Albertson's 7.20.11

Today was ANOTHER great day at Albertson's. I LOVE LOVE Albertsons! Especially because today I received more than I anticipated for in catalinas.

Here's my grocery list for today's visit.  I walked in with $14 in catalinas towards my purchase and 2 free gallons of milk from my last shopping trip.

-Albertson's Whole Milk (2) $4.29 each. Final Price - FREE!!!

Barilla Piccolini Pasta (6). On Sale for $1.89. Used (6) $1 off qpns. Final Price $.89 each

-Nesquick individual milk (6). On Sale 2 for $3. Used $.50 coupons. Final Price - $1 each

Emerald On The Go Breakfast Bars (6). On Sale 2 for $5. Used $1.50 off 2. Final Price $2 each and receive $1 catalina.

Crest Toothpaste (4). On Sale 2 for $3. Used $.75 off 1. Final Price $.75 each and receive $1 catalina.

Crest Indicator Toothbrush. On Sale 2 for $3. Used (3) BOGO qpn and (1) $2 off 2. Final Price $.88 each and receive $1 catalina.

Lucky Charms (6) Honey Nut Cheerios (6).  On Sale 4 for $10. used (2) $2 off 5 and (2) $.50 qpns for Honey Nut Cheerios. Final Price $2.08 and receive $6 in catalinas ($2 for every group of 4)

Nature Valley Thins (3) . On sale 2 for $5. used $.75 qpns. Final Price $1.75 each and receive $2 in catalinas

Fiber One Brownies. On sale 2 for $5. used $.75 qpns. Final Price $1.75 each and receive $2 in catalinas

Nature Valley Granola Bars. On Sale 2 for $5. Used $.75 qpns. Final Price $1.75 each and receive in $2 catalinas.

Total Retail Value: $224.48

Total Saved with Preferred Savings and Coupons: $147.19

Total Spent: $77.29 AND received $38 in catalinas and 7 free milk vouchers!!!

I had originally anticipated only $23 in catalinas.  No milk.  You can imagine how ecstatic I was when that catalina machine was still spitting out more coupons! 

Ralphs - 7.20.11

Another great grocery day for me at least.  Came in with a list and got EVERYTHING that I accounted for. There was one little snag though, they would only honor 3 "like" coupons, but I didn't mind seeing as they had doubled all my $.50 coupons. So it was a win-win!

Here's my grocery list... I only tried to purchased items that were part of the Mega Event Sale to maximize on savings.

- Ralph's Large Eggs on Sale for $.99 each (2) This was the only item NOT on the Mega Event Sale but at this price, who could resist!

- Colgate Toothpaste on Sale for $.99 (4) - Here's where I hit a little snag with my 4th coupon but that's okay. Used $.50 qpns (3). Final Price (3 w qpns) - $.50 each and (1) $.99 each

-Kleenex Tissue Boxes on Sale for $.99 (12). Used $.50 off 3. Another snag. Final Price (9 w qpns) - $.82 each and (3) $.99 each

-Smart Balance Spreads on Sale for $2.49 (4). Used $1 off 2. Another Snag. Final Price (2 w qpns) $1.99 each and (2) $2.49 each

-Smart Balance Butter Sticks on Sale for $2.49 (4). Used $1 off 2. Another Snag. Final Price (2 w qpns) $1.99 each and (2) $2.49 each

Wisk Laundry Detergent on Sale for $3.49 (1). Used $1 off 1. Final Price $2.49 each

Bird's Eye Steam Fresh Rice on Sale for $.89 (6). Final Price $.89 each

Kettle Chips on Sale for $2.49 (6). Used $1 off 1. Final Price $1.49

Total Retail Value with Coupons: $135.44

Total Saved with Ralphs Rewards and Coupons $91.86

Total  Spent: $43.58

Savings Tip: Today I redeemed my receipts from Shell Gas Station and received double points for the amount I spent there. Once you reach 500 points you'll receive a $5 qpn towards you're next purchase. Then you can reach $1 there after for every 100 points you earn with a limit of $250 every cycle.



