What can you buy for a quarter these days?

A LOT! I went to Kmart yesterday and bought a Sassy brand crib mirror, a pack of 3 Bright Beginnings stroller toys, 1 pair of panties, 1 pair of socks, 22 packs of 24 crayola crayons. The cashier said I was the smartest shopper she has ever seen. I expected the crib mirror and the stroller toys to be $30 alone. They happened to be on a hidden clearance where the prices were not marked. The panties and socks were on clearance for .25 each and the crayons were on sale for .20 each. I had 2 reward dollars, one for $10 and the other for $5. Part of the tax was taken off, so the amount I paid out of pocket was only 25 cents. I quickly whipped out my credit card for that "bank breaking" balance lol.

My next trip was to Publix where I bought a $50 Shell gas card, 16 32oz powerade drinks, 2 tubs of Philadelphia brand cream cheese, 20 packs of organic juice boxes, 1 bag of Rico rice, 6 boxes of Mueller's pasta, 8 boxes of pop-tarts, 2 boxes of 100 calorie packs, and 2 boxes of fruit snacks. I am sure I am forgetting something. I paid $51.80. I have to send the receipt to the Keebler Elves for my $10 rebate. So, the price paid will actually be $41.80 for all of those groceries plus the $50 gas card!

Can you save this much with kids?

Last night I went grocery shopping with the kids and bought 2 books of stamps, 10 boxes of seasations, 2 boxes of nutrigrain bars, 2 boxes of butter, 15 bottles of powerade, 2 gallons of milk, 2 half gallons of chocolate milk, white wheat bread, 2 big bags of snyders pretzels, 2 bonus packages of crest pro health with full size mouthwash and 2 boxes of yoplait gogurts all for the grand total of $17.78. The stamps alone were $17.60. I took the kids with me only because I prepared my list the night before. I had everything printed, cut and circled before we left for the store. Today I am going back to the store because the pop-tarts are bogo and C has been asking for them. We finally ran out from the last stock up sale. Today I am going to organize all of my coupons. I feel so overwhelmed and I know if I organize everything, I will feel a lot better. J took the kids to a play date at Great Explorations in St. Pete. We get in free with our MOSI pass.

Success

The garage sale was a success. I sold a lot of things including the water cooler. Almost all of my "customers" asked me if I owned a store. One person even said she didn't need to go to the grocery store after she got done with me. The items that sold the quickest were the Ziploc bags and containers, the McCormick grinders, and the trail mix. I did not make too many big sales, but everything added up. A woman in my twins' group came and introduced herself to me. She said she wanted to meet me because she saw me on TV and she cannot believe how much money I manage to save. While she was talking to me about coupons, one of her neighbors came up to shop. She overheard me asking Donna to host a class and she said "heck, I'll host the class to learn how to save money in these times." I was thrilled. I quickly handed her one of my flyers that I had set out. I would love to have a class in Longleaf. It seems like a little town where everyone knows each other, and they would be willing to attend a class at their neighbor's house. After today I am starting to think that "Carrie's Pantry" is a good idea. I just do not know if it is worth keeping everything in my house until the next sale. At least people know they can come to me for the bare necessities.

When I got home from the sale, M & C greeted me at the door. They did not want our neighbor to leave. They asked me why I was gone this morning and I told them it was because I needed to be at the garage sale. M said "Garages were on sale today? Why did you buy a new garage?" C said "Did the garage fit in your car, Mommy?" I laughed and then explained that I sold some things to make money so we could do fun things with it. M said "Like go to the Zoo, Busch Gardens, Seaworld and the Aquarium?" I agreed.

It is all coming together.

I have had some great news the last few days. I found out that my blog was approved for advertising. That means every time someone clicks on the links in my blog, I will get paid! I am not going to have too many links, but the ones I do choose will be the companies I trust. I also have an appointment with the representative from a company I have been trying to get into. If I am able to do my coupon classes there, I think it will be a wonderful thing. I will write more about it after the actual presentation.

