Bargains, Bargains Everywhere!!

     Whew!  What a day!  I have been bargain hunting since I mid-afternoon.  I am happy to report that I found quite a few deals. 

     My first stop was Publix where I got:

10 - 2 liter sodas for $5.00
Knorr Pasta Dishes for $0.50 each
Met-rx protein bars $1.00
2 - Degree deodorants FREE
Mueller's Pasta $0.47 per box

     The next stop was CVS:

1 gallon of milk $3.79 with 1 extrabuck good on next purchase

Next transaction at CVS was:

2 bottles Dawn with Olay
2 bottles Dawn
1 pack Orbit gum
Grand Total  - $1.36!!!

     Target was next on our agenda:

5 - 4pks of Cascade tabs (trial size)  $1.41
32 load All Detergent (small and mighty size)  $2.99
4 large boxes Pop Tarts  $5.50
4 boxes Nutri Grain Bars $5.50

     Our last stop was Winn Dixie:

5 - pks Oscar Myer Carving Board sandwich meat $14.95 (that is a good deal, but...)
5 - pks Kraft Big Slice deli style cheese FREE!!!!!!
2 - dozen large eggs FREE with purchase of corned beef hash

Share your latest deals with us! We reeeeeeelly want to hear from you.

What Do You Do?

     Don't forget, the new grocery ads are released tomorrow!  Not that I get excited about grocery ads.  ;-)

     This subject leads me to a question that has plagued me for some time.  How does everyone else save on basic items that have no coupons?

     All Savvy Savers shop the grocery ads on a weekly basis.  This provides for a large portion of our families' needs.  What about the other things though?  Things like items that are needed to complete a recipe, last-minute school supplies, or clothes.  Let us know how you save on these items.  We would love to hear from you!!!

      

Why Can't We Have That?

    I need some objective opinions.  In all of our coupon and savings pursuits, it has become abundantly clear that people in states other than ours (Florida), seem to have significant grocery store advantages.  Many of our neighbors to the north enjoy the awesome benefit of double coupons!  Seriously, why can't we have that?

     Many grocery stores outside of our area offer BOGO deals with the option of buying just one item at half price.  That would be great if it was an item that you rarely use and have no desire to purchase multiples of.  Why can't we have that?

     I fully understand that Florida is a tourist state.  I am aware that a huge portion of Florida's income is based on tourism.  Kids at the school where we work are a huge part of our summer tourism industry workforce.  Teachers that we work with have second jobs in the tourism industry.  My husband and I work summers in tourism.  I get it!!!!

    What I don't get is why full-time Florida residents can't save on the items that are being sold at inflated tourist prices.  There should be some way to get a local's card that signifies that people are eligible to receive the same discounts that are offered at the same store in other states.  Really?  How hard could this be?  I propose that full-time Florida residents be able to walk into a store.  Provide legitimate proof of residency.  Obtain a card and begin saving like people in other states.

     Sorry for the rant.  Just a little frustrated with the fact that I am missing out on substantial savings for my family.

     On a different note, if you have any Degree or Dove deodorant coupons, grab them!   Right now Publix has a $2 off coupon in their Green Advantage flyer.  you can combine that with a manufacturer's coupon to get very cheap, or even FREE deodorant!!!!
    

Ready, Set, Shop!

     The savings are here!  The savings are here!

     I should probably apologize for that little outburst.  I just couldn't help myself.  Coupon giddiness has ensued.  After a wonderful cookout with the neighbors, the kids are tucked into bed for the night and I have a few minutes between loads of laundry. It's "Mom Time", as I like to call it.  I bought three newspapers this morning and I am presently surrounded by coupons and sales ads.  I am a very happy mom. 

     There were some good coupons in this week's inserts.  Here are a couple of the deal ideas I have been looking at:

Proctor and Gamble Insert

$0.50 off of Dawn
-----Regular old-fashioned Dawn is $1 at my Wal-Mart.  Dawn is on sale at CVS for $0.99.  Either way this is a great deal.

$1.00 off of Cascade
-----This could possibly be a free item.  There are reports that some Wal-mart stores carry four-packs of Cascade gel packs.  My Wal-Mart does not have them, but my Target does.  These items usually cost $1.00.

