Only 17 Shopping Days Left!

AGGGH!! I started shopping almost two months ago for Christmas gifts, and I am still not done yet. I did not follow my own advice and take advantage of any Black Friday specials, but I have found some goodies for my loved ones that I can save on before Christmas! Not gonna lie, I have a quite a few kids I am shopping for, but everyone knows someone who's a kid at heart, right?

Amazon Deals:

Kids Movies, up to 78% off!!

Horton Hears a Who for $3.99!

Willy Wonka for $3.99!

Annie for $4.99

40% off Barbie Photo Fashion Doll, only $29.99

30% off on Angry Birds!

10 Free Holiday Cards! Send out some free Christmas Cheer with couponcode: WinterCards
And 40% off the rest of your purchase with code: Cards40

Save 25% and get free shipping at Old Navy with code: OnGift

Spend $250 online, select in-store pick up, and get a $25 Savings code for a future online purchase!







25% off Sitewide and Free Shipping!

Anyone Else Hungry?

It's finals week, holiday shopping time, and this girl is on the go. I spend all my time gathering food in my pantry, that is literally kills me to buy food to go. But it's been a few days now since I've seen my kitchen, and if I eat one more piece of Five Star Pizza, I will actually turn into Five Star Pizza. I've found some printable coupons and deals that might help us all make it through. Hope these turns some C's to B's!



Subway: 
 The entire month of December, Subway is giving away $2 subs! Get a 6" Meatball Marinara sub or Cold Cut Combo for $2!! I'm not a big cold cut combo fan, salami is totes gross. If only the Subways on USF campus did the same promos as Subway. The most difficult part of my day is walking past it and not going inside. 

Thx, Coupon Geek

(Go learn about their $20 Subway Gift Card Giveaway too!)

Chili's:

Free Chips and Queso when you sign up for the Chili's E-mail Club!

Sbarro:

Free Slice of Pizza when you sign up for the Sbarro E-mail Club!

Jamba Juice:

$2 16 oz Jamba Juice!

(UM, OMG.)

Pei Wei:

BOGO Entrees, Can someone say, after-finals celebration dinner?!

There you go, that should be at least one deal for every dinner of exam week! Good Luck!

Wal-Mart Deals!

Not gonna lie, I've been a little selfish with my savings lately. I've been so busy saving money, that I totally forgot to tell you about it. #SorryNotSorry. 


But I digress...


Here's what you can look out for at your local Wal-Mart!
**Please note that Wal-Mart does not have uniform prices. Some Wal-Marts may have a price that is higher or lower than the prices I experienced. Don't yell at me if this doesn't work out as well for you as it did for me- guess you should have come shopping with me then!

• Schick Disposable Razor Packs, 12 ct
• Regular Price- $2.00
• Coupon- $2.00 off of 1 
• Coupon Location- 12/02 Smart Source
• Price= FREEEEEE

• Hasbro Kreon Micro Changers Figure (Great stocking stuffer for 6-13 year old boy!)
• Regular Price- $3.49
• Coupon- One Free Item (up to a $4.99 value)
• Coupon Location- 12/02 Smart Source
• Price= FREEEEE
• Tobasco Sauce 2oz Bottle
• Regular Price- $1.27
• Coupon- $1 off of 1
• Coupon Location- 11/11 Smart Source
• Price= $.27
• Farm Rich Snack
• Regular Price- $2.17
• Coupon- $3 off of 2
• Coupon Location- 9/30 Smart Source
• Price= $1.34 for 2
• Nivea Lip Care
• Regular Price- $2.47
• Coupon- $3 off of 2
• Coupon Location- 12/02 Red Plum
• Price= $1.94 for 2
• Carmex Lip Balm
• Regular Price- $.98
• Coupon- $.55 off of 1
• Coupon Location- 12/02 Smart Source
• Price= $.43 
• Hormel Boneless Ham
• Regular Price- $3.68/ Pound
• Coupon- $2 off of 1
• Coupon Location- 11/04 Smart Source\
• Price= $1.68 for 1 pound
• Carefree Pantiliners, 20 ct
• Regular Price- $.94
• Coupon- $.50 off of 1
• Coupon Location- 10/28 Smart Source
• Price- $.44 
• Baileys Coffee Creamer, 16 oz
• Regular Price= $1.88
• Coupon- $1 off of 1
• Coupon Location- 11/18 Smart Source
• Price= $.88
• Benecol Spread, 8 oz
• Regular Price= $3.88
• Coupon- $2 off of 1
• Coupon Location- 9/16 Red Plum
• Price= $1.88
• Hormel Compleats Microwave Meal, 10 oz
• Regular Price= $1.98
• Coupon- $1 off of 1
• Coupon Location- 11/11 Smart Source
• Price= $.96
• Hormel Sandwich Makers, 7 oz
• Regular Price= $1.98
• Coupon- $1 off of 1
• Coupon Location- 11/11 Smart Source
• Price= $.98
• Starkist Tuna Pouch 2 oz
• Regular Price= $1.12
• Coupon= $.55 off of 1
• Coupon Location- 7/15 Smart Source
• Price= $.57

