All set for BBQ season....and then some...

We are now the proud owners of 58 bottles of Bullseye BBQ sauce. Yes, 58. I know what is running through your heads right now... That horrible "hoarder" word. Not true. We BBQ for most of the summer, which means alot of sauce will be used. Also, we usually have 3-4 large events where a fair amount of people come over for said BBQ. Also, family, friends and neighbours enjoy it too. And with the BOGO Free coupons, and the 3/$4.98 sale at Sobeys, you can't go wrong with $0.83 per bottle, when stores have charged upwards of $4.00 per bottle... Also picked up 24 Shiriff Dr. Oetker Pudding/Pie Filling mixes, 20 Mousses, 4 Creme Caramel, and 8 Mug Cake mixes. They come in handy for a quick dessert!

Am off to Walmart to get more of the Resolve Laundry Stain Remover tomorrow. It works out free with the $2 insert coupons from the weekend, and with all that BBQ sauce future spillage, we will definitely need it!

What deals have you been shopping for lately? I am on the hunt lately for toilet paper and paper towels! Will post more tomorrow when the sales flyers come! Happy clipping y'all!

Deals & Steals--How I saved $280 on bedding...

Have been doing a few shopping trips this past week, trying to work out my grocery budget and replenish stock. I am always on the hunt for insane bargains--with or without coupons.

Superstore is usually my go-to for clearance items, as you know from a trip I did last year. I went there with a list, a few coupons, and was planning on getting in and out fairly quickly. Did a wander, and found an amazing deal!

I bought 4 of these queen sized bedding sets. The staff member working in that section advised me that they are a final sale, as some of them are incomplete. Didn't put me off, as I wanted them for the duvets. The sets were all complete, which included a queen sized duvet, 2 pillow shams, a bed skirt, and 3 throw pillows. Regular price for each set? $80. I paid? $7.94. Making that $320 worth of bedding for a mere $31.76!!! Over 90% savings!

Safeway Trip #1

I tend to find some great deals at Safeway. Whether it be with coupons, or sales, or clearance, there is always something. On this trip, I spent $56.03, but saved $66.67! A 55% savings! The trip included:
-Hormel Bacon Bits $3.98 (Sale ) -$0.50 Tearpad = $3.48
-Nesquik Syrup $6.79 -$1 Printable WUB 4L milk =$5.79
-11x Baby Food $9.79
-5lb Robin Hood Flour $4.99 (sale price)-$1 tearpad =$3.99
-4x Kraft Dressing $14.64 -- BOGO sale =$7.32
-2x Red Rose Tea 144pk $9.98 (sale) - BOGO websaver coupon= $4.99 (Awesome deal!!!)
-2x Sunny Delight $9.16  - FPCx2 =FREE!! (Paid deposits)
-4x Cheecha Snacks $10.00 total (sale)-FPCx4=$FREE
-6x Energy Drinks $19.74 -B2G1 free sale =$13.16
-Minigo Yogurt $3.36 (sale) - $0.50 mailout coupon=$2.86 + $0.75 coupon for next time!
-4L 2% milk $4.69 (helped save $1 off Nesquik)
-Softsoap Body Wash $3.99 (sale) - $1 magazine coupon =$2.99

Safeway Trip #2--clearance!!!

-4x Huggies $64.00 (sale price) -50% clearance stickers =$32.00
-Huge Stuffed Pork Roast $22.00 - 50% clearance sticker =$11.00
Total paid: $44.55 Total saved: $60.60 with club card and clearance! 59% savings!

And the pull ups are only used on an as needed basis, so they will last quite awhile. The hubby was super excited about the roast---the thing is huge! Definitely a treat for us!


So, this week has been great! I saved about $480 total, and got some much needed items off of my grocery list. And kept my money where it belongs--in my pocket!

Be sure to check out Calgary CityTV Breakfast Television this Monday at 7:52am to catch me live!And keep an eye out here and on Facebook for some amazing giveaways coming soon! Happy clipping!

Burrito Madness!

Have been busy in the kitchen the past couple of days, prepping some freezer meals. Made a batch of Breakfast Burritos and a batch of Smothered Burritos. It's always great to have meals set aside in the freezer for hectic dinner time rushes or late mornings! The recipes are below, and they double and triple quite easily!