CVS Idea

Purchase milk for $3.79 per gallon with $1.00 extrabucks reward
Use your reward buck to purchase the 24 pack of water that is on sale for $2.22.  This will make the water $1.22 (that is $0.05 per bottle!!!!)

          These are just a few of the deals that I saw as I quickly glanced through the inserts.  I will post more as I have time.  Don't forget to thaw dinner for tomorrow night.  Gotta run, the dryer just stopped!!

Couponing for a Cause - Let's Help the Victims of Hurrican Irene

     I just wanted to take the time to reiterate how important it is to help the victims of Hurricane Irene. There have already been reports of fatalities, tornado damage, and widespread power outages. We have the ability to really make a difference for the people who have been affected by this huge storm. As couponers and bargain hunters, we often find basic life necessities at deep discounts.  People will be in need of toiletries and other supplies.  Toiletries are something we couponers often get for FREE!!   It is time to pay things forward.
  
     I have to admit that I am super excited about tomorrow's batch of coupons.  Three inserts tomorrow = lots of coupons.  This is our opportunity to really do some good.  Let's give, give, GIVE!

     Remember to post your bargains!

Let's Help!

     I am sure everyone is well aware of the impending hurricane on the East coast of the United States.  Hurricane Irene , although currently downgraded to a Category 2, will cause damage and significant inconvenience for residents in the affected areas.  As Floridians, this is something that we at Simple Savvy Savers can empathize with.  Road closures and no electricity make getting daily supplies extremely difficult.    Let's help our friends in need. 

     It's time to put some of those coupons and bargain shopping skills to good use!  During your next shopping trip think about the people in need of basic supplies.  Donate as many of your bargain items as possible to help those who will be dealing with the aftermath of this powerful storm.  Remember, there will be three inserts of coupons this Sunday.  That equals lots of opportunities to help.

     Check with local radio and television stations in your area for information on where you can donate the supplies.  Let's take this opportunity to give!

Great Coupon Weekend Ahead!

     It's been quite a while since we have had a good batch of coupons in the Sunday newspaper.  This weekend looks promising though.  There are supposed to be three inserts!  I am very excited about this.  It seems as though my coupon stash is quickly dwindling.  I have had a lot of coupons expire lately.  Restocking will be nice.

     These coupons are arriving at a great time.  Stores are beginning to clearance a lot of their summer items as well as back-to-school merchandise.  Combining the sales and coupons can lead to substantial savings! 
Be sure to check the internet for any printable coupons before making a shopping trip.  Remember, some stores allow customers to combine store and manufacturer coupons.  Target and Publix are especially good about this.

     Don't forget to keep an eye on Target school supplies.  They go quickly once they are clearanced!

    

Grocery Store Goodies

     It's Wednesday!  That means the new grocery ads are out.  Publix has some pretty good bargains this week.  The BOGO 32 oz. Powerade drinks are roughly $0.63 each after discount.  This is a great deal.  I send them to band practice with my teenager and with my husband to go in his lunch.

     The Winn Dixie ad has BOGO pork chops this week.  I am incorporating a new recipe using pork chops on our "What's for Dinner?" page.  Be sure to check it out.  The Edy's ice cream is also a great deal at BOGO.

     Be sure to check out both ads and plan your menu for the week.  While we are on the topic of bargains, make a point to stop by Target and visit the school supply section.  I was in the store today and some of the school supplies are starting to clearance at 30%.  Hopefully the good stuff will not get picked over before the deep discounts start.  This is a great time for teachers to stock up!

A Weekly Menu On A Budget...What A Concept!

     I know. Planning a weekly menu seems to be one of those extra chores that you really can't seem to fit into your already crazy schedule.  Trust me when I tell you that taking an extra thirty minutes can make a tremendous difference in the rest of your week.  This task can be simplified even more when you base your menu on your grocery store's sale ad.  For instance, if your store is running a sale on roast and potatoes, you could plan to have pork chops and mashed potatoes one night.  Just add some green beans and you have a full meal! I told you this would be simple!