Food items aside, many things like lip balm, razors, lotions, and more are great things to put in stockings this year. Many of us try to do the traditional present exchange where you give out medium sized boxes wrapped in a shiny foil paper. But, how much does that really cost you? Consider purchasing these items in bulk and redistributing them by way of gift baskets and overflowing stockings to give out the same amount of cheer, but with out breaking the bank.

And, as always, feel free to make me one too =]]]

Small Business Saturday Tampa Style

Corporations only make up around 20% of American businesses. The other 80% are comprised of small, locally owned businesses. In cities like Tampa, it is hard to see those small businesses sometimes. But look closely reader, nestled between CVS and Publix is a mom-and-pop coffee shop that produces the most delicious muffins at a lower cost than Dunkin Donuts. Sometimes, these local businesses get are grossly under-rated. 

This Saturday, November 24 join the United States Bureau of Small Businesses and shop small. Black Friday can be a huge hassle, and shopping online isn't for everyone. American Express began the post-holiday-holiday in 2010 to help breathe some life back into local companies. 

I have to say, I am sad to announce that there are no guaranteed savings for Small Business Saturday. But but buttttt, thanks to my boyfriend Google, I've found a couple deals in the Tampa area! Support local business!

South Tampa Deals 

• Includes:
• You Say When
• Ricky's Tees
• The Library CoffeeHouse
• Quiznos

New Tampa  

• Includes:
• Free Legal Aid with Brick Law Firm
• Avon

Brandon 

• Includes:
• Orange Home Accessories
• Julie's Consignment Boutique
• Tres Amigos Catina

More to come, maybe. Keep an eye out, and let me know if you hear about anything for Small Business Saturday that I haven't mentioned!

Black Friday Deals!!!

Who else is totally stoked to sit outside of a store, freezing to death, just to get a really great deal?! Ooohhh, me! Me! MEEEE!!! NOT.This year, I'll be taking the lazy way out of Christmas

With so much competition for your money this time of the year, companies are going to great lengths to make it as easy as possible for you to check your list twice. Many stores are opening at midnight on Thanksgiving this year, sparking a ton of controversy from families and workers alike. Wal-Mart has already begun some pre-Black Friday specials to limit the lines come Friday. I've scoured some of the biggest retailers for Black Friday deals. Take advantage of their shipping offers combined with their sales (many match the sale in store). Check out what I have found, and see if it is better to stay indoors this Friday.  

iPads:

•  Wal-Mart:
•  Apple iPad 4, 16 GB with your choice of bonus accessory kit
• $499 
• Free shipping to your home!   

TVs:

• Best Buy:
• Toshiba 40" LCD HD 1080p
• $179.99
• Save $240
• Free Shipping

• Best Buy:
• Panasonic 32" LCD HD TV, 780p
• $189.99
• Free Shipping

Laptops:

• Best Buy:
• Samsung 15.6" Laptop. 4G Memory, Windows 8, 500G hard drive.
• $349.95
• Save $225
• Free Shipping

• Best Buy:
• ASUS 14" Laptop 320G hard drive, Windows 8, 4G memory
• $249.99
• Free Shipping

• Best Buy:
• Lenovo 15.6" Laptop, 2G Memory, 320G hard drive, Windows 8
• $187.99
• Free Shipping

Tablets:

