How to cut out coupons: 101

It took me like 2 years to figure this trick out. I know not everyone is as slow as me, but if you haven't figured this out yet, here is a good way to cut coupons. It is a little something I like to call, "collating"

Find a big area, like the counter or the floor and lay each page of the insert out.
Next, take another insert and lay the like pages on top of the previous page, and continue. When all the pages are laid out, cut the pile of like pages out at the same time.

You could also staple each set of coupons together before you cut them (this works well if you get more than 5 inserts).

Now the coupons are in sets, and ready to file in your coupon box or binder.

Easy as pie, and a heck of a lot faster than cutting them out one by one.

Kmart Doubles

It's in the ad for Nov 30th to Dec 6th. The ad states: "Super Double Manufacturer Coupons up to & Including $2 Value

Amount of Credit from doubling a coupon cannot exceed the retail price of an item. No cash or in-store purchase credit will be awarded for any amount exceeding the retail price of the item. Limit 1 coupon for each item purchased. Only 1 coupon will be doubled per item. You may only purchase 4 of the same items using double coupons. Coupons do not apply to sales tax. Limit 75 coupons per customer per day. Internet coupons or copies of manufacturer instant coupons are not valid."

I plan to check it out Dec 1st. I'll post what deals people are getting as soon as soon as I find them out.

Black Friday

I want everyone to know that I have determined not to buy anything tomorrow except some flannel fabric at Joannes. It is $1.49/yd (in years past it has been $.99).

I was tempted by some toys at Shopko, but I settled on Lego Starwars for my oldest son ($14.99 on Amazon.com. To get free shipping I bought season 2 of the Office *we have seasons 1 and 3* for $13.99 and Night at the Museum for $4.99).

I am now all set for my son's, I just need a little doll stroller for my daughter, something for my husband, and then my immediate family is done.

Moonlight Madness

My SIL and I hit the MOONLIGHT MADNESS sale at Reams last night, and it lived up to its name. We got our items fairly quickly but waited in line for an hour. We are stocked up on our Holiday Snack foods, though.

This is what I got:
4 boxes Keebler crackers= $.49 each
4 bags Lays Potato Chips= $.99 each
6 2L of Shasta Pop=$.49 each
1 2lb bag of shrimp=$5.98
6 pkgs little smokies=$1.00 each
6 pkgs cream cheese=$.50 each
4 1lb bags of mini carrots= $.49 each
6 10oz pkgs lunch meat=$.44 each
8 pkgs frozen veggies=$.45 each
1 15lb bag of potatoes=$.99
9 lbs Yams and Sweet potatoes=$.25/lb

Pretty Good Buys

This is what I got at Albertsons last night:
2 Gallons Milk $4 (used 2 $1 coupons found on Oreos pkgs)
Dozen Eggs $1.75
6 Jolly Time popcorn -$4.00 (used $4 in coupons, 2 on-line printables, 2 sent from manuf, plus will get $10 back from the in ad-rebate)
2 Planters Peanuts $4 (used 1 $1.00 off Target coupon from inserts)
4 Boxes of Crackers $6 (used 2 $1.00 off Target Coupons from inserts)
2 Pkg of Oreos $5 (used 1 $1 off Target Coupon from inserts)
1 Sour Cream $1.39
1 Reeses PB cups candy $2.50
1 Junior Mints $1.00
21 lb Turkey -$3.90 ($19.36 savings for spending $25, and $10 savings for spending $25 on Kraft items, plus $2 of "turkey bucks" from another store)
1 Imitation crab $3.99
6- marked down Kraft cheese $6.00
1 Cream Cheese $1.25
1 French Bread FREE (store coupon)

Total $27.-- Not bad for a big turkey, cracker and dip ingredients, and cookie/candy craft needed for Thanksgiving.

Where I'm spending my grocery $ this week.

For those that live by me, Reams, as usual has some great produce items on sale this week:
Jumbo Yams & Sweet Potatoes = $0.29 lb
Celery = $0.39 lb
Radishes and Green Onions = $0.33 bunch
Cello Mushrooms 8 oz = $0.99
2 Lb Mini Carrots = $1.49 bag
Red Leaf lettuce = $.69 a head
Broccoli & Cauliflower = $0.59 lb
Small Avocados = $0.50
Roma Tomatoes = $0.79 lb
15 lb Russet Potatoes = $1.99
25 lbs. Yellow Onions = $1.99 bag
Pears = $0.69 lb
Pineapple = $0.69 lb
Cantaloupe & Honeydew = $0.49 lb
Red Seedless Grapes = $0.89 lb
Braeburn, Grannies, Red/Gold Delicious Apples 5 lb = $2.99 bag

Then I'll probably buy the following at Albertsons:
*6 boxes of Jolly Time popcorn for $10 (send in the in-ad rebate form to get $10 back-you can do the promotion 2x's). Use on-line PRINTABLE to make money on the deal.

