Happy Easter!

I hope you are enjoying this very special holiday with your family and friends. I am planning a day full of celebration, worship, and lovin' on those who are dearest to me.

I will be back next Sunday with my regular CVS 101 post. So as not to leave you hanging this week, you can check out this week's CVS deals here, this week's Walgreens deals here, and this week's Rite Aid deals here.

Happy Easter!

CVS and Upromise

My philosophy when I go to CVS is that I want to get the most that I can for the very smallest amount of money possible. Typically, I will walk away from CVS with $40-$50 worth of stuff, having spent less than a couple of dollars out of pocket.

There are two exceptions where I am willing to pay slightly more money out of pocket.

1) If the deal is on something that we absolutely need and I know it will be more expensive elsewhere (i.e. diapers!)

2) If I know I will get a large amount of extrabucks in return.

This week, both were the case.

Which is why I spent twenty-three whole dollars this week. Here's what I got:

(3) 12-pks of Diet Coke (used $1/1 coupon from MyCokeRewards)
(1) package of Huggies wipes (used $1.50/1 coupon from mailer)
(1) package of Huggies diapers (used $3 coupon from coupons.com--no longer available)
(1) package of Huggies pull-ups (used $3 coupon from coupons.com--no longer available)
(1) can of Pringles (used $1/1 coupon from P&G's Year of Savings booklet)
(1) bag of Easter grass
(1) Skintimate Shaving cream
(1) Colgate Max Fresh (used $1/1 coupon from SS 3/29/09)
(2) Easter baskets

Used $10 off $50 purchase coupon from CRT (cash register tape)

Total after coupons: $23.15

ECBs received: $23.26 (woohoo! $.11 more than I spent!)

However, I am kicking myself because I didn't activate my Upromise eCoupons until after I made this transaction. There is an eCoupon for $1.50 when you purchase a pack of Huggies diapers. Sigh.

If you haven't signed up for Upromise yet, I highly recommend it if you are starting to shop at CVS. I was a Upromise member for 3 years before I started CVSing and didn't earn a dime. But since I so often buy name brand products at CVS now (for almost free!), I've discovered that those products often earn me money at Upromise as well.

Once you sign up, be sure to go to the eCoupon section on the side. By activating these monthly, you'll have another way of earning a little more 'bang' for your buck!

In fact, right now there is a great Beech Nut promotion here plus if you sign up here, you will receive printable coupons for Beech Nut products. AND on top of all that, this month there is an eCoupon for Beech Nut products. My hungry 7 month old is already doing his part to help save for his college education!

Update: Wait...I just realized that I DID sign up for the eCoupons in time. My Upromise account was just credited for $1.50! That makes a girl happy. PLUS...have any of you seen the B1G1 free peelies on Beech Nut cereal? My Walmart has them! This deal just keeps getting sweeter!

CVS 101 (Week of 4/5/09)

If you are a beginning CVSer, you can go here for a quick tutorial on how to get started.

Don't let this overwhelm you! Feel free to ask lots of questions. It can be confusing at first, but you'll get the hang of it!

To get you started, I'm going to suggest two transactions that will get you the most ECBs for your money. You can go with my suggestion or create your own. Scroll down to find more deals this week at CVS. (Hint: There's a good ECB deal on Huggies diapers and wipes this week!)

Transaction #1:
Buy:

(1) Colgate Max Fresh or Max White, $2.99
Get $2 ECBs (limit 1)
If you have coupons saved, there are two Colgate coupons. (See right side of screen for coupon lingo definitions!)
$0.75/1 Colgate Adult or Kids Toothpaste, exp. 5-31-09 (SS 2/22/09)
$1.00/1 Colgate Toothpaste, exp. 4-18-09 (SS 3/29/09

(1) Skintimate Shave Cream, $3.49
Get $3.49 ECBs (limit 1)
FREE after ECBs!

(1) Excedrin (20 to 24-ct.), $1.99
$1/1 Excedrin printable
$2/1 Excedrin printable
$2/1 Excedrin printable
FREE to $0.99 after coupon!

