So I thought I was done blogging for the day, but then I remembered that today one of my favorite blogs - Southern Savers posts their awesome blog about $1 or Less Grocery Deals! Now how could I go about my day without sharing these amazing offers with you!
Here is what you should do - go to this link - Southern Savers $1 or Less Deals
Find the stores you shop and click each item to add it to your list - now print your list.
After you have your printed list go to their home page and locate your stores - under each store should be an updated list for this week where you can find the item and see what coupons you need to make it free or under $1 - the great thing is they list a TON of coupons and a lot of them are printable.
In addition if there is something you are desperately needing Southern Savers also has a list of "Need it Now" items with the best available price listed. Find it here - Need it Now.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Koupon Kutting Ken
So of course not every Bargain Barbie needs a Koupon Kutting Ken, but this one does and he is so very helpful. I am going to take you all into my crazy world of coupons and even let you see pictures of my fabulous coupon binder!
So when getting started you need a few things to keep you organized.
This Z Binder is fantastic - not only is it larger - but it has two sides which makes it super easy to keep grocery coupons on one side and everything else on the other.
2. Dividers - I prefer ones that you can put your own tabs on so you can decide which categories are important to you. The ones that I use also have a pocket in the front so if you have coupons that are about to expire you can put them in the pocket and remember to use them.
3. Baseball Card holders or Make your own holders out of plastic page holders (I'll be blogging about this very soon)
Here is a glimpse at my coupon in holders - as you can see you do have to fold coupons to fit on occasion so the make it yourself holders are pretty wonderful since you can create your own sizes.
*** As a side note the binder I use was found at Target for $18.99 and the baseball card holders were $4.98 for 30 - I would suggest buying at least two sets unless you are making your own as well. ***
So when getting started you need a few things to keep you organized.
- Any type of Binder - I started out with a 5" three ring binder, but quickly upgraded after a few weeks to this:
This Z Binder is fantastic - not only is it larger - but it has two sides which makes it super easy to keep grocery coupons on one side and everything else on the other.
2. Dividers - I prefer ones that you can put your own tabs on so you can decide which categories are important to you. The ones that I use also have a pocket in the front so if you have coupons that are about to expire you can put them in the pocket and remember to use them.
3. Baseball Card holders or Make your own holders out of plastic page holders (I'll be blogging about this very soon)
Here is a glimpse at my coupon in holders - as you can see you do have to fold coupons to fit on occasion so the make it yourself holders are pretty wonderful since you can create your own sizes.
4. Coupons!!! Now that you have a binder set up you can collect lots and lots of coupons!!!
So if you end up like me and you have a spouse that decides coupons are amazing as well you can come up with a quick and easy system to organizing your coupons each week. Sunday is a pretty big coupon day because some sites put out new coupons in addition to getting coupons from your local newspaper ads. Usually in our household we pick up 2-4 newspapers depending on how great the coupons are that particular week. I separate the ads out and my Koupon Kutting Ken cuts them and then stacks them into piles. The piles coordinate with sections of my coupon binder like "frozen food" or "dairy." Then I will organize the coupons into the binder and look for any matchups - this is also an excellent time to go through ads and make your plan for the coming week.
Here is Koupon Kuttin Ken's area:
Here is Koupon Kuttin Ken's area:
Hopefully this brief overview will help you get started in organizing your coupons!
Look for more information on organizing and couponing in the next few days as I will continue to post helpful tips over the next week.
*** As a side note the binder I use was found at Target for $18.99 and the baseball card holders were $4.98 for 30 - I would suggest buying at least two sets unless you are making your own as well. ***
I LOVE Essex
What is Essex you might say? Essex is one of the best kept secrets of Tennessee and luckily for me they also have one in Northern Alabama. I must admit that it is quite possible that next to Target I am completely addicted to shopping at the Essex. I have been known to make the quick drive up to Nashville and hit every Target and Essex possible in one day and then drive home with a car full of amazing finds - on more than on occasion.
Essex is a retail outlet that is based out of Tennessee where they have ten locations. All of their products are overstock so it can only be compared to TJ Maxx, Marshall's, or Ross, BUT Essex has even better prices. They don't carry as much stock of one item for the most part, unless it was a large overstock and it that situation you are bound to get an amazing deal. Their stock changes day to day and they normall get around three shipments per week of new merchandise. Since many of their items are Amazon and other internet site returns you can find completely random, but wonderful deals.
