Refreshing Candy

It's easy to be misinformed about Halls cough drops. They're so good. But they're medicated. You shouldn't just pop them like candy.

Although now you can.

Sort of.

Halls created Refresh, a hard card, in strawberry and tropical wave. Neither are medicated, so you can just enjoy.

And for free.

This week [[ending 10/03]], Halls Refresh are on sale for $1 at Walgreens. And you get a $1 RR, so they're free. If you picked up the paper this weekend, there's a $1/1 coupon, making them free -- and then a money maker.

If you don't wanna make money, you just want to build a hard candy stockpile, then you're still in luck. There's a $1/2 coupon for any Halls out there. So buy two for $2, use the coupon to bring it back down to $1, and then after the RR it's free. You're not making money, but that's what jobs are for.

Kmart Special K Deal

There are some really good deals at Kmart this week if your store is doubling coupons. Special K ceareal and cereal bars are on sale for $2.50. If you buy five, you will get $5 off your order instantly.

Your total for five Special K will be $12.50, before the $5 off. Now Kmart rules are you can only double four of the same coupon. You can print the coupons here. So use four $1/1 coupons, which will double to $2, bringing your total down to $4.50. Once you figure in the $5 off, you are making 50 cents. Gotta love Kmart doubles!

Let's Go Mets

I love love love Daniel Murphy [[he's the first baseman for the Mets, if you didn't know]]. Last time I saw him play, he hit a home run and had four RBI in a 4-1 [[maybe it was 4-2]] win. He's that good.

I always like the Mets [[boo, hiss, to the haters]], but I had a resurgence in caring since Daniel Murphy go on the roster

So, when I needed a filler item at Walgreens, and I saw a Mets reusable tote clearanced to 50 cents, the decision was easy. It's the end of the season, so check to see if your team is on clearance [[although the way the Mets played this season, I'm shocked these weren't on clearance months ago]].

Referral Wednesday: Swag Bucks, Part II

My brother reads the blog sometimes. And hopefully today isn't one of those sometimes. Hopefully he doesn't check it out until this post is long gone.

Why?

Because I have a secret: I got his birthday present for free this year.

I got him Punch Out for the Wii, which was a little over $50 on Amazon. And how did I get it for free? Thanks to Swag Bucks, this week's Referral Wednesday.

I brought it up once before, but that was before I cashed out. Now that I have, I'm even more in love.

Swag Bucks, as a quick recap, is a search engine, basically. It runs off Google. The difference is that each time you search, you have a chance to win Swag Bucks, which you can redeem for prizes. For 45 Swagbucks, you can get a $5 gift card to Amazon. Keep adding them up, and you're on your way to free presents.

If you look at the very bottom of Drugstore Divas, you'll see there's a Swag Bucks widget down there. You'll be able to watch my total go up and up, well, until I cash out for Christmas.

What's cool about the Swidget [[I think that's the official name]] is that there's a place down there called "Swag Codes." Every so often, there will be a bonus code out. If you click the "Swag Codes" icon on the Swidget, you'll be told if there is or isn't a code. You don't have to hope to find out if there is one. Just click that icon when you come to the blog.

You can sign up here and you'll get three Swag Bucks for signing up. Do it. And you'll be that much closer to a price [[which you can get on the 1st and 15th, just so you know]]. Let us know how your Swag Total is going.

Clean Clothes

CVS has a great deal on certain P&G brand products [[Charmin, Tide, Dawn, Bounty, etc.]]. There are lots of scenarios depending on what coupons you have and which of the products you use.

Here is the best scenario I came up with. I am so excited cause I really like Tide but it is so expensive. And now I get to try the Bounce Bar. Remember that site called Vocalpoint we keep telling you about, well it sent us great coupons for the Bounce Bar that I will be using this week. I am so happy with CVS right now.

My deal:
3 Tide = $18
1 Bounce Bar = $4
3 Dawn = $3
Total $25

Coupons
$5/$25 - Remember we told you about the Flu IQ?
$3 -- three $1/1 Tide coupons
$2.50 -- one Bounce Bar coupon from Vocalpoint
$1.50 -- three $.50 Dawn from P&G home mailer

OOP = $13 get back $10 ECB

Three bucks is insane for this stuff.