Breakfast Burritos
2 tsp. oil
12 eggs
2 cups cheddar or monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 cup of chopped onions and red peppers
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
12 medium flour tortillas
salsa

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook onions and peppers until they start to get soft, and add egg mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until cooked through.

If tortilla shells are not soft and pliable, heat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Place about 1/2 cup egg mixture into each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and top with some salsa. Roll them up burrito style.

Wrap each tortilla in tin foil, and stack in large ziploc freezer bags. Freeze for up to one month.

To cook, bake in foil at 350F for 10-15 minutes.

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Smothered Burritos

Filling:

2 lbs. lean ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

3 cups low-fat cottage cheese

2 cups refried beans  

2-3 4oz. tins diced green chiles

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. cumin

salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

2-15 oz. cans tomato sauce

4 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. ground cumin

1-4 oz. tin diced green chiles

12 large flour tortillas

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Brown the ground beef with the onions and drain off excess fat. Add the remaining filling ingredients and heat through.

Divide the mixture evenly among the tortillas. Roll up and place in 13X9X2-inch baking dishes (tinfoil disposables) treated with nonstick cooking spray. Mix the sauce ingredients and pour over burritos. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover with foil, label and freeze.

To serve, thaw the burritos. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 40 minutes, or until heated and the cheese is melted. 

Makes 12 servings.

************************

Hope you enjoy guys! They are super tasty and easy to prepare! Until next time all, happy clipping and cooking!

I Am Now A Centre-Fold....And I Went Shopping To Celebrate!

So, my article was published in Metro Calgary newspaper today! Super exciting and it looked amazing! If you missed the paper version, you can check it out by clicking here! This will also be a regular fixed post on the Media/Public Relations Tab. A huge thank you goes out to Jeremy Nolais, reporter for Metro Calgary, for an amazing experience!! And a big thank you to my hubby for picking up 23 copies for me this morning, and to my parents for taking a copy to my Grams, who is in hospital right now.

Found out today that Global TV wants to do a story on me as well, and they are coming to our house tomorrow, then following me to the Calgary Drop In Centre to do a massive donation. Should be fun--will keep y'all posted!

Did a bit of shopping, with minimal coupons used at Safeway today--I love their clearance racks!

Paid $10.88, saved about $38-$40, factoring in clearance vs. reg. prices and $1.00 in coupons!

 Until next time, y'all happy clipping!

The Shaw Video

Filming With Shaw

So, it has been a hectic week. Wednesday was the second part of filming with Shaw TV, which was an amazing experience. Did a shopping trip at London Drugs while being filmed--never easy--but fun, nonetheless. It is amazing all of the opportunities that have been coming at me lately, slightly overwhelming though. Just as I am wrapping up filming with Shaw, I get contacted by a reporter from Metro newspaper, who wants to do a story on me. So, I have already completed part one of that interview, and the last part will be done at our house tomorrow. Should be printed next week in not only the Calgary paper, but across country hopefully! And Shaw should be airing next week. So it's a big week!

A big thank you to Rochelle and her adorable daughter for all of your help. And thank you to all of the staff at Beddington London Drugs. And thank you to Shaw TV for the opportunity. Here's details on the haul from the Shaw filming at London Drugs:

Paid $59.84, Saved $229.24 (coupons and price matching)

This haul includes: 2x Rubbermaid Med. Size Glass Storage Dishes, 1x Poise Pads, 3 U by Kotex Pads, Liners and Tampons, 4x Airwick Oil Starter Kits, 1x Mega Pack Huggies Diapers, 1x ColdSore FX, 4x Splenda, 3x Assorted Benylin Cold Products, 1x Tylenol Cold Complete, 1x BreatheRight Strips, 11x Clean & Clear Body Wash and 8x Assorted Windex Triggers.  Amazing trip--stocked for awhile, and have some great items for donations!

As for the shopping trip at London Drugs for Metro Newspaper, I went smaller, but still scored some wicked deals!

Paid $19.92, Saved $78.75!!!

This haul included: 1x Vileda Rubber Gloves, 6x Clean & Clear Body Wash, 1x Arm & Hammer Toothpaste, 1x Breathright Strips, 2x Splenda, 3x Pediasure Packs, 12x Hunts Tomato Paste.

I will keep everyone posted on print and television release dates! Happy clipping y'all!

