Saving $$$ at CVS

This week is the second time I have visited CVS using coupons and my Extra Care Bucks (ECB). To learn more about "CVSing" visit Money Saving Mom to learn CVS 101.

Here is my transaction today:

1st Transaction:
Aveeno facial cremes (2) at $13.99
Tide (I needed it and they didn't have the one I had a coupon for) at $5.49
Bounty Paper Towels(8) at $6.49

used: Aveeno coupons for -$2.00
Aveeno coupon for -$1.00
J and J coupon for - $1.00
Bounty paper towel -$1.00
ECB -5.79
ECB -2.00
CVS -2.00/10

OOP: 26.68
Earned $10.00 ECB

2nd Transaction:
Claritin 24D at $8.99
Covergirl Wetslik at $5.99

used: Claritin coupon -$2.00
ECB -$5.00

OOP: 8.04
Earned $6.99 ECB

Total saved today = $41.79

Saving $$$ with Ice Cream

I love ice cream in the summer. It is always a hit with kids as well. I found two great ways to save some dollars while eating ice cream! Check these out...

Carvel - Carvel Ice Cream is having customer appreciation day on Sept. 20th (Sat) from 12-5. Visit Carvel and you can get a fee lil rounder ice cream sandwich for free just for coming in! They will also be having small soft serve cones for 59 cents. Find Carvel locations here.

Cold Stone Creamery is having the world's largest ice cream social on Sept. 25 (Thurs) from 5-8pm. Everyone who visits will help support Make A Wish foundation. You will receive a free Make A Wish Creation (two choices) Jack's or Emily's creations (3 oz - Like It size). A donation is recommended. Find Cold Stone locations here.

Saving $$$ visiting Outlet malls

While on vacation last week, I visited the outlets in Rehoboth Beach, DE. I went to the QVC outlet store and they were having an amazing sale. I was able to purchase clothes totaling $112.00 and with a 70% discount - I paid $37.00. This shopping trip made me want to visit more outlets near the NYC area. Here are some great outlet shopping nearby...

***Woodbury Common Premium Outlets - Central Valley, NY

***Tanger Outlets - Riverhead and Deer Park (Long Island) and Westbrook, CT

Jersey Gardens - Elizabeth, NJ

Atlantic City Outlets: The Walk


***If you are a member of AAA - get additional savings with a free coupon book. Visit the information desk at these outlets.

Walmart Free Samples

We all know Walmart is a great place for saving $$$, and it is even better when Walmart sends you free samples. In the mail today I received a free sample of Orville Redenbacker's new caramel rice cakes. To see what free samples are available.... go to the free sample link at Walmart.com.

RiteAid Saving $$$

RiteAid is a great drugstore chain to save $$$ with manufacturer coupons, RiteAid coupons and Single Check Rebates. I visited my local store today and purchased 19 items and paid less than $20.00 with tax. I noticed the Rite Aid coupon circular next to the sale circular. I also looked at the single check rebates to see what would give me the best discounts. I will be getting a rebate check in the mail in about 3 weeks for a free Crest toothpaste I purchased today - a good way to save.

Save $$$ with Oprah's reading list for kids

I visit my local library often to borrow books, dvds, and music cds for myself and for my family. The library is a great local resource to use, and ( if you return your materials on time) it is also FREE.
Oprah has published a list of NEW kids books for infants- 12 and up. Take a look at the list here and get to the library.

***If you live in the NYC suburbs - check out these web sites to find your local library. Also, see what events are going on - most are free or very inexpensive.

Westchester Library System

Connecticut Public Library Directory

Ramapo/Catskill Library Region (Rockland/Orange)

Mid-Hudson Library System (Putnam/Dutchess)

FREE Barnes and Noble Gift Card with purchase

I am always buying natural and healthy products for my family, even if the prices are a bit higher. The Hain Celestial group is offering a FREE Barnes and Noble gift card when you purchase $10.00-$20.00 of their participating products. It is so easy to spend $10.00 in organic/natural foods. Check out this link for more information. What a great way to give our family healthy foods and buy some books as well.