I am scaling back on my CVS purchases; however, this particular week had some items that we like to purchase/use on sale and it was a perfect storm of coupon matching. Here is the breakdown:

3 boxes of Cool Touch Kleenex (LB likes these--bought them on a previous CVS trip): 50 cents per box

6 boxes of Wheat Thins: 83 cents per box

2 packs of Valentine's Kisses: $1 per pack

2 bags of Kettle chips: 65 cents per bag

I also purchased a loaf of wheat bread because LB doesn't like the Brownberry Oatnut I got on sale (I happen to like it, but oh well). I used the bread to make grilled cheese sandwiches with the homemade turkey soup stashed in our freezer. Background story on the soup: when I first started this couponing endeavor, it was around Thanksgiving and Turkeys were delightfully on sale. I bought one for around $5 with my coupons and froze it. I figured it would eventually come in handy as a cheap meat option. My mom soon after found out her markers were super high and that she would have to go back on chemo. Because she gets super nauseous, I decided that turkey soup might be a good food option for her, so over winter break, I cooked the turkey and made the soup. I froze a container for us and am pleasantly surprised to say it was REALLY good. I do need to figure out a better way of noodling the soup as the frozen noodles became soggy upon reheating. LB said he liked them as it kind of had a dumpling effect.

In any event, checked the ads for our local grocery stores this week and the only really decent deal going on is Tide at Jewel for $4.99 per bottle if you buy two with coupon. I have a bunch of $2 off Tide coupons, so will buy two for $2.99 a piece. I will also hit up our local fruit/veggie market for some cheap produce for next week's lunches and dinners. We've got rice, pasta and potatoes. Life is good

First off, I have become rather OCD regarding my weekly CVS trips. The past two months, my goal has been to create a stockpile in my home so that I no longer am required to do large weekly shopping trips. I was sharing with my friend (I will regard her as M) That so easily was I able to drop $150 if not more on a weekly grocery trip just shopping using the strategy of "what I need" rather than "what's on sale." When purchases such as the razors I like to use or shampoo would come up, I would then panic because those items would drive my total through the roof.

Last week's CVS trip was rather large, but I did supply my mother and sister with products (for which they paid) and also created enough stockpile that now I keep my eyes peeled for a)items/brands not currently in the stockpile b)seriously good deals. This will shrink my weekly trips very much, although I truly was only spending $50 per week if that on a CVS trip. I have this week and next week planned out. I am currently working on planning my grocery purchases. I have plenty of chicken breasts in the freezer, have a good supply of pasta as well as rice so will stock up on sauce, non-perishable lunch items and seriously good deals ONLY. Of course the perishables need to be purchased on a regular basis.

I have been scouring the couponing blogs care of M lately. I found Simply CVS who recommends ethical couponing. I whole heartedly agree! I did not realize that CVS has a policy that there can only be one CVS card per household. I had opened a card in my lovely boyfriend's (I shall regard HIM as LB) name to maximize deals. I am going to stop doing that. I very much like that I can do my couponing and would like to continue doing so in an ethical and legal manner.

Also, said blogs have hipped me to money making opportunities. I signed up for swagbucks as well as savingstar. I plan on working hard at earning gift cards to pay for my son's spring aftercare fees. It's $210. Let's see if I can do it! You'll notice I've installed a swagbucks widget on the side of my blog and have also installed their toolbar. I will work on daily earning points/dollars and dutifully save those gift cards (I think both web sites reward in paypal gift cards which is perfect because our park district uses paypal).

Before winter break, I put in an email to teach night school. I will keep you updated on this endeavor. I will also be keeping my eyes peeled for other tutoring opportunities.