Shopping on 5/15/12.. What a busy day!! It was a big trip, so HEB gets its own post. HEB’s ads run Wed-Tue, which is pretty strange. So I went in to get the deals before they are gone.

Stop 4-HEB  (Y=yellow in-store coupons, MQ= Manufacture coupon, $1/3= $1 off of 3)

• Ice Cream deal with Y-MQ
  Buy HEB churn style ice cream $3.50
  Get FREE…
  HEB fudge bars- normally $3.48…did that once.. then did this one too..
  Buy HEB churn style ice cream $3.50
  Get FREE..
  HEB ice cream sandwich- normally $3.48
• Chicken deal (Y-MQ)- I did this one last week twice.
  Buy HEB seasoned boneless/skinless chicken breast $4.72 (found a small one again)
  Got FREE ($7.60 worth)..
  HEB steamable veggies- normally $1.68
  Dole Salad- normally $2.78
  Wishbone 8 oz salad dressing- normally $1.36
  HEB Powdered drink mix- normally $1.78
• Meatball deal
  Buy HEB fully cooked meatballs $3.68
  Get FREE…
  HEB Parmesan cheese 3 oz- normally $1.39
• Wheat thins deal
  Buy Wheat thins
  Get FREE…
  Hormel Pepperoni- normally $2.98
• Pasta deal (Did this twice)
  Buy Dreamfields Pasta $1.99
  Get FREE…
  Francesco Rinaldi To Be Healthy sauce 16 oz- normally $1.59
• Pampers deal (did twice last week and twice this week)
  Buy Pampers Jumbo Pack $9.47 – 1.50 MQ = $7.97
  Got FREE…
  3 Sprout organic baby food pouches- normally $0.96 or 3 for $2.88
• Baking deal
  Buy Pillsbury Mini Brownie Mix $2.08
  Get FREE…
  Pillsbury frosting- normally $1.44
• Kraft Barbecue Sauce 17.5 oz.
  Bought 2 at $0.99 = $1.98 – $1/2 MQ = $0.98 for 2
  …then one of them had a coupon on it if bought two then get $2/1 Country Time drink container
  Country Time 16 oz powder: $2.50- $2 MQ = $0.50
• Keebler Cracker Deal
  On sale 2 for $5 (Was $2.88 ea) = Bought Club and Flip Sides Crackers = $5
  Saltines $1.98 (Was $2.98)…. Total for the 3= $6.98 – $1/3 MQ = $5.98 for the 3 or $1.99 each
  (Like getting the saltines for $0.98)
• Keebler Cookie Deal
  $2.38 each x 2  = $4.76 – $2/2 Y-MQ = 2 for $2.76 or $1.38 each (Like getting one for $0.38)I decided against HEB cookies after I found this deal and gave them to her at the beginning of the transaction. I found out they were on my receipt when I am typing this up. Darn, there goes $3.50. And I do not even see the cookies at my house I don’t think I can prove to them that I did not get the cookies and get a refund.
• Pasta deal (Y-MQ)
  BOGO Skinner 12 oz. pasta
  Buy 1 egg noodle $1.78
  Got FREE…
  elbow macaroni- normally $1.18
• Cheez-It deal
  $2.88 on sale for $2.68 x 2 = $5.36 – $2/2 = 2 for $3.36 (Like getting one for $0.68)
  

  Out of 91 items, 40 of them were under $1 with several being free!

• Total items: 91
• Total cost after savings: $132.42
• Total savings: $49.79 (Cashier said, “Wow, you saved a lot!!!” Thanks Nikky.)
• Percent saved: 27%
  

  Silly mom, you bought too much! Now I am forced to play with the diapers.

Stop 5 – The next day 5/16/12, I went into any Walgreens that I passed and ended up finding the Starbucks Refresher.
$0.99 = $1.07 after tax and got $1 RR to use next time, so not exactly free.

Stop 6 -I went to Midas to get my oil change. I got an oil change with tire rotation for $18.99 with a coupon. They had a special going on oil change and free car wash for $19.99. I was sad I’d miss out on the free car wash, but figured the tire rotation was more important. They ended up giving me a coupon for a car wash any way!! Yay. I love those drive through car washes. They are so much fun!!