*Green Giant Steamers frozen vegetables 12 oz. $1.00. Use coupon:Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers frozen vegetables, any variety $1/1 (11-29-08) GeneralMillsSS-10/5 and SS-11/16 to get them for FREE

...they have a promotion that if you spend $25 on participating Kraft products you save $10 on a turkey. I don't see any screaming deals on the Kraft items. I'll up date if I find any out.

Also, if you spend $25 at the store than you can get a turkey for $.38 a pound. If you spend that much on misc things you should throw a turkey in your cart too, for that price.

Cheap Pie and Breyers Ice Cream

Oh faithful followers, I failed to let you in on this good deal. Right now at Albertsons (sale ends today) you can get 2- 37oz Sara Lee Pies, and 2- 1.5qt Breyers Ice Cream for $6.39. That comes out to $1.60 per item. The deal is Buy one Pie for $6.39 and get another pie and 2 Breyers Ice Cream's for free.

In my defense, I have 3 pies in my freezer left over from last year when I got them for a screaming deal, and I'm trying to avoid Breyers at all cost. It is just too good.

Romano's Macaroni Grill Pasta: Product Review

I got this item free the other day. The box was damaged so it was marked down to $.99 and I had a $1.00 off manufacturer's coupon. I cooked it up and was pleased with the taste. You have to provide your own chicken, but the noodles, sauce and seasonings are provided with the box. It didn't taste quite as good as the restaurant, and I'm sure you could pull the taste together using spices and sauce from your pantry, but of course for free you can't beat it.

Would I pay for it though? Well, last week I did pre-pay $.66 each for 3 (I haven't received them yet, since they were out-of-stock). Knowing what I know now, I think I would go up to $.75 on this item, but no more. They will be nice to have for last minute meals, but you still need to have chicken on hand so it's not like you're getting a complete meal for pennies. It's not an item I'll have stocked up. It totally beats Hamburger Helpers though-for about the same price (assuming you got your chicken cheap a couple weeks ago like I said to:)).

If you see 'em on sale somewhere here is printable coupon

Kohls Credit Card

I am a faithful "Pinching your Pennies" gal. Besides putting together lists of coupons and sale items, they also have a "Screaming deals online" forum. For years I ignored a thread called "Current Kohls.com Codes & Deals." After all there wasn't a Kohls store nearby me so I didn't think it would be useful to me. One day, when I was bored, I checked the thread out and saw absolutely fantastic prices on clothing and household items. I'm talking $1.50 for pj's, $2 for pants, $2.50 for shirts, etc. Plus, there were codes for additional % savings. The catch-the dreaded shipping charges. However, Kohl's Credit card holders could get their items shipped for free.

I deliberated (secretly-I knew my husband would not be on board) and decided to go ahead and sign up for a credit card. I know, I know it was against all good financial (Dave Ramsey) advice. You know what though? I have scored fantastic deals over the last few months, and have not gone crazy or into debt.

The other day I ordered this:

I got it for for $2.71, and it is nice. I plan on gifting it to one of my many cute nephews.

So, I've been happy with my decision to sign up for the card. I've got about 9 items saved for Christmas gifts (for nieces and nephews) that cost me $3 at the most. An added bonus is that there is now a Kohl's store relatively close to me so if I need to return something the brick and mortar store is nearby. Some have said that they buy the items cheap online (even if the size they want is not available) and take it to the store to exchange it for the correct size. I don't have any experience with that, but it sounds like a great way to get what you need for super cheap.

Here is a link for the current deals:Kohls.com deals

Kung Fu Panda

If you do go to Albertsons, and you were planning on buying this movie, here is a pretty good deal to go with it:

Buy Kung Fu Panda...you'll get $3 off instantly, and 3 FREE items: Knorr Sides Plus Veggies, PopTarts 14 oz., Popsicle 12 pack...end up getting all these items for $16.95.

