Complete List of MARTIN’S Coupon Match-Ups and Deals for the week of July 25

I mentioned in my top deals post how excited I am about the Martin’s coupon doubler this week.  Remember that you can only use four coupon doublers per household.  For more details about using the coupon doubler check out the top deals post.  There are numerous possibilities for ways to use the coupon doubler so feel free to share any deals that you find. 

If you are unfamiliar with MARTIN’S coupon policy please feel free to read this post.

If you want to look at an on-line version of this week’s MARTIN’S ad click here.

Item	Sale Price	Coupon Source	Coupon Amount	Doubled	Final Price
Turkey Hill Ice Cream (48 oz)	$1.49 (limit 4)	5/2 RP	$1/2	$1/2 (using doubler)	Buy 2 for $0.98
Ore-Ida Bagel Bites (7 oz)	$1.99	6/13 SS	$1.50/2		Buy 2 for $2.48
Smithfield Pork Tenderloin (14.4 oz)	$7.99	All You Magazine, June 2010	$1/1	$1/1 (using doubler)	$5.99
Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon (12-16 oz)	Buy One Get One Free (Regularly$6.99)	Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon	$1/1	$1/1 (using doubler)	Buy 2 for $4.99
Ball Park Meat Franks	Buy One Get One Free (Regularly $3.29)	Red Plum.com	$0.75/2	$0.25/2	Buy 2 for $2.29
Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage or Polska Links	Buy One Get One Free (Regularly $4.29)	7/11 RP	$0.55/1	$0.45/1 (only one coupon will double)	Buy 2 and use 2 coupons $2.74
Tyson Frozen All Natural Chicken Nuggets, Tenders, or Patties	$4.99	7/25 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	$2.99
Starkist Chunk Light Tuna Pouch	$1	All You Magazine, May 2010	$1/2	$1/2 (using doubler)	FREE
Dannon Yogurt (6oz)	10/$5	6/13  SS	$1/10	$1/10 (using doubler)	Buy 10 for $3
Budweiser Barbecue Sauce (18 oz)	$1	6/13 SS	$0.55/1	$0.45/1	FREE
Jack Daniel’s Barbecue Sauce (28 oz)	$1.99	5/16 SS	$0.75/1	$0.25/1	$0.99
Jack Daniel’s Barbecue Sauce (28 oz)	$1.99	5/16 SS	$0.55/1	$0.45/1	$0.99
Filippo Berio Olive Oil (17 oz)	$2.99	Filippo Berio	$1/1	$1/1 (using doubler)	$0.99
Snyder’s of Hanover Lunch Packs	$3.49	7/25 SS	$0.75/1	$0.25/1	$2.49
Emerald Nuts (10-11 oz)	$3.49	6/27 RP	$1.50/2		Buy 2 for $5.48
Emerald Dry Roasted Peanuts (16 oz)	$1.99	6/27 RP	$1.50/2		Buy 2 for $2.48
Select Kellogg’s Cereal	2/$5	7/25 RP (Raisin Bran)	$1/2	$1/2(using doubler)	Buy 2 for $3
Select Kellogg’s Cereal	2/$5	redplum	$1/2	$1/2 (using doubler)	Buy 2 for $3
Select Kellogg’s Cereal	2/$5	6/27 RP	$1.25/3		Buy 3 for $6.25
Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding	$1	All You Magazine, June 2010	$1/3	$1/3(using doubler)	Buy 3 for $1
Edy’s Ice Cream Cups	$1	All You Magazine, July 2010	$1/3	$1/3(using doubler)	Buy 3 for $1
Banquet Value Menu Dinner	5/$4 (must buy 5)	All You Magazine, August 2010	$1/4	$1/4(using doubler)	Buy 5 for $2
Dannon Crush Cups	$2	7/18 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	FREE
Danimals Drinks	$2	7/18 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	FREE
Dannon Coolision	$2	7/18 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	FREE
Dan-o-nino Children’s Yogurt	$1.67	7/18 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	FREE
Newman’s Own Pizza	2/$10	Newman’s Own (Thin & Crispy)	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	Buy 1 for $3
Select Maxwell House Ground Coffee (31.5 –34.5 oz)	$6.99	5/16 SS	$1/2	$1/2(using doubler)	Buy 2 for $11.98
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew (8 ct)	$7.19	6/20 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	$5.19
4C Iced Tea and Powdered Drink Mix	$3.99	5/23 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	$1.99
4C Iced Tea and Powdered Drink Mix	$3.99	5/23 SS	Buy any 4C Beverage & get and 4C Totally Light Stix or Tubs FREE		FREE Totally Light Stix or Tubs with Purchase
Kibbles ‘n Bits Dog Food (16-21.2 lb)	$10.99	6/6 RP	$2/1		$8.99
Purina Cat Chow (3.12-3.5 lb)	$3.89	7/18 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	$1.89
Scott Mega Paper Towels (6 Rolls)	$5.99	All You Magazine, August 2010 or 7/25 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	$3.99
Cottonelle Bath Tissue (12 Roll)	$5.99	7/11 SS	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	$4.99
Cottonelle Bath Tissue (12 Roll)	$5.99	All You Magazine, July 2010	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	$3.99
Palmolive Dish Detergent (20 oz)	2/$5	7/25 SS	$0.20/1	$0.20/1	Buy 1 for $2.10
Kleenex Facial Tissues (3 pk)	$4.49	7/11 SS	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	$3.49
Renuzit Crystal Elements	$4.99	7/25 RP	$2/1		$2.99
Finish Automatic Dish Detergent	$3.99	HomeSolutions	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	$2.99
2000 Flushes Toilet Bowl Cleaner	$2.50	7/25 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	$0.50
Select Ziploc Freezer or Storage Bags	$2	7/25 SS	$0.60/1	$0.40/1	$1
Select Ziploc Freezer or Storage Bags	$2	7/25 SS	$1/2 (Slider Bags if included)	$1/2 (using doubler)	Buy 2 for $2
Clorox Disinfectant Wipes (3 pk)	$5.99	6/6 RP	$1/2	$1/2 (using doubler)	Buy 2 for $9.98
Energizer AAA or AA MAX Batteries (16-20 ct)	$8.99	6/13 SS	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	$7.99
GE Energy Smart Compact Flourescent Light Bulbs	2/$5	GE Energy	$1/2	$1/2 (using doubler)	Buy 2 for $3
Schiff Vitamins or Supplements	Buy One Get One Free	7/25 SS	various		unsure of final price
L’Oreal EverPure or Everlasting Shampoo or Conditioner	$1 off	7/18 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	unsure of final price
Gillette Men’s Disposable Razors	$1 off	7/25 RP	$3/2 or $4/2 (read coupon fine print)		unsure of final price
Gillette Women’s Disposable Razors	$1 off	7/25 RP	$3/2 or $4/2 (read coupon fine print)		unsure of final price
Select Bayer Aspirin	$5.49	6/27 RP	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	$3.49
One-a-Day Vitamins	25% off	7/25 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	unsure of final price
L’Oreal Root Rescue or Preference Hair Color	$1 off	7/25 RP	$2/1		unsure of final price
Citracal Calcium Supplement (80 –200 ct)	25% off	6/13 RP	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	unsure of final price
Citracal Calcium Supplement (80 –200 ct)	25% off	coupons.com	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	unsure of final price
Flintsotone’s Kid’s Multi-Vitamins (50-60 ct)	25% off	7/25 RP	$2/1		unsure of final price
One-a-Day Kid’s Multi-Vitamins	25% off	7/25 RP	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	unsure of final price
Clearasil Acne Skin Care	$1 off	7/25 SS	$1/1	$1/1(using doubler)	unsure of final price
Select Lean Cuisine Entrees	5/$10	5/2 SS	$1/5	$1/5(using doubler)	Buy 5 for $8

