In my mailbox..

A while ago I signed up for Vocal Point. It's a company that sends you free items to try so that you can blog about them. Well, my first freebie came recently...a full size bottle of Downy Unstoppables Fabric Freshener Crystals. (It came with the cutie ankle socks pictured.)

So, I gave it a try, and I like it! When you're doing P90X as I am, your workout clothes take a smelly beating, and most times my shirts come out of the wash smelling like melted deodorant. Instead, with Unstoppables, they came out smelling fresh and super clean. Maybe it's an illusion. Maybe it's magic. ;) I was worried the smell would be overpowering (which it was not after the wash), or that the freshness would fade, but so far so good. I am currently wearing a shirt that was washed 4 days ago and it smells like it just came out of the dryer.

Now, will I buy this product without high value coupons?

No, but that's how I am with everything!

Spent $34.29, Saved $47.63 & Got $12 back!!!

If you've talked to me recently about couponing, you know that I have been attempting to focus my energies on the grocery stores rather than simply the drugstores. Here's why- toothpaste, shampoo and body wash pretty much all go on sale every couple of months so it's not difficult to create a stockpile of these items. It's not, however, going to feed my family. I have to focus my grocery budget on food! So, since I now have a 2-3 months supply of most health and beauty items from my first couple of months doing this coupon thing, I'm waging war on Albertsons!! (And Vons and Winco and any other store I can get good deals at.) Here's my adventure today.....

• 4 Crest Toothpastes, Regularly $3.79 each, Sale 2 for $3

Used 4 $0.75/1 coupons

Paid $3 for all three, got 2 $1 catalinas from Albertsons and 1 $2 from Crest

(Since I paid $3 and got $4 back, this was actually a moneymaker!!!)

• 2 4-packs of Dannon Light and Fit yogurt, Regularly $2.99 each, Sale 2 for $4

Used 2 $1/1 coupons

Paid $ 2, got $1 catalina back from Albertsons

• 1 Gallon of Fat Free Milk, Regular Price $3.89

Used "Free Milk" Catalina from previous General Mills purchase

Since the value of the coupon is for $4.50, the cashier gave me the overage of $0.61!!!

• 1 Pkg of Johnsonville Italian Sausage, Regularly $5.99, Sale $4.29

Used $1/1 coupon

Paid $3.29, Got 1 $1 Catalina from Albertsons

• 2 Lucky Charms, Regularly $3.99, Sale 4/$10

(Ok, so I went in with Honey Nut Cheerios coupons, but the participating size was sold out. I only got the Lucky Charms because they went with the General Mills deal for free milk fm GM and $ Catalinas fm Albertsons. I will probably make some marshmallowy treat with them.)

Paid $5, Got Free Milk Catalina from GM and $2 Catalina fm Albertsons

• 2 Boxes of Nature Vally Granola Bars, Regularly $4.19, Sale 4/$10

Used 1 $0.75/2 coupon

Paid $4.25, got the Catalinas already listed above (this was one deal with GM cereals)

• 2 Boxes Emerald Breakfast-on-the-Go, Regularly $3.59, Sale 2/$5

Used 2 $1/1 coupons

Paid $3, got $1 Catalina from Albertsons

• 1 12-pack of Quilted Northern Toilet paper, Regularly $ 10.49, Sale $6.49

Paid $6.49, got $1 Catalina from Albertsons

• 1 tub of Cottage Cheese $2.70

No coupons, just needed it

• 1 bunch of bananas $1.51
• 1 lb of Strawberries $3.99,

(Ok here I got robbed because the price listed on the shelf was $1.99, but when I got home and checked the ad, they are supposed to be BOGO at $3.99 and the cashier simply didn't say anything. Good reason to keep the weekly ad with you when you shop! Either way, they are much cheaper at Vons this week. I just didn't have any other deals I liked at Vons this week.)

Also pictured are 3 items from Target....

• 2 10-packs Papermate pens, Sale $1 each

Used $1/1 Target coupon

Paid: $0 - 2 pack for Free!!!

• 1 5ct pack of Zyrtec, Sale $5.29

Used $5/1 coupon from Walmart website

Paid: $0.29

....So that's how I spent $34.29, Saved $47.63, and came away with $12 in Catalinas that can be used toward my next Albertsons purchase...oooh! and a Catalina for another free milk! Life is good!

There are a lot of great deals listed in the weekly ads. For coupon match ups, check www.saveathomemommy.com or use her Coupon Database to search for coupons that you can use. I hope this helps/encourages you to go and get great saving for yourself this week!