Act Your Age

I thought you had to be geriatric to drink Ensure, but the guy on the company's Web site looks much further from the grave than I'd expect an Ensure drinker to look.

Does that make sense because that was a very long sentence.

In any case, you can get a free sample of Ensure from this site. You could make it a stocking stuffer for your grandma, a gag gift from your friend hitting the big 3-0, or maybe you wanna drink it yourself. You might be the right age for all I know.

Awake And Alert

The chance of me visiting my brother at school in a few weeks is high, if only to give him the dog food I've been stockpiling. That, and the energy drinks, since this week I picked up a pair at Walgreens [[at least, I think that's what they are]].

Emergen-C two-packs -- in Alert and Immune -- are on sale for $2.49 this week [[ending 10/03]]. They're also giving back $2.50 in RR, making them free. You might spend some time [[yes, pun totally intended]] trying to figure out what these actually do, but buy now, ask questions later.

Kmart Doubles Coupons

Some of our readers asked me for a list of my Kmart double coupons. I always cut out as many coupons as I can before the Kmart doubles weekend. Then I arrange them in order of the store and put them in an envelope. I make sure to throw a few paper clips in the envie just in case.

When I get to the store, I get a cart and put down two fliers on the top section to put the coupons I use. This system may not work for everyone, but it works for me.

Here are the coupons I plan to use so far. I will post some pictures or some more of the good deals I got later in the week.

FREE
Snapple -- $1/1 tearpad
Amp Energy -- $1/1 tearpad
Visine -- $2/1 manufacturer's coupon
Bic Comfort3 Advance -- $2/1 manufacturer's coupon [[look for the bonus packs]]
Temptations Cat Treats -- $1/1 manufacturer's coupon
Hartz Crunch n Clean Biscuits -- $2/1 manufacturer's coupon
Lacrosse Beauty Tools -- $1/1 manufacturer's coupon
Rimmell Mascara -- $2/1 manufacturer's coupon
Secret -- $2/1 Kmart savings book manufacturer's coupon

Travel Sizes
Purell -- $1/1 [[excludes 1 oz size manufacturer's coupon]]
Degree Men or Womens deodorant -- $1/1 manufacturer's coupon
Tag Body Spray -- $2/1 manufacturer's coupon
Chinet Lunch Plates -- $2/1 manufacturer's coupon

Other deals
$1/1 Soft Soap Scrubby Pads manufacturer's coupon They will be 69 cents after the coupon and my mom loves them.
$2/1 Goodlife Recipes cat food. This will be 99 cents after coupon.
$2/1 Whiskas Purrfectly Dry food for cats, will be 99 cents after coupon.

I also cut out the $1/1 manu q Air Wick Aqua Essences Air Spray. I am not sure how much they are but am hoping they will be free after the coupon.

Smooth Lips For Free

Nivea lip care is on sale for $2.99 at Rite Aid this week [[ending 10/03]]. Then you will get $2 back with the single check rebate. So a mere 99 cents after the rebates for Nivea lip balm.

Combine this with your $1/1 coupon from the 8/30 Red Plum insert. Now you are looking at free lip balm. And the $2.99 will count towards your Rite Aid Fall Savings. Good deal all around!

Taking It To Saturday

Once upon a time, I wrote about music, blogged about music, ate, slept, drank, and crossed my fingers that one day I'd be the next Chuck Klosterman [[okay, truth be told, I wanted to write like Chuck but I wanted to be the next Andy Greenwald, who no one but me strives to be, I think]].

Because I still live in that mentality -- just in a grown up, more realistic way -- I almost posted a picture of Taking Back Sunday with this post. Then I remembered my audience.

In case you would recognize the band's picture, head over here to sign up for Taking Back Sunday's mailing list. If you do, you'll be emailed a free download of Sink Into Me, the band's latest single off New Again.

Enjoy. I am.

Bright Lights Will Inspire You

I'm a fan of decorating the walls. An apartment doesn't feel like home with bare walls. But, if you're just starting out, there isn't much you have to hang on your walls. And gallery art is expensive.

So you improvise.

Get this freebie, and you'll be improvising fine.

Head over to this site, and you can request a free 18" by 26" wall calendar from The New Yorker.

The four images the magazine chose to capture are beautiful -- plus there's a 2010 calendar beneath it. Decorative and functional. That's key.

It's only good between now and the end of October, or while supplies last, so you better hurry up.