Here is a link for a mail in rebate FORM
You need to buy 5 of any of these products and the movie to get $3 back
* Act II® microwave popcorn
* Chef Boyardee®
* Hunt’s® ketchup
* Peter Pan® peanut butter
* Snack Pack® pudding

It says receipt(s) so if you already bought the movie you can buy the ConAgra stuff as part of this sale and still save some $. (Those rebate $ add up, don't scoff at a $3 rebate)

Albertsons Shopping List (Nov 12-18)

Red seedless grapes .98 lb.
Shoppers Value milk, gallon, 2%, 1%, skim 2.00
Shoppers Value milk, gallon, whole 2.29

**ConAgra promo: Save $10 on your next shopping order (OYNSO) when you buy $20 or more ***
If you buy more than $20 worth, break up your transaction

Banquet Value meals 6.75-12 oz. $1.00 (w/ promo .50)
Chef Boyardee Big Bowls 14.25-14.5 oz. $1.25. Use coupon:Chef Boyardee Can or Microwave Pasta .35/3 (11-30-08) SS-10/19 to get 'em for $1.13 (w/ promo.52)
Chef Boyardee microwave pasta bowls 7.25-7.5 oz. $1.25 Use coupon: Chef Boyardee Can or Microwave Pasta .35/3 (11-30-08) SS-10/19 to get 'em for $1.13 (w/ promo.52)
Chef Boyardee pastas 14.5 oz.-15 oz. can $1.25 Use coupon: Chef Boyardee Can or Microwave Pasta .35/3 (11-30-08) SS-10/19 to get 'em for 1.13 (w/promo .52)
Egg Beaters 15-16 oz. (includes egg whites!)$2.50 (w/ promo 1.25)
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers 9.5-10.8 oz. $2.00 Use coupon: Healthy Choice Café Steamers, any .50/1 (12-15-08) SS-10/26 to get 'em for 1.50 (w/promo.50)
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers 9.5-10.8 oz. $2.00 Use PRINTABLE coupon: 1.00/2 to get 'em for 1.50 (w/ promo .50)
Healthy Choice Complete Selections 10-12.5 oz. $2.00 (w/ promo 1.00)
Healthy Choice Panini 6 oz.$2.00 (w/promo 1.00)
Hunt's Manwich sloppy joe sauce 15.5-16 oz. $1.25 (w/promo.63)
Hunt's spaghetti sauce 26-26.5 oz. $1.25 (w/promo.63)
Hunt's tomatoes 14.5 oz. $1.00 (w/promo.50)
Hunts Snack Pack pudding 14 oz. 1.00 (w/promo.50)
La Choy bean sprouts 14 oz. or noodles 5 oz.$1.25 (w/ promo.63)
La Choy teriyaki or soy sauce 10 oz.$1.25(w/promo.63)
Marie Callender's dinners 13-21 oz.$2.00 (w/ promo 1.00)
Marie Callender's pot pies 16.5 oz. $2.00 (w/ promo 1.00)
Orville Redenbacher microwave popcorn 3 pack $2.00 Use coupon: Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn, any variety 2-pack or larger .40/1 (11-30-08) SS-10/12 to get 'em for $1.60 (w/promo.60)
Pam cooking spray $2.50 Use PRINTABLE coupon 1.00/2 to get 'em for $2.00 (w/ promotion .75)
Peter Pan creamy or crunchy peanut butter 18 oz.$2.50 Use PRINTABLE coupon $1.00/2 to get 'em for $2.00 (w/promotion.75)
Reddi Wip whipped cream topping 7 oz. $2.00 USE PRINTABLE $1.00/2 to get 'em for $1.50 (w/promotion .50)
Ro-Tel tomatoes 10 oz.$1.25 (w/promotion.63)
Wesson cooking oil 48 oz.$3.99 Use PRINTABLE 1.00/2 to get 'em for 3.49 (w/ promotion 1.49)

So, honestly I don't buy chef boyardee or packaged dinners unless they are practically free so the only things I'm truly interested in are: popcorn. Hunts spag. sauce (only if I notice it doesn't have HFCS), Pam cooking spray, and Wesson oil. However, I already used the 2 printable coupons last week to get Swiss Miss Hot choco for free, so I won't have any coupons to go with them. Anyway, long story short, I may not be visiting Albertsons this week, so if anyone wants my coupons you can have them.

