Archive for April 2011

My trip to CVS today- and another $59.36 for the cruise fund!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011



I started out with $11.99 ECB before my trip today- I didn't have an actual scenario planned out, but here's the deals I took advantage of:

Blink Tears (0.5 oz.) or Gel Tears (0.34 oz.), $7.99
Get $7.99 ECBs (Limit 1)
$1/1 Blink Tears or GelTears Eye Drops, exp. 5-9-11 (SS 04/03/11)
$4/1 peelie on some packages

I was lucky enough to find a package with the $4/1 peelie, so this was a $4 money maker!

All Crest 3D White Paste, Brush or Rinse
Get $5 ECBs wyb $10 (Limit 2)
3 x Oral-B 3D White Pulsar Advanced Vivid Toothbrush @ 3.49 = $10.47
$2/1 Select Oral-B Toothbrushes, exp. 4-30-11 (P&G 04/03/11)
B1G1 Oral-B Advantage or Select Toothbrush, exp. 4-30-11 (RP 03/13/11)

FREE after coupons and ECBs!

B1G1 Schick Hydro 3 or Hydro 5 Razor, psa $9.39 (Limit 4 Total)
$3/1 Shick Hydro Razor printable


$1.69 ea. after coupon

Physicians Formula get $3 ECB wyb $10 limit 1

I got the Healthy Wear SPF 50 Tinted Moisturizer (LOVE THIS) which was $15.49

- $5 IP HERE

$7.49 after coupon and ECB’s- still pricey but I love this stuff so it’s worth it. J

Clean & Clear get $5 eb wyb $15 limit 1
warning: clean & clear items with reduced price "wyb 2 or more" not included

-B1G1 Clean & Clear Body Wash, up to $5.99 (exp 5/15/2011) 3/27/2011 SS

- $2/1 IP HERE

Body wash x 2 @ $6.29

Scrub $5.79

Total for all 3 after Q’s and ECB’s = $5.38 or $1.79 each

My total savings for the day - $59.36 – plus I earned $20.99 ECB= success!

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Another $112 deposit to the cruise fund!

Thursday, April 21, 2011


I was able to make another $112 deposit into the cruise fund this week. Carnival implemented a system where you can enter your Future Cruise Certificate (that I told you about HERE) online vs. having to mail them in certified, saving me around $6 in postage.

$6 - Savings @ Tijuana Flats (with the BOGO Entree Q from last week)
$6 - Savings from not having to mail the FCC Certified
$100- On board credit earned from Future Cruise Certificate submitted this week

Amount needed: $ 3,238.00
Amount "found"
Deposit #1: $ 183.33
Today's deposit: $112.00
Remaining: $ 2,942.67

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FREE Entree @ Tijuana Flats today only!!


It pays to like Tijuana Flats on Facebook - FREE ENTREE with coupon when you like their page!!! Just print it and bring it in to any Tijuana Flats. Valid today only!

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HOT Groupon- $8 for One Large Any-Topping Pizza at Domino's Pizza (Up to $20 Value)!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011


I SO wish I had a Dominos Pizza by my house- there's a super Hot deal on Groupon today - $8 for any Large Pizza, up to a $20 value!

The Fine Print

  • Expires May 19, 2011
  • Limit 3 per person. Limit 1 per order. Must order online. Must provide email address upon redemption to receive unique PIN and URL; you will not be added to Domino's mailing list. Carryout only. Valid at all US locations except those in Alaska or Hawaii. Not valid with other offers. Tax not included.
You can check out the deal HERE. (If you haven't signed up for Groupon yet, go HERE and sign up now!)

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Check your email for Free eos hand lotion!


If you entered the Facebook giveaway for a Free eos Hand Lotion check your email- I got an email today that I won this week!

If you haven't entered yet, head to their Facebook Page to "Like" them and enter now!

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First Deposit into the Vacation Fund!!


