Sorry this is so late. I have been sick the last couple of days. I think I have a cold.
Anyway, my money-saving tip of the week is to hang dry your clothes. It drives my husband crazy but when I do laundry, I hang all of the jeans and some shirts. I just drape them over the dining room chairs and barstools. I know it is not very appealing but it's not permanent. It saves me at least one full load from the dryer. Just think about it, one load a week times 4 weeks a month, times 12 months a year... I'm sure that is a substantial savings!
So what do you do to save money?
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tipster Tuesday
Posted by chellecald at 6:04 PM 0 comments
Monday, March 2, 2009
Menu Plan Monday
Posted by chellecald at 8:19 AM 0 comments
Labels: Menu Plan
Friday, February 27, 2009
CVS 3/1-3/7
I have the ad in hand but don't have time to give all the details. But I want to highlight a few good deals that have IP Q's you will need to print & take with you.
Aveeno Anti Itch Cream $4.49=$2Ecb (limit 5)
-$2 IP Q (be sure to hit your back button to print more than one)
=$0.49 OOP
Theraflu Cough or Flu Packets (6 ct) $5.99=$2Ecb (Limit 5)
-$2 IP Q
-$1/$3 CVS IP Q here (only 1 Q/transaction; you can also use this Q on the NyQuil deal that ends Sat. 2/28!)
=$0.99 OOP
Go to It's Hip to Save! for a better deal match up!
Posted by chellecald at 7:29 PM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Freebie Friday!
Here are a few freebies for you!
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser *Love These Things!* here
Kashi-free entree here
Kotex sample from Wal-Mart here
Quaker Oats Rice Cakes sample here
Juicy Juice Sippy Cup here
Ok, this is not a freebie but darn close! How 'bout $5 ink cartridge refill at Walgreen's? Print this here then take it to Walgreen's TOMORROW! Then you can continue printing your IP Q's!
Posted by chellecald at 5:27 AM 0 comments
Labels: freebies
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Target Deal!
Thanks to Money Saving Mom, I scored A LOT of Pop Tarts today, cheap! My stepson eats these everyday so this was an amazing deal! Here's the breakdown:
Pop Tarts $2.54 ea. x 10=$25.40
-(5) $1 MF Q
-(5) $1 Target IP Q
=$15.40 OOP (on G.C.)
Got $10 G.C. back
So I spent $5.40 for 10 boxes of Pop Tarts or $0.54/box!!
Oh, on this transaction I also got a bag of Goldfish $1.79 and used a $1 Target IP Q for a total of $0.79! I know there are other IP Qs for the Goldfish on Money Saving Mom so I only bought one bag.
I have to print some more Qs and go back for more!!
I also needed some hand weights because I am trying to work out and lose weight, so I found some 5# weights on clearance for $10.48. Not a great deal but I had the gift cards so, why not? It's better than spending my cash! Anyway, I also got a couple of things for Easter baskets (2 lip balms $1 ea & 3 pair of socks $1 ea.) and some bouncyballs for the 3 year old (worth every penny if it keeps him happy in the store). So I spent another $18.92 and put it on gift cards. So I still have $14.89 left on one card to do another Pop Tart deal.
I took pictures but the site is not allowing me to upload them right now. So I will try again later.
Posted by chellecald at 2:19 PM 0 comments
Labels: Target
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Works For Me Wednesday!
Here is another simple money saving trick I use. I cut my dryer sheets in half. Simple, huh?


So, give it a try! Wouldn't it be nice to buy dryer sheets only once a year?! If only I knew how much I paid for that box. It would be great to know what the cost per load would be with the half sheet. Sounds like I have a project for the next box I buy...
Posted by chellecald at 5:40 AM 0 comments
Labels: WFMWednesday
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Addicted or Not?
Last night I had to go into town to "work". My daughter was with me and we had about 30 minutes to kill. So what can you do in 30 minutes? Well, I had an idea. I headed for my destination and my daughter began to whine, "Not again! No!" Where was I headed? Right, CVS. I needed to check out what they had on clearance and see what kind of CRT's I could get.
