Saving in the "D"

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals (valid through 7/17)

2011-07-14T13:11:00.007-04:00

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals
(These deals are good for the Walled Lake store)

7/5/11 through 7/17/11

Produce
$0.99/lb Hot House Tomatoes

$2.99 Seedless Watermelon, each

$0.89/lb Peaches, Plums and Nectarines

$1.00 Fresh Express Salad or Coleslaw, 12-16oz

$1.99 Minute Maid Orange Juice, 64oz

$1.59 Cap'n Crunch Cereal (assorted varieties), 12.5-14oz box

$1.99 Crystal 2.0 Bottled Water, 24-pack

$0.99 Solo Plastic Cups, 20ct

$1.19 Wrightware Foam Plates, 40ct

$1.49 Wrightware Napkins, 250ct

Meat/Dairy
$1.00 Large Eggs, dozen

$1.99/lb Ground Beef, family pack

$0.59/lb Chicken Leg Quarters, frozen, 10 lb pkg

$1.49/lb Bone-in Sirloin Pork Chops, family pack

$1.99 Gallon Milk, any variety (limit 2)

Notes:
Green = great stock-up prices
Bolded = good price, buy what you need to get you by until the next sale!
Un-Bolded = not a great price, buy only if needed

Save-a-Lot Memorial Day 10 for $10 Sale

2011-05-27T11:43:00.020-04:00

Save-a-Lot Memorial Day Sale

5/24/11 through 6/4/11

Save-a-Lot is running a special 10 for $10 Memorial Day Sale.

Produce
$1.00 Iceberg Lettuce

$1.00 Fresh Tomatoes, 3 pack

$1.00 Baby Carrots, 1 lb bag

Grocery
$1.00 Save-A-Lot Today Apple Juice Cocktail, 64 oz bottle

$1.00 Original or Sour Cream Pringles, 4.9 to 4.93 oz

$1.00 J. Higgs Pretzels, 12 oz bag

$1.00 Crunch & Munch Buttery Toffee, 4 oz pkg

$1.00 Oscar Meyer Lunchables, 9.7 to 10.8 oz, assorted varieties

$1.00 Sweet Potato Fries, frozen 12 oz pkg

$1.00 Reser's Macaroni or Potato Salad, or Coleslaw, 16 oz pkg, assorted varieties

$1.00 Red Gold Ketchup, 40 oz bottle

$1.00 Woeber's Mustard, 24 oz bottle

$1.00 Mantia's Pasta Sauce, 24 oz jar, Asst. Varieties

Meat/Dairy
$1.00 Butterball Turkey Bacon, 6 oz pkg

$1.00 Carolina Ground Turkey, 16 oz pkg

$1.00 Eckrich Hot Dogs or Bologna, 16 oz pkg

$1.00 Gwaltney Pork Sausage, 12 oz pkg

$1.00 Fisher Boy Fish Sticks, 8 oz box

Notes:
Green = great stock-up prices
Bolded = good price, buy what you need to get you by until the next sale!
Un-Bolded = not a great price, buy only if needed

T-Shirts, Tanks & Shorts at Meijer for $3 each!

2011-05-27T10:16:00.004-04:00

I just went to Meijer last night and found a pretty good deal on T-Shirts, Tanks and Shorts for adults and kids. Meijer is currently running a Buy One, Get One 50% off for their T-Shirts, Tanks and Shorts. I happened to be in the kids section and their Falls Creek brand shirts/tanks are only $3.99, so the second shirt would be $1.99 (thus making each item $2.99 each). They are pretty cute shirts/tanks and you can't beat that price! Here is a link the Meijer ad. Keep in mind this sales runs through Saturday, May 27th so you better hurry!

A quick side note is that this deal (B1G1 50%) is also running for sandals for the whole family, so it might be worth checking out if you happen to be in the store and need a couple pairs of sandals!

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals (5/24 - 6/5)

2011-05-25T17:29:00.010-04:00

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals
(These deals are for the Walled Lake Save-a-Lot)

5/24/11 through 6/4/11

I usually shop at Save-a-Lot solely for their great deals on produce, but occasionally there will be a pretty good deal on non-produce goods as well. Here are the items worth considering if you plan on shopping at Save-a-Lot this week:

Produce
$0.25 Sweet Corn, each

$1.99 Cantaloupe, each

$0.49/lb Bananas

$1.49/lb Tomatoes on the Vine

$2.99 Whole Seedless Watermelon

$2.49 Pineapple, each

$0.99 Yellow Cooking Onions, 3 lb bag

Grocery
$1.00 Coke (assorted varieties), 2-Liter, limit 10

$2.50 Post Honey Bunches of Oats, 14.5 oz box

$1.68 Post Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles, 11 oz box

$1.39 Granny Ella's Vanilla Wafers, box, 11 oz box

$0.69 Kurtz Yellow Mustard, 14 oz bottle

$0.93 Kurtz Ketchup, 24 oz bottle

$1.50 Ragu Pasta Sauce, 26 oz jar
-$1.00/2 Ragu coupon (from 5-22 RP)
$1.00 each (wyb 2)

$1.99 Crystal Drinking Water, 24pk 16.9oz bottles, limit 2

$1.67 Save-a-Lot Brand pop (assorted varieties), 12-pack *The "Tubz" Rootbeer is pretty good!