Albertson's 07.13.11

Savings Tip:  Maximize your future visits by signing up online and registering your rewards cards at the stores.  Albertson's offers $5 off your order of $25 or more.  Refer your friends and receive up to 5 more $5 rewards!

Half the fun of couponing is the research that you have to do to get the best deals possible on your quest to bargain hunt.  Afterall the worst feeling for a couponer to feel is to have used all of her coupons on a previous transaction and miss out on a better deal.  So pace yourselves friends, most things go on sale within a 3 - 4 weeks and if you miss a great opportunity, rest assure that there will be another bargain you can reap your awards with.

Albertson's trip was my favorite so far this week! I had to use my coupon for free milk that was expiring that day and I scanned our weekly circular to see what specials were running and if I would get a great deal on some things that I needed to stock up on. 

Here's the breakdown...

Chef Boyardee. On Sale $.99

Kelloggs Cereal Lucky Charms - On Sale $2.50. Used (4) $1/2. Final Price $2 each. Received $5 Towards Next Purchase for Every Offer and a Gallon of Free Milk.

Pop Tarts/ On Sale 3/$5. Used (4) $2/3. Final Price $.67 each. Received $1 Towards Next Purchase for Every Offer

Fruit Roll Ups. Sale 2/$5. $.75/2. Final Price $2.13. Received $1 Towards Next Purchase for Every Offer.

Nature Valley Granola Thins. Sale 2/$5. Used (8) $.75 coupons. Final Price $1.75 each. . Received $5 Towards Next Purchase for Every Offer and a Gallon of Free Milk.

Total Retail Value with Tax: $151.06

Total Savings with Preferred Card and Coupons: $80.63

Total OOP with Tax: $70.43
and received 5 gallons of milk for FREE and $14 my next purchase order. 

I also scored a couple $5 coupons for referring friends over to the Albertson's website to register their card! Can't wait to see the sales next week =D

Happy Klippin fellow Koupon Kuties. 

Ralphs 7.15.11

Savings Tip: Take advantage of store specials such as Ralph's Buy 10 and save $5 instantly. Then match them up with coupons you may have for specific items to maximize in overall savings.

Okay, I guess I'm gonna pay a little here in procrastinating as I'm going to have to pick the good ole' memory bank to share with you my grocery shopping trip to Ralphs this week.

I love Ralphs, but because I'm still not clear on which coupons get a "bonus" coupon ring up (sometimes I see all and sometimes I only see the first coupons getting doubled). So I'm just going to post what coupons I used for these sale items.

Ooops - excuse the chaotic mess in the background. On couponing days, house cleaning go on the back burner, haha!

Anyways - Mayonnaise... Here's the breakdown!

All my items were purchased in groups of 10 to maximize my savings with the store special of $5 off instantly.

Sunny D. On Sale $.99

Pringles. On Sale $.99. Used (3) $1/3 coupons. Final Price $.66 each

Philadelphia Cooking Cremes. On Sale $2.79. Used (6) $.75 coupons. Final Price $2.04 each

Ore Ida Sweet Potato Fries. On Sale $2.49. Used (2) $1/2 coupons. Final Price $1.99 each

Colgate Toothpaste. On Sale $.99. used (4) $.75 coupons and (3)$.50 - Some coupons limit you to 4 "like" coupons in every transaction. Final Price $.25-.50 each.

Kraft Mayonaise. On Sale $2.49. used (5) $.75 coupons. Final Price $1.74 each

Classico Pasta Sauce. On Sale $1.79. Used (2) $1/2. Final Price $1.29 each

Barilla Pic. Pasta. On Sale 2/$3. Used (6) $1 coupons. Final Price $1

Horizon Single Serve Milk. On Sale $.88. Used $.75/3. Final Price $.63 each

Kraft Dressing. On Sale $1.49. Used  (4) $.50 coupons. Final Price $.99 each

I also bought 2-1 lb. Packages of Ground Beef, 1 2-lb Package of Chicken Breast and two books of stamps. Approximately $36.78 without tax.

