The Beautiful Life - What are you thankful for?

I love the saying, “The most beautiful things in life are free.” I know it’s so cliche, but it is also so true. When we have money, we become less in touch with the simple and beautiful moments in life. And when we don’t have money, we focus on it way too much, and find ourselves unable to enjoy life without it. Isn’t that so strange? It consumes us as Americans.

We have to free ourselves from this cycle. I think my husband and I can finally say we have broken free. I’m not trying to say we’re perfect, or there aren’t days that we struggle because of our low income. I’m just saying that we’ve been through a long journey that took us from bitterness to joy. Let me tell you...when you’re finally free from the hold money has on our lives, you will enjoy life like never before.

Have you ever gone overseas and seen third world poverty??? They literally have nothing. But you know what? They are also the happiest people you will ever meet in your entire life. It’s crazy. They don’t know what they’re missing. Money doesn’t have a hold on their lives. Here in America, if we found ourselves having to live the way these poverty-stricken people live in other countries, we would be bitter, angry, without hope, joyless, and questioning God. Over there, money does not have a grip on their hearts. They have a zest for life and a love for God and a joy for the small things...while starving to death, without clean water, no access to medical care, and no roof over their heads.

These people challenge me and encourage me. Sometimes I wonder where God has gone, and why we must struggle so much financially. Yet when I think once about how other people are having to live around the world, I realize that no matter how bad I have it, I still live in luxury. I have a warm bed, a roof over my head, clean (not to mention running and hot) water, medical care, soft carpet beneath my feet, a freezer and pantry full of food, shoes on my feet, a healthy body, a loving family, a closet full of clothes, the list goes on...

I am blessed. Bottom line. I know Thanksgiving has come and gone. And if I had been in town to do my regular blogging, I would have done this post last week. I was out of town, though, so I’m a little late. But reasons to be thankful are here all year. Not to mention Christmas time should still be a season of thankfulness, giving, and love.

I want to make a short list of the simple, small, and beautiful things in life that I am thankful for. Then, I would love it if all of you would leave a comment with just one thing you are thankful for. Please participate! It would be such an encouragement and joy to others to be able to see how everybody is thankful. =)

Here are 10 simple and beautiful things I love about life, that I am very thankful for:

1. The grace, love, and mercy of my Beautiful Lord and Savior.
   
2. Spending time with family.
3. Being in the middle of God’s magnificent creation - whether it be standing on top of a mountain, looking out at the ocean, exploring in the forest, hiking trails, canoeing a river, etc.
4. Basic necessities of life that I mentioned above - food, water, shelter, warmth, etc.
5. Curling up to read a good book (and a library to have access to, so that I can get all the books I want completely free).
6. Pictures that capture lasting memories of some of the best moments in life.
7. My health - eyes to see, ears to hear, both legs to walk, arms to reach, my fingers to grasp, my heart that beats, my lungs that breathe, my blood that still circulates, and all the other systems that are still going strong.
8. The scents of Christmas time - apple cider, a real Christmas tree, candles aglow, cookies baking...all the little luxuries I take for granted.
9. My husband, my soul mate, my life partner, my best friend. This is also something I take for granted, as there are many lonely people out there who don’t have this.
10. Laughter and smiles of beautiful people all around me.

I could go on forever, but it’s your turn now! What are you thankful for? What beautiful things in life do you take for granted???

My News Interview...

(photo courtesy of Action News)

For those of you asking about my recent news interview, here are the links:

The Video of the News Clip

The Write-Up of the News Clip Online

Thanks for the support! Enjoy watching me look like a dork! Haha! =)

Menu Plan Monday!

This week is pretty simple for us. I have quite a few leftover meals that I left for my husband last week while I was out of town...that he never ended up eating. (He snacked instead. Haha!)

I didn't have to buy anything at the store this week for my meals. I planned them completely around what I have on hand. That will definitely help us stay under budget!

Here's what I have planned for this week:

Monday - Fried Pasta with melted cheese (our favorite dinner...it holds memories from back in the day when we dated and I couldn't cook, so this is what I would make us when we had dinner together at my mom's house!)

Tuesday - Roasted Vegetable and Mashed Potato Enchiladas

Wednesday - Dinner with family (we do this every week)

Thursday - Sister and grandma's birthday dinner out

Friday - Potato Cheddar Soup with homemade bread

Saturday - Egg salad sandwiches, celery with cream cheese, and carrots with veggie dip

Sunday - Butternut Squash Pasta, Side Veggies, Sweet Potatoes, and Salad

Yes, we cook Vegetarian (we do eat seafood, though)...to answer some of the questions I have received recently about our menu-planning. I am planning on doing a Q & A post about how cooking vegetarian changed my grocery budget. Stay tuned for that very soon! You might be surprised what you hear...