$0.69 Save-a-Lot Brand pop (assorted varieties), 2-Liter bottle

Meat/Dairy
$1.50 Fresh Grade "A" Large Eggs, 1.5 dozen (18 eggs)

$0.99/lb Chicken Breasts, family pack (Fresh, bone-in split)

$0.49/lb Chicken Leg Quarters, frozen (sold in 10 lb bag for $4.90)

$1.39/lb Country Style Pork Ribs, family pack

$1.99/lb Ground Chuck, family pack

$1.00 Eckrich Bologna or Hot Dogs, 16 oz

$1.68 Gallon Milk (1%, 2%, Vitamin D, Fat Free or Chocolate), limit 2

Notes:
Green = great stock-up prices
Bolded = good price, buy what you need to get you by until the next sale!
Un-Bolded = not a great price, buy only if needed

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals (5/17 - 5/23)

2011-05-18T20:37:00.010-04:00

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals
(These deals are for the Walled Lake Save-a-Lot)

5/17/11 through 5/23/11

I usually shop at Save-a-Lot solely for their great deals on produce, but occasionally there will be a pretty good deal on non-produce goods as well. Here are the items worth considering if you plan on shopping at Save-a-Lot this week:

Produce
$0.25 Sweet Corn, each

$2.00 Cantaloupes, each

$0.49/lb Bananas

$2.00 Apples (Red or Golden Delicious), 3 lb bag

$2.99 Whole Seedless Watermelon

$1.49 Idaho Potatoes, 5 lb bag

Grocery
$1.00 Coke (assorted varieties), 2-Liter, limit 10

$1.00 Popsicle or Fudgesicles, 8 ct 13.2 oz box

$2.50 Post Honey Bunches of Oats, 14.5 oz box

$0.69 Kurtz Yellow Mustard, 14 oz bottle

$0.93 Kurtz Ketchup, 24 oz bottle

$0.50 StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water, 5 oz can

$1.00 Act II Movie Theater Butter Popcorn, 3 ct box

$1.99 Crystal Drinking Water, 24pk 16.9oz bottles, limit 2

$1.00 Pringles, 5 oz container (Original or Sour Cream & Onion)

$1.67 Save-a-Lot Brand pop (assorted varieties), 12-pack *The "Tubz" Rootbeer is pretty good!

$0.69 Save-a-Lot Brand pop (assorted varieties), 2-Liter bottle

Meat/Dairy
$1.00 Fresh Grade "A" Large Eggs, 1 dozen

$0.99/lb Chicken Breasts, family pack (Fresh, bone-in split)

$0.49/lb Chicken Leg Quarters, frozen (sold in 10 lb bag for $4.90)

$1.49/lb Bone-in Sirloin Pork Chops, family pack

$1.99/lb Ground Chuck

$1.68 Gallon Milk (1%, 2%, Vitamin D, Fat Free or Chocolate), limit 2

Notes:
Green = great stock-up prices
Bolded = good price, buy what you need to get you by until the next sale!
Un-Bolded = not a great price, buy only if needed

*Save-a-Lot does accept manufacturers coupons!

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals (5/10 - 5/16)

2011-05-10T12:53:00.006-04:00

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals
(These deals are for the Walled Lake Save-a-Lot)

5/10/11 through 5/16/11

I usually shop at Save-a-Lot solely for their great deals on produce, but occasionally there will be a pretty good deal on non-produce goods as well. Here are the items worth considering if you plan on shopping at Save-a-Lot this week:

Produce
$0.28 Sweet Corn, each

$1.38 Cantaloupes, each

$0.48/lb Bananas

$1.98 Apples (Red or Golden Delicious), 3 lb bag

Grocery
$1.00 Coke (assorted varieties), 2-Liter

$1.00 Popsicle or Fudgesicles, 8 ct 13.2 oz box

$1.68 Post Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles, 11 oz box

$0.69 Kurtz Yellow Mustard, 14 oz bottle

$0.93 Kurtz Ketchup, 24 oz bottle

$0.59 StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water, 5 oz can

$1.00 Act II Movie Theater Butter Popcorn, 3 ct box, 9 oz package

Meat/Dairy
$0.98/lb Chicken Breasts (Fresh, bone-in split)

$2.48/lb Bottom Round Roast (sold as roast only)

$2.48/lb Ground Round Hamburger, family pack

$1.68 Gallon Milk (1%, 2%, Vitamin D, Fat Free or Chocolate), limit 2 with additional $10 purchase

Notes:
Green = great stock-up prices
Bolded = good price, buy what you need to get you by until the next sale!
Un-Bolded = not a great price, buy only if needed

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals (5/3- 5/9)

2011-05-04T14:09:00.007-04:00

Save-a-Lot Weekly Deals

5/3/11 through 5/9/11

I usually shop at Save-a-Lot solely for their great deals on produce, but occasionally there will be a pretty good deal on non-produce goods as well. Here are the items worth considering if you plan on shopping at Save-a-Lot this week:

Produce
$0.33 Green Peppers, each

$1.48 Strawberries, 1 lb container

$0.28 Sweet Corn, each

$3.48 Whole Seedless Watermelon, each

$0.49/lb Bananas

$2.00 Apples (assorted varieties), 3 lb bag

$1.49 Navel Oranges, 3 lb bag

Grocery
$1.00 Coke (assorted varieties), 2-Liter

$1.00 Popsicle or Fudgesicles, 8 ct 13.2 oz box

$1.68 Post Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles, 11 oz box

$0.69 Kurtz Yellow Mustard, 14 oz bottle

$0.93 Kurtz Ketchup, 24 oz bottle

Meat/Dairy
$0.98/lb Chicken Breasts (Frozen, bone-in split), family pack

$2.48/lb Whole Beef Sirloin Tip Roast (sold as whole only), limit 2

$1.98/lb Ground Beef Hamburger, family pack

$1.68 Gallon Milk (1%, 2%, Vitamin D, Fat Free or Chocolate), limit 2 with additional $10 purchase

Notes:
Green = great stock-up prices
Bolded = good price, buy what you need to get you by until the next sale!
Un-Bolded = not a great price, buy only if needed

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T10:03:00.001-04:00

Wishing you a fun, safe and festive Halloween!