News and Latest Haul

So, alot of you already know, mostly through facebook, that another TV opportunity has come about. I will be starting filming with ShawTV Friday, and then finishing up the show on couponing on February 8, with a full fledged shop at London Drugs. Needless to say, I have been spending most of my time prepping, clipping, emailing, setting everything up, and trying not to get stressed! Also, met with a fellow couponer tonight who will be with me during filming, and we did some couponing at London Drugs. Thank goodness she was there--definitely helped out! You can see the results below--figured I should get some practice in before it gets filmed!

Paid $42.47, Saved $181.33!!!! Details below!

The haul included: 9x Glade Scented Oil 2pk. refills, 4x Glade candles, 2x Splenda (with bonus $5 restaurant gift card), 3x Dove hair care, 6x Scrunge 2pk. sponges, 1x Schick Razor Refills, 1x Hydrasense, 4x Hunts Tomato Paste, 1x Breathe Right Advanced Strips, 1x Ensure 6pk., 1x Tylenol Cold Complete, 2x Benylin Cold Meds.

All in all, it was a good haul, as we use alot of the scented oil products--I love them!

Until next time all, happy clipping!

Double Coupon Days Haul

Every so often, an event comes along in a couponer's life that can't be missed. It just so happened that Friday and Saturday were double coupon days at Pharmasave. So off I went, coupons in hand, Friday morning. Made it there a few minutes prior to the Airdrie location opening, and thank goodness I did. It got busy fairly quickly. They didn't have everything I was on the hunt for, and limits were put in place on certain items. Needless to say, managed to save $105 with coupons, and only spent $45. They even doubled a $10 coupon that I had!! Here's the haul and the details:

4x Kids Band-Aids, 2x Loreal Conditioner, 2x Pantene Shampoo, 2x Pantene Conditioner, 6x Gilette Shave Gel, 3x Gillette Shower Gel, 1x Schick Hydro Razor Refills, 3x Cover Girl Mascara, 3x Breathe Right Strips, 1x Oral B Brush, 1x Cold Sore FX (That was the $10 coupon)

So all in all, a good haul. Nothing too crazy! Now if they had carts instead of only baskets, would have been different!

Am working on some upcoming dates for Couponing 101 Seminars/Swaps. Let me know if you are interested! Also, let me know if anyone is interested in a Calgary Coupon Matchup weekly on here! Would love to do it! Until next time, happy clipping!

Huge Haul!!!

Was definitely an amazing coupon day. Decided to pull off a big haul at London Drugs, so I took the time, pre-stacked my coupons, made my list, dropped Liam off at preschool and off I went. Grabbed my cart, and shopped. And shopped. And shopped.... And handed over coupons. And this is the end result:

 2x Melitta 2lb. coffee beans, 2x Melitta coffee filters, 2x French's Mustards, 2x Pam spray, 6x Wasa Crackers, 4x Adam's Peanut Butter, 9x Smuckers Jam, 1x Honey Nut Chex Cereal, 2x Colgate 360 Toothbrushes, 6x Aveeno shower gels, 2x Zest shower gels, 2x 6-pack Zest bar soaps, 2x Glade Limited Edition Room sprays, 2x pledge polishes (+mail-in for 2 free microfibre cloths!!), 1x Scrubbing bubbles cleaner, 1x Fantastik, 2x Clorox bleach, 2x 48pack Quantum Detergent, 3x 20 pack Quantum Detergent.

Total Bill Before Coupons: $262.58
Minus Coupons: $165.00
Total Paid: $97.58 !!!!!

Was an awesome shopping trip. The coffee was a splurge, but after coupons was $6.99 per bag, and it was $16.97 at Wal-Mart per bag!!! Low prices my ass!And, still have enough coupons left to stack to get 10 more quantum, 15 more jams, 10 more peanut butter, and more coffee filters.

Am looking at setting up a few coupon trading sessions in the near future, which would include a swap, tips and tricks and grocery budget tips! Let me know if you are interested!
Until next haul...happy clipping!

I'm Back & Ready To Save!

