Frozen

paid $5.33

Indeed! How I wish this week hadn't been this cold. Hubby and I could've enjoyed some time outside instead of being couch potatoes all day long.

We went out once and even I wanted to go home right away (which rarely happens). Almost skipped getting the cheap chocolates (thankfully I didn't!)

The extra freezer downstairs should remind me to stock up on meat and other favorite food so when it gets too cold I don't have to force myself to go out there and shop.

We didn't actually have to go out but hubby wanted to check out something at the mall and the store I usually go to happens to be in the vicinity plus I reminded hubby that he was craving for steamed buns so we kinda had to go to the Filipino store. Wrong move though, the steamed buns were expensive (never again!)

So hubby went to get his game, got my cheap chocolates, gel and lip balm. Steamed buns (check) but wait, my other favorite supermarket is just around the corner! Picked up Filipino sausages that were on sale and some dumplings too! Talk about unnecessary spending (ugh).

I know, we should've stayed at home. Anyway, that was the first and last trip outside for the whole week. Or maybe not, if I could convince hubby to go out today, I have a few last minute deals to purchase and then some first day deals to get my hands on tomorrow.

But all these can wait I guess. Cold weather messing up my grocery shopping (again!)

Advice to self? STOCK UP big time and when the weather tells you it's too cold to venture out? LISTEN! :D

No More Naps!

I like that the week that passed had been productive. The kids made their Valentine gifts in advance, we have collected quite a bit of money for their school fundraiser, kids went ice skating until they could no longer walk, bought them roller blades and tennis rackets for a very good price, and my free shopping.

FREE!

cracker chips and turkey bacon all for FREE!

.47 each

Hubby's days off from work, we literally spent in the car driving from point A to B, C, D, E. Our house is a mess right now BUT it's nice to be out and bring the kids to their activities rather than stay cooped up inside. I can't wait for hubby's next day off again! :D

A Year of Smart Shopping

Of course, I feel the need to share some of my shopping deals lately. The best one was when we redeemed our Optimum points worth $420 and paid only less than $10 out of pocket. We spent close to 4 hours between two stores. Lesson learned: next time, shop alone!

FREE!!!

I spent several hours arranging all these stuff in the kitchen, I am so impressed with my shopping and grateful for those points. Lately, the points event suck for me so I don't know if I'll be able to do this again next year.

Paid $4.54
Total Saved $190

Paid .44

A year into couponing and I am still in awe. I still can't believe how much stuff I have gotten for free, we have toiletries to last us a lifetime enabling me to focus more on food during my weekly grocery trips. I gave up counting how much I saved for the whole year but I'm pretty sure it's more than $5,000 because I stopped at $3,000 around the first quarter of this year :P

Thank you to all those who have helped me. You know who you are ♥

Shopping High With A Strict Budget

things I got for free and cheap last week

So I set a weekly budget of $75, so far from our $500-$600 monthly consumption back when I didn't have a care in the world. I have grown wiser and frugal in so many ways which is good and hopefully I'll see results in the months to come. I have amassed so much toiletries so we don't buy them anymore. I am concentrating more on food and some household supplies (detergent, garbage bags, cleaners, etc). I am beyond happy I can score drinkable yogurts for cents and kids' snacks for less than a dollar. Saving on those extends my budget and  let me try other stuff which we don't normally buy. I now pay more attention to the price of meat and only buy when they're at their lowest. I still have to know the lowest prices of fruits and veggies, I honestly don't know when they are cheap. Another thing that helps me save money is price matching. If only I'd have the courage and confidence to do it with meat and produce as well.

Lance's Pediasure stock

My favorite Arm & Hammer liquid detergent and Glad bags

I need more pantry cabinets :P

I went shopping last night and today with my friend Jocelyn. I spent $23 and saved about $285! Stocked up on Pediasure, granola bars, scored some cheap chicken, more liquid detergent, 500 Glad bags, free juice, cheap frozen veggies and free razors. I still have to get 11 more of the Pediasure before the sale ends. Sooo happy even though most of the stuff I bought are still on the floor :D

A Family Weekend

We spent the weekend in Calgary. I was able to convince hubby to stay there for 3 days and 2 nights and not just our usual overnight stay. The kids were pretty much amazed with the fancy hotel and begged to stay for a couple more nights.