Good Deal Alert -- Gilette Fusion Razor

Josh [[Lisa's note: Josh is Jess' fiance, in case you don't know]] went to Atlantic City a few weeks ago and left his razor there. Now he has no razor ... and needs to shave. Enter Rite Aid.

From now until this Saturday, 10/3, stop in and get a Gillette Fusion Power or regular Gillette Fusion Razor. They are on sale for $9 and giving back a $5 scr. Pair this with the $4 coupon in Sunday's paper, and you're looking at free for this razor, which is pretty good. The package, by the way, includes the razor and one cartridge.

Of course, if I hadn't lost my receipt in the parking lot, I could cash in on this great deal, but too bad I didn't realize it until I got home! Hopefully you'll have better luck!

Enjoy!

Wags Just Got Better

There are a ton of Register Rewards deals this week, and they just got a little sweeter.

Here's a printable $5/$25 coupon for today and tomorrow, September 29 and 30, only.

Thanks Walgreens.

Of course, there are rules.

The fine print that matters most is it:

[[e]]xcludes alcohol, postage stamps, tobacco, prescriptions, prescription copays, gift cards, pre-paid cards, transportation passes, charitable contributions, Prescription Savings Club memberships and items prohibited by law. Must reach purchase amount of $25 or more before taxes and after all manufacturer and Walgreens coupons and discounts. Limit one coupon per customer per offer. Cash value 1/100¢. No cash back.

So yup, donations don't count towards your $25 total.

Good Deal Alert -- Crystal Light On The Go

I am still stocked up on Crystal Light from my Target trip a few months ago. But Rite Aid has a good deal I can't pass up. The Crystal Light On The Go packets are just 99 cents each at Rite Aid.

Use the $2/2 coupon and you are looking at free. One of my local stores has some of these on clearance for 74 cents. Your mileage may vary on overage but either way, free Crystal Light!

My Bucks For Their Cereal

I told you to sign up for ShopRite's new texting program [[okay, it was new when I told you. Now it's half over]]. If you haven't, sign up now. We'll be here when you get back.

Last week, I got a text offer for a $1.50 oyno YourBucks catalina if I buy two ShopRite cereals [[any size, any variety]] by October 4.

Now I have to scour the ad, hoping to turn this into a decent deal. If ShopRite had travel cups, I'd be set. But I'm pretty sure there aren't any.

So what's the going price of ShopRite's cheapest generic cereal?

And what YourBucks offer did you get this week?

Mail Call Monday

I sent some free Burt's Bees to my brother's house the other day. He got it and then said it was "cool" getting stuff in the mail [["that isn't bills" was implied]].

Imagine how he'd feel if I sent him everything I get myself.

This week, I got ...

Martha Stewart Living magazine

Fitness magazine

Kashi cereal

Sebastian Professional hair care items from Bzzagent

Two greeting cards from Walmart

Home Made Simple coupon book

Greeting card from cardstore.com [[yeah, I sent myself one since no one else did!]]

Emergen-C drink mixes

Shirt from Seventeen and JC Penney [[which I swore we posted about but I can't find it]]

Go Red pin from the American Heart Society [[again. This keeps coming!]]

Lip Fusion lip gloss

Oral Care

Just in case you missed out on the free Oral-B toothbrushes at Walgreens last week , you just need to head over to Rite Aid. Oral-B toothbrushes are $2.99 and are giving back $2.99 in an scr. Free toothbrushes.

But if you use the bogo coupons, you are now looking at two free toothbrushes. Thanks Rite Aid. Even better. And now that Lisa educated us in the importance of changing your toothbrush, we need to keep stocking up.

Fresh And Free

I'm sitting here with Jess, chatting about ChapStick. In case you're wondering, it's all I use and she needs it every half hour.

So look, now you know the most interesting things about our lives.

The end.

Okay, just kidding.

There's a deal here.

ChapStick Fresh Effects is on sale for $2.99 this month [[ending 10/31]] and giving back $3 in RR. The deal started this past Sunday, so yes, on one hand, you have time but on the other, you don't wanna miss out on this deal [[especially if you're planning on mailing Jess a Christmas present]].

Cheap Luv

I am actually buying Luvs diapers at Rite Aid this week. Nope, that's not a big announcement or anything for me. My mom's godson's wife is pregnant and I am trying to stock up on the best baby stuff for her.

