I had a different kind of black friday shopping experience thanks to couponsense. CVS does some killer deals, a lot of basically free stuff. Between CVS and Walgreens I got 3 bodywashes (st. ives and johnson); 5 lotions (vaseline sheerinfusion and lubriderm); 3 degree deodorants; 3 bottles of complete contact solution; 3 bottles of herbal essences shampoo/conditioner; 1 herbal essences mousse, hairspray, and gel; a box of 64 crayola crayons, 5 candybars, and a universal remote (yes we actually needed it!).
The grand total: $153.50, my total: $29.48!! A savings of 85%! And the BEST part..... I now have $76 worth of "cash" rewards for future trips for anything I want!!!
When I include my "cash" rewards ($12) that I used to help lower my final bill and the $25 gift card I had received for transferring a prescription along with the cash I spent ($30), not only did I end up getting everything for free... I made a whole $9 on top of it! Now that is definitely worth my time, and my kind of shopping! Hope everyone else enjoyed their shopping as much as I did.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
BzzAgent
I recently joined a website called bzzagent.com. It's a site where people share their opinions about all sorts of products. Along with joining it you can participate in campaigns. My recent campaign was for Aveeno Baby.
They sent me a whole bottle of their new baby moisturizing shampoo to test out and report on. As part of this campaign I have to spread the news. The more I do for each campaign the better my status becomes and the more campaigns I am asked to join and get free stuff for. I love free stuff so I'm sure there will be lots of blogs to come! Anyways, my thoughts on the shampoo... It is easy to wash out of Axton's hair. With his crazy hair getting soap out can be a process. It also leaves his hair really soft. It's made of all natural ingredients which isn't a big deal to me but it might be to others. It doesn't really smell like anything, which I don't like but others do. I like smell and I love to smell Axton's hair right after a bath and smell how clean and fresh he is, this doesn't smell at all to me.
They also gave me some samples of their diaper rash cream which worked out perfectly because I rarely use it but Axton was on some serious antiboitics for a sinus infection and he broke out like mad on his bum. To me it seemed a little thicker than other diaper creams I've used, making it a little harder to spread. It does come off your hands easily though which is nice. It stayed on really well and I didn't have to use it as much as others. In this case the lack of smell was a nice thing for me.
Overall I would purchase both of these products in the future if their prices are comparable since I don't have a clue what they cost. I also have a bunch more samples of the shampoo and cream if anyone wants to try it out and give it a review!! Also I have some coupons if anyone wants some because they use this product or just want to try it out.
If you want to help me on my quest, or yourself by getting a chance to win gift certificates, or a charity to receive a donation because you helped spread the word you can go to chatthreads.com and enter 101 282 289033 for your conversation id. Answer a few questions and that's that. If anyone finds some great deals let me know. It's my new obsession.
Couponsense:
I know there are other websites for coupons and all of that but this site is just so user friendly to me and doesn't take me very much time anymore. Today I went to Safeway and got 3 bags of plastic cups (30 count), 2 things of plates (50 count), 1 thing of bowls (50 count), 2 bags of betty crocker cookie mixes, 2 tubs of frosting, 3 huge containers of canola oil, and 4 tubes of crescent rolls for .... $5.60.
From Walgreens I got 1 super nice razor with 3 boxes of refill razors (4 count), 8 things of shaving cream, 6 bottles of shampoo and conditioner, and some cough drops for.... about $15. And I have $12 in rewards to use on my next trip.
I love couponsense! Also I am stocked up on campbells "cream of" soups for the YEAR because coupons came out for them and stores put them on sale for about $0.35 a can! I will take a picture of my pantry and bathroom soon so you can all see how much "normal" stuff I have gotten with the meager budget that we were using to barely get by before coupons. I'm addicted.
They sent me a whole bottle of their new baby moisturizing shampoo to test out and report on. As part of this campaign I have to spread the news. The more I do for each campaign the better my status becomes and the more campaigns I am asked to join and get free stuff for. I love free stuff so I'm sure there will be lots of blogs to come! Anyways, my thoughts on the shampoo... It is easy to wash out of Axton's hair. With his crazy hair getting soap out can be a process. It also leaves his hair really soft. It's made of all natural ingredients which isn't a big deal to me but it might be to others. It doesn't really smell like anything, which I don't like but others do. I like smell and I love to smell Axton's hair right after a bath and smell how clean and fresh he is, this doesn't smell at all to me.