It has been a few months since I have posted anything on here. I'll admit it, I needed a break. What started off as a way to show off my deals and steals turned into a huge thing--something I wasn't ready for at the time. So, I took a much needed break, still did some couponing, and regrouped. I am back on board, back to extreme couponing as much as I can, and gearing up for more couponing classes, as well as the much anticipated "Grocery Savings Class". Alot of you have requested it, I am working on a class plan and schedule, so stay tuned for that!! Will also be doing coupon mail-outs as soon as I get my stash organized--will definitely be more organized with that, as the emails became overwhelming. There will be limits and restrictions on quantities and locations.

Another reason why I took a break from it all, was the frustration of shelf clearing. I mean, really, do you need to clean out a shelf of Aspirin, and then battle with ME at the till, telling me it's for charity? Hmmm.... Nonetheless... I use coupons to save my family money, as well as donating the free or almost free excess product to low-income families and shelters. It is my contribution to our family, as a stay at home mom. It is what allows us to do extra outings, travel, and have a treat every now and then.

Onto the good stuff. A few deals and coupons this week:
---Huge money maker at Wal-Mart this week. By using the printable Tylenol coupon found HERE for each 16- count bottle, you make $1.77. Remember, Wal-Mart has a limit in place of 12 of the same item. Still, 12 bottles with overage means you make $21.24! That's enough to cover a few groceries!
--Wednesday Sept. 21 is a 20X the points event at Shoppers Drug Mart (with a minimum $50 purchase). You can view their current flier HERE! And remember to check their clearance racks--they usually have some wicked deals to match up coupons with!
--Want to add some crunch to your diet? Try out Wasa crackers with this printable coupon. They are great with melted cheese or tuna salad. Or both!
--And for fixing up cuts and scrapes, save on Band-Aid's by clicking here.

So keep in touch, drop me a line, and stay tuned. I'm back and ready to save!

Big Changes & Bigger Hauls

So, as most of you know, my hubby lost his job last night. Completely unexpected by everyone, leaving us completely numb and confused. He had been there for 10 years, so we definitely didn't see this coming. Thank you to everyone for your amazing support--it is definitely appreciated! On the flip side though, thank goodness for couponing. Other than it being therapeutic, it is a necessity now! I am so glad that I starting building up a stockpile of necessary items too! A 1 year supply of dish soap, 2+ years of cleaning supplies, 6 months of laundry soap, 1 year of dryer products, 3 months of diapers--he will potty train soon, 3-4 months of toilet paper and paper towels, and other assorted products to cover us. Very thankful. Not to mention, ziploc bags and containers! So, at least with the stockpile, it takes off some of the financial stress that may arise!

And, as most of you know as well, I will be doing a segment on Friday May 13th on Calgary CityTV Breakfast Television. Discussing extreme couponing, what else! Should be awesome--very excited! So be sure to watch, I will try to get a clip of it for all of you to see!

The newspaper has cut me off of my supply of inserts--they cut everyone off that was lucky enough to get them, as TOO many people were calling to ask for them, and the suppliers--Redplum, Smartsource and Brandsaver--were getting testy about it. One of the reps from Brandsaver even called me, and was pretty nasty. So to them I say: Whatever! I already have other sources, never fear! It's hilarious though, as all of the extras, instead of saving people money, will now go into a big shredder. Nice! Good on ya... Am I bitter? Maybe... *giggles*

The moments you guys have been waiting for. Pics and details of my recent hauls--have been going bigger, harder and better. I have to now for sure! Here they are:

Walmart:

All of this cost $5.59. Seriously. Love overages. Should have cost $96.28. A savings of $90.69!!!!!

 London Drugs:

3X Pampers, 3X Wipes, Jumbo Head & Shoulders (PM'd Shoppers), 8X Old Spice Shower Gel--Cost: $9, Saved: $72 in coupons, $21 by price-matching!

Pampers Diapers and Wipes (FREE), 4X Stayfree Pads (FREE), 2X Tide Liquid: $4 for both! Savings: $43 with coupons, another $9 by price matching!

2X Pampers, 4X Wipes and 1X Easy-Ups Cost: $2, Saved: $46 with coupons, $24 by price-matching!!

 So there you have it! It's been a hellish few days, but we can get through it. And hey, I've still got my coupons! Happy clipping everyone!

Getting Juiced & Keeping Hairy Legs At Bay

I want to thank everyone for their fantastic support with my blog, facebook page and emails! I didn't realize my blog would become this popular! Thank you!! Slightly overwhelming, but it's keeping me out of trouble! Not keeping me from shopping though!