I packed up the car for the Longleaf porch sale tomorrow. I hope that goes well. I have a lot of things to sell. I am going to try to sell a water cooler and some stamp machines for my parents. I hope everything sells. Our neighbor is going to watch the kids for us. The kids are really excited about that.

Today I exercised while the kids played. We came home and they swam while I made lunch. After lunch they took a nap while I packed the car. Sunday Julie is coming over so I can help her get a room in Orlando. We are going to use priceline through Upromise so I can get the 3% for college. I told her how to get coupon books at all of the local outlets. My favorite coupon book is from the prime outlet. There is a coupon in there for the New Balance store. It is 50% off of any pair of shoes over $50. My friend bought a $50 pair of shoes for $25 using that coupon. I gave the same friend a 15% coupon for The Children's Place, she was able to use it at the outlet. The only special they had going was 10% off if you sign up for their credit card. The outlet prices are incredible to begin with.

Spice it up!

Last night I picked up a few things from Publix. I did not have a big grocery shop to do, but I wanted to get out of the house for a little while. I spent $1.85 at the first store. That receipt included 12 McCormick grinders, 2 bags of Goldfish, and 8 packs of organic juice boxes. The next trip was at the Publix down the road. I spent $1.45 on 10 grinders and 10 cups of yogurt. It was funny because I overheard the cashier at the first store talking to the bag boy about how a woman who came in earlier was "scamming" because her original bill was $50 and she only paid $8. I wish I had a big shop to do so I could have shown him how much I can save. I told him it was great that she had the manufacturers pay for most of her bill. Why not? He agreed. The next cashier said she wanted to try the grinders, I told her they were great, and then handed her 2 of my coupons. Why not try them for free! Today I am going to exercise and then run a few errands. I saw that Winn Dixie had grapes on sale for .99 a pound. I need to stop by the produce stand too. Tonight we are having chicken and veggies. I am going to use one of my .25 marinades.

Party for under $225

I cannot believe my babies are almost 4. Boooooooo Hooooooo. Everyone used to tell me that the time will go by fast. I did not believe them until now. I am planning their 4th birthday party already. My goal is to stay under $225. I am sure I can do it. This is what we have so far. We booked their party place for $155. I have all of the Solo paper supplies which were free during double coupon days at Kmart. I have the Capri Sun juice, which was free at Kmart also. I bought the Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Diet Pepsi, Sprite Zero and Dr. Pepper at Publix and Walgreens. The Pepsi products were free with my reward dollars at Walgreens and the Dr. Pepper 8 packs were .50 each at Publix with coupons. I have the goody bags that I am going to fill with items that I have gotten for free with coupons. The bags were even free with reward dollars. So far we are up to a few dollars. I am planning on getting a cake from Sam's club $20. Since the party is at 1pm, I am going to make little appetizers like spinach dip, cheese and crackers, french onion dip, "Mommy's special eggs", and a few other things. I hope I can make enough at the garage sale this weekend to cover the cost of their party. I already have $50 from tonight (Carrie's Pantry).

Carrie's Pantry

I had my Moms' meeting tonight and I brought my pantry with me. Not a bad idea, but not enough customers. My friends all bought things and I made about $50. Even the janitor stopped by to shop. I do not think it was really worth the time it took to pack everything up, load and unload. I am going to a friend's house this weekend to sell at their porch sale. I have a few things around the house that I would like to sell also. We will see how that pans out. The meeting was fun, but really short tonight. One of my friends printed a bunch of flyers for me. I paid her in Gladware lol. She was excited! I sold a lot of the buddy bars and McCormick grinders. I will have to get some more of those.

