tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181177023623595742024-03-13T17:55:40.692-05:00A Day in the Life of Katy CouponsKatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-7028166800300159602009-09-04T13:36:00.002-05:002009-09-04T13:43:46.743-05:00Get up to 30 Swagbucks using the new toolbar!Hey, friends,<br /><br />You know I love Swagbucks. You've seen <a href="http://katycoupons.blogspot.com/2009/07/swag-from-swagbucks.html">the swag I've gotten </a>from them, just for doing my usual searches. Maybe you've even signed up through me.<br /><br /><strong>But did you know they are giving away a Swagbuck a day for the rest of the month if you download their new toolbar??</strong><br /><br />Seriously, that's up to 30 Swagbucks <em>in addition to</em> the ones you get for regular searching this month!! Come on, sign up (<a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/katyfittro">by clicking HERE</a>) and then get the new toolbar. By the end of the month, you'll have enough to get a $5 Amazon gift card and be well on your way to another one.<br /><br />Happy Swagbucks to all!Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-22666535280976849182009-08-02T13:18:00.003-05:002009-08-02T14:04:28.004-05:00Free stuff and cheap drinksAnother boatload of free school supplies this week at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CVS</span>! I didn't get every single item, though, since I only had to reach a total of $30 to use my $5/$30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CVS</span> coupon. (It came by email this week, how fortuitous!) <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365439218738840178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SnXeisjgwnI/AAAAAAAAASc/y0OzytlRW4Q/s400/08-02-09.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Here's how I used the freebies to get really cheap drinks:</div><ul><li>4 12-packs of Pepsi products, $12, get $4 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ECB</span> with purchase of 4</li><li>1 pack of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CVS</span> pens, $0.99, get $0.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ECB</span></li><li>1 pack of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CVS</span> pencils, $0.99, get $0.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ECB</span></li><li>2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">CVS</span> compasses, $1.50 each, get $1.50 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ECB</span> each</li><li>2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">CVS</span> notebooks, $0.99 each, get $0.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ECB</span> each</li><li>1 pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">CVS</span> scissors, $2.99, get $2.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ECB</span></li><li>1 pack of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">CVS</span> glue sticks, $0.99, get $0.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ECB</span></li><li>1 Blink Tears eye drops, $7.99, get $7.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ECB</span></li></ul><p>Coupons used:</p><ul><li>$5 off $30 purchase</li><li>$1.50 off Blink Tears (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">internet</span> printable mfr. coupon)</li></ul><p>Total = $30.93. After coupons, I paid with $17.83 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ECBs</span> (my entire stash), paid the remaining $6.60 plus $2.08 tax, then I got back $22.93 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ECBs</span>. So essentially I paid $3.58 for all this. That comes to 7 cents per soda can! </p><p>Now I call that a sweet deal. : )</p><p>Oh, and don't forget to check the bottom of your receipt for your free item coupon. The item this month is batteries, hooray! Perhaps they'll do a free item each month through the fall like they did last year. I hope so!</p>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-62610638260522011662009-07-31T11:55:00.003-05:002009-07-31T12:08:26.884-05:00Swag from Swagbucks<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SnMi5JeKUyI/AAAAAAAAASM/6iWntvlRlyc/s1600-h/07-31-09+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364669946318705442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SnMi5JeKUyI/AAAAAAAAASM/6iWntvlRlyc/s320/07-31-09+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> What you see above was free.<br /><br />FREE!<br /><br />All because I signed up with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Swagbucks</span> and do my daily web searching through them instead of Google. I've only been an active member for about 4 months, and I've already gotten $45 worth of Amazon gift certificates, which I used to get these kitchen items (with free shipping because I spent over $25).<br /><br />I also use my Amazon credits to get MP3s for $0.99 each. There's just SO MUCH you can get for free, all for simply searching the web!<br /><br />Sign up now (using this link: <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=418618">http://www.swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rb</span>=418618</a>) and get 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Swagbucks</span> to start your own pile. Do some searching in the morning and in the evening and watch that pile grow. Refer some friends and your pile will grow even faster!<br /><br />Happy searching!Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-10153224698947222112009-07-23T08:20:00.002-05:002009-07-23T08:42:57.615-05:00Joined Swagbucks yet?<span style="font-size:78%;color:#990000;">Warning: The following is a SHAMELESS plug!</span><br /><br />You may have heard about it: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><strong>Swagbucks</strong></span>. It's where all the cool kids search.<br /><br />Seriously, though, it's a search engine just like Google. In fact, it utilizes Google and Ask.com for its searches. Do a comparison search using Google and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Swagbucks</span>, and you'll see that all the same entries come up, just in a different order. (The order depends on how much money Google can squeeze out of each "advertiser"...The more money you cough up, the higher your website will be in the list.)<br /><br />I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Swagbucks</span>, because every day I earn at least 2 or 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Swagbucks</span> for doing the searches I would do anyway! Over the last few months, I earned enough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Swagbucks</span> to get eight $5 Amazon gift certificates, which I just used to order some kitchen stuff with FREE shipping. Just for doing my normal, everyday searches, I get a free cookie scoop, cooling rack, and mini loaf pans! LOVE IT!