 

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the week of July 25th

I am excited about the $1 coupon doubler that is being offered this week.  The coupon doubler allows you to double the face value of a $1 manufacturer coupon.  This means that you cannot use the doubler to double the face value of any of the GIANT coupons that are in the store brand coupon booklet.  There is a limit of 4 coupon doublers per household and you have to use your MARTIN’S card to redeem the coupon doubler.  You have to have a minimum of $15 before sales and coupons to redeem the coupon doubler.  One last thing to remember that if the item you are buying with the manufacturer coupon and the coupon doubler is less than $2 you do not get an overage.  There are lots of possibilities of ways to get free or inexpensive items with the doubler.  I glanced at the ad and found a few possibilities.  Feel free to share any deals or possibilities that you find. 

If you are unfamiliar with MARTIN’S coupon policy please feel free to read this post. 

If you want to look at an on-line version of this week’s MARTIN’S ad click here. 

Turkey Hill Ice Cream (48 oz) – $1.49 (limit 4)

• Use the $1/2 Turkey Hill Dyamic Duos Coupon in the 5/2 RedPlum
• Use the $1 MARTIN’S Coupon Doubler from the weekly flyer
• Buy 2 – Final Price $0.49 each

Pepsi 2 Liters (Regular, Pepsi MAX, Diet Pepsi, or Mountain Dew)- $0.79 each (limit 5)

Thomas’ English Muffins (6 ct) - $1 each (must buy 3)

USDA Choice Top Round London Broil - $1.99/lb  (I am excited about this because I want to make this recipe I saw on Sandra Lee’s Show on the Food Network - “Sandra’s Money Saving Meals”)

GIANT Brand Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks (Value Pack of 4-5 lb) - $0.88/lb

GIANT Brand Fresh Ground Beef 73% Lean (5 lb Chub) - $1.39/lb

Select Lean Cuisine Entrees – $2 each

• Use the $1/5 coupon from the 5/2 SmartSource
• Use the $1 MARTIN’S Coupon Doubler from the weekly flyer
• Buy 5 – Final Price $1.60 each

Dannon Crush Cups, Danimals Kids, or Coolision - $2 each

• Use the $1/1 coupon from the 7/18 SmartSource
• Use the $1 MARTIN’S Coupon Doubler from the weekly flyer
• Final Price – FREE

Dan-o-nino Children’s Yogurt - $1.67 each

• Use the $1/1 coupon from the 7/18 SmartSource
• Use the $1 MARTIN’S Coupon Doubler from the weekly flyer
• Final Price – FREE

Select Ziploc Freezer or Storage Bags - $2 each

• Use the $0.60/1 Ziploc Brand Bags coupon from the 7/25 SS
• Final Price $1

OR

• Use the $1/2 Ziploc Brand Slider Bags coupon from the 7/25 SS (if included in sale)
• Use the $1 MARTIN’S Coupon Doubler from the weekly flyer
• Buy 2 – Final Price $1 each

Dannon Yogurt Cups (6 oz) – $0.50 each

• Use the $1/10 coupon from the 6/13 SmartSource
• Use the $1 MARTIN’S Coupon Doubler from the weekly flyer
• Buy 10 – Final Price $0.30 each

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

Thursday Target Run

I haven’t had a chance to get to Target for a few weeks.  I had a doctor’s appointment Thursday afternoon and decided to take advantage of being alone and some of the Target Web coupons I had printed a few weeks ago.  (I checked again last night and the majority of the coupons that I used are no longer available.)

One of the reasons that I wanted to go there was because I saw that the ClosetMaid fabric cubes were on sale this week.  We have almost finished moving Natalie and Megan into their new room.  I don’t have a dresser for their bedroom, the room has several built-in bookcases perfect for storing toys and some cabinets underneath.  I used the cubes for Natalie in the past to organize the armoire in her old room, now the guest room.  We were able to adjust the shelves of the cabinets and fit four cubes in each cabinet.  I generally separate the clothes for them by pajamas, underwear/diapers, short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, shorts/capris, and long pants.  I color code the boxes so it helps the girls know where to put the clothes away. 

