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Monday, August 8, 2011

FREE Cottonelle Roll Cover!! w/ purchase of 12 pack or larger!









Get a FREE Cottonelle toilet paper roll cover when you purchase a Cottonelle 12 pack or larger!  go HERE to enter your UPC code and get your free roll cover!

Whole Foods Trip 8/8

In accordance with my recent goal of trying to eat organic, I thought that I should try a shot at couponing at Whole Foods.  I was able to make some great savings BUT since we had schlepped all the way over there (15 min drive) we also picked up some organic goodies that are not (on sale) easy to find at Publix.  Anyways, here's what I got...



(5) bags of Late July Chips on sale at 3/$4 or $1.33 each
- (5) $1/1 Printable Coupon HERE
FINAL PRICE: $1.65 for all 5 bags!

(2) Baked Variety of Kettle Chips (They don't have these at my Publix!!) on sale @ $2
- (2) $1/1 Baked Kettle Chips Q from 8/7
FINAL PRICE: $2 for 2 bags

(6) Nature's Path Toaster Pastries boxes on sale at 2/$5 (#6 Organic Obsession!)
- (3) $1.50/2 Printable MQ HERE
- (3) $1.50/2 Whole Foods Coupons HERE
FINAL PRICE: $6 for all 6 boxes!!

(2) Cartons of Naked Coconut juice $1.99 (#4 Organic Obsession!)
- (2) $1/1 Printable Coupon HERE
FINAL PRICE: $1 each

Organic Quinoa on sale @ $3.79/lb
- Bought 0.89 lbs for $3.37
FINAL PRICE: $3.37

EelRiver Acai Organic Beer $3.99 (Reg. Price)
FINAL PRICE: $3.99

365 4pk of Toilet Paper
- Manager gave it to us for FREE since they didn't carry the Seventh Generation ones we were looking for!
FINAL PRICE: FREE!

In the end, we paid $19.27 (including tax) for $37.37 worth of organic goods!  That's 50% savings!  

Not amazing savings when compared to the typical 80% savings most couponers are used to when buying (for lack of a better word) crappy food, but still pretty awesome.  I did have some full priced items we splurged on but I'm still proud of our savings :-)



#6 Organic Obsession- Nature's Path Organic Toaster Pastries

These toaster pastries are DELICIOUS!  And they come in a wide variety of flavors too like Acai, Chocolate, Raspberry, Cherry Pomegranate, Apple, Strawberry, and Blueberry and there's still more!
They're also Organic which means no nasty preservatives!

Here's the best part... they're on sale RIGHT NOW at Whole Foods! And of course there's some coupons out there too.  Try this deal.

Deal Scenario:
Toaster Pastries 2/$5 at Whole Foods
- (1) $1.50/2 Whole Foods Coupon HERE
- (1) $1.50/2 Manufacturer's Coupon HERE
FINAL PRICE: 2 for $2!!

Replace This: 
Throw away those pop-tarts!! Those things have preservatives GALORE!! and artificial coloring as well.  Not to mention, the OBSCENE amount of sugar and they don't even have REAL fruit!!  Super processed, super not good for you. 

FREE Bottle of CVS Body Wash! Hurry on over here!



If you "like" the CVS Minute Clinic on Facebook, they will give you a FREE full-size bottle of body wash!  Easy Peasy :-)

Go HERE to sign up.  They email you your coupon.

FREE Expo Markers at Walgreens!


This week at WAGS, the 2 pk expo markers are on sale for 99 cents each. There's a coupon at coupons.com (zip 90210) for $2/2 Expo products which makes them FREE!!

