. Publix currently has the 120 0z. bottle of Arm & Hammer detergent on Advantage Buy for $8.49.

You might have already heard about this but check out Old Navy Weekly for awesome coupons at Old Navy! You'll have to search around the site by clicking on various objects. I've heard rumors of a $75 off of a $100 purchase but I have not had such luck with finding one. However, I did score a 30% off a single item. Also, word is they reload coupons on Thursdays.

Print $9 in coupons from Betty Crocker's Dinner Made Easy Site.

Cheap Glade Candles at Walgreens

2009-04-06T11:54:00.001-07:00

I'm a candle freak so naturally, I got pretty excited about this deal. This week at Walgreens, Glade Jar Candles are $2.99 each with a mail in rebate of $1 each. So I worked out this little scenario:

Buy 4 Glade Jar Candles @ $2.99
Print two $1.50 / 2 Glade Candles here
Submit receipt online here for $4.00 rebate

Total price = $4.96 final price for 4 Glade Candles...and in case you wanted to know, I'll be getting the Crisp Linen scent. Don't forget to have your rebate added to a gift card and they'll add an extra 10% which would give you a rebate of $4.40.

Free Aveeno Sample

2009-03-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hurry and be one of the first 1,000 people to sign up here to try a full size Aveeno Nourish+ shampoo and conditioner for free. Don't worry, if your not one of the first 1,000 to sign up, you will still have the opportunity to receive a free sample. Hurry and good luck!!

Walgreens $5 off $20 Online Purchase

2009-03-28T05:14:00.000-07:00

Today through April 3rd you can get $5 off your online purchase of $20 or more at Walgreens. Enter code ACHOO at checkout. Also, don't forget to order through a site such as Ebates, so you can get cash back on your purchase.

Coupon Matchups and Previews

2009-03-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

If your looking for the best deals at Publix or Winn-Dixie this week, check out http://www.fiddledeedeemom.com, Sarah has all the printable and non-printable coupon matchups.

For a preview of what will be on sale at CVS and Walgreens in the coming week check out Andrea @ Mommy Snacks. She has an advance copy of the sales ad along with coupon matchups.

Also, if you see an item you want to stock up on, don't forget you can order extra coupons from The Coupon Clippers. You can search by brand and they understand that coupons are time sensitive so you will get your coupons quickly.

Lastly, sign up with The Coupon Mom to search for coupon matchups by state. She lists matchups by date and insert name, such as Red Plum, Smartsource or P&G and will also tell you where to find additional printable coupons. I have switched to Coupon Mom's method of organization and it has saved me tons of time because I'm not clipping and organizing coupons that I don't use.

Walgreens Savings

2009-03-25T10:59:00.001-07:00

I like to shop at Walgreens as much as I like to shop at CVS. Walgreens always has good deals and offers monthly rebates in addition to Register Rewards which are similar to CVS' Extra Bucks.

This week they have a rockin' deal on the Schick Quattro razor - as a side note, the Walgreens lady was so sweet to make sure I got the one with the "pretty handle." The Quattro is on sale for $8.99 this week, use the $4.00 off coupon from the 3/22 Smartsource and the $4.00 off coupon from Walgreen's Easy Saver catalog (at the front of the store) and you'll pay $.99 for this razor.

The garbage bags are on sale for 2 for $7 but they are offering a $3.00 rebate with the purcase of two boxes that will then bring the cost down to $4.00 for two boxes. I have been using these garbage bags for about a year and I've always had good luck with them.

The AXE hair care is free after rebate of $5.99 and I was suprised to see they were so well stocked on this item so late in the month.

Finally, the storage bags (ziploc bags) are on sale for $.99 with the coupon from the sales ad and the same goes for the softsoap hand wash. The doggy treats were on clearance at $2.19.

My out of pocket total came to $23.83 but I will receive $8.99 back in rebates on my gift card that I can use for next month's purchases.

For more info on the Easy Saver Rebates go here. In addition to that you can check out From Wags to Riches which is a great blog about all the good deals at Walgreens.