Rite Aid has Luvs mega pack on sale for $9.99 with a $2 scr. And there are coupons for either $1/1 or $2/1. You are looking at either $6.99 or $5.99 for diapers. I signed up for the Luvs $5 coupon, but didn't get it in the mail yet. I sure hope that comes this week!

Combine with the Nivea and Fusion deals to use a $5/$25 to make this an even better deal. Then you are looking at either $1.99 or 99 cents for diapers.

Welcome Living Fabulous On A Budget To The Social

Today seems like the days for Socialites, doesn't it?

Right now, we're super stoked to announced that Sarah from Living Fabulous On A Budget has joined our Supermarket Social.

Sarah's going to add Shaw's and Stop & Shop on Wednesdays. The best part: We've been lacking a Shaw's blogger, and Sarah is going to absolutely fill that void. I know you're as excited as we are about that.

I'm also pretty excited about the top post [[well, it's her top now]] about her grandparents-in-law who are cranberry growers. They're having a festival this weekend, which makes me wish I was a little closer to Massachusetts. If you're in the area, check it out. Welcome Sarah to the Social in person.

Don't forget, if you have a blog and you want to be a part of the Social -- or know a blogger who would love to be a part of it -- send me an email at drugstoredivalisa(at)gmail.com.

Question Mart

There's nothing in my ad that talks about Kmart doubles. I checked Beth's ad online, and nothing there. So I sent an email to Kmart to ask and got back a very quick and helpful response [[although not one I was hoping for]].

Dear Lisa,

Thank you for contacting Sears Holdings Corporation regarding the double coupon event.

Kmart is participating in the Double Your Procter and Gamble Brand Saver Coupons event. The event is running from 9/27/09 through 10/3/2009. All Procter & Gamble coupons that include the name "Procter & Gamble" in the coupon disclosure are included. If this verbiage does not appear in the disclosure, the coupon can be accepted at face value only. The limit is 10 doubled coupons, per day, per customer. Participating stores only. Additional coupons will be redeemed at face value. Coupons up to $2.00 in value will be doubled. Unfortunately none of the stores in your area are participating in this event.

Once again, thank you for your interest in our Double Coupon Event. We appreciate your business and value you as a Sears Holdings customer. We certainly hope you will continue to make Sears Holdings your choice for quality and value.

Sincerely,

Jacob G.
Retail Customer Care
Sears Holdings Corporation

Ugh. No doubles by me. Too bad. That would definitely make me value Sears Holdings.

If you wanna see if your stores are participating, I suggest sending an email to help(at)customerservice.kmart.com. Hopefully you'll get a yes.

Coffee Candy

I know there's someone in my circle who likes Starbucks and will love getting some Starbucks Vanilla Bean Truffles for Christmas.

I just don't know who that someone is yet.

But I do know that I needed a $1.25 filler when I was in CVS the other day -- and these were 75% off [[making them $1.25]].

How lucky!

I bought the box and decided I'd find the recipient later.

Lunch Is Served

When I was a kid, I was totally against the outside of the bread. Most people would think, "Oh, you just didn't like the crust."

Nope. I didn't like the edge.

I would eat my sandwich and leave the crust in the Tupperware. My parents thought they were smart when they started cutting the crust off my bread. Nope, I'd still leave the outside.

I wonder what I would have done if I found Smuckers Uncrustables in my lunchbox. I don't know, but you can try it out. Head over to this site here, and enter an organizational tip of no more than 50 words, and you'll free 4-pack of sandwiches [[while supplies last, of course]].

Just a note: I had a bit of trouble with the site this morning. It kept yelling at me about something not processing, and then I got all these Java script errors. Well, to save you the headache, after you leave a tip, you can select if you have or have no tried these before. Either way, select that you have not, and your entry will go through without a problem.

Welcome Madame Deals To The Social

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Madame Deals has joined our Supermarket Social. The lovely ladies over there -- Amee & Renae [[who say, "It is not what you save, but what you spend!"]] -- are bringing Giant on Friday, Harris Teeter on Wednesday and Kroger on Sunday.

Now, you don't have to stalk our Supermarket Social, waiting for the page to refresh. If you click on the links, you'll get all that store's posts from Madame Deals. You know how this goes; you're all professionals at the Social.