Just yesterday I decided to take a quick run into the Essex and I came across what is now in my top ten list of Essex purchases -
Frye Harlow Campus Boots
I desperately needed an Umbrella stroller because I refused to trust my I'coo Targo to the airlines and we were getting ready to fly to Hawaii on vacation. So of course I turned to the Essex and was able to find Uppa Baby G Lite Strollers (Regularly $100+) for a mere $50 - such a great price for an awesome brand.
Habitual Jeans
I LOVE how great these jeans fit, but there is no way that I would ever be willing to pay $198 for one pair of jeans. Lucky for me while skimming through the clothes department of Essex one day I came across these Harlow Habitual Jeans for $19.99 - now that is a price I am perfectly ok with paying. :)
I'll be heading back over to Essex on Friday so stayed tuned for my latest find!
Essex is a retail outlet that is based out of Tennessee where they have ten locations. All of their products are overstock so it can only be compared to TJ Maxx, Marshall's, or Ross, BUT Essex has even better prices. They don't carry as much stock of one item for the most part, unless it was a large overstock and it that situation you are bound to get an amazing deal. Their stock changes day to day and they normall get around three shipments per week of new merchandise. Since many of their items are Amazon and other internet site returns you can find completely random, but wonderful deals.
Just yesterday I decided to take a quick run into the Essex and I came across what is now in my top ten list of Essex purchases -
Frye Harlow Campus Boots
Now I LOVE shoes and this was a complete steal!
Regular Price $398
(not even including tax)
Essex Price $33.99
(so even with 8% tax $36.71)
If I would have bought these at retail price I would have paid $429.84 which means I saved $393.13 off retail!! The price I paid for them was just a little over what I would have paid in just taxes!!!
Now obviously I was very lucky that these amazing boots were in my size, but this just shows what type of crazy great deals you can find at the Essex.
In other trips I have found brands like Burberry, Badgley Mischka, Jack Rogers, Le Creuset, Uppa Baby, Teutonia, and so many more. The Essex has literally every department from Babies and Toys to Electronics and Housewares. They sell furniture, rugs, luggage, home improvement items, clothes, shoes, office supplies, sewing machines, etc. I could probably go on for days about how wonderful the Essex is, but I will spare you and just list out a few other great deals I have purchased in the last few months.
Uppa Baby G Lite Stroller
Habitual Jeans
I LOVE how great these jeans fit, but there is no way that I would ever be willing to pay $198 for one pair of jeans. Lucky for me while skimming through the clothes department of Essex one day I came across these Harlow Habitual Jeans for $19.99 - now that is a price I am perfectly ok with paying. :)
I'll be heading back over to Essex on Friday so stayed tuned for my latest find!
Coupon Reminders!
As a quick reminder all of the coupon printing websites will be resetting tonight since it is the end of the month so make sure you print off any coupons from March today! Keep in mind that most sites allow a maximun of two prints per coupon so there is a product you know you will be buying be sure to print two.
Here are the sites I most frequently use:
Also while you are printing you may want to head over to the Digiorno Pizza Facebook page for a hot new coupon! Just "like" them and click to print your coupons (max 2 per computer)
Happy Couponing!!
Here are the sites I most frequently use:
Also while you are printing you may want to head over to the Digiorno Pizza Facebook page for a hot new coupon! Just "like" them and click to print your coupons (max 2 per computer)
Happy Couponing!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Rainy Days are Perfect for Shopping!
Although it was a really gloomy day and the storms that came through kept me up last night, I still had a very successful day of shopping! Now Wednesdays are one of my favorite days of the week - Publix's new ad begins and I make a giant loop around my city hitting as many stores as possible and saving tons of money - while attempting to conserve gas. ;)
Today was such a busy day that my shopping took a bit longer - causing me to get home later - so this is going to be a cliff notes version of savings and will include my three largest stops.
First Stop: Target
As a quick side note I would like to add that when you bring your own bags to Target you automatically save .05 cents off your purchase - now that may not seem like a lot - but if you love Target even half as much as I do the savings will add up over time.
(4) Pairs of Circo Infant Socks
(Check your local store because some are clearancing these out)
Regular Price $1 (Some have been seen for .70 cents)
After $1 off Any Circo Product Coupon = FREE
(2) Archer Farms Flatbread Pizza
Regular Price $4.99
Clearance Price $2.48
Coupon $1.00 off when you buy two
Final Price $3.96 for two or $1.98 each
(1)Little Debbie Marshmallow Easter Puffs
$1.50 on Price Cuts
(2) Halo Sleep Sacks
Regular Price $19.99
Clearance Price $5.06
Coupon Used - (2) $4 off each
Final Price $1.06 each
(1) Large Sun Hat - Isn't it super cute!?!?
Found in the Dollar/ $2.50 department for $2.50 - I couldn't pass this up as I am hoping for warm sunny days!