PYP shopping list with links:HERE

Another Trip to Albertsons

Transaction #1 (the store was out of these items, but they let me "pre-pay" for them)
4 Q-tips
4 Suave Lotion
4 Vaseline Lotion
Used $9.45 manufacturer's coupons
+ $15 from previous transaction

Total: $5.55 with $15 to use another time

Transaction #2 (the store was out of these items, but they let me "pre-pay" for them)
3 Macaroni Grill Pasta mixes
4 Suave kid shampoo
2 Suave lotion
5 Suave deoderant
Used $9.75 manufacturer's coupons
+ $15 from previous transaction

Total: $5.19 with $15 to use another time

Transaction #3
6 Lipton Sides
4 Ragu Sauce
5 GG frozen vegies
2 Chex
4 cake mix
1 brownie
1 frosting
2 Eggs
1 Kelloggs mini wheats, marked down (free with coupon)
1 Macaroni Grill pasta mix, marked down (free with coupon)
Used $7 in manufacturer's coupons
+ $15 from previous transaction

Total: $11.39 with $15 to use another time

My Albertsons Trip

Well, I ventured out and bought the following items:

Transaction 1:
2 Milk
4 Hunts tomato
8 Tic Tacs
1 Fresh Express Spinach bag
2 Mayo
2 Supreme Brownies
2 All detergent
1 Breyers ice cream
4 cereal (chex will probably not be this cheap again)
used $10.70 in manufacturer's coupons
Cost $33.08
Received $15 to use on my next order

Transaction 2:
3 Progresso Broth
6 Ragu Pasta Sauce
2 5lb GM Flour
6 Suave shampoo/condioner
used $8 manufacturer's coupons plus $15 from last order
Cost $7

Transaction 3:
7 BC Potato Boxes
2 Knorr Side Dishes
6 BC Cake Mix
5 Progresso Broth
2 Ragu Pasta Sauce
2 BC Frosting
used $9.50 in manufacturer's coupons plus $15 from last order
Cost $5.50 plus received $15 to use next time

Grand total: $45.58 with $15 coupon to use on my next order and a coupon for free french bread. Not too bad.

I will go back to try and get the freebies that were out.

Great Albertsons Sale (11/5-11/11)

There are some pretty HOT prices at Albertsons starting tomorrow.

The details are:
**General Mills/Unilever promo: Earn $15 on your next shopping trip when you spend $30 or more on any combination of these participating products.**

Some things to know:
-You can only do this promotion ONCE per transaction. So if you buy $60 worth of stuff you will only get one $15 off coupon.
-Split your transactions up and use you $15 coupon on your next transaction, then you won't forget to use your coupon and you'll have less "out-of-pocket" cost.
-I'm guessing the good stuff will be gone fast, this will probably get a bit crazy.
-Take advantage of on-line coupons. Even if you don't have Sunday newspaper coupons you can still save a lot by printing the coupons on-line (just don't photocopy them, that's illegal).
-You can usually print each online coupon twice.
-Enjoy the rush of saving a ton.