Since I had some time alone in an air-conditioned building I took advantage of looking for clearance deals to maximize my savings with the coupons.  Here are the pictures of what I purchased.

 

The top picture are the items I was able to get even better deals with the Target Web coupons.  There is still a coupon available for the Stride gum.

• Men’s Merona Shirt regularly $14.99 on sale for $10 combined with $3 off Target Web Coupon – Final Price $7
• Stride Gum (14 pk) $0.99 each combined with Buy One Get One Free Target Web Coupon – Final Price 2/$0.99
• Merona Hobo Bag – originally $10 on clearance for $2.50 combined with $3 off Target Web Coupon – Final Price $0.50 Money Maker
• Champion C9 Women’s Hooded Sweatshirt – originally $19.92 on clearance for $4.98 combined with $5 Target Web Coupon – Final Price $0.02 Money Maker

The bottom picture are some additional clearance items that I found in addition to the ClosetMaid fabric cubes I bought to finish organizing the girls’ room.

• (4) ClosetMaid Fabric Cubes – Regularly $6.99 on sale for $6 each
• Merona Denim Jacket – Originally $24.48 on clearance for $12.24
• (2) Gillian O’Malley Nursing Tank Tops – Originally $16.96 on clearance for $4.24 each
• Circo 3-pk long-sleeved onesies –Originally $9.89 on clearance for $6.92
• 3-pk Trumpettetoo “sneaker” socks – Originally $8 on clearance for $2
• Trumpettoo Soft soled shoes – Originally $12 on clearance for $3

Shelf Price (before sales, coupons, or tax): $163.14

Final Price (after sales, coupons, before tax): $64.11

Total Savings: $99.03 (61%)

This is definitely an example where it is exciting to see a savings of 61%, but I need to question is it a true savings?  I am rather sure that at even $2.50 I wouldn’t have bought the hobo purse without the $3 off coupon.  (I did make sure I had a purpose for it before purchasing it.  I am going to take it the hospital with me to keep some small things together.)  I wouldn’t have paid full price for the polo shirt, the denim jacket, or any of the items I picked up for “baby brother”.  I may have bought one nursing tank at $16.96, but not two at the same time.  I was planning on buying the fabric cubes so I was excited to see them on sale this week, but $0.99 off each cube although a saving, isn’t a huge savings.  The bottom line is – and what Steve has always told me - “it is great that you saved $99, but you still spent $64”. 

How about you, do you calculate your savings?  Do you sometimes feel like your savings although exciting aren’t the true amount?  Do you prefer to see how much you can buy for a certain dollar amount as opposed to how much you can save?

Complete List of MARTIN’S Coupon Match-Ups and Deals for the week of July 18

I mentioned in my top deals post on Monday that I thought this week’s MARTIN’S ad was lacking in the deals.  I did receive comments on that post from an anonymous poster and debbielynne mentioning some of the deals that they had found using store brand coupon booklet.  There are TONS of possibilities for getting free or really inexpensive items utilizing the coupon booklet.  Just remember when using the booklet you need to have a minimum purchase of $15 before using the coupons from the booklet.  (I usually hit that by the time I pick up milk, bread, and fresh produce).  The coupons expire July 31st so we only have about another week to take advantage of the great freebies. 

If you want to view an on-line version of this week’s ad click here.

If you want information about MARTIN’S coupon policy click here.

There are several promotions available with MARTIN’S this week.  Below is information on the different promotions.

There is a promotion for $5 instantly off your order when you buy $20 of participating General Mills products in one transaction. (In the past as long as you pre-coupon amount is $20 you will receive the $5 discount.)  Here is the list of items included in the sale and any coupons available:

• Honey Nut Cheerios (17 oz) – 2/$5 – 7/11 SS - $1/2 – Final Price 2/$4
• Lucky Charms (16 oz) – 2/$5 – 7/11 SS - $1/2 – Final Price 2/$4
• Cookie Crisp (15.6 oz) – 2/$5 – 7/11 SS - $1/2 – Final Price 2/$4
• Trix (14.8 oz) – 2/$5 – 7/11 SS - $1/2 – Final Price 2/$4
• Reese’s Puffs (18 oz) – 2/$5 – 7/11 SS - $1/2 – Final Price 2/$4
• Nature Valley Granola Bars – 2/$5 – 7/11 SS - $0.75/2 – Final Price 2/$4
• Nature Valley Nut Clusters – 2/$5 – 7/11 SS - $0.75/2 – Final Price 2/$4
• Milk ‘N Cereal Bars – 2/$5
• Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Roll-Ups, Fruit Shapes, or Gushers – 2/$4 – Printable - $0.50/2 – Final Price 2 for $3
• Betty Crocker Family Size Brownie Mix (18.3 – 20.5 oz) - $1
• Betty Crocker Muffin Mix – 2/$4
• Old El Paso Dinner Kits – 2/$4
• Romano’s Macaroni Grill Boxed Dinners - $2.99 – 7/11 SS or printable - $0.75/1 – Final Price $1.99
• Wanchai Ferry Boxed Dinners - $2.99 – 7/11 SS or printable $0.75/1 – Final Price $1.99
• Good Earth Boxed Dinners - $2.99
• Yoplait Trix Multi-Pack Yogurt or Yoplait Kids - $2.29 – printable - $0.75/1 – Final Price $1.29

There is also a promotion for $5 off instantly when you purchase $25 worth of any Purina products in one transaction.  There are several coupons in the 7/18 SS for Purina products.

There is a promotion where if you buy a 25.4oz Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner you can get a selected Pantene Styling Product Free.  You can use the coupons in the 7/4 PG or the 6/27 Parade Magazine.  These products are also participating items in a $10 rebate from Proctor & Gamble when you buy $30 of select items.  You can find out what items are part of the rebate and print the rebate form here.