A big thank you for the email from Lina over at Grocery Alerts--will definitely look into the coupon trader application--will be easier for everyone! Have been working my butt off getting all the envelopes done--should be all out by Monday!

Had an interesting thought provoking type conversation with my favorite lady at Shoppers Drug Mart. She made an awesome point about extreme couponing and hoarding. Extreme couponing is fine, as long as it does not exceed or cross over into hoarding. But, keeping a good and healthy supply of necessities, like toilet paper (not for 40 years), paper towels, cleaning products, and non perishables is fine. Smart really. What would happen if there was a job loss, especially in a single income family!?! At least you would have your basics covered, and then you just have to worry about the fresh stuff! Something for every one to consider!

Here are my deals for today. Hit Wal-Mart and London Drugs today, got some great deals! Here goes!

Walmart:

5X Crest=$0.65 Saved $3.75, 2X Venus Razors=$4 Saved $4, 12X Gillette Foam=Free!! +Credit of $4.76 Saved $15.24!, Special K Bars=$1.50 Saved $0.50, 6X Oasis Juice=$11.88 Saved=$6.00 SEE BELOW FOR COUPON LINK AND BONUS!

Wal-Mart has these juices on sale right now for $2.98. The printable coupon can be found here for $1 off, which brings it down to $1.98 each. The sweetest part of getting the juice: Under the label on each bottle is another coupon for a FREE 1L of Oasis juice! Bonus!

London Drugs:

2X Pampers & 2XWipes--Pricematched Shoppers--Paid $7.97 Saved $38!, 2X Herbal Essences--Paid $0.98, Saved $6, 2X Lysol--Paid $2.00 Saved $5.38, 2X Aveeno Lotion-Paid $1 Saved $9.00!!

 

Hope that helps! Price matching and coupon stacking is key at London Drugs! More adventures to come tomorrow! Going to Wal-mart with the hubby so I can double coupon and get double overages back! Wish us luck! Will keep you all posted! Happy clipping!

Coupon Stock, Tips, Tricks, and Deals!

Hello Hello! Needed to take a day to organize my coupons and figure out some shopping trips! And also, to do up a list of current coupons that I have stock of! You can check that out on the Current Coupon Stock tab at the top of the blog. I figured it would simplify things, as I have had a very large amount of emails requesting coupons. Don't get me wrong, I love getting emails! But I needed to come up with a system to tackle it!! So let me know what you think!

On that note, I have been receiving alot of emails with questions. Questions about how I get so many coupons, how to use them, how I get my deals, store policy information. I would love to answer them all---and here goes!

Yes, I get multiple copies of inserts--Red Plum, Smartsource, and Brandsaver (limited on those). It took alot of phone calls, begging and pleading. Trust me. I also have an agreement with a convenience store by my house, and they let me raid their papers--an excellent option for everyone, especially little mom and pop type stores! With regards to getting multiple mail out coupons, I have multiple email addresses and 3 mailing addresses that they go to. Printable coupons are easy--just print more!!!

I have favorite stores, as everyone does. London Drugs--they allow coupon stacking. Enough said. Superstore is great too--you can use one of their coupons from their wall, as well as 1 manufacturer coupon on an item. Wal-Mart is great too, as they pay the overage amount onto your bill if your coupon amount is more than the actual item price. Great to use on trial sizes--some coupons do specify that you can not use it on trial size, so be cautious.

Sales fliers can be your best friend. I love when the new ones come out. You can use them to scout out the best possible deals with coupons, you can use them to pricematch at other stores.

If you find a good deal, buy as many as you can afford. When I find household items, like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc., on sale or on sale plus coupons, I do tend to stock up. Last night, I bought 5 of the big jars of Cheez Whiz--on sale for $4.87 at No Frills, plus another $1 off each with coupons. Or the 1 Litre jars of Bicks dill pickles. Bought 4, as they were on sale for $1.99 each, and then I had $0.75 off coupons, so $1.24 per jar. Crest Toothpaste was on sale at Safeway for $0.99 per tube, and I had $0.75 off coupons, so I bought 8 of them at $0.24 per tube. Couldn't pass them up! Plus I love pickles!!

