Polo Shirts

A week ago or so I received on of those "$10 off any purchase of $10 or more" from JCPenny.  Today, I went there are found men's polo shirts as low as $4.97.  The tan one was that price, the striped one was $8.99, but rang up $5.97.  After my coupon my total came to 94 cents.  They give you the option to round up, donating the extra 6 cents to an after school charity.  So, for $1, I bought 2 nice polo shirts.  Originally, it would have cost $55.  But I don't think anyone EVER pays full price there.

With the coupon, your total MUST be more than $10, and it was just a random mailing.  But even at $4.97, that is still a good deal for a nice polo shirt.

Target

For some reason, I find this incredibly funny.

Target Deals

Target has men's converse one star chuck shoes marked down to $8.74, so now the whole family came have a pair!

Also, their summery outdoorsy section is clearanced to 50% off right now.  I got a portable croquet & bocce set for $9.98.  There are picnic blankets (I have one from years past and i LOVE it, went to Buffet with me!), water toys, bins and other fun things.  I consider Summer to be July-August-September, so we are just beginning summer!

Aqua Socks at Wal-mart

 A ton of clearance ones for $3.  I am not sure what their original price was, but $3 is a great price for shoes that are for running around at the beach in.

Lovely patriotic shirts, were $5, but now a steal at $1.  You know you need a kitten in a basket tshirt.

Cheap Chucks

Converse One Stars on clearance at Target.  Black Sparkle and light blue denim for $8.74, kids flames for $5.74, and some tie dye ones for around $14.  Lots of sizes, 75% off!

Recycle Appliances

This week our lovely local business - Miller's Scrap and Salvage - is recycling appliance for FREE. Washers, dryers, stoves, hot water heaters, and most exciting for me - Monitors! TV's are only $5 a piece (which is a deal, it costs around $40 normally). So get on your spring cleaning.

Here is their web-site.

Call 507-452-2067 for more details.

Today's Mail

Just what came in the mail today:

• Coupons for free Kraft and Philadelphia cheese, plus $1 off from Kraft. Sign up here for future give aways
• $50 Express Gift card for doing surveys from E-rewards
• Bloomberg Business Week Magazine (free from somewhere)
• OK Magazine (free from somewhere)

TS3 Operation

Our Walmart has it back in stock!
Toy Story 3 Operation for $5, use the $3 off from the 4-10 Playsaver, making it $2!

The Easter Bunny was going to bring it to Connor, but forgot it on the counter and the little guy got it early.

Easter Picture

Free Easter Picture at Walmart! April 16 and 17 from 10 am to 2 pm. In the past, the bunny has been by the photo department or by the garden center.

Here is what one looks like from a few years ago:
ALSO
Walmart is sold out of the Buzz Light Year Operation game. But, Target has them, for $19.97. LOL.

Walmart Clothes

Rack of Boys clothes, prices starting at $1 for turtle necks.
Wrangler jeans still available for $4 a piece. Husky or Slim sizes also available. I bought a pair for Connor a few weeks ago, and they are holding up nicely. They have adjustable waist bands, and the color is lasting. Con calls them his "comfy jeans".
I bought these two items, a Dickies brand thermal shirt with beanie hat and a Dickies brand hooded sweatshirt, with a splash of purple in the hood. $3 each, originally $14 a piece. They are really cute, and seem to be good quality.

There were also men's and women's clearance clothes available starting at about $3. I am still on a clothing "diet" and didn't look at the women's section, but I am sure there are bargains to be had!

Why having a toddler is like being at a Frat Party

1.  There are half-full, brightly-colored plastic cups on the floor in every room. Three are in the bathtub.
2.  There’s always that one girl, bawling her eyes out in a corner.
3.  It’s best not to assume that the person closest to you has any control over their digestive function.
4.  You sneak off to the bathroom knowing that as soon as you sit down, someone’s going to start banging on the door.
5. Probably 80% of the stains on the furniture contain DNA.
6.  You’ve got someone in your face at 3 a.m. looking for a drink.
7.  There’s definitely going to be a fight.
8.  You’re not sure whether anything you’re doing is right, you just hope it won’t get you arrested.
9.  There are crumpled-up underpants everywhere.
10.  You wake up wondering exactly how and when the person in bed with you got there.

