Happy New Year!

I know what you're thinking: {It's still September...Is she crazy?}

Well, yes, I am a little bit. BECAUSE I MISSED MY BLOGIVERSARY! It was September 3rd!

I was going back through some of my old stuff yesterday, reminiscing over some of the deals I've gotten over the last year, relishing in my witty repertoire, and being a little self-critical--but not in a bad way.

I once had high hopes for the Oh, Baby! series, but quickly learned that I am too long-winded (or is it long-typeded, heehee) and I do not have the time to dedicate to writing full-length articles. I'm okay with that, now.

On the other hand, I really really wanted to continue the Getting Started Series for people new to couponing. That was before I did the CVS & Walgreens matchups, and it was too time-consuming. So here's my solution for that one: From now on, when I post a coupon matchup, deals that can be had by a 1st week couponer will be written in blue. That means coupons from the most recent newspaper or currently available printable coupons. Neat, huh?

I've also noticed that I've pared down the content in my coupon matchups. There are two reasons behind this: 1. I've left the "Real World" and refuse to pay typical prices. I've gotten real stingy about what I consider a good deal. 2. I learned that you guys are smart boys and girls and you know how to read an ad yourself. You don't need me to type the whole ad--You're just screaming "Show me the Coupons" like Cuba & Tom.

Another thing--I really miss bragging sharing all my good buys with my readers! Gotta get more Show & Tell's going on again!

In the month of October, I will be focusing on two things:

Tips & Tricks: I didn't invent this unique way of shopping, but I'm pretty good at it and I've done a lot of research. I want to give you daily (?) tips to help you on your journey.

Fashion: "What?" you say. Fashion? Yup. I'll keep you guessing a little longer on that one. ;)

By the way, this is my 500th post! How climactic!

A Couple of McDade's Deals

I'm very new to shopping at McDade's. Each week, I check their ad online. They always have one or two good deals, but they are not real near me or on my way to anywhere. The last two weeks I went out of my way to go anyway.

They double coupons up to and including .60 and they do accept internet coupons. No customer card is required.

Here's just a few things on sale until Tuesday:

Wacky Mac Pasta

$1

.50 Manufacturer's coupon from 5/10 SmartSource insert
.75 Printable coupon HERE
Final Price: FREE -.25

Act II Popcorn, 3-pk. (Butter & Extra Butter varieties only)
$1
.40 Manufacturer's coupon from 9/20 SmartSource
Final Price: .20

Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce
$1
(O, how we love some enchiladas!)

Kroger (September 23rd-29th)

My Kroger stores are part of the Delta region. Advertisements run from Wednesday thru Tuesday.

You do need a "Kroger Plus Card" for most sale prices. The card is free and can be obtained at the customer service desk.

My Kroger stores DOUBLE manufacturer's coupons up to and including 60 cents everyday. Up to 8 like coupons will double per transaction, all others will be redeemed at face value. Kroger DOES accept legitimate internet coupons.

Kroger also particpates in programs that offer electronic coupons that automatically deduct at the cash register when you use your Kroger Plus Card. Sign up at Shortcuts, Cellfire, and PGEsaver to load coupons to your card.

Kroger has a "Scan Rite" guarantee. If the item does not ring up correctly, you get it free. See customer service desk for details.

Kroger gives you .03 credit per reusable bag.

Here are the deals:

Wonder Bread
$1 for Classic White Sandwich Bread
$1.69 for Classic White (Yes, there's a difference.)
.55 Manufacturer's coupon from 8/30 Red Plum insert
.55 e-coupon HERE
Final Price: FREE

MEGA SALE: Buy 10 participating items, Get $5 off your order instantly! Must purchase in increments of 10. No limit. I am only including items with coupons matches, so see store/ad for more items included.

Wheat Thins Crackers
$2.49
$1 Printable coupon HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: .99

Juicy Juice
$2-$2.49
$1 off 2 Printable coupon HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: as low as $1
***Buy 3, Get $1 Off Your Next Order Coupon!***

Nestle Tollhouse Morsels
$3.39
.50 off 2 Printable coupon HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: $2.39

Jell-O Gelatin Mix
$1.27
.50 off 2 Printable coupon HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: .27

Jell-O Refrigerated Pudding or Gel, 6-pk
$2.75
.60 Printable coupon HERE and HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: $1.05

Nestle Refrigerated Cookie Dough
$2.49
$1 Printable coupon HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: .99

Buitoni Pasta$3.69-$6.49
$1 Printable coupon HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: as low as $2.19

Kraft Bagel-fuls
$2.50
$1 Printable coupon HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: $1

Nestle Drumstick Sundae Cones
$2.99
$1 Printable coupon HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: $1.49

The Skinny Cow Frozen Snacks
$3.49
.50 Printable coupon HERE
.50 Mega Sale discount
Final Price: $1.99

Dropping the Ball

After double checking the deals, I've decided I won't be posting about Brookshire's this week.

Like I said, you can get FREE Luzianne Tea ($1.50) with the .60 Manufacturer's coupon from 6/21 SmartSource insert.

I also grabbed a 10 pound bag of Russet Potatoes for $2.99--I think the brand is Nature's Harvest? That's a great price!