• Best Buy: 
• Samsung Galaxy Tablet 2. 8G Memory, 
• $179.99
• Free $20 gift card with purchase
• Save $70
• Free Shipping
• Best Buy:
• Kindle Fire with 8G 
• $159.99
• Free $30 gift card with purchase
• Free Shipping

Game Systems:

• Best Buy:
• Playstation 3, 250G Memory, Limited edition Uncharted Bundle
• $199.99
• Save $159.92
• Free Shipping

• Best Buy:
• XBOX 360 Bundle, 250G, Forza Motorsport 4 game, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim download token, Xbox 360 wireless controller, wired headset and one-month trial for Hulu, EPIX and Xbox LIVE.
• $199.99
• Save $207.97
• Wal-Mart:
• Playstation 3 Bundle, 2 controllers and Street Fighter 4
• $259
• Save $70
• Free Shipping
• Wal-Mart:
• Nintendo 3DS Starter Bundle
• Includes carrying case and Rayman 3D video game
• $179.99
• Save $70
• Free Home Shipping
• Wal-Mart:
• XBOX 360 Bundle, 2 controllers and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Game
• $229
• Save $80
• Free Shipping
• Target:
• XBOX Live Membership 3 Month Subscription
• $10
• Save $14
• Target:
• WII Bundle
• Includes Just Dance Kids 2, Wii Resort, Wii Sports, Wii Remote
• $119.99

iPods:

• Best Buy:
• iPod Touch 32G 
• $294.99
• $50 gift card with purchase
• Free Shipping

• Best Buy:
• iPod Nano 16G
• $149.99
• Free $20 gift card with purchase
• Free Shipping

• Wal-Mart:
• iPod Nano 16G with bonus accessory kit
• $139.99
• Free Shipping to Home

Printers:

• Best Buy:
• HP Deskjet Network Ready Wireless Color Printer/Scanner
• $39.99
• Save $40
• Free Shipping

• Best Buy:
• HP Deskjet All-In-One Printer
• $49.99
• Save $50
• Free Shipping

Cameras:

• Best Buy:
• FujiFilms FinePix 14.0 Megapixel camera
• $49.99
• Save $50
• Free Shipping
• Optional Bundle with case and 8G SD card for $59.97

Definitely check out the actual ads for a ton more deals. I may add to this if I find any other good deals. Keep checking back in!

Grocery Shopping: The Way it Should be Done

Don't hate me please. 

I have failed you, readers. I have rambled and side tracked my way out of telling you how to tackle the grocery store. Though I have found some pretty rad things to side track you with, I have not come right out and exposed you to what happens when I go to the store. 

Here's what happened when I went to Publix this weekend!

BOGO Sales: 

• Suave Lotion ($3.29)
• Nestle Morsels ($2.45)
• Tyson Frozen Chicken Strips ($8.49)
• Hall's Cough Drops ($1.57)

Not on Sale: 

• Yakisoba Noodle Meals ($.99)
• Publix Sweet Tea ($1.59)  

My Total For These Items Should Have Been:

1. Suave Lotion: $3.24 x 6= $19.44
2. Nestle Morsels: $2.45 x 2= $4.90
3. Tyson Frozen Chicken Strips: $8.49 x 2= $16.89
4. Hall's Cough Drops: $1.57 x 4= $6.28
5. Yakisoba Noodle Meals: $.99 x 6= $5.94
6. Publix Sweet Tea: $1.59

Total= $55.04 

Total After Sales= $31.24

Total After Coupons= $13.79!!!

What did I do? I combined in store sales with coupons provided in newspapers to maximize savings. Could I have waited for a sale on the Yakisoba noodles? Probably. But I'm impatient and they were only $.49 after coupons. Could I have not bough the Publix Sweet Tea? Yes, but I love sweet tea and I have had a long weekend. If I had not bought those items, my total would have been closer to $9 for everything. At the risk of confusing anyone, below I am going to tell you what coupons I used to get these deals, so you can get a better idea of how this is possible =]

Coupons Used:

• Suave Lotion:
• RP 10/14, $2 off of 1 Suave Product
• BOGO Publix In Store Sale
• For 2 Bottles Total: $6.58
• - $2/ 1 (2) or $4/2
• Credit Earned: $.71/2
• Nestle Morsels
• RP 9/9 $.50 off of 1 Nestle Morsels Product
• BOGO Publix In Store Sale
• For 2 Bags Total: $4.90
• $.50/1 or $1/2
• Price Paid: $1.54/2
• Tyson Frozen Chicken Strips
• SS 10/7 $.75 off of 1 Tyson Frozen Chicken Strip
• BOGO Publix In Store Sale
• For 2 Bags Total: $16.89
• - $.75/1 or $1.50/2
• Price Paid: $6.99/2
• Hall's Cough Drop
• SS 11/04 $1 off of 2 Hall's Drops
• BOGO Publix In Store Sale
• For 2 Bags Total: $3.14
• -$1/2
• Price Paid: $.57/2
• Yakisoba Noodles
• SS 10/14 $.50 off of 1 Yakisoba Noodle Product
• Regular Price: $.99
• -$.50/1
• Price Paid: $.49/1

And if I did my math correctly (which I probably did not do) I saved 75%! 

My hope is that this wets your appetite a little. It really doesn't take that long, and it's such an easy thing to do. Start off small, and soon you too will be bringing home 8 bags of Halls Cough Drops!! Yayyy!!

Save on Fruits and Veggies! And Milkshakes!

With every post, I hope that I can teach you a little something extra about saving money. Although my name is Coupon Queen, I have tried to showcase alternate ways to save money. I recognize that not every one likes to roll up to the cash register with a cavalcade of coupons. I hope this post will 
One of the most common questions people ask me is, "How do I save on fresh fruits and vegetables?" Rarely are there coupons in the newspaper for these items and although sales do occur on them, it could not hurt to know what is in season near you. There is this awesome website called EpiCurious. Since I live in Florida, I found out that some of my favorite healthy treats are in their season's peak. Not only does it tell you what is in peak, but it will give a description of the ingredient and some recipes. #Winning!

What is in peak in your state?

Also, I've found something sweet that most of my readers tend to like. Free stuff!!! 

Go to Arby's Website and type in  your name. Print that bad mamma-jamma and next time you get a hankering for some Arby's get yourself a free Peppermint Stick Swirl Shake. 

Thank you Coupon Geek for always knowing what's going on.

The Year Holiday Spending Almost Hit the Trillions.

Everyone who isn't a Scrooge has begun to think about who they need to shop for this holiday season. I am the kind of gal who gets everyone something for Christmas. I have already officially created my "Christmas Gift Ideas" board on Pinterest. I can not WAIIITTTT to use some of my couponing expertise to multiply the gift giving even more. 

This year, holiday "sales are expected to reach $920 to $925 billion" according to Time: Business and Money. Already, stockings are hung by the store shelves with care, in hopes that a shopper soon will be there. October's nation-wide sales, have already shown us a peak of what retailers have in store.

Retailers with physical store front can expect to see a 3-4% increase in sales this year, but "non store" retailers are expected to see a much greater increase. Non store retailers, like catalogue sales, online sales, and TV sales will account for nearly $54 billion dollars of this season's profit. 

But, there's one Grinch who is trying to steal Christmas. Hurricane Sandy, who decided to go ten kinds of cray on the upper East coast, has put many suppliers on their toes. This New York Times article gives us a glimpse of what some companies are doing,"FedEx, for example, has rented fuel tankers to supply its delivery trucks as commercial gas stations run dry." Ryder, on the other hand, as informed all of their customers to expect a 72 hour delay on all shipments. For those of you who have never worked in retail, this is the beginning of massive holiday shipments. This disruption could cause companies to lose money because they don't have the product they need to supply to customers. 

It will definitely be interesting to see what will come this year. I love sitting back in the mall or Wal-Mart and watch people scramble from store to store in a Santa-induced rage. Bring on the crazies!

Thanksgiving Printable Coupons

Who else stuffs their face on Thanksgiving? I know I probably eat 4-7 plates on Thanksgiving Day, and that does not include my Grandma's Chocolate Lava Pie. (Is it Thanksgiving yet? I'm hungry...) 

This year, I am planning on having a big dinner on a little dollar. On top of newspaper coupons, many stores (including Publix and Wal-Mart) will let you use printed coupons also. A savings anyone could be thankful for! I've done a little digging to bring you some of the best printable coupons on the web. Feel free to save me baked goods as a thank you.