As always, feel free to e-mail me if there is a recipe you would like that does not have a link. Also, I tweak the recipes quite a bit from the original. Feel free to e-mail me about that as well, if you have any questions about how I change each recipe to make it a little better (in my opinion)! =)

Want some more inspiration for menu planning? Visit Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie's website! 250+ bloggers gather there every Monday to share their ideas!

CVS Deals (11/29 - 12/5)

If you're new to CVS, start here!

Don't forget about the new link for the $5/$30 coupon!

Also, don't forget about the coupon for $4 ECB when you spend $20 from the Season to Save booklet!

Here are the best CVS deals I see this week:

ECB Deals:

Buy 1 Accu-Check Aviva Monitor at $14.99, get back $5 ECB (Limit 2)
$10/1 from 8-23-09 or 11-809 SS
*Free after coupon and ECB!

Buy 1 Oral-B Manual Toothbrush at $2.99, get back $2 ECB (Limit 1)
$.75/1 from 10-11-09 or 11-29-09 PG
*Pay only $.24 each after coupon and ECB!

Spend $25 on select Gillette products, get back $10 ECB (Limit 1)

*Best Deal Scenario*

Buy:
1 Gillette Fusion Razor at $9.99
2 Deodorants at $4.99
2 Body Wash at $2.99

Use:
(1) $4/1 razor from 11-29-09 PG
(2) $1/1 deodorant from 11-29-09 PG
(2) Free body wash when you buy deodorant coupons from 11-1-09 PG

***You’ll pay $13.97 out of pocket, and get back $10 ECB. It’s like paying only $3.97 for all 5 products!

Buy 2 Vicks Nyquil or Dayquil, get back $4 ECB (Limit 1)

*Best Deal Scenario*

Buy: (2) Dayquil or Nyquil at $4.99 each
Use: (2) $1.50/1 from 11-1-09 or 11-29-09 PG

***Pay only $1.49 each after coupons and ECB!

Spend $20 on select Benefiber products (prices start at $5.39), get back $10 ECB (Limit 4)

*Best Deal Scenario*

Buy: (4) products at $5.39 each
Use: (4) $2/1 printable coupons here and here

***Pay only $.89 each after coupons and ECB!

Buy 2 Picture Frames or Albums (prices start at $6.99), get back $7 ECB (Limit 4)
*Buy the $6.99 frames/albums to pay only $3.49 each after ECB!

Other Great Deals:

Dawn Dish Detergent $.99
$1/1 from Home Made Simple coupon booklet
*FREE with coupon!

Revlon Lip and Eye Cosmetics - buy one get one free (Limit 6)
$2/1 from 11-15-09 SS
*Buy 2, use 2 coupons, and get cheap or free Revlon makeup!

Holiday Gift Wrap - buy one get one free $2.99
*Pay only $1.48 each!

CVS Batteries - buy one get one free

Happy CVS-ing!!!

What about you? How did you do this week at CVS? Feel free to share deals and scenarios below in the comments section!

Thanks goes to The Thrifty Mama and Money Saving Mom for their help in compiling these deals!

Walgreens Deals (11/29 - 12/5)

New to Walgreens? Start here!

Prices and sales may vary slightly by region.

Here are the best Walgreens deals I see this week:

Weekly Register Rewards Deals:

Buy 4 Oral B or Zooth Stages Toothbrushes at 4/$10, get back $5 RR
$1/1 from 11-1-09 PG (expires 11/30)
$1/2 from 11-29-09 PG
$1/1 from Walgreens Children Activity booklet found in store
*Best Deal: Stack (4) $1/1 manufacturer coupons with (1) Walgreens coupon (will take off $1 for each = $4 off total) to pay only $2 out of pocket! That’s a $3 moneymaker after RR!

Buy 1 Complete Multi-Purpose Solution at $7.99, get back $7.99 RR
$1/1 from 10-25-09 RP
*Free, plus $1 moneymaker, after coupon and RR!

Buy 2 Character Band Aids at 2/$3, get back $1 RR
$1/1 from 10-25-09 RP
*Free, plus $1 moneymaker, after coupon and RR!

Buy 2 Oral B Floss or Floss Picks at 2/$5, get back $3 RR
$1/1 from 11-29-09 PG
*Free after coupons and RR!

