A change in how I do things

Well, I guess by now everyone has figured out that I haven't been blogging very much- or not at all. We all have busy and stressful lives and I am no exception.

For some reason this school year has been challenging to me. It is taking me more time to get everyone organized, lunches made, dinner done, homework done and then it's on to the house. My house is chaotic now, and it is overflowing into how I feel.

NOT CALM. The chaos has led to me feeling very stressed. My health has once again been affected and I got strep throat again last week.

So I have decided to call it quits on this blog. I just end up feeling guilty for neglecting it which stresses me out even more.

But I can't leave the deals all together! So I started a fan page on facebook that is much easier to post on and will use that to highlight any local deals. You can "like" the page and then any updates I make will be listed on your news feed. I thought this might be easier all together since it seems everyone is on facebook. Here is the link: it is "Kendra's coupon deals around Portage".

Thanks to everyone who has followed this blog and encouraged me along the way. Feel free to leave the details of any deals you find on the "wall" of my page on facebook!

Family Dollar Deals

In case you haven't heard, the Family Dollar store in Portage is going out of business. They are still accepting coupons, so you may want to check it out to see if you can find any good deals!

They are open until the 27th, or until everything is gone.

Thanks for the heads up Vicki!

A couple Walgreens deals

Here a couple deals that I found at Walgreens this week that I thought I would share...

• Trash bags $2.99 (a great price I think)
• Maxwell House instant coffee $3.99, there was a new $1 IP released yesterday so $2.99 ea
• Gain dishsoap $0.89 with ad coupon, $1 MQ to make it a moneymaker
• Captain Crunch small boxes $1 each, used $1/2 IP to make them 50 cents
• Koolaid fizzers $1.49 on clearance, used $1 MQ = $0.49
• Thermacare $2.49, used $1 IP and got $1.50 in RR = free
• Carmex $2.99, used $1 IP and $2 RR = free

Good luck finding deals of your own!

Saving for Christmas UPDATE!!!

Way back at the beginning of the year, I posted a goal about how I wanted to pay for Christmas gifts this year by using a combination of rewards from Mypoints and Swagbucks. The original post is here.

Here is a review of how these plans are going.

Mypoints: This site lets you earn "points" by clicking to read emails, complete surveys, or shop online through many companies by going through their website. So far this year I have only read emails. I didn't complete any surveys (they are worth more points) or any online shopping (as I've been trying to save that $). I redeemed my points the other day and am getting a $25 gift card to Kmart. That will be handy for Christmas shopping!

To sign up for mypoints, shoot me an email at kendralacrosse@ymail.com and I can email you the link.  

Swagbucks: This is an internet search engine that awards "bucks" periodically when you use it to find websites. It has a toolbar that you can download that makes it super easy to use. I have had no problems with the toolbar at all! In addition, they often email free codes that you can enter to earn more bucks and you can shop a ton of online retailers to earn bucks.

I use Swagbucks almost exclusively to search for websites that I follow daily instead of listing them as 'favorites'. This way I use the search engine more. I probably earn an average of 30-50 Swagbucks daily by doing this.

Once you have a bunch of swagbucks in your account, you can redeem them for giftcards or other prizes. This week I decided to redeem my bucks in order to get ready for Christmas shopping and was able to get $75 in Amazon giftcards. I love this because Amazon runs tons of deals before Christmas!

To sign up for Swagbucks you can click here or click on the "Swagbucks" button on the top right of my blog.

Alice: Alice.com is a website where you can shop for tons of items and get them shipped to your house for FREE. They also have manufacture coupons that they deduct automatically- no clipping involved. Initially the site had mostly non-food items like tissue, toothpaste and other paper products. But now they have lots of non-perishable food items as well. I have ordered from Alice.com and was impressed with the speed of delivery! And I love getting packages! The prices may not always be the lowest around, but if you run low on time for shopping it is a great solultion!

To sign up for an account on Alice.com, click here. Once you spend $50 at Alice.com, you get a $10 credit in your account.

To Recap: I am getting.....

• $25 GC to Kmart (from Mypoints)
• $75 GC to Amazon (from Swagbucks)

Just from using it since January! And neither account was completed depleted of points so I may earn even more before Christmas even gets here!

If you want more information about any of these programs, feel free to email me at kendralacrosse@ymail.com and I'd be happy to explain!

Disclosure: clicking on my links above may let me earn points through their referral programs.