They also gave me some samples of their diaper rash cream which worked out perfectly because I rarely use it but Axton was on some serious antiboitics for a sinus infection and he broke out like mad on his bum. To me it seemed a little thicker than other diaper creams I've used, making it a little harder to spread. It does come off your hands easily though which is nice. It stayed on really well and I didn't have to use it as much as others. In this case the lack of smell was a nice thing for me.
Overall I would purchase both of these products in the future if their prices are comparable since I don't have a clue what they cost. I also have a bunch more samples of the shampoo and cream if anyone wants to try it out and give it a review!! Also I have some coupons if anyone wants some because they use this product or just want to try it out.
If you want to help me on my quest, or yourself by getting a chance to win gift certificates, or a charity to receive a donation because you helped spread the word you can go to chatthreads.com and enter 101 282 289033 for your conversation id. Answer a few questions and that's that. If anyone finds some great deals let me know. It's my new obsession.
Couponsense:
I know there are other websites for coupons and all of that but this site is just so user friendly to me and doesn't take me very much time anymore. Today I went to Safeway and got 3 bags of plastic cups (30 count), 2 things of plates (50 count), 1 thing of bowls (50 count), 2 bags of betty crocker cookie mixes, 2 tubs of frosting, 3 huge containers of canola oil, and 4 tubes of crescent rolls for .... $5.60.
From Walgreens I got 1 super nice razor with 3 boxes of refill razors (4 count), 8 things of shaving cream, 6 bottles of shampoo and conditioner, and some cough drops for.... about $15. And I have $12 in rewards to use on my next trip.
I love couponsense! Also I am stocked up on campbells "cream of" soups for the YEAR because coupons came out for them and stores put them on sale for about $0.35 a can! I will take a picture of my pantry and bathroom soon so you can all see how much "normal" stuff I have gotten with the meager budget that we were using to barely get by before coupons. I'm addicted.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Funeral
As some know, and many who don't, my g-ma passed away on Oct 14. She had battled cancer for as long as I can remember, around 17 years. She had it beat once (large cell lymphoma) and then came down with a completely different, and unrelated type (renal), which ultimately took her life.
Despite having cancer she was able to serve a mission with G-pa which I think brought her some of the greatest joy she has ever experienced.
In May of this year she orginized what would be the last family reunion with her. All of her children and most of her grandchildren where able to attend. It was a wonderful event. My g-parents had pictures of G-ma taken so everyone could have one to remember her by. At the time though no one knew how short her days really were, we simply knew it would probably be within a year.
On July 23 G-ma collapsed at home at the dinner table. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital in St. George. Because she was displaying symptoms of having had a stroke, a CAT scan of her brain was done. It was then that a large cancer mass was discovered in the right side of the brain. The Renal Cell cancer had now metastasized to the brain, as well as other places previously that we knew about. She was given the choice to have surgery and prolong life for a few additional months or just let it take its course. She chose the latter.
So G-ma and G-pa moved to Rexburg and lived with my mom to wait out the few short (and long) months. My uncle got remarried at the beginning of August, he moved up the date and changed the location from SLC to Idaho Falls so G-ma could be there for it.
(Thank you Deanna for introducing my g-parents to the church so we know that families can be together forever)
At the end of August I was able to go to Rexburg for almost 3 weeks to help take care of her. What a blessing that was to all of us, especially me. In a month she had gone from being a crazy, independant woman, to being totally dependant and as a little child. We had to help her walk, go to the bathroom, get dressed, everything, day and night like a new born or toddler. But it was the greatest opportunity of service I have ever had and I am so greatful for it. She did so much for me growing up it was the least I could do. We got to spend a lot of time talking and playing cards. How I will miss playing cards with her. I will cherish those few short weeks I had with her.
Her she is in her wheelchair (by the time I left she couldn't walk at all or even really use her hands). At least I have pictures of Axton and her so he'll have somethign to know this wonderful woman by.
The biggest thing about my g-ma that I remember is that she NEVER complained, and if she did I never saw it and it was probably few and far between. She was dealt an extremely rough hand in life and yet she was able to overcome it all and be so happy and positive. She knew that the gospel was true, that the Savior loves her and that she would be returning to live with him again. She knew her work was done here on earth even though she didn't want it to be. She was a silently strong woman. We all love her and miss her but I know she is doing more good where she is and that she is looking down and watching over all of us.