I think I've covered all that I can. Did another run to London Drugs yesterday and did really well:

Spent $30--Saved $120!!! 2X Bounty $8(both)-saved $12, Bounce Dryer Bar-$2.99-Saved $2, 2X Lysol Toilet Cleaner-$2.38(both)-Saved $4, 4X Head & Shoulders-$1.49each saved $10, 6X Gillette Deodorant-FREE Saved $16, 8X Old Spice Shower Gel-Free--Saved $32, 8X Olay Body Wash-FREE-Saved $40

Always fun shopping at London Drugs! Tomorrow it's off to Wal-mart and Canadian Tire-they have the Vileda ProMist mop and refills on sale!! Hope you all enjoyed! Happy clipping!

Marathon Shopping Week--Where's My Spandex?

Am carefully preparing for my shopping trips this week. Okay, fine, I'll admit it. I have a thing for re-writing lists. It's the anal organized side of me. It's also that I like to make sure I don't forget anything, as I don't want to do repeat trips to grocery stores if I don't have to. Except for London Drugs, they are getting to know me a little too well there!

Safeway has toothpaste on sale this week for $0.99 per tube. I have $0.75 off coupons (from tearpads in-store and Brandsaver inserts), dropping it to $0.24 per tube. Awesome. Do I need any more? Probably not. But at that price, it's an affordable donation to the Women's Shelter. Ocean Spray, as previously mentioned is on sale for $2.48 at Superstore, and with my $1 off coupons, brings it down to $1.48. Planning on buying 12 jugs of the juice... Yummy! You can find the link for the juice by clicking here! They also have Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner on for $2.38, and if you have the $0.50 coupons from the brandsaver inserts, it brings it down to $1.88--wicked deal! Picking up 4 of those...

Still debating the pizzas... And I have a bunch of BOGO Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce coupons, it's trying to find it thats the problem! Walmart has it for $2.39 per bottle, but never have it in stock. Safeway has it for $4.49 per bottle, yeah, no thanks! Will check Superstore! BBQ season is coming, so best to be prepared!

Also, if anyone needs Advil products there are printable coupons over here that will save you $2, and they have coupon zone coupons at Superstore on "the big coupon wall" for $2 off, so you can stack them together! Or if it's a Motrin kind of a day (4 kids can be a good trigger Jessica!) there is a $5 off coupon when you go here. There also some other good printable coupons there too!

It's going to be a busy week. Lots of mail outs to some great fans, lots of shopping and lots of coupons. I will definitely keep everyone posted of the deals and adventures!

Thank you to all of my new found fans! I'm glad to be able to help out! Until next time, happy clipping!

Debating Buying 20 Frozen Pizzas and Saving Over $800 this month!!

When it comes to so-called extreme couponing, there is always the question of "how much is too much"? In my case, it all depends on what the item is. Some couponers shop for the sheer rush of getting it for free, even though they don't need the item--like the lady on TLC's Extreme Couponing who had a huge stockpile of dog and cat treats, and doesn't own either pet!!! Okay, granted, she can donate them. And she did it because they paid overages on each product. But still, there comes a time when you have to know your limits, and not push the whole hoarding line.... On that note, I have been researching organizations to donate alot of the stockpile I have amassed in the past month. I really don't need those 30 bottles of Olay shower gel--that was after giving some away, or 50 tubes of toothpaste--again, my parents and neighbor benefited from those hauls greatly. And why not try to do some good! I mean, I paid the tax on those items, and that's it!

On the other hand, some of my stock pile will remain intact. Ziploc bags and containers, they won't be budging, and we use alot of them. Especially the containers, which I love doing freezer meals in (should I do a section on that? Maybe!). Cleaning products will stay, as they have a long shelf life. And the hubby's deodorant and shower gels will stay, as it saves money and trips to the store in the long run.

The question remains though, how much is too much? They have Dr. Oetker Panabello pizza's on this week for $3.47 at Walmart. I have a bunch of $1 off coupons and access to a fairly empty freezer.... Still on the fence on it. I mean, we are on a diet. But, sometimes, when I don't feel like cooking, they are handy. And cheap. And most of the best before dates are until February 2012. Am looking at getting 20 of them. But if anyone would like a few, I can pick them up for you!