Total spent: $5.48 to $7.00
ECBs received: $5.49

THEN, I would ask if I can do another transaction (which I do ALL the time) and buy this:

(1) Easter Grass, $.79 ea. Get $.1.58 ECBs

(2) Bamboo Easter Baskets, $1.99 ea.
Get $3.98 ECBs

Use ECBs from previous transaction.

Total spent: $.07
ECBs received: $5.56
(This deal is good only on Sunday and Monday!)

Here are the rest of the good deals I see this week, thanks to Deal Seeking Mom!

Leave me a comment and let me know how it goes for you this week! What kind of deals did you work up?!


2 Day Sale Sunday & Monday only

Easter Grass $.79
Get $.79 ECBs (limit 2)
Free after ECBs (after Monday, no ECBs)

Bamboo Easter Baskets $1.99
Get $1.99 ECBs (limit 2)
Free after ECBs! (after Monday, no ECBs)

:: ECB Deals

Skintimate Shave Cream, $3.49
Get $3.49 ECBs (limit 1)
FREE after ECBs!

Colgate Max Fresh or Max White, $2.99
Get $2 ECBs (limit 1)
$0.75/1 Colgate Adult or Kids Toothpaste, exp. 5-31-09 (SS 2/22/09)
$0.75/1 Colgate Toothpaste, exp. 4-18-09 (SS 3/29/09)
$0.24 after coupon and ECBs!

Lindt Truffles, 2/$6
Get $1 ECB (limit 5)
$1/1 Lindt printable
$1.50 ea. after coupons and ECBs!

Coke 12-packs, 3/$11
Get $3 ECBs wyb 3 (limit 1)
$1/1 Coke 12-pack (MyCokeRewards)
$1.67 to $2.67 after coupons and/or ECBs!

Covergirl
Get $10 ECBs wyb $20 (limit 1)
$4/1 Covergirl Simply Ageless Fountain (P&G 4/5/09)
$1/1 Covergirl, (P&G 4/5/09)
Cheap makeup after coupons and ECBs!

Baby Products Deal
Get $10 ECBs wyb $25 (limit 1)

• Enfamil/Similac, 2/$10
• Huggies Jumbo, $10
• Huggies Wipes, $5
• J&J Baby Bath, $2.99
• Playskool Diapers, $10.99
• Playtex Cups and Accessories, 25% off
• CVS Mega Pack Diapers (34 to 52-ct.) or Kids Pants (40-ct.), $10
• Enfamil or Similac Ready to Feed 32-oz. (excludes Alimentum & Nutramigen), 2/$10
• CVS Soft Cloths (72 to 80-ct.), 2/$4

$1/1 Similac Powder, any 22 oz.+, exp. 4-30-09 (SS 10/12/08)
$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers, exp. 4-19-09 (SS 3/1/09)
$0.50/1 Huggies Baby Wipes, any 64ct+, exp. 4-5-09 (SS 1/11/09)
$0.50/1 Huggies Baby Wipes 64ct+, exp. 5-24-09 (SS 3/1/09)
$2/2 Johnson’s printable
$0.75/1 Mail-in Rebate Caregiver’s Marketplace
Prices vary after coupons, MIR, and ECBs!

:: Other Deals

Excedrin (20 to 24-ct.), $1.99
$1/1 Excedrin printable
$2/1 Excedrin printable
$2/1 Excedrin printable
FREE to $0.99 after coupon!

Revlon Cosmetics, psa $1.99 (BOGO)
$1/1 Revlon Color Cosmetic Product, exp. 4-7-09 (SS 12/7/08)
FREE after coupons!

Glade Air Freshener, $0.99
BOGO Glade Spray, excludes air infusions, exp. 4-25-09 (SS 3/15/09)
$0.50 after coupon!

Glade Carpet Deodorizer, $1.50
$1/1 Glade Carpet & Room Odor Eliminator, exp. 4-4-09 (SS 2/22/09)
$0.50 after coupon!

Schick Intuition Plus Razors, 2/$9.99 (BOGO)
$4/1 Schick Intuition or Intuition Plus Razor, exp. 5-3-09 (SS 3/22/09)
$0.99 ea. after coupons!

