Miz Couponista Clipping Coupons Before Coupon Clipping Was Cool!

There are two things that I love more than coupons: books and music. Cats rank even higher, but that’s another blog. 🙂

I got a NOOK Color for Christmas and so far I haven’t had to buy more than a few books. Every week they have “Free Fridays” where they offer NOOK readers a free book. If you haven’t already, make sure you “Like” them on Facebook.

This week’s book has really grabbed my attention so I thought I’d share it with you. Why? Well I have a thing for Southern writers. This is what the website has to say about this weeks selection.

In today’s Free Fridays selection, The Four Corners of the Sky, Michael Malone is at the top of his game. One of the most beloved contemporary Southern writers, Malone is a master with words and plot who weaves enchanting tales that keep you riveted from start to finish. In Four Corners, he delves into the complex issue of family bonds, when an accomplished Navy pilot, Annie, is contacted by her estranged father who’s looking for help fulfilling his dying wish. In a four-star review, People magazine proclaimed, “There’s humor and action aplenty, but Four Corners is also a warm-hearted look at how we love and forgive.”

 

NOOK owners: go to shop and search for “Michael Malone” to download this gem. If you don’t own a NOOK, you can download “NOOK for PC” for free from the B&N website.

I like listening to music while reading, actually while doing ANYTHING. Amazon is a great place to get free songs on a daily basis.

Today’s freebie is “Hang You Up” by Yellowcard from their latest album When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes. It’s a nice little tune that got my feet tapping to the beat. I’m not a huge fan of Yellowcard, but I might have to sample the rest of their album based on how much I enjoy this song.

The song of the day may be different for you. Amazon really pays attention to your searches and is great at giving you recommendations based on your likes. 75% of the time I end up buying the cd from the featured artist, or putting them on a wishlist for later. One thing I’ve learned is NEVER buy the cd right away. Every time I do, shortly after they offer for $5 or less. Grrrrr!

Aside from itunes (I’m anti anything “i”) does anyone know of other good sites to get free music legally?

~D

I love magazines more than most sane people. On my other blog I went on and on about it.

I’ll spare you the details and just point out the highlight. In the June issue of Glamour (should be on shelves now) there were three fabulous Target Coupons and two samples. A Carefree pantyliner and Garnier Moisture Rescue, both with coupons.

Before you buy a copy from the news stand you might want to flip through it to make sure you get them. Sometimes subscribers get different content.

~D

When I first started getting serious about couponing I didn’t think I would save that much due to lack of coupons in my area. Au contraire Mon Cheri! I am losing track of the places I can score coupons. So far the internet has been good to me.

Today I signed up for Kraft’s Good Eating Good Living newsletter. I’m not sure what the newsletter contains, but the website is packed with info! There are links for budget minded recipes, (not that I cook) samples, recipe exchanges, holiday ideas, how-to links and much more.

Happy coupon hunting!

~D

I’ve been itching to use some of the coupons I’ve rounded up. I got up early and decided to visit Walgreens and then Target. I’m kind of self conscious posting my outcome. I’m not a coupon virgin, but I’m far from becoming an expert. I guess all that matters is that I’m happy, and I am!

I didn’t put EVERYTHING in my pictures nor did I list everything. I just wanted to point out the deals I got.:-)

Walgreens total before coupons: $38.94. – WAG $5.40+MFR $9.75 = Total spent $23.79

Almay Wake Up Powder $12.99. The clerk MAGICALLY pulled out $1.00 MFG making it $11.99.
Almay Get Up and Grow Mascara $7.99. Almay is currently B1G1 1/2 off so I got $3.00 deducted PLUS the clerk had a $2 off coupon making it $2.99!
Sally Hansen Vitamin lippy $4.99. MFG $1 and the clerk at WAG for $2 making it $1.99.
Phazyme $4.99. MFR $1 + WAG $2 = $1.99
Excedrin Tension Clearance $2.59. MFR .75 + WAG $1 = .84

TARGET

Target total before coupons: $91.89. – Target Coupons $5.29+ MFG $15.99 = Total spent $65.10 This does not include in store specials, so I actually saved MORE. 😛

Chex Mix $1.79 – MFR .50 = $1.29
Wheat Thins $2.99 – MFR $1 = $1.99
Quaker Chewy 2/5 – $1 = $4
Oscar Mayer Bacon normally 2/$6.98 I got them at 2/$2.09 = $4.18 Savings of $2.80
Red Baron Pizza $2.99 – MFR $1 = $1.99
Nivea Lotion $4.47 – Target Q $3 + MFG $1 = .47
Nivea Body wash $2.39 – Target Q + MFR $1 = .39
Gillette Body Wash/Deodorant Wash $3.99 + Deodorant $3.49 = $7.48 – MFR BOGO $3.99 = $3.49
Colgate Tooth Brush $3.24 – MFR $1 = $2.34
Halls Cough Drops $1.03 – MFR .50 = .53
Tylenol Precise Heating Pad $6.99 – MFR $5 = $1.99
Visine Eye Drops $2.85 – MFR $2 = .85
Reese 2/.79 – MFR BOGO .79 = .79

Yes, I use all of these products! Once I learn to be patient I will save my coupons and get better deals as well. There are a few things on my list I could have got for less, but nooooo I was dying to use some of my coupons. *blush*

~D

If you surf on over to Wendy’s website, you’ll be able to print off a $1 coupon. (You must sign up for their newsletter) I thought it was toward any menu item, but it’s not. You can only use it for their hot ‘n juicy burgers or their premium chicken sandwiches. I also found out you can’t print it right away. It is sent to you via e-mail that takes a while to get. It finally showed up a few hours after I signed up.