Day 1 was spent in Deerfoot Mall and we ate lunch at Buffet Yangtze. It was delicious, there were plenty of choices, the kids loved the food and I would love to come back there again. The mall I didn't like much so after eating we headed to hubby's next agenda. The kids and I stayed in the car while hubby did his window shopping. A last minute trip to Chinook Centre was a must since Lance wanted to check out The Lego Store. Both kids got their toys while Mom and Dad bought nothing for themselves, maybe on Day 2!

Day 2 was reserved for CrossIron Mills. We had lunch at the food court, my favorite Tom Yum while the kids ordered pizza in Sbarro (I am craving for some Sbarro pizza as I type this), I forgot what hubby ordered all I can remember is we were satisfied and full. As usual hubby and I bought nothing but the kids got themselves some light up shoes. We went back to the hotel to rest then drove to Pacific Hut (a Filipino restaurant) and ate so much AGAIN!

Day 3 was the day of our very important appointment. We woke up early and walked to the building, luckily the kids were cooperative the whole time. After our appointment, we proceeded to the hotel and started packing. Our last day in Calgary, happy that we got what we came for, happy with the extra days and just happy for our family weekend.

I can't wait for August. A month long vacation, new places, new adventures, all I can think of is, soon I'll be tasting some yummy cannolis!!! :D

Free FOOD!

I honestly don't want to see a bottle of shampoo, body wash or hair color for as long as I live. My stock pile consists mostly of those and now I am concentrating on food items but then food coupons are rare and they are gone in less than 24 hours.

FREE!

I have been hoarding coupons for canned tomatoes luckily, they went on sale but I didn't get much since I still have more than ten cans here at home. And yes! I had to breathe and exercise self control. I could have gotten more BUT, maybe next time.

saved $84 on this purchase

Another favorite item I like to get is Lance's Pediasure. He has always been a picky eater and Pediasure has really helped supply him with nutrients his body needs. A pack consisting of four bottles is usually priced between $8.99-$9.99 and with coupons I only pay from free-$1.99. So now, he can drink as often as he wants without me thinking of the cost :D

Long Weekend 2012

Hubby just had his birthday a few days ago and it seemed like my own. We spent it quietly, no party and just some family time, watched Avengers, window shopped, shopped (for real) and slept haha! We should have gone on a road trip but we weren't able to plan the long weekend properly, blame it to laziness or being preoccupied with lotsa stuff lately, both hubby and I.

Happy Birthday B!

Post birthday lunch Sizzling pork belly

Still, it was an amazing weekend, nothing beats some family time and some retail therapy. We got some sizzling plates, silicone bakeware, etc. So hubby's birthday dinner was yummy sizzling steak!

silicone molds for my puto

bought cheap juice .07/can

I gave hubby a birthday gift, birthday gifts I mean and used coupons of course :D

my gifts to hubby: TEN Febreze car clips :)

Sleeping with My Stockpile

I have a horror story to share. I AM RUNNING OUT OF STORAGE! Is this a sign that I have to stop hauling stuff? Guess not! If it's free then it's for me haha!

We stopped at two pantry cabinets. The rest are all in the vacant spots here and there, literally in all corners of the house. Some are still on the dining table occupying half of it. 

Cheap pasta, more Dove, dishwashing liquid, and many more good deals. I could hardly breathe, too much excitement lately but all I could think of is our family back home. It brings a smile to my face that I can send them goodies for next to nothing.

And let's not forget that summer is fast approaching. I have been stocking up on juice, snacks and more juice! I have little piggies to feed all day long. I WANT ANOTHER FREEZER because soon we will need one but guess what? no space for another freezer!