For this week's Walgreens deals, go here.

For this week's Rite Aid deals, go here.

My Trip 3/29

I actually made it to CVS today, which usually doesn't happen on a Sunday. I wanted to get those Paas egg decorating kits, but alas they were out. Got a rain check though!

Here's what I scored:

Transaction #1:
(1) Glade Sense & Spray
(1) Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber
(2) Veet Gel creams

Used:
$4/1 Glade Sense & Spray, exp. 6-27-09 (ALL YOU magazine March ‘09 issue)
$2/1 Veet printable (2 of these)
$2.75/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber printable
$7.99 in ECBs

TOTAL: $2.18
Received $6 ECBs

Transaction #2:
(2) Softsoap Ensembles Hand Soap Refills

Used:
$2/1 SoftSoap Ensembles Hand Soap, exp. 4-11-09 (SS 3/22/09)
$1/1 Soft Soap Ensembles Hand Soap (All You Magazine, February '09 issue)
$5 in ECBx

TOTAL: $.24
Received $4 ECBs

TOTAL OOP (out of pocket): $2.42
$5 ECBs remaining

I see a few more deals I might try to score this week. I'll let you know if I do.

SO...how did YOU do?!

CVS 101 Week of 3/29

Are you ready?!
CVSers UNITE!

CVSing can be somewhat overwhelming at first, but just follow me and I will make it as simple as possible. For more tips on how to get started, go here.

If you are completely new to CVS, here is a transaction I would suggest:

Buy:
(2) Paas Easter Egg Coloring Kit, $1.99
Get $1.99 ECBs for each.

Pay: $3.98
Receive: $3.98 in ECBs
(This deal is only good on Sunday and Monday!)


THEN, I would ask if I can do another transaction (which I do ALL the time) and buy this:

Buy:

(2) Veet, $5.49 ea.
Get $5 ECBs wyb $10 (limit 1)
$2/1 Veet printable
$2/1 Veet printable
Use two of these coupons.
*Update: I am having trouble with the second coupon. So I just signed up for two of the first--one for me and one for my husband!

(2) Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber, $2.99
$2.75/1 Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber printable
Use two of these coupons by hitting the back arrow after the first one prints!

PLUS if you have a copy of the All You magazine (you can get it at Walmart!), you can get two Rimmel mascara for FREE. Here's how:

(2) Rimmel Cosmetics, BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free)
Use FREE Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara coupon, exp. 5-31-09 (All You magazine, April ‘09 issue)
2 FREE after coupon!
*Note that the coupon says 'Only at Walmart', but it is a manufacturer's coupon, so they should accept it. It worked for me at Walgreens. Just ask them to see if it works.

When paying, give your coupons first THEN your extrabucks from the first transaction.

Total after coupons and ECBs: $3.48

$5 ECBs remaining for your next transaction!

If you'd like to see more CVS deals this week, go here.

BIG TIP: You will NOT receive change from the ECBs that you use. It is important to figure out your transactions carefully so that you don't end up losing money on your ECBs.

BIG TIP #2: If CVS is out of stock of any of these items, ask for a rain check.

Stay tuned later today for the deals that I plan to score at CVS this week!

If you head out to shop, let me know how it goes, OK? And bring on the questions!

Happy shopping!

Shopping Trip

CVS purchase: $.48

Walgreens purchase: $0

Target purchase: $.28

An entire afternoon to shop by myself: Priceless

Yep. It was a good day. After carefully planning my shopping outing this afternoon (with only a few minor setbacks involving computers and printers NOT cooperating...sigh), I dropped the boys off at Grandma Ehret's house and hit CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and Aldi in a matter of 4 hours. (Oh...and found time to sit still for half an hour in the Target Starbucks enjoying a caramel macchiato. Love those gift cards!)

Tonight I will just share my CVS purchase. The others will have to wait. It was actually a very slow week at CVS, but that's Ok. Slow and simple is a good way to start for all you CVS virgins. (That was for you, Natalie!)

