Penzey's Spices

So, hubby and I love to cook.  A couple years ago my SIL and fab cook, Terah, turned me on to Penzey's Spices.  Their spices are definitely superior to the spices at the grocery store and they carry such a variety of things that they are almost sure to have what you need.  Since I was truckin' it down to Sprinkles to get my free cupcakes (see previous post), I figured I would stop into Penzey's to pick up a couple of things and use some of my coupons (both places are about 45 minutes from my house).  Penzey's sends out a catalog periodically and it includes some wonderful recipes and frequently an awesome coupon for something free or $ off.  Since it's not close to my house, I save my coupons and use a lot on one trip - they are kind enough to let you do that.  Anyway, just want to let my friends know about this awesome product and how you can score some good deals.  


Here is a picture of my purchase.  


My total was $1.29.  (It should have been a little more, but they made a mistake in my favor when ringing up one of my coupons that I didn't figure out until I'd left.  Not sure how to handle that, I figure I'll call and ask).  I actually still have 2 more coupons left over that I'll use on my next trip.  

What I got:
1 - 1/2 cup jar of Italian Dressing Base (free coupon)
1 - 1/2 cup jar of Arizona Dreaming (free coupon) - already tried it, very yummy
1 - 1/2 cup jar of Minced Garlic (free coupon)
2 - 4 oz bags of Black Pepper (reg price) - refilling previous jar
1 - 4 oz bag of Fajita Seasoning (reg price) - refilling previous jar
1 - Gift Set of 1/4 cup jar of spices: Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Mural of Flavor, and Cinnamon (free with purchase coupon)  - I already use all of these, so score!


Less $5 off of $10 purchase coupon.  


Have a Spicy Day!  :)  

Product Review: Nice 'n Easy Root Touch Up

I began graying at an early age.  I can remember the girls who sat behind me in high school choir plucking my occassional gray hairs.  Yes, it started that early.  So, me and hair color have a long and rich history.  In high school, I did my own and used semi-permanant and thought it was fun to experiment with colors.  In college, I started getting it professionally done with highlights and everything.  Expensive!  (Side note: never color over professional highlights with a box dye.  My then boyfriend called me Pepe Le Pew because of the skunk like effect as all my rounds of highlighting took the color differently.)  Finally, I went back to doing it myself.  As the grays have become more pervasive, particularly at my temples and in my part, I've had to switch to very permanant hair dye and my roots show up much more readily.  Thus, the long story of why I even needed to try the Nice 'n Easy Root Touch Up.  I got it with a coupon deal of course, so I wouldn't feel bad.  It says it will match any brand, yada, yada... we'll see.  It's a semi-permanant color that is designed to essentially buy you about 3-4 weeks before you have to do another full color. 

This past weekend, I took the plunge and tried it.  I mixed up the solution in the little mixing tray, got out the little plastic brush, donned my gloves, and went to town on my most noticible roots (again, temples and center part areas).  It was easy to apply and not too messy (though I had removed bath mats in case).  That's always a plus as I've dyed walls, floor, bath mats, and all different parts of my body.  Other than getting a little dye on my face which was easily wiped away with a damp paper towel, it was all good.  I cleaned up my supplies and waited the prescribed 10 minutes before rinsing and conditioning.  The instructions, as usual, said not too shampoo but didn't mention anything about conditioner so I decided to use it since coloring can be so drying.  When my hair dried, it looked great.  You can't tell at all where the root touch up is versus my original permanant color.  I will definitely use it again.  It's great for doing a quick touch-up before an event or something when you don't have time to do a full dye job, but want to look your best (and not 10 years older). 

I say Color Me Impressed!

My Birthday - Discounts and Free Stuff!

Aside from my beautiful flowers from hubby, my cupcakes from Sugar Queen, and the reprieve from diaper duty that I got the weekend of my birthday, I love all the free stuff and discounts that you can get from restaraunts and retailers.  My goal this year is to use them all (or almost all).  Below is a list of some of my favorites in the order that I used them (if you haven't joined some of these e-clubs, you may want to!):

Maggiano's - $10 off your bill.  We started with zucchini fritte and shared a glass of wine.  Then we got one of the classic pastas, 4 cheese ravioli, which are buy one / take one to go, so we took some baked ziti to go to eat the next night.  Of course, we had to finish with their tiramisu. 