Buy 1 Glade Sense & Spray at $5.99, get back $3 RR
$4/1 printable coupon
*Free after coupon and RR!

Buy 1 Gillette Fusion Razor at $8.99, get back $4 RR
$4/1 from 11-29-09 PG
*Pay only $.99 after coupon and RR!

Buy 1 Village Naturals Sleep or Stress Therapy at $3.99, get back $2 RR

$1/1 printable coupon
*Pay only $.99 after coupon and RR!

Buy 2 Aunt Jemima Mixes or Syrups at 2/$5, get back $2 RR
$1/2 from 8-30-09 RP
*Pay only $1 each after coupon and RR!

Buy 2 Nyquil (10 oz) at $5 each, get back $5 RR
$1.50/1 from 10-11-09 or 11-1-09 PG
*Pay only $1 each after coupons and RR!

Monthly Register Rewards Deals:

Buy 1 Dulcolax Balance at $7 (4.1 oz, 7 day), get back $4 RR

$3/1 coupon found on package

$3/1 printable coupon

Submit for the $5 rebate HERE

*Free, plus $5 moneymaker, after coupon, RR, and rebate!

Other Great Deals:

Nivea Lip Balm or Gloss $.99
Buy one get one free coupon from 11-1-09 RP (regional coupon)
*Pay only $.50 each after coupon!

Ecotrin (45 count) $1.99 with in-ad coupon
$2/1, $7/2, or $10/3 from 10-11-09 RP (depends on region)
*Free or possible moneymaker, depending on which coupon your region received!
***Go here to read how to work this moneymaker deal.

Share your deals, scenarios, questions, or suggestions in the comment box below!

Thanks goes to Common Sense With Money and Money Saving Mom for their help in compiling these deals!

Coupons In Today's Paper?!

Okay, so usually, there are not any coupon inserts in the Sunday paper when it is a Holiday weekend. It's just a rule of thumb us couponers know...when a Holiday weekend rolls around, no coupons!

But it looks like there might be a Proctor & Gamble insert today, so be sure to check your paper (before you buy it) for the coupons!

And if you'd like to see a preview of what coupons there will be (to see if it's worth buying), go check out the coupon preview that Amanda posted over at A Few Short Cuts!

Be sure to print your coupons!!!

Just a friendly reminder to go print any coupons you want before the end of the month! The coupons will re-set in December (just 2 days away! WOW!). There are some pretty good ones at the moment, including:

$1.50/1 Wheatables
$1.50/1 Kellogg's All Bran crackers
$1/1 Lunchables
$1.50 off store brand coffee when you buy 3 Kellogg's cereals

Happy printing and saving! =)

Rite Aid Deals (11/29 - 12/5)

Rite Aid's Gift of Savings is still going on! Plus, there are a couple of different $/$$ coupons out there right now. Should still be able to score some really sweet deals!

Here are some of the goodies I see on Lynn's List this week:

Gillette Fusion Power $9.00
- $5 SCR
- $4 Gillette Fusion 11/29 PG
Final = FREE after coupon & SCR

AMO Complete $7.99
- $7.99 SCR
- $1/1 Complete 10/25 RP (regional :( - not in MA)
Final = FREE - $1 moneymaker after coupon & SCR

Crest Whitening/ Plus Scope $2.49
- $1.50 SCR
- $0.75/1 Crest 11/1 PG (expires 11/30) or 11/29 PG
Final = $0.24 after coupon & SCR

Oral B Cross Action Power toothbrush $4.99
- $2.99 SCR
- $3.00 Oral-B CrossAction Power, CrossAction Power White or CrossAction Power Max Brush (11-30-09) P & G 11/1/2009
Final = $1 moneymaker after coupon & SCR

Be sure to go visit Lynn @ Maven of Savin' to see the rest of the great deals and transaction scenarios this week!

Thanks, Lynn!

Super Savings Saturday!

Sorry I'm getting this Super Savings Saturday post up so late, but it's better late than never! I'm still out in California, and I realized that I left my picture and Publix receipt back at home. My awesome hubby was gracious enough to send me the Publix picture via e-mail, and even dig through my coupon folder to find the correct receipt and scan it in to send to me! Haha.

So anyways...on to the savings trip for this week. I only went to Publix this past week. I wanted to hit the 3-day sales for CVS and Walgreens, but I was out here in California and didn't get a chance to. Oh well!