Here's what I got:

Transaction #1:

1 Crest Pro-Health: $2.49 with $1 off coupon/Earned $3.49 ECBs
1 Maybelline Instant Age Rewind *YES!*: $4.99 with $3 coupon/Earned $5 ECBs
1 York Peppermint Patty: (and yes...that wrapper is empty...yum) $.89

Transaction #2:

2 Johnson's Buddies Soaps: $.19 ea. with 2 $1 off coupons
1 bottle of Vitamin D: $2.99/Earned $2.99 ECBs

I used $8 in ECBs that I already had on the first transaction and then used $3.49 ECBs from the Crest Pro-Health on the second transaction.

TOTAL OOP (out of pocket): $.48
TOTAL ECBs to use next time: $7.99

Come back on Sunday when I will share my plan for your CVS steal deal of the week!

Here it is!

It's the moment you've all been waiting for! As promised in a previous post, I have something exciting to share!

Oh I'm sorry...did you think I meant this exciting news? Nope. Not yet. (Am I the only one laughing here? Please don't hate, you'll find out soon!) Actually, the 'something exciting' I am referring to is a response to a question I've been getting for months now.

If you want to know how to become a CVSer, I've got the goods today. And as I always say, It's gonna change your life!

I'm actually not kidding about that. If you don't believe me, ask my mom. She would be the first to tell you that she never thought that becoming a couponer was in her dna, until I started teaching her about CVS. She's nearing retirement age, folks, (Is that ok to share, mom?) and has never used coupons or followed ads until about two months ago. Now she calls me each week feeling hyper (her words) about the deals that she scored.

Since joining the world of the drugstore game (Walgreens and Rite Aid also have great deals), I estimate that I've saved my family over a thousand dollars. Crazy, huh? And the better I get at the game, the more money I am saving.

If you’d like to join the game, I’m going to give you the simplest tutorial I know how and then leave it up to you to bring on the questions.

Here goes!

The CVS ExtraCare Program provides shoppers with something called Extra Care Bucks (ECBs). These are ‘coupons’ that print out at the end of your receipt after you purchase certain items. The coupons are a dollar amount that can be used on your next purchase at CVS.

Weekly and monthly, CVS promotes products by offering a certain amount of ECBs if you buy them. My goal when I shop at CVS is to figure out how I can get the most ECBs for the least amount of money. This means buying items that either offer a high amount of ECBs or items that I have a coupon for or BOTH, which is the ultimate deal.

(For example, CVS has toothpaste this week for $3.49 that will earn you $3.49 in ECBs, PLUS I have a $1.00 off coupon. So, I will spend only $2.49, but get $3.49 back. That’s good stuff.)

When you earn your first ECBs you may feel that you have a coupon burning a whole in your pocket and you should use it right away. Actually, the best idea is to save your ECBs so that you can use them when there is a new week with new deals and new coupons. Again, the goal is to figure out how you can get the most ECBs for the least amount of money. And now you have a coupon that will make it that much easier to do so!

What made learning this game possible for me is that there is a whole world of resources available online. There are numerous web-sites dedicated to helping you figure out the best deals and the coupons that you can use with them. Stick with me and I will introduce you to these sites and help walk you through them.

Here’s what you need to do to get started:

1) Sign up for a CVS Extra Care Card. You can do so online, but I suggest just signing up in the store so that you can start using your card right away.

2) Start saving your Sunday coupons. If you don’t get a Sunday paper, it’s time to start! For tips on the easiest way to organize your coupons, go here.

3) Plan your shopping trip in advance. Check my blog each Sunday for the upcoming week’s best deals. Look through the store flyer to see if there are any deals that you don’t want to miss.

4) Take a carefully planned list and the store flyer with you, so you can be sure you are getting the exact items that are advertised.

5) If at all possible, take NO children with you! You will end up feeling stressed and rushed and paying more than you intended. (Besides, the CVS carts are about the size of my kitchen sink. No, I’m serious.)

Ok, let the savings begin!

(Check back later today for my CVS deals this week. I'm heading to the store this afternoon...without children!)