     Not only are you saving time throughout the week, you are saving money.  Buying the items on sale instantly saves you money.  Combine those savings with a few coupons and you can really save some money!  Winn Dixie BOGO meat deals can really add up to some great savings as well as fuel perks.

     Don't forget that grocery ads usually premiere on Wednesdays (tomorrow).  Check for your store's ad online and start planning your menu!

First Day of School

     The first day of school is officially behind us.  All I can think is, "Is it Friday yet?"  What a day!  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad day.  The day flew by.  It was just filled with the standard first-day-of-school chaos that occurs annually. 

     Our oldest child started high school today.  It was mildly traumatizing for Mom and Dad, but he had an awesome day!  I am sooo not ready for "the high school years".  I thought I was ready, but maybe not.  I am not used to seeing my baby hanging out with all of these older kids.  He is supposed to be in kindergarten, not high school!!!

     Things are not much better with our youngest.  She started fourth grade today.  Again, she was fine.  She had a great day.  Mom and Dad, on the other hand, may not recover from our baby being half way through elementary school. We knew this would happen one day, just not this soon.  We are not prepared for our babies to grow up. 

     It was nice to be back in the routine of work.  Great to see all of the kids' smiling faces this morning.  Things were hectic, but the day went by quickly. 

     I haven't had the opportunity to do any bargain hunting today.  It was nice to come home to dinner already cooked in the crock pot because I planned ahead last night.  I will definitely do that again tonight.  Hmmmmm, I wonder what we could have.  Any suggestions?

Last Minute School Supplies

     I went to Office Depot this morning and got a few great deals!  They have spiral notebooks and packs of pencil top erasers for a penny.  They also have highlighters and 4 packs of glue sticks for 50 cents.  Quantities are very limited on these items, three per household I believe, so get them quickly.

     My husband also found some good bargains at Office Max.  They were offering spiral notebooks for a penny each also.  The limit on the notebooks was five.  He also found 24 packs of colored pencils and crayons for less than 50 cents each.  However, things work a little differently at Office Max.  Teachers are allowed to purchase double the stated quantity on sale items!

     On to a different topic.  Did anyone get the coupon inserts from the newspaper today?  We did not purchase a paper.  After previewing the ads, we did not find any coupons that would be beneficial to our family this week.

     Tomorrow is Monday!  I am making an effort to start the week off semi-organized.  I am making tomorrow night's dinner tonight.  Crock pot roast.  Yum!

     Again, let us know if you have found any great bargains!  You can also post any great recipes on our "What's for dinner?" page!

School Clothes / Uniforms

     Well, today didn't go quite as well as I had planned.  We went shopping for a few extra school clothes, hoping to find some bargains.  Bargains, in my opinion, were few and far between.  Maybe I am just cheap and nothing seems like a bargain to me anymore.  No, that couldn't possibly be the problem.  I am thrifty, not cheap :-) 

     Hot Topic offered a few bargains.  If your teen needs jeans their denim was buy one get one half off.  T-shirts were the same.  They had $5 off backpacks too!  There are some great deals if your kiddos do not have to wear uniforms, unfortunately ours do.

     Our next stop was Children's Place.  We found girl's jeans for $12.  Not bad for "skinny" jeans with an adjustable waist and soft stretchable denim.  They did have some other cute things.  Great selection of uniforms!  Unfortunately, my daughter does not like to wear dresses or skirts to school because she has to have shorts under them for p.e..  She says it feels bulky to wear both, even the ones with built-in shorts.

     Aeropostale had 50% off the majority of the store! Unfortunately, most of their stuff has large logos that our uniform policy does not allow.  Very good deals though.

     JC Penney had some good clearance racks if your students do not have uniforms.  Lots of stuff 30% - 80% off!!!

     We came home with 2 non-school t-shirts for son, 1 pair of "skinny" jeans and 1 belt for daughter, and 1 pair of running shoes for dad.  Not a bad day, but definitely did not see very good deals on clothes.

     Have you run across any good deals for school clothes?

Our Facebook Page

     I posted a few days ago about our new Facebook page.  Well, there seems to be a slight glitch in finding the page.  Because it is a fan page it must be "liked" by 25 people before I can remove my name and it be listed as "Simple Savvy Savers".  So pleeease stop by and "like" our page.  I am posting the link here to make your life just a little easier.


http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marnie/272209729460539

Garage Sales - Are They Really Worth the Hassle?

