SAVVY SHOPPING

"Neva, Neva, Neva pay full price on anything" - the mantra of my wonderful frugal living mentor, Anjie Henley - author/owner of the Frugal Freelancer - resonates loudly in my head - she has taught me well!

This week's savvy shopping includes:

1. Petco: B1G1 coupon for Greenies dog treats (I have two dogs), cute - cute - cute 'jeweled' dog leash for my female (everyone always things she's a boy) for $3.00 (Reg. $17.99), Nutro dog treats less $2.00 coupon, The World's Best Cat Litter less $1.00 coupon.
2. Big Lots: Carver's Chicken Dog Treats - $4.00 each - big bag; Ghiradeli Caramel chocolates - 50% off due to V-day packaging .75c each
3. RiteAid: Ibuprofen - B1G1 (100ct), Acetaminophen - B1G1 (100ct), Russell Stover Strawberry Cream eggs - 2/$1.00 (Valentine's Day and Easter are the only times I can get the strawberry cream which is my favorite - this brand only)
4. McDonald's (yes, we caved and had to get a quickie lunch) - B1G1 sandwich plus Buy a large sandwich, get Med Fries and Med drink for Free.
5. Petsmart: Purina One 3.5lb cat food - FREE with coupon; B1G1 Greenies dog treats, 1/2 off dog toy
6. Used Gasbuddy.com to find cheapest gas where I was - saved 4cent/gallon over getting it in the 'hood'
7. Whole Foods - .75c off Earthbound Farms romaine lettuce, $1.00 Challenge butter
8. Boudin Bakery - 2 loaves of fresh San Fran sourdough bread - FREE
9. RiteAid: (different store) Nice and Easy hair color - FREE, NYC nail polish - FREE, Planters Almonds - FREE (I paid .56 sales tax out of pocket)
10. Sobe Lifewater - 20 for $20.00 - less 2 $5.00 gift cards - used one to buy Downey fabric softner for $5.07 w/tax - .07cents out of pocket. $5.00 g.c. still on hand for next purchase.
11. Amazon.com - Cisco Linksys Wireless N-Router - $29.99 (refurb) FREE shipping - $20.00 gift cards from Swagbucks - $9.99 out of pocket (Our current WiFi router is ancient and we're always having to reboot it - time for a new one)
12. FatQuartershop.com - 24 ct. fat quarter set - on sale $33.00 - 3 yards of additional fabric at 50% off - FREE shipping

I also checked out two books from the library instead of buying them.

My daughter got $'s for her b'day and decided on an iPod touch - she's worn out her little shuffle she's had for years now - and with FREE shipping, a $100 promotional code and her gift cards - we supplemented it for $30.00 out of pocket! She's elated!

13. Victoria's Secret: Free panties! (my daughter scores again!)
14. Panda Express: Free additional entree with purchase
15. $10 off $10 at JC Penny - more undies!! =)
16. Bath and Body Works - FREE monthly item

New offers for next shopping spree:
1. $5.00 voucher to Boudin Bakery (that's almost a free sandwich!)
2. $2.00 off $5.00 at Petco (someone getting a new toy!)
3. $10 off $50.00 at Victoria Secrets (gift giving time approaches)
4. $10 off $30.00 at Bath and Body Works (more gifting savings)
5. Free entree at Panda Express (yummy!)
6. 10cents off per gallon of gas @ Safeway (Oh yeah!)
7. $40 off at Vera Bradley (this will be a nice savings on a purse I've been wanting)
8. $13.00 off $25.00 at ToysRUs (kids birthdays are approaching)

Enough, enough - I think there is more but I can't remember at this point. The week isn't over yet! I still have menu planning to do with a goal of NOT having to go to the grocery store for a week unless it's for 'essentials' (milk, bread, eggs)

Like always, I always welcome hearing about your frugal finds and savvy shopping techniques!