My Rite Aid Disater 4/1

So, some days couponing is a big rush, and some days you're glad you hit snooze when your "Black Sunday" alarm goes off because you just didn't feel like making a mad rush to Rite Aid to be there as soon as the doors opened.

Today, was one of those days... I hit snooze.  And boy, am I glad I did.  Had I been operating at still-groggy capacity, I don't even know what could have happened.  I just know that if sleeping in an extra hour helped at all, getting up early would have just been VERY bad.

I had everything planned.  The blog I posted last night, other than my John Frieda order, was exactly how my shopping trip was supposed to go.  However....

Transaction #1.

I started off with $4 in +Ups, so In Theory, this should have been easy-breezy.  However, I didn't figure for tax last night because I was Just.Too.Exhausted to do the math.  I knew there would be tax, I just didn't want to put in the effort.  So when my order rang up more than I had planned on, I looked puzzled, asked the cashier if there were anymore coupons, she said nope, and even told me she scanned two gum coupons.  Well, I paid it and chalked it up to not figuring out tax, even though I knew over a dollar more on a transaction that would have cost no more than $10 without coupons or Up Rewards wouldn't have accumulated THAT much tax.  But, I let it go thinking my math was screwed up.  I paid $2.87 OOP.

Transaction #2. 

No hitches.  I went in the other day to get some stuff that was advertised in the flier that started today, but I noticed it said "Good 3/30 - 5/1".  So, I tried it, failed, and instead of putting everything back they held it behind the counter because first of all, it was printed in their flier and I could have argued but didn't, and second, I somehow knew they wouldn't restock and they'd be all gone.  The last time this deal ran, everyone else got in on it, but I missed out and got a whole TWO of them (it was the Baby Lips by Maybelline).  Thankfully, they still had my bag of stuff held, this order went through 100% fine.  I paid $5.91 for 6 of them, and got a $5 +Up

Transaction #3. 

John Freakin Frieda.  I priced stuff, but after finding the video values coupon for the Full Repair products, I wasn't positive how much the Shampoo would be.  So, upon finding it was cheaper than I had thought, I couldn't reach the $15 without throwing in another product.  So I found a trial size item ($3.29) that I did not have a coupon for, but threw it in anyway just to push me over the $15 mark.  However, trials don't count, apparently, even though it does NOT state that in the sale flier (and one would think a $3 bottle of hair product wouldn't be considered a trial anyway!)  So I'm deducting that item from my total because I plan to return it later.  So, I had to buy another product to put me over $15.  But since I now apparently get a store-wide discount because of my Wellness Plus points, it was cheaper than I thought it would have been, and I used a $2 off coupon and only paid $4 for something that was normally $7.29.  Anyway, after two transactions, I got the $5 +Up reward.  I paid $5.73 OOP for 3 products totalling $26.32 (with tax).

Transaction #4. 

Gillette.  No Problems.  I paid $1.38 OOP using coupons and the +Up from John Frieda.  Woot Woot! Something went right. 

Transaction #5.

Halls.  All I wanted was 6 packages of Halls.  The sale wasn't flagged yet so I was trying to pick stuff from the flier, but the print was small.  So I grabbed the $1.99 packages that said "33% More Free!" (because those are usually the ones we go for, right?  More stuff, same price as the smaller ones.)  Usually that works, but apparently this time, they did not.  No +Up printed.  I told the cashier I'd get out of her hair and just call Customer Service.  I got in the car, went to call, they're CLOSED on Sundays.  So I was just gonna put my receipt away and call tomorrow, but I noticed that they rang up $1.79 each, not $1.50 each.  The +Up ones were on sale 2/$3.  So I went back in, asked to exchange for the right ones.  They let me, no problem.  I asked if the +Up would print if they did it through an exchange, they said yes.  WRONG.  No +Up printed, but thankfully the manager just gave me $3 cash in lieu of the +Up she told me would print but didn't.  So, I originally paid $4.28 using 3 $1/2 coupons and $4 +UPs from Gillette.  They ended up giving me back $1.83 for the difference since the ones I bought before, and $3 for the +Ups.  So I made $.55 on this order.  I guess. 

So I ended up paying $15.34 OOP, Tax Included, with NO +Up Rewards left, since they credited me in cash for that.  More than the $11 and change I said last night, but take into consideration I bought an extra John Frieda product I didn't intend to, and the cashier missed out on one coupon for $1.  So, I did pretty well. 