Menard's Crazy Days

I am not sure what paper the Menards flyer came in, it probably was the Tomah one.  Anyway, March 25 to the 27th, there are some Crazy deals going on.  It's even called "Crazy Days Sale".

• Doors $1.99 after $8 MIR (actual Doors! "we bought one of the largest door distributors in the western US.  Over 70,000 1st quality assorted styles of interior and exterior doors in mixed widths and heights, and 250,000 quality locksets.  Each store has hundreds of doors and a thousand locksets in stock.  Styles and sizes of doors and styles of locksets will vary by locations.  Hurry in for best selection")
• Locksets 99 cents to $3.99 after $2 MIR
• 10' Kayak with paddle $189
• Jack's Pizza 4 for $7
• Viking Kubb Yard Game $4.99 after $10 MIR
• Firepits $29.99
• Shoe storage bench + wall shelf (very nice looking) $59 after $50 MIR
• All Detergent 32 loads 99 cents after $3 MIR

There are many many more deals.  I couldn't find the brochure online, and I don't think it came in the Winona paper, yet.  So keep a look out!

AND

Menards MIR are for store credit!  They mail you a store credit check, it looks some what like a check you can deposit, but you can't.  Trust me.  I used to be a teller, and folks would ALWAYS try to cash them, but you can't.  So, if you aren't an avid Menards shopper, these may not be your kind of deals.

Garage Sales?!?!?

That is right, it's a picture of Summer's Eve that was for sale at a garage sale once upon a time!

While outside, I was thinking, it's nearly garage sale season time!!! I am wondering, when do the big sales happen? Like the WE Valley, or Wincrest ones.

I am planning on having one of my own, since my "sell" pile has taken over a spare bedroom. Side note: if you are interested in boys things, up to 4 years, come on and shop it!

But seriously, when does the season officially start? When even-odd parking ends?

Walmart Clothes and MORE

Kari told me about this yesterday, and I said "Have I shared my spreadsheet? I really have no need to buy clothes until he's in kindergarten". So I checked my list again, and I was in need of PJs. So I checked out the clearance section of boys clothes at Walmart. I picked up two pairs of PJs for $4 each, originally $12. I also picked up a pair of jeans. Con has serious holes in all his 4's now, and I didn't want to buy any more of that size. But these were also $4 Wranglers, marked down from $12. And Con will need jeans for all the upcoming 4-wheeler rides this summer. For those of you with skinny boys, they have slim ones too, adjustable waist bands!

There were a lot of clothes available, 3 piece track suits, lined hoodies, PJs, thermal shirts and jeans, all for $4. I would have snapped a picture, but BB was left in the car.

I also picked up the window insulating kit. I bought the same one last fall, it was enough to do 5 windows and has some weather striping as well. It was $9, but now they are marked down to $3. It worked so well this winter, I know I'll be doing it again next year.

Hy-vee Hot Deals 2-day sale

• Colgate Toothpaste, 4.6 ounce for 88 cents, 75 cents 2-27S, 13 cent toothpaste
• Skippy Peanut Butter 15 to 16.3 ounce for 99 cents (this is my "buy" price point, as I go through a lot of this stuff)
• Red Seedless Grapes 99 cents a pound
• Mini 4" planted roses 4 for $10
• Palermo's Pizza $1.88 (are these any good?)
• Keebler Cookies 3 for $5, 55 cents off 2 from 3-6 RP
• New York Strip Steak $3.99 for 8 ounce
• Hormel Whole Boneless Pork Loin $1.99 pound use 2-13S $1 off
• Butter $1.99 a pound (for those of you looking to shop my garage sale pile, I prefer un-salted quarters)
• Tostitos $1.99

Sales is this Thursday and Friday, if they run out, they always do rainchecks. Hy-vee rocks like that.

Recalled Peanut Butter

On March 4th, Unilever announced a limited recall of Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and Skippy Reduced Fat Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. The product was distributed to retail outlets in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. Please note that NO other Skippy products are affected by this recall; and to date, no illnesses related to this issue have been reported (The recall was initiated as the result of a routine sampling program by the company, which revealed that these finished products may contain the bacteria).