Card #1
3 Airborne Squid Kid Hand Soap-Clearance $1ea
-$3 ECB
$0 OOP
Card#2
1 Breath Right Strips-Clearance $1.50
1 Snore Relief-Clearance $5
-$1 Breath Right Q
-$2 Snore Relief Peelie
-$3ECB
$0.50 OOP (on G.C.)
Then today, I had about an hour to kill before I had to be to work, so again I headed for CVS. I wanted to see if they had the makeup pads that are a moneymaker but no such luck. The good news is that the manager gave me the next 2 weeks ads & the March monthly ad! YEAH!! So I will be posting those soon...I hope. Anyway, here is what I got today:
Card #1
1-Gallon Milk $3.49
1-OFF Family Wipes-Clearance $0.59
-$4 ECB
$0.08 OOP (on G.C.)
Card #2
1-Toddler Clogs-Clearance $0.99
1-Renuzit Triscent Refill $5.49
-$4 Renuzit Q
-$2 ECB
$0.52 OOP (on G.C.)
Earned $2 ECB
Card #3
1-Renuzit Triscent Refill $5.49
-$4 Renuzit Q
-$2 ECB
$0.53 OOP (on G.C.)
Earned $2 ECB
So my question is, am I addicted or not?
Posted by chellecald at 6:02 AM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Monday, February 23, 2009
Menu Plan Monday
Check out Organizing Junkie for other Bloggers menus and lots of good information.
Posted by chellecald at 1:27 PM 0 comments
Labels: Menu Plan
Sunday, February 22, 2009
CVS Monymaker 2/22-2/28
Here is a small moneymaker this week:
$2 ecbs WYB Renuzit Tri-scent starter kits limit 5
$5.49 sale price
-$4 Renuzit Tri-scent starter kit Q (SS 2/22)
=$1.49
get $2 ECB ($0.51 MM!)
Not much but every little bit helps! So get a few papers or ask friends/family for their coupons!
Posted by chellecald at 3:50 PM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Super Shopping @ CVS!

Posted by chellecald at 10:21 AM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Friday, February 20, 2009
Freebie Friday
Freebies:
Huggies Soft Skin Baby Wipesw/Shea Butter from Walmart here
Viva Paper Towels from Walmart here
Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal sample & coupon here
Aquafresh Extreme Clean here
Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse here
Pantene Sample here
Posted by chellecald at 5:43 PM 0 comments
Labels: freebies
Thursday, February 19, 2009
CVS Ad 2/22-2/28
Sunday & Monday Only
Aquafresh, Ultrabrite, Gleem or colgate (regular) toothpaste .88 limit 5
.75 IP Q here
=.13
Gold Emblem Spices .77 limit 5
Sunday-Saturday
Maybelline Dream Mousse foundation or Dream Matte powder starting @ $8.39 $5 ECB WYB 1
$2 MF Q 2/8 RP
=$6.39 or $1.39 after ECB
Maybelline Volume XL Seduction Lipstick & Lip Gloss $8.99 $5ECB
$1 in the 2/8 RP
=$7.99 or $ $2.99 after ECB
Gillette Fusion Gamer, Gillette Venus Embrace or Spa Breeze $7.99 $4ECB
$4 MF Q Fusion 2/8 P&G
$2 MF Q Gillette 2/8 P&G
Schick Intuition Plus $8.99 $4.00 ECB
$2 MF Q 1/25 SS
Extreme Energy 6-hour Shot $4.99 $4.99 ECB (should be different deal than monthly)
Vicks DayQuil or NyQuil 2/$9.98 Get $5 ECB WYB 2
$1.50 in the 1/18 P&G
$1.50 in the 2/8 P&G
Gold Emblem Apple Juice 2/$3
All Laundry Detergent $4.99
Posted by chellecald at 3:48 PM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Works for Me Wednesday

I do this with shampoo, conditioner, dishwasher detergent, etc. If you don't do this, gice it a try. It will save you some money and help the environment. Every little bit helps!
