Mar 31, 2009

Do you guys want free Food ideas?

We try not to eat out too much (we do love it), but when we do, it's great to use a coupon.
Can I say that for Valentine's Day we used a B1G1 coupon and then went for free ice cream--romantic!

Receive a FREE Quiznos Toasty Torpedo with the purchase of a Toasty Torpedo Combo! Go HERE, and click on the link in the bottom left hand side that says, "Play Toast and Destroy". Play the game (you won't need to win). When your game is over, Register your info and you can then print your coupon.

Free TP?

You may be familiar with the free Cottonelle TP at Kroger stores (inc. Dillons and Gerbes). It has been on sale for $.99 and with a $.50/1 coupon, which is doubled, it is free. The coupon has just returned to coupons.com-- click the link in the upper right corner of this blog to find it. You can print it twice. HOWEVER, it is being reported all over the country that the Cottonelle is no longer being restocked. So, it seems that when it is gone, it will be gone. There may still be some out there, though!

No more at Dillons on both Sunshine and E. St. Louis. Let us know if you do or don't find it somewhere. I'm tired of these wild goose chases!

Muir Glen and Cascadian Farms coupons

Sign up with eat better america, and you can then print off coupons for Muir Glen and Cascadian Farms, along with others. Don't forget to hit the back browser to print twice. Also, I believe you will then be sent a coupon book in the mail. Not sure, as I haven't received mine yet.

Mar 30, 2009

More Organic Printable Coupons

Simply Organic Spices, Mixes, etc.
Print out these three coupons for savings on a variety of Simply Organic food products: Save 50 cents off any two of their dips, dressings or seasoning packets; $1 off any two of their bottled spices; and $1 off any of their grinders (this last one expires 4/30/09).
These are in .pdf format, so you could probably print them as many times as you needed to,

Imagine Soups
Print out a coupon for $1.50 off any 2 organic, gourmet Imagine Soups or Broths. Varieties include butternut squash, portobello mushroom, free-range chicken broth and lots more.
This is the same deal I posted about on my last Dillons trip. I printed those from coupons.com, so now, I can print again from this site. Hit the back browser to print twice.

R.W. Knudsen Coupons
Choose from $1.00 coupons for Just Juice, Recharge, or an 8-pack of Sensible Sippers. Looks like you have to choose one and then sign-up. You might try them all, though!

Organic Prairie Meat Coupons
Get $1 off coupons on a variety of organic meat products from Organic Prairie, like their steaks, deli meats, and hot dogs. They expire one month after printing.
I am not sure if Mama Jean's or Akins carries this product, but I printed some to take with me on my next trip. If someone finds them somewhere, let us know! Hit the back browser to print twice.

Ecover Cleaning Products Coupons
Print and save $.75 off any product or $1.00 off any laundry product. It says to choose, but you might try to go back and pick the other, also.

Seventh Generation Coupons
Become a Seventh Generation Nation member (it's free) and access coupons and special offers on their green cleaning products
I believe you get to print each coupon twice. I think they reset these or update them periodically. However, it hasn't happened since I've printed mine. Another note, I heard that Walmart had the baby wipes on sale for $2.xx, but I haven't been able to find them yet. I use the cleaning coupon at Walgreens when I add dishwasher detergent on my orders with overage.



Now, for the mother of all links! I found all of these deals, and so much more, on Ecobunga!

Ecobunga! is your one-stop source for giveaways and deals on green products and services. You'll find sweepstakes, contests, coupons, rebates, sales, free shipping, bulk discounts and more. We link shoppers to great bargains and prizes while helping companies get the word out about their eco-friendly products and services.


Shew! Can I get a round of applause here?