<br /><br />Here's where it gets good: For every friend you refer (who signs up using your special link), you earn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Swagbucks</span> every time THEY do, up to 100! This is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Swagbucks</span>' way of getting the word out and challenging the monopoly of Google. Hey, I'm cool with that.<br /><br />So are you ready to sign up now? Use this link: <a href="http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=418618"><strong>http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">rb</span>=418618</strong></a> so that I get a bit of credit for being so convincing. : )<br /><br />Once you sign up, be sure to install the search bar, so that you'll remember to use it instead of Google. Then start referring your friends, and rack up those bucks!<br /><br />Happy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Swagbucks</span> to all!Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-50064577101090399722009-07-12T14:00:00.002-05:002009-07-12T14:20:43.778-05:00Week #2 of free school supplies at CVS<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sloy6oGl9UI/AAAAAAAAASE/kIR-6uqNDPA/s1600-h/07-12-09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357650689489499458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sloy6oGl9UI/AAAAAAAAASE/kIR-6uqNDPA/s400/07-12-09.jpg" border="0" /></a> And the free school supplies keep a-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">comin</span>'...<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Unfortunately</span>, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CVS</span> didn't stock up on the scissors and pens, so by the time I got there at 11:30 this morning they were almost all gone! Since mine is a 24-hour store, some women came in at midnight last night to get the deals, according to the cashier. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Unbelievable</span>! I guess you gotta do what you gotta do.<br /><br />*Disclaimer: Although I don't have children and thus don't need school supplies, I get them to donate in the fall when my church has a collection for the inner city school children. *<br /><br />Okay, here's how I did today:<br /><ul><li>4 12-packs of Pepsi products, $12, get $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ECB</span></li><li>newspaper, $1</li><li>3 packs of pens, $0.99 each, get $0.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ECB</span> each</li><li>2 notebooks, $0.99 each, get $0.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ECB</span> each</li><li>2 glue, $0.99 each, get $0.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ECB</span> each</li><li>2 rulers, $0.99 each, get $0.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ECB</span> each</li><li>scissors, $2.99, get $2.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ECB</span></li><li>Gillette Fusion razor, $7.99, get $4 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ECB</span></li></ul><p>Total came to $32.89. I used a $5 off $30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">CVS</span> coupon, a $2 off $10 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">CVS</span> brand products coupon, and a $4 Fusion Mfr. coupon to bring the total down to $21.89. I paid with $21.89 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ECBs</span> (all I had!) and then put the remaining $0.33 tax on a gift card. I got back $17.90 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ECBs</span>. That made my total loss for this trip only $4.32, which a FANTASTIC deal considering I stocked up on sodas for Lance! </p><p>Next week there will be even more free-after-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ECB</span> school supplies, so be on the lookout for some $/$$ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">CVS</span> brand coupons at the scanner machine!</p>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-45334952055726205862009-07-05T13:02:00.002-05:002009-07-05T13:21:08.633-05:00Finally some deals worth sharing!The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CVS</span> "deals" have been terrible lately. It's been a month since I even felt like going in there! But this week's ad has some good stuff. Apparently they're jumping into school supplies already. Odd!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355038408347207218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SlDrD2gbxjI/AAAAAAAAAR8/6maNplwCphw/s320/07-05-09+002.jpg" border="0" /><br />The tape and pencils are free-after-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ECB</span> on Sunday and Monday only, with a limit of three items each. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pantiliners</span> are free-after-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ECB</span> all week, limit one. The Dawn regular dish liquid is on sale 2 for $2, and you get back $1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ECB</span>, so by using two $0.50 Mfr. coupons, you get them both free. And last but not least, select Post cereals are on sale 3 for $10, and get back $5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ECB</span> with the purchase of 3. I had three $2 Mfr. coupons for Trail Mix Crunch (click <a href="http://www.postcereals.com/trailmixcrunch/">here</a> and print several by using your back button), so I paid $4 and got back the $5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ECB</span>. Money-maker!<br /><br />The cherry on the savings sundae was a $4 off $20 purchase coupon I got by email a few days ago. I threw in some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Dentek</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">flossers</span>, which were $1.99 a pack after the instant $1 "clip-free" coupon, and I used $1 Mfr. coupon off each pack to make them only $0.99. (That's a great deal for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">flossers</span>!) Total came to $24.31 before tax. I used the $4/$20 coupon, $9 in Mfr. coupons, and $10.99 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ECBs</span> to get the total down to $0.32 plus tax. I put the $1.13 balance on a gift card, and then walked out with $14.43 in new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ECBs</span>. That's a profit of $2.31!<br /><br />I just noticed that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ECB</span> I got for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">pantiliners</span> is $0.99, even though I only PAID $0.89 for them. Gee, I love when they make mistakes like that. : )<br /><br />Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-22042115754972289092009-06-10T15:39:00.003-05:002009-06-10T15:50:36.102-05:00Velveeta deal at Kroger<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SjAaHK8U9EI/AAAAAAAAAR0/5t3XC7vB6Xs/s1600-h/velveeta.