Stop 7- While waiting on the oil change, the little one and I walked to Arbys and used our coupons there for some yummy Beef ‘n Cheddar Classics (2) and curly fries. All for a little over $5. I saved one of the sandwiches for later, but it did not last until I got home. Too yummy to pass up.

Day of shopping: 5/15/12

Stop 1- Walmart (MQ= Manufacture Coupon)

• Cutter citronella candle
  $0.97 – $1 any Cutter product (MQ) = FREE + $0.03 off bill
• Clog Stopper 2 pack (needed something for giving dogs a bath in the tub)
  $3.97 (not even on sale…boo!)
  

  1 item FREE

• Total items: 2
• Total cost after savings: $4.26
• Total savings:  $1
• Percent saved: 19%

Stop 2 – Walgreens (MQ= Manufacture Coupon, RR= Register Rewards)

• Wet ‘n Wild nail polish 0.45 oz
  On sale $0.99 – $1 MQ (they had to ring it up as a $0.99 coupon) = FREE
  

  The sweet smell of FREE

• Total items: 1
• Total cost after savings: $0 (Didn’t even have to get out the credit card!!)
• Total savings: $1.99
• Percent saved: 100%
  I planned on getting the Starbucks Refresher and get the $1 RR, but they were out. The free products go fast!!

Stop 3 – CVS (MQ= Manufacture Coupon, ECB= Extra Care Bucks, $1/3= $1 off of 3 items)

• VO5 Shampoo
  On sale 3 for $2.67 – $1/3 MQ = 3 for $$1.67 = $0.55 each
• Tide 50 oz
  Usually $8.79 on sale for $5.99 – $1 MQ – $2 ECB = like getting it for $2.99
  

  Three items under $1

• Total items: 4
• Total cost after savings: $1.79
• Total savings: $10.10
• ECB used this trip: $5
• ECB received for next trip: $2
• Percent saved: 85%
  There were a few more supposed free items at CVS according to MojoSavings, but my ECB card was not printing off those coupons.

It is fun to walk around the library and get a new collection of baby books and DVD’s. I got a few workout videos and a few music ones for baby. I really need to start learning how to make baby food, so I picked up a few books with recipes. Maybe this will get me reading a little more. I do like reading to Emma and amazed with how many different books we go through in a sitting. Those are my type of books.. not a lot of words and lots of pictures. The furry pets that you can pet make them even better

I did try to find some couponing books, but had no luck. With the basket on the umbrella full of my findings, we headed to the car. I know I take awhile in the stores, but I should have plenty of time to get a HEB trip in before lunch. It was approaching lunch time for baby and she skipped her nap because of baby time, so I fed her in the parking lot. She was happy and started to doze off. I was getting a little hungry too, so I finished off the Twix that I just got free from CVS. I knew it wouldn’t last long

Why would I nap? I am having so much fun with the shake eggs! Not the best picture, but had to hurry up and take one because toys were being picked up. I was picking them off the ground and playing with them (too bad Easter is not now).

She is to the point now that I’d rather have her out of the carseat for shopping so that she has more room. Problem is that she was going to be sleeping and could not sit up and sleep comfortably, so here is the solution I came up with…

Perfect fit!! I had an extra pad that I put under her head and back to make it a little softer. She took a good nap, even with people grabbing onto her feet when saying how cute she is.