Adding: Printable for $1 off Hylands teething gel

Kill A Watt Monitor on Sale



Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor on sale at Amazon.com

Product Description

Watts killing you? Electricity bills are rising and your lights and appliances can be draining your wallet. Now you can analyze and reduce costs. Find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The Large LCD display will count consumption by the Killowatt-hour, same as your local utility. You can calculate your electrical expenses by the day, week, month, even an entire year. Also check the quality of your power by monitoring Voltage, Line Frequency, and Power Factor. Now you ll know if it is time for a new refrigerator or if that old air conditioner is still saving you money. With the amazing Kill A Watt you ll know Watts" killing you. Now do something about it! Operating Voltage - 115 VAC Max Voltage - 125 VAC Max Current - 15 A Max Power - 1875 VA Unit Dimensions - 5 1/8H x 2 3/8 W x 1 5/8 / Weighs 5 ounces


This looks like so much fun! I really want one. Don't know if I will end up getting it now, but it seems to be a great price.

The Future of Food playing at the Gillioz



The Well-Fed Neighbor Alliance, with the kind support and assistance of Gillioz Theater, will present the critically acclaimed documentary, The Future Of Food, Tuesday, March 31st, 7 p.m. at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, in Springfield, Mo.


The Future of Food is a clear, logical, and breath-taking depiction of the vulnerability we face for lack of a sustainable local food supply. Tickets are $10 at the door, first come first serve: 50% of the proceeds will go to help fund the Transition ’09 Initiatives of the Alliance.

Local Food Security is an integral component of Transition ’09, an initiative whose goals include local food security, economic re-localization, and a viable energy descent plan.

There will be a Musical introduction by Alexander Kofi, there will be exhibits in the entry hall, and 2 Miles Electric Cars will be on display.


Go Organic Coupon Books



Starting April 1, Go Organic coupon books should be available at all Kroger/Dillons/Gerbes, etc. locations. If you don't see them, be sure to ask about them at customer service. They will be filled with coupons for all kinds of organic brands.

Also, you can sign up for the Go Organic! for Earth Day sweepstakes and be entered for a chance to win a selection of organic products every month for a year!

UPDATE: As of today, April 1, Dillons does not currently have these. I looked at E. St. Louis and Sunshine, and neither store even knew what I was talking about. I contacted the company, and will let you know if I find out if we are getting these, and where.

First 10,000 Get FREE Earthbound Farm Tote!



First 10,000 people to take a pledge to a more sustainable life will win a Free Tote. Go HERE to take the pledge. It was easy and very informative! Not sure, but it seems maybe they will be doing 10,000/week in April? I got one and it should be here in 6-8 weeks! Let me know if you win!

Also, go HERE and test your knowledge in this 10 question quiz and win Earthbound Farm coupons. Plus Earthbound Farm will donate $1 for each entry to the non-profit Healthy Child Healthy World (up to $20,000).

See Earthbound Farm's entire list of promotions, and check back, as they change frequently.

Brita on sale at Walgreens

Brita is on sale at Walgreens this week.
Brita Pitcher, Faucet Mount, and the 3-pack of filters are all on sale for $14.99 each
Go to Filter for Good and click on "Take the Pledge" to receive a $5 off coupon for pitcher or faucet mount, and a $1 off filter.

Thanks Melissa!

Mar 29, 2009

Walgreens trip: 3/29/09



I had a fun time at Walgreens today. There weren't any moneymakers really, but I had a couple items I rolled back and forth. I did all this in several transactions:

Trans 1 Edge Shave Gel $2.99
Chapstick Naturals $1.99
Total: $5.32 (I paid with giftcard, so no out-of-pocket [OOP])
Got back a $3RR and a $2RR
(You could start cheaper by buying only the Edge and then using the RR to buy the chapstick. Don't forget you need a filler item to use up the $1 difference. Or pair it with the softsoap or something else you need. They will never let you have a negative amount.)