Posted by chellecald at 10:24 AM 0 comments
Labels: WFMWednesday
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Awesome CVS Trip!
My mom & I went to CVS today to see if they had the Neutrogena Facial Bar Soap that is a moneymaker this week and to turn in my order. As we were checking out, the manager came around and said he was about to have a HUGE clearance sale! He waited for me to check out and then took me around to show what he wanted to mark down and by how much. So I told him to call me as soon as the sales were in effect. About an hour and a half later, he calls to say it is ready! How great is that? So my mom and I rushed back and man, did we have fun!! We got $435.83 worth of products for 60 cents!!!!
See!!! It took 2 pictures to get it all!!! There is WAY too much to list but some of the highlights are:
- 6-Color change egg shaped clocks reg. price 9.99 sale .99ea
- 2-4 pk. williow baskets w/cloth inserts reg. price 12.99 sale 1.29ea
- 4-quilted tote bags reg. price 17.99 sale 1.79ea
- 3-quilted duffle bags reg. price 19.99 sale 1.99ea
- 2-ladies slippers reg. price 9.99 sale .99ea
I did 2 transactions on 2 cards and used 35.49+7.49 in ECBs. Not bad for all that stuff!
Again, that's not all we got. There was a lot more. I also did 2 transactions on Saturday and one transaction the first time we went in today but I forgot to take pictures, sorry. But this round was WAY better anyway!!!
Isn't it great to be in the right place at the right time?!
Posted by chellecald at 5:29 PM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Monday, February 16, 2009
Menu Plan Monday
Tuesday: Noodle Bake (I will make a spaghetti sauce, use some pasta I have on hand, spread mozarella on top & bake)
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches & Chips (my 2 older kids will be w/their dad)
Thursday: Chicken Tenders, Baked Potatoes, Broccoli
Friday: Homemade Pizzas & Chicken Wings
Saturday: my older kids will be w/their dad again so I will come up with something
Sunday: Enchiladas, Rice, Beans
Posted by chellecald at 10:51 AM 0 comments
Labels: Menu Plan
Sunday, February 15, 2009
CVS Moneymaker!!!

Posted by chellecald at 7:29 PM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
My baby's 3rd Birthday!!
Posted by chellecald at 5:29 PM 0 comments
Friday, February 13, 2009
CVS Deals 2/15-2/21
Colgate Total Advance Toothpaste $2.99 Get $2.99 ECB
-$1.50 IP Q or 0.75 MF Q
=$1.50 M.M or 0.75 M.M.
Gillette Fusion Gamer, Venus Embrace $7.99 Get $4 ECB
-$4 MF Q (Fusion) or $2 MF Q (Embrace)
=FREE after ECB or $2 after ECB
Herbal Essence/Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler $2.99 Get $1 ECB
Buy 2 for $6 - $3/2 MF Q=$3
Get $2 ECB= $0.98/2
Scrubbing Bubbles 2/$5
- $3/2 IP Q
=$2/2 or $1 ea.
Suave Bodywash, Shampoo, Conditioner $2 Get $2 ECB WYB 3
Buy 3 for $6- $1.50/3 MF Q=$4.50
Get $2 ECB=$2.50/3
Lysol Neutra Air $5.99 -$5 MF Q =$0.99
Posted by chellecald at 5:29 PM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
All U Magazine
Here is a great deal on the All U magazine. This magazine is FULL of coupons! It is only found at Wal-Mart or through a subscription.
Thanks Deal Seeking Mom for this amazing deal!
Posted by chellecald at 7:12 PM 0 comments
CVS Trip
Yesterday a friend called and wanted me to go to CVS with her. Of course I couldn't resist. I didn't have a plan in order so I had to wing it but I think I did pretty good. After I had my order together and was ready to check out, I ran into another fellow couponer and she gave me an inside tip that there were Sally Henson products on clearance! And guess what I had...Sally Henson coupons! The Assistant Manager took the basket of "goodies" to the storage room but brought them back out when I politely asked where to find them. So I had to rearrange my order and here is what I got...