I will probably buy the following (assuming I can find them in stock):
*All Small & Mighty 3X Concentrated Laundry Detergents, any $1/2 (12-7-08) RP-10/12 All Small & Mighty 3X detergent $3.33. Use a $1.00/1 printable coupon for $2.33 (with promotion $.67)
*All Small & Mighty Free and Clear $3.33 $1.00/1 printable coupon for $2.33 (with promotion $.67)
*Best Foods mayonnaise 30 oz. $2.50 Coupon: Best Foods Product, any 18 oz. or larger .60/1 (Expires: 11-9-08) RP-8/17 Price $1.90 (with promotion $.65)
*Ben & Jerry's ice cream cup 3.6 oz.$1.00 (with promotion $.50)
*Betty Crocker brownie mix 18.3-20.5 oz.$1.67 (with promotion $.84)
*Betty Crocker cake mix 18-19.5 oz.$1.00 (with promotion $.50)
*Betty Crocker cookie pouches 17.5 oz. $1.67 .75/1 printable coupon $.92 (with promotion $.09)
*Betty Crocker frosting 12-16 oz. $1.67 $.55/1 printable $1.12 (with promotion $.29 )
*Betty Crocker muffin mix 15.2-19.6 oz. $2.50 .45/1 printable $2.05 (with promotion $.80)
*Betty Crocker potatoes 4.6-7.2 oz. $1.00 .40/1 printable coupon $.60 (with promotion $.10) Great for donations to the Food Bank
*Betty Crocker potatoes 4.6-7.2 oz. $1.00 Coupon:Betty Crocker Potatoes, any flavor box or pouch except Potato Buds .35/1 (11-29-08) GeneralMillsSS-10/5 $.65 (with promotion $.15) Great for donations to the Food Bank
*Breyers ice cream 1.5 qt. $3.33 Coupon: Breyers Product, any .50/1 (12-20-08) RP-10/26 $2.83 (with promotion $1.17)
*Dove shampoo and conditioner 9-12 oz. $3.33 Coupon:Dove Hair Care Product, any $2/1 (11-17-08) RP-8/17 $1.33 (with promotion FREE)
*Dove shampoo and conditioner 9-12 oz.$3.33 Coupon: Dove Hair Care product, any 12 oz. $1.50/1 (12-31-08) RP-10/12 $1.83 (with promotion $.17)
*Gold Medal flour 4.25-5 lb. - whole wheat (If this variety is included!)$2.50 $1.00/1 printable coupon $1.50 (with promotion $.25)
*Green Giant frozen boxed vegetables 7-10 oz.$1.00 $1.00/2 printable coupon $.50 (with promotion FREE)
*Lipton rice or pasta sides 4-6.4 oz. $1.00 Coupon:Knorr Rice or Pasta Side Dishes, any .75/2 (12-28-08) RP-10/5 $.63 (with promotion $.13) Great for Food Bank Donations
*Progresso Broth 32 oz.$1.67 Coupon: Progresso Broth, any variety $1/1 (11-29-08) GeneralMillsSS-10/5 $.67 (with promotion FREE)
*Progresso Traditional soup 18.5-19 oz. $1.67 Coupon: Progresso Soups, any flavor .50/2 (11-29-08) GeneralMillsSS-10/5 $1.42 (with promotion $.59)
*Progresso Traditional soup 18.5-19 oz.$1.67 $1.00/3 printable $1.34 (with promotion $.51)
*Ragu jar or Simply Traditional pasta sauce 16-26 oz. jars or 13.5 oz. pouch $1.67 (with promotion $.84)
*Skippy peanut butter 16.3-18 oz. $2.50 Coupon:Skippy Peanut Butter Products, any 15 oz. or larger .75/2 (Expires: 11-9-08) RP-8/17 and RP-10/5 $2.17 (with promotion $.88) Last time I stocked up on the ALL NATURAL variety
*Suave deodorant 2.6 oz.$1.67 Coupon:Suave Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant Product, any .75/1 (12-14-08) RP-9/21 $.92 (with promotion $.09)
*Suave hand and body lotion 18 oz. $2.50 Coupon:Suave Lotion Product, any .75/1 (12-14-08) RP-9/21
$1.75 (with promotion $.50)
*Suave Professionals or Naturals shampoo and conditioner, and Suave for Kids 2 in 1 5.24-14.5 oz.
$1.67 Coupon:Suave Hair Care Products, any .75/2 (12-14-08) RP-9/21 $1.30 (with promotion $.47)
*Vaseline Intensive Care hand or body lotion 3.1-10 oz. $2.50 Coupon: Vaseline Lotion product, any 200ml or larger except Renewal or Glow $1.25/1 (12-21-08) RP-10/26 (Use coupon on any lotion product over 6.8 oz.) $1.25 (with promotion FREE)

Other good items, that aren't part of the promo:
*Fresh Express Spinach 10-16 oz.$.97
*Crisco olive oil 16.9 oz. $4.99 Coupon: Crisco Olive Oil Product, any $1/1 DND (12-31-08) RP-10/19 Final Price $3.99
*Culinary Circle entertainment crackers 7-8 oz. $1.50 $1.00/1 printable coupon Final Price $.50
*Tic Tacs $.50 Coupon: Tic Tac Single Packs or Multi Packs .55/2 (11-30-08) RP-9/21 Final Price $.23
*Hunt's tomatoes 14.5 oz.$1.00 $1.00/2 printable coupon Final Price $.50

There are a ton of things on the promotion, check out your ad and Albertsons Shopping list with Printable Coupon Links

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP, LET ME KNOW!!

Shopping List

I didn't see anything too great in last weeks ads. Maybe there will be something good starting on Wednesday.

However, boneless, skinless, chicken breast are still on sale for $1.19/lb at Macey's. If you didn't get any RUN and get some. I'll split a case with someone if you're worried about freezer space. Let me know.