Easter Clearance: Round Up

I hope this week is finding everyone well! We have officially ended Spring break in our household and we are ready to get back into a routine.

We had a family fun filled Easter that included too much candy, ham, banana pudding and all the other yumminess that comes with Easter. It was so nice to have a week off going to the park, eating lunch on the deck and just taking it easy!

The best family photo we could manage.

As I do every year, I waited for Target’s Easter merchandise to be marked down to 90% off. For many years, this is the way I buy for the following Easter (excluding candy). Many times Target will even have other seasonal merchandise marked down to 90% as well.

A small portion of my Easter clearance haul.

 

     

 

Girl Bows– Was: $4.99 Paid: .49 cents

Easter Infant PJs– Was: $9.99 Paid: .99 cents

Hat– Was: $3.00 Paid: .30 cents

Decorative EggsWas: $5.00 Paid: .50 cents

Character Baskets– Was: $10.00-$15.00 Paid $1.00-$1.50

Spring Coloring Book- Was: $2.99 Paid: .29 cents

Napkins/Table Cloths- Was: $3.00 Paid: .30 cents

EOS Chapstick- Was $4.99 Paid: .49 cents

Kids Dig Kit- Was $3.00 Paid: .30 cents

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Super Doubles Round Up

Whew guys…it seems this is becoming a “new norm” for me to post a few days late with my shopping trips. My daughter started a Summer camp this past week and almost immediately brought home some nasty germs, so a few of us has been battling a bug…in JUNE. But thankfully I was able to go grab some awesome deals at Harris Teeter during Super Doubles!

From what I have heard from coupon groups and Harris Teeter employees, Super Doubles will now just be a 3 day event (Sunday-Tuesday). We used to see more week long events (Wednesday-Tuesday), but hopefully we will be seeing more events.  The average this year has been a Super Double event each month.

Tide/Gain pods: $2/1 coupon=.50 cents each

Kettle chips: $1/2 coupon= .87 cents each

Harris Teeter brand Peanut Butter: On sale= $1.00 each

Little Remedies: $2/1= FREE

Clean & Clear: $2/1= $1.29 each

Harris Teeter Sugar: On sale= .88 cents each

Garnier Fructis: $2/1= FREE

Caribou K-cups: $2/2 coupon= $2.99 each

Dole Fruitocracy= $1/1= FREE

Snuggle: $2/2= $1.99 each

Scrubbing Bubbles: $2/2= .49-.99 cents each

Luvs diapers: $2/1= $1.99 each

Clorox Bleach: $1/2 coupon + $3/10 promo= .49 cents each

Huggies Splashers: $1.50/1= $4.99

Sprout baby food: $2/5= FREE

Chicken breasts (8 packs): On sale= .88 cents each

Total before coupons= $344.54

Total spent= $85.28

Total saved= 75% Savings!

I would love to see your Super Double shopping trips in the comments below!

 

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End of Month: Printable Coupons

Don’t forget that many coupons will no longer be available for printing after the end of the month. Many coupons will no longer be available or reset, so print the ones you want before they disappear! There is also a *rumored* Super Double event starting next Sunday, June 4th at Harris Teeter. This would be a great time to get ready and printing!

 

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Super Doubles Round Up

This shopping post is close to 2 weeks old now…ahhhh. I am sorry!  We went on vacation the day after Super Doubles for close to 2 weeks so I never had a chance to share this with you all.  I was able to get a lot of great deals, even though the are no longer available, I still think it is worth sharing so you can see some awesome items that you can score on in the future!

So before I get into this shopping trip I wanted to share with you some of our fun we had on our northern East coast road trip.  We stayed in Philadelphia, Boston and a couple days in Washington, D.C. We had some crazy weather (30 degrees – all the way to 95 degrees!), but we are glad to be back home and settling back into a routine.

 

Okay, and for the real reason you are reading this post…

With packing for our trip, a disobedient printer, and lack of sales; I was not able to get AS MUCH as what I normally do during Super Doubles.  But, I was able to stock up on some laundry products, which I need to replenish on! Since this Super Double event is over and some of the coupons I used has since expired, I will just list the price I got each item for.