Guess what I’m having for lunch tomorrow? 🙂

~D

Shout out to the fabulous website Sunday Coupon Preview!

They offer previews of what goodies we can expect to find in our Sunday papers. As always inserts vary by region. I for one am not as lucky as my neighboring states. I get the shorter end of the stick, BUT I’m not going to complain! A good couponer will always find a good deal regardless of where they live and I strive to do that.  🙂 Here is May’s schedule. For a more in depth list visit their website

May 1— Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble

May 8— Smart Source and Red Plum

May 15 — (2) Smart Source and Red Plum

May 22 — Smart Source and Red Plum

May 29 — No Inserts scheduled (Memorial Day)

~D

I love getting snail mail. Ever since I moved out on my own and got my own mail box I’ve been cloud 9.  I remember racing to the post office first thing every morning to see what envelopes or packages were waiting for me.  Before long along with getting my very own mail, I got my very own bills. NO FUN!

Now that grandma and everyone else uses E-Mail my snail mail box gets lonely. I even get electronic bills. BAH! To tame my craving for mail I have more magazine subscriptions than I can keep up with. It’s kind of sad going to Barnes & Noble for something other than a book and realizing you already get half of what they offer delivered to you.I enjoy reading so why not? It’s usually cheaper to subscribe anyway. 🙂 Finding coupons in my magazines is a bonus. Finding out how to get stuff for FREE is AWESOME!

From magazine advertisements, to product websites, and referrals from friends I’ve found myself filling out freebie requests at a constant. There was a time I’d get something in the mail every other day. I had enough tampon/pad samples to last me months. I’m thinking I didn’t have to buy them for close to a year. NO JOKE! When I did run out, I had the sweet little coupon that came with them to buy more. Same scenario with shampoo/conditioner and body washes.

Here are some of my favorite sites. I either get e-mails alerting me to new offers, and/or I follow them on FaceBook and Twitter.

• Hey, It’s Free
• I Love Free Things
• I Crave Freebies
  
• Sweet Free Stuff
• Free Stuff On Facebook

Something to think about….

Create a separate e-mail address for these sites. It keeps your regular mail free from being overrun with offers and possible spam.

Always read the privacy policy on retailer sites especially if you’re giving out your snail mail address. Be aware of how your information will be used.

Opt out of related deals. Some offers come bundled with newsletter subscriptions or related e-mail messages. This can lead to lots of unwanted spam.

~D

When I first started using coupons I was really lazy about it. I would clip them, stuff them in an envelope, then forget about them. I decided to start keeping them in my my checkbook, but they made it bulky. When I would fish them out, they’d all spill out and fall to the floor. I still ended up tossing more (due to expiration) then actually using them.

A few months ago I bought a small accordion folder.It worked out better until my little pile of coupons became a mountain. A few days ago I got this. It was $10. The baseball card holders were $4.50 for a pack of 30.

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http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c24/MizPandora/DSCN0228-1.jpg

I am loving my binder! I keep my scissors,weekly ads, unclipped inserts and a calculator all arranged nicely. To prevent it from spilling out (I’m a klutz) it zips up all nice and snug. 🙂 I still need another pack of baseball card holders (I have 30, and for optimal organization you need 60) and category inserts, but that will come together in time.

My mom asked if I was going to tote it around with me when I go shopping? WHY NOT? I don’t care what anyone thinks. If they knew they could save $$ by doing it many of them would too!

Gone are the days where I am at a store and smack my forehead because “I know I have a coupon for that somewhere”.

~D

Here are some links to few store policies on coupons. I recommend printing out the ones of the stores you shop at the most. I keep them in my coupon binder. 🙂 Keep in mind these may vary by location and it’s ultimately up to the store manager if they’ll accept your coupons or not.

SAFEWAY

TARGET

WAL-MART you can print out a nifty PDF file with their policy.

ALBERTSONS

CVS (Not found online) but some called Corporate and they faxed  THIS

WALGREENS

KMART (not found online)

By all means, if you find any of the above policies that I’m missing or newer versions feel free to share!

~D

Sometimes I find a coupon and think it’s too good to be true. I don’t want to take it to the store and ask the cashier. If it is indeed fake it would be embarrassing. Not only that they may become wary of all the coupons I try to use.

Fear of counterfeits sometimes causes stores to reject Internet coupons altogether. Each store sets its own policy about coupons, and the policy can vary even within chains. Go HERE to see a list of stores I found policies from.

REMEMBER

• Don’t ever copy coupons. There are many security features included on printable coupons that assign a user ID to them and allow them to track back to you. Look for special software to download that can ensure bar codes are printed correctly. Reputable companies like Coupons com, SmartSouce, and Redplumb offer it free.
• Never pay money for a coupon. Really? Why would you want to anyway? That’s were most fake coupons come from.
• HERE is a site that you can type in the bar code from any coupon to see if it’s counterfeit or not.

~D