CVS Savings

2009-03-25T10:50:00.001-07:00

A free razor is always nice but when that free razor comes with a travel size shampoo and conditioner, thats even better! If you go to CVS this week for the Intuition Razor deal, look for the ones with the sample size Cool Moisture Dove Shampoo and Conditioner.

The Razor is on sale for $8.99 this week and it offers $3.00 Extra Bucks...combine that with the $4.00 off coupon from the 3/22 Smartsource and the total is $1.99. Also, I never pass up on a St. Ives deal because hubby uses the face wash. So I bought $11.97 in face scrub and earned $5.00 ECB's. I used $14.00 in ECB's to purchase these products because some of them were going to expire soon so my total came to $3.52 Out of Pocket an I earned $8.00 in ECB's. Even thought I *lost* ECB's I still consider it a success.

CVS $5 Challenge

2009-03-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

This week I decided to participate in the CVS $5 Challenge, hosted by Alyssa at Kingdom First Mom.com. The challenge is to come up with a scenario to purchase items you need at CVS with a budget of $5.00 out of pocket.

Transaction #1

Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste $3.49

Use .50 off coupon from the 3/15 P&G insert - or $1.00 any crest toothpaste from Publix

$2.99 (or $2.49) Out of pocket

Receive $3.49 in ECB's

Transaction #2

Schick Intuition Razor - $8.99

Use $4.00 off coupon from 3/22 Smartsource

Use $3.49 in ECB's from transaction #1

Pay $1.50 Out of Pocket

Receive $3.00 ECB's for next week!

Total out of pocket is $4.49 for $12.48 in products. - I have to give Alyssa credit for this scenario - its the best one this week for newbies.

Also, Check out this post from Coupon Cravings for the scoop on What's Free at CVS this week.

Party City Coupon

2009-03-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

Party City is offering a coupon for $10 off your next purchase of $30 or more. Click here to print yours! Don't forget that party city also offers wedding supplies if your currently planning one!

Whole Foods Coupon Matchups

2009-03-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

The following coupon matchups are good for the Birmingham, AL location of Whole Foods. You will need to pick up a copy of the Whole Deal booklet at the front of the store for the non-printable coupons. Also, you can download their specials in .pdf format here.

Organic Valley Vermont Cheddar Cheese 16oz. $5.99 - $1.00 off any Organic Valley Cheese

Tazo Packaged Tea 20 count - 2 for $6 - $1.00 off one box of Tazo in the Whole Deal booklet

Lifeway Lowfat Kefirs 32oz. - 2 for $6 - $1.00 off any Lifeway Product

Think Organic Fruit Bars Assorted Flavors 1.76 oz. - 4 for $5 - $.50 off one Think Organic Bar in the Whole Deal Booklet

Also included in the Whole Deal booklet is a coupon for $3 off a $12 produce purchase

Navel Oranges - $.79 / lb.

Strawberries - 2 for $5 for a 1lb. package

Organic Bartlett Pears - $1.49 / lb.

Meat Specials

Ground Chuck is $3.39 / lb. use it to make their Mexican Taco Stew that will feed a crowd for around $3.11 a serving

Bone-in Chicken Thighs $1.99 / lb use them to make their Chicken Millet and Mushroom One-Skillet Meal

Have fun at Whole Foods...I know I do!

Awesome Party!

2009-03-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to meet a fellow blogger! Her name is Trina and she writes, Fabulously Frugalicious. I have been reading her blog for a while and she invited her readers to join her for a South Beach Foods party. She is the nicest person! She greeted me with a hug and made me feel so welcome, even though I didn't know anyone there. Her family and are so nice and they all introduced themselves to me. Thanks again, Trina, for having me at your house! Check out her post on the party and read about all the fun we had!

Also, she can give you the scoop on a company called houseparty.com. They give you free products to host a party for your friends and family!

Friday Coupons

2009-03-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

Restaurant.com is again offering their 80% off sale. You can purchase a $25 gift certificate for $2. Use code DINE at checkout. This will work out well since we are taking my little brother in law out to eat tonight for his birthday - Happy Birthday Paul - he's the big 16 today!!!