Despite having cancer she was able to serve a mission with G-pa which I think brought her some of the greatest joy she has ever experienced.
In May of this year she orginized what would be the last family reunion with her. All of her children and most of her grandchildren where able to attend. It was a wonderful event. My g-parents had pictures of G-ma taken so everyone could have one to remember her by. At the time though no one knew how short her days really were, we simply knew it would probably be within a year.
On July 23 G-ma collapsed at home at the dinner table. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital in St. George. Because she was displaying symptoms of having had a stroke, a CAT scan of her brain was done. It was then that a large cancer mass was discovered in the right side of the brain. The Renal Cell cancer had now metastasized to the brain, as well as other places previously that we knew about. She was given the choice to have surgery and prolong life for a few additional months or just let it take its course. She chose the latter.
So G-ma and G-pa moved to Rexburg and lived with my mom to wait out the few short (and long) months. My uncle got remarried at the beginning of August, he moved up the date and changed the location from SLC to Idaho Falls so G-ma could be there for it.
(Thank you Deanna for introducing my g-parents to the church so we know that families can be together forever)At the end of August I was able to go to Rexburg for almost 3 weeks to help take care of her. What a blessing that was to all of us, especially me. In a month she had gone from being a crazy, independant woman, to being totally dependant and as a little child. We had to help her walk, go to the bathroom, get dressed, everything, day and night like a new born or toddler. But it was the greatest opportunity of service I have ever had and I am so greatful for it. She did so much for me growing up it was the least I could do. We got to spend a lot of time talking and playing cards. How I will miss playing cards with her. I will cherish those few short weeks I had with her.
Her she is in her wheelchair (by the time I left she couldn't walk at all or even really use her hands). At least I have pictures of Axton and her so he'll have somethign to know this wonderful woman by.
The biggest thing about my g-ma that I remember is that she NEVER complained, and if she did I never saw it and it was probably few and far between. She was dealt an extremely rough hand in life and yet she was able to overcome it all and be so happy and positive. She knew that the gospel was true, that the Savior loves her and that she would be returning to live with him again. She knew her work was done here on earth even though she didn't want it to be. She was a silently strong woman. We all love her and miss her but I know she is doing more good where she is and that she is looking down and watching over all of us.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Axton's Birthday
My baby turned 2 a month ago and I've been a slacker. But with everything going on who can really blame me!! Like I mentioned in a previous post we were in Idaho and then flew to San Diego the day before Axton's birthday so he got a little jipped but we made up for it. He got a monkey cake in Idaho with Grammy and Papa and some other relatives which I already posted. Then when we got home (about a week after his birthday) I got around to wrapping his presents so he could open them.
He definitely understood the concept this year but he still wanted to pull the wrapping paper off piece by little piece.
He definitely understood the concept this year but he still wanted to pull the wrapping paper off piece by little piece.
Last Coupon Sense Post.... maybe
Here are a few pictures of the things I got with coupon sense. Axton was pretty excited although he didn't know why!!
We got 5 boxes of cereal, 5 boxes of poptarts, 9 hamburger helpers, 6 progresso soups, 16 campbells soups, 2 things of butter, and sour cream. The total: $100.59 WITHOUT coupons. I only spent.... $22.67. So I am sold. It takes time and practice but I think it's a fun hobby for me. Some of this I wouldn't buy not because we wouldn't eat it, simply because I'd rather make something else or it's too expensive for me to justify it. However I did get it because it was such a great deal and because it makes for fabulous food storage which we haven't had before now.
Oh yeah and last night.... we got 3 containers of breyers ice cream (Greg's favorite) and 1 box of klondikes for $5. I don't think I'll ever be able to pay full price again.
Ok I think I have it out of my system for now. I'm telling ya though you should give it a shot!!
We got 5 boxes of cereal, 5 boxes of poptarts, 9 hamburger helpers, 6 progresso soups, 16 campbells soups, 2 things of butter, and sour cream. The total: $100.59 WITHOUT coupons. I only spent.... $22.67. So I am sold. It takes time and practice but I think it's a fun hobby for me. Some of this I wouldn't buy not because we wouldn't eat it, simply because I'd rather make something else or it's too expensive for me to justify it. However I did get it because it was such a great deal and because it makes for fabulous food storage which we haven't had before now.