Buy (2) 2pk Expo Markers on Sale 99 cents
- (1) $2/2 Expo Products
FINAL PRICE: FREE

Walgreens 8/7

I was able to make a quick trip to Walgreens yesterday with Kristina's help!  Here's what I got:

(4) Colgate 360 Toothbrushes 2/$6
- Get $4 RR wyb 2
- (2) $1/1 Colgate Toothbrush
FINAL PRICE: FREE

(2) 24 pack of Crayola Crayons $1
- Get $1RR wyb 1
FINAL PRICE: FREE

(2) boxes of Skinny Cow Chocolate Clusters 2/$5
- (1) Walgreens August Q book $1/2
- (2) $1/1 Skinny Cow Boxes from 7/31
FINAL PRICE: $2 for both boxes

It was a small haul but useful since free toothbrushes are always welcome in this house!!

In the end, I paid $2 for $13 worth of product :-)  That's 85% Savings :-)

49 cents for Zyrtec at Publix!!


Use the $6/1 Zyrtec Coupon from Today's Newspaper!!  (8/7) at Publix and you can get the 24 count of Zyrtec for 49 cents!

Publix Trip 8/7

I went back to Publix to pick up some things we needed for dinner and ended up finding some nice deals!  Here's what I ended up getting:

(4) Kettle Cooked Chips $2.50 on sale
- (4) $1/1 MQ from 8/7
FINAL PRICE: $6 for all 4 bags

(6) Batter Blasters BOGO @ $4.19
- (3) Whole Foods $3/2
- (6) MQ Printable Coupon $1/1
FINAL PRICE: FREE + $2.40 cents overage 

Skippy Peanut Butter BOGO at $2.49
- (3) $1/1 Skippy Peanut Butter MQ from 7/31
- (4) Target Coupons $0.75/1 from 8/7
FINAL PRICE: 4 for FREE + $1.00 overage

(4) Dove Shampoo & Conditioner $2.79 on sale
- (2) BOGO MQ from 7/31
- (4) Target Coupon $1/1 from 8/7
FINAL PRICE: $1.60 for all 4 bottles!

Smart Balance Milk $3.99
- $1/1 MQ from newpaper
FINAL PRICE: $2.99

Greenwise Milk $3.69

Publix Cream Cheese $2.59

Queso Fresco $3.29

Greenwise Chicken $9.02

(4) Sundown Naturals Vitamins @ various Prices
- (2) $6/2 Publix Coupon (Green Advantage Booklet)
- (1) $3/2 Printable Coupon in their e- Newsletter
- (2) $1/1 Sundown Naturals Printable Coupon
FINAL PRICE: 60 cents for all 4 bottles

500 ct + 100 bonus Q-tips $3.99
- Buy Their Get Ours Promotion gives me a FREE pack of Publix Brand "Q-Tips"
- (1) Target Coupon $1/1 Q Tips bigger than 285 ct
- (1) MQ $0.60/1 bigger than 175 ct
FINAL PRICE: $2.40 for 1100 Q-tips!!

Also used:
- $5/$30 Winn Dixie Coupon from "Enjoy The City" Coupon Booklet bought on livingsocial
- $5 Publix Gift Card from previous purchase

In the end, I paid $21.15  for $95.11 worth of product!  That's an 82% Savings :-)

BOGO Chipotle 8/8-8/9 Redeem 8/12-8/14


Saturday, August 6, 2011

Publix Trip 8/5

Here are my weekly totals for Publix!  I need to go back and get some FREE Batter Blaster, I would have gotten them today but I forgot to print my coupons :-(
That's ok though! Tomorrow is another day...  On a different note, I can't help but point out how pretty much everything I got is natural and/or organic! Woo hoo!