     Making the decision as to whether or not you should have a garage sale can be a rather daunting task.  There is a lot of work involved in hosting such an event.  The idea usually sneaks up on you.  It begins with cleaning out a closet or drawer.  You thik, "Wow! I have a lot of stuff."  It gradually progresses to, "Maybe I should have a garage sell to get rid of some of these things."  By the time you have cleared every closet in the house you begin to question your brilliant idea, and your sanity!  (This would be the stage that I am at right now, the sanity question part.)

     Dragging everything out, pricing things, putting up signs. You will definitely make a little money, but is it worth all of the effort that you have put forth?  After all is said and done, I believe it might be.  Garage sales are a great way to earn a little extra cash for vacations and other splurges.  Do you think garage sales are worth the effort?  Let us know what you think!

Teacher Deals!

     I work in education.  My husband works in education.  90% of my friends and family work in education.  I know that teachers spend a lot of their own money supplying things for their classroom.  I also know that money is in short supply.  Deals are important to teachers!  A recent shopping trip revealed an undiscovered gold mine of classroom supplies.  The Dollar Tree is full of bulletin board borders, reward certificates, sentence strips, posters, and other teacher goodies.  The best part is that everything is only $1! 

     Another plethora of classroom treasures can be found at Target's dollar spot.  Most of the trinkets here are geared toward elementary school.   However, I did see some cute restroom passes and containers that could be used in any room.

     The best part about these bargains is that the prices far outshine those in school supply catalogs!

 

New "Share My Bargains" Tab!

     Hello Simple Savvy Savers!  A new tab has been added to our blog - "My Bargains".  This tab will allow you to share the wonderful deals you find.  Instructions are simple - just click on the tab and leave a comment and pics if you have them!

I Found Bargains!!!!



     I must confess, I am absolutely giddy with excitement!  I went bargain hunting today, and guess what?  I found a few!  The pics above are from my trip to target where I found the following:

1  10pk of Minute Maid juice boxes

1 box Market Pantry oatmeal

2 pkg Starkist tuna

2 six pk Sunny D

2 six pks Dannon Danimals Smoothies

1 Nivea body wash

2 pks Gladware

1 backpack

4 pks pens (Bic and Papermate)

4 pks (2each) Expo dry erase markers

2 boxes Original Wheat thins

2 boxes Wheat Thin Flatbread

2 pks (24 each) Kraft singles

4 boxes Kraft Mac n Cheese

4 pks Keebler Fudge Shoppe cookies

______________________________________

Grand Total Out of Pocket - $47.71               Savings In Coupons - $32.45

Target was good, but Publix was even better!!!!  See below pics for details.

10  2 liter Publix sodas
5 small cans of Swanson chicken
2 large boxes Lucky Charms
2 large boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch
___________________________________________
Grand Total Out of Pocket -  $13.60              Savings - $24.70

Alright, I have shared my deals with you.  Now what deals have you gotten lately?

What Do You Do With Your Leftover Coupons?

     I was going through my coupon binder preparing for a small grocery trip tomorrow, when I realized that I have accumulated a sizable stack of coupons that I will not use.  I know that a lot of the extreme couponers say that there are no such things as "unusable" coupons, but I tend to disagree.  As a mom, and the person who does the majority of grocery shopping in our family, I can't seem to justify purchasing items that my family, nor anyone I know has any use for.  Thus, my dilemma.  What do I do with the unused coupons?

     Due to the current state of the economy, everyone we know is struggling to make ends meet.  Many of our friends have begun using coupons as a way to slash their grocery bills.  So, I thought that I would see if anyone had any specific coupon needs.  Maybe we could even trade a few.  This way no coupons go to waste.  Everyone gets to save on the things they need.  It's a win-win situation! 

     Another option that I have been looking into is sending my expired coupons to military families overseas.  They are allowed to use the coupons up to six months after they expire! 

     If anyone has any other ideas, or wants to trade a few coupons, just leave a comment.  We would really love to hear from you!