Tide Pods= .50 cents each

Bounce dryer sheets= FREE

Spray n’ Wash= .50 cents each

Bush’s variety beans= FREE

Furmano’s tomatoes= FREE

Trident gum= FREE

Fresh Monster kid hair products= FREE

Arm & Hammer deodorant= FREE

Dole Fruitocracy= FREE

Spice Hunter ranch dip= FREE

Quaker breakfast squares= .50 cents each

Dial soap (3 pack)= .69 cents each

Olay face wash= $1.99 each

Seattle’s Best k-cups= $2.79-$2.99 each (I had 2 different valued coupons)

Total before coupons= $298.50

Total spent= $38.01

Total saved= 79% savings!

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Easter clearance

The week after Easter is the best time to stock up on Easter supplies for next year. For the past few years, since I discovered holiday clearance, I have been able to get baskets, toys, home decor and more at 90 percent off! Every store from Target, Walmart and major drug stores will be trying to get these items marked down and out of the store as quickly as possible to make room for Summer items.

To be honest, after most holidays, I will stalk stores a few days after the holiday to make sure I get items the day they are marked down. Typically once items hit 70-90% off the items will sell quickly and will be completely gone after 1-2 days at 90%.

Check out some of the items that I was able to get today during my Target trip.

Each basket was priced at $1.99.
$1.00-$1.20 each.
.15 cents each.
.30 cents each.
.10 cents – .70 cents.

 

My daughter nabbed a few items before I was able to take pictures, but I spent a total of $30.00 (including tax) for all the items pictured.

Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Easter clearance the next time you are out and about.

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Shop With Me: Super Doubles

Harris Teeter is currently having a Super Double coupon event.  It started Sunday, 04/02 and runs until today (Tuesday, 04/04). I wanted to share with you my 3 trips that I have made during this Super Double event.  I combined all items into one picture and calculated my total savings for all combined trips.

(5) Frosted Mini Wheats cereal: $1/2 or .50/1 + Buy 5 Kelloggs & save $5.00 = .99 cents each

(5) Special K cereal: $1/2 or .50/1 + Buy 5 Kelloggs & save $5.00 = .99 cents each

(3) Angel soft: $1/1= $2.97 each

(2) Clorox bleach: $1.50/2= $1.15 each

(8) Scrubbing Bubbles: $2/2 + $3 catalina for purchasing $4= .25 cents each

(9) Dial body wash: $1/2= $1.00 each

(6) Dole Fruitocracy: $1/1= FREE

(3) Mariana banana chips: $1/1= FREE

(2) Orange Juice: $1/1= $1.00 each

(2) Luvs diapers: $2/1= $2.99 each

(4) Hefty cups: $1/2= .50 cents each

(2) Tide Rescue: $1.50/1= $1.59 each

(8) Suave shampoo/conditioner: $2/2= FREE

(2) Coconut water: $1/1= FREE

(1) Seattle’s Best K-cups: $1.05/1= $2.89

(2) Galbani string cheese: $1/1= .39 cents each

(4) Deans dips: $1/2= FREE

(2)Barilla Pasta: $1.75/1= FREE

(9) Quaker breakfast flats: $1/1 + Buy 2 Get 1 Free sale= FREE + overage

(2) Chicken breasts packages (marked down)= $2.48-$2.61 each

Before coupons & sales= $305

Total spent= $53

Total saved= 81%

I would love to see your trips in the comment section!

 

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Shop with me: Saved 73%

Today I made a small trip into Harris Teeter (with no kids…does Carlton dance) to pick up a few needed items and get a few items that were on sale. I plan to pick up some more meat and produce later this week or maybe at Costco over the weekend since I have a good amount left in my weekly budget.

RP= Redplum

SS= Smartsource

B1G1= Buy one get one sale

 

Kelloggs Frosted Flakes: .75/1 coupon= .38 cents each

Eggs= .77 cents (eVIC price-limit 2)

Blackberries= .99 cents

Cottage Cheese= .88 cents (This may vary by store)

All detergent: $1.97 (eVIC price-limit 2) + $2.00/2 coupon (3/5/17 RP insert)= .97 cents each

Mariana Banana chips (4 total): B1G1 + $1/1 coupon (02/12/17 SS insert)= .19 cents each

Asparagus: $1.79/pound (normally $3.99/pound)!