Here's what I bought at Publix this week (pictured above):

2 boxes Crispix cereal (rain check from last week)
2 packages Ocean Spray craisins
4 boxes Uncle Ben's rice
3 California Pizzas For One
2 boxes Ritz crackers
2 boxes Duncan Hines brownies
2 cans Prego pasta sauce
3 Philadelphia cream cheeses
2 cans Dole Pineapple
2 I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray butters
3 packages Sargento cheese
9 cans Del Monte vegetables (oops, only meant to buy 8!)
1 container Breakstone sour cream (16 oz)
1 package celery
4 granny smith apples
1 package mushrooms
2 packages baby carrots
1 bulb garlic
4 sweet potatoes
2 packages Chinet napkins (rain check from last week)
1 package tortillas
2 Dove Hair Care (shampoo and conditioner, not pictured. oops!)

Total Before Sales and Coupons: $106.97
Total saved from sales: $41.31
Manufacturer coupons used: $30.50
Store/Competitor coupons used: $14.50
Total amount saved: $86.31
Total paid after all sales and coupons: $20.66

Looks like we're way below our weekly budget of $35! I'm pretty excited about that. Gives us a little bit extra money this month, just in time for Christmas! =)

November Totals:

1st week: $30.04
2nd week: $42.33
3rd week: $34.59
4th week: $20.66

Total spent for month of November: $127.62
Total savings for month of November: $371.07

There ya have it! We are under budget by $12.38 for the entire month of November! Yay! Looks like this $35/week grocery budget will work out just dandy for us! =) Now on to December...

New to saving money on groceries? Try this series for helpful information on how to save.

Not sure how to use coupons? Try this post for couponing basics!

Want to start saving at Publix? Check out the Publix Basics post to learn all about it!

What about you? How did you do this week? Share your deals and scenarios below! If you are new to saving money, I invite you to e-mail me with a picture and explanation of a great deal you got, so that I can share it with all of the readers! Go here to see some readers' savings! They all do so great! We're all in this together!!! =)

Want to see how others save as well? Many bloggers join Money Saving Mom in her "Super Savings Saturday" every week! Check it out!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Just wanted to take a moment to say Happy Thanksgiving to everybody! Hope you had a day full of love, joy, thankfulness, blessings, and family.

In the middle of all the rush today, I hope you were able to find the time to stop and ponder all that God has blessed you with in life and remember why you are thankful.

I know I have a lot to be thankful for...even in the hardest of times when I tend to forget. =)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Simplifying Christmas: Part One - Introduction

My husband and I ventured out this past Saturday to take my wedding band for its “once every 6-months” inspection at the jewelry store. We dropped it off to be rhodium-plated, and they said it wouldn’t be ready for another 2 hours...

The jewelry store is located at the Town Center Mall, so while waiting on it, we decided to walk around. It’s a really nice outdoor, upscale mall that we have here in town. It’s always fun and romantic to stroll around there. (Actually, we went to a restaurant at the Town Center the night we got engaged). So, we grabbed a cup of coffee, walked around, enjoyed the Christmas lights and music, and just talked about life together. It was nice.

After we picked up my ring at the jewelry store and got back in the car, I let out a huge sigh and said to my husband, “Well...that’s the only dose of consumerism Christmas I needed for this season! That sure reminded me how happy I am to not be rushing out on Black Friday this year.”

Nothing against Black Friday or shopping for gifts for your loved ones...it’s just overwhelming to me. (Especially when you wait all night long in the freezing cold for an awesome deal on a computer for 10 hours, only to get cut in line one hour prior to the opening, which in effect causes you to walk away empty-handed and disappointed...true story from last year!). On Saturday, People were rude, mean, and in terrible moods from being so stressed out. Isn’t this supposed to be a season of love? I drove away from the Town Center thinking that I needed a million things that I don’t need at all! I just wanted them, because the stores told me that I needed them to be of any value or worth. I came away less thankful for all of my many blessings and things that I already have that enable me to live in luxury compared to the rest of the world. This is what I mean by overwhelming.

Anyways (why do I have to be so wordy?), if you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time now, you probably know that one thing I am an advocate for is simplicity. What is simplicity, exactly, and how did we come to love it so much? Well, that’s another blog series for another month.

This month, I just want to focus on simplifying Christmas. A grand series of events in our first year of marriage led up to me and my husband having a very simple Christmas last year. And the results??? It was the best Christmas either one of us had ever had. We were able to focus on God, people, love, presence (rather than presents), spending time together, giving more to the needy, and just enjoying the season apart from all the hustle and bustle. Without all of the stressful shopping, extravagant gift-buying, and debt-inducing impulse buying...we found that we were not distracted from the true meaning of Christmas.