Stop 4: HEB (MQ=Manufacture coupon, Y=in-store yellow coupon, B=Big savings coupon, HCF=Hill Country Fare)

1. In-Store Meal Deal (Y) (I did 2):
   Buy HEB Seasoned Boneless/Skinless Chicken breast: $3.61 and $4.33 (Most others in $7 range)
   Got 1 FREE with each chicken:
   Dole Greener Selection Salad: Was $2.18 each
   8 oz Wishbone salad dressing: Was $ $1.36 each
   HEB 12- 1 qt powdered drink mix: Was $1.78 each
   HEB baby blend steamable veggies: Was $1.68 each
2. HEB Tortilla Chips:
   2 for $4 – $1/2 MQ (Y)= 2 for $3
3. In-Store Diaper Deal (Y-B) (Did two of the same):
   Bought Pampers size 3 Jumbo (31 ct) $9.47 – $1.50 MQ = $7.97
   Got 3 Sprout Organic food pouch 2.5-3.5 FREE= Was $0.96 each so $2.88 for 3
4. Strawberries 1 lb:
   Sale $1.77
5. HEB Wavy Potato Chips:
   2 for $4 – $1/2 MQ (Y) = 2 for $3
6. Pizza Deal (Y)
   Bought HEB Self rising pizza = $4.25
   Got FREE
   HCF Garlic Bread 8 oz = $1.06
   HEB Fruit Bars 6 ct = $2 for $5 = $2.50 each
7. Keebler Cookies
   Bought 2 at $2.38 each = $4.76 – $2/2 = 2 for $2.76
8. Watermelon
   Sale $3.98…. I can’t believe how pricey watermelon is now
9. Dawn (2) 24 oz twin pack
   Sale $4.97 = Usually $2.83 for one by itself so $5.66 for 2
10. Dog Food Deal (Y)
    Had Catalina coupon if bought $20 of Purina products, get $5 coupon on next Purina purchase
    Bought 2 Purina 8 lb = $10.67 each x 2 =  $21.34
    

    She woke up and was ready to play. I had all the coupons tucked away in the nifty little pouch in front. They did not stand a chance against Emma. She is so quick. I turned around and she had grabbed all my coupons.

I got to the library at 9:30 and realized we coud not get in until 10:00, so we found a CVS close by. It is nice to get this shopping done since our regular CVS is a little further away. We got away with some free stuff and made it back to the library just in time for “Baby Time”. It is nice to change up the scenery during the day and get to socialize some (beneficial to mommy and baby). I made sure to put the Twix in my purse so it would not melt. Texas sure is warm already!

Stop 3: CVS (ECB= Extra Care Bucks, MQ= Manufacture coupon, $1/3, etc= $1 off purchase of 3, etc.)

• Twix twin pack:
  Was $1.19 on sale for $0.75 – $0.75 ECB = Like getting it FREE
• Mitchum 2.7 oz deodorant:
  Was $3.99 on sale for $1.99 – $1 MQ (did not get the CVS coupon printed off) = $0.99
• Kotex U 60 ct liners:
  Was $4.79 on sale for $3.99 – $3 ECB – Free fem care item from CVS machine = Like getting it FREE
• American Greeting Cards:
  3 for $0.99 each = $2.97 – $2/3 MQ = 3 for $0.97
  

  4 FREE items

• Total items: 6
• Final cost after savings: $1.35
• ECB used: $4.49
• Total savings: $11. 73
• Percent saved: 90% (WooHoo!!!)
• ECB received for next trip: $3.75

They were out of the Good ‘n Natural bars and the Cottenelle roll covers that I wanted to get for free. Better luck next time.

Next Adventure: HEB

It was time to be out for awhile since we were stuck inside all mornings with storms. Little E wore herself out at Walgreens sitting in the cart and cheesing at everyone who walked by. While she was napping I took her on a 2 hour Target adventure. And no, she did not nap the whole time.

Stop 2: Target (TQ=Target Coupon, MQ=Manufacture Coupon), deals found in ad and on MojoSavings

• Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom spray
  Sale 3 for $8- Bought 3= $8 – $1/2 TQ – $1/2 MQ – $1/1 TQ (for the third one)= 3 for $5
  ~Funny story: silly me gave the cashier 3 of the other SB coupons that were not correct, but she had manually put them in. I felt really bad realizing this and asking her to do these 3 instead since they were for more. I think I ended up getting an extra $1 off with the mix up. She was very nice about it and so was the man waiting behind me. He said, “No big deal. I grew up on coupons.” At least Target was not very busy since they do not usually have many lanes open.
• Duracell 10 AA batteries
  Sale $7.49 – $0.50 TQ- $1.00 MQ = $5.99
• Market Pantry lunch meat
  Sale 2 tubs for $5 – $1/2 TQ = 2 for $4
• Kens 9 oz salad dressing
  $1.52 – $1 MQ = $0.52
• Hamburger Helper (Needed something to cook for dinner tonight)
  $1.25 sale…. gasp.. no coupon!
• Kraft Velveeta Skillet
  $1.89 sale – $0.50 MQ = $1.39
• Banana Boat 1 oz sport lotion
  $0.97 – $1 T = FREE
•  Coppertone 1 oz Water Babies
  $0.99 – $1 T = FREE
• Degree travel size
  Bought 2 for $0.99 each= $2 – $2/2 TQ = 2 FREE
• Aquafresh Extreme Clean 7 oz
  $2 for 6 or $3 – $1.50 TQ – $1 MQ = $0.50
• Greeting Cards
  Got 3 at $0.99 ea= $2.97 – $1/3 TQ = $1.97
• I Cannot Believe it is not Butter tub
  $2.49 – $1.25 MQ = $1.24
  Bought 2 (same deal) for $2.48 and got Market Pantry large Grade A eggs FREE
• Nivea Deal that did not work….Buy 3 and get $5 Target gift card
  ~Nivea Creme Tin: Buy 2 at $0.87 each= $1.74 (They were out and asked at customer service when they restock and she had 2 back there. I thought it was my lucky day.)
  ~Nivea Lotion 13.5 oz= $5.39 on sale for $4.22 – $2 MQ = $2.22
  So I got all 3 for $3.96 and was on track to make $1.04 after getting the $5 gift card. Problem is that she wouldn’t give it to me. Apparently the creme tins were not in the 3 for $5 gift card deal. I saw the same thing when I went back and checked. At least I got the real nice lotion that my hands so desperately need.
  

  All under $1, 7 items were FREE

• Total items: 28
• Final cost after savings: $38.83
• Saved with RedCard: $1.73
• Saved using reusable bags: 3 at $0.05 each= $0.15
• Total Savings: $28.30
• Percent Savings: 42%Feel free to ask for clarification if something does not make sense. I’d be happy to explain so that you can get the same deals. Don’t forget to visit Target.com frequently to print your coupons!

I was able to get some free stuff last week, but did not get the chance to post. Still really slow at this game and make a few mistakes, but I’m getting the hang of it. I also feel really bad about having so many coupons and being real slow at the register, but people have been very nice about it…. maybe it is my constant apologizing and Emma’s loving smiles.

Here is what I have found this week

Stop 1: Walgreens (RR=register rewards, MQ= Manufacture coupon, MIR= mail in rebate)

-Kellogg’s Fruit Crisps (thought I’d give them a try):

Sale 2 for $5 – $2 RR = like getting it for $2/3 or $1.50 each

-Cottenelle 12 roll toilet paper:

$5 – $1 in store coupon (found in monthly booklet at the front of the store) = $4

- Finish gel tabs 20 ct:

Was $5.79 on sale for $3.49 – $1.50 RR – $0.75= like getting it for $1.24

All the items I got for $9.04

• Other items that I tried to get, but failed

~Poptart mojosavings deal

Buy 2 at $2.50 each, get $2 RR – $1/2 MQ = $4 and get $2 RR so like getting it for $1 each..

…then in a separate transaction…

buy 2 at $2.50 each get $2 RR – $1/2 MQ – $2 RR from last transaction= $2 and get $2 RR= like   getting it FREE!

*Needless to say I did not have the $1/2 MQ. I now have them printed off the site and ready to go. Hope I do not mess up with the “rolling”

~Mitchum deodorant mojosavings deal

Apparently there was one for $1.99 and by using the MQ could be $0.99 or free at CVS using the coupon machine.
The cheapest I saw it for was in the $3 range, so not sure about this one.

~Out of stock and surprisingly not advertised on the shelf even though it is in the ad. Tricky! They have trucks in Thur and Fri so may be going back.