Here's what i got:

(2) Naked Juice Smoothies BOGO at $4.99
FINAL PRICE: $4.99

Aidell's All Natural Chicken & Apple Sausage on sale @ $5.19
- $1/1 Printable Q
FINAL PRICE: $4.19

Boulder Chips $2
- $1/1 Printable Coupon
FINAL PRICE: $1

(3) Tazo Organic Chai Latte Mix on sale @ $2.99 thru 8/19
- (3) $1/1 MQ from 7/31
FINAL PRICE: $6 for all 3

1 lb Strawberries $2.50 on sale
- 0.50/1 Driscoll's Printable Coupon
FINAL PRICE: $2.00

Organic Brocolli $2
FINAL PRICE: $2

Activia Selects $1.99
- FREE Activia Selects Coupon from Facebook
FINAL PRICE: FREE

(4) Cascadian Farms Frozen Products
- (2) $2/2 Publix Coupon (Green Advantage Flyer)
FINAL PRICE: $6 for all 4 bags

Kettle Cooked Chips $2.50 on Sale
- No coupon, this was the boyfriend's choice....
FINAL PRICE: $2.50

Maverick's All Beef Hot Dogs $5.79
FINAL PRICE: $5.79

(4) Met Rx Protein Bars $1.99
- (2) BOGO MetRx MQ
FINAL PRICE: $3.98 for 4

(2) Bic Pencil Packs $1 each
- $1/2 Bic Products from 7/31
FINAL PRICE: $1 for both

(4) Bottles of Vitamins including Lysine, Calcium, and Vitamin A
- (2) $6/2 Sunmade Naturals Publix Q in green Advantage Flyer
- (2) $3/2 Sunmade Naturals MQ (they sent when I signed up on their website)
FINAL PRICE: 61 cents for all 4 bottles

Herbal Essences Conditioner $3.19
- FREE Herbal Essences Product up to $3.99 from Facebook
FINAL PRICE: 80 cents overage (He discounted the full $3.99!!)

LA Looks on sale @ $1.64 (25% off)
- $1/1 LA Looks Product from 7/31
FINAL PRICE: $1.64

X14 Mildew Remover BOGO @ $3.99
- (2) $1/1 X14 Mildew MQ from 7/31
FINAL PRICE: $1 each

(2) Scotch Kids Scissors BOGO @ $1.99
- (2) $1/1 ANY Scotch scissors Printable PDF
FINAL PRICE: FREE

Also used a $5/$30 Winn Dixie Competitor Coupon

In the end, I paid $40.99 (includes tax) for $114 worth of groceries :-)
  65% Savings on Organic Goods

Thursday, August 4, 2011

FREE sample of John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo & Conditioner!



Go HERE to snag a free sample of John Frieda's Root Awakening Shampoo & Conditioner!  It will arrive within 8-10 weeks.

# 5 Organic Obsession- Organic Coconut Oil

I discovered organic coconut oil about 9 months ago and have been using it non stop ever since.  I absolutely LOVE this stuff!  The flavor is amazing and can be cooked with in many dishes and especially baked goods.  It also has much better health benefits than butter.
Now, don't get me wrong, coconut oil is made up of primarily fats just like avocados, just like butter, and just like olive oil.  Now the main difference between these listed items is the good fat vs bad fat argument.  Saturated Fats are NOT all chemically the same. There are long, medium ,and short chain saturated fats. Our bodies utilize Medium chain fatty acids, like coconut oil, more quickly for energy. They are great for endurance athletes and those trying to "jump start" their metabolism.Coconut oil is also GREAT for your hair, skin, and nails.  I also give it to my dog who has sensitive dry skin and used to scratch herself a lot.  1 tbsp a day was all it took and now, no more scratching!  I just put it in her bowl and she just licks it up, no need to mix it with anything.

Deal Scenario:
Amazon.com  Be sure to use the subscribe & save option and set it to send you a new 2-pack every 6 months, that's what I have.  It doesn't matter what brand you get as long as it's ORGANIC and NON-REFINED. i.e. make sure it says extra virgin.  You want the purest coconut oil for the best health benefits, the least processing possible!

Replace This:
Use coconut oil instead of butter and/or shortening!  I use this to bake ALL THE TIME!!  I started out by doing 1/2 butter and 1/2 coconut oil and the faint coconut taste added a world of flavor my chocolate chip cookies and I felt much better about eating them afterwards :-)  I have started using ONLY coconut oil in my recipes but found that I only need to use about 80% of what the recipe calls for in order to get the same effect as using pure butter.