Brio - Free Medallions and Shrimp entree, a $22 value!  I would never have ordered this, but oh my goodness was it ever good.  Got the medallions medium-rare and they melted in our mouths, paired with some yummy shrimp and a rice and veggie mix, it was mmm-mmm good.  We also got the Bruschetta Quatro, always a favorite, and another pasta dish which we ended up being too full to eat and took home. 

Origins - $10 off.  I used this to buy a moisturizer that I really like (Perfect World SPF 25).  It's a rediculously expensive moisturizer and I wasn't going to get it again given our budget constraints, but with $10 off, I felt a little less guilty. 

Benihana - Free entree up to $30.  Brian and I split the Ocean Treasure at $35, we had to pay the extra $5, plus our fried rice (gotta have that!) and an extra salad and soup for Brian and we got out of there for $19 plus tip.  Super cheap for a Benihana trip.  (Word of warning: this one can only be used Mon-Thur.)

Which Wich - Free sandwich.  I used this on Tuesday night while Brian was in class.  This is my favorite sandwich shop.  Potbelly still has the best cookies, but this place has the best sandwich IMHO. 

Old Navy - $10 off purchase.  Some pants in my unfortunate post-pregnancy size obtained.  Thanks to my fab MIL for taking care of the overage for my b-day (and for a fun baby free shopping day). 

White House Black Market - $10 off puchase.  Went to the outlet in Round Rock and although the coupon says that it can't be used at the outlet, the cashier tried it for me and since the computer took it, I rejoiced!  Two cute tops for $10.  Thanks again Emily!


And this is unfortunately where it appears that my birthday couponing for this year will end.  I didn't end up using my DSW coupon before it expired, but for your reference, it is $5 off your purchase.  Also, according to the cashier at Origins, Grimaldi's gives you a free large pizza for your birthday, so I signed up for their club.  I immediately got a coupon for money off my next purchase, but I'll have to wait until next year to see if that pans out. 

So, what are your favorite e-clubs and

places with the best birthday perks? 

Share any you have found here, so we can all get hooked up! 

Couponing... Surprise Finds

When you coupon, you sometimes have to forego brand loyalty and sometimes you end up trying things that you wouldn't normally.  This can result in a surprise find... a product you didn't know you would love until you got it with a coupon.  Here are a couple of the products that I have discovered:

Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain - I only paid about a dollar for this product.  So far I've really liked it.  It stays on pretty well (and at the very least, doesn't rub off on hubby when we smooch).  I do like to put a layer of lip balm over the top after it dries just to keep my lips moist.  I've read some reviews that say that the applicator itself dries up quickly, but so far, so good. 




Popcorn, Indiana Dark Fudge Chocolate Chip Kettle Corn - This was apparently a limited edition popcorn, probably a holiday thing.  It was super yummy!  It's sort of like Harry and David's Moose Munch but a little lighter on the tongue (hence a little less guilty feeling).  If I see it again, I'll snap some up.  I did contact the company and suggest they make it a regular flavor.  I also tried the Cinnamon Sugar kind and it is good too - a nice salty sweet combo. 

We'll see what else I come across.  If I find good stuff, I'll share my product review with you!