Total Retail Value with Tax: $229.48

Total Savings with Rewards and Coupons: $130.67

Total OOP with Tax: $98.81.

Not bad, consider almost $17.60 of this was postage stamps =) 



Rite Aid - 07.16.11

Yikes! I've been MIA! I promise I'll never do that again!!!

I've been on a couple of shopping trip lately and I'll blog about this real soon as my drugstore visits are coming up this weekend (BTW, not much to toot and holler about, but there's still savings to be had out there)

I just realized that our Rite Aid sales actually start on Fridays rather on Saturdays like all the other drugstores usually. ROOKIE MISTAKE - I'm sure, but hey we learn right? Anyhow, I scooted my little tushie over to the closest Rite Aid earlier this evening with a couple of things that I wanted to get with this week's sales.  Remember it's not that great of a weekend for drugstore savings, but I'll get what I can =)

But first, let me tell you how nerve wrecking it was to be at the check out stand, I had one of those gut feelings that somehow my transactions would just go horribly wrong so before I even put my stuff on the belt I let two people ahead of me with a hand full of items to purchase ahead of me.  But when it came time to scan the coupons, everything went horribly time consuming.  Some of my coupons wouldn't scan (which were clipped out of the Sunday Newspapers) and then I sat there watching the cashier scrutinize my coupons - thank goodness I'm OCD with my coupons because I read every-single-word in fine print to make sure I was using them correctly. Then their own Up Rewards didn't scan at all and apparently this was a known issue within the store - PHEW! Anyways, all in all about 10 coupons had to be punched manually and you can only imagine the line behind me getting longer and my face turning white from emberassment - yes, I said white, because Filipinos don't usually turn red unless you piss them off, ha!

Anyways, here's the break down....

I rolled in $21 in Up Rewards from last week.

Colgate. On Sale 2/$5. Used (2) $.75 coupons. Final Price $1.75 each (Note: I normally wouldn't purchase these at such a high price but because my coupons were expiring tonight, I "had" to)

Care Free Panty Liners 20 ct.  On Sale $1. Used (7) $.50 coupons. Final Price $.50 each

Got2B Hair Gel. On Sale $4.99. Get $2 Up Rewards - Limit 3. Paid $4.99 each but received $2 Up Rewards each.

Excedrin Migrain 24 ct and Extra Strength 20 ct. On Sale $1.99. Used (6) $.75 coupons. Final Price $1.24 each

Gilette Fusion Cartridge 4ct. Special Morning Must Haves Store Special - Purchase $25, receive $5 Up Rewards. And purchase a Gilette Fusion Cartridge, get a Gilette Fusion Shaving Gel for FREE!!!! Price $15.99. Used (2) $4 coupons. Final Price was $11.99 each, received one Gilette Fusion Shaving Gel for FREE!!!

Total Retail Value: $120.58

Total Savings with Wellness Card and Coupons: $81.49

Total OOP with Tax: $39.09 and received $11 in Up Rewards for my next visit.

Savings Tip:  Always go the first two days of a sale to maximize on savings and get things while they're in stock =)

Happy Klippin Fellow Koupon Kuties!

Taking The Good With The Bad.

I've shared before that sometimes hauls aren't as great as I wish they would be. But a savings is a savings right??  Right.  The last few visits haven't been magnificent but I think it's because I jump the gun on sales or posts about sales that I run over to grab them before they run out.  Not thinking that I'm far too excited to care how much of a savings I get, but more that I'm getting a savings at all.

So I've decided not to purchase any items that won't have a greater return, unless it's an item that I'm absolutely in need for i.e. uhhhh.... a staple food, OTC meds my family or myself needs, etc.  I'm hoping this change in tactic might help with the overall savings.

This is the first month I've been building up my stockpile and I've come out of pocket but not over my normal shopping budget for groceries and necessities. Somehow I've managed to keep myself under budget throughout the month and perhaps even saved as well. 