3-Nutter Butters 5/$5
4-Chips Ahoy 5/$5
3-Lorna Doone 5/$5
6-Sally Henson nail strengthener .79 ea
1-Garnier Fructis hair color 5.99
2-Oak Farms milk 3.19 ea
1-Slimfast 7.29
1-Glade candle 2 pack 5.49
1-CVS digital bath scale (not pictured) 6.50 (clearance)
2-G.E. Apple Juice 2/$3 (had rebate from last week)
-$22.40 MF Q
-$29.18 CVS Q (this includes the apple juice rebate & ECB's)
Total OOP: $.62 on gift card
Got back $6 ECB ($2 ea: Garnier, Glade, Slimfast)
Not too bad!
Posted by chellecald at 4:14 PM 0 comments
Monday, February 9, 2009
Menu Plan Monday
This blog is not going to be just about couponing. I want it to reflect many ways to be more frugal and green. One way we are able to be frugal in my house is by eating at home. We have a large family so it would be very expensive for us to eat out alot. A simple trip to Wendy's can end up costing $30 even while eating off of the dollar menu!
That's why I have recently started Menu Planning. I sit down every week, usually Sunday or early Monday, and plan out what we want to eat the rest of the week. I look at what I have on hand, what's on sale, what we have going on that week (baseball, basketball, etc.) and the weather.
So here is what I came up with this weeks dinner:
Monday: Pork Roast, Veggies, Homemade bread
Tuesday: Chalupas, Rice
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Chicken Noodle Soup (homemade)
Friday: I don't know yet ! :)
Saturday: Pizza & Chicken Wings
Sunday: My baby's 3rd birthday!! We are having a party so we will have hot dogs, chips & cake
I will also start posting recipes little by little. This is going to take me some time so be patient, please. So what are you having for dinner?
Posted by chellecald at 11:12 AM 0 comments
Labels: Menu Plan
CVS 101
Here are a few things you need to know to become successful at the CVS game. Trust me, it really is a game. You never know what products will actually be available, what you can find on clearance or if the limits listed in the ad really are the limits! Read on for tips to get you started.
- First thing you need to do is get a CVS Extra Care card. You can get one in the store or online.
- Second, go online and register your card with your email. CVS will periodically send you coupons to print for $/$$ (ex: $5/$25). This will really increase your savings.
- Be sure you know your limits! If a product is giving Extra Care Bucks but has a limit of 1, you don't want to buy 2. But wait, sometimes the real limits are higher than the ad states! That's why it is important to read the bottom of your receipt. It will tell you when you have reached the limit for Extra Care Bucks. So always look at the bottom of your receipt!
- You do not have to do a buy $$ get $ ECB in one deal, you can split it up. For example, if Olay Ribbons body wash is buy $20 get $10 ECB, you can spend $10 in one transaction and then the other $10 in another transaction. The bottom of your receipt will let you know how much you need to meet the requirements for the deal.
- If a deal has a limit of 5 that will produce ECB's for all 5 items, you may want to do them in seperate transactions. Example: toothpaste is on sale $2.50 and is giving $2 ECB with a limit of 5. If you buy all 5 in one transaction you will get 1 ECB for $10. This may be harder to use after you learn how to work your deals. Smaller ECB's are always easier to use. If you did 5 seperate transactions for the toothpaste you would get 5 seperate ECB's of $2 each.
- You can use a Manufacture coupon and CVS coupon in the same transaction. For example: if you have a coupon for toothpaste and you have a CRT (Cash Register Tape) for that toothpaste, you can use both coupons at the same time.
- Combining sales with Manufacture coupons and/or CVS coupons could mean the item will be FREE or a MoneyMaker!! So keep your eyes open and check my blog for these!
- Know how to hand over your coupons:
1.) $/$$
2.) MF Q
3.) CVS Q
4.) ECB's
5.) cash (if any)
- And most importantly, be nice to your cashier, the manager and other shoppers. If you have multiple transactions or a really big one, let other shoppers check out first.