To be continued in Part 2 (What is the true meaning?)...I will be sharing a video that had a huge impact on me and my husband last year, and inspired us to re-think Christmas...

CVS 3-day Black Friday Sale

CVS will be having a 3-day "Black Friday sale" that runs from Thanksgiving Day through Saturday. If you slip in on Thanksgiving Day, you will be able to grab the great deals while it is nice and quiet. If you're new to CVS, this is a great sale to start "rolling" your extra bucks, and get a great stash to use on future purchases. If this is all new to you, start HERE to better understand how the whole CVS savings system works. =)

Don't forget about the new link for the $5/$30 coupon!

Also, don't forget about the coupon for $4 ECB when you spend $20 from the Season to Save booklet!

Here are the best deals I see for this 3-day sale:

ECB Deals:

Buy Just For Men Touch of Grey at $8.99, get back $8.99 ECB (Limit 1)
$2/1 printable coupon
Full rebate HERE
*Awesome deal! This will be free, plus a $2 moneymaker, after coupons and ECB. Then, you can submit for the full rebate to make it a huge moneymaker!!!

Buy 1 Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion at $7.99, get back $7.99 ECB (Limit 1)
$1.50/1 printable coupon
*Free, plus a $1.50 moneymaker, after coupon and ECB!

Buy 1 Degree Ultra Clear for women at $4, get back $4 ECB (Limit 1)
$1/1 printable coupon
$.75/1 or $1.25/1 from 9-13-09 RP (depends on region)
*Free, plus a moneymaker (amount dependent on which coupon used) after coupon and ECB!

Buy 1 Hershey’s or Reese’s Singles at $.89, get back $.89 ECB (Limit 1)
Buy one get one free coupon (up to $.79) from the 9-20-09 SS
*Free, plus money-maker, after coupon!

Buy 1 Schick Quattro Razor or 4 count refill at $9.99, get back $8 ECB (Limit 1)
$2/1 from 11-22-09 SS
*Free after coupon and ECB!

Buy 1 St. Ives Body Wash (16 oz) at $3.99, get back $3 ECB (Limit 1)
$1/1 from 11-15-09 SS

*Free after coupon and ECB!

Buy 1 Bic Soleil Razor at $6.99, get back $5 ECB (Limit 1)
$2/1 printable coupon
$2/1 from 11-15-09 SS
*Free after coupon and ECB!

Buy 1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush at $2.99, get back $2 ECB (Limit 2)
$1/1 printable coupon
*Free after coupon and ECB!

Buy 1 Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste (4 oz) at $2.88, get back $2 ECB (Limit 2)
$.75/1 from 11-8-09 SS
$1/1 printable coupon
*Use the $1 coupon to get this for free after coupon and ECB!

Buy 1 Mars King Size Bar at $1.59, get back $1.59 ECB (Limit 1)
*Free after ECB!

Buy 1 Philips Earbuds at $6.99, get back $6.99 ECB (Limit 1)
*Free after ECB!

Buy Magnavox Universal Remote at $6.99, get back $6.99 ECB (Limit 1)
*Free after ECB!

Buy 1 Dyna Pep Energy Shot at $4.99, get back $4.99 ECB (Limit 2)
*Free after ECB!

Buy 1 Herbal Essences Shampoo or Conditioner (12 oz) or Styler (6-8 oz) at $2.99, get back $2 ECB (Limit 3)
Free styler when you buy 1 shampoo/conditioner from 10-11-09 PG
*Pay only $.99 for 2 products after coupon and ECB!

Buy 1 Cetaphil Cleansing Bar at $3.49, get back $2 ECB (Limit 1)
*Pay only $1.49 after ECB!

Other Great Deals:

Irish Spring Bar Soap (2 pack) $.99 (Limit 1)

Softsoap (7.5 oz) $.99 (Limit 1)
$.40/1 printable coupon
*Pay only $.59 after coupon!

CoverGirl Lip - Buy one get one free (prices start at $4.99)

All Revlon Cosmetics - Buy one get one free

Go HERE to see the full Black Friday ad scan! Happy Savings!

You can go HERE to see the normal weekly deals at CVS.

Thanks goes to Money Saving Madness and Common Sense With Money for their help in compiling these deals!