Lancane 1 oz cream deal:  $5 – $5 RR = FREE

TN Dickinson Witch Hazel 16 oz deal= $4 (marked $5.99 on shelf?) – $4 RR = FREE…plus $4 MIR..getting paid to try it!

• Total items: 5
• Final cost after savings: $9.04
• Total Savings: $10.03  (WAG advertised savings: $5.28, MQ savings: $4.75)
• RR used this trip: $3
• RR to  use next time: $3.50
• Percent saved: 53%

Since I did not make it to Target yesterday, I was determined to get there today. That is the store I had the most coupons for and I was interested to see how I’d do. I got myself pumped up to conquer those high prices with the power of paper. Paper can be rather brutal as anyone who has ever had a paper cut knows. Ouch!

Target (T=Target coupon, MC= Manufacture coupon)

• Twin pack of 24 oz Dawn Soap: $2.84 single 24 oz x 2= $5.68…Got 2 for $5 so saved $0.68
• Ground beef 1lb: $5.19 – $2 on package due to date = $3.19 (I bought two and put them directly into the freezer)
• Market Pantry Bagels: $1.24 on sale for $1.11 (I bought 2)
• Market Pantry English Muffins: $1.69 on sale for $1.43 (It has been a long time since we’ve had these)
• 13 pocket check file: $1 (Found it in the $1 section up front.. this is now my new coupon holder. It looks less ghetto than an envelope box)
• Market Pantry Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese: $2.49 on sale for $2.19 each – $1/2 T = $3.38/2 or $1.69 each
• Yoplait Yogurt= 10 for $6 – $1/10 T= $5/10 or $0.50 each
  I had forgot how to count and showed up to the register with only 9. The cashier was nice enough to scan one of the ones I bought to use my coupon. He told me to go get one after checkout and come back to show him that I got it. He and everyone behind me was very patient with me. I think he was new too- Way to go David!
• California Pizza Kitchen Frozen Pizza: Sale 2 for $5 – $2/2 T = $8/2 or $4 each
• I Cannot Believe it is not Butter: Tub $ 2.49 + Spray $3.19 = $5.68 – $1.25 MC – $0.75/2 T – $1 MC on bottle towards fresh produce (there goes the cost of my carrots)= $3.68/2 or $1.84 for each margarine
• Kellogg’s Nutri Grain 8 pack: $2.54 x 2 = $5.08 – $1/2 T = $4.08/2 or $2.04 each
  We had a few more of Emma’s Target gift cards left and she told me that she really really pretty please wanted a float for the pool and that it must have a canopy on it. I have been checking them out at several stores and decided to get it at Target and use the gift card.
• SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy: $21.99 on sale for $18 = FREE because of gift card

32 items...Final Cost: $54.11...Savings: $23.48 plus $19.46 for using the gift card (I know it probably doesn't count, but I think it does)

My new coupon filing system....OOOOOO....AHHHHHH!

I spent more of the day trying to figure out the different stores coupon policies. It seems like most allow you to use a manufacturer and store coupon on a product except for Walmart. The way to get the most out of it is to use one of each and when it is on sale. I was excited that I had a few of these in my collection. I had a hard time finding stores that took competitors coupons too. I think I’m going to have to make a cheat sheet of the policies so I don’t mess it up.

Enough sitting around the house with all these pieces of paper. The baby and I were ready to shop! Below are the deals that I used from the 4/15 Sunday insert and coupons I found online. Hope that they might be able to help you too.

First stop: CVS (ECB=Extra Care Bucks, MC= Manufacturer Coupon, $1/1= $1 off 1)

• Right Guard Total Defense Body Wash 13.5 oz: 2 for $6 – $2 ECB – $2/2 is like getting each for $1
• Act Total Care Mouthwash Sensitive 18 oz: $3.99 – $1 ECB – $2 MC is like getting it for $0.99
• Act Total Care Mouthwash 18 oz: $3.99 – $1 ECB – $1 MC is like getting it for $1.99
• Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste 4 oz: $2.99 – $2 ECB – $1/1 is like getting it FREE (I did this twice)
  

  Total 6 items with all of them using coupons...Total savings: $16.98 Final Cost: $13.29...ECB rewards for next trip: $8

Note to self: Never forget to bring baby’s pacifier again!!!