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My Meijer Shopping Trip

2010-09-18T01:26:00.002-04:00

Okay, I am back from vacation and back into the grocery game. I went to Meijer and here's what I got:

Item	Qty	Price	Rebate	Coupons	$/Each	Total
*Transaction #1*
Nestle Cookie Dough, 16-19 oz free	1	$ 0.26		$ -	$ 0.26	$ 0.26
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, 5ct	6	$ 0.99	$ 3	$ 2.80	$ 0.52	$ 3.14
Cottonelle Bath Tissue, 6 double rolls	2	$ 2.50		$ 2.00	$ 1.50	$ 3.00
Nestle Nesquik Syrup, 22 oz	2	$ 1.64		$ 2.00	$ 0.64	$ 1.28
Simply Asia Fried Rice Seasoning	1	$ 0.91		$ 1.00	$(0.09)	$ (0.09)
Barilla Whole Grain Pasta, 12-16 oz	4	$ 0.99		$ 3.00	$ 0.24	$ 0.96
Stouffer’s Family Size Fr. Meals, 28-96 oz	1	$ 5.49		$ 2.00	$ 3.49	$ 3.49
Stouffer’s Family Size Fr. Meals, 28-96 oz	1	$ 5.99		$ 2.00	$ 3.99	$ 3.99
Meijer Frozen Garlic Toast, 8-16 oz free	1	$ 0.19		$ -	$ 0.19	$ 0.19
Meijer Frozen Vegetables, 10-32 oz free	1	$ 0.20		$ -	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Green Giant Boxed Vegetables, 7-10 oz	6	$ 0.99	$ 4	$ 1.20	$ 0.79	$ 4.74
Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers	4	$ 0.99		$ 2.00	$ 0.49	$ 1.96
Dial Liquid Hand Soap, 7.5-11.375 oz	1	$ 0.88		$ 0.70	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Nivea Lip Care	2	$ 0.99		$ 1.98	$ -	$ -
				$ -		$ -
Rebate (from Kraft Cheese)	1			$ 5.00	$(5.00)	$ (5.00)
				$ -		$ -
Transaction #2				$ -		$ -
California Red Seedless Grapes	2.1	$ 0.88		$ -	$ 0.88	$ 1.80
Round White Potatoes, 5 lb bag	1	$ 0.99		$ -	$ 0.99	$ 0.99
Yellow Onions, 3 lb bag	1	$ 0.99		$ -	$ 0.99	$ 0.99
Michigan McIntosh Apples, 3 lb bag	1	$ 1.99		$ -	$ 1.99	$ 1.99
Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers	4	$ 0.99		$ 2.00	$ 0.49	$ 1.96
Nectarines	2.3	$ 0.99		$ -	$ 0.99	$ 2.26
Chicken Deli Meat	1	$ 1.40		$ -	$ 1.40	$ 1.40
Turkey Deli Meat	1	$ 1.71		$ -	$ 1.71	$ 1.71
				$ -		$ -
Rebates (from above)				$ 7.00		$ (7.00)
					Subtotal	$ 24.40
					Tax	$ 0.36
					Price Pd	$ 24.76

I spent $24.76 and saved $69.91 (74%). I did however, mess up and not do a separate transaction for the Green Giant Steamers, because I should have also received a $1 Catalina, but did not because it also included the boxed Green Giant veggies as well. Oh well, still an awesome shopping trip! You may also notice my free items from buying the two frozen Stouffers meals (more on this deal here) were not exactly free. I am not sure why, but it was still a great deal!

Thanks so much, Jolyn, for all your hard work putting together these match-ups! Check them all out at Bargains to Bounty.

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My Meijer Shopping Trip!

2010-08-24T22:16:00.002-04:00

I am SO sorry it has been so long since I posted, but I've been super busy this summer (and lazy)! I am heading to North Carolina soon for my final summer trip, but before I leave I decided to stock up on some good deals at Meijer!

Item	Qty	Price	Rebate	Coupons	$/Each	Total
Purell	3	$ 2.00		$ 3.00	$ 1.00	$ 3.00
Yoplait Kids Yogurt, 6-pack	2	$ 1.67		$ 2.00	$ 0.67	$ 1.34
Ziploc Storage Bags	6	$ 2.00		$ 7.50	$ 0.75	$ 4.50
Quaker Oatmeal, 18 oz quick oats	4	$ 1.49		$ 1.00	$ 1.24	$ 4.96
Aunt Jemima Syrup, 24 oz	4	$ 1.99		$ 4.00	$ 0.99	$ 3.96
				$ -		$ -
				$ -		$ -
*Buy 10 for $10, get 11th free*				$ -		$ -
Lance Crackers, 8pk	4	$ 1.00		$ 2.10	$ 0.48	$ 1.90
Betty Crocker Cake Mix	2	$ 1.00		$ 1.50	$ 0.25	$ 0.50
Betty Crocker Frosting	2	$ 1.00		$ 1.50	$ 0.25	$ 0.50
Old Orchard Frozen Juice, 12 oz	4	$ 1.00		$ 1.00	$ 0.75	$ 3.00
Free item				$ 1.00		$ (1.00)
				$ -		$ -
					Subtotal	$ 22.66
					Tax	$ 0.81
					Price Pd	$ 23.47

I spent $23.47 and saved $53.85 (70%). Best of all, I stocked up on some items that we were low on or completely out of (Purell, oatmeal, syrup, Ziploc bags, and most importantly cake mix & frosting for my little guys upcoming birthday).

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Today's Detroit Groupon - Dinner and Comedy Show for 2= $20!

2010-07-14T10:16:00.002-04:00

I am pretty excited about today's Groupon - so excited that I bought one! It is dinner and comedy show for two at Andiamo in Novi for only $20! I thought it would be a good anniversary night for my husband and I. We have went there before (pre-kids) and had such a fun time!

If you want to get this Groupon click here.

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Cheap Window Cleaner!

2010-07-11T21:42:00.001-04:00

I have been a firm believer in Windex for most of my life, until recently. For whatever reason my windows and mirrors have been streaking so bad lately that you can hard see out the windows and I can't see myself in the mirrors (no joke)! I am not sure if it's because if the Michigan humidity now that it's summer or what the problem is, but I have have even tried microfiber cloths instead of my usual paper towels and that didn't work either.

Today I was so frustrated that I couldn't properly clean the mirrors in my bathroom, that I decided to look up home-made recipes for window cleaner. I came across this one and I cannot believe how well it worked:

1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent (I used dish soap)
2 cups of water

Put all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend and spray on your windows! I even used newspapers as the article suggested (yes, I have lots of those) and they worked like a charm!