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345801468187571266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SjAaHK8U9EI/AAAAAAAAAR0/5t3XC7vB6Xs/s200/velveeta.bmp" border="0" /></a> While cruising through Kroger the other day, I noticed a new "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">catalina</span>" deal on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Velveeta</span> Shells & Cheese.<br /><br />A little white tag under the item said "Buy 2, get $1 off your next order". The Kraft Deluxe macaroni and cheese said the same thing. I was happy to see that, by buying two at $1.62 each and using a $1.50/2 Mfr. coupon, I would pay $1.74 out of pocket and then get back $1 (in the form of a coupon), essentially making each box only $0.37!<br /><br />This deal lasts through the first week of July, so print some coupons <a href="http://brands.kraftfoods.com/sharealittlecomfort/">here</a>, go buy the macaroni two boxes at a time, and keep rolling the deal! (Remember: you can print two copies of the coupon per computer by hitting your browser's back button.)Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-56125688784974990292009-06-01T19:38:00.001-05:002009-06-01T19:49:24.129-05:00DinnerIt's fun to go outside and just pick what you need for a meal! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SiR0xdAq8GI/AAAAAAAAARs/DSe8XQ2OMGY/s1600-h/06-01-09+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342523450918105186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SiR0xdAq8GI/AAAAAAAAARs/DSe8XQ2OMGY/s320/06-01-09+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div><br />The carrots are still at "baby" size, even though they've been in the ground for a good 70 days, but I decided to eat a few anyway. The three snap peas were the only ones not pecked by the birds (grrr). And the zucchini is my very first one of the season!</div><div></div><div><br />I ate most of this raw, but then decided to saute the last bit of the zucchini. It tastes SO much better cooked!</div><div></div><div><br />Even though it's late in the season, I decided to try some new things from seed. Today I planted some Minnesota midget melons (cantaloupe), New Zealand spinach, broccoli, soy beans, and swiss chard. I also planted another set of carrots. I want to keep those going all summer long if I can, just 8 at a time. </div><div></div><div><br />That's it for me. Hope everyone has a good week!</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-3151757324186914402009-05-29T08:04:00.003-05:002009-05-29T08:07:24.616-05:00Free Chocolate Friday!Click <a href="https://secure.realchocolate.com/">HERE</a> to sign up for a free Mars chocolate bar today and every Friday morning until the end of the promotion! Each household can get up to four candy bars (over four weeks), so go back every Friday morning to sign up for another coupon. But hurry...They go FAST!<br /><br />Mmm...Chocolate tastes better when it's free...Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-955624234416777952009-05-25T11:38:00.005-05:002009-05-25T12:13:04.638-05:00What's a girl to do with so much time?Why, make granola, of course!<br /><br />When perusing a financial blog last week, I ran across a link to a granola recipe that was posted on The New York Times' website. I decided to give it a try today. Here's the recipe for those interested:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/ShrKSisN49I/AAAAAAAAARU/oQKs4dK_saU/s1600-h/05-25-09+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339802728099865554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/ShrKSisN49I/AAAAAAAAARU/oQKs4dK_saU/s200/05-25-09+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>Ingredients</em><br />-6 cups rolled oats (not quick-cook or instant)<br />-2 cups mixed nuts of choice<br />-1 cup dried unsweetened shredded coconut<br />-1 tsp cinnamon<br />-dash of salt<br />-1/2 to 1 cup honey or maple syrup to taste<br />-1 cup raisins or other dried fruit<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350. Stir together all ingredients but raisins. Spread on a cookie sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. When browned, remove from pan and add raisins. Store in refrigerator, will keep for weeks.<br /><br />Boy, did this stuff smells good when baking! After serving up the granola on some vanilla yogurt for our breakfast, I decided to try making homemade granola bars for our breakfasts this week. Here's the recipe (which I tweaked):<br /><br /><em>Ingredients</em><br />-3 cups granola<br />-1/4 cup honey<br />-3/4 cup brown sugar<br />-1/4 cup butter<br /><br />Combine butter, honey, and brown sugar in a small pot and bring to a boil. Pour over granola while stirring. When combined, press into a 8x8 pan lined with wax paper. Cool in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, then cut into 8 bars. Store in refrigerator for up to a week.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339809107683252386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/ShrQF4fbGKI/AAAAAAAAARk/JrafLGJOX8c/s200/05-25-09+006.jpg" border="0" />Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-64572226386609836472009-05-24T14:04:00.002-05:002009-05-24T14:21:18.156-05:00CVS freebies for todayThree weeks later, and there are finally some CVS deals worth blogging about! Thank goodness my CVS takes expired ECBs...Otherwise, I would have been in a tough spot with deals being so scarce.<br /><br />Here's how things went today:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Shmadv_4NwI/AAAAAAAAARM/SwNeS9F9JNw/s1600-h/05-24-09+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339468669115709186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Shmadv_4NwI/AAAAAAAAARM/SwNeS9F9JNw/s320/05-24-09+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> Bought:<br /><ul><li>Playtex Gentle Glide, $3.99, get $3 ECB</li><li>2 x Band-aids, $2.99, get $2 ECB (limit 2)</li><li>Colgate Total Advanced, $2.99, get $2 ECB</li><li>Revlon nail color, $3.99, get $3 ECB</li><li>Clearasil daily cleanser, $3.99, get $3.99 ECB (FREE!)</li></ul><p>Subtotal = $20.94</p><p>Coupons used:</p><ul><li>$4 off $20 purchase CVS Q (from scanner machine)</li><li>$1 Playtex Mfr. Q (came with a sample in the mail)</li><li>2 x $1 Band-aid Mfr. Q (from inserts)</li><li>$1 Colgate Mfr. Q (from insert)</li><li>$1 Revlon Mfr. Q (from insert)</li><li>$1 Clearasil Mfr. Q (from insert)</li></ul><p>Total after coupons = $0.46. Tax was $0.60. I put the total of $1.06 on a CVS gift card, and then got back $15.99 in ECBs. That's a profit of $4.45 for today!