The hubby was kind enough to create a small stockpile center for me in our garage, while the reorganization is going on in the garage. And probably to keep my stockpile from taking over the living room, LOL! The picture above are all the items I've purchased that are non perishable and are things like personal hygiene, cleaning supplies, and other items that can sustain the fluctuating environment a garage has. 

I think I've visited it about 4 times since I've organized it and have looked at the picture on my iPhone in astonishment countless times. It's funny how attached you get to each item, knowing exactly how much you spent for it and how big of a savings it was. It's a little weird, I know. But seriously can you believe that this is a fraction of what I've purchased in the last month without going over my normal monthly grocery and shopping budget??  Leave ya' wondering why the heck I didn't do this before. Uhhhhhhhhhhh.....

Anyway, there will be some weeks that are Uh-mazing and some weeks where you save on average.  The point is, you saved =D This was a bad week for me. Paying a  little on the higher side but getting a great return for my next visits.  I just need to learn to pace myself =D

Happy Klipping Fellow Koupon Kuties! 

Rite Aid 07.11.11

A couple of weeks ago when Rite Aid had a glorious sale on Lysol No Touch Dispensers, I was disappointed to find that they were completely out of stock. So as my first attempt my BFF and I decided to ask for Rain Checks, because the UP Reward Limit was 2, we asked for 2 each and decided that we could wait.  No Touch Dispensers usually retail for about $15.99, but were on sale for $7.99 with an UP Reward of $3 each. We also had $3 off coupons from one of the coupon inserts bringing down our discount significantly to $1.99!!!

So in an attempt to take advantage of this deal and redeem my Rain Check I trekked on over to Rite Aid after picking up some last minute deals at Stater Bros.

Unfortunately, they were still out of stock! BUT I'm always prepared with sorted coupons for all my favorite stores in the event that I should be close to one. I was already there so I decided to take advantage of my time and purchased some goodies...

Walked in with $4 in Up Reward QPNS from a previous visit. 

Soft Soap. Sale Price $2.99, Up Reward $2. Limit 4. Purchased 4, paid $.99 each and rcv'd $8 in Up Rewards

Schick Hydro Razors. Sale Price $7.99. Up Rewards $2. Limit 4. Purchased 4, used $4 qpns and paid $3.99 each and received $8 in Up Rewards.

Cover Girl Naturelux, BOGO 50% off. First Item $7.49, Second Item $3.74. Purchased 4, used $5/2 qpns and paid $6.23 for 2 ($3.12 each)

L'Oreal Kids Shampoo. Sale Price $2/$5. Purchased 6, used $.75 qpns, paid $1.75 each.

Oral B Pro Glide. Sale Price $3.99. Up Rewards $1.50. Limit 4. Purchased 4, used $.75 qpns and paid $3.24 each and recieved $6 in Up Rewards.

Sally Hansen Standard Nail Clipper, BOGO 50% off.Bought varioius Beauty Tools to use $2 qpns. Purchased 8 and paid $14.82 for 5 Nail Clippers, 2 Brow Shapers, and a Nipper. 

Total Retail Value with Tax: $182.06

Total Savings with Wellness Card and Coupons: $96.54

Total OOP: $85.52

and walked away with $21 in Up Reward Coupons to use towards my next purchase!!!

And a rain check for that darn Lysol No Touch!

 

Stater Bros - 07.11.11

I have been dying to get my little tushie over to Stater Bros since the ads came out last week, but have been so busy with...LIFE that I just didn't have the time. Well today the kids slept in and the hubby was working from home so I took advantage of hitting the stores that I missed last week.

Today, I scored these goodies from Stater Bros. Thankfully they were still stocked up on a the two things that I was absolutely there for: Wheat  Thins and Kraft Salad Dressing!

Here's The Break Down:

Wheat Thins on sale for $1.99 Store Special Instant Savings of $3 off when you buy 6 knocking down the price to $1.49 each. Used $1/2 qpns and ended up paying $.99 each.

I purchased 12 to take advantage of the Store Special that Limits you to 4 offers. This will go great for those afternoons that the boys need a little snack.