Oh yeah and last night.... we got 3 containers of breyers ice cream (Greg's favorite) and 1 box of klondikes for $5. I don't think I'll ever be able to pay full price again.
Ok I think I have it out of my system for now. I'm telling ya though you should give it a shot!!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Coupon Sense
Several people have told me about couponsense.com and so a while back I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. As my luck would go I went to a class and learned a ton about it and was super excited about it..... and then went to Idaho for 3 weeks and didn't do anything. So I kind of forgot all the ins and outs of how it works. Luckily I have a wonderful instructor that I can call anytime and she will answer my questions.
So despite my lapse of time and memory, I still decided to give it a shot. The results: in the last 2 days my bills came to $146.19. And how much did I pay? $51.24!! That's a savings of almost 65%. On the things I used coupons for my savings would be about 85%. Unfortunately things like "cream of" soups/fruits and veggies/etc. rarely, if ever, have coupons which is what dropped my percentage.
Not too shabby since I didn't do much to prepare. I simply made my shopping list exactly like I would have before, and then compared it with couponsense.com to find where had the best prices mixed with coupons. I didn't buy anything that I wouldn't normally unless it was free. It was easy, a little time consuming since it was my first go, but way easy. I'm not big into going to lots of stores so I limited it. All of this was done at 3 stores: my main grocery store, Target, and CVS since they are all within about 5 miles of each other. I have decided though that if I have time I'm willing to go to more now just as something to do and as a cheap way to get my food storage. So yesterday we went to Fry's and today we went to CVS and Target. We might hit up Safeway and Albertsons (which is a whole block away) and then Bashas which is about 2 miles from us either today or tomorrow, maybe not until next week. But only if I have nothing better to do.
My reasoning for going to these other places is simply to increase my food storage because they have some amazing deals. At Safeway right now I plan to spend $5 and will get 5 boxes of cereal and 5 boxes of poptarts. At Bashas I can get 12 cans of chicken noodle soup for $0.29 a piece!! Talk about great food storage items. Also Betty Crocker Hamburger (etc) helper is only $0.66 a piece. I'm not big into Hamburger helper but I'll eat it if I need to, I can think of worse things to eat. I got yoplait yogurt for $0.30 a container.
The other great thing is that couponsense.com has lists of free stuff and under $0.50stuff. I managed to get 4 body washes, mousse, and hairspray for $.28 each, talk about stocking up. I also got face cleaner, 4 razors, 2 dental flosses, a small first aid kit, a glade candle, and 6 things of crystal light for free. I still plan to get bar soap and baby wipes for free too but only if I end up going to walmart for some reason before Wednesday, which is likely to happen.
And did I mention that I got free lunch today for Axton and I? A gas station is running a promo of buy a sandwich and get a 32 oz drink free. Well I had a coupon for the sandwhich so I didn't spend a penny and it fed both of us and was surprisingly good.
This has turned into a fun game for me and I can't wait to see what savings I can earn for the rest of the month. It would be even better if I didn't have to lug a 2 year old around with me but I think he enjoys being out and about almost as much as I do. I hope this post helps someone else out there. Couponsense is nationwide I believe and exceptional in 7 states including AZ, CA, UT, and ID from what I've heard. If you go forward with trying couponsense let them know that you learned it from me so I get rewarded!! I think you can give them my name or use this number 1718734!! Happy shopping!
BOUNTIFUL BASKETS is on the move too. It is now in Washington State and Idaho. It's also spread to Cedar City for those of you interested check out their site. I got 40 lbs of pears for $12, guess we know what I'll be doing all of next week!
So despite my lapse of time and memory, I still decided to give it a shot. The results: in the last 2 days my bills came to $146.19. And how much did I pay? $51.24!! That's a savings of almost 65%. On the things I used coupons for my savings would be about 85%. Unfortunately things like "cream of" soups/fruits and veggies/etc. rarely, if ever, have coupons which is what dropped my percentage.
Not too shabby since I didn't do much to prepare. I simply made my shopping list exactly like I would have before, and then compared it with couponsense.com to find where had the best prices mixed with coupons. I didn't buy anything that I wouldn't normally unless it was free. It was easy, a little time consuming since it was my first go, but way easy. I'm not big into going to lots of stores so I limited it. All of this was done at 3 stores: my main grocery store, Target, and CVS since they are all within about 5 miles of each other. I have decided though that if I have time I'm willing to go to more now just as something to do and as a cheap way to get my food storage. So yesterday we went to Fry's and today we went to CVS and Target. We might hit up Safeway and Albertsons (which is a whole block away) and then Bashas which is about 2 miles from us either today or tomorrow, maybe not until next week. But only if I have nothing better to do.
