Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!

Wishing you and your family a new year of full of fun and blessings!!

$75 Challenge

This week has been full of Christmas bargain shopping. I have saved a bundle buying discounted decorations at Michaels and Target at 60-75% off. We are all set for next year. I did manage a few trips to Publix and CVS for some things we needed and to get some sale items.

Publix-Transaction 1-Total before coupons= $86.21
Total after coupons for the week= $28.75

Transaction 2- Total before coupons=$18.88
Total after coupons for the week= $2.68

CVS-Total before coupons= $53.85
Total after coupons= $2.15 and got back $6 in ECB's

Grand total before coupons= $158.94
Grand total after coupons= $33.54
Total Saved= $125.40

Total Spending since challenge began before coupons= $5,237.17
Total Spending since challenge began OOP= $2,362.20
Total Saved: $2,874.97

Target Christmas Clearance

Some Target stores have their Christmas items marked down 75%. There are lots of bargains out there on Christmas decorations. I have to stop buying stuff because we have more than enough to decorate with for next year and I already have a few gifts! Happy Saving!

Fun Trip At Publix

I just love a day of bargains. The hubs and I had a hot date night tonight and still made it home by 7, he he he. We went to Bonefish Grill for a little snack and used a $10 gift card we had and then we headed to Publix for some shopping. Yes, I know this is every girl's idea of a romantic evening with her husband. We had fun and my husband always gets so excited when he goes with me. He loves to watch the savings get bigger and bigger as our total gets smaller and smaller at checkout. He was almost giddy tonight and I had to calm him down a bit!! Anyway, here is our haul from tonight. The total before coupons was $86.21 and the total after coupons was only $28.75. This was really good since we ended up with a few items that were not on the list, the sushi and the Vitatops. Love me some Publix!!!

FREE Glade Candles At Publix!!!

Glade Fragrance Collection 4.9 oz. candles are FREE at Publix!!! There was a $2 off coupon in the 11/15 paper and the current Yellow Advantage flyer has a $4 off coupon. Use these two together and get FREE candles!

Coupon Inserts For The Year!

If there is a week to buy multiple papers, then this is the week! There will be 5 inserts in this week's paper. Jenny at Southern Savers has the complete list of inserts for the year that I have listed below. Make sure to always buy the paper from the largest city near you in order to get the best coupons.

January
3 – (3) Smart Source & (2) RedPlum
10 – Smart Source & RedPlum
17 – Smart Source & Procter and Gamble
24 – Smart Source & RedPlum31 – Smart Source & RedPlum

February
7 – Smart Source & Red Plum
14 – Red Plum
21 – (2) Smart Source & Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
28 – Smart Source

March
7 – Smart Source & RedPlum & Procter and Gamble
14 – Smart Source & RedPlum
21 – (2) Smart Source & RedPlum
28 – (2) Smart Source & RedPlum & Procter and Gamble

Apri
l4 – No Inserts
11 – Smart Source & RedPlum
18 – Smart Source & RedPlum
25 – Smart Source & (2) RedPlum

May
2 – Smart Source & RedPlum & Procter &Gamble
9 – Smart Source
16 – Smart Source & RedPlum
23 – Smart Source & RedPlum
30 – No Inserts

June
6 – (2) Smart Source & RedPlum & Procter and Gamble
13 – Smart Source
20 – (2) Smart Source & RedPlum
27 – Smart Source & RedPlum

July
4 – Procter and Gamble
11 – Smart Source & RedPlum
18 – Smart Source
25 – Smart Source & RedPlum

August
1 – Smart Source & RedPlum & Procter and Gamble
8 – (2) Smart Source & RedPlum
15 – Smart Source & RedPlum
22 – (2) Smart Source
29 – Smart Source & RedPlum & Procter and Gamble

September
5 – No Inserts
12 – Smart Source & 2 RedPlum
19 – Smart Source & RedPlum
26 – Smart Source & RedPlum

October
3 – Smart Source & RedPlum & Procter and Gamble
10 – Smart Source & RedPlum
17 – Smart Source & RedPlum
24 – Smart Source & RedPlum
31 – Smart Source & RedPlum

November
7 – (2) Smart Source & RedPlum & Procter and Gamble
14 – Smart Source & RedPlum
21 – Smart Source
28 – No Inserts

December
5 – Smart Source & RedPlum & Procter and Gamble
12 – Smart Source & RedPlum
19 – No Inserts
26- No Inserts

Coupon Reminder!