Trans 2 6-Mentos Gum 2/$2, I had 6-$1/1 coupons
Chapstick
Used the $3RR (you would need a filler here. I had something on here I had to later return) Got back $2RR

Trans 3 Softsoap 3.99, used $1/1 coupon and $2RR (from chapstick)
Reynolds Foil $.89 with in store ad, used $1/1 coupon (made .11)
4- Glade Soy Candles, $5.99 minus $3 from ESC and I used 4- $4/1 coupons
I printed off the internet
Edge Shave Gel
Used $2RR
Total: $4.14 ( I paid with giftcard) (My mistake here was getting the Edge. If I had gotten a chapstick, I could have used the $3RR and lessened the amount due)
Received: coupon for free softsoap and $3RR

Tran 4 Softsoap (paid with coupon for Free Softsoap)
Tom's of Maine mouthwash, on clearance for $1.69
Chapstick $1.99
Used $3RR
Total $.73 (paid with gc)
Received coupon for free softsoap and $2RR

Tran 5 Softsoap (paid with coupn for freebie)
Edge
Used $2RR
Paid remainder with gc (can't find receipt right now)
Received $3 RR and coupon for Free Softsoap (I'll get it another day. Had to stop sometime!)


I don't think I have paid any OOP at Walgreens in at least 3 or 4 weeks. My gift card I am using is from my rebates from last month. Oh, and I should mention I did get back in line once so that I wasn't being rude. =)

In case you didn't notice, the Softsoap is "rolling". That means when you buy one you get a coupon for another free. When you redeem it for your free one, you get another free, and so on and so on.... They may decide to change this soon, so it may not work like that for long.

Don't forget, you can't use a RR on the same product you received it from--the new RR won't print. That's why we roll 'em! (switch back and forth) (Some Skintimates are also getting RR, but remember it is the same company as Edge, so you can't use RR from one to buy another)

Mar 28, 2009

"Do you have to buy Stuff you don't need?"

I hear this question frequently when people find out I am couponing--particularly at Walgreens. (BTW, CVS may be just as good, if not better, but I wanted to stick to one at this time. And we don't have a CVS in my small town.)

The answer to that question, in my opinion, is YES! In order to really take advantage of all sales, particularly moneymakers--which are what really lower your out of pocket expenses, then, yes, you do often have to buy things you might not need. Particularly if you are particular about what you use/eat.

But, I do not see this as a problem. I see it as a way to bless others.

Here is my suggestion:
Get a box. Put it in an out of the way place. Every time you have the opportunity to get something you don't need and you get it anyway, put it in your box! When you are ready, you can take that box and give it to others in need. Homeless shelter, safehouse for battered women, crisis pregnancy center, nursing home, even your elderly neighbor on a fixed income. People in need are everywhere.

My husband works with guys who are previously homeless and are now in a training program. Because of my couponing, he was able to take all 6 of them new toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and soap yesterday. I felt incredible about it. I have also gotten each of them multivitamins--something that would be a luxury on their fixed grocery budgets. And, I get a bit of a high getting anything free, so, we all win.

If you don't know where to take your box, just email me. I can get it into the hands of people who are in need. So often, I feel like couponing can lead to hoarding and a survival mentality. By sharing with others, it keeps me grounded. I also like to give coupons away in the store, when I see someone shopping for something I have a coupon for and won't be buying. This is a great way to make friends with cashiers, too. =)

Another idea I have heard, is using your stockpile to barter with. I could offer my 6 tubes of Aquafresh to someone for fresh eggs or an item off Craigslist. Why not?!

Let me know how you are blessing others with your finds.

Walgreens: New Month, New Week

If you would like to see the sale match-ups for Walgreens for week of 3/29, GO HERE.

There are a few things this week that I will probably pick up. The Chapsticks Naturals are free after RR. I will probably do that as many times as I can. If nothing else, I think they would make nice gifts or even stocking stuffers. (Just remember you cannot use a RR from a chapsticks deal to buy another chapstick, or the next RR won't print).

I think there may be another RR deal with Colgate Total, toothpaste is next week. so you could roll those back and forth between toothpaste and chapstick. Or between the shave gel below.