Item	Sale Price	Coupon Source	Coupon Amount	Doubled	Final Price
Select Barilla Pasta	$1	Barilla	$1/2 Boxes of Whole Grain Barilla Pasta		Buy 2 for $1
Ball Park Beef Franks	2/$7	6/27 RP	$0.75/2	$0.25/2	Buy 2 for $6
Hormel Fully Cooked Entrees (17 oz)	Buy One Get One Free (Regularly $6.99)	6/6 SS	$1/1		Buy 2 and use 2 coupons Final Price $4.99
Perdue Perfect Portions (1.5 lb bag)	$6.99	Perdue	$1		$5.99
Kunzler Sliced Bacon (16 oz)	Buy One Get One Free	6/20 RP	$1/2		unsure of final price
Kunzler Meat Franks	Buy One Get One Free	6/20 RP	$1/2		unsure of final price
Kunzler Sliced Bacon & Meat Franks	Buy One Get One Free	6/20 RP	$1.10 off WYB Franks & Bacon		unsure of final price
Fast Fixin’ Chicken Strips (26-36 oz)	$4.99	All You Magazine, July 2010 or May 2010	$1		$3.99
Buitoni Family Size Filled Pasta (20 oz)	$5.99	Buitoni (must register)	$1		$4.99
Healthy Choice Select Meals or Naturals (8-10oz)	6/$10 or $1.67 each	Healthy Choice	$1/2		Buy 2 for $2.33
Classico Pasta Sauce (44oz)	$2.99	Classico	$1/1		$1.99
Duke’s Mayonnaise	$2.99	6/27 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4.98
Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice	3/$5	7/11 RP	$1/1		Buy 1 for $0.67
Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels	2/$5	5/23 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
Luigi’s Italian Ice	2/$4	6/27 RP	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	Buy 1 for $1
Eggo Frozen Pancakes	3/$5	6/20 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $2.34
Dannon DanActive Yogurt (4-ct)	2/$4	6/6 SS	$1/1		Buy 1 for $1
Eggland’s Best Large Eggs	$1.99	5/2 SS	$0.35/1	$0.35/1	$1.29
Dannon Light & Fit (4-pk)	$2.04	7/18 SS	$1/1		Buy 1 for $1
Dannon Activia Yogurt (4-pk)	2/$4	7/18 SS	$1/1		Buy 1 for $1
Folgers Ground Coffee (22.6 – 33.9 oz)	$6.99	7/11 RP	$0.25/1	$0.25/1	$6.49
Folgers Ground Coffee (22.6 – 33.9 oz)	$6.99	7/11 RP	$1/1 (Black Silk Coffee)		$5.99
Welch’s 100% Grape Juice (64 oz)	2/$6	7/11 SS	$0.75/1	$0.25/1	Buy 1 for $2
Pedigree Denta Stix Dog Treats	$2.99	7/11 RP	$1/1		$1.99
Whiskas Dry Cat Food	$3.52	7/11 RP	$1.50/1		$2.02
Friskies Selects Indoor Canned Cat Food	10/$6 (must buy 10)	5/2 SS	Buy 1 Get 1 Free		Buy 10 cans and use 5 coupons Final Price $3
Brawny Pick A Size Paper Towels (3 rolls)	2/$7 (must buy 2)	6/27 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $6
Dixie Ultra Strong Paper Plates	$3.99	5/23 RP	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	Buy 1 for $2.99
Scotties Family Tissues (3-pk)	$5.49	6/13 RP	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	$4.49
Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover (14 oz)	$3.99	7/11 SS	$1/1		$2.99
Comet Soft Cleanser Cream (24 oz)	$1.89	7/18 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $2.78
Arm & Hammer Total 2 in 1 Cloth Fabric Softener Sheets (40 ct)	2/$5	7/18 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
Select Hefty One Zip Bags	$3.29	5/23 RP	$0.55/2	$0.45/2	Buy 2 for $5.58
GE Energy Smart Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs	2/$5	GE	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
Advil Pain Reliever	$3.09	5/23 RP	$1/1		$2.09
Schick Quattro or Intuition Razor	$1 off	7/18 SS	$2/1		unsure of final price
Motrin PM Caplets	$0.75 off	7/18 SS	$1/1		unsure of final price
St. Ives Body Wash	2/$5	7/18 SS	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	Buy 1 for $1.50
Kellogg’s Special K Cereal	4/$8 (must buy 4)	6/27 RP	$1.25/3		Buy 4 for $6.75

That is all that I could find.  I am sure I missed something along the way so feel free to share.  My energy level is decreasing and with the heat I have been as willing and able to go to the store with two little ones in tow to look for any unadvertised deals.  Feel free to share any of those that you find as well.

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

Preparing for Baby #3 – Part II

I am doing a mini-series about preparing for baby #3’s arrival in less than a month.  Here is a link to part I to get you up to speed.  

I left off finishing up my first trimester still feeling yucky but relieved that we were expecting a healthy baby.

Valentine’s Day weekend was at the beginning of my second trimester.  Steve and I decided that we needed to get-away for a few days to spend some time without kids so that we could really talk and “digest” all of the changes that were to come.  We ended up finding a nice place with a weekend package in Washington, DC and found a great sitter to come over and stay with the girls for two nights so that we didn’t have to worry about packing them up.  It was a good thing for us.  I was able to get some extra rest without little ones waking me up and I was able to talk with Steve about the emotions I was feeling about having another baby.  I was really struggling with feeling selfish.  I was only looking at how this new baby was going to affect me and my daily life.  I was having trouble seeing past those sleepless newborn nights and all of the challenges a new baby can bring.  I wasn’t seeing the big picture of the happiness, joy, and love that this new little one was going to bring to our family and those around him. 

