Frugal Fritzie

I stopped by 3 stores last Saturday, I meant to post this a lot earlier, but the week totally got away from me. Can you believe it’s February already? I plan on making another shopping trip tomorrow, I’ll try & post that one on Sunday. Anyway, onto my deals:

My Walmart Trip(pictured above):

• 7Up (2 liter) – $1.00
• Welch’s Fruit Fizz (4 pk.) – $2.98, Used $2.00/1 coupon HERE (no longer available)
• 8 Oscar Mayer Bologna (12 oz.) – $1.50, Price-Matched for $1.00 ea. & used 4 $1.00/2 coupons HERE
• Georgia Pacific Office Paper (400 Sheet Ream) – $2.00 (Note: This was the first time I have seen this 400 Sheet ream at Walmart, it was on display by itself in the office supply section, it was not with the rest of the office paper)
• Duck Tape (single roll) – $1.00, Used $1.00/1 coupon (expired 1/31)
• 4 Dulcolax (10 ct.) – $1.98 ea., Used $3.00/1 coupons HERE (no longer available)
• Sambazon (10.5 oz.) – $2.68, Used $2.00/1 coupon ip (no longer available)
• Jumbo Cotton Balls (100 ct.) – $0.88
• Idahoan Potatoes Cheesy Hashbrowns Mix – $1.25, Used FREE coupon from All You Magazine, November issue
• Kraft Parmesan – $3.38, Used $1.00/1 tearpad coupon (expired 1/31)
• 6 Frigo String Cheese – $0.33 ea., Used 6 $0.50/1 Frigo Cheese, any 12/4 SS insert
• 2 bandaid travel packs – $0.97 ea., Used 2 $1.00/1 coupons (no longer available)
• 2 Aquafresh travel – $0.97, Used 2 $1.00/1 coupons HERE
• Final Cost $6.84

My Price Cutter Trip:

• 2 Hiland Cottage Cheese (24 oz.) – $1.99, Used 2 $0.40/1 HERE(doubled)
• Pork Country Style Ribs, Marked down to $1.59 lb. – $4.51
• 2 Dole Salad Mixes – $1.59 ea., Used 2 $0.75/1 coupons on display in-store
• Best Choice Flour (5 lb. bag) – $1.00
• 2 Hiland Dairy Sour Cream (16 oz.) – $1.19 ea., Used $0.50/2 Hiland Sour Cream or Dip, any 16-oz 1/22 SS insert (doubled)
• Final Cost $12.33

My Target Trip:

• Angel Soft Bath Tissue (12 double rolls) – $5.99, Used $1.00/1 Angel Soft Bath Tissue, any 12 double roll or larger 11/13 RP insert & Used $1.00/1 store coupon HERE
• Up&Up Alcohol Free Mouthwash 1.5 liter) – $4.49, Used $1.00/1 store coupon HERE
• 4 Market Pantry Mac & Cheese $0.79 & $0.67 ea., Used 4 $1.00/1 coupons (no longer available)
• 3 Market Pantry Chicken Noodle Soup (10.75 oz.) – $0.64 ea., Used $1.00/3 store coupon HERE
• Up&Up Pads (32 ct.) – $3.79, Used $1.00/1 coupon HERE
• Final Cost 12.59

I was excited about the Summer Fresh Super Coupon Doubling Event that is going on today and tomorrow, so I ventured out early this morning to see what kind of deals I could snag and I have to say I ended up pretty disappointed. My nearest Summer Fresh is quite a drive for me, so I don’t shop there very often, it’s just not worth it with gas prices being what they are. In fact, I only go once or twice a year at most and I’ll probably go even less after my last “adventure.” First, the positives. The store was nice and clean, the staff was friendly & everything is easy to find. Now the negatives. They don’t carry some items advertised in their ad & this seems to happen every time I’ve gone. And I don’t mean out of stock, they simply do not carry the item at all! Second, their stock & selection is very, very limited (hopefully other Summer Fresh locations have much more selection than this one). Third, the prices are way too high, except for select sale items. I mean, a small container of French’s Dijon Mustard was like $4.00 for crying out loud.