Total Retail (regular prices from receipt):  $86.80
Total OOP:  $15.34
Total Savings:  82.3%

(20 Items purchased, $.77 per item!)

Rite Aid Scenario 4/1/12

Here is a list of what I plan to get tomorrow (4/1/12) at Rite Aid!

Transaction #1

Scunci 18 ct Elastics - 1.99
2 Dentyne Ice Bags -  5.98 (2.99 each)
Subtotal                      7.97

Use (2) $1.00/1 Dentyne/Trident 80 ct or larger
Use (1) $.50/1 Dentyne Gum Video Values
                    
Total OOP   $5.47

Get back $3.99 +Up Rewards ($1.99 from Scunci, (2) $1.00 from Dentyne 80 pack)

Transaction #2

6 Baby Lips by Maybelline (B1G1 50% Off) - $17.07 (they are 3.79 each, and 3 of them will be 1/2 off)
Subtotal     $17.07

Use (2) $2/1 Maybelline Lip Product  (2/5/12 RP)
Use (4) $1/1 Maybelline NY Product (Tearpad found at Rite Aid)
Use $3.99 +Up Rewards

Total OOP $5.08

Get $5 +Up Reward (Buy $15 Maybelline, get $5 +Up)

Transaction #3 (This one depends on the prices, but according to what I priced the other day, I may be able to do it this way, if not, skip this one and move to #4, since it results in the same +Up Reward and the next transaction will stay the same.)

1 John Frieda Full Repair Styling Item - $10.49
1 John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo or Conditioner - $5.25 (1/2 off, since the sale is B1G1 50% off)
Subtotal - $15.74

Use $5.00 off John Frieda Full Repair Styling Item AND John Frieda Full Repair shampoo or conditioner
Use (2) $2.00/1 Any Full Size John Frieda Item.
Use $5.00 +Up

Total OOP $1.74

Get $5 +Up (Buy $15 John Frieda, get $5 +Up)

Transaction #4

2 Gillette Bodywash $7.98 ($3.99 each)
Subtotal $7.98

Use (2) $1/1 Gillette Bodywash or Deodorant (4/1/12 P&G)
Use $5 +Up Reward

Total OOP: $.98

Get $4.00 +Up (2 $2 +Ups for Gillette/Old Spice Body Wash)
Transaction #5

6 Halls $9.00 (2/$3)
Subtotal $9.00

Use (3) $1/2 Halls (3/25/12 SS)
Use $5 +Up

Total OOP: $2

Get $3.00 +Up (3 $1 +Up on 2 pkgs)
 
So, these are the things I'm planning for tomorrow's trip, and I know not everyone has these same coupons, but it gives you a chance to see what types of deals you can do.  My total OOP will be about $15.27 before tax.  (Actually, mine will be $11.27 because I have $4 in +Up Rewards from last week's sale, but I didn't factor those in since not everyone has that amount to start off with).  In addition to that, I will leave the store with $3 +Up Rewards.  The total regular or advertised price is $68.67, so you can see I will save considerably.  My only fear is that I won't be able to find John Frieda items at that price, since most of them run around 7.49, but there are a lot priced higher, at $10.49.  If I don't hit $15 on that transaction, I won't get a +Up Reward to roll into the next transaction.  So, if I have to skip that one, I will. 

Rite Aid clearance

I've decided to put my coupon binder back together! I was browsing through Rite Aid today and I found a BUNCH of clearanced items!  If only I'd had my coupons organized in Binder style, I would have brought home a whole lot of stuff for really cheap!  Well, I did bring home a whole lot of stuff for cheap, just nothing I would have had coupons for.

I found a lot of clearanced items, some of which were cleared off the shelves already.  I always check the makeup sections because I've gotten about 20 bottles of nail polish and lip gloss in the past month and probably have paid no more than $5 for most of it.  There are a LOT of clearance tags for 75% off items that are $4 and under.  Today, I found Rimmel nail polish for .99 each (regular price 3.99), BOD men's body spray for .24 each (good stocking stuffers!), and nail growth formula for $1.61 (a bit more expensive than the other items, but my nails keep breaking and it was better than paying nearly $7 for this somewhere else!)