I just wanted to add that although I admit to being cheap, I REALLY did not try this to be cheap or save money. I just wanted clean mirrors and windows. I have stocked up bottles of Windex in the basement just waiting to be used. I think I will be giving them away because the homemade window cleaner worked better (and it HAPPENS to be cheaper too)! :)

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Frugal Friday Report

2010-07-11T10:42:00.004-04:00

On Friday of each week, I plan to summarize a list of my weekly spending including how much I saved and my savings percentage. I am hoping to show how much I am saving and improving each week by using my new savvy shopping skills...

I didn't go shopping too much over the past week, so unfortunately we ate out a couple times which was expensive! Here's what my week looked like:

Week #	Start	End	Spending	Savings	Savings %
1	12/31	1/6	$ 62.37	$ 56.53	48%
2	1/7	1/13	$ 59.15	$ 131.69	69%
3	1/14	1/20	$ 52.91	$ 94.17	64%
4	1/21	1/27	$ 40.44	$ 37.69	48%
5	1/28	2/3	$ 97.22	$ 188.26	66%
6	2/4	2/10	$ 51.74	$ 81.17	61%
7	2/11	2/17	$ 89.21	$ 104.29	54%
8	2/18	2/24	$ 39.64	$ 91.00	70%
9	2/25	3/3	$ 56.41	$ 69.49	55%
10	3/4	3/10	$ 53.23	$ 96.32	64%
11	3/11	3/17	$ 63.54	$ 107.08	63%
12	3/18	3/24	$ 28.97	$ 17.02	37%

..........................................

23	6/3	6/9	$ 55.37	$ 43.88	44%
24	6/10	6/16	$ 20.26	$ 21.50	51%
25	6/17	6/23	$ 184.65	$ 125.12	40%
26	6/24	6/30	$ 48.86	$ 98.26	67%
27	7/1	7/7	$ 20.49	$ 1.50	7%

Here is my graph:

(click on graph to enlarge)

I only spent $20.49 (mostly my husband made quick trips into the store on his way home from work) and saved a mere $1.50 (only 7% savings). I will probably spend a little more than normal this week, because I am really getting low on food!

On a positive note, my average weekly spending to date is $58.40, which is slightly under my $60/week budget!

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Frugal Friday Report

2010-07-03T20:11:00.000-04:00

Well vacation week was a bad week for me. No coupons and food at grocery stores in the Outer Banks is outrageous! Last week was a decent week though:

Week #	Start	End	Spending	Savings	Savings %
1	12/31	1/6	$ 62.37	$ 56.53	48%
2	1/7	1/13	$ 59.15	$ 131.69	69%
3	1/14	1/20	$ 52.91	$ 94.17	64%
4	1/21	1/27	$ 40.44	$ 37.69	48%
5	1/28	2/3	$ 97.22	$ 188.26	66%
6	2/4	2/10	$ 51.74	$ 81.17	61%
7	2/11	2/17	$ 89.21	$ 104.29	54%
8	2/18	2/24	$ 39.64	$ 91.00	70%
9	2/25	3/3	$ 56.41	$ 69.49	55%
10	3/4	3/10	$ 53.23	$ 96.32	64%
11	3/11	3/17	$ 63.54	$ 107.08	63%
12	3/18	3/24	$ 28.97	$ 17.02	37%
13	3/25	3/31	$ 59.78	$ 69.93	54%
14	4/1	4/7	$ 86.97	$ 132.77	60%
15	4/8	4/14	$ 30.60	$ 52.85	63%
16	4/15	4/21	$ 53.13	$ 76.48	59%
17	4/22	4/28	$ 49.01	$ 120.33	71%
18	4/29	5/5	$ 64.97	$ 62.30	49%
19	5/6	5/12	$ 60.09	$ 171.01	74%
20	5/13	5/19	$ 67.52	$ 105.57	61%
21	5/20	5/26	$ 25.58	$ 31.98	56%
22	5/27	6/2	$ 60.13	$ 60.60	50%
23	6/3	6/9	$ 55.37	$ 43.88	44%
24	6/10	6/16	$ 20.26	$ 21.50	51%
25	6/17	6/23	$ 184.65	$ 125.12	40%
26	6/24	6/30	$ 48.86	$ 98.26	67%

Here is my chart:

(Click on chart to enlarge)

Ouch! That week on vacation was NOT good! But we had a fun time and I feel okay about it because that's one of the reasons we need to save - vacations... I spent $184.65 and saved $125.12 for a savings precentage of 40%. Last week, I spent $48.86 and saved $98.26 (67%).

My favorite deals for last week were:

Old Orchard Juice, 64 oz bottles: $0.17/each at Meijer
Pop-Secret Microwave Popcorn, 3 ct: $0.58/each at Meijer
Reynold’s Wrap Aluminum Foil, 80 sq ft: $1.00/each at Meijer
Chi-Chi’s Salsa, 16oz: $0.49/each at Meijer
Kroger block or shredded cheese, 8oz: $0.70/each at Kroger

I found out about these great deals at Bargains to Bounty!

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My Meijer Shopping Trip

2010-06-29T00:07:00.000-04:00

I just got back from Meijer (and vacation) and here's what I got:

Item	Price	Qty	Rebate	Coupons	$/Each	Total
24-pack Coke	$ 4.96	1		$ 1.00	$ 3.96	$ 3.96
bottle deposit	$ 0.10	24		$ -	$ 0.10	$ 2.40
Old Orchard 100% Juice, 64 oz bottle	$ 1.67	2		$ 3.00	$ 0.17	$ 0.34
Chi-Chi’s Salsa, 16 oz	$ 0.99	4		$ 2.00	$ 0.49	$ 1.96
Kellogg’s Mini Wheats	$ 2.50	4		$ 6.00	$ 1.00	$ 4.00
Pop-Secret Microwave Popcorn, 3 ct	$ 1.33	4		$ 3.00	$ 0.58	$ 2.32
Light ‘n Fluffy Egg Noodles, 12 oz	$ 0.99	3		$ 1.00	$ 0.66	$ 1.97
General Mills Original Cheerios (18 oz)	$ 1.99	2		$ 2.00	$ 0.99	$ 1.98
Reynold’s Wrap Aluminum Foil, 80 sq ft	$ 2.50	2		$ 3.00	$ 1.00	$ 2.00
Cole’s Mini Loaf Garlic Bread or Mini Toast	$ 1.19	2		$ 2.00	$ 0.19	$ 0.38
Combos Snacks (B1G1 Free)	$ 1.89	4		$ 4.78	$ 0.70	$ 2.78
Hummus	$ 1.99	2		$ -	$ 1.99	$ 3.98
Angus Ground Beef from Chuck	$ 1.69	1.9		$ -	$ 1.69	$ 3.23
Florida Bi-Color Sweet Corn	$ 0.20	5		$ -	$ 0.20	$ 1.00
Ham Deli Meat	$ 0.92	1		$ -	$ 0.92	$ 0.92
Roast Beef Deli Meat	$ 3.60	1		$ -	$ 3.60	$ 3.60
Bunch, Spinach	$ 1.29	1		$ -	$ 1.29	$ 1.29
Cucumber	$ 0.67	1		$ -	$ 0.67	$ 0.67
Tomatoes	$ 0.99	1		$ -	$ 0.99	$ 1.29
Bluberries	$ 2.00	1		$ -	$ 2.00	$ 2.00
Danino Yogurt	$ 2.29	1		$ 1.00	$ 1.29	$ 1.29
Animal Crackers	$ 1.15	1		$ -	$ 1.15	$ 1.15
Rebates				$ 13.00		$ (13.00)
Gift Card				$ 6.35		$ (6.35)
					Subtotal	$ 25.15
					Tax	$ 0.06
					Price Pd	$ 25.21

I was able to get in just under the wire and use up the rest of my Walgreen's Register Rewards from a couple weeks ago. I saved 76% ($78.48) - Sweet!

More on these great deals at Bargains to Bounty (thanks, Jolyn)!

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Frugal Friday Report

2010-06-18T16:40:00.004-04:00

Don't let the numbers fool you this week - I went out to eat a LOT! I have been getting ready to go on vacation, or at least that's my excuse! Here's my shopping results:

Week #	Start	End	Spending	Savings	Savings %
1	12/31	1/6	$ 62.37	$ 56.53	48%
2	1/7	1/13	$ 59.15	$ 131.69	69%
3	1/14	1/20	$ 52.91	$ 94.17	64%
4	1/21	1/27	$ 40.44	$ 37.69	48%
5	1/28	2/3	$ 97.22	$ 188.26	66%
6	2/4	2/10	$ 51.74	$ 81.17	61%
7	2/11	2/17	$ 89.21	$ 104.29	54%
8	2/18	2/24	$ 39.64	$ 91.00	70%
9	2/25	3/3	$ 56.41	$ 69.49	55%
10	3/4	3/10	$ 53.23	$ 96.32	64%
11	3/11	3/17	$ 63.54	$ 107.08	63%
12	3/18	3/24	$ 28.97	$ 17.02	37%
13	3/25	3/31	$ 59.78	$ 69.93	54%
14	4/1	4/7	$ 86.97	$ 132.77	60%
15	4/8	4/14	$ 30.60	$ 52.85	63%
16	4/15	4/21	$ 53.13	$ 76.48	59%
17	4/22	4/28	$ 49.01	$ 120.33	71%
18	4/29	5/5	$ 64.97	$ 62.30	49%
19	5/6	5/12	$ 60.09	$ 171.01	74%
20	5/13	5/19	$ 67.52	$ 105.57	61%
21	5/20	5/26	$ 25.58	$ 31.98	56%
22	5/27	6/2	$ 60.13	$ 60.60	50%
23	6/3	6/9	$ 55.37	$ 43.88	44%
24	6/10	6/16	$ 20.26	$ 21.50	51%

Here is the graph:

I spent a total of $20.26 and saved $21.50 (51%). Most of my spending was at Walgreens (more on that here), plus a few bananas and a watermelon at Save-a-Lot - that's it! Like I said before, I really didn't buy too much because I have been eating out and spending a ton on that all week! Yuck. I'm going to improve when I'm back from vacation next weekend.

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My Meijer Shopping Trip

2010-06-18T16:29:00.003-04:00

I was pretty excited about my Meijer Shopping trip in which I only spent $0.66 (many thanks to the Walgreens Register Rewards from earlier this week). Here's what I got:

Item	Price	Qty	Rebate	Coupons	$/Each	Total

Barilla Whole Grain Pasta, 13.25 oz	$ 0.89	4		$ 3.00	$ 0.14	$ 0.56
Cascadian Farm Cereals	$ 2.49	2		$ 2.00	$ 1.49	$ 2.98
				$ -		$ -
Cottonelle Bath Tissue 6 double rolls	$ 2.99	4	$ 3.00	$ 4.00	$ 1.99	$ 7.96
Red or Green Seedless Grapes	$ 0.99	1.5		$ -	$ 0.99	$ 1.45
Raspberries, pkg	$ 1.00	1		$ -	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Pampers Baby Wipes, 72 ct	$ 2.18	1		$ 1.99	$ 0.19	$ 0.19
Heinz White Vinegar, 32 oz	$ 0.99	1		$ 1.00	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)
Aunt Millie’s Bread, 22-24 oz loaf	$ 1.00	3		$ 1.65	$ 0.45	$ 1.35
Aunt Millie’s Hamburger Buns, 8 ct	$ 1.00	1		$ 0.55	$ 0.45	$ 0.45
				$ -		$ -
				$ -		$ -
walgreen's rebate				$ 10.00		$ (10.00)
walgreen's rebate				$ 6.00		$ (6.00)
				$ -		$ -
					Subtotal	$ (0.07)
					Tax	$ 0.73
					Price Pd	$ 0.66

Plus, I have an additional $3 to spend from buying over $10 worth of Cottonelle! Yay!

For more information on how to snatch up these great deals, head on over to Bargains to Bounty (thanks, Jolyn!).