It's been a pretty good couple of days for us! So far, I've been able to come up with $183.33 in "found" money to deposit into the vacation fund. Here's the breakdown:

Trip to Publix #1: Savings $26.34

Trip to Publix #2: Savings $6.99

Check from hubby doing side work: $150.00

Total: $183.33

Amount needed: $ 3,238.00
Amount "found" $ 183.33
Remaining: $ 3,054.67

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Check your Kraft First Taste Accounts for two free product offers!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011


Check your Kraft First Taste accounts- I just logged in and had two great offers- a free bag of KRAFT Shredded Cheese with a Touch of PHILLY (up to $3.87) and (1) 4-pack of BREAKSTONE'S Cottage Cheese OR TWO (2) packages of BREAKSTONE'S 100 Calorie COTTAGE DOUBLES (up to $3.20)!

Receive a coupon* for ONE (1) FREE pack of any KRAFT Shredded Cheese with a Touch of PHILLY (up to $3.87). These natural shreds have a touch of PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese added to them. So now you can add an extra twist to your favorite recipes that will make them taste creamy, cheesy and more irresistible than ever. Add more possibilities to your mealtime with all 5 flavors Three Cheese, Mozzarella, Mexican Four Cheese, Triple Cheddar and Italian Five Cheese.

*All coupons are delivered in 4 to 6 weeks and are offered while supplies last. Offer expires 7/31/2011. Up to $3.87.

Receive a coupon* for ONE (1) 4-pack of BREAKSTONE'S Cottage Cheese OR TWO (2) packages of BREAKSTONE'S 100 Calorie COTTAGE DOUBLES (up to $3.20). With 8 grams of protein each, BREAKSTONE'S combines luscious fruit with rich and creamy cottage cheese in a snack that will help satisfy your hunger for a healthy and delicious treat. BREAKSTONE'S 100 Calorie COTTAGE DOUBLES have 5 varieties with fruit on the side, and 100 Calorie 4-packs come in 4 varieties that are already mixed for you. Your search for the perfect snack has ended – now find a spoon and dig in.

*All coupons are delivered in 4 to 6 weeks and are offered while supplies last. Offer expires 7/31/2011. Up to $3.20.

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My Meal Plan for the Week

Monday, April 18, 2011


I'm stopping by to pick up a few things at Publix tonight. This meal plan is based on the things I have on hand, and about $20 worth of produce, etc.

Monday: Tortellini Alfredo, Salad

Tuesday: Buffalo Chicken sandwiches, fries

Wednesday: Sauteed Scallops, Salad, mashed potatoes

Thursday: Chicken Pasta w/ Broccoli, Salad

Friday: Sweet & Sour Shrimp, Rice

Saturday: BBQ Chicken, potato salad

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Where I've been, and what I'm doing, and a little something for you!


Some of you may have noticed that I haven't been posting as frequently as I was. I am definitely not trying to make excuses, but life has just been c-r-a-z-y lately. Between work and my social life and my 6 furry babies I just have not has a lot of time to breathe, much less post.

No excuses though- I'm going to keep the good deals and good times coming. As with everything in life, when you fall off track for a bit you just have to get back on and keep on truckin', which is exactly what I'm going to do!

On that note, there's a few new developments I want to let you all know about. One is a trip that we've booked and are saving for, the second two are giveaways!

I booked a cruise for hubby and I to go on in September. We LOVE cruising! Not only is it relaxing and an amazing way to see the world, it's also one of the most economical ways to vacation. The total price of the cruise for both of us was $1,548.00. This is for 7 nights on the Carnival Dream on September 3, with a balcony room. On a previous cruise that I went on in February, I participated in the Carnival Future Vacation program. Basically you put down $100 deposit towards any future cruise, which you apply towards the price of the next cruise. You also get an on-board credit in a certain amount which is based on the length of the cruise you book ($50 for a 3-5 day cruise, $75 for a 6 day cruise, $100 for a 7-9 day cruise, and $200 for a cruise 12 days or longer). You have up to 2 years from the date of purchase to redeem the certificate. For us, it was like getting a $100 on board credit for free!