     Oh!  Don't forget to plan and thaw dinner for tomorrow night!

Stop By and Say "Hi"!

     I just created a new Facebook page for Simple Savvy Savers.  Please stop by and say "hi".  We would love to hear from you! 

Here We Go!

     It's Sunday!  We have a whole new week of possibilities awaiting us!

     Did anyone get the coupon inserts from the newspaper today?  I did.  There were a few good ones, but overall I was a little disappointed because there were very few food coupons.  Hopefully a better batch next week.  I really need to get back into my coupon routine.
  
      Speaking of routines, the week before school starts every year our family goes into full school mode.  We wake up at regular school time.  We go to bed early at night.  We have done this every year since my oldest child started school.  This jump start on our routine gives us the energy to start the school year with a bang!  It's been a while since I have seen 5:00 a.m.!

    

What's for dinner?

     "What's for dinner?"  This seems to be the first thing that my family asks every afternoon, and usually before I can even get in the door.  After a long day at work, dinner seems to be one of the last tasks that I want to deal with.  I try to make dinner as simple as possible.  Sondra and I are working on adding a page of simple go-to recipes that are healthy and family tested.  Occasionally we will try to include other meal tips and reminders in our regular posts. 

     One of Sondra's favorite go-to meals is "Octopus" served with macaroni and cheese and green beans.  Don't worry, it's not really octopus.  Before cooking, slice a hot dog three quarters of the way down.  Make several vertical cuts splitting the hot dog.  As it is cooked the strips will begin to curl outward forming an "octopus".  Serve with sides of macaroni and cheese and green beans.  Voila!  You have a healthy balanced quick meal.

     One of my favorite go-to meals is shredded beef tacos.  Put a roast in the crock pot with one and a half  packets of taco seasoning.  Allow to cook on low all day.  When you get home shred the roast and use for tacos.  Top with regular toppings.  This is a great alternative to regular taco night.  My family loves this!  I love it because it is easy.

Don't forget to thaw out whatever you have planned for dinner tomorrow night!  (Not that I have ever done that :-)

Let us know if you have any go-to recipes!  We would love to hear from you!

Savings, savings everywhere!

     Woohoo! It's Tax Free Weekend for Floridians!  That's right, all school clothes valued up to $75 and school supplies $15 and under are tax exempt.  This my not sound like a substantial savings , but when it is combined with sales and coupons you can score some real bargains.
     There are also some serious bargains to be had at Borders bookstore right now to.  As you are probably already aware, this major chain has gone under.  The liquidation process is well underway.  As much as I hate losing my favorite bookstore, there are some seriously great deals available.  I am not sure if all of the stores are following the same pricing, but my store is currently running sales of 30% - 50% off.  Be sure to stop by while the selection is still good. 

     Have fun bargain hunting this weekend!  Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you find!

Back to School!

     The smell of crayons and newly sharpened pencils.  Empty notebook pages that hold endless possibilities.  It's time to head back to school!

     No more listening to the kids whine, "I'm boooooored".  Instead, parents get a reprieve.  Kids will be excited to see the friends they have missed and eager to relay their summer adventures. 

    The weeks leading up to the beginning of the school year are filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes even a little anxiety.  One sure way to calm your student's frazzled nerves is to take them school supply shopping.  I have learned that this is a great way to calm my daughter's anxiety.  If she feels that she is doing something proactive, she feels like she is in control of the situation.  This activity is even helpful with teens, but make sure they get to choose cool gear.  So grab a copy of your child's school supply list and let's get started! 

     It is best to start a month or more in advance.  Start watching the weekly ads for Office Depot and Office Max.  These stores will offer select basic school supply needs for as little as a penny!  Each week the stores offer different deals.  Have your child watch the ads with you and compare them to their list.  If the item is needed, make a special trip to pick up your bargain.  Not only will your child be excited about finding something they need, they will have learned a valuable financial lesson to boot!  Kids are never to young to learn about saving money. 

     By the way, I am sorry to say that the parental reprieve from whining will be short lived.  The second week of school brings a new routine.  The pleading whiny voices at our house ask daily, "Do I haaaave to go to school today?"  Good luck!  Have a great year!