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Walgreens Shopping Trip

2010-06-14T22:06:00.001-04:00

I have not been posting much lately of my weekly shopping trips, mostly because my camera broke on New Years Day. I am now borrowing a camera until I can do a little research and get a great camera for a great price! Well I made a trip to Walgreen's tonight to snatch up some of the great deals this week (Thanks, Coupon Crazy Chrys!). I was able to get some great Father's Day Gifts for a basket for my husband, along with some much needed face washes for myself! Here's what I got:

(1) Schick Hydro 3 Razor: $7.99 - $5 MFC = $2.99 (received $4 Register Reward)

(2) Nivea For Men Shower Gels: $5.99 - $3 MFC = $2.99 each (received two $6 Register Rewards)

(1) Neutrogena Daily Scrub: $5.24 - $2 MFC = $3.24

(1) Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleanser: $4.71 - $2 MFC = $2.71

(1) Neutrogena Facial Bar: $2.24 (received $10 Register Reward for all 3 Neutrogena products)

plus I used an old Register Reward for $2.50 from a couple weeks ago

---------------------

Total Paid = $16.59 (including tax)

Total Register Rewards = $26! (that I can spend at Meijer this week!)

Plus I can submit the rebate form (here) for the razor and get another $7.99 mailed back! Wahoo!

If you are interested in buying any of these items, check out Coupon Crazy Chrys for more details!

Frugal Friday Report

2010-06-11T15:13:00.004-04:00

I apologize for missing last week's report (and I will be missing next Friday too because we'll be away on vacation). This report is for the past two weeks. My spending over these weeks hasn't been the greatest, because we have been popping into stores picking up beer or snacks for a cookout that I didn't have stocked up, so I most likely ended up paying full price for many items. Take a look:

Week #	Start	End	Spending	Savings	Savings %
1	12/31	1/6	$ 62.37	$ 56.53	48%
2	1/7	1/13	$ 59.15	$ 131.69	69%
3	1/14	1/20	$ 52.91	$ 94.17	64%
4	1/21	1/27	$ 40.44	$ 37.69	48%
5	1/28	2/3	$ 97.22	$ 188.26	66%
6	2/4	2/10	$ 51.74	$ 81.17	61%
7	2/11	2/17	$ 89.21	$ 104.29	54%
8	2/18	2/24	$ 39.64	$ 91.00	70%
9	2/25	3/3	$ 56.41	$ 69.49	55%
10	3/4	3/10	$ 53.23	$ 96.32	64%
11	3/11	3/17	$ 63.54	$ 107.08	63%
12	3/18	3/24	$ 28.97	$ 17.02	37%
13	3/25	3/31	$ 59.78	$ 69.93	54%
14	4/1	4/7	$ 86.97	$ 132.77	60%
15	4/8	4/14	$ 30.60	$ 52.85	63%
16	4/15	4/21	$ 53.13	$ 76.48	59%
17	4/22	4/28	$ 49.01	$ 120.33	71%
18	4/29	5/5	$ 64.97	$ 62.30	49%
19	5/6	5/12	$ 60.09	$ 171.01	74%
20	5/13	5/19	$ 67.52	$ 105.57	61%
21	5/20	5/26	$ 25.58	$ 31.98	56%
22	5/27	6/2	$ 60.13	$ 60.60	50%
23	6/3	6/9	$ 55.37	$ 43.88	44%

Here is my chart:

(click on graph to view larger)

I spent $60.13 and $55.37 the past two weeks and saved 50% and 44%, respectively. Yikes, not too great! I hope to get back into the grocery game next week and when I get back from vacation...

Frugal Friday Report

2010-05-28T09:46:00.001-04:00

This past week has been a pretty busy week with visits to both grandparent's houses and uncle/aunt's house, along with daughter's preschool graduation, so I was barely able to make it out to the stores this week. I only spent around $25, which was mostly just for produce items to patch together our meals throughout the week. Here is how my week looked:

Week #	Start	End	Spending	Savings	Savings %
1	12/31	1/6	$ 62.37	$ 56.53	48%
2	1/7	1/13	$ 59.15	$ 131.69	69%
3	1/14	1/20	$ 52.91	$ 94.17	64%
4	1/21	1/27	$ 40.44	$ 37.69	48%
5	1/28	2/3	$ 97.22	$ 188.26	66%
6	2/4	2/10	$ 51.74	$ 81.17	61%
7	2/11	2/17	$ 89.21	$ 104.29	54%
8	2/18	2/24	$ 39.64	$ 91.00	70%
9	2/25	3/3	$ 56.41	$ 69.49	55%
10	3/4	3/10	$ 53.23	$ 96.32	64%
11	3/11	3/17	$ 63.54	$ 107.08	63%
12	3/18	3/24	$ 28.97	$ 17.02	37%
13	3/25	3/31	$ 59.78	$ 69.93	54%
14	4/1	4/7	$ 86.97	$ 132.77	60%
15	4/8	4/14	$ 30.60	$ 52.85	63%
16	4/15	4/21	$ 53.13	$ 76.48	59%
17	4/22	4/28	$ 49.01	$ 120.33	71%
18	4/29	5/5	$ 64.97	$ 62.30	49%
19	5/6	5/12	$ 60.09	$ 171.01	74%
20	5/13	5/19	$ 67.52	$ 105.57	61%
21	5/20	5/26	$ 25.58	$ 31.98	56%

Here is the graph:

(click on graph to enlarge)

I spent a total of $25.58 and saved $31.98, for a savings percentage of 56%. I plan on hitting the stores tonight to catch up on my shopping!

Have a great Memorial Weekend!

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Wendy's Key Tag for a $1 = Free Junior Frosty Every Visit!

2010-05-22T23:13:00.001-04:00

My mother informed of a pretty sweet deal at Wendy's right now. They are offering a key tag that can be purchased for $1, which in turn can be used to get a free Junior Frosty with any purchase every time you visit a participating Wendy's through the end of the year (12/31/10). My key tag states that it is valid only at participating Michigan Wendy's (so if you are in another state, I would check into it). I believe the $1 you spend does to a charity, but I am not sure of which one, since my husband purchased it.