Challenge butter: B1G1 + .50/1= .50 cents

Krusteaz pancake mix: B1G1 + 50/1= .50 cents each

Galbani string cheese: B1G1= $2.49

Sugar: $1.77

Total before coupons/sales: $69.26

Total Spent: $18.97

Total Saved: 73%

 

 

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10 ways to save at Starbucks

Starbucks is my weakness. There are not many things that I splurge on, but Starbucks iced coffee is one of them. I love to make my own cold brew at home, but it is never quite as good as Starbucks iced coffee. Here are some tricks to saving money while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.

1.) Bring your own cup

If you bring in your own cup, such as the reusable ones sold at Starbucks, you will save .10 cents per cup. If you get coffee daily this will save $36.50 per year.

2.) Buy a venti/trenta and split

Having coffee with a friend? Buy a venti or trenta size and split into a tall cup. Many stores are strict about not giving you a tall cup when you order a venti (for this purpose) so bring your own reusable cup!

3.) Ask for light ice

When you buy an iced beverage, you are really paying for half ice and half beverage. Ask for light ice (or ice on the side) to get more of the actual drink.

4.) Ask for a size up (for room)

If you are one who likes cream in your coffee, then order a tall size coffee in a grande cup. For instance, “Can I have a tall coffee in a grande cup so I have room for cream?”. This way you are not sacrificing coffee to be able to add cream.

5.) Order espresso-then add extra

Do you want a cheaper latte?  Order 2-3 espresso shots (hot or iced) and then add in your own milk at the condiment section.

6.) Ordering iced tea? Ask for no water.

Starbucks makes their iced teas concentrated to be strong.  They will add water to dilute the concentration, so next time you would like a stronger cup of tea order without water.

7.) Join Starbucks rewards

Starbucks has a rewards program that you can use with a Starbucks card or download the Starbucks app to your phone. For every dollar spent, you will earn 2 stars.  Once you receive 120 stars  you will get a free beverage or sandwich. You also will receive a free beverage on your birthday for joining their rewards program.  You can sign up here.

8.) Order a grande

Venti drinks (except regular coffee) has the same amount of caffeine as a grande size.  For a venti, you are paying more for the ice, milk or cream.

9.) Promotions

Starbucks will occasionally run promotions for buy one get one free or buy one get one half off beverages.

10.) Free in-store refills!

If you are a Starbucks rewards member you can get free refills on coffee and teas while you are in the store. This only applies if you are dining in the store.  If I have time, I will order an iced coffee and sit in the store while I work or read and then get my refill and head home. Two iced coffees for the price of one!

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7 Ways to Save on Children’s Toys

1.) Buy secondhand

You can find many high priced toys for 50-70% (sometimes even lower!) buy shopping used.  There are so many avenues to find secondhand toys. Consignment sales, children’s consignment stores, thrift stores and yard sale are among some of the best places to find great deals on toys. Many of my baby toys for both children came from yard sales and hand me downs!

2.) Buy less

My husband and I are currently on a process to minimalize and declutter our home (more on that later) and this is one area that I am trying to get better at.  My daughter is just as happy painting on a piece of paper as she is playing with toys. And honestly, I myself get overwhelmed when there are toys EVERYWHERE.  My solution?  I am going through and donating and consigning toys that are no longer used. I now really consider the items (and toys) that I am bringing into our home.

3.) Buy clearance

This is one of my favorite ways to buy for upcoming birthdays and holidays.  The key to toy clearance is to know when to buy.  Most stores will start to mark clearance right after Christmas and continue to mark down late January- early February. Another great time for toy clearance is in July when many stores will begin to bring in their fall/winter items and clearance out spring/summer items!

4.) Trade or borrow

If you are lucky enough to have friends and family that also have children, then this is a great option! My friends and I will share toys and baby equipment and then return once we are finished or another friend has a child.  This is a great way to save some money and to return the favor for someone else! Maybe even consider splitting the cost of a high priced item if a few of you will be growing your families.

