Thanks to everyone who attended the coupon class in Hoquiam tonight!  I really enjoyed sharing what I know about coupons and it was fun to meet so many of you!  And THANK YOU so much for your donations to the food bank- they were very generous and are much needed and appreciated.  I hope a few of you learned something new and overall had a good time too. 

For all of you that are coming to check out this blog for the very first time, I’m thrilled you are here!  My whole purpose is to help you get more for your money by finding you the best deals, coupons and bargains here in Grays Harbor and online and to HAVE FUN doing it! 

Who should use coupons? In my opinion, everyone!  I can guarantee that there is at least ONE product in your house that you buy on a regular basis that you could use a coupon with and save yourself money on.  It may be groceries, toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant, cleaning supplies, pet supplies . . . the list goes on an on.

What is the benefit of using coupons? I save on average 70% or more by using coupons AND I’m buying name brand stuff- not generic.  So by using coupons, I’m getting a better product, for less money and often more of it.  And I do this on just about everything- groceries, household supplies, toiletries, cleaning products and more.  But it’s learning HOW to use coupons to really make them work for you to get those amazing savings!

What’s the best way to get started?

• I recommend reading the different topics under my Getting Started link.  There is everything from how to get coupons, how to organize them, how to best use them, some of the most frequently asked questions as well as my own personal couponing tips.

• Read this blog!  I post several times a day with local store coupon match-ups, great deals, and even online bargains that I find out there.  You can keep tabs on my blog by liking Grays Harbor Deals on Facebook, following on Twitter, subscribing to the feed or subscribing to the e-mail updates (on the right hand sidebar). 

• Set up a separate e-mail account specifically for couponing.  Often when you request online coupons, freebies or samples, you also need to sign up for a periodic newsletter from that particular manufacturer.  It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest deals and coupons that are available.  But it also keeps your personal e-mail separate from those you use just for coupon stuff.

• You can get started finding coupons that work for you and your family in our Printable coupons section.  With printable coupons, most of the time you will be able to print 2 per computer and they will usually expire a few weeks from print date.

• Start slow and ask lots of questions.  I love questions!  And you are likely not the only one with that question, so by asking you are probably helping out several other people as well.  And if you post a question on the Facebook page- there are lots of other very coupon savvy readers that may be able to help you out if I’m not around to answer!

• Don’t try to do every deal at once or you may get couponing burnout quickly.  Instead focus on one store, learn how to best shop there, learn the programs that store offers, learn the coupon policy for that store and start finding the best deals there.  Check out the "Stores" section on the top menu- I have coupon policies and other information for each store located there.  If you don’t understand something in one of my posts or have a question about how to make a certain deal work- just ask!  I love to help people learn to coupon shop and will definitely answer any question I possibly can!  You are welcome to e-mail me at annaliese@graysharbordeals.com or just leave a comment on a post!

• For those of you that didn't get one of the flyers on how to get multiple copies of the Tacoma News Tribune delivered for $1.25 per issue, click HERE for more information. 

Here are the deals from this weeks Safeway ad.  View the online ad and find more great deals!  I have put a red ** next to the deals I think are best. 

New to shopping with coupons at Safeway?  Read more about the programs and policies for Safeway.  Keep in mind that you can only use 1 coupon for a BOGO sale (no coupons may be applied against a free item).

4-DAY SALE (Friday, Feb 24th – Monday, Feb 27th)

Ken's Salad Dressing:  2/$3
- $1/1 coupon from 1/8 Smartsource insert
Final price = $.50**

La Victoria Salsa:  2/$4
- $1.50/3 coupon from 1/8 Smartsource insert
Final price = 3/$4.50 ($1.50 each)**

Post Honey Bunches of Oats, 14.5oz:  $1.99
- $1/1 printable coupon for Honey Bunches of Oats Fruit Blends from CouponNetwork.com (if included)
Final price = $.99**

waterfront BISTRO Medium Raw Shrimp, 51-60ct:  $5/lb (FRIDAY ONLY)

3lb Strawberries:  $5.00 (FRIDAY ONLY)

20pk Cocla Cola:  $5.00 (FRIDAY ONLY- limit 3)

IN-AD COUPONS

30% off Any Frozen Participating Items with minimum $10 purchase, excl meat, seafood & bakery items**

30% off Amy's & Kashi participating Items with minimum $10 purchase

Safeway or Bright Green Storage Bags, 15-25ct:  $1.99 (limit 2)