This week will definitely be an adventure in couponing for sure. Have already saved over $800 this month in coupons, with about half of that being mostly free product. We're trying to go cheap/frugal/bare bones for the next while, as we are going to Montana in May, oil change/winter tire removal in May, and summer clothes shopping--some of which will be done in Montana. So, there are a few expenses that I want to prepare for, so I will coupon my heart out to save every penny! That also opens up a whole new thing--making decisions on where your savings go from couponing?! Do you put a portion of it away for a rainy day? Save for a trip? My goal once I get on a regular coupon shopping routine, is to "hopefully" take at least half of what I save with coupons, and put it aside!

Until next time, happy clipping! Keep your eyes out for great deals! And will be doing coupon mail outs on Tuesday, so please get your mailing information to me via email or on facebook!

Bits & Pieces

I have tried with many unsuccessful attempts to create a budget. Whether it be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, never fails, something comes up. Of course we have our regular bills, which I have reduced down. Who really needs all those channels? And all those features on your phone? Not really needed. We have cut down on eating out--also helps our diet. Reduced unneeded driving trips at times, and of course, use coupons whenever possible.

There is something therapeutic about clipping coupons. Keeps me busy, and also then I know that it will in the long run save my family money. And it gives me my shopping fix. And it has taught me alot of organization skills that I never thought I had, and has also introduced me to alot of different people!

So, on that note, here are some pictures from recent shopping trips, and all the price details.

 London Drugs:

12 Tubes Toothpaste, 1 Litre Listerine (Price matched first), 6 Olay Body Wash. Cost: $6 Saved: $62

1 Litre Listerine (price matched), 12 Toothpaste, 6 Deodorant, 3 Old Spice Shower Gel, 6 Olay Body Wash. Cost: $7. Saved: $110.00

2 tubs baby wipes and 2-40 packs of size 6 diapers (price matched Sobeys). Paid: $9.76 Saved: $50

3 Body Wash & 3 Deodorant Cost: FREE Savings: $30!!!!

Walmart:

8 Olay Travel Size Hand Lotion Cost: Free Savings: $12.56 + overage of $7.44 credit applied to bill!

Real Canadian Superstore:

12 packs of Ziploc containers (combined store and manufacturer coupons) Cost: $3 Savings: $36

 If you are looking for store specific coupon policies, go to Mrs. January's nicely compiled list. I strongly suggest printing off copies and taking them with you to the store to avoid nasty cashier issues!

Until next time, happy clipping!!!

Shopping Updates

Hey everyone! This site is still under construction, but I will continue to blog while I continue to tweak my page!

I definitely have to say March was an amazing couponing month! I went big, and ended up with alot of free product--well, I had to pay the sales tax... Ended up saving almost $350 by using coupons in March, including $100 worth of absolutely free ziploc bags! It was a great month, and I want this month to be even better!

My ziploc stash...

One of our local newspapers provided me with a large box of coupon inserts, and will continue to do so each time there are inserts in the newspaper. I just didn't expect there to be quite so many inserts. We're talking 300-400 inserts. So, I've got multiple pairs of scissors ready for cutting them all, and my binder ready to be filled.

The piles of coupon flyers!

Have been having some great luck lately shopping with coupons. After learning that London Drugs will allow you to stack coupons for products. Of course, there are rules, which are super simple. You can view their policy here. I actually rediscovered my love of London Drugs recently, and here are some sample shopping trips that I did:

9 Toothpaste, 9 Deodorant & 3 Tuna--$13.50 (Savings=$41.10)

9 Toothpaste & 3 Deodorant--$3.48 (Savings=$25.00)

These were both done with coupons and price matching. London Drugs will only price match the first item, so keep that in mind. I will definitely be doing alot more shopping there in the future. One thing I have noticed though--go through customer service--a little easier, and doesn't rattle the cashiers too much! Plus, if you are price matching, you will need a manager override anyways!

And I'm sure you are all watching Extreme Couponing on TLC. I know I have been. Religiously. Envious? Yes. Wishing I was living in the states? Yes and no... I'd need a storage locker! I figure with what I am doing in Canada, I could do a heck of alot of damage down there. Check out the show though. It's addictive. Really. I'm watching right now...

So, there you have it. A few shopping updates. My thrills. My passion/obsession. My life--okay, part of it. Until next time, happy clipping! I'll get back to working on the look of the blog!