:)

Couponing for the Week of 5-15

Walgreens

Garnier Fructis Shampoo and Conditioner

Price: $11.98 for both

MFG Coupons: $2.00

Register Reward: $5.00

Final Price: $5.00 for both

Veet Wax Strips x 2

Price: $5.98 for both

MFG Coupons: $6.00

Final Price: Free

Dove Men+Care Deodorant
Price: $4.99

MFG Coupon: $1.00

RR: $3.00

Final Price: Free

Softsoap Body Wash x2

Price $6.00 for both

RR: $4.00

Final Price: $2.00

Scotch Magic Tape x3

Price: $1.99 each

Walgreens Coupon: Buy one get 2 free

MFG Coupons: $2.00

Final Price: Free

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix x 2

Price: $2.00 for both

MFG Coupons: $1.00

Final Price: $1.00

Gillette Body Wash

Price: $10.00 for all three

Gillette Deodorant: $14.97

MFG Coupons: Buy body wash get deodorant free

MFG Coupons: $6.00

RR: $3.00

Final Price $1.00 for all 6 items

Schick Hydro 3 Razor Systems x2

Price: $8.99

Walgreens Sale: BOGO

MFG Coupons: $6.00

Final Price: $2.99 for both

Nature Made Calcium
Price: $5.00
Walgreens Coupon: $5.00
Final Price: Free

Snicker Bars (Filler items) x8

Sale Price: $0.39 ea
Total: $3.12

Total Value: $86.99
Total Cost: $15.11
%Saved: 82.63%

CVS

Right Guard Sport Deodorant w/ free body wash sample attached

Price: $2.99

MFG Coupon: BOGO

Extra Care Bucks: $2.00

Final Price $0.99 for both

Speed Stick Stainguard Deodorant

Price: $2.99

MFG Coupon: $.50

ECB: $2.00

Final Price: $0.49

Neutrogena Oil-Free Sunblock Stick
Price: $8.79
Neutrogena build a tan
Price: $11.49
MFG Coupons: $4.00
ECB: $10.00
Final Price: $6.28

Total Value: $26.26
Total Cost: $7.76
% Saved: 70.44%

Scored a couple great deals

Walgreens

Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers x2
Pampers 60 ct. Wipes
Diapers Regular Price: $23.98
Diapers Sale Price: $18.00

Wipes Regular Price: $4.49
Wipes Sale Price: $2.99
MFG Coupons: $10.50 + Buy Diaper Get Wipes ($2.99)
Register Reward: $3.00
Received Pampers Coupon: $5.00 (For use on any Pampers Diaper Purchase)
Final Cost: $4.50 For 2 Jumbo Packs of Diapers and a pack of wipes WOW!

Cornbread and muffin mix (filler item)

Price $0.69

Total value: $29.16

Total cost: $5.19

% Saved: 82%

_______________________________

Target

Zantac 150

Regular Price: $7.74

Sale Price: $7.19

MFG Coupon: $5.00

Target Coupon: $2.00

Final Price $0.19 each

Total Value: $15.48

Total Cost: $0.38

% Saved: 97.55%

Couponing 5-8 CVS

_




One Garnier Fructis Shampoo and two Conditioners
Price: $11.97 for all three
MFG Coupons: $3.00
Extra Care Bucks: $3.00
Final Price $5.97 for all three

Glade Sense & Spray
Regular Price: $22.58
Sale Price: $14.00
MFG Coupons: $6.00
ECB: $4.00
Final Price: $4.00

Used a $5.00 off of $25 on the above making the total final price for all items: $4.97

One Revlon Mascara (w/ free eye shadow)
Price: $8.39
One Revlon Eye Shadow Set
Price: $6.99
MFG Coupons: $4.00
CVS Coupon: $3.00
ECB: $7.00
Final Price: $1.38 for both

Carefree Shape Pantiliners x3
Sale price: $2.97 for 3
MFG Coupons: $3.00
Final Price: Free

Covergirl Lip Stain
Sale Price $12.00 for 2
MFG Coupons: $4.00
CVS Coupon: $3.00
ECB: $3.00
Final Price: $2.00 for both

Lactaid
Regular Price: $9.99
Sale Price: $2.49 (Found on Clearance Rack)
MFG Coupon: $2.00
Final Price: $0.49

Stride Gum
Price: $3.00 for 3
MFG Coupon: $1.00
Final Price $2.00 for 3

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix
Regular Price: $1.00
Sale Price: $0.83
MFG Coupon: $0.50
Final Price $0.33

We also stopped at Walgreens and picked up a couple more free Colgate Toothpastes.