OTHER WEEKLY FOOD DEALS

Rancher's Reserve Boneless Beef Chuck Pot Roast:  $2.79/lb

Rancher's Reserve Boneless Beef London Broil:  $2.79/lb**

OvenJoy Breads or Safeway Kitchens Hot Dog or Hamburger Buns:  $.99**

Fresh Express Spinach or Garden Plus Salads:  $.99

Lucerne Shredded or Chunk Cheese:  $4.99**

Chicken Leg Quarters:  $.69/lb**

Buddig Deli Cuts Lunchmeat, 2oz:  $.59
- $.75/4 coupon from 12/11 Smartsource insert (exp 2/28)
Final price = 4/$1.61 (about $.40 each)

Pantry Essentials Sandwich Slices:  $.99

Golden Grain Pasta:  10/$10
- $1/2 coupon from 1/8 Smartsource insert (exp 2/29) OR
- $1/2 coupon from blinkie machines in stores
Final price = 2/$1 ($.50 each)**

Knorr Lipton Rice or Pasta Sides:  $.89 (limit 10)
- $.50/2 coupon from 1/29 Red Plum insert (exp 2/26)
Final price = 2/$1.26 ($.63 each)**

Balance Bar:  $.99
- $1/3 printable coupon from facebook.com
Final price = 3/$1.97 (about $.66 each)

Keebler Fudge Shoppe:  $1.99
- $.55/1 coupon for Fudge Shoppe Dark Chocolate Cookies from 2/19 Red Plum insert (if included)
Final price = as low as $1.44

Kellogg's Pop Tarts, 8ct:  2/$4
- $.70/1 printable coupon from kelloggs.com
Final price = $1.30

Safeway Farms Grape Tomatoes:  2/$4

Crisp Celery:  $.79/lb**

Lucerne Ice Cream:  $2.88
* Use 30% off frozen food in-ad coupon

Barefoot Cellars, Beringer or Meridian, 750mL:  $4.99 when you buy 6 or more

18pk Bud, Coors or MIller:  $14.77

BUY 3, SAVE $6 INSTANTLY- Coffee & Tea
* These are the items listed in the ad, I'll try to stop by the store later to get prices & see if there are any other participating items.

Starbucks, 12oz

Godiva, 12oz

Tully's, 12oz

Gevalia, 12oz

Maxwell House, 10.5-34.5oz

Tully's K-Cups, 12ct

Green Mountain K-Cups, 12ct

Twinings Loose Leaf Tea, 3.53oz

Twinings Tea, 50ct

Kicking Horse Coffee, 12.3oz

Revolution Tea, 16ct

OTHER WEEKLY NON-FOOD DEALS

Hefty Trash Bags, 20-80ct:  $6.49
- $1/1 coupon from 1/1 Red Plum insert
Final price = $5.49

Puss in Boots:  DVD ($16.99) or Blu-ray ($23.99)
* Get FREE with purchase: (1) 4pk IZZE Sparkling Juice, (1) 3ct Pop Secret Popcorn, (1) Emerald Nuts, 11oz

Tower Heist:  DVD ($16.99) or Blu-ray ($19.99)
* Get FREE with purchase: (1) Nonni's Biscotti Bites, 7oz and (1) Boulder Canyon Natural Chips, 7.5oz

Bliss Boquet:  $5.00

Alstroemeria Rose Bouquet:  $6.00

Believe Bouquet:  $7.00

Kibbles 'n Bits Dry Dog Food (17.6-19.36lb) or Meow Mix Dry Cat Food (14.2-17.6lb):  $9.99
- $1/1 printable coupon for Kibbles 'n Bits from coupons.com OR
- $1/1 coupon for Meow Mix from 2/19 Red Plum insert
Final price = $8.99**

Don't forget about the FREE coupon class happening TONIGHT at the Hoquiam Library!  I would love to see bunches of you there and feel free to invite friends- the more the merrier!  I plan on showing everyone how they can save 50% or more on their grocery bill and learn how to get free stuff.  It should be fun and informative and a few of you may even go away with a little prize.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

7:30pm-9:00pm

Hoquiam Timberland Library
Downstairs Meeting Room

420 7th St, Hoquiam, WA

This class is 100% FREE, but a donation to the food bank would be appreciated.