There you have it! Now go out and try your hand at CVSing! But beware, it is addicting!!!
Posted by chellecald at 8:43 AM 0 comments
Labels: CVS, Getting Started
Sunday, February 8, 2009
CVS Deals 2/15-2/21
Colgate Total Advance Toothpaste $2.99 Get $2.99 ECB
-$0.75 MF Q
=$0.75 M.M.
Gillette Fusion Gamer, Venus Embrace $7.99 Get $4 ECB
-$4 MF Q (Fusion) or $2 MF Q (Embrace)
=FREE after ECB or $2 after ECB
Herbal Essence/Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler $2.99 Get $1 ECB
Buy 2 for $6 - $3/2 MF Q=$3
Get $2 ECB= $0.98/2
Scrubbing Bubbles 2/$5
- $3/2 IP Q
=$2/2 or $1 ea.
Suave Bodywash, Shampoo, Conditioner $2 Get $2 ECB WYB 3
Buy 3 for $6- $1.50/3 MF Q=$4.50
Get $2 ECB=$2.50/3
Lysol Neutra Air $5.99
-$5 MF Q
=$0.99
Posted by chellecald at 7:42 AM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Saturday, February 7, 2009
CVS Deals!
2 Natural Dentist Mouth Wash $9.99 ea. get $4 ECB ea.
- (2) $2 IPQ (here)
-MIR (here)for $10
=$2.02 MM!!!
**Mylanta 12oz. Cherry flavored reported to be ringing up $3.50-$3.65, get $3ECB
-$2 Mylanta Q
=$1.50-$1.35 MM!!!
**I'm not sure how much this is or if it is on clearance at our local CVS but I will check it out tomorrow or Monday.
Posted by chellecald at 8:27 PM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Couponing Lingo
There is actually lingo for couponing! It is much like texting. So I here it is:
Q=coupon
OOP=Out of Pocket
MM=Money Maker
BOGO=Buy One Get One Free
WYB=When You Buy
ECB=Extra Care Buck (CVS)
CRT=Cash Register Tape (ex: CVS has coupons @ end of receipt)
CAT=Catalina (a coupon that is dispensed @ register after purchase)
MFG=Manufacture
IP=Internet Printable
SS=Smart Source (coupon inserts in paper)
RP=Red Plum (coupon inserts in paper)
P&G=Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in paper)
WAGS=Walgreens
RR=Register Reward (Walgreens)
IVC=Instant Value Coupon (Walgreens)
ESR=Easy Saver Reward (Walgreens)
MIR=Mail In Rebate
FAR=Free After Rebate
RC=Rain Check
WM=Wal-Mart
GDA=Good Deal Alert
HCW=Hot Coupon World (forum)
YMMV=Your Mileage May Vary (ie: just depends on your store/mgr.)
These are the most common but of course, there's more.
Posted by chellecald at 5:49 PM 0 comments
Labels: Getting Started, Lingo
Posted by chellecald at 8:51 AM 0 comments
Labels: freebies
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Couponing Tutorials
Want to save $MONEY$ ? I have saved a lot of $$$ using coupons. "How?" you ask? Read on...
Step 1: Start Clipping!
- Sunday newspapers-I buy the Dallas Morning News because it always has better coupons in it. The Waco Tribune Herald has fewer coupons. So, if at all possible, go for the Dallas paper. IMPORTANT: SAVE ALL COUPONS regardless of whether you think you will use it or not. It could make you $$!
- Ask around-Neighbors, co-workers, friends & family may get the Sunday paper. Ask them if they mind saving the coupon section for you.
- Internet printables-These coupons can be found on the internet. I will try to link as many as possible in this blog to help you access them.
- Keep your eyes open!-Look around the stores. Many stores have blinkies(*), tearpads(*) &/or peelies(*) for numerous products. (*See my tutorial on LINGO)
- Use a clipping service-you can buy coupons on Ebay or through services like couponclippers.com
- All-U Magazine-This magazine is only found at Wal-Mart unless you get a subscription. It is full of coupons!