Anyway, onto my transaction, which turned out to be a mess. It should have been a straight-forward transaction, nothing too complicated, but it ended up being one of those nightmare transactions you hope never to have. LOL

• Best Choice Large Dozen Eggs – $0.98 (in-ad sale)
• 4 Jimmy Dean Sausage Rolls (16 0z.) – $1.59 ea., Used $1.50/1 Store coupon (limit 1x use, bought 3 more rolls though becuase that was still a really good deal even without any coupons).
• 3 Diet Dr. Pepper (2 liter) – $1.25 ea., Used $1.00/3 hangtag coupon (doubled)
• Kikkoman Soy Sauce (10 oz.) – $2.19, Used $1.00/1 coupon (doubled)
• 8 Cans of Progresso Soup – $1.25 ea., Used 2 $1.00/4 coupons from the 10/2 SS insert (doubled)
• Diet Coke (2 liter) – $1.59, Used Free w/$10 purchase Store coupon
• 2 Land O Frost Ham Lunchmeat (1 lb.) – $3.99 ea. on sale, Used 2 $1.00/1 coupon (zipcode 35023, doubled)
• Final Cost $18.50

So, all of the above would’ve been a great deal for all the soup & meat, etc., but the transaction just went horribly wrong and took up way too much of my time today. First, the checker wouldn’t double one of the coupons because it exceeded the cost of the item and apparently they won’t adjust the coupon down at that store, but no biggie, I just put that item back. Then, three of the items came up at the wrong price on the register & she had to adjust them to the correct price. Once the transaction was finally done, when I saw the total, I knew it was quite a bit off, but I went ahead and paid because the line was getting pretty long. I then checked my receipt and discovered 3 errors & after much discussion with the manager, I finally got my refund. The checker had charged me for five Jimmy Dean Sausage Rolls instead of four and it added the full price before the sale which was $4.59. She also charged me for 4 Diet Coke 2 Liters when I only bought one and that one was free. And then, she didn’t charge me for 3 of the soups. I don’t know what the heck she was doing, but long story short: ALWAYS check your receipts and check them while you are still in the store. Believe me, it pays off.  Now, fortunately, my couponing experiences nine times out of ten go so much better than this one today, so I just chalk it up as one of those things and move on to the next deal.

So, I haven’t been shopping nearly as much over the past few months here in Joplin, but I finally made it to Walmart a few days ago on Halloween so I could use some coupons that were expiring that day. And it was actually a pretty entertaining trip, not only were the cashiers dressed up in costumes for Halloween, but several customers were too. I have to say, it was fun checking out with “Beetlejuice.” Anyway, onto my deals:

• 4 Crest Complete Toothpaste travel size – $0.97 ea., Used 4 $2.00/1 Crest, Scope, Oral-B Products 9/11 SS Insert (no size restrictions)
• Tide Packet Travel size – $0.97, Used $2.00/1 Tide Detergent 10/30 P&G Insert
• Bounty Paper Towels (6 rolls) – $6.47, Used $5.00/1 coupon from previous promtion (no longer available)
• Great Value Facial Tissue (3 pk., 200 ct. ea,) – $3.64
• 2 Listerine Total Zero Travel Size – $1.72m Used 2 $2.00/1 Listerine Total Zero, any size coupons from Coupons.com (no longer available)
• Ott’s Dressing – $1.98
• GV Lemon Juice – $1.96
• Chili & Garlic Powder – $0.50 ea.
• Ranch Beans – $0.78
• 3 CoverGirl Make-Up Wedges & 5 Cheekers – $2.94 ea. & $3.74 ea., Used 3 $8.00/2 CoverGirl Face Products 10/2/2011 P&G Insert (expired 10/31 & I checked on CoverGirl’s website, the make-up wedges were specifically listed under “Face products”)
• Minute Maid Juice Box (10 ct.) $2.98 – Used $2.00/1 IP (no longer available)
• Final Cost $1.88

The cost of this transaction was almost $60.00 before I used the coupons, so a huge savings on this trip! Reminder: For those of you that don’t shop at Walmart very often, they updated their coupon policy several months ago & they allow overage. Check out their official coupon policy & print it HERE.

Since the tornado in May, I just haven’t been shopping nearly as much the past few months. But I did actually managed to go out twice this week, which was a first for me in a long while. And as more stores, businesses & homes rebuild here in Joplin, it will hopefully get better for everyone as time goes by. The Walmart on 15th is scheduled to reopen 11/9/11. And it’s supposed to have a lot of new features including a drive-thru, so I look forward to checking it out. Here’s my two Walmart trips this week:

Trip #1 on 10/4

• 8 Progresso Soups – $1.00 each, Price Matched to Big Lots, Used 2 $1.00/4 coupons from the 9/11 SS GM insert
• 4 CoverGirl Makeup Wedges – $2.94 each, Used 2 $8.00/2 CoverGirl Face products coupon from the 10/2 P&G insert (Note: These Makeup Wedges are included on CoverGirl’s site as “face products.” And I love these wedges, I actually use them on a regular basis, so was really happy when this coupon was released)
• 1 Onion $0.61
• 100% Whole Wheat Bread – $1.50
• Gallon GV Skim Milk – $2.85
• All You Magazine – $2.49 (I renewed my subscription late, so I didn’t have this issue)
• GV Saltines – $1.18
• Bayer Advanced (20 ct.) – $3.47, Used Free coupon from previous promotion
• 4 Crest Complete Toothpaste, Trial Size – $0.97 each, Used 4 $2.00/1 Crest Complete coupons from the 9/11 SS insert
• GV Twistup Soda (2 ltr) – $0.84
• GV Diet Dr. Thunder Soda (2 ltr) – $0.84
• Hillshire Farm Links – $2.50, Used 2 $1.00/1 coupons
• Final Cost $9.18

Trip #2 on 10/7

• 12 Progresso Soups – $1.00 each, Price Matched to Big Lots, Used 3 $1.00/4 coupons from the 9/11 SS GM insert
• 2 CoverGirl Blush – $3.74 each, Used 2 $8.00/2 CoverGirl Face product coupons from the 10/2 P&G insert
• 4 Crest Complete Toothpaste, Trial Size – $0.97 each, Used 4 $2.00/1 Crest Complete coupons from the 9/11 SS insert
• 4 Schick ST2 Slim Twin Disposable Razors (10 packs + Bonus 2 in each one) – $1.97 each, Used 2 $6.00/2 Schick Disposable Razors from Coupons.com (no longer available)
• Gallon GV Skim Milk – $2.85
• Pepsi Max (2 ltr) – $1.28, Used $0.55/1 coupon from the 10/2 Pepsico insert
• Garnier Herbashine – $6.47, Used Free coupon from previous promotion
• Frigo String Cheese single – $0.33, Used $0.50/1 any Frigo coupon from the 10/2 SS insert
• Final Cost $3.65

I had a chance to run by to Walgreens yesterday morning to see if the Cottonelle deal was working and it is, but only on the Ultra Cottonelle (in the purple packaging, not the regular Cottonelle in the blue packaging). Plus, I was happy to find that everything I was looking for was in stock, yay! I did 3 separate transactions to make the best of one shopping trip.

Transaction #1:

• Coldcalm Caplets (60 ct.) – $6.99
• Used $5.00 RR from a previous transaction
• Final Cost $2.15 & got back a $7.00 RR

Transaction #2:

• Cepacol Throat Lozenges – $2.99
• Used $2.00 RR from a previous transaction
• Final Cost $1.07 & got back a $3.00 RR

Transaction #3:

• 2 Cottonelle Ultra Bath Tissue (12 Rolls) – $5.00 each, Used $0.75/1 coupon from the 9/11 SS insert & $0.50/1 coupon form the 10/2 SS insert & Used $1.00/1 store coupon from the October Monthly Coupon Booklet (took of $1.00 2x), Got back $3.00 RR
• 2 Ben Gay Ultra Strength Pain Patches – $4.99 each, Used 2 $5.00/1 coupon form the 9/11 SS insert
• 3 Halloween Pencils $0.13 each
• 4 Bugles (7.5 oz.) – $0.99 each, Used Raincheck, Used 2 $0.60/1 Gardettos Chex Mix or Bugles coupons & 2 $0.50/1 IPs (no longer available)
• Kleenex Cool Touch – $1.49, used $0.50/1 coupon from the 10/2 SS insert, got back $0.50 RR
• Used $7.00 & $3.00 RRs from 2 previous above transactions
• Final Cost $0.01 & got back $3.50 in RRs

I noticed in Big Lot’s ad on Sunday that they had several Hasbro games on sale for $5.00 including Operation Toy Story 3 which was pictured in their ad. Well, Big Lots doesn’t take coupons, but Walmart does and they also price match! I was happy to find that they were fully stocked and had at least 15-20 of these on their shelf. Note: I have heard that some Walmarts do not price match Big Lots. I had never tried to price match with Big Lots before so this was my first experience. I told the cashier the price match & he balked because there was such a big difference in price, but I showed him the ad and he priced matched them without any issues. I’m curious, have you had success with price matching at Walmart? What was your experience like, feel free to comment!

• 4 Operation Toy Story 3 Games, reg. $12.96, price matched (Bog Lots) $5.00 ea., Used 4 $4.00/1 Operation, any game coupons from Hasbro (still available) & coupons.com (no longer available)
• 2 Aquafresh Extreme Clean travel size toothpaste $0.97 ea., Used 2 $1.00/1 coupons from HERE (1st coupon, no size restrictions)
• Nutella 13 oz. $3.18, price matched (Dollar General) $3.00, Used $1.00/1 coupon from the 8/28 RP insert
• Ruffies Trash Bags $1.62, Used $0.50/1 coupon from RedPlum.com (no longer available)
• Lifesavers Mints 85 ct. $2.88, Used Free coupon from previous Facebook promotion
• Final Cost $7.56

I ran a few errands today and made a quick stop to Target today. I was hoping to snag a few of the Sharpies that are on sale this week for $1.00 and was happy to find a whole bin full in the Back to School Supplies at the back of the store. They were actually very well stocked on all three things I picked up, that’s always great!