RSVP Attendance to the class on Facebook

Vitacost is really giving us a treat today!  Not only can you get a $10 credit when you sign up, but TODAY ONLY (2/22) shipping is only $2.22 (regularly $4.99)!  Or free with purchase of $22 or more (normally it's only free after $49).  So if you haven't gotten your $10 credit or if you've gotten it but haven't used it yet, I highly recommend doing it today!

There are SOOOO many things you can get for free on this site with the $10 credit- it's seriously unbelievable!

But, first things first.  Here's how to get your $10 credit:

• Sign up for Vitacost through this link.

• Once you sign up you'll get a message letting you know that your $10 code has been sent to the email address you have provided.  (It took maybe 5-10 minutes for me to get the email).

• Check your email and get the code good for $10 off your first purchase.

• If you would like to get cash back: Log into Ebates (or create an account if you don't have one)and search for VitaCost – use this link to go to the VitaCost site and start shopping so you can get 4% back on your purchase!  (you can skip this step and go straight to VitaCost if you want, but you won't receive cash back through Ebates.)

• Once you get to VitaCost.com do a quick search for the product or brand that you want or search around the site to find your own great deal! 

• Once you have your $10 of items in your cart (mix & match items) use the $10 credit code you received in your email and get your products for FREE, just pay shipping (which today is only $2.22!)

Here's a few great ideas of things you can get for crazy cheap shipped with this credit and promo:

• 3 jars Peanut Butter & Co. Smooth Operator peanut butter ($3.75ea) = $3.47 shipped ($1.16 per jar)
• 5 bags Pirates Booty, 4oz ($2.25ea) = $3.47 shipped (about $.69 per bag)
• 2 bags Newman's Own Organic California Prunes, 12oz ($5.20ea) = $2.62 shipped ($1.31 per bag)
• 3pk Kashi Go Lean Crunch Cereal, 15oz ($9.57) = $2.22 shipped ($.74 per box)
• 2 bags Teeccino Coffee, 11oz ($6.76ea) = $5.74 shipped ($2.87 per bag)
• 4 boxes San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co. Tea, 24-36ct ($2.50ea) = $2.22 shipped (about $.56 per box)
• 8 packages Dingo Munchy Stix dog treats, 10ct ($1.28ea) = $2.46 shipped (about $.31 per pack)
• 11 cans Halo cat food, 3oz ($.96ea) = $2.78 shipped (about $.25 per can)
• 2 ChicoBags reusable bags, red ($5.09ea) = $2.40 shipped ($1.20 per bag)
• 2 boxes Seventh Generation Drawstring Kitchen Bags, 20ct ($5.15ea) = $2.52 shipped ($1.26 per box)
• 4 packs Seventh Generation Baby Wipes, 36ct ($2.50ea) = $2.22 shipped (about $.56 per pack)
• Seventh Generation Baby Free & Clear Diapers, newborn ($11.63ea) = $3.85 shipped
• Seventh Generation Baby Overnight Diapers and Training Pants, several sizes ($11.84 each) = $4.06 shipped
• 5 packs Green Forest bath tissue, 4pk ($2.18ea) = $3.12 shipped (about $.62 per pack, about $.16 per roll)

Here are the best deals from the Swanson's ad.  View the online ad and let me know if you find any other great deals!  And don’t forget to get additional great savings through Swanson’s printable web coupons.  I have put a red ** next to the deals I think are best.

IN-AD COUPONS

$5 off any single purchase of $50 or more

$1 off Eagle Creek Water, 24pk (limit 1)

$2 off any 8 Piece or Rotisserie Chicken (limit 1)

$3/2 Viva Paper Towels or Cottenelle Toilet Paper, must purchase 2 items
- $1/1 coupon for Viva Paper Towels from 1/15 Smartsource (exp 2/26)
Final price = as low as $5 off 2 Viva Paper Towels

Shoppers Value Ice Cream, 128oz pail:  2/$9 (limit 2)**

Shoppers Value Sugar, 4lb bag:  2/$5 (limit 2)

WEEKLY FOOD DEALS

Fryer Leg Quarters:  $.79/lb**

Pork Shoulder Butt Roast:  $1.59/lb**

93% Lean Ground Beef:  $2.89/lb

Fresh Asparagus:  $1.59/lb**

Broccoli Crowns or Cauliflower:  $.89/lb**

Flavorite Vegetables:  5/$3

Blue Bonnet:  $.79

Van de Kamp's Fish Sticks or Fillets:  2/$7
* In-ad coupon for FREE Birds Eye Steamfresh when you buy Van de Kamp's frozen seafood (manufacturers coupon that may only be used at Swanson's)

Red, Yellow, or Green Peppers:  3/$2**

Banquet Pot Pies:  3/$2

Kiwi:  3/$1

Beef Rack Ribs:  $1.39/lb

WEEKLY NON-FOOD DEALS

Ibuprofen, 100ct:  2/$5**

Baby Basics Value Pack Diapers:  $14.99

The Coupon Insert Database Spreadsheet has been updated to include the 2/19/12 Red Plum insert & Parade Magazine.