</p><p>For those who may not know, it's easy to find which Sunday insert a particular coupon came in by searching the database here: <a href="http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/coupon.php">http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/coupon.php</a>. Looking for the Colgate coupon? Search for "Colgate Total" and see what comes up. Even printable coupons are added to the database regularly, so always check for coupons before making your CVS or Kroger trips!</p>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-21384582407233686162009-05-03T14:21:00.002-05:002009-05-03T14:43:44.771-05:00Back in the game!I haven't posted much about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CVS</span> over the past few weeks due the lack of truly good deals. I made a trip here and there, but nothing worth mentioning. Until today, that is!<br /><br />Here's today's swag:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331680961870247890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sf3vlhv9N9I/AAAAAAAAARE/7nyF5wQTC6M/s320/05-03-09+008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>Transaction:</p><ul><li>3 boxes of Kellogg's cereal, 3/$10, get $5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ECB</span></li><li>2 Adidas deodorants, $3.99 each, get $3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ECB</span> each</li><li>1 Colgate Max Fresh, $2.99, get $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ECB</span></li><li>1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Zantrex</span> energy drink, $4.99, get $4.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ECB</span></li></ul><p>Subtotal = $25.96</p><p>Coupons used:</p><ul><li>$5 off $25 purchase <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CVS</span> coupon (from email)</li><li>3 x $1 Kellogg's Mfr. coupons (click <a href="http://print.coupons.com/alink.asp?go=13927ym3110">here</a> and <a href="http://www2.kelloggs.com/Product/KelloggCoupon.aspx?id=1992">here</a> to print your own)</li><li>2 x $1 Adidas Mfr. coupons (from 4/05/09 Red Plum insert)</li><li>$1 Colgate Max <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mrf</span>. coupon (from 4/26/09 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">SmartSource</span> insert)</li></ul><p>Subtotal after coupons = $14.96. I paid with $15 worth of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ECBs</span> (adjusted down to $14.96) and put the remaining $0.77 of tax on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">CVS</span> gift card. I got back a total of $17.99 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ECBs</span>, which makes today's transaction a decent money-maker! </p><p>Wow, I love getting paid to take my favorite cereal. : ) </p><p>And if that wasn't great enough, I was pleasantly surprised to get a $4/$20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">CVS</span> coupon at the scanner today...on BOTH our cards! This might be a universal thing, so all you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ExtraCare</span> customers out there should run to the nearest scanner machine! Because after all, great deals begin with a great $/$$ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">CVS</span> coupon. </p><p>Now I'm off to do some planting. In the rain. : )</p>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-70398299888577766692009-04-30T17:11:00.003-05:002009-05-01T08:47:14.543-05:00Garden updateWow. I've been absent for longer than I thought! But here's an update on the garden:<br /><br /><div align="center">Carrots</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330612070194739426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sfojb19d-OI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/23iUBaXPXcY/s200/4-29-09+004.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div align="center">Green bean on the left, 3 snap peas on the right, second crop of carrots in front of peas<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sfojbk-0V5I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/jq_27e67Mw4/s1600-h/4-29-09+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330612065636997010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sfojbk-0V5I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/jq_27e67Mw4/s200/4-29-09+005.jpg" border="0" /></a> Zucchini<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SfojbRwwImI/AAAAAAAAAQs/jfajmHycvmE/s1600-h/4-29-09+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330612060477727330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SfojbRwwImI/AAAAAAAAAQs/jfajmHycvmE/s200/4-29-09+007.jpg" border="0" /></a> Spinach in top square, Kale in bottom<br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sfojaz358aI/AAAAAAAAAQc/9H_iQp2mIls/s1600-h/4-29-09+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330612052454666658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sfojaz358aI/AAAAAAAAAQc/9H_iQp2mIls/s200/4-29-09+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">As you can see, we divided the bed into square feet with string. That helps me with spacing the plants out. The zucchini will get really big, so it gets its own 3'x2' section.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I have some more pictures of baby lettuce and such, but I can only upload so many at a time. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br />More updates to follow!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br />Happy Friday!</div></div></div></div></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-31557495032876973302009-04-10T09:15:00.003-05:002009-04-10T09:47:29.076-05:00Frugal vs. CheapToday I was reading a post on <a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/">http://www.thesimpledollar.com/</a>, and liked what Trent had to say about the difference between being frugal and being just plain cheap:<br /><br /><em>"A cheapskate always chases the bottom line, regardless of quality of the experience. A spendthrift just takes the first offer that comes along and insists that this is the best way of doing things. </em><em>On the other hand, a frugal person <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">doesn</span></span>’t just accept the first offer that comes along. <strong>They try to find ways to get that same experience and quality and value for a lower price - or find the best bang for the buck in their lives</strong>."</em><br /><br />When I think of a cheapskate, the face of one particular person comes to mind. Lance and I laugh about the behavior of this guy, because he can be such a MISER! He is the only person we know who has ever had an electric bill <em>in the single digits</em>. And, boy, was he proud of that...He went without heat all winter (choosing to sleep with hot water bottles instead) just to prove he could.