Remember it is the end of the month so it is time to print all the coupons you may want that are currently available. They may or may not be reset on January 1st. Also, make sure to check back on January 1st to see any new coupons that may be listed.

Make sure to visit:
Coupons.com
Redplum
SmartSource

Another Target Deal

Target has wrapping paper storage bins on sale this week for only $5. If you were like me and ended up with lots of Hallmark wrapping paper last week, you are going to need one of these. It also holds all the Christmas ribbon I got at Michaels this weekend!!

Biggest Loser Wii Deal

Santa brought us a Wii this year and the whole family is excited about playing the games. I am excited about the Wii Fit Plus that Santa also brought. However, I was at Target the other day and found the The Biggest Loser Wii game for only $19.99. It is regularly $39.99, so this is a great deal! Now that I have it, let's see if I can keep motivated and do it regularly.

Publix Penny Item

This week's penny item is 64oz. Publix Grape Juice. You can get the penny item with a $10 purchase today or tomorrow. Make sure to take the penny item coupon with you from today's paper. Many stores require you to have those now in order to purchase the penny item.

Thanks, Proverbs Wife!

FREE Blockbuster Movie Code!

Blockbuster Express Kiosks are now located in some Publix stores. If you have one at your store, you can use the code: GW9TB4 to rent one movie and get one FREE! Also, try GL9RA for a FREE movie rental! Blockbuster Express kiosks can be found in many Publix stores and they work just like the Redbox kiosks. Go HERE to see if there is a kiosk in your area. The code will expire on 12/29 and can be used one time per debit/credit card. There is a Blockbuster Kiosk at the Publix in Trenholm Plaza in Columbia, SC.

Thanks, I Heart Publix!

After Christmas Sales!

Michaels is having a great after Christmas sale that started today. I was able to find lots of decorations for next year at 60% off. I found ornaments, cards, tissue paper, and garland at great prices. They also had Christmas ribbon on sale for 60% off. There was a coupon in Friday's paper for 25% off ribbon. I used this got several rolls of ribbon for only $0.59 each. If you are looking for decorations to use later or for this year (It is only the second day of Christmas :)) then head to Michaels.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Southern Children After Christmas Sale

Southern Children
30% to 50% Off Select Fall, Christmas, and Summer Outfits
Beginning Saturday, December 26, 2009
at 10:00AM
HUGE SELECTION

www.southernchildren.com
for a sample of selection

Spring Valley Commons
9003-7 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 736-2753

$75 Challenge

Merry Christmas!!! It is hard to believe that it is Christmas Eve already. I am finished with my shopping for the week so I am going to post this a little early. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!

Publix-Total before coupons for the week= $112.94
Total after coupons for the week= $45.65

CVS-Total before coupons= $50.96
Total after coupons= $10.09 and got back $10 in ECB's
(I did this over 3 Transactions.)

Grand total before coupons= $163.90
Grand total after coupons= $55.74
Total Saved= $108.16

Total Spending since challenge began before coupons= $5,078.23
Total Spending since challenge began OOP= $2,328.66
Total Saved: $2,749.57

Bumble Boutique Sale

Bumble Boutique has all of their Christmas outfits and pajamas 60% off starting today!! You can stock up for next year or get your little ones some special pj's for tonight! Also, their big clearance sale will begin on Monday. Make sure to check it out! Sale prices are online and in the store, so if you are not in Columbia, you can still shop at this fun store! Bumble Boutique is located at Trenholm Plaza in Columbia, SC.

Be Beep Toy Store Sale

Be Beep will be having a store wide sale the day after Christmas. Everything (except Animal Bracelets) will be 50% off. Make sure to stop by between 12pm and 7pm to find some deals. Be Beep Toy Store is located in Columbia, SC on Forest Drive.

Christmas Deals and Frugal Finds and Family Time!

Do you have any deals you are excited about finding or something you are looking forward to doing this week? I am excited about decorating cookies with my kids tomorrow morning. I have a feeling we will be eating more than we decorate, but that is ok. Also, I have loved all the CHEAP wrapping paper I have been getting at Hallmark this year. I love their wrapping paper and being able to get it for $0.70 a roll has been amazing! I would love to know what you do with your families and any deals you find while out shopping!