My kids love the junior frosties because they are the perfect size (miniature-sized for little ones)! In order to get your free Junior Frosty each and every visit, you must make another purchase. I plan on buying one Junior Frosty for $0.95 and then getting the second for free with my key card. I think that's pretty cheap for two ice creams for both of my kiddies! Plus, we tend to get a LOT of ice cream in the summer, so this should save us quite a bit on our usual Dairy Queen or McDonald runs...

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Frugal Friday Report

2010-05-22T22:47:00.007-04:00

I had a decent week last week and was able to get in one pretty big shopping trip with a few stock-up items (more on this Meijer shopping trip here). I did go a little over budget, so I will work at keeping my spending low this week. Here's how my week looked:

Week #	Start	End	Spending	Savings	Savings %
1	12/31	1/6	$ 62.37	$ 56.53	48%
2	1/7	1/13	$ 59.15	$ 131.69	69%
3	1/14	1/20	$ 52.91	$ 94.17	64%
4	1/21	1/27	$ 40.44	$ 37.69	48%
5	1/28	2/3	$ 97.22	$ 188.26	66%
6	2/4	2/10	$ 51.74	$ 81.17	61%
7	2/11	2/17	$ 89.21	$ 104.29	54%
8	2/18	2/24	$ 39.64	$ 91.00	70%
9	2/25	3/3	$ 56.41	$ 69.49	55%
10	3/4	3/10	$ 53.23	$ 96.32	64%
11	3/11	3/17	$ 63.54	$ 107.08	63%
12	3/18	3/24	$ 28.97	$ 17.02	37%
13	3/25	3/31	$ 59.78	$ 69.93	54%
14	4/1	4/7	$ 86.97	$ 132.77	60%
15	4/8	4/14	$ 30.60	$ 52.85	63%
16	4/15	4/21	$ 53.13	$ 76.48	59%
17	4/22	4/28	$ 49.01	$ 120.33	71%
18	4/29	5/5	$ 64.97	$ 62.30	49%
19	5/6	5/12	$ 60.09	$ 171.01	74%
20	5/13	5/19	$ 67.52	$ 105.57	61%

Here is the graph:

I spent a total of $67.52 and saved $105.57 for a savings percentage of 61%. My average weekly spending is at $58.34, still a little under my $60 budget. I believe my total went over because I had to buy cat food (a 17-lb bag) and didn't even get it on sale. I really need to stock up next time it's on sale! I was happy because I stocked up on barbecue sauce (6 bottles), kielbasa (6 packages), Crystal Light Drinks (9 boxes) and Super Pretzels (4 boxes).

I got some greats deals at the Meijer Super Sale today - more Crystal Light, Kraft Salad Dressing (money maker) and $3.99 40oz bag of frozen chicken breasts! Yahoo!

My Meijer Shopping Trip

2010-05-18T16:06:00.000-04:00

I just went to Meijer with the kids and here's what I got:

Item	Price	Qty	Rebate	Coupons	$/Each	Total
Crystal Light On the Go, 10pk	$ 2.00	3		$ 3.00	$ 1.00	$ 3.00
Meijer Spring Water 12-pk free	$ 2.39	1		$ 2.39	$ -	$ -
Bull's Eye BBQ Sauce, 18oz	$ 1.50	2		$ 2.00	$ 0.50	$ 1.00
Newman's Own Pasta Sauce, 24oz	$ 1.99	1		$ 1.00	$ 0.99	$ 0.99
Meijer Naturals Tomatoes (14.5oz)	$ 0.50	2		$ -	$ 0.50	$ 1.00
Kraft Mayo, 30oz	$ 2.00	1		$ 1.00	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Meijer Milk, gallon	$ 1.77	2		$ -	$ 1.77	$ 3.54
Yoplait Yogurt, 4-6oz cups	$ 0.40	14		$ 1.80	$ 0.27	$ 3.80
Breyer Yogurt cup	$ 0.60	1		$ 0.60	$ -	$ -
Bimbo Bread, 20oz loaf	$ 1.49	2		$ 2.10	$ 0.44	$ 0.88
Meijer Pretzels	$ 0.99	2		$ -	$ 0.99	$ 1.98
Meijer Kettle Chips	$ 1.79	1		$ 1.00	$ 0.79	$ 0.79
Reynold's Aluminum Foil, 80sq ft	$ 2.89	1		$ 1.00	$ 1.89	$ 1.89
Freschetta Pizza	$ 3.99	1		$ 1.00	$ 2.99	$ 2.99
Superpretzel Bites	$ 1.36	2		$ 2.00	$ 0.36	$ 0.72
Hillshire Farms Rope Sausage	$ 1.67	2		$ 1.00	$ 1.17	$ 2.34
Sally Hansen Nail Polish	$ 2.57	2		$ 3.29	$ 0.93	$ 1.86
Purina Cat Chow	$11.50	1		$ 1.00	$10.50	$ 10.50
Kale, bunch	$ 1.69	1		$ -	$ 1.69	$ 1.69
Vidalia Onions	$ 0.69	2.0		$ -	$ 0.69	$ 1.39
Strawberries, 2lb	$ 2.49	1		$ -	$ 2.49	$ 2.49
				$ -		$ -
$5 off purchase of $20 or more				$ 5.00		$ (5.00)
					Subtotal	$ 38.84
					Tax	$ 0.73
					Price Pd	$ 39.57

For some reason, one of my $1/1 Mealbox coupons didn't scan for one of the Crystal Light On the Go Packs, but I still only paid $1 each and got a free 12-pack of Meijer Waters as well. I plan on going back sometime later this week (without the kiddies) to stock up on the Super Pretzels ($0.36/each), Strawberries ($2.50/2lb, can freeze for later), Bull's Eye BBQ Sauce ($0.50/each). More on how to snag these great deals at Bargains to Bounty (Thanks, Jolyn)!