Coupon Mom Database

What you'll find:

• Campbell's Soup $.40 off of 3
• Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls $.40 off of 3
• Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $.50 off of 1
• Kraft Stove Top Stuffing Mix $1 off of 2
• Kraft Cheese Chunks $1 off of 2
• Betty Crocker Potatoes $.50 off of 2
• Bob Evans Refrigerated Side Dish $.55 off of 1
• Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough $1 off of 2
• Bakers Chocolate $.50 off of 1

Whoa, whoa, whoa- hold up crazy lady, you've never really mentioned printable coupons before, wtf?!

One, calm down. 

Two, there are many printable coupon databases. They do not provide as many different types of coupons as in newspaper. You do get to avoid the rude looks from the gas station lady, but you are limited to 2 prints of each coupon per computer. Also, there is a print limit nation wide. The company allows X number of prints per coupon and once that print limit is reached, you are no longer able to print that coupon. 

Typically, printable coupons are worth more than newspaper ones, as companies do account for money spent on paper and ink. Be cautious of what sites you use though, coupon fraud is actually a real thing, no matter how lame it may sound. Stick with sites like Couponmom.com or sites sponsored by Red Plum, Smart Source, or P&G so you know you are printing a real coupon and not something that was created on Photoshop.

Be sure that the barcode of the coupon is not altered, punctured, or otherwise damaged as it may affect its ability to be scanned at the register. And please, don't be rude- never ever make copies of your coupons. It is actually illegal and you will actually get arrested and it will actually suck. 

I'll keep you updated on any other goodies I find for Thanksgiving, and of course, I'll do my best to update you on any Black Friday steals. =]]

Even our Troops Coupon!

So, I need to tell you a little secret. Sometimes, I don't use coupons before they expire. GASP.  Don't tell anyone, pinky promise? And every month, I toss money in the recycling bin. It breaks my heart, but who will let you use coupons after they have expired?

Now, there's a way to help other people with the coupons of month's past. Our troops are fighting their a**es off for us, and most people don't take the time to give back. I suck at volunteering, I'm poor so I can't donate, so sending coupons overseas makes me feel like I am contributing to the men and women I owe everything too. 

In military bases, grocery stores will accept manufacturer's coupons up to 6 months after they expire! Which is great news for families, many of which are surviving on one income. One charity that handles this, Troopons, that have provided an address for us to send these coupons too. Troopons, The Krazy Coupon Lady, The Happy House Wife, all have various programs to help out the troops. The links above will provide you with the addresses you need!

Overall, their requirements are:

• Manufacturer Coupons
• Printed Coupons
• No Store-Specific Coupons (Target, Publix, Walgreens, etc.)
• Separate Food from Non-Food
• No Coupons 6 Months Expired or More

It's November 4, meaning October's P&G flyer is totally expired. Why not start by sending that in? 

Target Now Price Matches!

Big news for anyone shopping with a tight budget this holiday season! Target and Best Buy have both adopted new price matching policies that will have shoppers saving big big bucks this year. But, what does this mean?

Let's find out.

  I promise I don't work for Target. I actually never shop at Target, because I am team Wal-Mart, but that's another story all together.

They have adopted a new holiday price match policy that went into affect on October 22. They have vaguely stated on their Corporate Social Responsibility Website, that there policy will be "including matching prices from select online retailers in stores for the first time." But, come on, what does that really mean.

Here's the Whole Policy

Here's a Brief Review:

The policy covers exact like items only. If you are trying to price match a Barbie Jeep, it must be the same Barbie Jeep that Target carries in their store.

The policy asks for proof of the price. For example, if you saw the better price in a Wal-Mart ad, you must take said Wal-Mart ad into Target with you. Or, if you say that same item on Walmart.com, you must pull up that price on your phone (or tablet) to show that proof.

Ad must be valid for that day. If the ad ends on November 16, and you try to price  match with it on November 26, you will be out of luck.

You CAN use coupons and price matching together to get the best savings.

Sorry, but Target will not allow you to price match items that are priced for "Black Friday".

The only online retailers included in price matching are Walmart.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, or BabiesRUs.com; prices from 3rd party sellers on these websites will not be honored.

As per usual, there are tons of if's and's or but's so definitely check out the website before you go shopping!

Happy Saving!

Is it Too Late to Apologize?