(2) Magnum Ice Cream Bar Packs
Regular Price $3.99
Coupons used $1.50 off each
Final Price - $2.49 each
(4) Rubbermaid Totes
Regular Price $7.99
Clearance Price $3.48
(2) California Pizza Kitchen Pizzas
Regular Price $3.99 each
Sale Price 2 for $5.00
Coupons used $1.25 off each
Final Price - $2.50 for both or $1.25 each
(1) Talenti Gelati
Regular Price $4.99
Clearance Price $2.74
Coupon Used $1.00 off
Final Price - $1.74
Total should have been - $108.42
Total Paid - $38.32
Savings of - $70.10!!!!
Second Stop: Earth Fare
I'd like to start by letting you know all of this was completely FREE:
Earth Fare has some AWESOME promos!! To begin with every week they give something away as a showcased product and all you have to do is spend $5-$10 to receive it (depending on which one they list in the coupon) this week the Tia's chips were free with a $5 purchase. Now moving onto the whole chicken, carrots, and mashed potatoes - these items are part of their "Welcome Home" promotion showcasing a few of their different departments and all you had to do is sign up for their email and spend $10.
Earth Fare doesn't clearance, but they "discontinue" so you can always find some great deals in addition to their awesome sales and in store coupon books. Another great thing to check out is their monthly calendar full of great events including the Thursday night "Kids eat Free" promos!!
Third Stop: Publix
So this was my overall haul today from Publix
For this overview I'm going to try to go left to right and let you know about a few things I wasn't able to pick up that you should look for as well.
(1) Gallon of Milk
Regular Price $3.39
Completely Free with coupon from buying 3 Kellogs brand cereals
(2) Purina Cat Treats
Regular Price $1.75
Sale Price .86 cents
Used 2 coupons Publix $1.00 off & Manufacturers $1.50 off
Final Price $1.64 MONEYMAKER EACH! Total credit of $3.28!!!
(10) Earth's Best 6 month and Up Baby Food Jars
Regular Price .85 cents each
Sale Price .44 cents each
Used three coupons - (2) $1 off when you buy 5 & Target coupon .50 off when you buy 3
Final Price $1.75 for 10 or .17 cents each
(12) Bottles of Publix Sodas
Regular Price .89 cents
Promo Buy One Get One Free or .44 cents a piece
Final Price $5.34 for 12 Bottles of Soda - such a great deal if you are stocking up - especially for parties!!
(4) Cans of Campbells Soup
Regular Price $1.19 each
Sale Price $1 each
Coupon Used - .30 off when you buy 4 (automatically doubled at check out)
Final Price - .85 cents each
(4) Cans of Publix Soup
Regular Price .85 cents each
(1) Can of Hormel Chicken
Regular Price $3.39
Sale Price $1.70
Coupon Used $1 off
Final Price .70 cents
(2) Pretzel Crisps
Regular Price 3.99 each
Sale Price 2 for $5
Coupon used Buy One Get One Free
Final Price $2.50 for two or $1.25 each
(1)Publix Lemon Scented Bleach
Regular Price $1.45
Sale Price - PENNY ITEM when you buy $10 in groceries
Final Price - .01
(4) Boxes of Rice Krispies Cereal
Regular Price $3.99
Sale Price $2.00
Coupons used (2) $1 off when you buy two
Final Price $1.50 each
(2) Jolly Time Popcorn
Regular Price $2.39
Sale Price $1
Coupons Used (2) .50 off each (automatically doubled at checkout)
Final Price - FREE
(1) Vitatops Muffins
Regular Price $4.49
Sale Price $2.24
(2) Lysol All in One Floor Cleaner
Regular Price $3.19
Sale Price $1.59
Coupons Used (2) $1 off one
Final Price .59 cents each
And I got all of this for....
Total should have been $80.42
Total Paid - $25.36
Total Savings $55.06!!!
Aren't coupons AMAZING!?!?! There are TONS of great deals at Publix this week - a few things that I was not able to pick up - but of course have rain checks ready in hand for are:
Schick Intuition or Quattro Razors $1.49 each with $3 off coupon
Sabra Hummus .99 cents after a $1 off coupon
Yoplait Yogurt FREE with coupons
Trident Vitality Gum FREE with coupons
Resolve Spray and Wash .49 cents after coupons
These were just a few more awesome deals at Publix - for an entire list I would suggest heading over to southernsavers.com, clicking on Publix, and creating a shopping list for yourself!
Thanks for checking in and viewing all of my amazing saving today! Tomorrow I will be talking about one of my favorite stores and its definitely a "best kept secret" of Tennessee!!