It was at this point that we were ready to start sharing our news with people outside of our family.  We actually shared the news with Natalie over dinner one night.  We knew that she wouldn’t understand that the new baby wouldn’t be here until late summer so we held off telling her until we were ready to tell others.  She was very excited and actually told lots of people about our new baby.  The day after we told her she went to school and told her teachers and then went to Ukrop’s and shared it with the employees in all of the different departments that we were going to have a new baby.  It was interesting to see people’s response.  Some people would look at me and say, “really?”  and some thought she was talking about getting a new doll and then later asked me if she meant a real baby.

I began to pull out the bin of maternity clothes I had and received bags of clothes back from friends who had borrowed my clothes during their pregnancies.  The world of maternity clothes, it is a love/hate relationship.  They are so comfortable at first because your regular clothes are getting too tight, but they are really too big for early in the second trimester so you feel like you are just trying to hide the fact that you have put on some extra weight.  I fell in love with anything with an empire waist.  It helped to hide the growing baby bump without making me feel frumpy and they were long enough to cover up the fact that the only pants I was really wearing now had an elastic waistband.

I was finally starting to feel good, the yucky symptoms of my first trimester had finally gone away.  I started to feel like I had energy again. 

We found out at my 20 week appointment (that coincidentally was April 1st) that we were having a baby boy.  Steve and I really thought it was going to be another girl.  We also found out that there was one possible problem – he has a two vessel cord.  Babies are suppose to have a three-vessel cord.  This is a very minor problem and with monitoring really doesn’t result in any long-term problems.  Babies with two-vessel cords can be on the smaller side, and sometimes the kidney on the side that isn’t getting as much blood flow can show some problems.  They also sometimes have to be delivered a little early because they seem to have low levels of amniotic fluid.  We have friends that had a healthy little guy in September who went through the same issue, so it really didn’t worry us.  It just required me to see a neo-natal specialist every 4 weeks until 36 weeks for an ultrasound to make sure he is still growing well, and that his kidneys and liver are doing well.  It has allowed us to see his little profile more often and have more ultrasound pictures of him.  Thankfully he is doing fine and the two-vessel cord thing isn’t slowing down his growth.  He has been measuring 95% on the growth charts and two weeks larger than he should be.

We were able to take a short family vacation in early April and meet some of my family in Washington, DC for a few days so that we could visit the National Zoo and the Smithsonian.  It was an incredibly hot for April but they had fun. 

I started getting into the swing of things again.  In mid-March I was in charge of reception honoring a missionary couple from our church who served in Europe for 40 years.  My mom, sister, and I started to plan a bridal shower for my brother’s fiancé for late May (they got married in early July).  I was in charge of a ladies luncheon at our church the Saturday before Mother’s Day.  I started to think about and plan out how we wanted to celebrate Megan’s second birthday.  Steve had a business trip to the UK and we talked about it and talked with my doctor and made plans for me to join him there for part of the trip.

During all of this Steve and I realized that one of the things that we needed to do was start to do was to look at our priorities again.  We had several commitments and things that we were involved with at our church.  The transition from Ukrop’s to MARTIN’S was taking place and we knew that that would affect my work schedule.  We talked and prayed about it and realized that we need to take a temporary leave of absence from our duties with the college students at our church.  We realized that with soon to be three children 4&1/2 and under that we wouldn’t be able to invest the time that we had in the past.  We talked to the youth pastor at our church about it and agreed that it would be best for us to step down in early May before the majority of our students who go to school outside of Richmond came home.  That way we wouldn’t have to get caught up with summer activities and then leave in the middle of the summer.  We decided that we would talk about going back to that ministry in January.  We figure that it is going to take us a few months to figure out what our “new normal” is going to be with three kids.

I will talk more about my third trimester and the list of things I have or want to get done before our little guy arrives in another post. 

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of July 18th

I don’t know what it is, but this week’s MARTIN’S ad looks even worse than last week’s.  I really had to look to find a few good deals, but this is what I have come up with.

If you want to view an on-line version of this week’s ad click here.

If you want information about MARTIN’S coupon policy click here. 

• Select Barilla Pasta (12-16 oz) - $1 each
• Fresh Strawberries - $3.99 each on sale Buy One Get One Free
• $1.99 each after sale
• Fresh Ground Beef (80% Lean, 20% Fat) – Value Pack $1.99/lb
• GIANT Brand Fresh, All Natural Whole Chicken - $0.88/lb
• Luigi’s Italian Ice - $2
• use the $0.50/1 coupon from the 6/27 Redplum Insert
• Final Price $1 each
• Eggland’s Best Eggs - $1.99
• use the $0.35/1 coupon from the 5/2 SmartSource Insert
• Final Price $1.29

I did discover a free item.  I recently received some samples and coupons from Vocalpoint for $2/1 Crystal Light Pure Fitness Drink Mix.  If you also got these in the mail recently they are on sale this week for $2 each.  I liked the strawberry flavor and the lemon lime.  I also had a sample of the grape flavor but my mom drank it.  She said it was good, but grape wouldn’t have been her first choice. ;)

I am hoping to have a complete list of my match-ups available by Tuesday.  I don’t have any plans to leave the house today so hopefully I will be able to get it finished early this week.

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

Preparing for Baby #3 – Part I

We are expecting baby #3, who is an “unexpected blessing”, to make his arrival in less than a month.  So, now is crunch time to get our act together and start getting things ready for a new little one, and me being out of commission for a little bit.  I wanted to reflect a little bit on the journey I have been on for the last 8 months as I prepare to go from a mom of two to a mom of three.  I am going to share this in several different post to keep you from having to read one long post.