Kraft Salad Dressing on sale for $1.99 Store Special Instant Savings of $3 off when you buy 6 knocking down the price to $1.49 each. Used $1/2 qpns and ended up paying $.99 each

Again, I purchased 12 to take advantage of the Store Special that Limits you to 4 offers.

Loved the little peelie to the bottle of $.50 off of one bottle of Salad Dressing for future use. Came home $6 worth of qpns to use in the future!

Stater Bros Purified Water on sale for $2.99 - Because we've gotta keep hydrated in this summer heat.

I also purchased Stater Bros Glass Cleaner and a microfiber towel since my car windows were absolutely filthy by the hard water stains.  Safety first =D

Total Retail Value with Tax: $95.59

Total Savings with Store Specials and Coupons: $57.60

Total OOP: $37.99

and came home with $6 worth of coupons for future use of Kraft Dressing.

What I won't ever do again...

I'll never shop at Target again, just kidding! Well not really, Target's got that Costco effect. You know? The one where you come in with a list and you walk out completely ignoring the list but still manage to pay way too much when you were really supposed to be saving. Grrr...

I have to say I was still proud of myself for getting things that I knew we would eventually need in the next 3 months. Normally, my ending balances aren't so high but with summer ending and Back to School shopping and our regular stock at home diminishing, there were some things that I needed to get.. you know? To survive!

This was perhaps the wrong weekend to launch my new blog and I could have postponed it, but I wanted to make a point. You don't always have to walk out of a store with extreme savings, that's really not what all this is about - well, to me it isn't.  It's about being able to stretch your dollar for items you need or will need.  Forecasting savings to be had when all these shampoos, toothbrushes, razors, etc won't be on sale and you'll be stuck paying full price - blegh! That's the idea behind stock piling.

Another thing I learned today is that it's okay to spend a little bit more then what the Extreme Couponers would for things that you enjoy or prefer while still not paying full price. You can't have everything for free, I mean where would all the joy and fun be in that? Besides "shelfing" would be at a rise if things were always free, haha!

Which brings me to my next peeve. This morning I went to the gas station to pick up my usual newspapers only to discover that ALL the inserts were taken out! Yes - you read that correctly... ALL the inserts were taken out.  Honest couponing is etiquette, it's really lame that people do this.  It's just as bad as putting $1.50 in those automated newstands and taking the entire pile... it's called stealing people and honestly it's so NOT cute! Not to mention trashy - you're just as well off dumpster diving. Anyways, I loathe people who do these things simply because it's not fair to the other couponers or people who just enjoy reading the newspaper. 

Do it with a little class people. No savings is worth your dignity.

So while I didn't fully maximize in savings during these last three shopping trips, I'm still pretty happy with what I came home with.  My stock pile for Back to School has started beautifully and I think I'm pretty much well stocked up in the personal hygiene department where I can start saving some of these coupons to just maintenance my stock pile. 

You have to spend some to save some. So don't be down if you walk away from a store spending a little more than you had hoped, don't forget some of these trips aren't just about extreme couponing, sometimes it's about saving on necessities.

Have a Happy Sunday my Fellow Koupon Klippin Kuties! Muahz =D

CVS 07.10.11 - By Far The Best Bargain For Your Buck!

CVS Savings Tip #1: ALWAYS make a weekly visit to the Magic Red Machine that likes to spit out coupons. Remember to scan your CVS Extra Care Cards till it states there are no more coupons.  Today I recieved another $10 off my purchase of $50 and $3 off any Pain Relief purchase on select brands of $10 or more.

CVS Savings Tip #2: Did you know that if you register your CVS Extra Care card online you can recieve bonus rewards. Be sure to sign up for the Beauty Care Rewards Program as well. Savings are endless at CVS (am I a little bias to this store??? ha!)

Came into the store with $10 in ECB and a qpn for $10 off my purchase of $50 or more. I already saved $20 without buying anything, haha!