The Skintimate and Edge shave gels are also free after RR. I will probably try to get some of this for the guys in our ministry.

If you happened to print the Glade soy candle coupons that were online last week, they will be free this week with coupon and ESR. Also a nice gift.

I know I have at least one coupon I can use to get free foil. I hardly ever use it, but it will be nice to have it stocked up for free. Tip: I reuse the same piece over and over. Once it gets yucky, I wipe it off and recycle it, if it can be cleaned.

I may get some SoyJoy Bars, if I can find the coupon.

I will get the One-A-Day Drink mix that is FAR this month. I think you can use a $1/1 coupon to make it a moneymaker.

I also intend to do the Physician's Formula makeup rebate. I have the coupon (and extras if you need one). But, I think I will wait on this to see if it goes on sale, since it is a month long offer.

I do believe there is also an offer this month, that if you buy $15 worth of Burt's Bees products, you get a free Burt's Bees tote. This is silly, I know, but I want that tote! I recently wrote the company to tell them I didn't like their bubble bath. They said they would replace it. If they send me a coupon, I can use that towards the tote rebate. We shall see. BB's has a few items on clearance at Wags right now--lip shimmers, etc.

So, nothing earth shaking, but some freebies in there. My rule of thumb is, if it is free or a moneymaker, I will try to go for it. I use any overage to buy things I really need.

My next post will be about what I do with all the "extra" stuff. Oh, and BTW, if you see typos, it is because I am typing in the dark. It is Earth Hour!


Get a Free sample of Emergen-C BLUE and Stickers!

Register HERE and they’ll send you Free Stickers and a Free Sample of Emergen-C BLUE.

Hormel Coupon at Dillons

We often eat the Hormel Natural lunchmeat, i.e. turkey, pepperoni, salami. It is uncured, with no nitrates or nitrites. On Wed. I found a blinkie machine at Dillons (on Sunshine) in front of the lunchmeat. It had $.55/1 coupons for the Hormel Naturals. This would double to $1.00/1 if used at Dillons. Dillons only seems to have turkey and ham. We sometimes make homemade pepperoni pizzas, in which case, I get the uncured pepperoni at Walmart--using my coupon there.

Earth Hour Tonight!



Earth Hour is tonight. Turn off the lights from 8:30 to 9:30 PM.

HERE is more info.

Mar 27, 2009

My Dillons Trip 3/25

I posted the match-ups for this week already. So much of that is stuff we won't use--you might not either. Maybe I will just mention what I found of interest. You may or may not eat similarly, but hopefully you will find some benefit from it.

I went shopping on Wed. and saved $50.89. About $38.00 was manufacturer coupons and doubling. The rest was store coupons. (the discounted price you get with your Plus Card)

3 boxes of Kashi cereal bars $3.99, used 3- $2/1 coupons (there have been better sales on these, but my coupons were about to expire)

2 bunches of bananas

Tostitos Natural Corn Chips (these are my fave corn chips, love the flavor!) $3.50 used .55/1 which was doubled to $1/1

Barbara's Puffins Cereal $3.79 (was on sale last week, boo hoo) used $1/1 (you can print this off coupons.com right now--great coupon!! Just click on the link in top right corner)

Sweet Potatoes on sale for .99/lb

2 Jars of Pace Picante sauce, used 2- $4/1 (printed off internet-gone now) overage went towards rest of my groceries. I may donate these. or cook with them-- no preservs, etc.

Broccoli Crowns

2 Boxes Kroger Deluxe Shells & Cheese $1.50 each I still debate over these. They are made with real cheese.... It's nice to have something quick for DH to cook. Not as great as Annie's, but cheaper. LMK if you have an opnion.

Tomatoes on the vine

1 yellow squash and 1 zuke

Organic Arugala-- manager's special $.99 was a little dried out, but I am going to look for a recipe to cook with it.