I found out in December that I was unexpectantly pregnant.  I cried off and on for 4 days when I first found out we had another little one on the way.  I was already feeling overwhelmed with an almost 4 year old and an 18 month old in addition to the commitments we already had and the holidays.  We went to the Christmas concert at our church and I really thought about how Mary felt when she was told by the angel Gabriel that she was going to be the mother of Christ.  Talk about an unexpected pregnancy!  I really thought about the emotional roller coaster that she must have been on – the public shame, having her fiancé believe her story, the rumors and whispering she had to endure.  I realize that our circumstances are not identical, but I began to relate to Mary in the Christmas story in a way that I hadn’t before.  I began to accept in my mind and in my heart that a third child was what God had planned for us.

I have to admit that although I was beginning to accept the thought of being the mother of three, I was dealing (and some days I still am) with the realities that being a mother of three is going to bring.  I started thinking about nursing a baby again.  Although that can be a sweet and wonderful bonding time with a little one, honestly it can be down-right inconvenient and time consuming, especially those first few months.  I began to think about having another child in diapers.  I realized that by the time baby #3 is potty trained I will have changed diapers for about 6 –7 years straight.  I began to think about the logistics of our daily lives.  There are some days that getting out of the house alone with the girls is a huge challenge, and I thought about adding in a new baby to the mix.  I know it sounds like I am only dwelling on the negative.  I don’t think that it is pessimistic of me, but realistic.  I was also dealing with feeling worse during my first trimester than I had with either of my previous pregnancies.  I am sure that being older, and chasing around two little ones who never seem to run out of energy had something to do with it, but the nausea never seemed to go away.  It actually didn’t go away until I was almost 16 weeks into my pregnancy.  I was thankful for all of the snow that we had this past winter.  It gave me an excuse to slow down, stay in, and just lay on the couch.  The girls read lots of books and watched lots of videos.

I had a friend that was expecting her second child at the end of January.  I knew that once I had a chance to visit with her and see and hold the newborn baby that the reality of having a newborn would go to the back of my mind and that I would remember the sweet newborn smell, how precious it is when a newborn snuggles up to your neck when you have them propped up on your shoulder, and how sweet and innocent they are when they are asleep cradled in your arms.  The girls and I went over one afternoon to bring them lunch and visit with them.  The visit did help me think about how special it is, even with the craziness, to be given this little blessing. 

I made it through my first trimester still feeling yucky, but thankful for the blessing we were being given.  I also had several of my worries relieved when I found out we were only having one baby.  (There are twins on both sides of my family.)  I also had some extra testing done due to my “advanced” maternal age.  (I had just turned 35.)  We wouldn’t have terminated the pregnancy, but it was a relief to know that everything looked good and that we didn’t need to start thinking about special circumstances.

I will share more in a few days.

Complete List of MARTIN’S Coupon Match-Ups and Deals for the week of July 11

I mentioned in my top deals post that I wasn’t overwhelmed with the deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I am also already missing the weekly coupons for $3/30 and two free items.  I do still have my store brand coupons that are good thru the end of July so I can still load up on some free items.

To view an on-line version of this week’s MARTIN’S ad click here.

If you have questions about MARTIN’S coupon policy check out this post.