But our latest Socialities don't restrict themselves to writing about those three stores. They write about coupons, rebates, and even host giveaways. Right now, Madame Deals is giving away over $75 worth of Vickery & Clarke products [[you know, that brand at CVS that looks so nice but never fits into your plan as nicely]].

So head over to the site, wish them welcome ... and enter the giveaway. Who knows, you might just get lucky.

Don't forget, if you have a blog and you want to be a part of the Social -- or know a blogger who would love to be a part of it -- send me an email at drugstoredivalisa(at)gmail.com.

Sheer-ly A Good Deal

I'm an Aveeno girl. You know this. I know this. But my desire for frees, yeah, it stares other lotions in the face and says, "You will be mine."

Like this week. Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion is on sale at CVS and at Walgreens, and of course, I have it on my shopping lists.

At CVS, the lotion is on sale until Tuesday [[09/29]]. It's $7.99 and giving back $7 in ecb. After Tuesday, it won't print any ecb.

A Walgreens, the lotion is $6.99 this month [[ending 10/31 -- yes, that's not a typo]] and giving back $7 in RR.

There is a printable coupon here and another one here, both for $1.50/1. So that makes it a money maker at either place.

If only I could use Vaseline ...

Meds On The Go

I can't quite imagine why you'd need cough syrup in a to go format.

Leftover food, yup. You need to take a doggie bag to go.

But Robitussin? I don't know. If I need cough medicine, the chance of being being home and in bed -- close to the medicine -- is about 100%. And the chance of a two-pack being enough to last me through the work day, well, that's a close call.

Nevertheless, if this is peaking your interest, Robitussin DM To Go 2-packs are on sale for $2.49 at Walgreens this week [[ending 10/03]] and you get back $2.50 in RR. There are coupons in today's paper, but they're not good on the 2-pack, so don't even try. Just a friendly warning, that's all.

Shoes For A Cause

In case you haven't heard of Toms Shoes, it's a really great company. For every paid of shoes it sells, Toms donates a pair to children in need of shoes.

One for one.

Toms makes casual canvas type shoes. No stilettos, here but they do have some really cute shoes that look super comfy.

So from now until October 1, TOMS is offering $5 off your online purchases. Enter the code ShareTOMS at the checkout and you are savings money, getting comfy shoes, and helping a child in need. Win, win situation!

[[Lisa's note: I'm a huge supporter of Toms. I absolutely think the world of this company. In case you have more shoes than you know what to do with, you can still support children in need. If you buy a t-shirt, hoodie, or hat, a pair of shoes will be donated. So you don't just have to buy shoes. As Beth said, there aren't heels here, but you can buy boots that are Vegan friendly, which I think are great. You used to be able to buy a Toms reusable tote and donate to a family in need, but I don't see that option right now. But keep your eye on Toms. Such a great company, such a worthy cause, such a piece of my heart.]]

Saturday Sample: Crest Whitestrips

I got married three years ago and the thought of all the pictures sent me straight to the dentist's office for a bleach kit. It was pricey, messy and made my teeth hurt. But totally worth it of course! My teeth were never chicklet white, but now, they are just not as bright as they once were [[since you have to "touch up" bleaching every so often]].

I still had the professional bleach, but, man, that hurts my teeth. When I was finally out of the bleach, I wanted to try something else. Crest Whitestrips -- this week's Saturday Sample -- were the perfect solution. My teeth were still a bit sensitive the day after bleaching, but nothing that was unbearable or that would make me not want to use them again.

Crest Whitestrips are super easy to use. You tear open the package, peel the strip off, and slap it on your teeth. Leave the strips on for 30 minutes, remove, and throw away. Crest recommends use twice a day. There is no excuse for not using these; it's just too simple.

I saw a difference after about five uses. My teeth were whiter and brighter. Just what I wanted. Depending where you buy them, they range from $24.99 to $34.99. They don't seem to go on sale too often, but there is always a coupon in the P&G insert. And they offer a money-back guarantee. Contact them at 1-800-208-0169 for all the details.

Overall, I give these a pretty high rating. Say four stars out of five. They are cost effective. I mean, use the coupon and you are looking at $20 for whiter teeth. For me that's a good deal. They are super easy to use, they stay in place, and they work. I saw a difference in my teeth. The only reason they don't get five is that my teeth were pretty white to begin with so I don't know how well they would work for someone who was not just "touching up."