Walgreens 3-Day Black Friday Sale

Walgreens will be having a 3-day sale that runs from Thanksgiving Day through Saturday. It's their "Black Friday sale," but if you sneak in on Thanskgiving Day, you'll be able to get all of the deals while it's quiet. =)

Here are the best deals I see for the 3-day Sale:

Register Reward Deals:

Buy 1 Dove Ultimate or Visibly Smooth deodorant at $3.99, get back $3.99 RR
$2/1 printable coupon
$1/1 from 10-4-09 RP
*Free, plus $1 or $2 moneymaker after coupon and RR!

Buy 1 Infusium at $4.99, get back $4.99 RR
$2/1 from 11-22-09 SS
$2/1 from All You magazine (September, October, or November 2009)
*Free, plus $2 moneymaker after coupon and RR!

Buy 1 Nivea for Men at $2.49, get back $2.49 RR
$1/1 printable coupon
$1/1 from 10-11-09 RP
*Free, plus a $1 moneymaker after coupon and RR!

Buy 1 Aquafresh toothpaste at $1.99, get back $1.99 RR

*Free after RR!

Buy 1 Right Guard Sport at $2.49, get back $2.49 RR
*Free after RR!

Buy 1 Johnson’s Soft Body Wash at $5.99, get back $5.99 RR
$1.50/1 printable coupon that was available recently (if this is the correct product)
*Free, plus $1.50 moneymaker after coupon and RR!

Buy 1 Dulcolax at $7, get back $4 RR
$3/1 coupon on product
*Free after coupon and RR!

Buy 1 Crayola Crayons with sharpener (64 count) at $1.99, get back $1 RR
*Pay only $.99 after RR!

Other Great Deals:

Command Picture Hanging Strips - buy one get one free $3.59
$1/1 from 11-15-09 RP
*Pay only $.80 each after coupons!

Cottonelle Toilet Paper (12-pack) $4.50 (with in-ad coupon)

Walgreens Tape $.39 (with in-ad coupon)

Go HERE to see the full ad scan! Happy Savings!!!

You can go HERE to see the normal weekly deals at Walgreens.

Thanks goes to Money Saving Madness and Common Sense With Money for their help in compiling these deals!

Rite Aid 3-Day Black Friday Sale

Lynn has your Rite Aid Black Friday Deals all put together! It is a 3-day sale that starts on Thanksgiving and runs through Saturday.

Here are some goodies I see on her list:

Sally Hansen Lip Color $0.99
- $1/1 Sally Hansen 9/13 RP Final = FREE after coupon

Scope Mouthwash $3.99
- $3 SCR - $1/1 Scope 11/1 P&G Final = FREE after coupon & SCR

Gillette Shave Gel/Cream $1.99
- $1 SCR - $1/1 Gillette 11/1 P&G Final = FREE after coupon & SCR

Bic Soleil Razor $5.99
- $4 in ad coupon - $2/1 Bic Soleil 11/15 SS or $2/1 printable
Final = FREE after both coupons

Schick Disposable Razors .99
- $1/1 Schick disposable 11/22 SS Final = FREE after coupon

Schick Quattro Razors $1.99
- $2/1 Schick Quatro 11/22 SS Final = FREE after coupon

Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush $2.99
- $2 SCR - $1/1 Cross Action 10/11 OR 11/1 P&G Final = FREE after coupon & SCR

Be sure to go visit Lynn @ Maven of Savin' for the rest of the great Black Friday deals at Rite Aid!

For the regular weekly Rite Aid deals, go HERE.

Thanks, Lynn!

Publix Deals (11/27 - 12/2)

Well guys, great news. I have Internet connection out here in California, at least for tonight. =) We're staying in a few different places while we're here, so it will just depend on where we are each night.

Anyways, on to the sneak peek of the new Publix Deals! They will start on Friday this week, rather than Thursday, due to Thanksgiving. If you're look for the old ad that runs through tomorrow, go here. Publix will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

If you are new to Publix, start here. If you're a beginner, be sure to check your store's coupon policy. Publix coupon policies vary by store. Florida stores do not double coupons. In other states, check you store for info on whether or not they double coupons. Prices also vary slightly from store to store, depending on your area.

Here are the best deals I see this week:

Buy One Get One Free Deals:

Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt (4 packs, 4 oz cups) BOGO $2.50

$1.25/1 printable coupon

$1/1 printable coupon

*Best Deal: Use the $1.25/1 coupons to get FREE yogurt!

**Great Deal: Use the $1/1 coupons to pay only $.25 each!

Fisher Fusions Snack Mix (Assorted Varieties) BOGO $1.79

$1/1 from 11-22-09, 11-15-09, 6-21-09, or 6-7-09 SS (often a regional coupon)

*If your region received these, get FREE Snack Mix with coupons!