The affected product, which is packaged in 16.3 oz plastic jars, is as follows:
* UPCs: 048001006812 and 048001006782 (located on the side of the jar’s label below the bar code.)
* Best-If-Used-By Dates: MAY1612LR1, MAY1712LR1, MAY1812LR1, MAY1912LR1, MAY2012LR1 and MAY2112LR1 (Stamped on the lid of the jar)

If you have an affected product, here’s what you need to do…
* Discard the product immediately and call the company for a replacement coupon.
* Contact the company at 1-800-453-3432, which is operational 24 hours a day, for information on the recall. In addition, a consumer services representative is available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM EST.
* Click here for more information.

** Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Groupon

Anyone else use Groupon? I have bought a few little things, like 3 for $1 Redbox rentals in the past. Recently I bought a weekend subscription to the Star Tribune for $12. And never received it. Even though I know some other Winona folks did. I contacted Groupon, and they went to work for me. They kept contacting Star Tribune on my behalf, and after a week, they got no where, and refunded me my $12. BUT, they kept working to get a hold of Star Tribune. And when they finally did, they were able to get me my subscription, FOR FREE. They worked so hard, and emailed me all the time with updates of how it was going. I am really impressed with the high level of personal service, and am seriously recommending them to everyone.

Unfortunately, the closest site is MSP, so most of the deals don't apply to us. But I keep my eyes pealed for it. Looking to join, feel free to click through my link and get me a $10 credit.

KFC

Maybe it's mean of me to do this, but really....the picture speaks for itself. Every time I go to KFC, which is once in a blue moon, I feel oppressed by them. There are a half dozen signs that say things like "no children on the counter", "don't lean on the window", "don't touch the glass", "no extra napkins", "no Checks ever EVER EVER!" This one against coupons just puts them over the top.

And, this is a Winona thing. The Eau Claire KFC will give you all the napkins and refills you want. And they don't care if you set your kid on the counter so they can see the fryers better!

Target Deals

• Charmin Mega Roll pack, sale $9.99, used $1 off Target 2-20RP, and $1 off from the PG packet, $5 gift card back for buying 2, makes them $5.50 a piece
• Boys Packer t-shirt, $12.99 marked down to $3.24
• Vicks Sinex $5.69, used $4 off 2-27PG, and got free Puffs from 2-27PG, $1.69 for the Puffs and meds (x2)
  

Target Bulk

The Target bulk section is on clearance, 15% off. I took pictures, so you can do your coupon prep before going. Click on the pictures, it will make them bigger for better viewing. Thanks for the tip Kari!

Lake Lodge

Bored?

Lake Lodge offers ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, broomball, a warm fire, hot cocoa, games and beautiful views. All Free. Equipment is first come, first serve.

Monday through Friday 3 to 6
Saturday & Sunday 1 to 7

I have a spare pair of size 12 skates for kids, if someone that size would like to come with us!

What other cheapo fun things are available in the Winter? Share!

Envelopes

Want to be super organized with your coupons and look good doing it?

Check out this inspirational post at Iheartorganizing! Also, credit for the photo belongs to Iheartorganizing.

Target Markdown Schedule

This is more for me, then anything. Target had a schedule they use for when they markdown items, when they put out those beautiful, beautiful red clearance tags.

• Monday: Kid's Clothes, Electronics, Stationary
• Tuesday: Women's Clothes, Domestics, Pets, Grocery
• Wednesday: Men's Clothes, Toys, Lawn & Garden, Health & Beauty Aids
• Thursday: Hardware, Lingerie, Shoes, Sporting Goods, Music, Movies, Books, Luggage, Decor
• Friday: Jewelry, Hardware, Auto, Cosmetics

Holiday Markdown:
All holiday merchandise follows a general schedule. Except for Christmas.

• Day after Holiday: 50% off
• 4th day after Holiday: 75% off
• 7th day after Holiday: 90% off

Christmas is tricky, from my personal experience, it is the following.

• December 26th - January 1st: 50% off
• January 2nd - January 6th: 75% off
• January 7th: 90% off

This year, the Target Dollar Spot section had their Christmas stuff 75% off a day before the rest of the stuff. So, always scan things to be sure!

Target Labels

Who doesn't love finding a good red Target label. Somethings you should know about it:

• Multiple labels = multiple times discounted
• Top right little number (here 75) shows the percentage off, from 15% to 90%.
• 90% is really only for crap or Holiday merchandise
• ALWAYS price check, not all clearance labels are right, lots of times the discount is even MORE
• And, just because it's 75% off, does not mean you have to get it. Only buy what you love, can store and afford. It's not a deal if it doesn't make those 3 requirements.
  