Colgate x2
Regular Price: $6.98 for 2
Sale Price: $6.00
MFG Coupons: $2.00
Register Reward: $4.00
Final Price: Free

Total Value: $91.85
Total Cost: $11.17
%Saved: 87.84%

Couponing 5-8

Walgreens Couponing for the week of 5-8




Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers x2 (Transaction One)
Pampers 60 ct. Wipes
Diapers Regular Price: $23.98
Diapers Sale Price: $18.00
Wipes Regular Price: $4.49
Wipes Sale Price: $2.99
MFG Coupons: $7.50
Register Reward: $3.00
Pampers Coupon: $5.00 (For use on any Pampers Diaper Purchase)
Final Cost: $10.49

Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers x2 (Transaction Two)
Pampers 60 ct. Wipes
Diapers Regular Price: $23.98
Diapers Sale Price: $18.00
Wipes Regular Price: $4.49
Wipes Sale Price: $2.99
MFG Coupons: $11.00
Register Reward: $3.00
Pampers Coupon: $5.00 (For use on any Pampers Diaper Purchase)
Final Cost: $6.99

Colgate Gum Defense toothpaste x2
Regular Price: $6.98
Sale Price: $6.00
MFG Coupon: $2.00
Register Reward: $4.00
Final Price: Free

Gillette Fusion Proglide x2
Regular Price: $25.98 for 2
Sale Price: $19.78 for 2
MFG Coupon: $8.00
Register Reward: $10.00
Final Price: $1.78

Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner
Regular Price: 9.98 (for both)
Sale Price: $7.00 (for both)
MFG Coupon: $3.00
Register Reward: $1.00
Final Price: $3.00 (for both)

Right Guard Total Defense Body Wash x 10
Sale Price: $4.99 + BOGO (Used Rain check from last week)
MFG Coupon: BOGO
Final Price: Free for all 10

Tylenol Precise Heat Wraps x 4
Sale Price: $7.99
MFG Coupon: $5.00
Walgreens Coupon: $3.00
Final price: Free for all 4

Dove Minis x2
Price: $6.00 (for both)
MFG Coupon: $3.00
Final Price: $3.00 (for both)

Noxema Disposable Razors 4 Pack
Price: 3.99
MFG Coupon: $2.00
Register Reward: $3.00
Final Price: Free + $1.01 Money Maker

Bags of Popcorn (Filler Item)
Price: $2.64 (For 8)

Total Retail Value: $194.37
Total Cost: $26.89
%Saved: 86.17%

Couponing for the Week

Walgreens

Head and Shoulders Shampoo and Conditioner

Regular Price: $5.49

Sale Price: $4.00

MFG Coupon: BOGO

Register Reward $2.00

Final Price: $2.00 for both

Renpure Organics Conditioner

Regular Price: $6.99

Sale Price: $5.99

RR: $4.00

Final Price: $1.99

Gillette Fusion Proglide Razor System x2

Regular Price: $25.98 for 2

Sale Price $19.78 for 2

MFG Coupons: $8.00

RR: $10.00

Final Price: $1.78 for both

Tylenol Precise Heat Wraps

Price: $7.99

MFG Coupon: $5.00

Walgreens Coupon: $3.00

Final Price: Free

Bic Soleil Disposable Razors x2
Price: $11.98 (for both)