Aveeno is offering a $2 off coupon for next Aveeno purchase. This month CVS is offering $2 Extra Bucks with the purchase of Aveeno shaving cream. $4.99 shaving cream - $2 coupon - $2 ECB = is like paying $.99!

Proctor & Gamble has a site set up for sampling their products and printing coupons. Go here to check it out. Sign up is required.

WholeMeals is offering a $3 coupon off of their dog food. You can purchase their dog food at specialty stores. From what I can tell from their web site, the whole meal comes in the form of a bone.

CVS Savings

2009-03-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

This week I did not follow my own advice and went to CVS today instead of Sunday when I would have had a better chance of scoring some deals. But, I lucked out and I was still able to get everything on my list. The Maybelline/Garnier deal was too good to pass up. Here is the play by play:

(2) Palmolive - $1.49 ea. - earned $2.00 ECB's
Vaseline Total Moisture Lotion - $3.69 - earned $2.00 ECB's - used $.55 off coupon
Maybelline Foundation - $8.00 - used $2.00 off coupon
Maybelline Mascara - $4.00 - $1.00 off coupon - earned $5 ECB's for the Maybelline products
Edge Shave Gel - $2.00
CVS Cotton Swabs - $1.99
Used $11 in ECB's from a previous transaction

Total - $6.48 Out Of Pocket!!!!

I orderd my coupons from The Coupon Clippers. The cost for $43 in coupons was only $4.38! Stay tuned for more on that later!

Swagbucks Code

2009-03-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

Theres a new Swagbucks code available on their blog. You can enter this code and receive one Swagbuck. - Thanks Sarah @ Fiddledeedee! Hurry because it won't last much longer!!!

Swagbucks

2009-03-10T18:48:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I'm not normally the first person to try something. I normally like to see what the general consensus is before I dive in. Enter Swagbucks. As I've been reading blogs, I've been noticing people saying the same thing...Swagbucks is awesome.

Heres the deal...you create an account at Swagbucks and then any time you need to search the web, you log in and search the web using their Google powered search engine. As you search you are periodically rewarded with Swagbucks. You can then redeem those Swagbucks for merchandise and gifts cards. There are also several other ways to earn Swagbucks...such as shopping through their site. You will be awarded one Swagbuck for every $5 spent. Also, you can trade in cell phones and video games, invite your friends to join, comment on their blog and interact on their facebook page.

You can use the link to the right of this post to check it out. Let me know what you think!

Coupons & Sales

2009-03-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Estee Lauder is offering a free eye duo with any $50 purchase. Offer expires March 31st. Use code EYESTYLE at checkout.

Artscow.com is have their Crazy $.99 dog tag promotion. These dog tags are cute, you personalize the dog tag with your own photos. These would make cute Mother's Day Gifts. Dads, you could have your child's picture printed on them for mom! Use code COWTAG99 at checkout.

Kohl's is offering 30-35% off of their swimwear. It includes the new Speedo collection from Michael Phelps. They are also offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Go here to check it out.

Save 50% on Restaurant.com gift certificates. Pay $5 for a $25 gift certificate. Use code CHEF at checkout.

CVS Savings

2009-03-03T18:45:00.000-08:00

I had a great week at CVS this week. Mostly because I went on Sunday instead of waiting until the end of the week when all the good stuff was gone. Also because I've discovered that to really get the most benefit, you need to keep your tranactions small. Anytime I've ever tried to do one big transaction, it always backfires on me.

This week all of the products I wanted were in stock so I didn't have to try to adjust my transaction in my head. It went as follows:

Carnation Instant Breakfast - $4.99 - earns $4.99 ECB's

(2) Act Mouthwash - $1.98 - earns $1.98 in ECB's

Aveeno Shaving Cream - $4.99 - earns $2.00 ECB's used $2.00 off coupon here

Dawn Dish Liquid - $.97 - used $.50 off coupon from this Sunday's paper

Johnson's Buddies Soap - $1.19 - used $1.00 off coupon

CVS Vitamin D - $2.99 - earns $2.99 in ECB's

I used $12 in ECB's that I had earned from last week's transactions and paid a total of $2.10 out of pocket. For this transaction I earned $11.96 in ECB's.