My reasoning for going to these other places is simply to increase my food storage because they have some amazing deals. At Safeway right now I plan to spend $5 and will get 5 boxes of cereal and 5 boxes of poptarts. At Bashas I can get 12 cans of chicken noodle soup for $0.29 a piece!! Talk about great food storage items. Also Betty Crocker Hamburger (etc) helper is only $0.66 a piece. I'm not big into Hamburger helper but I'll eat it if I need to, I can think of worse things to eat. I got yoplait yogurt for $0.30 a container.
The other great thing is that couponsense.com has lists of free stuff and under $0.50stuff. I managed to get 4 body washes, mousse, and hairspray for $.28 each, talk about stocking up. I also got face cleaner, 4 razors, 2 dental flosses, a small first aid kit, a glade candle, and 6 things of crystal light for free. I still plan to get bar soap and baby wipes for free too but only if I end up going to walmart for some reason before Wednesday, which is likely to happen.
And did I mention that I got free lunch today for Axton and I? A gas station is running a promo of buy a sandwich and get a 32 oz drink free. Well I had a coupon for the sandwhich so I didn't spend a penny and it fed both of us and was surprisingly good.
This has turned into a fun game for me and I can't wait to see what savings I can earn for the rest of the month. It would be even better if I didn't have to lug a 2 year old around with me but I think he enjoys being out and about almost as much as I do. I hope this post helps someone else out there. Couponsense is nationwide I believe and exceptional in 7 states including AZ, CA, UT, and ID from what I've heard. If you go forward with trying couponsense let them know that you learned it from me so I get rewarded!! I think you can give them my name or use this number 1718734!! Happy shopping!
BOUNTIFUL BASKETS is on the move too. It is now in Washington State and Idaho. It's also spread to Cedar City for those of you interested check out their site. I got 40 lbs of pears for $12, guess we know what I'll be doing all of next week!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Birthday Boy.... sort of
We are in Rexburg and Axton's birthday is Thursday. We fly to San Diego for a wedding on Wednesday (so Axton is still free!!) so Axton was going to get the jip for his b-day (hopefully he'll at least get to see his dad for his b-day). Good thing he's only two. Since we flew I wasn't able to bring any presents. I did however think to bring a cake pan in the hopes that just maybe we might get around to making it for him whether here in Rexburg or in San Diego.
I think it turned out pretty stinking cute for being my second one! He is way into monkeys lately, which I was excited about because I love this monkey pan and recipes! You can make it with a cake, rice krispies, or brownies (something for everyone).
Getting ready to sing "happy birthday"
Yes I'm immature and stuck the candles in the nostrils!! I was so happy and sad when Axton blew out his candles all by himself. I was looking forward to helping him but as I was inhaling he blew them out!!! I was very impressed that he got it right away.
He got ONE present!! Hurray! Luckily it was a book so we can fit it into our suitcase! I am at the max already so I told my mom to give me money and we'll buy something when we get home.
He enjoyed the frosting more than anything, and then the ice cream. The cake itself he wasn't so sure about, he must take after Mom and Dad.
And incase you didn't notice. I chopped all of my long, beautiful, annoying hair off and I love it!! Hopefully Greg will too!!
I think it turned out pretty stinking cute for being my second one! He is way into monkeys lately, which I was excited about because I love this monkey pan and recipes! You can make it with a cake, rice krispies, or brownies (something for everyone).
Getting ready to sing "happy birthday"
Yes I'm immature and stuck the candles in the nostrils!! I was so happy and sad when Axton blew out his candles all by himself. I was looking forward to helping him but as I was inhaling he blew them out!!! I was very impressed that he got it right away.
He got ONE present!! Hurray! Luckily it was a book so we can fit it into our suitcase! I am at the max already so I told my mom to give me money and we'll buy something when we get home.
He enjoyed the frosting more than anything, and then the ice cream. The cake itself he wasn't so sure about, he must take after Mom and Dad.
And incase you didn't notice. I chopped all of my long, beautiful, annoying hair off and I love it!! Hopefully Greg will too!!
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