Things I noticed around the store were feminine products (Always and Carefree pads, which were already cleared out, and OB Tampons) 75% off, Garnier dandruff shampoo 50% off, select Rimmel nail polish, lip gloss/sticks, and lip liners.  There were also a variety of nail polish brands with markdowns, but most of the REALLY cheap ones were cleaned out.  However, $2 for an $8 bottle of nail polish might be worth it! There were some Sally Hansen nail polishes clearanced as well, and some Sally Hansen skincare products.

So, it's time to start carrying EVERY coupon I have with me everywhere I go! Maybe you should consider investing in a coupon binder system as well!  As soon as I get the stuff to put mine together, I will post a blog so you can see how mine is made, and how I have it organized.

Super Cheap Skin Care!

So... I'm not one to splurge on skincare products, despite the "high value" coupons that come out for them.  I will be old and wrinkly (sooner than later), but it's because I refuse to spend $35 on something like the L'Oreal Youth Code pictured above.  HOWEVER...

While planning my shopping trip for the upcoming Rite Aid sale, I was checking the current flier (that ends today, 3/24) with the new coupons to see if there were any last minute deals to be had.  I noticed there was a Buy $15, get $5 +Up in a small box on the back page, and upon closer look, it was L'Oreal skin care products.  I figured I'd check for some coupons, and found a $5 Video Values coupon on Youth Code.  I also found a $5/1 Youth Code kit in the 2/19 Red Plum.  That was $10 off one product.  I also noticed a $10 Mail In Rebate WYB $30 in one transaction (L'Oreal.com).  So, that' was $20 off one product!  And, on top of that, it was $35.99, so that's TWO $5 +Up Rewards, since you get $5 for every $15 you spend (up to 2 +Ups per household.)  So, after adding up coupons, rebates, and ups, I was gonna save $30 on this start up kit.  So guess who gets to prolong the effects of aging (at least until this box runs out lol)??? This girl!

So, I apologize I didn't find this at the beginning of the week, but I figured it was worth sharing since there are still a few hours left before the sale ends and it's a GREAT deal to take advantage of!

Deals I've found this week

Hey there!  I just wanted to post a few quick deals I found in this week's inserts (3/18)

Of course, there is the Stayfree maxi pad deal at Rite Aid.  They are 2/$6, there is a $2/2 coupon (SS 3/18) bringing them down to 2/$4, and then there is a $2 +Up Reward on two.  So the final price for these is $1 each! There is a limit of 2 +Up Rewards per household, so you can get a total of 4 packages if you have 2 coupons.

Rite Aid also has Carefree panty liners advertised as $1, and there is a $1/1 coupon in the 3/18 SS.  This makes them free.  However, our Walmart has them regularly priced at .94, so you can make 6 cents per package you buy if they allow you overage.  I bought a couple the other day and they didn't mark the coupon down, so I got the overage. 

There was a wealth of Suave products coupons in the RP 3/18 Insert this week.  I used the Buy 2, Get 1 Free Body wash on the +Up Reward deal at Rite Aid (Buy $10, get $3 +Up Reward back, limit 2).  However, I was checking prices of other Suave products at Walmart and found the small deodorants (not trial size, just the 1.4 oz I think) are only .97 and there is a $1/2 coupon.  So I paid only .47 for each one I bought.  I know this is only about a 50% discount, but I'll take deodorant for less than 50 cents!  Especially since this is one of the items that my ever-growing stockpile was lacking... until today!

One other good deal I found was on Bic razors.  I price checked them at Rite Aid, since they are Buy One, Get One 50% off, but it honestly was cheaper regular price at Walmart! The Bic Silky Touch 10 pack is only $2.97.  They also have the yellow Bic men's razors (single blade, I think) for the same price, and I think it's a 12 pack.  Using the $2/1 Bic Razor (trials excluded) coupon from RP 3/18, you can get 10 or 12 razors for under $1.  I've stocked up on Schick Hydro and refills for the hubby, but I don't find many girly razors, and now that it's shorts weather (for now), I can't exactly hide hairy sasquatch legs under jeans (like I've ever done that............ well, maybe once or twice).  So, I was excited to find this deal.  I'm sure another sale will run and I'll be kicking myself for using up all my coupons now, but honestly, I thought it was a good price so I loaded up!

If I find anymore regular price deals, I will be sure to post them, and please feel free to share if you've found any of your own!

My Rite Aid Trip 2/26

Today, I hit up Rite Aid bright and early.  I was excited to get some stuff since I already had $16 in +Up Rewards left from last week.