Download Coupon Insert Spreadsheet

A few tips for decoding my spreadsheet :

SS = Smartsource insert

RP = Red Plum insert

GM = General Mills insert

PG = Proctor & Gamble insert

PM = Parade Magazine (comes in the Sunday papers)

AY = All You Magazine

WMF = Walmart Flyer

You can access this spreadsheet at any time under "Coupons" in the top menu of the blog.

There's yet ANOTHER awesome coupon available for print!  This one is $3 off 2 Right Guard Total Defense Anti-Perspirant, Deodorant or Body Wash!

Buy 2 Right Guard Deodorant or Body Wash @ $2.99
- Use $3/2 printable coupon from coupons.com
Final price OOP = 2/$2.98
* Get (2) $1 +UP Rewards (limit 4 rewards)
After +UP Rewards it's like getting 2/$.98 ($.49 each)

These items also count towards your Winter Rewards!

Thanks, Hip2Save!

Here are the best deals for this week at Target brought to you by Thrifty & Thriving!

HIGHLIGHTS:

NEW DEALS

Up & Up Ibuprofen (24 ct) $ .99 – $1.09
$1/1 Target printable coupon
Final Price = FREE – $ .09

Welch’s Natural Jam (27 oz) $1.77
$1/1 Target printable coupon
$ .75/1 coupon from 1/22 Red Plum or $ .55/1 coupon from 2/12 Red Plum insert
Final Price = $ .02 each

Market Pantry Fruit Snacks $1.70
$1.25/1 Mobile coupon
Final Price = $ .45 each

Welch’s Fruit Fizz (4-pack) $2.50
$1/1 Target printable coupon
Final Price = $1.50 each

RETURNING DEALS

Dannon Activia Yogurt (4 pack) $2.00 ~ Buy 2
$2/2 Target printable coupon
(2) $1/1 coupon from 2/12 SmartSource insert
Final Price = FREE

Glade Plug-Ins Scented Oil Warmer $.99
$1.50/1 coupon from 2/12 SmartSource insert
Final Price = FREE

Iams Dry Kitten Food (12 oz) $3.00
$3/1 Iams coupon from 1/29 P&G insert (limit 4 coupons per trip)
Final Price = FREE

Kikkoman Sweet & Sour Sauce (11 oz) $1.70
$1/1 printable coupon
Final Price = $ .70 each

GE Reveal Light Bulbs (4-pack) $3.89
$2/1 Target printable coupon
$1/1 coupon from 2/12 SmartSource insert
Final Price = $ .89 each

Welch’s Grape Jam (37 oz) $1.79
$ .55/1 coupon from 2/12 insert
Final Price = $1.24 each

Welch’s 100% Juice $2.50
$1/1 coupon from 2/12 Red Plum insert
Final Price = $1.50 each

Visit Thrifty & Thriving for a full list of all the Target deals this week!

Here's how to get your free scarf:

• Sign up for SneakPeeq (since this is a social sharing site, you MUST use Facebook to sign up)

• Once you sign up, click the button that says "Get Rewards" (this will give you $10 credit & free scarf badges)

• Share SneakPeeq with at least 3 of your Facebook friends (hopefully you have some friends that love these kinds of deals)

• Click "Use your badges" and you'll be taken to the page with the scarves- select the scarft you would like

• Click "Peeq for your price" – you will be shown that your price is FREE because of your free scarf badge

• Enter your shipping information (no credit card info required) and your scarf will be on it's way in a few weeks!

How to get your earrings:

• Follow the instructions to create an account, get your free scarf & $10 credit

• Click on the "Style" tab on the top of the page

• Select "Anne Koplik – Romantic Swarovski Jewelry"

• Find the earrings shown above and click on them.

• Click "Peeq for Price" and your price will be $4.99 after your $10 badge is applied!

• Checkout and enjoy your beautiful scarf & earrings!