Pierce's Highlights

Here are the weekly deals at Pierce's according to me. Be sure to check out the Piggly Wiggly flyer as well as there are some coupon deals there too.

Don't forget that Walmart will price match to Piggly Wiggly or Pierce's for the same item. Be sure to bring the flyer in and tell them before they ring it up. They will not match an ad coupon though.

Page one
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Hormel Pork Loin chops $1.78/lb, use the $1 MQ for Hormel pork to get a good deal
Green or red grapes $0.98/lb
Crystal Farms  chunk or shredded cheese $1.66
Yoplait yogurt $0.50

Page two
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Azteca flour tortillas $1.18
Daisy sour cream 16 oz $1.66
Ore Ida potatos or onion rings $2.50

Page three
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10 for $10 "Topcare" items, a fair price for some of these items if you are running low
Old Orchard juice $2, use BIGI if Healthy blend is included
Quaker items on sale- use the MQ in ad to get $3 off 5 items
Fuze drink $1, use $0.75 MQ (from Kwik Trip?)

Page four
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Ortega taco seasoning $0.66, use $0.50 MQ to get super cheap
Brocolli $0.78/lb
Grape tomatoes $1.50

There they are folks. Happy grocery shopping!

Cheap Malt o Meal cereal

If you picked up the $0.50 coupons for Malt-o-meal cereal from Kwik Trip in the last few weeks, you should know this....

At Walmart (in the back by the dairy) the strawberry mini-shredders (mini wheats) are only $1. Only
50 cents after coupon!

Pierce's Highlights for the week

Yes, it's a new week and I actually have time today to post! As always, these are the deals according to me so be sure to check out the ad for yourself.

Page one
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Ground beef $1.68/lb
Shurfresh cream cheese $0.88
Peaches/nectarines $0.98/lb
Chicken breasts $4.88 for 3# bag
Lay's chips $1.98
**coupon for $2 when you buy 4 pepsi 12 packs

Page two
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Hormel sirloin pork chops or roast $1.88/lb, use $1 MQ to get some cheap!
Tombstone pizza $3.33
Old Orchard frozen juice conc $0.98
Crystal Farms string cheese $2.50
Kraft shredded cheese $2, use $1/2 IP

Page three
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Bush's baked beans $1.50
Sweet baby Rays BBQ $0.98
Old Dutch chips $2
Suddenly salad mixes $1

Page four
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*in ad coupon for 2 free "10 for $10" items when you buy 10. Many items to choose from, mix or match

Puff's tissues $0.98, use $0.25 MFQ

Page five
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*ad coupon for poptarts $3- when you buy two, also use $1/3 MQ
Koolaid $0.12
Knorr rice sides $1
Bear Creek soups $2.88 (these are pretty good!)
Valu time condensed soups $0.48
Caprisun or Kool aid Jammers $2, use $1/2 MQ for Caprisun

Page six
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Cantaloupe $1.50
Squash $0.48/lb
Green peppers $0.98/lb

That is all I see for now. Happy shopping! 

On blogging and summer and school

Hey readers! Once again time has gotten away from me. I have let the blogging get pushed aside in favor of summer, playing with the kids, birthdays and the upcoming start of school! Forgive me. I hope to get back into a routine soon.

I also want you to know why I have this blog. I started blogging to share my deals and teach others how they too can save money. I don't blog to make money. I have never made a single CENT off this blog. Sure, there are ads on here, but nothing has ever been paid to me. I will continue to blog for as long as I enjoy it. However, when my life dictates it - the blog is pushed aside in favor of family. I hope you can understand that.

That is all- I hope you are enjoying the end of the summer and having fun.

Happy deal making!

Pierce's Highlights for the week

Another week is upon us, and it looks like the deals are weak as well. As always, these are the deals as I see them. Be sure to check out the ads for yourself.

Page one
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Ground Chuck $1.88/lb in 3# or more packs
Dole salads $1.50
Cantaloupe $1.50

Page two
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Hormel pork roast or steaks $1.68/lb
Banquet chicken nuggets $3.88- it's a pretty big bag

Page three
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* 10/$10 items*: pepsi 2L, dole pineapple (MQ available), starkist tuna, David's bagels, barilla pasta

Musselman's apple sauce cups $1.88, use $1/2 MQ
*ad coupon for free tostitos when you buy 3 pepsi 12 packs

Page four
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Earthbound farms Romaine hearts $2.28, use $1/2 IP
Navel oranges $0.50 each
Pears $0.78/lb
Dole celery $0.88
Beef steak tomatoes $0.98/lb
cucumbers 3/$0.99

Have a great week everyone!