Here is my trip:

Transaction #1

2 Schick Hydro Shave Gel - 2/$4
1 Petites Nail Polish - $.49 (clearanced 75% off)
1 CQ Nail Polish - $.99 (clearanced 75% off)

Subtotal: $5.48

Used 2 - $.75/1 Schick Hydro Gel
         1 - $1.50/2 Schick/Edge/Skintimate Video Values

Paid (with tax) $2.76

Got back $2 +Up (Buy 2 CQ, Petites, get $2 +UP)
                $20 Winter Rewards +Up (The shave gel put me over my $100 requirement for this reward)

Transaction #2

2 Schick Hydro Power Select Razors - $19.98
2 Schick Hydro 4 ct Refills - $19.98
4 Right Guard Body Wash - $11.96
4 Finesse Styling Products - $12.00

4 Pantene Shampoo/Conditioner - $14.00

Subtotal: $77.92

Used 2 $4/1 Schick Hydro Power Select
         2 $2/1 Schick Hydro Refills
         2 $3/2 Pantene
         2 $3/2 Right Guard
         4 $.75/1 Finesse (peelies found on products in store)
         $38 +Up Rewards

Paid (with tax): $14.92

Got back $4 +Up Rewards for Right Guard ($1/1)
                $4 +UP Rewards for Pantene ($2/2)
                $6 +Up Rewards for Finesse ($3/2)
                $16 +Up Rewards for Schick Hydro ($4/1)
               

Transaction 3

1 Blink Tears Gel - $7.99

1 Bangor Daily News - $2.00

Subtotal $9.99

Used $1/1 Blink Tears Printable (said redeemable at Walmart but was a manufacturer's coupon)
         $8 +Up Rewards

Paid (after tax): $1.39

I could have done way better than I did OOP if I had split up my transactions more to roll the +Ups. I've heard from some people that if you don't wait long enough between transactions, the totals might not update fast enough and rolling Ups (like the Buy and Save or the P&G ones they run every now and then) wont' print because the computer hasn't caught up to your total yet.  Also, our store didn't have sale flags up yet so I wasn't sure if the products I had were definitely included and I didn't want to worry about Ups not printing and screwing up my next order.  I actually paid for the Hydro Gel as soon as I got to the store to see if my $20 Winter Rewards would print then or if I would have to wait for the next transaction. 

But, considering I walked into the store with $16 in +Ups, spent $19.07 total, left with $22 in +Ups, and have a $7.99 Single Check Rebate for the Blink Tears coming my way, I did pretty well! It is a GOOD week at Rite Aid!

Rite Aid

Ya, it's been a couple of weeks... 

I'm excited again this week for a couple of deals at Rite Aid.  I noticed they have Schick Hydro razors and refills for 9.99.  There is a 4.00 +Up reward for each one that you buy (up to 4).  A couple of weeks ago there was a $2/1 Hydro razor and a $2/1 Hydro refill coupon in the paper.  So, it'll be $7.99 each after coupon, with a $4 +Up, so $3.99 each.  Since I have a lot of Up Rewards leftover from last week, I'll be using them to get hubby some new razors and refills.

I am planning also to do Right Guard body wash.  The body wash and deodorant are on sale for $2.99 with a $1 +Up Reward on each (limit 4).  There is a $3/2 Right Guard coupon on coupons.com.  I will buy two of them for $5.98, use $3/1 coupon, pay $2.98, and get $2 +Up Rewards back. Total price is $.98/2 before tax.

I noticed on the front page is a deal for Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers.  2/$7 isn't a bad price, and supposedly we will be getting a $3/2 Pantene products coupon.  That's 2/$4, and you get back a $2 +Up Reward on 2 (limit 2, so 4 bottles), and you pay $2/2. 

One other deal I'm looking at will be my final transaction and I'll probably use all of my extra +Up Rewards to pay for it.  (I'm $3 away from my Buy and Save $20 +Up Rewards when you spend $100.)  Blink Tears is up for $7.99.  There is a $7.99 SCR this week only, so it ends up being free after rebate.  Good news is, there is a $1.00/1 printable for Blink Tears, so it's a $1 MM. 

There are a few more things going on with +UP Rewards wyb so much of particular products, but this is my list for the week.  If I find anymore worth mentioning, I'll update and letcha know!