2 Vegetable trays-- manager's special $1.99ea maybe more than I should have paid. Kids devoured them. I took out the celery to give away, since it's on the dirty dozen. I should make my own veggie trays more. This proved it.

2 Progresso Soups (no msg, etc.) Shortcuts e-coupon $.50/1 and 1 coupon for $1.50/2

Kraft shredded mozzarella $2.19 I go back and forth on shredded cheese. I prefer Sargento, but am a sucker for a sale.

3 Organic Pears

2 Nabisco Artisan Wheat Thins $2.19ea used B1G1 coupon only 1.10 each!

Orville Red. MiniBags Garlic Popcorn 2/$4 used cellfire e-cp for $1.00 off

Simply Orange Juice w/Pineapple $3.50 used .55 off doubled to $1.00

Heartland WW Spaghetti $1.50 used $.55 off doubled to $1.00 only .50!!

2 cans Muir Glen organic Diced Tomatoes $1.79 (i have heard walmart carries these for only $1.18 each--not in rural MO, though!) used 2-$1.00 coupons (print from mambo sprouts or healthe)
I try to keep as many of these coupons as I can.

Lemishine (this stuff is a lifesaver if you have hardwater! I asked Wags to start carrying it so I can try to get it free)

Crest Toothpaste free with pg e-cp and manuf. coupon Will donate.

Gillette Shampoo free with pg e-cp and manuf. coupon. Will donate if DH doesn't want it.

My big find for the day!!
2-Imagine free Range organic Chicken Broth 32 oz. 2.99ea used cp for $1.50 off 2 They each had a $2 off your order cp when you buy a Spectrum product. So before that let's say they cost $1.75 ea--pretty good price.
I then found a jar of Spectrum organic coconut oil for $7.79 I just happened to have a $1/1 coupon. =) So take my $4 off that and it was only $2.79 Dirt cheap!!! And I was just about out.

So, all that was 65.38 I felt pretty good about it.

Don't forget you get a $.05 bag credit for every bag you bring in.

The other benefit to Dillon's, as you can see demonstrated above, is the ability to use e-coupons on your Plus Card.
Check out coupons on Cellfire, Shortcuts, and PG e-Saver Let me know if you want more info on this.

It's late. I'm tired. Hope this made sense.

Free Wipes from The Fuzzi Bunz Store


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Don't Forget: U.S. orders over $45.00 ship for free.

More on Coupons

What do you do with your coupons once you find them?

There are lots of ways to keep up with your coupons. My current method is to just keep the inserts all together. I then write the date they came out on the front page and file them in folders inside a binder. I usually take my entire binder with me when I shop. If I see a coupon I know I want to use I usually clip it and keep it in a coupon organizer. That is also where I keep my printed coupons and loose coupons. That is organized by category.

When looking for a coupon for a certain product, there are some helpful Coupon Databases that allow you to search by name. These all use codes to tell you what insert a coupon came in.

BTW, you can go HERE to see what coupons will be in the 3/29 paper. There will be two inserts, SS & RP.

There are 4 main types of inserts:
Smartsource (SS)
P & G
Red Plum/Vlassis (RP) or (V)
General Mills (GM)

So, the database might say look for the coupon in SS 3-15-09, meaning it was in the SmartSource that came in the paper on 3/15/09. Remember, not all coupon inserts are equal. They print them for specific papers--some getting more than others.

My favorite coupon databases:

A Full Cup

Hot Coupon World

Now through Sunday, 3/29, get:

$5 off $25

$10 off $50

$15 off $50

At any Pet Smart with these printable coupons. These are good on the purchase of anything in the store. Show your pet perks card, and if you don't have one, it is free to join.

There seems to have been some decent cat and dog food coupons lately, so if you can/do combine them with this offer, you could have some nice savings.

Mar 26, 2009

5th Ed. of the Dirty Dozen List from EWG



Environmental Working Group has published the 5th Edition of the Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.