• 1 Up&Up Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol – $1.24, Use $0.75/1 Up&Up First Aid Coupon (no longer available)
• 3 Hydrogen Peroxide – $0.64, Use 3 $0.75/1 Up&Up First Aid Coupon (no longer available)
• 4 Papermate Red Pens (10 ct.) – $0.50, Used 4 $1.00/1 coupons HERE (auto-adjusted to $0.50, tons in stock in all colors-Red, Blue or Black) (no longer available)
• 4 Sharpie Markers (2 ct.) – $1.00 Used 4 $1.00/1 coupons HERE ( no longer available, printed from 2 computers) Note: At my store, they were out of stock in the regular stationery aisle, but there was a big bin full in the Back to School Section at the rear of the store. They were marked $1.49, but they scanned at $1.00.
• Final Cost $0.53

I stopped in at Target late today and didn’t find a whole lot that I was looking for, but I didn’t really expect to on late Sunday. Here’s what I did find:

• Papermate Pens (10 ct.) – $1.00, Used $1.00/1 store coupon HERE
• 3 Crystal Light (2 @ $1.97, 1 @$2.04), Used $1.00/1 Crystal Light Drink Mix coupon from the 6/12 SS insert, $1.00/2 tearpad coupon & Used $1.00/3 Target store coupon HERE (zipcode 78660)
• 4 Up&Up Hydrogen Peroxide – $0.64 ea., Used 4 $0.75/1 Up&Up First Aid Target store coupons (no longer available, the coupons auto-adjusted to $0.64)
• Final Cost $3.12

So, I haven’t done a whole lot of shopping since the tornado here in Joplin, but I’m slowly trying to get back into the groove of things and will begin posting my trips again on a regular basis. I didn’t start out with any Register Rewards today, so I did the following transactions in the order below to minimize my out of pocket cost:

Transaction #1:

• Bought 2 Oral-B Advantage Complete Toothbrushes – 2/$5.00, Used 2 $2.00/1 coupon from the 7/3 P&G insert (expires 7/31)
• Final Cost $1.00 and got back $2.00 RR

Transaction #2:

• Bought Crayola Washable Markers (8 ct.) – $2.00
• Used $2.00 RR from previous transaction
• Final Cost Zero & got back $2.00 RR

Transaction #3:

• Bought Goody Hair Clips – $2.00
• Used $2.00 RR from previous transaction
• Final Cost Zero & got back $2.00 RR

Transaction #4:

• Bought 2 Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue (12 pk.) – $5.00 ea., Used 1 $0.75/1 Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue coupon from the 7/17 SS insert & 1 $0.50/1 coupon from HERE and Used $1.00/1 store coupon from Walgreens August Monthly Coupon Booklet (Took off $1.00 2x)
• Bought Wexford Folder $0.11
• Used $2.00 RR from previous transaction
• Final Cost $5.23 & got back $3.50 RR (This RR ends today 7/31, I had my doubts it would print so I didn’t post about it, but to my surprise it printed without any issues)

I was finally able to get out and do a little shopping yesterday evening (yes, that was my exciting Friday night lol) and I started off at Walgreens only to find it completely wiped out of all the deals. Not surprising, considering it was near the end of the week. I guess if I’m going to snag any deals there, I better shop there very early in the week. Anyway, I ventured off to Dillons and was happy to find it fully stocked, so I was able to get everything I came for and even picked up a few unexpected deals! Note: All Mega Event items below are priced after the discount.