Item	Sale Price	Coupon Source	Coupon Amount	Doubled	Final Price
Healthy Choice Complete Meals	5/$10 or $2 each	All You Magazine, June 2010 or Healthy Choice	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3
Perdue Chicken Short Cuts (9oz)	Buy 1 Get 1 Free (usually $5.99)	Perdue	$0.75/1	$0.25/1	Buy 2 for $4.99
Tyson Breaded Crispy Chicken Strips (25-32 oz)	$6.99	6/20 SS	$1/1		$5.99
Honest Tea (16 oz)	$1	honest tea	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	FREE
Chi-Chi’s Salsa (16 oz)	2/$4 or $2 each	5/23 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3
Jack Daniel’s Barbeque Sauce (19 oz)	2/$3 or $1.50 each	5/16 SS	$0.55/1	$0.45/1	Buy 1 for $0.50
Jack Daniel’s Barbeque Sauce (19 oz)	2/$3 or $1.50 each	5/16 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $2
Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad	10/$10	6/27 SS or Betty Crocker	$0.50/2	$0.50/2	Buy 2 for $1
Wish-Bone Salad Dressing (16 oz)	3/$5 or $1.67 each	6/27 RP	$0.75/1	$0.25/1	Buy 1 for $0.67
Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayonnaise (12 oz)	$1.99	6/13 SS	$1/1		$0.99
Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayonnaise (12 oz)	$1.99	6/20 SS	$1.50/2		Buy 2 for $2.48
Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip (12 oz)	$1.99	6/20 SS	$1.50/2		Buy 2 for $2.48
Nabisco Premium Saltines	3/$6 (must buy 3)	5/16 SS	$1/2		Buy 3 for $5 or buy 6 for $4
Snyder’s Pretzel Pieces	2/$5 or $2.50 each	5/23 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
Combos Snacks	$1.39	All You Magazine, June 2010	$1/2		Buy 2 for $1.78
Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn (3 ct)	3/$5 or $1.67 each	5/16 SS (exp Friday, 7/16)	$0.40/1	$0.40/1	Buy 1 for $0.87
Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats Cereal	3/$6 (must buy 3)	Kellogg’s  or 6/6 RP or 7/11 RP	$1/2		Buy 3 for $5 or buy 6 for $9
Select General Mills Cereal	2/$4 or $2 each	coupons	$0.60/1 Cinnamon Toast Crunch	$0.40/1	Buy 1 for $1
Select General Mills Cereal	2/$4 or $2 each	coupons or 7/11 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3
Keebler Townhouse Crackers	2/$5	6/6 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
Kellogg’s Pop-tarts Family Pack	$2.79	6/13 RP or 7/11 RP or kellogg’s	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4.58
Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding (4 ct)	10/$10	All You Magazine, June 2010	$1/3		Buy 3 for $2
Edy’s Ice Cream (48 oz)	2/$6	Parade Magazine 5/23	$1/2		Buy 2 for $5
Sargento Shredded Cheese	3/$6 (must buy 3)	4/18 SS (Reduced Sodium)	$0.75/1	$0.25/1 (only one coupon will double)	Buy 3 for $3.50
Smart Balance Omega 3 Milk	$2.99	6/13 RP or 7/11 RP	$0.75/1	$0.25/1	$1.99
Heluva Good Sour Cream	$1.29	Heluva Good	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	$0.29
Chock full o’Nuts Coffee (33-39 oz)	$6.99	6/27 SS	$0.75/1	$0.25/1	$5.99
Fancy Feast Appetizers (2 oz)	10/$10	5/16 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $1
9 Lives Dry Cat Food (3.15-3.78 lb)	2/$6	6/27 RP	$0.75/1	$0.25/1	Buy 1 for $2
Milk-Bone Dog Biscuits (16-26 oz)	2/$5	6/27 RP	$2/2		Buy 2 for $3
Wisk 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent (50 oz)	$4.99	5/23 RP	$1/1		$3.99
Scotties Facial Tissue	10/$10	6/13 RP	$0.50/3	$0.50/3	Buy 3 for $2
Select Finish Automatic Dish Washer Detergent	$5.99	homesolutions	$0.50/1 Automatic Dishwasher Detergent	$.50/1	$4.99
Select Finish Automatic Dish Washer Detergent	$5.99	homesolutions	$1/1 QUANTUM® Automatic Dishwasher Detergent		$4.99
Lysol Dininfectant Spray (19 oz)	$4.99	homesolutions	$0.50/1 (under the surface care tab)	$0.50/1	$3.99
Clorox Ultra Liquid Bleach	$1.69	6/6 RP	$0.25/1	$0.25/1	Buy 1 for $1.19
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Twin Pack (48 oz)	$3.64	homesoultions	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	$2.64
Purina Beggin’ Strips Dog Treats	$2.69	5/2 SS	$1/1		$1.69
Select Energizer Batteries	$2.99	6/13 SS	$0.50/1	$0.50/1	$1.99
Nature’s Bounty Vitamins or Supplements	Buy one Get One Free (prices vary)	6/6 SS	$1/1		Prices will vary
Centrum Multi-Vitamin	$1 off	7/11 RP	$1/1		Unsure of Final Price
Osteo Bi-Flex Supplements	Buy One Get One Free (excludes liquid)	6/6 RP	$5/1		Unsure of Final Price
Right Guard Anti-Persipirant	2/$5 or $2.50 each	Right Guard (must register)	$1.50/1		Buy 1 for $1
Benefiber Fiber Supplement	$1 off (prices vary)	7/11 SS	$1/1		Prices Vary
Select Excedrin Products	$8.09	7/11 SS	$1/1		$7.09
L’Oreal Excellence or Excellence To Go	$1 off	6/27 RP	$2/1		Unsure of Final Price
Edy’s Ice Cream	2/$6 (buy any 4 and get $4 off)	Parade Magazine 5/23	$1/2		Use 2 coupons and buy 4 for $6
Ball Park Angus Beef Franks (16 oz)	Buy one Get one Free (Regularly $4.69)	6/27 RP	$0.75/2	$0.25/2	Buy 2 for $3.69
Quaker Cap’n Crunch Cereal	4/$8 ($2 each)	5/16 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3
Brawny Paper Towels (8 Rolls)	2/$11	6/27 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $10

Sorry for the delay.  My mom ended up coming to visit us for a few days and to help me get some things straight before the arrival of baby #3.  I had to take advantage of her help and put my match-ups on the “back burner”.

Feel free to share any deals that you find!

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of July 11th

I really didn’t see a bunch of great deals this week, but I do love all of the fresh produce that is available in the summer. 

So here are a few of the top deals and hopefully I will have a complete list available for you by Tuesday.  I had a reception I was in charge of at our church last night and I pushed myself too much.  Although I would love to do coupon match-ups today I have a feeling I am going to be spending the day laying down and entertaining my girls with books and videos. 

To view an on-line version of this week’s MARTIN’S ad click here.

If you have questions about MARTIN’S coupon policy check out this post. 

• Fresh Blueberries regularly $3.99 each – on sale Buy one Get One Free
• GIANT Yogurt (6 oz cups) - $0.33 each
• Fresh Local Green or Yellow Squash - $0.99/lb
• Pepsi Fridge Mate or 6 Pack $3 each (must buy 3)
• Honest Tea (16 oz) - $1

Buy 1 and use the $0.50/1 coupon found here

Free after coupon

• Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad -$1

Buy 2 and use the $0.50/2 coupon from the 6/27 SmartSource insert

or use the $0.50/2 coupon found here

$0.50 each after coupon

• Wish-Bone Salad Dressing - $1.67

Buy 1 and use the $0.75/1 coupon from the 6/27 RedPlum insert

$0.67 after coupon

Wednesday’s MARTIN’S Trip

I braved the record braking heat on Wednesday (it hit 104 degrees outside) because the girls and I needed to go out and run some errands. 

We were able to redeem our coupons for the weekly deal of Free Kraft Salad Dressing, Free GIANT baby carrots, and $3 off our purchase of $30.  I also used some of the coupons for the MARTIN’S Store brand items to get more free or inexpensive items.

Here is a picture of what we bought.  Because they were “helping” me all of the groceries ended up on the floor for the picture.  Please ignore my dirty kitchen floor.

This is not one of our best pictures but the camera battery was dying and this was the only shot I could get.  Natalie also knocked down a few things when she got in the picture and I think she is sitting on the salad tongs.  :)

I purchased 4 packs of Pampers to earn the $0.20/gallon fuelperks! bonus.  That really added to my total, so I am going to give you the total with and without the diaper purchase.