Other than that, I'm just getting some of these deals, but they aren't necessarily "on sale":

Mentos Gum
$1.59
.55 Manufacturer's coupon from 9/13 SmartSource insert
Final Price: FREE

Martha White Cornbread Mix (in little white & red boxes)
.50
.55 off 2 Manufacturer's coupon from 8/9 Red Plum insert
Final Price: FREE

Mahatma White Rice (small bag)
$1.23
.55 Manufacturer's coupon from 8/30 Red Plum insert
Final Price: FREE

Success Boil-in-a-bag Rice, 2-pk.
$1.58
.50 Manufacturer's coupon from 8/30 Red Plum insert
Final Price: .08

Jell-O Gelatin Mix (small box)
.83
.50 off 2 Printable coupon HERE
Final Price: .08 each

Pringles Mini's, 5 ct. (lunchbox type bags)
$1.99
.50 Manufacturer's coupon from 8/30 P&G and 9/27 P&G inserts
Final Price: .49

On second thought. didn't I just post about Brookshire's? LOL!

Walgreens (September 27th-October 3rd)

If you're new to shopping with coupons, click HERE.

If you want to learn more about shopping at Walgreens, click HERE.

Freebies:

Theraflu Nighttime, 6 ct.
$4
Earns $4 Register Rewards when you buy 2, Earns $8 Register Rewards when you buy 3
$2 Walgreens coupon from Healthy Savings Booklet (Has anybody seen these locally?)
Final Price: FREE or FREE plus $2 overage!

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion
$6.99
Earns $6.99 Register Reward (Month-long Deal)
$1.50 Printable coupons HERE and HERE
Final Price: FREE plus $1.50 overage!

Dentek Floss Picks, 35 ct.
$2
Earns $2 Register Reward
$1 Printable coupon HERE and HERE
Final Price: FREE plus $1 overage!

Gillette Fusion MVP Razor
$8.99
Earns $6 Register Reward (Month-long Deal)
$4 Manufacturer's coupon from 9/27 P&G insert
Final Price: FREE plus $1 overage!

Oral-B Advantage 1-2-3 Toothbrush
$3
Earns $3 Register Reward
.75 Manufacturer's coupon from 9/27 P&G insert
Final Price: FREE plus .75 overage

Chapstick Fresh Effects
$2.99
Earns $2.99 Register Reward (Month-long Deal)
Final Price: FREE

Emergen-C Immune System, 2-pk.
$3.49
Earns $3.49 Register Reward (Month-long Deal)
Final Price: FREE

Hall's Refresh Sugar Free, 20 ct.
$1
Earns $1 Register Reward (Month-long Deal)
Final Price: FREE

Herbal Essences Hair Products
$2.99
Earns $2 Register Reward
$1 Manufacturer's coupon from 9/13 Red Plum insert
Final Price: FREE

Robitussin DM To-Go, 2-pk.
$2.49
Earns $2.49 Register Reward (Month-long Deal)
Final Price: FREE

Cheapies:

Gillette Venus Razor System
$7.99
Earns $4 Register Rewards
$2 Manufacturer's coupon from 9/27 P&G insert
Final Price: $1.99

Maybe's:

There is a coupon for $5 off you $25 purchase HERE valid on Tuesday and Wednesday ONLY. Remember, you must have a $25 subtotal after ALL coupons and discounts are applied (including Register Rewards).

CVS (September 27th-October 3rd)

If you're new to shopping with coupons, click HERE.

If you want to learn more about shopping at CVS, click HERE.

Freebies:

SUDNAY, MONDAY, & TUESDAY ONLY!
Vaseline
$7.99
Earns $7 Extra Bucks (LIMIT 1)
$1.50 Printable coupon HERE and HERE
Final Price: FREE plus overage!

Accu-Check Aviva Diabetes Monitoring Kit
$14.99
Earns $5 Extra Bucks (LIMIT 2)
$10 Manufacturer's coupon from 8/23 SmartSource insert
Final Price: FREE

Cheapies:

Gillette Fusion Razor
$9.99
Earns $5 Extra Bucks (LIMIT 1)
$4 Manufacturer's coupon from 9/27 P&G insert
Final Price: .99

Maybe's:

There's a Procter & Gamble deal on the front page: Buy $25 worth of selected products, get $10 Extra Bucks (LIMIT 1). Using the coupons from today's Procter & Gamble insert, you could get a fairly decent deal--especially if you are brand loyal to these products which are usually quite expensive.

Also, on the back page, there's an offer to get Monsters vs. Aliens on DVD for only $4.99 when you purchase $20 worth of selected Coke/Hershey products. It's hard to come by coupons for these products, but if you plan on buying the movie anyway, it's a good deal!

Coupon Preview for September 27th

Everything I've heard until a moment ago indicates that we'll be receiving 3 inserts in Sunday's paper: 1 Red Plum, 1 SmartSource, and 1 Procter & Gamble.

But as I was checking the full preview at The Coupon Clippers, I spied an "Other" insert. I wouldn't count on this insert locally, but if we do get it--BONUS! :)

I'm still sticking with my Kansas City Sensei to get better coupons!

P.S. I know I'm behind on my Kroger and Brookshire's matchups. The Mega Event continues through Tuesday and you can see those matchups HERE. At Brookshire's this week, I'm getting FREE Luzianne Tea Bags with a .60 Manufacturer's coupon from the 6/21 SmartSource insert.