Meijer Matchup August 28 - September 3, 2011

Thank you to Bargains to Bounty for providing highlights of the best Meijer deals for this week! She does her matchups using the metro Detroit Meijer ad, where coupons are doubled up to $0.50.

$1.50 KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce, 18 oz
-$1.00/2 Meijer Mealbox printable coupon
-$0.50/1 KC Masterpiece coupon (from 8-21 SS), use 2
FREE when you buy 2 with coupons
Bonus (shown in ad): Buy $10 or more in Hidden Valley, KC Masterpiece or Gladproducts, get a $3.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order. Limit 1 coupon per transaction.

$2.00 Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blends, 2-2.5 oz
-$1.00/2 Meijer Mealbox printable coupon
-$1.00/1 Mrs. Dash printable coupon (Facebook), use 2
$0.50 each when you buy 2 with coupons

$2.50 Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing 16 oz or Salad Kit 4.5 oz
-$1.00/2 Meijer Mealbox printable coupon
-$1.00/1 HV Farmhouse Originals coupon (from 8-21 SS), use 2
$1.00 each when you buy 2 with coupons
Bonus (shown in ad): Buy $10 or more in Hidden Valley, KC Masterpiece or Gladproducts, get a $3.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order. Limit 1 coupon per transaction.

Buy 4 HV Farmhouse Dressings @ $2.50 = $10.00
Use 2 $1.00/2 Mealbox coupons = (-$2.00)
Use 4 $1.00/1 Farmhouse coupons = (-$4.00)
Pay $4.00, get a $3.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order.
Final Cost: $0.25 each ($1.00 for 4 bottles)

$1.67 Kool-Aid Drink Mix 6-8 qts, Sugar Free Drink Mix 12 qts, Singles 12 ct, Sugar Free singles 10 ct or Country Time Lemonade 6-8 qt
Bonus: Buy 3 Kool-Aid or Country Time in one transaction, get a $2.00 checkout coupon valid on your next order.$1.00 each when you buy 3 after checkout coupon savings


$2.50 Febreze Noticeables Warmer, 1 ct

-$3.00/1 Noticeables coupon (from 8-28 PG)
FREE after coupon (coupon will be adjusted down to item price)

Visit Bargains to Bounty for the rest of the deals.

Target Goodie Bag for Free!!

 

Click here to get your free cosmetic bag of beauty samples from Target!!

DIY Haircare

OK...even I didn't believe this one would work when I learned about it, but, I thought I would give it a try once....and I was SHOCKED! Particularly because my hair is so unmanageable. You might doubt, but I challenge you to try this at least once.

Shampoo (not sudsy at all but does clean)
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of water

Mix solution and put in spray bottle. To use, saturate hair with mixture and work through hair and rub your scalp thoroughly. Leave in for one minute and then rinse.

ACV Rinse
1-3 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar (if you have oily hair use 1 tsp, if your hair is very dry, use 3 tsp)
1 cup of water

Mix solution and put in spray bottle. After rinsing baking soda solution, saturate hair with ACV solution, leave in for a minute and rinse with cool water to seal your hair.

Leave-in conditioner
If you have very dry hair, add a dime size (more or less depending on hair length and thickness) amount of olive oil to damp hair. Style as usual (although you probably won't need your regular styling products.)

My hair has never been softer or more manageable! Shampoos have harsh detergents that strip your hair of natural oils and makes your scalp over-produce oil. I have read that some people experience a "detox period" of a couple of weeks as their scalp adapts. They might find they have to wash frequently with the solution because the scalp is still over-producing oil. After it adapts, you will probably be able to wash less frequently. I have not noticed any detox period...my hair is so dry it needed only a once a week wash previously and that seems to be the same with this more natural process of hair cleaning.

DIY Cream Cheese

Homemade Cream Cheese is really easy - the same process at Greek Yogurt, just more time!