Okay, now I know you want to try this too. Be on the lookout because Rite Aid has some great deals on these in the next couple of weeks. Check back here for the scoop.

Flu IQ

I haven't gotten a chance to check this out yet. It's been that kind of week.

I have heard about it, and I'd be completely remiss if I didn't let you know. If you head over to this section of CVS' Web site and take a short quiz that tests your flu knowledge, you'll get a $5/$25 printable.

If this works the same way as the Ready Fill printable, you're only able to use it once per card. If you try to use it a second time, a message with the date and time you previously used it will appear on the register monitor ... and then it's a no go.

So use it once and wisely [[read: when it's a money maker]].

Sales Are Blooming

This is a treat for our readers. This marks the first ever post on Drugstore Divas about Bloom.

It's a supermarket, in case you didn't know.

It's also tripling coupons this week [[ending 09/29]] in case you didn't know that either.

The rules, according to Bloom's site, are as follows:

TRIPLE COUPONS All Week!

Cash in on Triple Manufacturer's Coupons this week *Limit 20 coupons per visit, per day **Cash Back will not be given for transactions where the coupon value exceeds amount owed

So clip your coupons and make them work!

SC Johnson Coming To Your Store

My parents always cut coupons. They didn't have a choice.

But now my mom is trained to look for coupons.

And luckily she is because her ShopRite trip ended with her coming home with an SC Johnson coupon book for yours truly.

And what's in that book you wanna know? Oh, some goodies from Scrubbing Bubbles, Windex, Pledge, Fantastik, Glade, and Nature's Source.

There's a coupon for a free Glade PlugIns Scented Gel warmer, which is one of the book's highlights. You never know where free coupons will turn up, so keep your eyes open. Especially if you stop by ShopRite in the near future.

Don't Disturb Me!

Don't Disturb Me! is offering a free sample of its all-natural sleep aid. The company claims its formula of natural melatonin will help you to fall asleep and stay asleep. And you won't wake up drowsy the next day. My husband has sleep issues so he will be thrilled try this.

Check out Don't Disturb Me! here to order your free sample. Sweet dreams are on their way in about four weeks.

Chattering Teeth

Remember that toothbrush stockpile we talked about the other day? It's about to grow again.

This week [[ending 09/26]] at CVS, Colgate toothbrushes are giving back $1 in ecb. That's "any" Colgate toothbrush, by the way.

Head over to the travel and trial section and you'll see the Extra Clean brushes for 99 cents. My store didn't have a sign, but I figured I'd give it a try. And guess what? The $1 ecb printed.

This is limit one, so don't pick up more than a solo brush this week. But now we know that when CVS says "any," that’s exactly what it means.

While you’re there, you can also pick up some Crest Pro Health toothpaste. It’s $2.99 this week and giving back $2 in ecb. Use your $1/1 coupon from this month’s P&G insert, and you just made yourself a penny.

Good Deal Alert -- Formula 409

Formula 409 is on sale, two for $5 at Walgreens this week [[ending 09/26]]. And of course, you will be getting back a $2 Register Reward when you buy two Formula 409.

There are $1/1 coupons from the 08/30 Red Plum. After the register reward and the coupons, you are looking at 50 cents a piece. Another good deal thanks to Walgreens.

The Winner Is ...

I've got good news and I've got bad news.

The good news: Kim Shaw is the winner of our Stop & Shop giveaway with My Blog Spark and General Mills.

The bad news: I checked Kim's blogger profile and there's no email address.

So Kim, email me -- drugstoredivalisa(at)gmail.com -- so we can get this prize out to you. And if someone has her email address, give her a nudge! We wanna get this $10 gift card out to you soon.

Thanks to everyone for entering!

Open Wide

If you need to stock up on toothbrushes, this is the week to do it. I can see you scoffing now.

But Lisa, you only have to change them once every six months, and if you go to the dentist that often, you don't need a stockpile.

Actually, you need to change after every time you get sick, so get that stockpile going.

And start it by heading to Walgreens this week [[ending 09/26]]

Oral-B indicator toothbrushes are on sale for $2. Buy two and you're looking at $4 BUt wait. There was a BOGO coupon in a recent insert, so now you're back to $2. And since you bought two, Wags will give you $2 in Register Rewards.