Second Stop: HEB

• HEB Quench (like Gatorade): Bought 4 for $0.75 and got $0.75 off with HEB coupon
• Hunts Tomato Paste 8 oz: 2 for $1 discounted to $0.28 each (I bought 2)
• Green Works:
  All Purpose Cleaner 32 oz: $2.84
  Dishwashing liquid 22 oz: $2.27
  -HEB coupon BOGO. Got the dishwashing liquid free. I wanted to use a Target $1 off on the All Purpose Cleaner, but they do not take competitors coupons.
• Band-Aid pack of 60: $1.50 discount to make it $1 sale – $1 MC= FREE
• Neosporin Ointment: $4.17 – $1.50 HEB – $1 MC = $1.67
• Crystal Gyser Spring Water 32 pack: 3 for $4… only bought one and charged me  $4.69… will be taking this one back! They got me.
  

  15 items...Total before Coupons: $24.94...Total Savings: $7.34 Final Cost: $19.92

Third Stop: Walgreens (RR= Register Rewards, IS=Instant Saver)

• Huggies Size 3 diapers 31 count: $9.49 sale – $2 MC = $7.49
• Huggies Size 3 diapers 31 count: $9.49 sale – $2.50 IS – $2 MC = $4.99
  Bought over $15 worth of Huggies, got $3 RR…… I got to use a lot on this one!!!
• Purex 50 oz laundry detergent: 2 for $5.99 sale= $5.99
• Pepsi Next 20 oz: $0.99 – $0.99 RR = FREE
• Lysol Wipes 8.9 oz: 2 for $6 sale – $2 RR – $1/2 MC = 2/$3 or $1.50 .. then have lysol mail in rebate = Free?
• Easter Candy!!! 75% off: 6 marshmallow eggs for $0.12 each and 2 Hershey Bunnies 1.2 oz for $0.18 each
• Walgreens Vinyl Gloves 50 count: BOGO Sale: 2 for $7.99= $7.99
• Colgate 360 degrees Sensitive Pro Relief toothbrush: $3.99 sale -$2 RR – $0.75 MC = $1.25
• Ban Deodarant 2.6 oz: $3.99 for $1.99 with IS – $0.75 MC= $1.25One of my coupons got rejected because when trying to figure out the total cost by the product, I never put it in my cart. Oops!
• Nivea Men Body Wash 16.9 oz- $3.49 sale – $2 MC = $1.49
  

  22 items...Final Cost: $45.31 Saved: $38.06...RR for next visit: $7.99

Fourth Stop: Walmart

• Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom cleaner 22 oz: $2.47 x 2 = $4.94 – $1/2 MC = $3.94/2 or $1.97 each
• Black Flag fly paper 4 pack: $1.97 – $1 MC = $0.97… Sad story, they were out of the $0.98 one that I could’ve gotten for free. I would’ve waited, but we let quite a few flies in when we had the doors open to let the dogs watch us clean out the garage. They have kept the dogs entertained though.
• Easter Candy!! 75% off: Peeps: 3 packs @ $0.25 each
• Diaper Genie 3 pack- $16 everyday price. I usually got a 2 pack at Target for $12, so this is cheaper! For some reason it rang up as $16.47 thoughI felt good about all my savings and decided Walmart was a good place to get some new clothes.
• Swim suit: $6 separates = $12
• Dress, Skirt, Shorts @ $12.88 each
  

  14 items (bananas not pictured) Final Cost: $81.47 (oops!)...Saved with coupons: $2

All in all I think it was a good first run. I did spend quite a bit today, but I did manage to save quite a bit. I didn’t really get much food that we need, but am getting pretty stocked up. Headed to Target in the next day or so and will get more food. Hoping for some good savings.