I have a burden I feel I need to share. I don't know how appropriate this forum is to share this with you, but you know what, it's my blog- and I can rant if I want to. This week has brought about some serious soul searching for me. Laying in bed, jacked up on cough medicine and playing wedding shows on Netflix can make a girl emotional. 

Just so you where I am coming from a bit, I moved to Tampa all by myself a year ago in January. My life back home was the same mundane ritual over and over. School, family, sleep, boyfriend, day after day, and I was not getting anything accomplished for me. When I was accepted to the University of South Florida, I was elated. I knew that this is my opportunity to start my life over again. Coming to Tampa, I only had my very favorite cousin, let's call her Savannah. Her and her boyfriend were the only things I had to hold on too when I moved here- and I held on tight. 

We had a falling out, and since then I have made an effort to improve my life on my own. I vowed to make my own friends and create my own life. Although every day I miss them and wish we could repair what we had, I have made my dreams come true. People who used to be shadows in the background of my first new life here are now in the center of my second new life here.

I feel like I am in a constant state of rebirth, I think I have reinvented myself more than Madonna, and I have stepped on a ton of good people along the way. This, is what I feel like I need to apologize for. 

To my friends and family back home- I am sorry that I left with out taking the time to celebrate the relationships we created, and not really letting anyone new into my life after I got into USF. I'm sorry that I could not find peace with myself down there , or stick through the bad times. Home has a special place in my heart, and it will always be my home.

To my cousin here in Tampa- I love you. I don't want to continue to live my life with out, and I honestly want to do whatever I can to bring back what we had. You are my everything, please call me or text me or send a smoke signal, something.

To my new friends here in Tampa- I am sorry that I have been such an emotional wreck lately. Thank you for being my friends and being here for me whenever I need you. I hope that the friendship that we have created can last us forever, because we are totes cute. 

LOVE YOU!!!

How Target Can Predict a Woman's Pregnancy.

"Target sent baby-related promotions to a teenage girl before her father even knew she was pregnant," and for some, this is a major invasion of privacy. Author of The Power of Habit: Why We do What We Do in Life and Business Charles Duhigg, showcases Target's model of customer tracking. Many consumers are aware that their online purchases are tracked and monitored, but few realize the extent to which a company will go to learn more about you. 

I came across an article from USA Today called "How retailers study and test us to maximize profit".  In it, Jayne O'Donnell and Sarah Meehan discuss the host of ways stores monitor our shopping behavior. Think about this, we live in a world where competitive pricing and effective marketing are the only tools companies have to get your attention. The days of Mr. Johnson running the only grocery store in town where every one knows every one's name are gone. Companies like Target, Wal-Mart, Staples, and Dick's Sporting Goods are hiring on other firms to get to know the consumer better, and it may be the only way they can stay on top. 

Remember those free cards I told you all that I sign up for? The ones that always get me some really awesome free stuff? The most magical part about those loyalty cards and e-mail lists is that you have allowed that company to get to know you better. They know your birthday, your age, your gender, your approximate location, etc. For the most part, Coldstone's Creamery e-mail database knows you better than a casual friend knows you. Many times, after you signed up for these perks, you are issued a customer ID, generally in the form of a barcode for easy computer access. Then, when you check out at Staples with a customer reward card, a multitude of really awesome things happen. 

For one, the store now knows what to replenish the shelves with. If a company is smart, they will keep track throughout the day of what items have been purchased from the shelves, and replenishing with what is in stock. This will promote customer satisfaction because there will be more product available that the customer needs. Secondly, it keeps track of how much you are spending. People, like my mother, who spend upwards of $100 a week in office supplies alone will get rewarded and preferential treatment for promotions over someone like me, who goes in with her and just buy a soda from time to time. They will keep providing my Mom with deals on the ink, paper, and other supplies she needs. They will inform her about exclusive shopping nights, and preferred customer deals. And although Staples will try to contact me and send me timely updates, I am not responding to their contacts and so they haven't found a way to understand my needs. Third, it tells the company who buys from that store, what they buy from that store, and when they buy from that store. They can sit back and look at Store #1438 and say, okay, this store gets shopped by mostly young adults in the 18-25 range, what can we do to get products they want into this particular location. Ever notice how many corporations and large chains have USF Bulls themed stuff in their stores? They know where we are, what's around us, and what they can use to improve their sales. And I love it. 