Clothing Storage

I recently consulted with some friends about "how much is too much" when it comes to kids clothes, buying in advance and storage. My friend Jen over at Iheartorganizing has answer the amount portion, but I can't turn down the deal. Those 75% off long-sleeved shirts at Target, the 2for1 Crocs, the 10 cent Children's Place garage sale pants, the clearance rack at TJ Maxx....you know you do it too.

This is my current set up for future clothes, it takes up a whole closet. Shoes and Undies on the top shelf in baskets. Left to right increasing size, sorted by season. All jackets are on the far far right.

On the bottom, right now, I only have one tote. And in that tote are new jeans and new swimwear. Old Navy had kids jeans for $5 a pop, and they come in slimmer, adjustable waist band sizes, so perfect for my skinny guy. And that is why I have a dozen pair (just kidding only 6 or 7. Probably 7).
This is where Connor stores his clothes that fit him right now. In a giant armoire. The black Yafa block on the right has his bedding and bath towels. The basket on top of the Yafa houses his undies and socks. I bought the armoire at Kmart for $69 (mega clearance), Yafa at Kmart in 1999, and basket at Shopko.


So, how far do you buy in advance? Are you organized with it? Can you say "no thank you" to those 10 cent pants? When did you kids decide to pick out their own clothes?

I found that I could buy Halloween costumes in advance, up until this year, when Connor was 3 years 8 months. He desperately wanted to be Daphne, but had to be the Old Navy Lion I had bought the previous year on clearance.

Wells Fargo

Today while cashing in Connor's coin, they talked and talked about opening a kids account for him. I finally gave in.

Anyway, they started his account out with $9.99, and gave him this cow bank. The bank is actually pretty cute, it's a stuffed animal about 6 inches in size. I had to put in $25, but she said I could just go home and transfer it out online later. It is going on through this Saturday, so if you need a kids account, maybe check it out.

In general I dislike Wells Fargo. FYI.

Kmart Christmas

Decorations are 90% off, table cloth stuff is 75%
I picked up these bows (they match the set I already have) for 69 cents.
Wrapping paper was 49 to 69 cents a roll, Transformers, Spiderman and Thomas, a decent amount still left!

If you see me out, buying wrapping paper, stop me. Even if it's free. I have enough for the next 2 decades worth of Christmas.

It's a new year, so I've decided to start couponing again!

I kinda fell off the coupon train a while back, but now I'm ba-aaaack! Here are some deals from a recent Target trip:

Ten items:

Ream of HP printer paper... Price cut to $4.99 - $5 Target coupon = $.01 overage (unusual to get overage!)

2 Johnson & Johnson First Aid to Go packs... $0.97 each - $1.50/2 mfg coup = $0.44 for both

2 packs Up & Up pantiliners... $0.89 each - $0.75 Target coup = $0.14 each

GE Reveal lightbulbs... Price cut to $2.44 - $1 Target coup - $1 mfg coup = $0.44

Maalox tablets... $4.54 - $5 mfg coup = $0.46 overage!! (Normally you don't get overage, so this surprised me!)

2 packs Kraft mac & cheese... On sale for $1 each - $0.50/2 Target coup = $0.75 each (not that great of a deal, but overage helped!!)

Not pictured: Kashi Go Lean Crunch! cereal... On sale for $2.99 - $3 mfg coup = $0.01 overage (again, unusual)

Grand Total: 10 items for $2.18!!

Caveat: Not all these deals can be reproduced because I had some high value coupons that are not widely available. For example, the $3 Kashi coup came with a free sample I had ordered online, and the $5 HP paper coup printed out at Target after I had purchased some HP printer ink.

Target Paranoia.

I find this hilarious. And I'm not even sure why.  I am surprised I'm not in the video.

Target Christmas Deals

• Cars Set, in toy section end cap, $29.99 marked down to $7.49
• 2 International Delight 54 cents each
• 2 Pillsbury Cookies, 87 cents each, used $1 off of 2, 37 cents a piece (they are all gone, sorry dudes)
• Christmas gift card holders 20 cents
• Christmas candy mixes 50 cents
• All remaining Christmas stuff is 90% off, limited stuff, mostly stockings and ornaments