So now it's free.

And your stockpile just have Oral-Babies.

Cheap Shampoo Begone

When I moved out for the first time, I had no concept of what things would cost. I unplugged my TV if I wasn't using it [[which was always]] and spent more time in the dark than in the light, anticipating that if I didn't, my electric bill and my rent would be the same amount.

And since I knew I couldn't afford that, I was stuck using VO5 in my shower because it was always under a buck.

Little did I know, so were brand names.

Like this week [[ending 09/26]] at Walgreens. Aussie shampoo is on sale for $2.99 and giving back $2 in Register Rewards. So for the price of White Rain, you’ve got something that won't turn your hair to straw.

I guess the moral is be cheap, read in the dark, but don't make your hair pay.

Final Free Chocolate Friday

This may look like a repeat [[it's the same post every Friday now]], but we gain new readers every day [[hello!]], and we don't want them to miss out on free chocolate.

So, here goes: This is your friendly reminder that today is Free Chocolate Friday thanks to the people over at Mars.

Every Friday since May, the first 250,000 people to Mars' Real Chocolate Relief Act site will get a coupon for a free single chocolate bar.

You can get four per household during the promo period, so if you've only gotten one so far, what are you waiting for? This is the last week. Do it.

Trick Or Treat

I have two brothers, which I think you've gathered if you read this blog on a regular basis [[which you all do, right?]].

Well, I was in Wendy's the other day [[have to pull through the parking lot to get out of Walgreens. Honest]], so I stopped inside and found out that the Halloween coupon books are already on sale. It's still only September. Don't chain stores know that?

Anyway, the books are $1 and you get coupons for 10 free junior Frosties [[they're 6 oz., so basically a shot of Frosty]].

What's good about these coupons [[aside from the fact that they're good from November 1, 2009 til February 1, 2010]], but that they're redeemable by any aged customer [[unlike McDonald's, which reserves coupon books for kids 12 and under]].

So, I have two brothers, so I got them a book each. I know, it's a shock that I paid two bucks, right? But, actually, you're making a donation to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, so technically, I didn't "pay" anything.

Aveda For Your Birthday

When I was younger, my mom swore by Aveda products. Hair gel, shampoo, you name it, she had it.

If you sign up for Aveda's birthday club, you will receive a free "lavishly sized" Aveda Hand Relief sample offer. [[Lisa's note: Once you sign up, you have to immediately print the coupon, so be ready with ink.]]

However, what I noticed while I was typing this is that you receive this sample and free shipping if you spend $30.00 and enter "birthday" at checkout. If you invite your friends to join, they get a sample too. If you get five friends to join, you will receive an Aveda Foot relief sample as well. This offer is valid until 9/30/2009.

On your birthday, you will receive a free Personal Blends Pure-Fume or body care product offer [[worth up to $25]] custom blended with the aroma of your choice. This comes in the form of a postcard. I did not see any stipulations for this, but I do believe you have to use it within 28 days of your birthday.

Enjoy!

Naturally A Deal

So, here's the deal: Sometimes I write blogs before I go to work in the morning, if I don't have any emails to write back to. I have a short amount of time for the computer pre-work, and I try to use it as effectively as possible.

That's what's happening now.

So forgive me if this deal isn't as witty as the others usually are.

Anyway, Skippy Natural Peanut Butter is giving back $1 catalina at ShopRite if you buy two jars between now and November 1.

So why rush the deal? Because this week, Skippy is on sale for $2. And there is a $.75/2 coupon that expires on Sunday.

So, if you go between now and Saturday, it'll look like this: Buy two cans for $4. Use the $.75/2 coupon, which doubles to take off $1.50. Now you're down to $2.50. After the $1 cat, you're looking at 75 cents a jar.

Not bad. Not bad.

Sweet Smell Of Clearance

Yesterday I let you know about the Glade deal at Walgreens.

That was just a preview. It gets better.

The ad shows that the Glade Scented Oil holders -- with zero refills -- are on sale for $2.50. Which makes sense because the ones with two refills are regularly $6.99.

Well, the Angel Whispers scent, which is my new favorite [[sorry French Vanilla!]], is on clearance for $1.79. And if you buy two, yup, it triggers the $1 Register Reward. You can still use the BOGO coupons or the $2 coupons I mentioned yesterday. Figured I'd mention them again [[mostly because Beth said it was a good idea]].