Breakdown of purchases

BIC Comfort 3 Advance Disposable Razors - Buy One Get One Half Off. Price: $7.49, had qpn for $3 each (3) Note: Had to purchase the BIC Flex 4 for $8.79 to maximize in savings.  Paid 11.76 for 4 - 4 packs of Razors.

Colgate Toothpaste on sale 3/$5, had $.75 qpn each (3), Paid 3/$2.75

Colgate Toothbrushes $4.39 each, $.40 qpn each (4), Paid $15.96, Special Offer, Spend $10 on Colgate Products receive $5 ECB

Garnier Fructise Shampoo and Conditioner on sale 3/$10, had qpn for $1 each, (6) Paid $14, Special Offer, spend $15 receive $5 ECB

BIC Soleil Razor System on sale $6.99 qpn for $3 each (2) , Paid $7.98, Special Offer (Limit 1), receive $3 in ECB with this purchase of one.

L'Oreal Cosmetics (Select Eye Make Up) $4.99, qpn $1 each (4) Paid $15.96, Specail Offer, Spend $15 receive $5 ECB

Head and Shoulders on sale $4.99, qpn $1 each and BOGO free (8), Paid $15.96

GUM Dental Floss (75 ct)  on sale BOGO Half Off $2.99, qpn $1 each (2) Paid $2.48

Fritos Jalapeno Cheddar Dip $2.99, Special Offer - Spend $15 receive $5 ECB

Bumble Bee Light Tuna Sale $.69 (Limit 10)

Total Value with Tax: $222.73

Savings with QPNS and Rewards: $118.16

Total OOP: $104.57 and recieved $23 in ECB and $10 off my purchase of $50. Total savings towards my next transaction before coupons is $33!!!

and who knows what the Magic Red Machine may spit out then! LOL!

Staples - 07.10.11 Taking Advantage of my Savings Pass!!!

Staples Savings Tip #1: If you've got kids or if you're a student yourself, I strongly recommend investing in the Staples Savings Card for Back To School.  For $10 you can save 15% off most your school supplies, every day - once a day between 7/3/11 thru 9/17/11.

Staples Savings Tip #2: Did you know you can use manufacturer coupons at your Staples store? Oh believe it! Read on if you want to know how I saved a little bit to go a long way below.

Okay, so like a complete rookie-dope I completely misplaced my receipt for the breakdown on this hall. BOO!!! I'll try to break it down for you as much as I can remember.

This week kick's off the $.01 and $.25 deals at Staples!

Penny Deals (Limit 2, With a $5 purchase minimum)

Eraser Tops

Quarter Deals (Limit 2, With a $5 purchase minimum)

Staples Stickies (Flags)

BIC Mechanical Pencils

Slider Pencil Case

Dollar Deals (Limit 2)

Children's 2-pack Scissors

Glue Sticks

Mini Note Pads

2 Dollar Deals (No Limit - At least I don't think so)

Push Pins

Staples Highlighters

Coupon Expandable File

Sale Item:

Charmin Basic Toilet Paper on sale for $4.99 with $.25 qpn and Savings Pass Discount they come down to $3.99 for a pack of 16. That's less than $.25 a roll! We got 4 packs =D

There are other great deals that you can find here online Staples Weekly Ad or in today's Sunday Newspaper. 

Total OOP: $35.41

My apologies again, I have no idea where my receipt went so I can't break down the savings. But you do have to admit that's a lot of supplies for the price I paid =D

Target 07.10.11 - TOTAL BUST!!!

I normally don't shop at Target for my coupon deals, but with all the Back to School Savings, I thought I'd give it a go and see what I can score.

I'll admit right now, I'm a little disappointed with this visit but some things I just needed to get =D

So here's the breakdown (you'll have to be patient with me, but I don't have SS or RP insert dates - although good couponers know whats already in their binders, just kidding!)