Savings (including Pampers):

Shelf Price (before sales, coupons, or tax): $97.33

Final Price (after sales and coupons, before tax): $52.36

Total Savings: $44.97 (46%)

**************************************************

Savings (not including Pampers):

Shelf Price (before sales, coupons, or tax): $61.37

Final Price (after sales and coupons, before tax): $24.40

Total Savings: $36.97 (60%)

***************************************************

Items Purchased (final price shown)

• Kraft Ranch Dressing – FREE
• (4) Jumbo Pampers - $6.99 each
• GIANT Hot Dog Rolls - $1
• ChiChis Tortillas - $1.85 (I’ve got to start making my own again)
• GIANT Seltzer Water – $0.25 money maker (FREE)
• GIANT Facial Tissues – FREE
  GIANT Fruit Snacks - $0.34
• Nature’s Promise Black Beans – FREE
• GIANT Whole Wheat Bread - $1.79
• (2) Smart Living Salad Tongs - $0.50 money maker (FREE) – on sale for BOGO Free
• Parmesan Wedge - $5.51
• Pluots (or Dinosaur Eggs) 0.96lb - $1.91 (not pictured)
• Bananas 1.19lb - $0.58
• Cucumber – $0.79
• Ukrop’s Own Peaches 1.64lb - $2.44
• Loose Romaine Lettuce 0.82lb - $1.39
• Bagged Lettuce - $1.50
• GIANT Baby Carrots – FREE
  Organic Apples 3lb bag - $2.99
• (2) Ball Park Beef Franks - $2.99
• GIANT Ice Cream Cup - $0.11 money maker (FREE)
• Heluva Good Block Cheese - $1
• Nature’s Promise Organic Milk (half gallon) - $3.29
• CareOne Spa Poof - $0.11 money maker (FREE)
• CareOne Ibuprofen (24 ct) – FREE

How did you do this week?  Did you find any great deals?  Feel free to share – they don’t even have to be MARTIN’S deals.

~Ann

MARTIN’S fuelperks! bonus! Rewards Deals

Sorry about the delay I started this post Wednesday afternoon, but ran into technical difficulties. 

If you want to see the deals and coupon match-ups from this week’s MARTIN’S ad click here. 

Buy any 7 of the following participating items in one transaction through 7/10/10 and receive an additional $0.20 per gallon with your fuelperks!

• GIANT Ketchup (40 oz squeeze bottle) - $1.69
• Nabisco Fig Newtons (8-16 oz) $2.99
• Deer Park Spring Water (12 pk/8oz) - $2
• GIANT Grated Parmesan Cheese (16 oz) - $4.69
• Kudos Granola Bars (10 pk) - $2.39
• Febreze Set and Refresh - $2.50
• GIANT Olive Oil - $4.49
• Florida’s Natural Orange Juice - $3.99
• Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs - $2.50
• GIANT Fruit Snack Bowls (4-pk) - $1.67
• SoBe Life Water (20 oz) - $1.09
• Mr. Clean Cleaner (40 oz) - $2.39

Buy any 4 of the following participating items in one transaction through 7/10/10 and receive an additional $0.20 per gallon with your fuelperks!

• Bounty Paper Towels (8 Rolls) - $6.49 (6/6 PG or 7/4 PG $0.25/1) Final Price $5.99
• Puffs Plus Facial Tissues (3 pk) - $4.99
• Gatorade (15 pk/20 oz)- $9.99
• Charmin Ultra Big Roll Bathroom Tissue (12 Rolls) - $6.49 (6/6 PG or 7/4 PG $0.25/1) Final Price $5.99
• Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets (80 ct) - $3.49
• Iams Dog Food (15.5 –17.6 lb bag) - $18.99 (7/4 PG $1/1) Final Price $17.99
• Tide 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent (100 oz) - $10.99 (7/4 PG $1/1) Final Price $9.99
• Tide Stain Release (34 ct) - $10.39 (7/4 PG $3/1) Final Price – $7.39
• Pampers Jumbo Diapers - $8.99 (6/20 RP or 7/4 PG $2/1) – Final Price $6.99
• Cascade 2 in 1 Action Packs $3.99 - (7/4 PG $0.50/1) – Final Price $2.99
• Select Downy Liquid Fabric Softener - $4.99 (6/6 PG $0.25/1) – Final Price $4.49
• Duracell Multi Pack Batteries - $5.99 (7/4 PG $1/1) – Final Price $4.99

Buy any 3 of the following participating items in one transaction through 7/10/10 and receive an additional $0.20 per gallon with your fuelperks!

• GIANT 100% Ground Beef Quarter Pound Frozen Hamburgers (12 ct) - $7.99
• Nature’s Promise Whole Eye Round Roast - $3.99/lb
• GIANT Raw or Cooked Shrimp (2lb bags) - $5 off (unsure of final price)
• Fresh Pork Tenderloin - $4.99/lb
• Perdue Individually Quick Frozen Boneless Chicken Breast (3lb bags) - $6.99
• Chicken of the Sea Special Crabmeat (16 oz) - $8.99
• Oscar Mayer Meat Weiners (3 lb package) - $5.49 (6/20 SS $1/2) – Final Price for 2 $9.98
• GIANT Smoked Ham Shank or Butt Portions - $1.29/lb
• Large Peeled & Deveined Shrimp – Raw (16 oz) - $6.99
• Fresh Pork Baby Back Ribs - $3.99/lb
• GIANT Chicken Wings (4 lb – Individually Quick Frozen) - $8.99

That is it for the fuleperks! deals.  I did get in the mail Wednesday afternoon a coupon from vocalpoint for $3 off any Pampers Diapers so with baby #3 on the way in the next month I think I may go back for a second round of diapers and earn some fuelperks! while I stock-up. 

Do you like the way that MARTIN’S is handling the fuelperks! program?  Do you find yourself buying the qualifying items to earn fuelperks!?  I know I appreciate that all of your purchases are cumulative again and that the $1.29 cup of coffee splurge I give myself occasionally at work goes towards my total. 

Happy Shopping!

~Ann