<br /><br />Sure, I search for ways of "trimming the fat" in my own life, but I won't completely sacrifice the comfort and quality of my life to save a few bucks. Personally, I like heat in the winter. To save money, we simply installed a programmable thermostat, which only heats the house when we're there and turns it down when we're asleep. I actually consider this a luxury item (because I never have to adjust it), but it also saves us a lot of money.<br /><br />My goals as the homemaker of our little family are to provide an inviting home, good food, and good company to my husband. I find that I can accomplish all of these goals on a much smaller budget than most of our friends, while our quality of life doesn't seem all that different from theirs. This is extremely satisfying to me. And while I may never have an electric bill in the single digits, I use my God-given talents to help us live on less while still having a life of relative abundance. We have everything we need to be happy and fulfilled. That's just enough.Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-1701706156548335532009-04-08T17:07:00.003-05:002009-04-08T17:42:20.995-05:00Update: Getting our Finances in Line in 2009Now that we're through the first quarter of 2009, it's time for a little update:<br /><br />We finally closed on the mortgage refinance (after a number of irritating set-backs on the part of the two banks involved), so that will help our budget in a big way from here on. That extra $200 of interest we DON'T have to pay now goes into savings!<br /><br />We are sticking to a stricter monthly budget without really noticing much difference in our standard of living. It has been a nice surprise! Lance has been going out to lunch less and less, but he doesn't complain, which makes things easier on me. That was my biggest concern when we talked about cutting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unnecessary</span> expenditures like lunches out...I wasn't sure he'd be on board. But he has been, and that's such a relief!<br /><br />We paid off Lance's school loan a few months back, and now that monthly payment has been rolled into other debts (my school loan and the home equity line, specifically). We're still on track to have everything but the mortgage paid off by December. And we're still prepaying the mortgage, which should be paid off in 2024.<br /><br />We're stashing extra funds in our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">HSBC</span> online savings account, and by the end of the year we should have about six months' worth of living expenses saved up! Having that big emergency fund will take a LOAD off my mind, since by that point we may be expecting. (Who knows?) Best to be prepared!<br /><br />We added a new goal to the list: Start a Roth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">IRA</span> by the end of the year. This goal is intentionally loose, since we aren't sure how much we'll have available to invest. I'm hoping to have $5000, but that depends on various factors (like whether Lance will have to take another pay cut, whether we both still even HAVE jobs, etc.). Regardless, we want to diversify our investments and have been flirting with the idea of a Roth IRA for a while. Time to take the plunge!<br /><br />Our progress towards our financial goals is made even more gratifying because of how well we've done <em>in spite of</em> our recent circumstances. Lance had to take a 10% decrease in pay about a month ago. His company is very small, and business has been suffering. It's just a fact of life these days. But we're blessed that we both still have jobs and make very decent wages. The 10% decrease hasn't hurt us much. We're just that much more determined to stick to a budget and do what we can with what we've been given.<br /><br />They say you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. But I say you don't appreciate what you have until what you DON'T NEED is gone. Because of our stricter budget, I've forced myself to make more of our meals at home, and I've been *gasp* <em>enjoying it</em>! I never realized how much joy I could find in my own kitchen. Sometimes I spend hours in there just baking away. And to think I might have never realized my own potential as a cook had it not been for our change in circumstances. We're still living the good life and eating good food (maybe even better?), so it seems that what we no longer have wasn't really needed anyway.<br /><br />God is good.Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-77739809655216469642009-04-04T11:50:00.003-05:002009-04-04T12:01:26.143-05:00Garden updateIt’s exciting to see my baby transplants doing SO WELL in the raised bed! So far I’ve transplanted kale, spinach, and snap peas. I direct-sowed some chives and carrots, which are starting to come up. I have a few more plants in containers that are ready to go into the dirt just as soon as we’re past the threat of frost (around April 15th).<br /><br />And speaking of…We’re in for some freezing temperatures this coming week (down to 30!), so I’ll have to bring in the tiny tomatoes, cilantro, and pepper containers for a few nights. They are all warm-weather plants, so it’s risky to leave them out when it’s so cold. I’m probably being overly protective (which defeats the point of winter-sowing), but I just can’t risk losing my little babies!<br /><br />Here's a little glimpse of some of them:<br /><br /><div align="center">Snap peas:<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SdeQ4QNowBI/AAAAAAAAAQM/05aP_7Yh2Wc/s1600-h/4-04-09+snap+peas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320880780860768274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SdeQ4QNowBI/AAAAAAAAAQM/05aP_7Yh2Wc/s200/4-04-09+snap+peas.jpg" border="0" /></a> Kale:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SdeQ4PJm-mI/AAAAAAAAAQE/ysWwU0jhrT8/s1600-h/4-04-09+kale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320880780575439458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SdeQ4PJm-mI/AAAAAAAAAQE/ysWwU0jhrT8/s200/4-04-09+kale.jpg" border="0" /></a> Cilantro:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SdeQ3t8gJnI/AAAAAAAAAP8/K-JvMriwHIw/s1600-h/4-04-09+cilantro.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320880771662095986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 158px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SdeQ3t8gJnI/AAAAAAAAAP8/K-JvMriwHIw/s200/4-04-09+cilantro.jpg" border="0" /></a> Spinach:<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SdeQ2_KBk2I/AAAAAAAAAPs/YHQ-M4bqbrU/s1600-h/4-04-09+spinach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320880759102346082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SdeQ2_KBk2I/AAAAAAAAAPs/YHQ-M4bqbrU/s200/4-04-09+spinach.