MFG Coupons: $6.00

RR: $4.00

Final Price: $1.98 for both

Shick Hydro Shave Gel x4

Price: $7.58 (for 2) + BOGO

MFG Coupons: $3.50

Final Price $4.08 for 4

Lady Speed Stick x2

Price $3.49 + BOGO

MFG Coupons $2.00

Final Price: $1.49 for both

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes

Regular Price: $3.99

Sale Price $3.59 + BOGO

MFG Coupons: $2.50

Final Price $1.09 for both

U by Kotex Pads

Regular Price: $4.79 for 1

Sale Price: 2 for $7.00

MFG Coupons: $2.00
RR: $2.00

Final Price: $3.00 for both

U by Kotex Liners

Regular Price: $4.79 for 1

Sale Price: 2 for $7.00
MFG Coupons: $2.00

RR: $2.00

Final Price: $3.00 for both

Russell Stover Cookies ‘n Cream Nest x8
Filler Items
Price: $0.25

Total Retail Value: $107.22
Total Cost $22.40
% Saved: 80.6%

_____________________________

CVS

Colgate MaxClean Toothpaste x2
Regular Price: $6.58 for 2

Sale Price: $5.54 for 2

Coupons: $1.75

Extra Care Bucks: $5.54

Final Price: Free + $1.75

Charmin Ultra 9 Pack

Regular Price $7.99

Sale Price: $4.99

MFG Coupon: $0.25

ECB: $1.00
Final Price: $3.74

Swiffer Wet Jet x2 and Swiffer Sweeper

Regular Price: $5.49 ea

Sale Price: $4.00 ea

MFG Coupon: $3.00

ECB: $5.00

Final Price: $4.00 for all 3

Bounty 8 Pack

Price: $7.99

MFG Coupon: $0.25

ECB: $2.00

Final Price $5.74

Tide

Price: $5.99

MFG Coupon: $0.75

ECB: $1.00

Final Price $4.24

Febreeze Noticables dual scented oil refill and Warmer

Regular Price: $5.49 (oil refill), $3.99 (warmer)

Sale Price: $3.99 (oil refill)

MFG Coupon: Buy Oil refill get the Warmer free

MFG Coupon: $1.00

Final Price $2.99 for both

Degree Women
Regular Price: $4.79

Sale Price: 2 for $7.00

MFG Coupons: $2.00

ECB: $2.00

Final Price: $3.00 for both

Nivea Lip Care x 6
Price: $17.94
Coupons: $6.00
ECB: $5.00

Final Price: 6.94 for 6 ($1.15 ea)

Retail Value: $77.55
Total Cost: $20.15
% Saved: 74.01%

_____________________________

Target

Reach Floss x 6

Price: $0.97

MFG Coupon: $1.00

Final Price: Free + $0.03 overage

John Frieda Hair Dye

Price: $11.99

MFG Coupon: $5.00

Target Coupon: $5.00

Final Price $1.99

Retail Value: $17.81

Total Cost: $1.81

% Saved: 89.84%

_____________________________

Total Retail Value: $202.58

Total Cost: $44.36

%Saved: 78.10%

FREE STUFF!

Brian has been added as a contributor now, so this is his first post:

I made a quick trip back to CVS because they were out of the deodorant that was on sale for $0.99 when I went on Sunday.

Dove Men + Care Deodorant x 4

Regular Price: $4.99

Sale Price: $0.99

Coupon: $1.00

Final Price: Free

Thank you CVS for my free deodorant.

Easter Sunday Coupon Shopping

Brian did all the coupon shopping this week so that I could stay home with Naomi.  After a weekend road trip (upcoming post), we thought she deserved a break from the car seat.  Here's the deals he scored (he even photographed it and typed it up so I could put it in the blog)...

Walgreens:

Stayfree Maxi Pads

Sale Price $2.99

MFG Coupon $1.00

Register Reward $2.99

Free + $1.00 Money Maker

Splenda 100 Pack x 2

Sale Price $2.99

Coupons 2 for $3.00

Register Reward $3.00

Free + $3.00 Money Maker

Curad Bandaids $1.99

RS Egg .59

Filler Items

Used $4.00 RR from previous week

$0.57 out of Pocket with $6.00 in future Register Rewards

CVS:

Blink Tears

Price $7.99

Extra Care Buck $7.99

Final Price: Free

Schick Hydro 3 Blades

Price $8.99

BOGO

2 MFG Coupons $6.00

Final Price $2.99 for both

Used $1.99 ECB from previous

$9.09 Out of Pocket with $7.99 in future Extra Care Bucks

Total Retail value: $47.05

Total minus all discounts $-4.33

A 109.2% Savings

Mid-week Couponing

Did some mid-week shopping and scored some good coupon deals. 