The Dewberry Dreams scent is also on clearance, but that smell didn't do it for me.

Friends With Benefits

Love love love Hollister.

There was a time when my entire wardrobe came from that store. It was slightly because of brand loyalty, but mostly because the clothing caters to people whose body type is exactly like mine. I never had to worry about pants being too short because the waist had to be small.

Hollister just got it right.

What they've also got is a 20% off printable friends and family discount to use between now and Sunday, September 27.

My birthday is in November, so if you wanna stop by the store to buy a gift for your favorite blogger ...

Roots Of Free

If you're looking for the Roots of Nature shampoo that's free at Walgreens this week, you have to look in the ethnic section.

Wait ... you don't know about the free shampoo?

Roots of Nature products are on sale for $6 and giving back $6 in Register Rewards ... making it free.

I got this last time it was free and, to be honest, I sold it at my garage sale. Some lady was super stoked to buy it cheap, and I was good to let it go.

Free Panty Please

This is it, folks. If you stalled and waited until the last minute to pick up your free aerie panties, wait no longer.

You can't, really.

Today's the last Thursday of the month, which means your last chance to get to aerie with your a-list card to pick up your free thong or boybriefs.

Next month there's a new gift. What it is, I don't know. But I do know if you want it, you need to go to the store and sign up for a card.

Join The Ice Cream Social

Free food has no calories.

Right?

I sure hope not because then you can get two guilt-free ice cream treats today, September 24.

Between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., you can get a new Oreo Lil' Rounder [[basically, a flying saucer]] from Carvel for the introductory price of zero. There was a coupon for $3 off an 18 pack, but I say pack 17 of your friends into a minivan and save your cash for something else. Like a donation.

Speaking of those, drive over to Coldstone Creamery. Scoopers there will be handing out 3 oz. Jack's Creation Sundaes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Okay, that's not entirely free. You will have to make a donation [[no minimum required]]. You're helping out Make A Wish.

And no calories. Right?

Cheap Ivory

My mom just told me this morning that Ivory soap is on sale at Rite Aid. The three bar bundles are just $1. I said yeah that is a good deal but let me see if I have coupons. I checked the coupon database and sure enough there are $1/2 three bar bundles of Ivory from the PG inserts.

That makes this a good deal. You will get six bars of Ivory for just $1. And don't forget to submit your receipts for the Rite Aid Fall Savings.

The Sweet Smell

My brother [[not the one with the dog]] has been very particular about his stuff since he moved into his own apartment. He wasn't fussy at home or at college, but now he likes what he likes, and that's that.

He doesn't like candles, but he does like Glade Scented Oil holders. So we're stocking up on stocking stuffers for him this week [[ending 09/26]].

The holders are on sale for 2/$5 this week at Walgreens.

There are BOGO coupons for the Glade holders, so now you're looking at $2.50 for two. Then you get $1 back in Register Rewards.

The deal is even better if you've stumbled over an SC Johnson coupon book in one of your local stores, there are $2/1 coupons, so since I have those, I'm spending $1 and getting back a buck.

Yup free.

Don't tell my brother.

Referral Wednesday: Viewpoints

We've told you about MyPoints, and MyPoints told me about Viewpoints.

So now I'm passing that on to you.

Viewpoints is a review site. Not so much a product review site because the site doesn't give out products [[okay, it started to this week, but it wasn't until now]].

You choose a topic, write a couple hundred characters about it, and publish it. It's perfect for people who are know-it-alls [[in a good or bad way]]. If you sign up through MyPoints, you earn points for some of your reviews.

But Viewpoints gives you incentives too. A few weeks ago, if I wrote a certain number of reviews, I earned a gift certificate to Restaurants.com. A few weeks later, it was Fandango.

It might add to my free Christmas if I'm lucky. Or yours if you sign up.

Shiny Shoes

Everyone needs to have shiny shoes. But how many people actually have a shoe shiner? Well now thanks to Shine to Go we have yet another free sample so everyone can have shiny shoes. The first 250,000 people will receive one, so head over there now.

Visit Shine to Go here to order your free sample too. If you are 60+ years of age, lie and say you are younger. For some reason, an error comes back that you did not select all fields if you enter 60+.