Go here to download the wallet-sized printable list of Dirty Dozen and Clean 15. I carry a copy in my purse.

Here is the full list of how 47 fruits and vegetables rank in levels of pesticides.

I really like the Clean 15 list. I have shopped using the Dirty Dozen for awhile. I use the Clean 15 to tell me what I can relax on. That's where I can save a little $$ to spend on the items that really should be organic. It often seems that the cleaner fruits and vegs are more readily available as organic. (just my opnion) Like broccoli and onions. So, use the two lists together and you will eat better and save a little money.

Price Cutter

I think I will wait until next week to attempt Price Cutter coupon match-ups. I did not see much in this week's ad, but I did want to note one thing:

They are running a promo that ends on 3/31. Get $2 off any ground beef purchase when you buy 3 for $10 Johnsonville Brats. Looks like it is good for the turkey sausage too. I was wondering if you could use this towards the Creekstone Farms ground beef. If I had Johnsonville coupons (and I don't), I might be in for this. But I remember them going on sale last summer for 2/$5. I wonder if those days are past.

Border's 40% off coupon!

From today though Saturday the 28th, you can get 40% off one item at Borders or Waldenbooks. This is good for Border’s Rewards members only and you can only use it in-store. Go here to print your coupon.

You can go here to sign up free for Borders Rewards. You receive another 20% coupon after signing up. Plus, they are always emailing coupons--usually 20 or 30% off.

High-Dollar Kashi Coupon




Try this coupon for $2 off Kashi Cereal Bars.

Let me know if it doesn't work. The other link I had expired.
These were on sale at Target for $2.50 for awhile. Meaning $.50 a box!!!
If it doesn't print with IE, try Firefox and vice versa. That is the general rule when having problems printing coupons. Also, always hit that back browser and print again!!! Keep hitting the back browser till you see it start sending to the printer. You can also print out more copies on other computers (laptop, mom's house, etc.).

Where to Start with Walgreens? --REVISED


Walgreens has become one of my new favorite places. Every time I go in, I never know what I will find. There are a few things to become familiar with at WAGS.


There is no more Easy Saver Catalog! There will still be rebate offers. These will print on the Catalina machine, like a register reward, and you will have to fill it out and send it in. (ugh)


The Weekly Ad, as its name implies, changes each week. It includes sales, coupons, and lists of weekly Register Rewards (RRs). You can actually find this at least two weeks ahead on HCW.
You don't need to cut out these coupons. You can just let the cashier scan the coupon--it will automatically be applied to however many of the items you are purchasing. Save the paper!


Register Rewards print out after you purchase a specific amount of qualifying items for a promotion. These RR promotions can be monthly or weekly.

A recent example was the Dove RR promo. It stated that you needed to buy 8 Dove items and you would receive $10 in RR. These RR can then be used on your next order. But, you can use your noggin how best to achieve these. In the above example, the trial size soaps work. So you can buy 8 trial soaps at $.99 each (so less than $8) and you receive a $10 RR. It's a moneymaker!

Tip: REMEMBER! You cannot spend a RR on the same type of item and get another RR. Ex. If you took your $10 Dove RR and tried to buy more Dove, the new RR would not print. You have to "roll" them on something else. Spend the $10 Dove RR on another RR deal (like one for Skintimate or something) then take that one and buy more Dove, etc. Or, just take your $10 RR and buy something you need! Remember too, if your RR does not print and you think it should, if the management won't help you, you can call Catalina Co. to send it. However, if it didn't print and you did something incorrect for the promo, don't feel obligated to keep those items. Just return them if you don't need them. You will end up spending more if you keep every mistaken transaction you make. Returning might get a little tricky if you have used a lot of coupons.