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div><br /></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-35048488667052105372009-04-01T12:34:00.002-05:002009-04-01T12:41:00.682-05:00FREE seeds!Want some free tomato seeds? Click <a href="http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com/">HERE</a> to go to Campbell's website, and then click on "Get Yours Now" on the right hand side of the page. Enter the code information from a can of Campbell's soup, and the seeds are yours!<br /><br />When you're done with that, click <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/03/free-seed-pack-sampler-from-tomato-heirlooms.html">HERE</a> to get more information from MoneySavingMom about how to get a free multi-pack of basil seeds.<br /><br />I bet those summer tomatoes and homemade pesto taste a lot sweeter when you know you grew them for free.<br /><br />: )Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-48364146368527628812009-03-22T14:56:00.003-05:002009-03-22T15:07:04.226-05:00SeedlingsLook at my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">itty</span> bitty babies!<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316104439009315586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/ScaY0kQHCwI/AAAAAAAAAPU/GPnJq0n1ZUI/s200/03-22-09+006.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316104455593239538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/ScaY1iCBo_I/AAAAAAAAAPk/iUD7vdje2oc/s200/03-22-09+003.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/ScaY1Jqn6UI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ieRxtBNgp2U/s1600-h/03-22-09+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316104449052633410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/ScaY1Jqn6UI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ieRxtBNgp2U/s200/03-22-09+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> From the top there's spinach, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">shasta</span> daisy, and hollyhocks. The other seeds are germinating, they just aren't tall enough to take pictures of yet. I can't wait to transplant in a few weeks!<br /><div></div></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-42545800115050465492009-03-21T10:10:00.003-05:002009-03-21T10:40:19.480-05:00Crescent rollsI got on a baking kick this past week.<br /><br />First it was banana nut bread made from an old Alabama cookbook. Scrumptious!<br /><br />Then I decided to make some garlic bread sticks to go with our spaghetti dinner. I've never made these before and didn't have a recipe in mind, so I used the one in the West Bend bread maker pamphlet.<br /><br />Here's their basic "dinner roll" recipe:<br /><ul><li>3/4 cup warm water</li><li>3 cups bread flour</li><li>2 Tb milk</li><li>3 1/2 Tb sugar</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>3 Tb butter</li><li>1 1/2 tsp bread maker yeast (from jar)</li></ul><p>I put the stuff in and set it to dough cycle. When the dough was ready, I split it in halves, one for the garlic bread sticks and the other for some kind of dinner rolls. </p><p>The sticks I made first, rolling them into little snakes and setting them on a cookie sheet to rise. When they had risen for about an hour, I brushed them with a mix of olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. I baked them at 350 for about 12 minutes. They turned out wonderful, and tasted almost like Olive Garden bread sticks!</p><p>While the sticks were rising, I got to work on the rest of the dough. Since we were having company the next night and I was going to serve roast and vegetables, I decided to try making some crescent rolls to go with them.</p><p>I split the dough into two balls, then rolled each flat with my handy marble rolling pin (LOVE IT!). Once they were about 1/8 inch thick, I cut each circle into 6 pie-shaped wedges. Then I rolled each wedge like a typical crescent roll, and wet the point to make it lie down. </p><p>Here's a picture of the baby crescents ready to go:<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/ScUEQoIBIiI/AAAAAAAAAPM/N8n6sXpk7SE/s1600-h/03-21-09+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315659618876203554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/ScUEQoIBIiI/AAAAAAAAAPM/N8n6sXpk7SE/s200/03-21-09+005.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>I put them in the fridge immediately, and pulled them out the next day after work to rise. After an hour, I put them on the pizza stone, brushed them with melted butter, and popped them in the oven to bake at 350 for about 17 minutes. They plumped up so nicely! When they came out, I brushed them with more melted butter. </p><p>That night, we four ate the WHOLE DOZEN of them! I guess they were a hit. Too bad I didn't have one left to take a picture of, though. : )</p><p>I'll definitely be using this recipe again. I like that it didn't require a lot of butter, which made the rolls a lot less fatty than their Pillsbury counterparts. Now, I won't say these rolls are HEALTHFUL by any stretch, but they are a good alternative and cost less to boot.</p><p>Have a good weekend everyone!</p>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-32634783156838794852009-03-15T15:28:00.006-05:002009-03-15T15:53:38.467-05:00My latest obsessionI like dirt. I like growing stuff in dirt. I like eating stuff that I've grown. So my latest obsession has been the raised vegetable bed. Look it has dirt in it finally!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313514854588292082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sb1lm6h_G_I/AAAAAAAAAO0/pbYL5kyoVFk/s320/03-15-09+001.jpg" border="0" /> <div>I'm using a method called "winter-sowing" to plant seeds pre-season. (You can read about it by <a href="http://www.wintersown.org/">clicking here</a>...) Typically, Nashville weather doesn't allow for direct sowing until mid-April, due to frequent late frosts. But with winter-sowing, it doesn't even matter what the weather is like. Once the seeds sprout, get a few sets of leaves, and harden off, I'll transplant them into the bed.</div><div></div><div>I hope this method works, since seeds are SO cheap!<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />I ran out of take-out containers with lids, so I had to start using old planters. The only issue with this is how to secure the plastic wrap on top. I didn't have any rubber bands big enough around. But I got a great idea, and it worked like a charm. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313514856456897138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sb1lnBffwnI/AAAAAAAAAO8/fs_Ry8gUK0M/s320/03-15-09+002.jpg" border="0" />Do you notice anything odd about these planters?</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313514862924209154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/Sb1lnZlbHAI/AAAAAAAAAPE/LFYBNgxKCIA/s320/03-15-09+003.