Pierce's Highlights....finally

I apologize about the lateness of this post. I am changing internet providers and having trouble getting my printer and wireless setup. In fact, my first router started on fire when I plugged it in! Not having good luck.

Anyway, better late than never, here are the deals according to me- hint: not a ton of good deals.

Page one
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Rib Pork chops or roast $1.88/lb
grapes $0.98/lb
Cauliflower $0.98/lb
TJ Farms Hash Browns $1.50

Page two
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Banquet brown-n-serve sausage $1
Welch's frozen concentrate juice cocktail $0.98
Shurfine frozen veggies $1

Page three
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Koolaid/countrytime lemonade $1.88, use $1/2 MQ
Shurfine pudding snacks $0.98
Welch's grape jelly $1.88
TJ Farms fruit snacks $1

Page four
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Cucumbers 3/$0.99
Dole iceberg lettuce $0.98
Earthbound farms organic carrots $1.58, use $1/2 IP
Fresh Blueberries $1.78 for pint
Pepsi 12 packs $3.50, use in ad coupon for buy 3, get 1 diet 12 pack free

That is it folks. As you can see, not many coupon deals. Have a great weekend, stay cool and dry!

Mad/Crazy Deals again!!!

I noticed these crackers on sale at Kwik Trip 3/$1. I had coupons (from a tear pad) that I've held for a long time. The coupons were for $0.60/2.

Since they were essentially $0.33 each -- I got them for only 3 cents each!

I may have bought 30+ of these in the peanut butter cracker flavor............

School is coming and the kids love them!! (and the expiration date is end of November)

Kmart Cereal deal

Check out the weekly Pierce's post comment.

Apparently Kmart has a good deal on General Mills cereal this week. Their sale ends today, so I hope you have time to pick up cereal really cheap!!

A fun freebie for the kids!

Thanks to Jessica for this freebie for the kids.

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/activities/new/big-book-of-fun/


Free National Geographic big book of fun. Just need 4 UPC numbers from Popsicle products or any suave kids products or Skippy peanut butter product.

I haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but I will later today!

Pierce's Highlights for the week

It appears to be produce week at Pierce's so plan on some deals on fruits and veggies. Here are the deals according to me.

Page one
---------
sweet corn 5/$1.00
Cantaloupe $1.50
Bananas $0.38/lb
braeburn apples $0.88/lb
Dole iceberg lettuce $0.78
Pears $0.88/lb
Plum/peaches/nectarines $0.98/lb
Hormel country spareibs $1.88/lb

Page two
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Hormel pork chops/roast $1.88/lb
Shurfresh corn dogs $1.50
Oscar Mayer hotdogs $1.50, use $1/2 MQ
Gold n' Plump wings/legs/thighs $2.50, use $1 MQ
frozen Wild Pollack fillets $1.88/lb
Crystal Farms butter 1# $1.98

Page three- 4 DAY SALE ITEMS
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Big buy bacon 1# $1.18 (what??? super cheap that is!)
Tostitos tortilla chips $2.50

Page four
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(ok, there is a bunch of Kellogg's items on sale but the prices aren't so hot. Here's what to do. Pick up those Kellogg's items at Piggly Wiggly where they are cheaper and generating a coupon towards your next purchase. Then submit that receipt for the Kellogg's rebate on the Pierce's ad)

ad coupon for buy 10 get 11th free for the following: hunts bbq sauce, chef boyardee, manwich, pudding and Crunch 'n Munch.

Page five
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Peter Pan PB $1.50
dole fruit bowls $2, use $2/6 IP from smartsource.com
ad coupon for Ragu jar for $0.98

Page six
--------
Broccoli $0.88

That is all for now folks. Be sure to check out the Piggly Wiggly ad as they have some good deals this week! Happy Shopping!

Some Amazing Target Deals

I had a chance to run to Target without kids so I spent a couple days planning and I think I did a pretty good run.

The pictures above are of the same stuff, but different angles to fit it all in.

There were a few items that I bought that we needed and didn't have coupons for. Including those items (in the picture) I spent a total of $63.38 and saved $136.61!