In addition to that perk, the cruise includes all the food you can eat, and travels to Cozumel, Mexico, Belize city, Roatan, Honduras, and Costa Maya, Mexico. I don't know of any land-based vacation that includes all of that for around $100 per person a day!

Hubby and I both decided that it would be great to see how much of the cost we can offset of this vacation by doing several things to bring in some cash- (1) Most obvious- couponing (2) Selling items we don't really need want on Ebay and/or at garage sales, etc. (3) cutting back on extras like eating out and unnecessary purchases.

I devised a budget for each category of this vacation, which we're going to do our best to stick by. Here's the plan:

Cruise Cost- $1,548.00
Parking at the Pier- $140.00 (unfortunately there's no way to get around this)
Excursions- $300.00
Pre-Cruise shopping- $100.00
Tips- $200.00 (the cruise line automatically charges $10 per person, per day, which you can edit at your discretion. We typically like to tip our waiters & room stewards a little extra)
Shopping on the trip- $200
Drinks on the ship/Eating out on Shore- $500
Pet Sitting- $250

Total: $3,238.00

We have until June 10 to pay off the cruise, and we set sail on September 3. I don't know for sure if we'll be able to cover the entire cost of the cruise by couponing, but we are sure going to make a valiant effort to pay as little out of pocket as possible! I'll be keeping track of every deposit I make into the savings account here on my blog. The plan is to deposit the amounts that I save at the stores, to see just how much we can come up with. In addition, any rebate checks, gifts, or otherwise found money will go into the pot as well!

Now that you've listed to me ramble on about my upcoming vacation (can you tell I'm a little excited?), I've got some very exciting news for you!!! In an effort to celebrate all of you wonderful readers, I'm going to be doing TWO giveaways very soon! The wonderful folks at CVS donated a $50 gift card for one of my lucky readers/followers, and I've also got a $25 Olive Garden to give away in May when we do no dining out again!! There will be a lot more information on both of these giveaways very soon, but in the meantime spread the word to anyone you think might like to win one of these great prizes! Keep checking back here for more info!

Wishing you all an awesome Frugal, Fun and Fabulous week!!

Tina

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HOT Old Navy swimsuit deals this Saturday!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

This Saturday, 4/16, Old Navy will have $8 Cropped Cardis for Women and Girls! Pairs perfectly with Sun Dresses! In-store only.


Another bonus? You got it! Wake up and dive into a U.S. store from 7am- 11am to enjoy a super Swimsuit sale! 60% off Swimsuits for the whole family! What a Saturday! Check your local store for hours.

I'm headed up near an Old Navy Saturday morning and I SO might have to make a pit-stop- look how cute that bikini top is! :)

Legal stuff:

One Day Wonder: Valid 4/16. In-Store Only. While supplies last. Select styles only. Limit 5 per customer.

Swimsuit Sale: Check your local store for opening hours (not all stores will open at 7am). Offer valid in the U.S. only. While supplies last. Swim sale excludes rashguards, cover-ups and clearance. Limit of 5 per customer for the One Day Wonder. No adjustments on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts including Gap Inc. employee discount.

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FREE full Size Essence of Beauty Product @ CVS!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Go Here to Like the CVS Beauty club and get a coupon emailed to you for a FREE Essence of Beauty Anti-Bac product (have your Extracare Card Handy- you'll need the number)! Hurry- offer ends 4/5/11 @ 11:59p EST!

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Another Amazon Giftcard Deal!

Friday, April 8, 2011


Write 5 Qualifying Reviews of your home or kitchen appliances and Get a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card from Viewpoints!

With all of these Amazon Giftcard deals I will be getting a huge discount on the digital camera I want!

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Another $5 any purchase at Petsmart!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011


If you’re a Pet Perks Member you can print a Pet Smart Coupon for $5 off any Pet Smart Purchase! This is awesome if you have pets, you should be able to save on something you need or even pick up some treats or a small toy for Free!