Soon I'll be sleeping with my stockpile (not that I mind) I guess when this happens, I know it is time for me to STOP :D

Shopping vs. Chores

paid $8.42 ($5.79 TAX)

Guess who has been MIA? Yep, me the extreme couponer in the making :D Nothing new, still chasing good deals here and there, getting bigger and more exciting hauls every week with my coupon buddy.

clearance finds

One thing I have learned though is never do shopping and laundry on the same day. I slacked on some chores particularly laundry since it was Mother's day over the weekend. Huge mistake on my part, I got swamped yesterday plus I went on a printing frenzy so by the time I went to bed, I was dead tired. What's worse is I'm not even done with the laundry, I have 3 more loads to do today. So am I shopping today or what? :D

My Mini Grocery

stock pile

I finally got a box for stuff to be sent home. We are in the process of filling it up and with all the stuff I have amassed since November, a box isn't enough. It is going to be filled up with toiletries that's for sure. I would send more if I could, I have so much especially with my recent shopping trips.

Paid $7.78

Paid $4.54

Paid $4.17

Paid $17.95
Coupon savings = $184.46

Not everybody will agree and some might even laugh but I don't have any qualms, I love my coupons and the free things I get. I am so excited in sharing all these with my family back home and I look forward to many more good deals and freebies :D

A Good Sale + Coupons = FREE Items

white swan tissues .50 each-.50 coupon=FREE, pillsbury cookie dough $2-$2 coupon=FREE, Covergirl eye enhancers $3.97-$4 coupon=FREE

For the first time I am not at all excited with the flyers for this week, except for the free Oral B toothbrush starting tomorrow! We made a trip to Walmart yesterday to buy some stuff the kids need (boxers, socks) and decided to use my $4 Covergirl coupons as well. I still have some more but I'm waiting for a good sale to get the mascara for free. They would make as nice presents or maybe I should start putting makeup again?

Garnier fructis gel $1.97-$1 coupon=.97 cents, kraft bbq sauce on sale for a dollar each (no coupons)

Leila was too excited picking out the colors she wanted so out of the six eye enhancers, she got two and chose the pink and purple ones. I thought of using those coupons to buy the more expensive ones and invest on my own makeup kit again but I'm more excited to give them away. I like the buying part yes, especially when they are free! Anyway, I can always borrow Leila's makeup :D

Bigger, Better Hauls

I have missed my blog, my couponing has kept me busy and away from my usual outlet but I'm excited to share what I have been getting lately. More sweet deals especially now that I have summed up enough courage to do stacking all by myself. About a week ago too I did my biggest haul ever with coupons, stocking up on my kids' snacks for Spring/Summer road trips and some other necessities. I have also started posting them in my Facebook profile, I'm not the least embarrassed nor am I bragging but more of making people aware that coupons can save you $$$ :D

5x Rice Krispies 1.67-1.50=.17x5=.85
6x Rice Krispies 1.67-.75=.92x6=5.52
5x Ziploc 1.77-1=.77x5=3.85
3x Pro Health Rinse= FREE
3x Floss= FREE
2x Bagels= FREE
2x Vaseline= FREE
2x Oatmeal= FREE
1x Pam 4.77-1=3.77
1x Advil 6.47-2=4.47
1x Triaminic 6.62-2=4.62
8x KD Smart 1.27-.75=.52x8=4.16
3x carnation bfast 6.83-4=2.83x3=8.49
2x Liberte= FREE
2x Folgers 3.97-1=2.97x2=5.94
4x gravy .99x2=1.98 (2x bogo coupon)
2x Amooza 5.89x2=11.78-2=9.78 ddnt notice the wrong price :(
1x Heluva 2.49-.75=1.74
2x VH 3.69x2=7.38-2=5.38
2x Smuckers 4.24x2=8.48-1.50=6.98
2x Arctic garden BOGO=6.48
6x Catelli (sobeys) 1-.75=.25x6=1.50

Total b4 tax and coupons $ 182.52
after coupons = $75.51 + tax

2x Cheecha Puffs= FREE
2x Garnier (PM to WM) $1.97x2=$3.94-$4= FREE
1x Glade $9.99-$9=.99
2x Poise 4.99x2=$9.98-$10= FREE
8x Scrunge $1.99x8=$15.92-$16= FREE
10x Tylenol @ $7.99x10=$79.90-$80= FREE
2x vileda gloves $1.99x2= $3.98-$4= FREE
1x Benylin $9.99-$9= .99