Today was such a busy day that my shopping took a bit longer - causing me to get home later - so this is going to be a cliff notes version of savings and will include my three largest stops.
First Stop: Target
As a quick side note I would like to add that when you bring your own bags to Target you automatically save .05 cents off your purchase - now that may not seem like a lot - but if you love Target even half as much as I do the savings will add up over time.
(Check your local store because some are clearancing these out)
Regular Price $1 (Some have been seen for .70 cents)
After $1 off Any Circo Product Coupon = FREE
(2) Archer Farms Flatbread Pizza
Regular Price $4.99
Clearance Price $2.48
Coupon $1.00 off when you buy two
Final Price $3.96 for two or $1.98 each
(1)Little Debbie Marshmallow Easter Puffs
$1.50 on Price Cuts
(2) Halo Sleep Sacks
Regular Price $19.99
Clearance Price $5.06
Coupon Used - (2) $4 off each
Final Price $1.06 each
(1) Large Sun Hat - Isn't it super cute!?!?
Found in the Dollar/ $2.50 department for $2.50 - I couldn't pass this up as I am hoping for warm sunny days!
(2) Magnum Ice Cream Bar Packs
Regular Price $3.99
Coupons used $1.50 off each
Final Price - $2.49 each
(4) Rubbermaid Totes
Regular Price $7.99
Clearance Price $3.48
(2) California Pizza Kitchen Pizzas
Regular Price $3.99 each
Sale Price 2 for $5.00
Coupons used $1.25 off each
Final Price - $2.50 for both or $1.25 each
(1) Talenti Gelati
Regular Price $4.99
Clearance Price $2.74
Coupon Used $1.00 off
Final Price - $1.74
Total should have been - $108.42
Total Paid - $38.32
Savings of - $70.10!!!!
Second Stop: Earth Fare
I'd like to start by letting you know all of this was completely FREE:
Earth Fare has some AWESOME promos!! To begin with every week they give something away as a showcased product and all you have to do is spend $5-$10 to receive it (depending on which one they list in the coupon) this week the Tia's chips were free with a $5 purchase. Now moving onto the whole chicken, carrots, and mashed potatoes - these items are part of their "Welcome Home" promotion showcasing a few of their different departments and all you had to do is sign up for their email and spend $10.
Earth Fare doesn't clearance, but they "discontinue" so you can always find some great deals in addition to their awesome sales and in store coupon books. Another great thing to check out is their monthly calendar full of great events including the Thursday night "Kids eat Free" promos!!
Third Stop: Publix
So this was my overall haul today from Publix
For this overview I'm going to try to go left to right and let you know about a few things I wasn't able to pick up that you should look for as well.
(1) Gallon of Milk
Regular Price $3.39
Completely Free with coupon from buying 3 Kellogs brand cereals
(2) Purina Cat Treats
Regular Price $1.75
Sale Price .86 cents
Used 2 coupons Publix $1.00 off & Manufacturers $1.50 off
Final Price $1.64 MONEYMAKER EACH! Total credit of $3.28!!!
(10) Earth's Best 6 month and Up Baby Food Jars
Regular Price .85 cents each
Sale Price .44 cents each
Used three coupons - (2) $1 off when you buy 5 & Target coupon .50 off when you buy 3
Final Price $1.75 for 10 or .17 cents each
(12) Bottles of Publix Sodas
Regular Price .89 cents
Promo Buy One Get One Free or .44 cents a piece
Final Price $5.34 for 12 Bottles of Soda - such a great deal if you are stocking up - especially for parties!!
(4) Cans of Campbells Soup
Regular Price $1.19 each
Sale Price $1 each
Coupon Used - .30 off when you buy 4 (automatically doubled at check out)
Final Price - .85 cents each
(4) Cans of Publix Soup
Regular Price .85 cents each
(1) Can of Hormel Chicken
Regular Price $3.39
Sale Price $1.70
Coupon Used $1 off
Final Price .70 cents
(2) Pretzel Crisps
Regular Price 3.99 each
Sale Price 2 for $5
Coupon used Buy One Get One Free
Final Price $2.50 for two or $1.25 each
(1)Publix Lemon Scented Bleach
Regular Price $1.45
Sale Price - PENNY ITEM when you buy $10 in groceries
Final Price - .01
(4) Boxes of Rice Krispies Cereal
Regular Price $3.99
Sale Price $2.00
Coupons used (2) $1 off when you buy two
Final Price $1.50 each
(2) Jolly Time Popcorn
Regular Price $2.39
Sale Price $1
Coupons Used (2) .50 off each (automatically doubled at checkout)
Final Price - FREE
(1) Vitatops Muffins
Regular Price $4.49
Sale Price $2.24
(2) Lysol All in One Floor Cleaner
Regular Price $3.19
Sale Price $1.59
Coupons Used (2) $1 off one
Final Price .59 cents each
And I got all of this for....