JOY Waffle Bowls - On Sale $1.99 (2)

Rose Art Glue Sticks - On sale $.20 (10)

Rose Art Crayons - On sale $.20 (5)

Crayola Crayons - On sale $.40 (5)

Skintimate - $1.97 (9), Had $.55 off qpns $1.42 each

Secret - $3.99 (4) recieved Secret Body Mist Spray for Free w/qpn, valued at $3.99 each (2), had $2 qpn off 4, $13.96 for 4 deoderants and 2 body mists.

Women's Dove w/ Bonus Body Mist Spray on Clearance for $3.38, had $2 qpn paid $1.38

Men's Dove w/bonus travel deoderant on Clearance for $3.38, had $2 qpn paid $1.38

Venus Embrace Razor System, $7.94 each (4), had $2 off qpn each. Special offer - Purchase 2, recieve $5 gift card. Final Price $23.76 and recieved $10 in gift cards for 4 razors.

Crest 3D toothpaste $2.99 had $.75 qpn. Bonus pack includes sample 3D Vivid and coupons (4)

Downy Fabric Softener - Vintage Edition - Clearance $3.48, $1 qpn paid $2.38 (4)

Scotch Brite Dishwash Brush - On sale $2.75, $.75 qpn paid $2

Scotch Brite Scrubber - On sale $1.97, $.75 qpn piad $1.22

Revolon Beauty Tools - Brow Scissors and Tweezers, Total $17.98, Target qpn $5 paid $12.98

I also bought a few other things pictured above.

Final....

Total Value with Tax: $177.30

Total Saved: $50.63 with qpns and special offers.

Total OOP: $126.67 and received $10 in gift cards.

This trip was a total was a total bust, but you can't win all of them.  I did manage to save a little bit of money with clearance items and coupons. But I probably won't be coming back here unless I most absolutely need something or there's a really big savings with coupons. 

Lesson learned =D

... And This Was The Beginning To The End...

Another typical Wednesday night and the hubby and I were glued to our television set like a couple from the 50's newly introduced to the colorful spectrum it delivered while slowing eating our dinner. Except this time, we were glued to the set with our mouths ajarred watching TLC's Extreme Couponing.  Like most of it's viewers, I'm sure the savings and hauls were a fair initation of the notion that "I too can do this!" And with that gung-ho attitude my mission started. 

One thing I wasn't prepared for was that there was a lot of "prep" work involved in even starting this adventure.  Collecting coupons was one thing, where and when to use it? Well, that was another thing. I discovered fairly quickly that research (tons of research) was about to take place on a weekly basis.  And in my research, I discovered that there was a huge society of coupon fanatics and within their society new lingo was developed.  "wyb?" "qpn" "wag" ... HUH!! What the heck did all this mean?? 

To tell you truthfully, I was a little intimidated just reading these blogs and forums.  Many people were complaining about "newbies" - arrrrgh... suddenly virtual snares are glared towards me.  Was it really such a bad thing to want to tap into this world of couponing??  Were the veteran couponers truly that catty toward the new generation of money saving new comers?  I wasn't too sure just yet, so like a shy girl at a new school, I sat quietly reading about different hauls and all the extraordinary savings. I read about snotty and annoyed cashiers and managers at various stores.  I read 24/7 for a couple of weeks, following whatever links they'd share to familiarize myself with the proper etiquette of couponing.  I was determined to fit into this clique and I was determined to do it quietly.

On my personal Facebook account, I soon shared my little mini hauls of savings - noting considerate etiquettes like not clearing out shelves. I've made many mistakes, walked out of the store thinking was it really worth all that stress?? And sometimes wanting to just skip some hauls completely.

Couponing isn't for the lazy and it isn't for those who don't think it'll work and it definitely ISN'T for those who are only fulfilled by immediate gratification with high expectations. It truly is a waiting game, a game that requires a couple of hours of intense research and incredible organizational skills.

So instead of flooding my Facebook account with countless pictures and coupon crazy stories, I thought I'd share them here with you. (You're probably visiting from my personal Facebook acct =). And if you twitter, you can now follow me here.

I can't promise you a GREAT deal or savings every time, but I can promise you a story.  Couponing is anything but dull.

Happy Klippin' Friends =D