Store bought plain yogurt OR a batch of your delicious homemade crockpot yogurt that has been refrigerated for at least 2 hours
Strainer
Paper towel or cheesecloth
Large bowl

1. Line strainer with paper towel or 4 layers of cheesecloth
2. Balance the strainer on the large bowl so there is enough room  for the yogurt to drain.
3. Put yogurt in the lined strainer.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and allow yogurt to drain in the fridge for 6 hours.
5. Check the yogurt as it strains if your bowl isn't very deep to make sure the whey hasn't reached the bottom of the strainer. If it has, pour out the whey from the bowl  and let the yogurt finish draining until it is nice and thick.
6. Enjoy!

DIY Greek Yogurt

Store bought plain yogurt OR a batch of your delicious homemade crockpot yogurt that has been refrigerated for at least 2 hours
Strainer
Paper towel or cheesecloth
Large bowl

1. Line strainer with paper towel or 4 layers of cheesecloth
2. Balance the strainer on the large bowl so there is enough room  for the yogurt to drain.
3. Put yogurt in the lined strainer.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and allow yogurt to drain in the fridge for 2 hours.
5. Check the yogurt after one hour if your bowl isn't very deep to make sure the whey hasn't reached the bottom of the strainer. If it has, pour out the whey from the bowl  and let the yogurt finish draining.
6. Enjoy!

DIY Crockpot Yogurt

Yogurt is yummy and is supposed to be nutritious. Unfortunately, the kind you can find at the grocery store has so much artificial stuff in it. It is also pretty expensive. You can make your own yogurt at home for a fraction of the cost and you know what's in it!

8 cups of whole milk (yogurt can be made with other kinds of milk but it is recommended to start with whole milk until you get used to the process)
1/2 cup live/active plain yogurt (This can be store bought or some leftover from a previous homemade batch. If using store bought, read the ingredients to make sure the yogurt has LIVE ACTIVE CULTURES)
3/4-1 cup sweetener (if you want a sweetened yogurt) Use sugar, honey, stevia, splenda, maple syrup etc.
1 tbs Vanilla (or other flavor) extract (if you want a flavored yogurt)
Crockpot
Heavy towel or blanket



1. Pour milk into crock pot and cook on low for 2 1/2 hrs for a 2 qt. crock or 2 hrs 45 min in a 4 qt or larger crock.

2. If you are flavoring/sweetening your yogurt, mix in flavor and sweetener after step 1. If making plain yogurt,  skip this step.

3. Turn off and unplug crockpot and let milk sit for an additional 3 hrs without opening the lid.

4. After 3 hrs, take out 1 cup of the warm milk and mix it in a bowl with the 1/2 cup of plain live culture yogurt. Pour that mixture back into the remaining milk in the crockpot and stir well.

5. Leave your crockpot off and wrap in a large towel or blanket to insulate. Leave it alone for 8-12 hrs.

6. You can eat the yogurt at this point, but to get a good texture, put in the fridge for about 8 hrs in a storage container to get a good texture.  This yogurt will be thinner than store bought yogurt.

Save 1/2 cup as a starter for your next batch. Your yogurt will last for about 7-10 days in the fridge.
If you want a thicker consistency, you can add an envelope of unflavored gelatin after mixing in the live culture.

You can add fruit or jam to plain yogurt after it is made when you are ready to eat. You can also freeze some in ice cube trays to use for smoothies!

DIY Ricotta Cheese

Ok ok...before anyone says something...I know this isn't how AUTHENTIC ricotta is made but it tastes great and is super easy!