Alexia Natural Crunch Snack BOGO $2.00

$1/1 printable coupon

$1/1 from All You (November 2009)

Try Me Free Coupon from Alexia rebate (if you sent in for it a while back)

$1/1 Tearpad

$.50/1 or $1/2 from 10-4-09 SS (depends on region)

*Use the $1/1 coupons to get FREE Alexia snacks!

Pomegranates BOGO $2.99

$1/2 from Publix Greenwise Magazine, Fall 2009 (Go here to sign up for free)

*Pay only $1 each after coupon!

Cheez It Crackers (Assorted Varieties, 11.5 to 14 oz) BOGO $3.99

$1.50/2 from 10-4-09 RP (expires 11/30)

*Pay only $1.25 each after coupon!

Immaculate Baking Company Cookie Dough, Better Bakes (14 oz bag) BOGO $3.09

$1/2 from Natural Selections booklet

$1/2 from Earth Fare Holiday Savings

$1/1 store coupon from Publix Greenwise Magazine, Fall 2009 (sign up here for free)

*Best Deal: Stack (2) $1/1 store coupons with a $1/2 coupon to get both bags for only $.09!

Fresh Express Spinach (9 oz bag) BOGO $2.49

$.55/1 Tearpad

*Pay only $.70 each after coupons!

Land O Lakes Cheese (8 oz pre-packaged located in Deli) BOGO $3.59

$1/2 from 11-15-09 SS

$1/2 Blinkie

*Pay only $1.30 per package after coupon!

Shedd’s Spread Country Crock (Assorted Varieties and Sizes) BOGO $1.75

$.50/1 printable coupon

$.40/1 or $.30/1 from 9-20-09 RP (depends on region)

*Best Deal: Use the $.50/1 coupons to pay only $.38 each!

Bird’s Eye Viola! Meals BOGO $4.99

$1/2 printable coupon

$1/2 from 11-8-09 SS

$1/2 from “Fresh, Flavorful, Frozen” Publix booklet found in-store (expires 11/30)

$1.50/2 Tearpad

*Best Deal: If you have the Tearpad coupon, pay only $1.75 each!

**Good Deal: Use the $1/2 coupon to pay only $2 each.

***Don’t forget about the UP! and Viola rebate HERE!

Quick N Eat Charbroiled Burgers (Angus, Cheddar, or Cheddar Bacon, 18 oz package) BOGO $6.79

$.75/1 printable coupon

$.50/1 Tearpad

*Use (2) $.75/1 coupons to pay only $2.65 each!

Red Baron Pizza BOGO $5.79

$1/1 Red Baron Singles from 10-18-09 SS (if included in sale)

$1/2 from 10-11-09 RP

$.55/1 printable coupon

$1/2 Tearpad

*Use the $1/2 coupon to pay only $2.40 each!

*If the singles are included in the sale, you should be able to get a great deal on those with the $1/1 coupons!

Musselman’s Apple Sauce (6 pack, 4 oz cups) BOGO $2.33

$.75/1 from “Publix Winter Family Savings” booklet found in-store

$.40/1 printable coupon (if included in sale)

*Use the $.75/1 coupons to pay only $.42 per 6 pack!!

McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper (4 oz) BOGO $2.79

$1/1, $.50/1, or $1/2 from 11-1-09 RP

$.55/1 from “All The Trimmings” booklet found in-store

*Best deal: Use the $1/1 coupons to pay only $.40 each!

Taco Bell Home Originals Dinner (Assorted Varieties) BOGO $2.79

$.75/1 Peelie

*Pay only $.90 each after coupons!

Crisco Extra Virgin Olive Oil (16.9 oz) BOGO $6.49

$1/1 or $.75/1 from 11-8-09 RP or 9-13-09 RP

$.75/1 Tearpad

*Best Deal: Use the $1/1 coupons to pay only $2.25 each!

Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn (Assorted Varieties and Sizes) BOGO $4.89

$1/2, $.75/1, or $.40/1 from 11-15-09 SS

$1/1 from All You magazine (December 2009)

*Best Deal: Use the $1/1 coupons to pay only $1.45 each!

Kraft Barbecue Sauce BOGO $1.69

$.35/1 Tearpad

$.35/1 Peelie

*Pay only $.50 each after coupons!

Nestle Fun Size or Miniature Bars (11 to 12.5 oz bag) BOGO $3.15

$1/1 Tearpad

*Pay only $.58 each after coupons!

