freebies

Here are the freebies/samples I have received in the past week.  I have requested samples nearly every day for the past few weeks, and they are slowly starting to arrive.  Here's my first swag!

*5 hour energy--full size bottle!  Now, I will NEVER use this.  But hey, it was FREE, and I bet someone I know will want it!!!

2 packets of Miracle Whip.

Lipton Tea & Honey packet.  Plus a 50 cent coupon.

Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner packets.

Bodycology lotion packet.  Plus a $1.00 coupon.

Not too shabby.  Can't wait to see what will arrive in the next week!  I've requested some good stuff!  :)

grocery savings

Here's the breakdown on my savings today: My cost $39.57 (this includes tax).  Cost before coupons and sales $61.67.

Dolly Madison: 

bag of donut gems and loaf of texas toast: $1.59 total cost @ Dolly

Dillons: 

3 boxes of Kellogg's cereal $1.00 coupon, plus part of their buy 5 get $5.00 back= $1.45 per box!

box of Cheez-Its and box of Rice Krispie treats, no coupon, but part of their buy 5 get $5.00 back=$3.68 for both boxes

2 cans of Lay's Stax, no coupon, but part of 10 for $10=$1.00/can

2 bottles of Ken's dressing, part of 10 for $10, plus coupon for $1.00 off 2=50 cents each!!!

$12.43 total cost @ Dillons

Walmart:

Cutter citronella candle, 97 cents, plus $1.00 coupon=MADE 3 cents!!!

2 boxes of Pebbles cereal, $2.48 each, $1.00/2 coupon=$1.98/box

M&M's snack mix, $2.48 plus $1.00 coupon=$1.48

V8 energy drink 6 pack, $3.98 plus $1.00 coupon=$2.98

Aqua fresh kids' toothpaste, $1.88 plus $1.00 coupon=88 cents

Capri Sun Big Glup drinks, 88 cents each, plus $1.00/2=38 cents each!!!

Belvita bars (box), $2.98, plus $1.00 coupon=$1.98

Belvita bars (individual), 88 cents each, BOGO coupon=44 cents each

Clif bars, 75 cents-98 cents each (some were on clearance!), plus $1.00/6 coupon=66 cents each!

I also paid full price for the pistachios, 2 bags @ $1.78 each

AND. . . the little one had to have a cup of popcorn chicken for $2.50

$25.55 total cost @ Walmart

Not too shabby for a "beginner!"  Saving money this way does take time.  I spent an hour last night planning what I was going to purchase by using The Krazy Coupon Lady, and then printing and clipping coupons just for today's trip!  But it is definitely worth it!!!

how do you save money?

Just thought I would ask this question--not that I expect any answers in return.  But, I'm going to share a couple changes we have made at our house to save a few bucks.

1.  We eliminated the use of expensive liquid shower gels.  I used Oil of Olay, the guys used Axe.  Now, we use Dial Basics bar soap.  I get 3 bars for $1 at Dollar General or Dollar Tree.  It is hypoallergenic, so it's great for our sensitive skin.

2.  I haven't purchased eye shadow, blush, or mascara for several months now.  I am using all those freebies I get at Clinique Bonus.  I have three cosmetic bags FULL of stuff!  Why buy full size?  I would NEVER use all of these things traveling--so I'm using them everyday!  I love that I can try different colors without buying new, full size items.

3.  Probably one of the biggest difference makers is using coupons.  I have been clipping them from the newspaper as well as printing them from online sources.  I really like Coupon Divas and The Krazy Coupon Lady.  Google them--they will be at the top of the list.  They post daily about good coupon match ups and offer coupons on their websites.  You can also find them both on facebook, so you can stay up-to-date on their posts.

Anyway, feel free to share how you are saving money, too.  We can help each other out with our ideas!  :)