The benefit of RRs is turning them into "moneymakers". This is done by combining the RR deal with a coupon. A great example was the recent offer to buy a bottle of Ecotrin for $2 and receive a $2 RR. There happened to be a $2.25 off coupon, so when I bought the Ecotrin and used the coupon, it was free and I earned a $2 RR! So keep your eye out for coupons you can match with RR deals. (Now, since I didn't need the Ecotrin, I was able to put it in my donation box)



With Walgreens, it may sometimes seem that the couponing customer knows more about the system than the employees. You CAN use a manufacturer coupon with a Walgreens coupon. You CAN use a Buy 1 Get 1 (B1G1) coupon with a B1G1 sale--makes it free! The stacking of coupons is what makes Wags fun! Also, their clearance goes dirt cheap. Some stores don't know you can give a coupon for more than the item price. They can either let you have the difference-since the manufacturer will be paying them that, or they can adjust the coupon down to match the price of the item.

Just REMEMBER, they will never give you money back. You always need to spend any overage. Just grab something you need, or find something super cheap to add.

Another Tip: You cannot use more manufacturer coupons than items you have. RR count as a manuf. coupon. So, if you have a coupon for every item you purchase and want to use a RR, grab a filler (the cheapest item you can). The preferred order to give all these coupons is-- RR, then manufacturer coupon, then WAGS coupons. At least give the manuf. before the WAGS!

Wow! That was a lot of info, and probably scared a lot of you off! Walgreens is kind of a jump in and swim sort-of-deal.

You can check out this post by Moms by Heart for some more info. Note the emails she received from Corporate at the bottom of her post. I printed a couple of these and took them to my WAGS. The manager was really surprised how little she knew about the couponing process.

Good luck, and let me know how you're doing!

Yay! I got my WAGS card today!

I finally got my gift card from Walgreens today. Essentially, they paid me about $4 to purchase Free After Rebate items. Some I used and some I shared. They gave me my money back, plus 10% on a gift card. I will now turn around and get this month's items, earning a little more. And, I get to throw in some things we need--like 7th Gen. Dishwasher Detergent or contact solution. If I play the game to the max, my goal is to buy as little outright as possible. It sure has cut down on what I buy at Walmart (which makes me feel good).

Where to find those pesky Coupons?!

Of course your local newspapers-- for us, there is the Springfield NewsLeader. It does include coupons, but they are generally half the amount found in the Kansas City Star (also available in Springfield). We have gotten into the habit of going to town on Sundays so we can get the Star. On a side note, I tried to get the KC Star available in Marshfield, but they said it wasn't worth their while.

There are a ton of printables available on the internet. Check out coupons.com Use the link in the top right corner to support this blog! These change frequently--usually about once a month. There are some fantastic deals that come through there.
Another place is Smartsource.com

Tip: Always hit your back browser after printing, as most coupons will let you print at least twice. (some even have a print limit of 10 or more!)

Now for the organic coupon gold mines:

Mambo Sprouts

Health E-Savers

Earth's Best Coupons


We use less jarred baby food with each child. However, I did use quite a bit with baby #1. The convenience of it was pretty nice. So, if you are interested

Sign Up HERE to receive
~FREE $4 in Earth's Best Coupons
~FREE Feeding Guide
~Special Offers
when you sign up for the Earth's Best Enewsletter.

Dillons 3/25 - 3/31

This match-up is from The Grocery Weekly


**All Prices with coupons assume the coupon doubled**

Regular Deals:

  • Sterling Silver fresh ground beef=1.77/lb.!!! (stock up at this price and read my post here about why buying this in a bigger package is a money saver!)
  • Kroger Value Bread white or wheat=.78/1 (beats Aldi price!)
  • 8-14 oz. boxes of Kroger Value cereal=.99/1 (most Aldi cereal is priced at 1.60 and above but I am not sure of the box size)
  • Dillons Milk=2/$5 or $2.50/1 (Aldi milk price is usually around $2.30/gal.)
  • Banquet pot pies=3/$1 or .33/1 (beats Aldi off brand price of .49/1!)
  • Kroger Value salad dressing=.99/1 (beats Aldi price of 1.19!)
  • Kroger Value coffee 34.5 oz cans=4.99 (same price as Aldi brand)
  • 16 oz. Kroger cottage cheese, sour cream or dips=$1 (beats Aldi price)
  • Kroger tortilla chips=$1/bag (same as Aldi price)
  • Peter Pan PB=1.99/1 (if your Dillons takes expired coupons (some confirm they do up to 2 weeks) you could use the .50/1 coupon you had to clip directly from the star back in Feb. to get this for only .99/1. The coupon expired the 15th.)
  • Oscar Meyer Deli lunch meat=4/$10 or $2.50/1. Use $1/2 coupons found near product in the store to get these for $2/1. (great price for this!)
Produce
  • Green seedless grapes=.88/lb.! (great price!!)
  • 10lb. bag of Kroger Value russet potatoes=3.99 (Aldi is the better buy this week with theirs on sale for only $1.99)
  • Ripe sweet cantaloup=1.59/1
  • Kroger value bags of fruit=2.99 (3lb of apples, 4lb. of oranges and 5lb. of grapfruit)
Exceptional Deals!:
  • Quaker instant or simple harvest oatmeal=2/$4. When you buy 2 you get $1 taken off your total making these 2/$3 or $1.50/1. Use $1/2 coupons here to get these for only $1/box! (beats any price!)
  • Pillsbury rolls, biscuits or Pizza crust=4/$5 When you buy 4 you get an automatic $1 taken off your total making these 4/$4. Use .40/1 coupons pizza crust to get these for only .20! You may also have .40/1 coupons for rolls too making these .20 also!
  • Quaker Cereal, chewy granola bars, true delights, bites, cookies or oatmeal to go are 4/$10. When you buy 4 you save an automatic $4 off your total making these 4/$6 or only $1.50/1. There are several coupons to use with this deal: $1/1 true delights making these only .50/box. .75/2 chewy granola bar coupons making these only $1/box. $1/2 Life cereal making these only $1/box. .50/1 oatmeal squares cereal making these only $1/box. PRETTY GOOD DEAL!


Last night, I went to Dillons. I saved $50! More than half of my groceries were organics/health-food brands. I'll try to post some links later.

Post #2, It's official--I have a blog!

So I wanted to start by flushing out my goals for this blog. I should say that I do believe that the more intimate a relationship we have with our food, the healthier it probably is. Meaning, perhaps the ideal is growing it oneself. Next would be buying directly from the farmer--whom you can ask what his methods have been. After that might be the local health food store, where you can find organic, and often local, fare. Perhaps last on the pyramid might be the chain store, who is able to buy organics and such in bulk, and thereby can offer greater sales. This last establishment is where I seem to find myself more frequently. If buying organics on a budget, it seems hard to beat Dillons double-coupon policy and many sales. I guess I just want to remind you, that while I might focus on what's on sale at the grocery store or drugstore, if you find a great deal with your local farmer or locally owned shop, go for it! I won't apologize for stretching my family's resources, but I also want to acknowledge that the heart of sustainability probably lies within our own backyards. However, here's the curve ball, if we buy organic and environmentally aware products from the big guys, we do send the message of the importance of such products.

Mar 25, 2009

Welcome

Welcome to Save Green, Live Green.
My goal for this blog is to create a place to marry my current obsession with couponing and my desire to live a more sustainable life. By posting my money-saving, earth-sparing finds here, I can save the countless people I meet everyday who beg me to stop telling them how much I saved at Walgreens. This way, you can find your way here and be a willing participant in my quest to save a buck (or more!). Now I must say that this is my very first blog, so it is an adventure. And yes, the title is a wee bit corny, but it just seemed so obvious to me. I hope that within this blog you find something--whether that be direction, inspiration or just a good laugh. There will be compromise along the way, as it seems a necessary component of couponing. Just take what you can use, and enjoy.
 
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