Whitman’s Sampler, Assorted Chocolates (12 oz box) BOGO $9.99

$1/1 Walgreens November Coupon Booklet

*If your store takes Walgreens competitor coupons, pay only $4 each!

Bic Disposable Razors (Comfort 3 Advance, Bic 3 Triple Blade Sensitive Skin For Men, Soleil Bella 4 blades, or Soleil Triple Blade Sensitive Skin for Women (3 to 8 count packages) BOGO $5.49

$2/1 from 10-18-09 SS
*Pay only $.75 per package after coupons!

Kotex Maxi Pads (14 to 24 count) or Lightdays Pantiliner (40 to 64 count) BOGO $3.39

$2/2 from 11-8-09 SS

$1.50/2 or $2/2 from 10-4-09 SS (depends on region)

$1/1 printable coupon

$1/1 from All You, October 2009

$1.50/1 competitor coupon from $100 CVS coupon booklet

*Best Deal: If your store takes CVS competitor coupons: Stack (2) CVS coupons with manufacturer coupons to get FREE feminine products, plus overage (if your store allows it)!

Willow Lane Premium Scented Candle (19 oz jar) BOGO $9.99

Kodak Power Flash Disposable Camera (27 exposures) BOGO $7.09

Scotch Gift Wrap Tape BOGO $2.49

$1/1 from “Publix Winter Family Savings” booklet found in-store

*Pay only $.25 each after coupons!

Other Great Deals:

Jell-O Snack (6 packs, Assorted Varieties) 3/$6

$.50/1 Mousse Temptations printable coupon (if included)

$1/1 Mousse Temptations Publix store printable coupon (if included)

Kraft First Taste Mousse Temptations coupons (if included. Some received coupons for a FREE Temptations. Others received $2/1).

*Best Deal: Use the Kraft First Taste FREE coupon to get one for FREE!

**Best Deal without K.F.T. coupons: Stack a $.50/1 coupon with the Publix $1/1 coupon to pay only $.50 each!!

***This all depends on the Mousse Temptations being included in the sale. =)

Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps 2/$5

$1/1 Garlic printable coupon

$1/1 Everything printable coupon

$1/1 Buffalo Wing printable coupon

*Pay only $1.50 each after coupon!

Weight Watchers Ice Cream 2/$7

*$1/2 Blinkie (Expires 11/30)

*Great price, even without coupon! Use coupon for an even better deal, if you have it!

Lean, Hot, or Croissant Pockets 6/$10

$1/4, $.50/4, $.50/3, or $1/3 from 10-25-09 SS (depends on region)

$1/1 or $.75/1 from 9-27-09 RP (depends on region)

$.75/2, $.50/1, or $.50/2 from 9-13-09 RP (depends on region)

*Great price, even without coupon! Throw a few coupons in there for an awesome deal!

General Mills Fiber One Cereal 4/$10

$1/2 from 11-15-09 GM, 11-8-09 SS, or 10-25-09 SS

$4/4 Fiber One Cereals - in ad Publix coupon

*Best Deal: Buy 4 cereals. Stack the in-ad $4/4 store coupon with (2) $1/2 coupons to pay only $4 for all 4 boxes, making them only $1 each!

Kleenex Viva Paper Towels (8 roll package) $5.99

$2/1 printable coupon

$1/1 from All You magazine (November 2009)

*Best Deal: Use the $2 coupon to pay only $3.99 for a package of paper towels!!! Incredible Price!!!

Kleenex Tissues (75 to 200 count box) 3/$4

$.75/1 printable coupon

$1/1 competitor coupon from CVS $100 flu coupon booklet

$1/2 Tearpad

$1/4 or $1/2 from 11-1-09 SS (depends on region)

*Best Deal (if your store accepts CVS competitor coupons): Stack the $.75/1 coupon with the $1/1 CVS coupon to get FREE Kleenex, plus overage (if your store allows it).

Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $1.79/lb

*Pretty good price for this. Lowest it ever goes is $1.49, but that is quite rare. If you need to grab some chicken at a great stock-up price, go for it!

Chiquita Bananas $.39/lb

Red Seedless Grapes $1.49/lb

Go here to see the Publix weekly ad on their website. Go here or here to see the remainder of the deals with coupon match-ups (as well as the rest of the BOGO's)! I only post the very best of the best rock-bottom priced deals that I see each week, so you might want to check the rest of the deals out! =)

Thanks, I Heart Publix!

If you have any questions or want to share about your deals, feel free to comment below or e-mail me! Happy Publix shopping!