Total should have been $80.42
Total Paid - $25.36
Total Savings $55.06!!!
Aren't coupons AMAZING!?!?! There are TONS of great deals at Publix this week - a few things that I was not able to pick up - but of course have rain checks ready in hand for are:
Schick Intuition or Quattro Razors $1.49 each with $3 off coupon
Sabra Hummus .99 cents after a $1 off coupon
Yoplait Yogurt FREE with coupons
Trident Vitality Gum FREE with coupons
Resolve Spray and Wash .49 cents after coupons
These were just a few more awesome deals at Publix - for an entire list I would suggest heading over to southernsavers.com, clicking on Publix, and creating a shopping list for yourself!
Thanks for checking in and viewing all of my amazing saving today! Tomorrow I will be talking about one of my favorite stores and its definitely a "best kept secret" of Tennessee!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Publix - An Awesome Place to Save
One of my favorite grocery stores to save money at is Publix. Not only do they have wonderful customer service, but they have an awesome coupon policy. Publix will accept one competitor coupon along with a manufacturers coupon - for anyone wondering what a competitors coupon is - it is a store coupon from any local store selling the same product. By stacking two coupons on one item and shopping sales you can get amazing savings at Publix.
Here is a recent examples of savings at Publix:
Publix Shopping Trip 3/28
Sale Price $3.00 each
Used $4.00 off two coupon from Target
Final Price - $1 per item
Sale Price 2 for $4
Used 2 coupons: Target's $1.50 off two and Manufacturer .75 off One
Final Price - .50 each
Sale Price 2 for $2
Used Manufacturers coupon .50 off (Publix doubles any coupon under .50)
Final Price - FREE
Sale Price $2 off each product ($3.49)
Used two coupons: Target's $3 off 2 products and Manufacturers $2 off one
Final Price - FREE
Sale Price $2 off each product ($3.49)
Used two coupons: Target's $3 off 2 products and Manufacturers $2 off one
Final Price - FREE
Sale Price .89
Total should have been - $57.01
Total Amount Paid - $7.01
Saved $50!!!!
As you can see the simple power of clipping or printing off a few coupons can drastically make a difference in a quick trip to the grocery store. Tomorrow is the start of a completely new week of savings at Publix so look forward to a new breakdown of my grocery shopping and get ready to take notes so you can go save some money yourself!!
Here is a recent examples of savings at Publix:
Publix Shopping Trip 3/28
- (2) TGIFridays Loaded Potato Skins (medium size box)
Sale Price $3.00 each
Used $4.00 off two coupon from Target
Final Price - $1 per item
- (4) Kraft Shredded Cheese with touch of Phillie
Sale Price 2 for $4
Used 2 coupons: Target's $1.50 off two and Manufacturer .75 off One
Final Price - .50 each
- (4) French's spicy Brown Mustard
Sale Price 2 for $2
Used Manufacturers coupon .50 off (Publix doubles any coupon under .50)
Final Price - FREE
- (2) John Frieda Full Repair Products
Sale Price $2 off each product ($3.49)
Used two coupons: Target's $3 off 2 products and Manufacturers $2 off one
Final Price - FREE
- (2) John Frieda Root Awakening Products
Sale Price $2 off each product ($3.49)
Used two coupons: Target's $3 off 2 products and Manufacturers $2 off one
Final Price - FREE
- (1) Loaf of White Bread (not pictured)
Sale Price .89
Total should have been - $57.01
Total Amount Paid - $7.01
Saved $50!!!!
As you can see the simple power of clipping or printing off a few coupons can drastically make a difference in a quick trip to the grocery store. Tomorrow is the start of a completely new week of savings at Publix so look forward to a new breakdown of my grocery shopping and get ready to take notes so you can go save some money yourself!!
Because I LOVE expensive things.
I Love Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, and many other fabulous designers. I Hate paying retail prices for anything - seriously ANYTHING. So here I am ready to help you save as much money as possible on everyday items so that you have more money to spend on other things like vacations, special occasions, and you!
Here are three quick basics to my philosophy on spending money:
Here are three quick basics to my philosophy on spending money:
- Never pay full retail on clothes, shoes, and accessories.
- Shop around - just because you buy everything at a certain store definitely does not mean they have the lowest prices.
- Get ready to coupon! These amazing pieces of paper are really dollars just waiting to be spent!
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