Kid Friendly Christmas Craft

Here is another idea of something to do with the kids this week as you get ready for Christmas. I love the smell of Cinnamon ornaments and they are super easy to make. Amanda at A Few Short Cuts has all the details on how to make these and not spend a fortune. Go here to check it out. These would be great cerces for your neighbors!

Procter and Gamble Insert

Normally, there are no coupon inserts in the paper the Sunday after a holiday. However, this Sunday there will be a P & G insert. I got an e-mail today saying that for every coupon you redeem in this insert, $.03 will be donated to the Special Olympics. Wow! You can save money and help a good cause.

Good Inside Activities For The Kiddies

Moneywise Moms has some great ideas of activities to do with the kids over Winter Break. The best part is that most of the things you will need are already at your house! I think we are all looking for something to do on these cold winter mornings or afternoons when it is too cold to play outside. Click here to see some great ideas.

Handpicked Sale!

Handpicked will be having a huge after Christmas sale. Everything in the store will be 20%-40% off from December 26th until January 2nd.

A Few Good Printable Coupons

Jaycie over at Coupon Geek has a great list of high value printable coupons here. There are good ones for Chinet plates and Kikkoman Soy Sauce. Enjoy!

Cookbook Giveaway at $5 Dinners!

Erin at $5 Dinners has a new cookbook out and it is getting rave reviews! I love a good cookbook and this one promises to deliver more than just wonderful recipes. She has couponing and other money saving tips and all of the recipes cost $5 or less. Erin is giving away 10 copies of her cookbook everyday for the next 2 weeks. Go here to enter and hopefully you will win a copy of this fabulous cookbook!!!

Southern Living Hallmark Coupon

Do you subscribe to Southern Living? If so, check your copy for a coupon to Hallmark for $5 off a $5 purchase. All of their holiday wrapping paper is $4.99 a roll and you can get a second roll for only $0.99. You can use the coupon and buy two rolls of wrapping paper for around $1.50. What a deal and you can stock up for next year if all of your presents are wrapped! Hurry the coupon expires on Thursday!

CVS Deals

There are some great sales going on this week at CVS. Here is how I did today:

Transaction 1:
Bought 2 Revlon Lipsticks @ $6.99 each
Used: 2 $2 off Revlon coupons and my $7.96 in ECB's from last week.
Total OOP: $3.00 and got back $10 in ECB's
Total Profit: $7.00

Transaction 2:
Bought 1 Jumbo pack of Pampers @ $8.88
1 Revlon Lipstick at $6.99
1 Listerine 500ml at $3.99
Used 1 $0.50 off Listerine, 1 $2 off Revlon, 1 $2 off Pampers coupons and $10 in ECB's from Transaction 1
Total OOP: 5.68 and got back $8 in ECB's
Total Profit: $2.32

Transaction 3:
Bought 1 Nivea Body Wash at $5.99
Used 1 $2 off Nivea coupon and $3 in ECB's from previous transaction
Total OOP: $1.41 and got back $5 in ECB's
Total Profit: $3.59

Grand total OOP:$10.09 and I still have $10 in ECB's to spend next week or use this week for FREE diapers!!! Who doesn't love FREE diapers????? This was a great week at CVS!

$75 Challenge

I didn't do a lot of shopping this week. It was a crazy week with lots of things going on and hunting for deals wasn't on my "To Do" list, however, I did manage to find a few deals.

Publix-Total before coupons for the week= $156.57
Total after coupons for the week= $62.13

CVS-Total before coupons= $7.96
Total after coupons= $1.52 and got back $7.96 in ECB's

Grand total before coupons= $164.53
Grand total after coupons= $63.65
Total Saved= $100.88

Total Spending since challenge began before coupons= $4,914.33
Total Spending since challenge began OOP= $2,272.92
Total Saved: $2,641.41

Publix Penny Item

There is not a Publix Penny item this week. You may have noticed there wasn't a penny coupon in today's paper. However, don't throw today's Publix flyer because there is a $5 off $50 purchase on the back. This coupon is good Dec. 19th-24th. Also, make sure to check your Parade magazine today for a Craisins coupon!!