End of the day: Total: $159.99
Saved: $64.38
Got back in rewards: $15.99
66% Savings

In the past, the extent of my couponing was clipping whatever happened to seem interesting from the mail or going crazy with those wonderful yellow papers at H-E-B. The only coupons I had luck with were the in-store H-E-B ones since they try to get you to buy the store brand. But, somehow they always got me to buy more than I wanted. I mean, who can pass up buying Oreo’s when you get $1 off of H-E-B milk. It always seemed like the other coupons I had were for brand name items and it still came more expensive than buying the store brand at its everyday price.

I decided that I need to start paying better attention to the ads and figure out how to get the most out of the coupons I have. It all started when I was at H-E-B and the San Antonio Express News was trying to get people set up for home delivery. The guy was shocked that I turned him down and said that the Sunday paper really did not help me much last time. I thought about it the whole time I was shopping and talked to a newspaper lady at another door. I couldn’t allow the other guy to know that he was right and I should give it another chance. Instead of trying to buy the Sunday paper for $2 when the traffic light is red, I opted to get home delivery of the Sunday paper for 4 weeks at $6. I was saving money already and they gave me a free Texas hat just for signing up!

I was not sure if we were going to get it this Sunday due to processing of my order. But, I went outside and there it was stuffed inside the wet plastic bag. I got to work clipping coupons and going through the ads. It took me all day to clip them, figure out  an organization method, look through the ads, research how to use the coupons, and plan my shopping trips. I decided on using an envelope box to keep them organized. So far I have envelopes marked Using, Food (cold), Food, Baby, Home, Personal Care/Bathroom, Restaurants, Car, Stores, and Entertainment. Then, in each envelope I have subcategories marked with mini Post-it notes. I always loved Post-its! It can be closed and is able to fit in my purse.

Online resources I used to find coupons/discounts or learn how to use them:

Target (frequently updated, has printable Target and manufacturer coupons)
Mojo Savings (helps you figure out where to use your coupons to get very cheap/ free items, printable coupons, also has restaurant discounts) Thanks Melissa L. for letting me know about this one!
Coupons.com (large database of printable coupons, coupon codes)
Retail Me Not  (printable coupons and coupon codes)
Red Plum (Printable coupons)
Eastern Shore Mom (I read her 10 days of couponing to learn the basics)

Now it took a long time going through all these sites and getting my coupon collection up. The nice thing about Mojo Savings is that it pulls coupons from all over into a more manageable database. With that said, I still found other coupons floating around. I will try to find a more efficient way of going about this, but it is a learning process.

Time to put it all to use!

Here are the latest creations from Pinterest. All of the meals were made in the crock pot. It sure is nice to already have it made and just start it up in the morning.  Click on the name of the food if you’d like the recipe.

Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Pork Chops:

Used half cup almond milk and half cup 1% (just used what we had around). It was sad how small the pieces of pork got. Could've used more meat because there are tons of potatoes.

Chicken Teriyaki:

Some liked it a lot, some said it was so-so. not too bad. We are not big fans of teriyaki here, but I think it was a good amount and thankfully not too overwhelming. The chicken ended up being a little dry but not too bad. I was really afraid that the carrots looked burnt, but they were nice and tender.

Crock Pot Lasagna:

Extremely easy and very delicious. I didn't realize it was to cook for 4 hours on high and I started getting it ready at 10:30 AM for dinner. I tried to do low for 8 hours but it was starting to burn on the edges. So I put it on warm after 5 1/2 hours. I added more sauce to the top while it was on warm and it turned out really well. Thumbs up from everyone. I am still wondering if it would've been ok to leave on 8 hours and just cut of the edges. Regardless, I may never go back to making lasagna the other way because this was too easy. No precooking of noodles

Ice Cream Cupcake:

So delicious!! I did make a bit of a mess with the softened ice cream though. I had to remold the cupcake liners after it was frozen for a little bit to get the shape I wanted. Cake, ice cream, whip cream, and chocolate... how can you go wrong?

Yogurt Dots:

A healthy and easy snack. They do melt in your hands a little. Made strawberry and blueberry ones. It was tricky sometimes when the fruit got stuck in the bag and out came a huge blob.