Total paid= $8.37 ($6.49 for the tax)
Coupon savings = $137.82

 

 

Making Room for More

my 'office'

We had to make some changes here at home, I just had to have a computer desk which can accommodate all my coupon related stuff in other words, my MESS. So I got one for my birthday thanks to hubby. We also had to get a pantry cabinet for all the extra stuff as well and yes there goes my coupon savings. It's nice to see them all in one place, some are in the kitchen cupboards and in our storage cabinet.

cereals were free and some I bought for 47 cents, rice krispies squares, tuna, triscuits all free, the rest are below a dollar- $4 max/item (laundry detergent but the other 2 were free as well)

ziploc $4.97/4 boxes, 40 bottles of hairspray and mousse for free and boxed tissues for 79 cents each

I'm pretty sure I'll be needing more room to put my future hauls. I'm hoping I would be able to fill up a box to send to our relatives in the Philippines. I am not getting these for myself and I can't wait to share the goodies. Knowing it's going to bring joy to others especially to our families motivates me to coupon, coupon and coupon. We won't be able to afford to buy all these without sacrificing our own budget at home and couponing has made it all possible :D

proud of his mommy's stockpile

AWESOME Deals!

So I've been MIA for the past weeks chasing deals and freebies. All I can say is, I LOVE what I'm doing and the effort and amount of time I put into it is really WORTH it. You be the judge.

Aylmer Accents 50 cents/can

$2.99-$3 coupon = FREE except for the tax

Free lean Cuisine, Mc Cain pizza $2/box, Hair color $1.98/2 boxes

evrything FREE except for the tax

Now you know why I'm grinning from ear to ear and MIA these days. Shopping is now more fun knowing I can get free items out of a store :D

Good Deals

paid $5.77 for all these

I have been busy shopping free and cheap items lately. Hopefully, this will help with our grocery budget, put more food on our table, use for donation, share with relatives and best of all save us a lot money by the end of the year.

This is why I am so busy lately, blog being neglected as well as my household chores. I just can't resist a good deal. A good example of which is the new Dove Visiblecare bodywash. It is regularly priced at $4.72, went down to $2.97 minus a $2 off coupon. .97/bottle is way too good to pass up so I bought a lot and shared coupons to our friends. This product went out of stock in days, I am so relieved a picked up a few bottles before they got cleared out. Of course, there's always this feeling that I should have picked out a few more but that wouldn't be saving anymore so it's important to have a limit and a budget specifically for stockpiling.

paid $3.44 + tax

One trip I enjoyed the most was when I went to claim 2 free Sunlight detergent, 1 free kashi cereal, 1 free Special K cereal and 2 boxes of motrin. I paid only .89 at the till and can't stop grinning from ear to ear.

I also received a gift pack from Kellogg's with new flavors that aren't even out in the market. The kids were extremely happy with those Kellogg's boxes and Leila is hoping the mailman will bring her more free cereal.

In the few months that I have started saving through coupons (I started late November), I have accumulated a neat pile of stuff  which looks like a sari-sari store (mini store). I like to stare at it from time to time, still couldn't believe how cheap I got them and I know I want more. I can never go back to paying full price so everywhere I go, my coupon binder goes :D

Using Coupon$

FREE!

Bear with me as I can talk all day about coupons. I even used them for our Christmas gifts this year. I was so excited and we probably saved a lot by using them. Starting next year, I'll pay more attention to deals, be more organized especially now that I've started to price match. No need to go from store to store anymore but gotta be knowledgeable on all the flyers. All these make shopping more exciting, imagine all these strategic planning just for a grocery trip? May sound complicated but so much FUN!!!

Gifts!

Now it's not just about buying or shopping, it's getting stuff that we need on really low prices. It somehow takes away the guilt that comes from spending too much sometimes :D

mini stockpile