Fast Money

I took the survey at the mall yesterday. It lasted about 5 minutes and I got paid $25. I was amazed that it did not take longer. Usually when the surveyor on the phone tells me it will last 20 minutes, I plan on being there for 40. After the survey I took the kids to get free ice cream at Chick-fil-A. I have a special mall card that entitles us to a free cone or cup each time we go there. The kids asked me why they were getting ice cream and I told them that I was anticipating their great behavior at The Picture People. OK? We had to wait a while at the picture place because the people before us were running late and they only had one photographer on (3 sales people though). I have my coupon for a free package that includes 1 8x10, 2 5x7's and 8 wallets. I cannot wait to see the pictures! I am also going to make an appointment for Penney's. They have grown up getting their pictures done there. I am always happy with the outcome. Sears is another place I like, but they are double the price of Penney's. I like Sears because they have the cute backgrounds and props. I have to get a few pictures with the #4 at Sears. After the mall we came home and relaxed. Then J asked me if we could take the kids out to eat. I was exhausted, but I said yes. Usually I am the one that wants to go out with them, so I couldn't pass up this opportunity. We went to Cody's because they have free kids meals on Mon. and Tues. I ordered a hamburger and J had chicken fingers. We ordered pizza, chicken fingers and mac and cheese for the kids. They ended up filling up on salad and bread (they are my children lol). At least we have dinner for tonight.

I have another survey at a different place tonight on a totally different subject. This one pays $75 for an hour of my time. It is nice because I am doing surveys and I am starting to receive a lot of my rebate checks in the mail. I will have over $100 for M&C's college fund.

Publix deals

Last night I made a quick trip to Publix. I bought Muellar's lasagna noodles and egg noodles. I hardly see those included in the bogo deals. I had to get a rain check for the large egg noodles and the Manager was insistent that those were not included in the deal. I explained to her that the 5 signs in front of the noodles stated otherwise. She reluctantly had the customer service representative give me the rain check. I usually avoid this Publix, but I just needed a few things. I also bought some organic juice boxes, Publix fish sticks (no coupon), shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, yogurt, milk, sour cream, frozen spinach, pie crust, 2 packages of laughing cow cheese and eggs. My total was $15.xx. The laughing cow cheese is on sale for $2 and there is a .55 coupon. My friend got me hooked on that stuff. I am planning on making a spinach quiche and a baked ziti this weekend. I am also going to make a noodle kugal. We will see what deals they will have next week.

It has been raining on and off all day today. Luckily the rain started after their lessons. M wouldn't get in the water, I had to walk over there and hand her to the instructor. Then a different instructor came over and just took her in the water. I was so happy to see this happen because M needs to learn how to swim. This other instructor does not mess around or take no for an answer (perfect for M). I am going to get her the next time around. C is doing well. He really tries hard. Plus he had a lot of fun in the boat today with his little life vest on. I am so proud of them! I worked out the the personal trainer today. We did lower body and abs. I feel great. I am going to the mall to do a survey on breakfast bars. They are going to pay me $25 for 20 minutes of my time. I have a picture appointment for the kids and I plan on using my free portrait package coupon.

I'm spent

I did my last Kmart shop today. I spent $14 and walked away with 4 Olay body washes, 3 bottles of All free and clear, 13 command hook products, 5 bottles of Green works cleaning supplies (we tried them this morning and the toilet bowl cleaner works great), Hefty travel bags, 4 Off products, 3 cans of Chef Michaels dog food, Glade refills,Lysol on the go, 4 packs of Duracell batteries and a Swifer dusting kit. I also have a $10 coupon to use on my next purchase. I ran into another person with a lot of coupons. We shared some tips and tricks. I had some gift cards left, so I didn't pay anything out of pocket. I stopped by CVS on the way to Kmart and bought 6 bottles of Head and Shoulders for $1.69. We are stocked up for the next two years. I am on to the next set of deals. I will be coupon free for the next few days. I need a break.

A Moo Moo Here & A Moo Moo There...