For some, it's a little scary. There are plenty of consumers that are not okay with this, and feel as though their privacy is being breached. My feelings are simple: the company is not going to use this information to one day take over the world. I'm not an idiot, I won't give out my social security number, or a bank account number. What harm can it really do to give Panera Bread my birthday? They gave me a free bakery item and $2 off of a You-Pick-2, by the way.  Besides, wouldn't you want to shop some where that is going to take the time to personalize your shopping experience to you?

The psychology behind shopping has always fascinated me, and it's definitely what I want to be doing with my life. How did Target know that the young girl was pregnant before her own father knew? By watching what she browsed through online and what she was searching for through their website. Creepy, huh?

Halloween Inspired Deals.

Halloween lurks just around the corner, and with it, some scary good deals. (Sorry, there really aren't any fresh new Halloween puns left.) I went website to website trying to find some deals for October only. 

 Chipotle is my absolute favorite place to be in the entire world. Disney World can suck it. I went to Chipotle earlier today, and the bottom of the receipt made me grin from ear to ear. On Halloween, between 4pm and close, go to your local Chipotle in costume and you will get a burrito for $2. TWO DOLLARS ARE YOU KIDDINGGGG!! Thank you Halloween!

Wal-Mart is giving free standard shipping on all Halloween purchases. Both of costumes and decor. This can save you a ton, and is a lot more convenient than doing their site-to-store shipping. They want to get you into the store to pick up your goodies because Lord knows you go in for one thing and come out with a shopping cart full. So if you're looking for a last minute costume or some cool howling wolf thing, here you go. 



  Until the end of October, Subway is hosting a buy one, get one sale. There are some stipulations. First, you have to get there before 9 am. Which means I will not be participating in this deal. Then, when you buy one 6 inch sub and drink combo, you will get one 6 inch sub for free. Go crazy, get that super awesome breakfast sub you've been dying to try. 


There are never enough costume sales. No, honestly, because Halloween only generates 1%-4% of the  revenue that Christmas does, retailers in stores and online are pushing deals on costumes and throwing in free shipping to get your sale. Buycostumes.com is hosting a really great deal on their website. They are offering an extra 35% off of their clearance costumes with the code: RIP. Or, if you like to spend a little money on your costume, they will give you 25% off of your full priced costume, and free shipping on a purchase of over $75 with the code: Demon.

And, I know I said I would post some grocery shopping deals today, but I am going to hold off so that I can post the information at the beginning of the store's sale cycle. That way, everyone has a full week to take advantage of the savings. =]

Happy Shopping!

Let the Revolution Begin!

The first step of recovering in Alcoholics Anonymous is admitting you have a problem. Or, so I hear. Well, I will never ever admit that I have a problem. This weekend my "problem" allowed me to get $350 worth of food for just under $100. For the record, that haul included 13 pounds of candy (I weighed it). Yah, 13 pounds of delicious chocolate Trick or Treat candy, just let that sink in. 

Well, I gave the candy away, and like the candy I want to give away the chance for anyone to be able to do what I do. I have put together a massive coupon spreadsheet, and I have made it available via Google Docs to all of you here. Now, before you click, get ready because it will probably make you a little light headed. 

Here's what you are looking at. The first sheet, labeled "Master List" is just a list of all the coupons that I have in my collection right now. Next, you'll see 11 other sheets of coupons that I have organized by type. The coupons listed on the 11 other sheets are duplicates of the ones from the Master List. 

Each coupon has a few keys points inputted on this list:
1) The first column will tell you which coupon magazine featured the coupon: Red Plum (RP), Smart Source (SS), or Proctor and Gamble (P&G). 
2) Then it will tell you which week's magazine contains the coupon. 
3) Next, it will give a brief description of what the coupon entails. Always always read the coupon before using it in a purchase, because sometimes they have a long list of size or type requirements. Some have none. 
4) The third column lists the discount. For example, $1 off of 1 or $.75 off of 2
5) The fourth column is really a column for me, but feel free to replace it with your own! It lists how many of that coupon I have. I probably won't keep up with it, but at least I'm trying, right?
6) Next, and probably most importantly, is the expiration date. Retailers can not accept coupons after the expiration date, or the will not get reimbursed for the amount of the discount. 
7) Finally, I have listed what I organized the coupon as. Now, disclaimer, there are some inconsistencies in how I have organized things. I went through and re-organized somethings, and everything should be where it belongs. If you find a stray coupon, lemme know, k?