You can also try to make some ethnic recipes like Thai Coconut Curry.  The boyfriend makes his special Thai red curry with coconut milk AND coconut oil.  The coconut oil adds the little drops of fat that you always see floating around in soup and it makes it taste so delicious!  The sweet taste of coconut with the spicy curry is an awesome combination :-) We eat it with organic brown bismati rice



For the pet lovers out there, check out my previous post on "10 reasons why you should feed your pet coconut oil" or my "Raw Food Diet Recipe" post which includes organic coconut oil!

#4 ORGANIC OBSESS- Naked Coconut Juice

All of Naked's Juice products are fabulous but one that was super delicious to me was their coconut juice!  I spent 6 months living in Rio de Janeiro in 2010 for a semester abroad and fresh coconut (straight from the coconut!) juice was ALL I ever drank!! I was so bummed that i wouldn't have that anymore when I cam back to the states but now that i've found Naked's ALL NATURAL coconut juice, life is great again :-)

Better yet, there's a coupon out right now! 

Deal Scenario: Publix has BOGO Naked Juices $4.99 8/4-8/11 (Not sure if Coconut juice is included but will find out!)
-(2) $1/1 Manufacturer's Coupons found HERE
FINAL PRICE: $2.99 for TWO bottles :-)

Replace This: Gatorade and Powerade Sports Drinks
These sports drinks may be good especially when you're super thirsty after working out, but this all natural coconut water is JUST as good probably better and MUCH better for you!!  The coconut water quenches your thirst and gives your body the water it needs in order to replace the water lost during your sweaty workout!  It also does this WITHOUT any added artificial coloring or added sodium.  It's also super refreshing!! And did I mention it's all natural?! It wasn't made in a huge factory but it was made with lots of love by a coconut far far away :-)

Pair It With:  
A homemade sandwich or salad.  Make sure you make your sandwich or salad with fresh (preferably organic) ingredients!  This way your fresh salad will match the fresh coconut juice that goes with it :-)  I guarantee you will not feel weighed down after drinking a couple cartons of this delicious stuff!

Joann Fabrics SmartPhone App for Android! FINALLY!

 

Joann Fabrics has had an iPhone for as long as I have been crocheting and back when I had an iPhone, I was super happy because I had ALL of their coupons on my phone at all times without having to do a thing!  Then I switched to an Android phone and one of the biggest drawbacks was the fact that they didn't have an Android app!   Well, that's over now, Joann now officially has an app for iPhone and Android!  Sorry Blackberry users.... your day will come!

Click on the picture above and it will take you to the Android Market to download your Joann Fabrics App!
Note:  Even if you do not have a Smartphone, but you still have a data connection and can access the internet, you can always access these coupons online by going to Mobilecoupons.Joann.com

Indulgent Organic Recipe- Fried Chocolate Creme Cookies!





An awesome customer of Batter Blaster submitted this great recipe as Fried Oreos using Batter Blaster as the dough!  I would suggest one more alteration and that's to use Back To Nature- Creme Chocolate Cookies (Organic version of oreos) instead of oreos.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying if you use organic ingredients, this recipe will be healthy... oh no!  BUT everything in moderation is ok... AND if you can avoid preservatives, then that's always good news.... I highlighted the changes I made in ingredients below.  Go HERE to check out the original recipe.

Pair It With: A nice long walk on the beach :-) or around the block! Take your significant other or your Loves :-)  Get some time away from the TV and the internet and go for a nice stroll to help burn off the "fried" calories.