We had so much fun today! First we went to CPK and made pizzas with 12 other kids. Then we went over to the play area, which was packed. After that we went to Petsmart to get the free pet food. It was cute because I told M & C that we were going to the pet store, when we drove up M said "this isn't a pet store it's petsmart" I was amazed because she remembered the name of the store and she has only been there a few times. Plus it was not even the same location. After Petsmart we went to Kmart where I bought 3 Jumbo packs of diapers, 4 large Dawn dish soap, 2 boxes of Ziploc vacuum bags, 4 travel packs of Hefty bags, Green works cleaning supplies, 2 kids Reach toothbrushes, 3 bottles of Listerine, 3 4 packs of sponges, 4 bottles of smart water, I paid $30.xx and got $10 back in Kmart money. Even though I am getting great deals, I cannot wait for doubles week to be over. After Kmart we went to Chick-fil-A to get our free entrees. I put the hats on the kids and they were not sure if they were cows or bunnies. The big cow mascot was walking around the restaurant. The kids played for a while and then we went home to beat the rain. They are watching a movie and settling in.

Day off

I took the day off yesterday. The kids lessons were canceled due to rain, so we decided to hang out around the house. We brought out some new toys and watched movies. I then went to my meeting and to a friend's house. I woke up around 5am and cannot go back to sleep. We have our CPK tour today too. I scheduled the free tour and it includes, each child making their own pizza, a tour of the kitchen while the pizzas are baking, eating their own "creations", and a haagen daz sundae. They also give each child their own bag of surprises. Last time the bag included free kid's meals for a whole month. We shared ours because the kid's meals are huge. Then we are going to play with all of the 14 other kids that will be there. I am going to make the cow costumes for chick-fil-a's cow appreciation day. I figure I am up, why not? We will be around a chick-fil-a anyway. Our printer ran out of black ink last night, so I will have to be a little creative with the spots. I was just going to print the costume they have online. I have to stop by Petsmart on the way home from the way home today because I have 2 coupons for free dog food plus a $2 coupon off a $10 purchase to use (they expire tomorrow). I may stop by Kmart for a few things, but it is totally up to the kids. Today is for them!

Trick for a Treat.

I asked all of my friends for their printable Hartz dog and cat treat coupons. My friends were more than happy to give them to me because they knew I would get the best deal. I picked up all of these treats for the local animal shelters. I am sure they will be very pleased. While I was at the store I also bought the party mix treats and some wet dog food. When I originally checked out with the dog treats, a coupon printed for a free box of Milk Bone dog biscuits up to $4.99. I had to get those! I will probably drop everything off next week. The kids really want to go back to the cat shelter to play with the kittens. It feels great to donate.

I spent $2.45 at Kmart today.

I was brave enough to take the kids shopping today. I took them to their swim lessons this morning and then I worked out while they played. After that I decided to brave Kmart with them. I already had all of my coupons organized and I knew what I was going to buy. Luckily Kmart must have had a truck last night because they were well stocked. I bought 6 Green Works cleaners, 2 boxes of cleaning gloves, 4 boxes of dog treats, 6 packages of cat treats, mini oreos, 2 bogo packs of reach toothbrushes (4 toothbrushes total), and a 6 pack of Hershey bars for baking. The cashier was amazed! The kids were so good, which made the trip even better.

Zip"loc" up those deals.

Yesterday I stopped by Kmart to pick up a few things on the way to my meeting. I already had a trunk full of items that I sold, so what's a few more bags? I bought 2 packs of Pampers, 2 packs of Huggies, 7 packs of ziploc bags (4 of them were refills for the pump), 2 pantene shampoos and conditioners, 2 pantene styling products, 1 travel Hefty pack, & 1 box of Pampers wipes. My total was $27.xx, but I had a few reward cards, so I ended up paying $3.02 out of pocket. I received $17 back in reward dollars to spend next time I shop. I love it when that happens! I also delivered all but 4 packs of diapers. I knew those would go quickly. I haven't decided if I am going to pick up the free A1 today. The sale ends today, but we have a lot on our schedule. The kids have swim lessons again and I have an appointment with the trainer. I also need to stop by the produce stand because I started the Jet Start today. I love my local produce stand.