Pop Tart Gingerbread House

School is out for us until January 5th so I am on the lookout for fun and cute things to do with the kids over Christmas break. Here are the instructions to make a Gingerbread house out of Pop Tarts. It looks cute and would be a fun activity one afternoon with all those almost FREE Pop Tarts we have at our house.

Thanks, Coupon Geek!

FREE Shipping Day!

Today is FREE SHIPPING day! Over 700 retailers are offering FREE SHIPPING all day today and you will get your items by Christmas. Go to your favorite store's website and see if they are offering FREE SHIPPING today and save! Happy Shopping!

No Coupon Inserts This Sunday

Well, I am sad to report there will be no coupon inserts in this Sunday paper. There is a ray of hope though, Jenny at Southern Savers is reporting that Proctor and Gamble will have one insert in Dec. 27th's paper. This is great since there are not usually coupons in the paper on a Sunday after a holiday. However, there are lots of great printable coupons out right now if you just have to have a coupon fix this week. Make sure to visit www.coupons.com, www.smartsource.com, and www.redplum.com to find some great coupons.

Gymboree Fill A Bag Sale!

Gymboree is having a Fill A Bag Sale now! You can get 30% off all purchases in the store and online. This includes all sale and new items. You can also earn Gymbucks for every $50 you spend.

For Men Only!!

Do you have good intentions of buying your wife or girlfriend that perfect gift, but not sure where to start???? Handpicked has it all planned for you. Stop by any Handpicked store on Thursday, December 17th and let them help you finish your Christmas shopping. They are offering a 20% discount to all men on the 17th. They will also have FREE beer and gift wrapping from 5-8pm. All you have to do it make your list and check it all off on the 17th! Doesn't get much easier than that!

P & G eSaver Coupon Changes

If you load Protor and Gamble eSaver coupons onto your Kroger card, you need to redeem them by December 31, 2009. Here is an e-mail I got today from them:

Beginning December 31, 2009, P&GeSAVER™ coupons can no longer be downloaded to your Kroger® Shopper's Card.
Please redeem all P&GeSAVER coupons you now have on your Kroger* Shopper's Card by December 31, 2009.
We value your loyalty to P&GeSAVER and are very sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

Don't forget: You still can take advantage of valuable P&G samples and savings delivered right to your home through P&GbrandSAMPLER®.
Thank you,
The P&GeSAVER Team
* Kroger includes the following banners: Baker's, City Market®, Dillons®, Food4Less®, Fry's®, Gerbes®, Hilander, Jay-C, King Soopers, Owen's, Pay-less, QFC, Ralphs® and Smith's®.

Publix Penny Item

The Fabulous Belles!!

Our Handsome Hubbies!!

The Belles and their Beaus had a fabulous time last night at our annual Holiday Bash until the wee hours of the morning, but now it is time to get back to saving some dough. Today we can make our lists and clip coupons while enjoying a mug of Publix hot chocolate, since that is the penny item this week. You can get the penny item with a $10 purchase today or tomorrow. Make sure to take the penny item coupon with you from today's paper. Many stores require you to have those now in order to purchase the penny item.

Thanks, Southern Savers

Tips On Saving Money

I think we are all looking for ways to save money these days. It has become so easy for many of us to save money on food and toiletries, so now it is time to find ways to save other places, too. I Heart Publix has a good post on ways to save money at places other than the grocery store. Click here to read more!

Frugal Gift Ideas

Need some frugal ideas for Christmas gifts for friends and family? Life As Mom has some neat ideas of her own and lots from her readers. All of the gifts must be $10 or less on this list. Go here to check it out.

$75 Challenge

We didn't really need a lot this week so I didn't do as much shopping as usual. We came in way under my $75 budget that I try to stay in each week. That is very exciting, especially at this time of year!

Publix-Total before coupons for the week= $25.66
Total after coupons for the week= $12.55

CVS-Total before coupons= $25.18
Total after coupons= $12.20 and got back $7 in ECB's

Piggly Wiggly- Total before coupons= $7.15
Total after coupons= $0.25

Rite Aid- Total before coupons= $50.42
Total after coupons= $14.56

Grand total before coupons= $108.41
Grand total after coupons= $39.56
Total Saved= $68.85

Total Spending since challenge began before coupons= $4,749.80
Total Spending since challenge began OOP= $2,209.27
Total Saved: $2,540.53

Yummy Balsamic Chicken With Onions

$5 Dinners has a simple and yummy recipe for Balsamic Chicken and caramelized onions. We will have to try this one soon. Click here to see the recipe. I am going to do wild rice instead of white rice since I have 10 boxes of Uncle Ben's Wild Rice I need to use. Anyone else eating a lot of wild rice these days???? Gotta love those Publix BOGO sales!