Ingredients:
- Sunflower Oil
- Batter Blaster Buttermilk or Organic Original batter
- Back To Nature- Chocolate Creme Cookies
- (optional) Honey
- (optional) Homemade whipped cream (Try Organic Valley's, it's delicious :-)

Directions:
1. Heat Sunflower Oil in saucepan to a medium heat. Test the oil’s temperature by spraying a dab of Batter Blaster into the oil. If the batter keeps its color, then it’s ready. If the batter doesn’t bubble, turn up the heat. If the batter immediately turns brown, turn down the heat.

2. Next, spray some Batter Blaster in a small bowl and dunk the Back To Nature- Chocolate Creme Cookies (however many you want to make) in the batter to cover completely.

3. Using a pair of tongs, remove the Back To Nature- Chocolate Creme Cookies from the batter and drop them in the heated oil. Use a fork to flip the Back To Nature- Chocolate Creme Cookies to check the underside. Once this side is golden brown, flip the Oreo and let the reverse side cook for the same amount of time.

4. When both sides are golden brown, take the Back To Nature- Chocolate Creme Cookies out of the oil and place them on a paper towel to soak up the excess oil.

5. Serve the Back To Nature- Chocolate Creme Cookies on a plate topped with honey (or nothing at all!) and homemade whipped cream. Yum!

I'm definitely making these this weekend!!

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#3 ORGANIC OBSESS- Batter Blaster Organic Pancake/Waffle Mix


Batter Blaster is a fully prepared, fully Organic mix to make waffles and pancakes.  I found this great little waffle maker at Goodwill, cleaned it up and now I get to enjoy fresh, organic waffles on the weekends :-)

Deal Scenario: Publix has them BOGO this week!! 8/4- 8/11
BOGO at $4.19
- Whole Foods Coupon HERE $3/2 (not available on their site anymore, only here!!)
- (2) Manufacturers Coupon HERE $1/1
FINAL PRICE:  FREE + 81 cents Moneymaker!

Pair It With: Any delicious fruit that's in season!  Right now, strawberries and bananas would be a great choice!!  Get a Coupon for Driscoll's Strawberries HERE

Replace This:  Throw out those frozen waffles made by Eggo!  They're filled with preservatives and sugar!  Why eat frozen waffles when you can make FRESH ones in the same time it takes to toast a frozen waffle. 

~~Check out THIS alternative recipe to fried Oreos if you want to indulge a little bit~~

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#2 ORGANIC OBSESS- Liberte Mediteranean Yogurt



This is by far the BEST YOGURT I HAVE EVER HAD!  It's delicious with a great variety of flavors and best of all it's ALL NATURAL!  It contains no preservatives and is made from naturally-occurring ingredients.  It also has a thicker consistency and MORE protein so it helps keep you full in the morning until lunch time hits.

Deal Scenario: Publix Every 4-5 weeks has them on sale for 80 cents a piece (Reg. Price $1)
- $1/5 Coupon HERE
FINAL PRICE: $3/5 or 60 cents a piece

Replace This:
Any and all sugary yogurt made with artificial flavoring and ingredients.  These often come disguised bearing quirky names like Yoplait or Go-Gurt.

Pair It With:Back To Nature Granola 
Goes on sale at Publix- BOGO at $3.19 (It's been a while so I'm expecting a sale soon!) Have your coupons ready to go!
- Whole Foods Store Coupon HERE
- Manufacturer's Coupon HERE

Stack those coupons!

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#1 ORGANIC OBSESS- Tazo Organic Chai Tea Latte


I just discovered and am officially OBSESSED with Tazo's Organic Chai Tea!  I mix it half and half with some non-fat organic milk and serve it on ice for a delicious latte.  It has a great mix of flavor including cinnamon, anise, and black tea.  It's a little spicy and also sweet due to the added organic evaporated sugar cane juice NOT processed white sugar.

Deal Scenario: Publix Price on SALE NOW!!  $2.99 for 32 oz carton (Reg. Price $3.99)
- $1/1 Tazo Tea box or concentrate from 7/31 Newspaper
FINAL PRICE: $1.99

Replacement For:  Throw our that morning coffee!  Skip the afternoon caffeine crash and opt for the tea latte in the morning instead.  Let the invigorating aromas of the tea wake you up and prepare you for your day.  Also skip the bad coffee breath and let your teeth shine white and bright! 