Walgreens - Total Spent = $1.57 (total retail $16.47, saved about 90% off retail)

2 Nivea Body Washes
Sale Price $3.79
Coupon -3.00
Final Price $.79 each

Splenda Sweetener
Sale Price $2.99
Coupon -3.00
Final Price FREE (1 cent moneymaker)

We also got a rain check for 2 more Splenda so we can get 2 more for free since they were out. 



Target - Total Spent = $14.96 (total retail $47.96, saved about 69% off retail)
without the Brita, it would have been 100% free

Brita Ultra-max (a wedding gift off the couple's registry)
Reg Price $28.49
Mfr Coupon -5.00
Target Coupon -3.00
Target Gift Card with Purchase -5.00
Final Price $15.49

3 Degree Deodorants

Reg Price $1.97

Mfr Coupon -1.00

Target Coupon -1.00

Final Price FREE (3 cent moneymaker)

2 Allegra 5 ct boxes

Sale Price $6.78

Mfr Coupon -5.00

Target Coupon -2.00

Final Price FREE (22 cent moneymaker)

Until next time... happy shopping!

Oh, and if the happy couple reads this, I'm sure they will be understanding of the fact that we just had a baby and experienced job loss all in the past few months.  :)

Couponing

So, Brian and I have been trying our hand at "extreme" couponing.  At first, it was just me, but now Brian is probably more into it than I am.  Fortunately there are some blogs that give you lots of tips and even do some of the work for you (down to telling you exactly how to get the best deal) - Thanks Hip2Save!  Hip2Save is our favorite, but we also follow TheKrazyCouponLady (from TLC's extreme couponing).  I also love Bethany at Walgreen's in Wylie - super helpful!  Last week we did awesome at CVS spending only about 60 cents for a bunch of stuff (Heck, they essentially paid us $6 to buy 4 Airwick starter kits and we got a couple free items too) and did pretty well at Walgreen's as well.  I meant to take pics and blog on it, but never had time and eventually just had to put away our goodies.   So, we did that for this week's purchases.  Even though we spent a quite a bit more than last week, we got quite a few items (and a couple of bigger ticket, necessary items like diapers). 

Walgreen's - Total = $26.60 (total would have been about $75, so we saved about 65%)

Items Include:
2 packages of diapers ($10.47)
1 216 count package of wipe refills (included in diaper total)
2 Reynolds Wrap Foils ($1.78)
1 Lysol No-Touch Hand soap System ($4.99)
3 Nivea body washes ($2.37)
1 Reach Toothbrush (free)
2 Colgate Toothpastes (free)
1 Schick Intuition Refillable Razor ($2.99)
2 Boxes of Ziplocs ($4.00)
1 Goody Ouchless Headband and Bonus Hairbands (free)
3 Chocolate Egg Candies ($1 - filler items to enable coupon usage)

CVS - Total = $13.39 (total would have been about $58, so we saved about 77%)

 Items Include:
1 Edge Shave Gel (99 cents)
1 GE Energy Smart Light Bulb (99 cents)
2 Head&Shoulders Shampoo/Conditioner ($3.24)
4 Aveeno Haircare Items ($9.96)
1 Nivea Body Wash (88 cents)
1 Tide ($5.59)
1 PAAS Egg Decorating Kit (free)
Less $10 ECB leftover from last week

After doing the couponing for just a couple weeks, it's hard to imagine ever paying full price (or much of anything really) for toiletries.  It's amazing how much stuff you can get for free and how much stuff you can get for less than a dollar.  It just takes a little planning and a patient cashier as you do multiple transactions.  It also helps to not be too picky about what brands of stuff you use - that's tough for me, but I'm working on it.  I'll try to post any really good couponing.  Just looking for a few ways to save money now that I'm unemployed and we've added one to the household.  :) 

P.S.  If you get the paper and don't use your coupons, feel free to give them to me!  :)  You can also spot me in the bagel store on Sunday morning asking people for the coupons from their papers (if they don't clip them) as they sip their coffee.  I'm not too proud or apparently too shy. 

Have a great week!