I will highlight a couple of the notable items:

Freebies:
Olay soap
Chefboyardee cups
hair spray
Shampoo
Always pantyliner
Wonka chocolate bars
bic pens/pencils
Crystal Light

Other finds include:
Aquafresh toothpaste was $0.37 after coupons
Bagel Bites $0.24 after coupons
Synders pretzels $0.24-$0.59 after coupons
Wheat thins $1
Ritz crackerfuls $1
Kashi bars $0.88
Nature Valley bars $0.39
Ortega taco shells $0.50
Juicy Juice boxes $0.88

I also stocked up on some more school supplies that were on sale for my crafting kids. Luckily right now their school supplies are covered by a grant for the school, so I buy them up for our own use!

I think I did a pretty good job. I got quite a few items for packing lunches which will start before we know it!

Have you gotten any good deals lately?

Pierce's Highlights for the week

Time for another match-up already.

Page one
---------
Ground beef $1..78/lb
seedless grapes $0.98/lb
Kemps 1/2 gallon milk $1
Pillsbury cinnamon rolls $1 each, use $1/2 IP
Skippy peanut butter $0.98 with ad coupon, limit one

Page two
---------
Farmland bacon $2.98
Shurfresh string cheese $2.98
Kemps singles ice cream $0.80 each, use $1/3 MQ
Old Orchard concentrate lemonade $0.78

Page three
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Hershey chocolate bars $2.50
Honey Maid grahams $2.50
Jet puffed marshmallows $0.98-----use $1 MQ when you buy Hershey, grahams and marshmallows
Smucker's grape jelly $1.88
Quaker granola bars $2
Koolaid $0.12, buy 10 plus 4# sugar and use $2 MQ on both
Crystal Light $2, use $2 MQ from vocalpoint last month
Shurfine applesauce $1.25

Page four
---------
Bartlett Pears $0.98/lb
Earthbound farms organic salad $2.88, use $1/2 IP
Cabbage $0.28/lb

Those are the deals according to me. Happy shopping!

Malt-o-Meal cereal deal

Kwik Trip has several coupons on the racks in their store. Next time you stop for gas take a peak!

One coupon I recently got there was for $0.50 off any Malt-O-Meal cereal.

The Cinnamon Toasters are currently on sale at Walmart for only $1! Use that coupon to stock up. That is the only flavor of cereal at that price right now.

Free backpacks from Staples!

Starting Sunday in the new ad, Staples will have backpacks that are free after rebate! Here are the details from their website....

"Buy ANY backpack and get 100% back in a Staples gift card"

The fine print does limit you to one per household.

What a deal! Just in time for school shopping. Offer is good from 7/25-7/31.

While at the website, be sure to check for coupons towards your total purchase!

 One of the coupons is for $5 off a $25 purchase. Use this coupon to really score on the backpack!

Email me at kendralacrosse@verizon.net if you can't find a copy of the coupons. I received them in a direct email from Staples and I can forward them to you!

And a thank you to Vickie as well!

Kmart doubles

Starting Sunday, Kmart will be doubling coupons up to $0.99. The rules are similar to last time; only the first 5 coupons will be doubled and you must scan your rewards card first.

I'm not too excited about this one. Does anyone even have any $0.99 coupons? The best I can do is a $0.75 one. I guess I will probably skip it.

Please let me know if you go and find any deals so I can share with everyone.

Pierce's Highlights of the week

Here are the highlights for this week of the deals as I see it. There isn't much to go on, a pretty slim week in my opinion. Check out the ad for yourself.

Page one

---------

Pepsi 2 liter $1

Frozen chicken breasts $4.88/3lb

Cantaloupe $1.50

Doritos chips $1.98
Shurfresh ice cream $0.98 with ad coupon (has anyone tried it?)

Page two
---------
Hormel pork butt steaks or roast $1.58/lb
8th Continent soy mild $2.50, use $1.50 IP
Popsicle pops $2.88

Page three
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* ad coupon for $5 off when you buy any 10 General Mills products in the same shopping trip. Let me know if you can work out any coupon scenarios to make these cheap. I haven't figured any out yet.
Jif peanut butter $1.98
Barilla pasta or Hunts spaghetti sauce $0.98
* ad coupon for $2 off with buying: charcoal, hidden valley dressing and KC masterpiece. Check maufacture websites to see if there are coupons for these items- could work out into a deal.

Page four
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dole lettuce $0.98
Braeburn apples $0.98/lb
Organic raspberries $2.50

Have a great week everyone. Go get the deals.