Current Deals to Pair it With: 

  • Publix Greenwise organic milk $3.69  
  • Horizon Milk on SALE at Winn Dixie for $3.99 - $1/1 Coupon HERE = $2.99
  • Organic Valley Milk $3.95 - 0.50/1 Coupon HERE = $3.45
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New Organic Series of Posts! ORGANIC OBSESS!!



This month, I have decided to do something a little different.  I have been couponing for 3 months now and it's been fun, but I have not been eating as healthy as I would like to be.  My new goal with coupons is now not only to save money but save money on foods that are ACTUALLY GOOD FOR ME! This is why I have decided to start my first mini-series of month-long posts (one a day) on my favorite organic and/or natural products that can serve as GREAT ALTERNATIVES TO JUNK FOOD most people tend to buy when doing extreme couponing.  In each post, I will include the following:

- Brand and Item
- Price I have gotten it for before and sale scenario
- Coupon locations (if any are currently out)
- What junk food item it should replace in YOUR pantry!

I always hear a lot of people say "Organic food is so much more expensive and it's just not worth it." I used to be one of these people until around 5 months ago.  I began to read the ingredients and notice the NUMBER of ingredients in all of my favorite products.  Needless to say, they are not my favorite anymore!  I have found new and improved Organic and natural versions of the old preservative filled junk that was getting free rent space in my body.  I feel better and more awake in the mornings.  I am no longer a slave to coffee!!  I also sleep better at night since my body no longer stay awake churning away trying to break down the processed dinner I ate 4 hours prior...

The transition to organic foods can be a bit jarring if you do it all at once.  But if you do it gradually and slowly replace:
  • white processed sugar --> organic raw sugar
  • white bread --> whole grain bread
  • milk --> organic milk
  • sugary cereals --> whole grain and oats based organic cereals

you will adjust much better.  The reason for the crash when you're switching from a completely non-organic diet to an organic one is because your body is used to an intake of very sweet, very processed, and very artificial foods that the organic ones may not taste very good to you, not sweet enough, or too "hearty".  The truth is that your body goes through a withdrawal stage of the processed foods thus making it harder to switch to a lower-sugar, more natural, and more nutritional diet.  I am convinced (and I know you will be too after this post series) that if you start small and slowly replace one food item you often buy with the organic alternative each week, you will be on the road to success!

Now you will have some frustrations along the road...
1.  Not all grocery stores carry organic and/or natural items
     What You Can Do:  Ask your store manager to start carrying some of the brands I mention.  Some of my favorites are: Stonyfield, Annie's, Amy's, and Organic Valley.

2. Organic Foods tend to be More Expensive
     What You Can Do:  I know you extreme couponers out there know that there is ALWAYS a way to get food for CHEAP!!  Wait for a sale and make sure you stack coupons when you buy organic food items, I will help you with this!  If you have a Publix nearby and they accept Whole Foods coupons, then you're set!  Otherwise, if you have a Whole Foods Market nearby, this will help greatly too.  Look up some nearby Farmer's Markets or some fruit and vegetable co-ops to get your hands on some organic produce for much cheaper than you may find in the stores, not to mention much FRESHER!  Once you start seeing some of the organic and/or natural products I have been getting with coupons, you will no longer see the higher priced organic items to be that big of an obstacle... Besides organic foods are an INVESTMENT IN YOUR HEALTH!

Well I hope that this introduction post has gotten the wheels rolling for some of you... 30 days is all I'm asking!!  I'll post 1 food item a day and you replace 1 food item a week, that's it!  Just one!

And for those dog lovers out there... your Loves can eat organic too without you having to break your piggybank!  I'll make sure to put some doggy deals out there too.

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