Step 2: Get Organized!
- Binders-This is my method of organizing coupons. I have a zipper binder that has baseball card holders to sort my coupons.
- Small Sorter-This is a small accordian style sorter found at Wal-Mart or maybe Target. I started out with one of these but learned very quickly that it was not the right choice for me.
- Envelopes-Simple enough.
- Picture albums-You could use the small 1 picture per page albums to sort coupons.
All of these are just ideas. Try them out and see how they work for you. If you don't like it, try something else. It is completely up to you how to organize your coupons. But trust me, coupons can get out of hand very quickly if you don't stay organized!
Step 3: Study, Research & Plan!
- Study your store ads-Sometimes several stores will have the same product on sale. Make sure you get the best value.
- Research the ads-Many times you can find the ad online before the sale begins. Check for coupons you have that will match the sale.
- Plan before you hit the store-You may not be able to plan every detail but having a good idea of what you need/want will make the process easier.
Step 4: Build A Stockpile!
- Buy in bulk-This doesn't necessarily mean buy the BIGGEST box of cereal you can find! Buy several boxes if they are on sale or a good bargain. Little by little. This takes time so be patient!
- Buy ahead of time-Don't wait until you completely run out of something. This can cause you to spend more than necessary. I am very guilty of this.
- Make room-You need a place to keep all of your stockpile. You may need to rearrange your pantry or clear out an unused closet.
- Stop being brand loyal!-Don't commit to only buying one brand. Many times you can get another brand cheaper or even FREE!
Step 5: Price Match!
- Make a list of the items you use the most.
- Carry this list with you when you visit stores and write down the prices. (I would pay attention to the price per ounce section on grocery items). You will learn how often stores put products on sale which will help you plan for bulk buying.
Step 6: Be Patient!
- This will take time! There is a lot to learn so keep at it.
- Don't get frustrated! It is worth the time and effort, I promise.
There you have it! Follow these steps and you will be on your way to saving more money!
Posted by chellecald at 5:26 AM 0 comments
Labels: Getting Started
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Glade Deal @ CVS!
Right now at CVS, the bonus packs of Lasting Impressions & Sense & Spray are giving $2 ECB. I'm going to check this out tomorrow!
Lasting Impressions (These reportedly have $3 coupons in the box)
$6.99
$6.99
-$3 Q inside box
-BOGO (link below)
Paid $3.99 with ecb's and got back $4 ($2 ecb for each pack) So MM of $.01. Not much but that means it was FREE!
Sense & Spray (These reportedly have $3 coupons in the box)
$6.99
$6.99
-$3 Q inside box
BOGO (link below)
Paid $3.99 in ecb's and got back $4 ecb's ($2 ecb for each pack) Again, MM of $.01. Not much but that means it was FREE!
Glade Sense & Spray here
Glade Lasting Impressioins here
Posted by chellecald at 8:45 PM 0 comments
Labels: CVS
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Kroger Trip
Today I went to Cleburne which is about 120 miles round trip to do some grocery shopping at Kroger. Why drive so far when you have an H-E-B right up the street you ask? Let me show you why...
Let me explain...
8-Cottonelle Toilet Paper
4-Chex Mix
7-Totino's Pizza Rolls
1-Kraft Mayo
6-Glade Air Freshener
1-French's Mustard
2-Tropicana Orange Juice
16-Green Giant Vegetable Steamers
9-Kraft Cheese (3 shredded & 3 sliced)
20-Rotel
1-Velveeta
2-Cattlemen's BBQ Sauce
2-Gallons Milk
1-Pkg. of 2 loaves of Italian Bread-Clearanced @ .79
2-Pkgs. of French Bread-Clearanced @ .49 ea.
Total OOP: $39.50
Total Savings: $142.11
Now do you understand?
Posted by chellecald at 1:50 PM 0 comments
Labels: Kroger