Gymboree Deals

Gymboree still has everything on sale for an additional 25% off and FREE shipping. You can also still earn Gymbucks for every $50 you spend. The new Jingle Deal are $12 Hoodies!!

Save 20% at Old Navy

Save 20% on any online purchase at oldnavy.com until December 15th. Just use the code ONSAVE20 at checkout for your discount. There is no minimum purchase required for the discount.

Khols Sale

I know this is going to be hard to believe, but Khols is having a sale this weekend. It is their Biggest Christmas Sale, not to be confused with last weekend's biggest Christmas sale. You can shop online this weekend and save an extra 15% on orders under $100 with the code EXTRA15OFF. If your purchase is over $100, then you can save an additional 20% with the code BUYSAVE20.

Williams Sonoma Home Sale

Williams Sonoma Home is having a big sale with some items up to 60% off. Click here to shop! They also have sale items that come with FREE shipping. Click here to see those items.

Old Navy $6 and Under Deals

Old Navy has 60 gifts under $6. This might be a good time to grab some gifts or stocking stuffers. There were lots of cute socks, mittens and t-shirts on sale for under $6!

Clearance Deals and Steals!

Jenny at Southern Savers has a great post today with links to all the clearance links at Amazon. Click here to see the list. There are lots of great links for toys, books, and electronics. This would be a great place to start Christmas shopping or get ideas.

Gymboree Sale

Gymboree is having some great sales these days. Right now everything is an additional 25% off and you get FREE shipping if you order online. You can also earn $25 in Gymbucks for every $50 you spend.

$75 Challenge

We had lots of little trips to the store this week, but those still add up. However, we didn't do as badly as I thought after I sat down and wrote it all down.

Here is how we did this week:

Publix- Transaction 1- Total before coupons for the week= $40.79
Total after coupons for the week= $14.03

Transaction 2- Total before coupons= $19.86
Total after coupons= $14.82

CVS-Transaction 1- Total before coupons= $32.04
Total after coupons= $10.05 and got back $14 in ECB's
Profit of $3.95

Transaction 2- Total before coupons= $50.42
Total after coupons= $17.96 and got back $5 in ECB's

Kroger- Transaction 1- Total before coupons= $31.13
Total after coupons= $20.22

Transaction 2- Total before coupons= $9.12
Total after coupons= $7.63

Grand total before coupons= $183.36
Grand total after coupons= $84.71
Total Saved= $98.65

Total Spending since challenge began before coupons= $4,641.39
Total Spending since challenge began OOP= $2,169.71
Total Saved: $2,471.68

More Gymboree Deals

The new Jingle Deal at Gymboree is pajamas for $11.25. Also, everything is 25% off and you can still earn $25 in Gymbucks for every $50 you spend now.

Restaurant Gift Card Deals

Lots of restaurants are offering gift card promotions right now. Making Cents Out Of Life has a great list of promotions going on right now at various restaurants. Click here to see the list.

FREE Eggs

There is lots of baking going on this time of year so FREE eggs would come in handy. The Good Egg Project is offering their Buy One Get One Egg Coupons TODAY to the first 10,000 that take the "Eat Good" pledge. Go HERE and hopefully you will be able to get a coupon!

Thanks, Coupon Geek!

FREE Redbox Code

Want to watch a movie tonight? This code is good today only at Redbox, SPNSV9. Make sure to select Rent With Promo when you go to use the code. Enjoy!

Thanks, Common Sense With Money!

Khols Deal On Cashmere Sweaters

Khols has a special deal on cashmere today. Their Apt. 9 Cashmere sweaters are on sale for $34.99. They are regularly $100. Click here to start shopping.

FREE Christmas Stuff For The Kids

Coupon Geek has a post on some fun and FREE Christmas treats for the kids here. You can create a video from Santa or get a letter from Santa. How fun!