• 6 Diet Dr. Pepper 2 liters $0.84 ea. (wyb 6, get 2 Free), Used 6 $0.55/1 hangtag coupons (doubled to $1.00, expired 4/30, but my Dillons accepts expired coupons up to 2 weeks after the exp. date.)
• 2 Ragu Pasta Sauce $1.17*, Used $1.00/2 coupon HERE
• 8 Propel Fitness Water $0.49 ea.*, Used 4 $1.00/2 coupons from the 2/13 SS insert
• 6 Boulder Canyon Potato Chips $0.99 ea.*, Used 2 $1.00/1 coupons & 2 $1.00/2 coupons from HERE (zipcode 90210, Only 4 bags pictured, I gave a couple bags away before I got the picture taken, my family loves these! lol)
• 2 Mom’s Best Natural Cereal $0.99 ea.*, Used 2 $0.75/1 coupons from HERE
• 2 Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice $1.25 ea.*, Used 2 $0.75/1 coupon from home mailer (there’s also a $0.75/1 Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain White Rice coupon from the 3/20 RP insert)
• 4 Crest Toothpaste $1.00, Used 4 $0.50/1 coupons from the 4/3 P&G insert (expired 4/30)
• 4 McCormick Grill Mate Seasonings $1.00, Used 4 $0.75/1 coupons from the 4/10 RP insert
• 2 Fresh Gourmet Croutons $1.00 ea., Used $1.00/2 peelie
• Right Guard Deodorant $1.00, Used $0.50/1 coupon on Facebook (follow steps from my post HERE to access & print)
• Wholly Salsa $2.50, Used $1.50/1 coupon (follow steps from my post HERE to access & print)
• Terra Chips $3.85, Used Free coupon from home mailer
• Final Cost $5.88

*Mega Event Item

I thought I’d post my quick deal at Dillons earlier today to remind you about the great free sausage deal that is good through today 4/5. Gotta love those $0.55/1 coupons doubling to $1.00! And remember, if your store is out, you can request a Rain Check.

• 10 Farmland Sausage Links 8 oz. $0.98 ea., Used 10 $0.55/1 Farmland Breakfast Sausage Rolls or Links coupon from the 3/13 SS insert (doubled to $0.98)
• Lay’s Kettle Chips $2.48, Used $0.55/1 Lay’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips 8.5oz or larger coupon from the 3/13 SS insert (doubled to $1.00)
• Food Should Taste Good Chips $2.99, Used FREE coupon from earlier Facebook promotion (no longer available, expired 3/31, my Dillons accepts coupons up to 2 weeks after the expiration date)
• Final Cost $1.52

I had a chance to run to Walgreens this evening to take advantage of the rare 15% Off Friends & Family Coupon (good today only 3/31) & thought I’d post my deals in case you haven’t had a chance to go yet and wanted a few ideas. And on a side note, while I was at Walgreens tonight, I ran into a couple people that read my blog. It always tickles me to pieces to run into people that actually read my blog and I want you to know you both made my day, thanks so much!

(All prices are after Friends & Family Coupon)

• 5 Packs of Walgreens Jumbo Diaper Packs $4.79 ea., Used $2.00/1 Walgreens coupon from the Infant Care Booklet. Note: While I don’t have a little one in diapers myself, this was such a great deal with the discount, coupon & rebate combined that I couldn’t pass it up and there are plenty of people out there I can give them to. Nothing rocks more than being able to share my freebies & bargain finds with others.
• 1 pack 18 ct. Wagreens Maxi Pads $1.60, Got $10.00 Rebate for purchasing $25.00 in participating Walgreen items (diapers & pads together)
• 3 Walgreens Bleach $0.79 ea.
• 2 Walgreens Plates $0.80 ea,
• Walgreens Roasted Peanuts, on Clearance $1.39
• Wonderful Pistachios 16 oz. $4.24, Used $1.00/1 coupon from 3/20 SS insert
• 9 Snickers Cream Eggs 1 oz. $2.22 total, Used $2.00 Mars Easter Candy coupon from All You Magazine, April issue
• Luster White 7 Toothpaste 2.6 oz. $5.09, Used $1.50/1 coupon HERE, got back $4.00 RR
• 2 Colgate Total Gum Defense Toothpaste $2.55 ea, Used 1 $1.50/1 coupon from the 3/27 SS insert & 1 $1.00/1 mfg. coupon from Walgreens Diabetes & You Magazine and Got back $4.00 RR
• Coffee-Mate Creamer 16 oz. BOGO $2.49 (No discount), Used 2 $1.00/1 tearpad coupons
• 2 Folgers Ground Coffee 11.3 oz. $2.37, Used 2 $2.00/1 coupons from Facebook (no longer available)
• Scott Natural Towels 6 pk. $4.25, Used $1.00/1 Scott Towels, any package coupon from the 3/6 SS insert (Note: while this one is a manufacturer’s coupon & can be used anywhere coupons are accepted, it has “Redeemable at Dollar General” with a Dollar General Logo on it, so ymmv & this coupon was a beeper for me, but the cashier pushed it through) & Used $1.00/1 Walgreens April Monthly Coupon Booklet
• Niagara Starch 20 oz. $0.84
• Used $37.00 in previous RRs
• Final Cost $0.67, Got back $8.00 in Register Rewards & will submit for $10.00 Rebate