Just Sign Up for Pet Perks (Free to Join) and once you are logged in look under the coupon tab to print your coupon.

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Enter to win a FREE EOS Hand Lotion!


Right now you can sign up to win one of 5,000 EOS Hand Lotions. They're doing random drawings every Moniday through May and all you have to do is enter your info once to be enetered in all of the drawings! Good luck!

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Hurry- there's still some free samples of Tide Stain Release!


Head over to Tide's facebook page if you haven't already to get your free sample! Hurry- these probably won't last long!

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*Hot* Two FREE Suave Professionals Products!

Monday, April 4, 2011


Suave is offering FREE Suave Professionals coupons. All you have to do is watch the short videos and pick the correct answer. 4 right answers get you 2 free products! You can see your current prize by clicking on the ”Your Progress” link at the top. Once you get to the prize you want, click the “Claim your coupon” link!

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Free Sample Sunday (5 new free samples!)

Sunday, April 3, 2011


1. Breathe Right Advanced Nasal Strips

2. Neilmed Sinus Rinse Bottle with Two Packets

3. Purex Complete with Zout

4. Wellness Pet Food

5. Fiber Choice

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My CVS Scenario week of 4/3/11


The Winter 2011 extrabucks were issues this week, so make sure you check your account and www.CVS.com or scan your card at the coupon machine when you go to the store.

I currently have $20.50 ECB.

Transaction #1:

Complete multi-purpose solution 12 oz $8.99 get $8.99 eb Limit 1
-$1 complete solution 4/3/11 ss

Gum eez-thru flossers 75-150 ct $2 get $2 eb Limit 2 x 2 =$4.00

Right guard total defense body wash 13.5 oz $3.88 get $3 eb Limit 1 x 2

-bogo Right Guard Bodywash or Deodorant WYB Right Guard Product, up to $4.49 (exp 4/10/11) 3/13/2011 RP (You'll get these for $.44 each with the BOGO Q!

Gold Bond body wash 12.5 oz $5.88 get $3 eb Limit 1

-$2 Gold Bond body wash 4/3/11 ss ($.88 after Q and ECB's)

Newspaper- $1

Total after Q's- $20.75 + Tax
- $20.50 ECB
= $.25 + Tax
Earn $8.99, $4, $3, and $3 ECB

Transaction #2:

L'oreal Cosmetics get $3 ECB wyb $10 Limit 2 (excludes eye shadow and clearance items)
infallible le rouge lipstick $7.99
infallible lip gloss, true match foundation, powder, blush, or concealer $6.99
colour riche lip color or lip liner (excludes anti-age and collagen) $4.99
-$2 L'Oreal Perfecting Base by Studio Secrets Professional (exp 4/17/2011) 2/20/2011 RP
-$2 L'Oreal Cosmetic Face Product
-$2 L'Oreal Powder, Blush, Concealer or Primer (exp 5/1/2011) 3/6/2011 RP

Here's my scenario: Buy two true match foundations @ $6.99, use two $2/1 Q's, and get each for $3.50 after ECB's and Q's.

Total after Q's = $9.98
- $8.99 ECB
= $.99
Earn 3 ECB
Have $4, $3, $3, and $3 ECB for next week

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My meal plan for the week


Here's my meal plan for the week. We successfully cleared space in the fridge/freezer/pantry the least couple of weeks so I'm ready to do a pretty big shopping trip today. Here's whats on the list, combining what's on sale and what I have on hand:

Sunday: Cajun Pasta, salad

Monday: Vegetarian Chili (made with Gardein Protien, which are BOGO @ Publix this week)

Tuesday: Marinated grilled shrimp, spring risotto

Wednesday: Honey Pecan pork chops, mashed sweet potatoes, broccoli

Thursday: Stuffed shells (Ryan's day to cook), salad, bread sticks

Friday: Chicken and Asparagus rice dinner, salad

Saturday: Calzone, salad

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