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Perhaps they feel PRETTIER than the other planters? HA HA!! </div><div></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-57449346424802164202009-03-08T13:02:00.003-05:002009-03-08T13:32:15.523-05:00Hello, again<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SbQLN91hHxI/AAAAAAAAAOo/L5BeAgADueY/s1600-h/03-08-09+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310882195141893906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SbQLN91hHxI/AAAAAAAAAOo/L5BeAgADueY/s320/03-08-09+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Sorry to have been absent for so long! I've been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CVSing</span> as usual for the past few weeks, only I've been trying to spend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ECBs</span>, so I haven't had anything to brag about. Today I spent some more, but I thought I'd post about it anyway, just for kicks.</p><p>Here's what I got today:</p><ul><li>2 boxes of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Garnier</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nutrisse</span> hair color, on sale for $5 each, get $5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ECB</span> when you spend $10</li><li>Secret Flawless deodorant, $3.99, get $1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ECB</span></li><li>Crest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ProHealth</span>, $2.99, get $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ECB</span></li><li>Vaseline Men's lotion, $3.69, get $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ECB</span></li><li>3 General Mills products, 3/$10, get $5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ECB</span> on 3</li></ul><p>Subtotal came to $30.69. I used a $5/$30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">CVS</span> coupon (from the scanner), and manufacturer coupons on every product. The total came down to $16.19, and I paid with $15.97 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ECBs</span>. I paid the remaining $0.22 plus $0.78 tax in cash. I got back $15 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ECBs</span>. That means I paid less than $2 total for all this! (Spent $15.97 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ECBs</span> and $1 cash, got back $15 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ECBs</span>) Well worth it for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">hair color</span> alone. </p><p>It's humbling to actually admit to everyone that I color my hair. But I'll have you know I AM a natural <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">blonde</span>, it's just not a "pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">blonde</span>." Some call it dish-water <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">blonde</span>, yuck!</p><p>I'm looking forward to trying the caramel flavor Fiber One bars. Lance and I really like the peanut butter bars, and often have them for breakfast. They're rather filling, and they taste like a dessert. I'm hoping we'll like the caramel ones just as much.</p><p>Hope everyone has a good week!</p>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-47706347209828768202009-02-23T21:33:00.004-06:002009-02-23T21:54:20.700-06:00Finally used up some ECBs!I know it sounds crazy, but I'm so happy I finally made a dent in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ECB</span> stash! I actually used up $19 worth of them, can you believe it?? And really, $19 for all THIS is a great deal in my book.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306203174773536354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SaNrrIptNmI/AAAAAAAAAOY/4Hefwrb-nLw/s400/02-22-09+001.jpg" border="0" /> The Gamer razor, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CVS</span> antacids, and energy drink were all free. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Stayfree</span> were money-makers ($3.99 each, used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BOGO</span> free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MQ</span>, $1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MQ</span>, and $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CVS</span> Q, then got back $4 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ECBs</span>). The Post Trail Mix cereals were on sale <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">BOGO</span> free, and I used a $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">MQ</span> for each, making them about $0.40 each. The 12-packs were $2.25 each after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ECBs</span>. (Since I got the last two 7ups they had, the manager kindly offered to substitute another brand to get the deal!) The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ziplocs</span> were $1.75 each after sale and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">MQ</span>. And I got the pistachios and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ClearCare</span> just because we like them and they were on sale.<br /><br />Oops, I just realized the best part got left out of the picture...Another huge box of Valentine's chocolates! I was just $2 shy of being able to use a high-dollar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ECB</span>, so Lance ran to the candy clearance and got the perfect "filler." : )<br /><br />I was still about $0.22 short, but I decided to have the cashier just adjust the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ECB</span> down. Turns out, he didn't have to! Apparently the register will take up to a 22 cent deficit without beeping! That 22 cents went towards tax. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Sweeeeeeet</span>.<br /><br />I know it's crazy, seeing as how I try so hard to MAKE money on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">CVS</span> trips, but I am truly glad to have whittled down the stash for now. It's so hard to keep rolling all those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ECBs every month</span>. I'm happy with spending them on things we use for a really good price. And really, when all is said and done, only $1.18 in cash was spent on all this stuff. Pretty good.Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-33111184302483816852009-02-23T17:12:00.002-06:002009-02-23T17:34:52.735-06:00America's binge/purgeI will admit that I rarely watch the news. Lately it's been too depressing. But one thing I noticed as I listened to the news for about ten minutes tonight is that this "economic crisis" is bringing about some much-needed introspection.<br /><br />Our country saw much prosperity over the last decade or two. We were living high on the hog and spending more than we had. Our deficit was growing exponentially, but no one seemed to care...We had it all!<br /><br />And then that first domino fell.