Smooth sailing at the K

Well, I picked up some more things at Kmart today. I paid $1.33 for 2 boxes of Hartz dog treats, 1 bag of Hartz cat treats, 4 bottles of dish soap , 2 bottles of multi-purpose cleaners. They actually paid me $2 because they forgot to take off one of my coupons from the other day. I sold almost all of the diapers. I think I am going to save one pack for my neighbor who is adopting a little girl within the next few weeks. I am going to stop by the Big Kmart on the way to my meeting tonight. It should be well stocked since all of the "couponers" shop by me :o). At the meeting tonight we are going to talk about "Carrie's Pantry" coming to each twins' meeting. We want to make sure everyone is OK with it.

Y is for YES!

I heard some great news today from one of my "leads." I will be teaching classes at the YMCA. I was in shock when the director told me she loved my email and wants me to start teaching in August. She has a big board meeting this week and she will have more information for me then. The reason she wants me to start in August is because they are doing a lot of renovating in building 2. I am waiting to hear back from a few more places, but I have a feeling my calendar in going to be full in no time. The nice thing about the Y is that I can teach some daytime classes while the kids are in the daycare. I can't believe I am doing something that I am good at!

Put some Pep in your step

I got some free Pepsi products the other day. I used some register rewards at Walgreens to buy 6 packs of pepsi products. I also found a Norelco trimmer on clearance. With my coupon for that, I only paid tax. So, for under $2.50 I got 4 recyclable bags, 6 8 packs, and a Norelco trimmer.

I went to Kmart today and had a successful trip without coupon drama. The cashier was nice enough to let me checkout more than once. During my trip I bought 15 packs of diapers, lots of cat and dog treats for the shelter (I still have more to get), 7 Green Works cleaning supplies, Olay body wash which is normally $6.50, but I ended up paying only .50 for it. I listed all of the Huggies and Pampers to sell. I already sold 2 packages. I can't wait to try the green works dish soap for some reason. I sent a friend to Kmart to take advantage of the Pampers deal. She also picked up some other really great deals.

Kmart countdown

I think if I see another coupon I am going to scream. I did not realize how much preparation it takes to do a big shop during doubles week at Kmart. I finally have a list and I am going to stick to it. The most important things I am going to get tomorrow are the dog and cat treats to donate. My friends sent me some printable coupons for the treats. I am going to purchase a few other things too. I printed my $5 off $50 coupons and I have some other coupons that printed on Father's day $5/$25 drug and beauty. I will update you tomorrow on what I bought.

Aren't you glad you went to Publix?

I went shopping at Publix tonight and spent $7.92 and bought Glad wrap and bags, milk, bakery buns, everything to make Paula Dean's lotsa meat lasagna. They were totally out of meat, so I got a rain check and we will use the meat from our freezer. The sale was really good on the meat, it was only $2.29 a pound. The butcher was able to write a rain check for me which saved a lot of time. I also bought organic juice boxes, champagne (verdi...I am a verdi cheap date lol). The cashier tried telling me I couldn't use certain coupons. He had the bag person ask customer service and customer service said I could use the coupons. Not a big deal. I also went over to Kmart to spend the $14 coupon I had because it was due to expire 7/4. I bought myself 2 nightgowns. I was surprised to see they had my size. I also bought a clip on key chain for our Y cards. I spent around $2 out of pocket. I didn't have time to go to Kohl's to use my $10 off $10 coupon, so I will go tomorrow before our party. We are having my dh Aunt, Uncle and Cousin over for dinner after the party. My husband had dinner waiting for me when I got home. We watched a movie "what happens in Vegas." I am going to miss our free HBO. I called Brighthouse the other day to see if they could offer it to us for another year for free. They were not able to. Never hurts to ask.

Carrie's Pantry

Today I sent the emails to my groups about my new "store." I am excited to see their response. I really want to earn extra money to pay off the college funds. Next week I am planning on adding Diapers and cleaning products to the list of sale items. I am only opening up the store to people I know. I figure it will be more convenient for people to shop if all of the discounts are in one spot, and they can let their children play with M & C toys while they shop. I may be in a dreamland, but I will never know what could have been if I didn't at least try this. I am just afraid that some people are tired of my crazy new tactics. On the other hand they may be excited about my new ventures. I have had nothing but support from everyone, which makes me extremely happy.