I am going to use this as my basis for shopping lists from here on out. My next post is going to use this database to match up in store deals and sales!! I can not wait to build on this and improve it over time!

Ya Gotta Get Organized!

That was an Aladdin reference, by the way, because today I am going to give you three wishes!!!! Don't thank me yet though, because I actually chose to wishes for you. But I can promise you that it will put a lil' smile on that grouchy face of yours.

Ready?

Wish 1: I wish I had some sweet new printable deals and promotions to take advantage of.

Your wish is my command:

 Old Navy is celebrating 5 Million FaceBook friends, by giving you 30% off of your purchase October 12- 14. I love these deals because Old Navy encourages you to  show the coupon on  your Smart Phone instead of printing it out. No need to waste paper! Book mark this page now, and shop your face off later.

(Thank you Coupon Geek!!)

In other retail deal news: Frederick's of Hollywood, a store that every broke diva needs to befriend, is having a 50% off of everything sale! No coupon needed, no codes to punch. Just find your closest location and head in before October 14. Gentlemen, this one is for you too. Give your girlfriend something fancy.

Wish granted?

Wish 2: I wish you could show me an easy way to organize my coupons.

Your wish is my command!

What you will need:

1) Your coupon inserts

2) Sharpie type marker

3) Stapler with staples

4) Paper clips (big or small, both it's best to have both)

5) A place to put them all when you're done

Ready?

1) Gather all of your coupons together. If you have a few weeks worth already accumulated, then take the time to separate them by type (Smart Source, Red Plum, etc.) Next take each type, and separate them by date. You can find the date printed on the side of the booklet, generally in small font.

Take a moment, and write the date on the front of at least one of your coupon booklets. 

This way, when you gather a variety of magazine, you can easily identify which one this is and quickly retrieve coupons from it. 

1a) Now, if you only are planning on picking up one coupon booklet at a time, you no longer have to follow the rest of my steps, as they involve how to condense multiple booklets. Just jump on down to the step 8, and you are good to go!

But, if you're like me, and grab anywhere between 2 and 6 papers a week, follow me down this Yellow Brick Road. 

2) Gather all "like" booklets together. For this example, I have all 6 of my Red Plum booklets from October 7, 2012. 

3) Carefully, tear each page out. Ensuring that you do not rip barcodes, dates, or any other important parts of the coupon. 

4) Lay each page out on a surface (like a table, floor, or a friend's lap). Continue to lay out the pages, keeping any duplicate pages together. So, for me I have 6 of the same pages stacked on top of each other.

5) Then take those like pages, and staple them together. If there is a full page (front and back) that does not have any coupons on it, feel free to toss it. Also, sometimes the front cover won't have a coupon on it. Generally, I will keep one of those covers and staple it to the front of the next page. (The staple is a little hard to see, but it's there)

6) Continue this process with all of the pages in that magazine.

7) After you have finished that booklet, take a paper clip and paper clip those pages together. Now you have the same booklet, in an easy to read format. Also, this makes it easier clipping out every single coupon and trying to remember where you placed it. 

8) Lastly, put that booklet, in order with the other Red Plum magazine. I use an accordion folder for all of my coupons. It's stretchy, easy to get in and out of, and is so much easier to keep organized than a binder. I keep P&G in the front, followed by Red Plum oldest issues to the front, followed by Smart Source oldest issues to the front, and lastly printed coupons.

Whew!! Wish granted in a big way! If any thing is not clear, or you would like a better explanation, please don't hesitate to ask me!

So, now, are you ready for your third wish!? (I know you are, don't roll your eyes at me like that.)

Wish 3: I wish I knew how to get the best deals with grocery shopping, with out wasting all of my free time.

POOF!!!

After a few sleepless nights, I have put together a massive coupon spread sheet that will revolutionize couponing. Revolutionizing is probably pushing it a bit, but I can dream, right?

Stay tuned early next week for the spread sheet, a how-to on using the spread sheet, and possibly a little bit about my shopping trip this weekend. I'm dying to share some of my free stuff with you guys!

The moral of the story: Couponing can be easy, all you have to do it put a little effort in to it!