<br /><br />What started out as a rumor of recession has finally hit America. Hard. So many people are affected, and it's heart-breaking to hear their stories. A few bad choices by some are causing strife for many.<br /><br />But there's a silver lining, albeit tiny: People are starting to take a good hard look at the way money is spent in our country. State governments are looking for creative ways to cut overhead costs in order to save jobs. (Turning off the light bulbs in vending machines in state buildings could save $1 million over the year!) Companies are getting creative as well. The Tennessean newspaper is asking each employee to take one week of unpaid leave this year, which will save the jobs of several people.<br /><br />It's rough. For all of us. But I feel some hope that because of all this our country will reevaluate its spending and come out on the other side much stronger, healthier, and wiser. We've been gorging ourselves for long enough. It's finally time to start that diet we've been talking about.Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-55716467766101651002009-02-16T19:40:00.003-06:002009-02-16T19:55:59.101-06:00I can't stay away. Not when there's discount candy to be had.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303575960850868882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SZoWPKHRKpI/AAAAAAAAAOA/vpCSfWWDpLA/s320/02-16-09+002.jpg" border="0" />"My" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CVS</span> only had their Valentine's Day candy for half off. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmph</span>. Well, I guess I can't complain...I still got it free.<br /><br />Here's how today's transaction went:<br /><ul><li>Two $2.99 Colgate Total, get $2.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ECB</span> each</li><li>Two $3.50 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">clearanced</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mylanta</span>, get $3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ECB</span> each</li><li>Two $4.99 J&J First aid 5-ct boxes, get $3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ECB</span> each</li><li>$2.49 (!!!!) box of small envelopes</li><li>$4.99 box of chocolates</li><li>$0.88 Pixie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Stix</span> filler</li></ul><p>Sub-total = $31.32. Used these coupons:</p><ul><li>$5 off $30 purchase (thank you, machine!)</li><li>Two $1 Colgate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">MQ</span></li><li>Two $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mylanta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">MQ</span> (printed from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mylanta</span> website)</li><li>Two $2 J&J <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">MQ</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">peelies</span>)</li></ul><p>Sub-total = $16.32. Paid with a $6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ECB</span>, a $9.98 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ECB</span>, and put $1.30 on my gift card. Got back $17.98 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ECBs</span>, making a profit of $0.70. ($17.98 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ECBs</span> earned - $15.98 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ECBs</span> spent - $1.30 cash spent) Not bad!</p><p>Lance had requested the envelopes. Can you believe they were $2.49?? Crazy! But, hey...It's something we needed. And I have to spend my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">ECBs</span> on something eventually. It's still rough to pay so much for simple envelopes.</p><p>Hope everyone had a good Monday!</p>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318117702362359574.post-56133734913806552132009-02-15T13:52:00.002-06:002009-02-15T14:19:30.241-06:00Finally some decent profit at CVS!(I say that with such entitlement, ha.)<br /><br />But in all seriousness, I had been a bit discouraged as of late. The deals were few and the stock sparse these past few weeks. And the Gamer Fusion razor? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fugetaboutit</span>. Nary a one to be found.<br /><br />But I managed to still make a good run today, ending up with a profit of $8.34 when all was said and done. Per usual, I relied on my trusty $10/$50 purchase coupon and my diabetes monitor filler.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303114999786558210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kbTv7PoXLFo/SZhy_sVS0wI/AAAAAAAAANw/MM7ytw5rIww/s320/02-15-09.jpg" border="0" /><br />Here's the rundown:<br /><ul><li>$0.73 worth of Valentine candy, 90% off (most to give away)</li><li>Two $2.99 Colgate Total Advanced, get $2.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ECB</span> each</li><li>Two $2.99 Herbal Essences, get $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ECB</span></li><li>$4.99 Gillette shampoo (for Daddy, since Lance obviously can't use it!)</li><li>$7.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Earinse</span>, get $7.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ECB</span></li><li>Two $3.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Stayfree</span> pads, get $2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ECB</span> each</li><li>$19.99 One Touch Mini (for donation to missions)</li></ul><p>Sub-total came to $53.64. Used these coupons:</p><ul><li>$10 off $50 purchase</li><li>$19.99 off One Touch Mini</li><li>Two $1 off Colgate Total Advance from recent insert</li><li>$3 off 2 Herbal Essences from recent PG insert</li><li>$2 off Gillette Shampoo from recent PG insert</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">BOGO</span> free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Stayfree</span> coupon from recent insert</li><li>$1 off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Stayfree</span> printable Mfr. coupon</li></ul><p>That brought the sub-total down to $11.66, and I paid with a $7.58 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ECB</span> and a $3.99 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ECB</span>. Sub-total = $0.09! Of course, tax was outrageous ($2.97, ouch). I paid the remaining $3.06 using a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">CVS</span> gift card. I walked out with $22.97 more in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ECBs</span>, thus I made a profit of $8.34 ($22.97 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ECBs</span> earned minus $11.57 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ECBs</span> spent minus $3.06 cash spent). </p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">CVS</span>, I heart you. : )</p>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459380021254291729noreply@blogger.com1