Frugal Friday Report

2010-05-18T15:16:00.000-04:00

I apologize for being late with this one. I have been getting the garden and yard ready for the summer. I just noticed this morning that I have a poison ivy rash from all my fun getting the garden ready. Arghh! Last week I was able to come in right at my budget goal of $60/week! I also saved a whopping 74%, which is my highest savings percentage ever! I was able to spend all my Catalinas from the Kraft 100-calorie Bites Deal (more on that here), thus making my savings percentage really high... Enough rambling, here's how last week looked:

Week #	Start	End	Spending	Savings	Savings %
1	12/31	1/6	$ 62.37	$ 56.53	48%
2	1/7	1/13	$ 59.15	$ 131.69	69%
3	1/14	1/20	$ 52.91	$ 94.17	64%
4	1/21	1/27	$ 40.44	$ 37.69	48%
5	1/28	2/3	$ 97.22	$ 188.26	66%
6	2/4	2/10	$ 51.74	$ 81.17	61%
7	2/11	2/17	$ 89.21	$ 104.29	54%
8	2/18	2/24	$ 39.64	$ 91.00	70%
9	2/25	3/3	$ 56.41	$ 69.49	55%
10	3/4	3/10	$ 53.23	$ 96.32	64%
11	3/11	3/17	$ 63.54	$ 107.08	63%
12	3/18	3/24	$ 28.97	$ 17.02	37%
13	3/25	3/31	$ 59.78	$ 69.93	54%
14	4/1	4/7	$ 86.97	$ 132.77	60%
15	4/8	4/14	$ 30.60	$ 52.85	63%
16	4/15	4/21	$ 53.13	$ 76.48	59%
17	4/22	4/28	$ 49.01	$ 120.33	71%
18	4/29	5/5	$ 64.97	$ 62.30	49%
19	5/6	5/12	$ 60.09	$ 171.01	74%

Here is the graph:

(click on graph to enlarge)

I spent $60.09 (okay, so I went $0.09 or budget!) and saved $171.01 for a savings percentage of 74%! My new weekly spending average is at $57.86 (about $2 below my budget of $60 per week).

Don't Forget - Today is Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

2010-05-07T21:10:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to leave out a bag of non-perishable food by your mailbox TODAY (Saturday, May 8th, 2010) for your letter carrier to pick up for the Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Here are some great reasons to do so (data from www.helpstampouthunger.com):

estimated 49 million Americans are at risk of hunger
because of the worsened ecomony, food banks have noticed a 30% increase in food demand
children that suffer from malnourishment suffer from higher levels of physical and emotional problems

That touched me! I am going to put together a bag tonight and set it by the door so I remember to get it out before out mailman comes tomorrow afternoon.

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Frugal Friday Report

2010-05-07T15:47:00.003-04:00

I went a little over budget this week, due to the great Kraft 100 calorie snacks deal going on this past week (and now too - more on this here at Bargains to Bounty). This coming week is going to be great though, because I get to use all those $2 and $3 Catalinas and get tons of free groceries! Here's how this week looked:

Week #	Start	End	Spending	Savings	Savings %
1	12/31	1/6	$ 62.37	$ 56.53	48%
2	1/7	1/13	$ 59.15	$ 131.69	69%
3	1/14	1/20	$ 52.91	$ 94.17	64%
4	1/21	1/27	$ 40.44	$ 37.69	48%
5	1/28	2/3	$ 97.22	$ 188.26	66%
6	2/4	2/10	$ 51.74	$ 81.17	61%
7	2/11	2/17	$ 89.21	$ 104.29	54%
8	2/18	2/24	$ 39.64	$ 91.00	70%
9	2/25	3/3	$ 56.41	$ 69.49	55%
10	3/4	3/10	$ 53.23	$ 96.32	64%
11	3/11	3/17	$ 63.54	$ 107.08	63%
12	3/18	3/24	$ 28.97	$ 17.02	37%
13	3/25	3/31	$ 59.78	$ 69.93	54%
14	4/1	4/7	$ 86.97	$ 132.77	60%
15	4/8	4/14	$ 30.60	$ 52.85	63%
16	4/15	4/21	$ 53.13	$ 76.48	59%
17	4/22	4/28	$ 49.01	$ 120.33	71%
18	4/29	5/5	$ 64.97	$ 62.30	49%

Here's my chart:

(click on graph to enlarge)

I spent a total of $64.97 ($4.97 over budget) and saved a total of $62.30, which is only 49%. My percentages seem to normally be closer to 60%, so I was a little disappointed. Next week should be a good week though and hopefully my savings will look better.

Have a great Mother's Day weekend!

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Free 8x10" Collage at Walgreens

2010-05-06T13:43:00.000-04:00

Walgreens is offering a free 8x10 collage print. Here how you can get one:

(1) Click here to go to Walgreen's Photo.
(2) Create one (1) 8x10" collage and add it to your cart
(3) Enter coupon code GOODTHOUGHTS, then click "checkout".
(4) Choose to pick up your print at your local Walgreens and your total will be $0!

This code is valid through this Saturday (5/8), so you should be able to get yours by Mother's Day!

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Cosco Pronto Booster Carseat only $25!

2010-05-02T22:34:00.000-04:00

I am so excited because I need another Cosco Pronto Carseat and noticed they are on sale this week at Kmart for only $25! This is the lowest price I have seen them since I bought one for my daughter months ago (more on that here). These are on sale starting today (5/2) through Saturday (5/8). Head on over to Kmart and grab one up for your little one.

These booster seats received a "Best Bet", which is the highest rating among booster seats from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2009, take a look HERE.

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Craftsman 50 foot Rubber Hose only $18.99 (with a Lifetime Warranty)!

2010-05-02T00:31:00.003-04:00

*Update - this deal has expired, but you can still get it for $19.99!

I just wanted to let you know about a great deal on a GREAT hose at Sears right now. This Craftsman 50-foot rubber garden hose received great reviews and because it has a lifetime warranty, you'll never need to buy another one! Just head over to Sears and add it to your shopping cart. It should be on sale for $19.99, plus with the Sears Friends and Family Sale, you get an extra 5% off, bring your total down to $18.99! Make sure to select in-store pickup at your local Sears for free shipping...

The best part about buying this hose (or any other Craftsman item) is that you'll never have to invest in another! I can't tell you how many hoses I've been through over the past 5 years living in my home... I actually snatched one of these up the other day on sale for $19.99, so I was actually mad that I didn't wait longer!

You will have until 5am Monday (5/3) to get in on this deal, so hurry!
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