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!

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!

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!