5.) Use Coupons

Yes, there are coupons for EVERYTHING. Closer to Easter and Christmas you will see more printable coupons for toys, games and books. Target will also have great discounts through their Cartwheel app during these times.

6.) Use household items

 

One of my son’s favorite toys is a wooden spoon and a pot. I swear this entertains him longer than any other baby toy that we own. Most evenings he will play with his pot and spoon by my feet while I cook dinner. This is a great way to get creative and see what items in your home you can use as kid craft projects as well. Moms be cautious to what your husband comes up with!

7.) Find free toys online

Freecycle- This is great option where all items listed are FREE!

Craigslist- There is a section for “free” where people will list items that they are going to give or throw away.

Local facebook groups-In my area, we have a local Facebook group for “all things free”. Try searching in your area for a similar group.

Always keep in mind when receiving free items you may have to pick it up from someone’s home.

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Creating a grocery budget

The first step in learning to save on your grocery purchases is to sit down and set a weekly grocery budget. This budget will be different for each person/family. I purchase groceries for a family of five on a weekly basis, so my budget may be higher than a family of three. The steps below, I based on my personal shopping habits and how I set my family’s grocery budget. I encourage you to make this your own and use the steps below as a guide.

1.) Make a list of essential grocery items (weekly).

Essential grocery items for me are vegetables, fruits, bread, milk, eggs and some meats. I want you to make this list as detailed as possible.  For instance,

-6 bananas per week (individual)

-1 bag of apples

-1 loaf of bread

-1 gallon of milk

-2 dozen eggs

-Rice

-Peanut butter

-1 box of cereal

And so on…

2.) Put a price to those essential items.

I want you to estimate the price per item that you are currently spending.  Of course, as you continue to coupon and shop sales, the price that you pay for items will decrease over time.

-6 bananas or 1 package ($2.00)

-1 bag of apples ($4.00)

-1 loaf of bread ($2.00)

-1 gallon of milk ($3.00)

-2 dozen eggs ($4.00)

-Rice ($2.00)

-Peanut butter ($2.00)

1 box of cereal ($2.00)

As you begin to coupon and stockpile items you will be able to build a surplus of “essential” items (step 5) at rock bottom prices and not have to purchase on a weekly budget. Therefore, saving you money on future grocery purchases and lowering your grocery budget.

3.) Make a list of “extras”.

“Extra” grocery items are the ones that are not needed, but everyone should splurge a little so, let us be realistic with this budget. For instance,

-1 bag of chips

-1 box of crackers

-That box of cookies that your toddler MUST have.

Now do the same as in Step 2 and put an estimated price beside each “extra” item and total.

4.) Total

On average, my essential items total around $30 per week and my “extra” items are around $10.  This totals $40 per week. This should guide you into what your weekly and monthly budgets will look like.  Now a few more steps…

5.)Add a small stock pile budget.

Remember before adding a stock pile budget, be sure to total the amount for step 4 (essential & extras). Each family budget limits will be different. Once you see that your essential and extra items will cost $40 per month then you know, based on your personal limits, how much you can contribute to stockpiling each week.

I personally set aside $10 per week to purchase extra items that are at stock up price. This budget may vary per person, but I do encourage you to try and at least budget $5 per week to begin to see a decrease in your budget in the future.

6.)Final total.

Add step 4 (total) and step 5 (stock pile budget).  My total per week is $50 per week.

7.)Stick to it.

This step can be the most difficult while starting to shop on a budget. If you notice that after a few grocery trips that your essential items cost more than initially estimated, then adjust your budget accordingly. I would try not to add much more to your “extra” or “stockpile” as these are items that are not needed. On the flip side, if you notice you have money left over each week from your budget, then maybe you need to decrease your budget. Remember this is a process.

The two things that help me to stick to my budget are:

  • Make a list.

The key to success is planning!

  • Set aside grocery cash.

I set aside cash each month for groceries ($200 monthly total) and bring my allotted amount each week.                        This really helps me stay accountable and think about each item that I add to my cart.

I encourage you to try this approach for 30 days, which is the amount of time it takes to develop a habit.

 

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