8 cups of whole milk
1 tsp table salt
8 tbs white vinegar

Yield: Approx. 1 cup of ricotta

Stovetop Directions (my preference)

1.  Mix all ingredients in a large pot and heat over medium to medium-high heat. Do not stir. You can use a spoon to gently check the bottom of the pot to make sure the milk is not burning. If a film is forming on the bottom, lower the heat a little.
2. As the milk heats, you will see the milk curdle and the curds separate from the translucent whey.  Heat the milk to between 165-185 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a thermometer, you can tell when it is ready when it just begins to softly boil. Milk begins to bubble at about 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Line a colander with two layers of paper towel of four layers of cheesecloth.
4. Ladle the larger curds into the colander and allow to drain to desired thickness. Do not pour all the curds and whey at once because the smaller curds will clog up the paper towel and take a very long time to drain.
5. After the larger curds have drained, put into a storage container. Slowly pour the remaining curds and whey in small batches and allow to strain.  Add strained curds to the larger curds in the storage container after straining each batch. If the whey seems not to be draining, replace paper towel with a clean one.

Microwave Directions

1.  Mix all ingredients in a large microwave safe container.
2. Heat on high until the milk curdles and the curds separate from the translucent whey.  Heat the milk to between 165-185 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a thermometer, you can tell when it is ready when it just begins to softly boil. Milk begins to bubble at about 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Strain as described in stovetop directions

DIY Dishwasher Detergent (Powder) and Rinse Agent

 Mix equal parts of borax and super washing soda (both found in laundry aisle). Use just as you would use store bought.

Rinse Agent
Instead of using a store bought rinse agent, simply add white vinegar to your dishwasher's rinse agent dispenser! There is no leftover odor so don't worry!

DIY Fabric Softener

After making your own laundry detergent, you might want to know what you can use for fabric softener...well, you are in luck! It is so easy!

Option 1
White Vinegar

Add 3/4-1 cup of white vinegar to rinse cycle or your washer's softener dispenser. You can also add it to a refillable fabric softener ball. It removes residue, odors, helps keep colors bright, prevents lint and fights stains.. It also helps to keep washing machine and hoses fresh and clean!

Option 2
1 bottle liquid fabric softener
water
4 sponges, cut in half

Make a mixture of 2 parts water to 1 part softener in a large container. Add sponges to diluted softener mixture. When you are ready to use it, take one sponge and squeeze out excess liquid. Add the sponge to the dryer instead of a dryer sheet

DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent

Are you tired of overpaying for laundry detergent?  Try this easy DIY version that will save you TONS of money! One batch makes 10 gallons of detergent so start saving your milk jugs or old laundry detergent bottles!

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap

Works in front or top load machines






Hot tap water
1 full size Ivory OR Fels-Naptha soap bar (Fels-Naptha can be found in the laundry section near stain removers like oxi-clean etc. I have seen it at Walmart. It costs about $.97 for one bar and is about $1.39 at Meijer. A 4 pack of Ivory costs just over $2 at most stores.)
1 Cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (found in the laundry section - a large box costs just over $3 at Walmart)
½ Cup Borax (found in the laundry section - a large box costs just over $3 at Walmart)

Step 1: Grate bar of soap or use vegetable peeler to make thin strips. Add to saucepan with 4 cups of hot tap water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap is dissolved.

Step 2: Fill a 5 gallon bucket or large tub with 2 1/2 gallons of hot tap water. 

Step 3: Add melted soap liquid, washing soda and Borax. Stir until all powder is dissolved. 

Step 4: Add another 2 1/2 gallons of hot tap water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

Step 5: Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser or milk jug half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use.

Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add after detergent has cooled.


Directions for use:

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 236 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

Check out DIY Fabric Softener

Free Post-it Super Sticky Notes Sample

Request your FREE Sample of Post-it Super Sticky Notes by filling out this form!

New Folger's Products! Possible freebies or coupons!

Like Folgers by clicking here and go to the "What's Brewing" tab on the left to RSVP for the Folger's unveiling event on August 26, 2011 at Noon (Eastern Time).  They will be unveiling two new products and new products usually means samples or great coupons! RSVP to get in on the deals!

Garnier Herbashine Freebie!

Like them on Facebook to get your free box! Hurry before they are all out! Click here to get yours!

Tena Underwear Sample from Walmart

Get your free sample from Walmart by clicking here!

CVS Matchup August 21-27, 2011

Lipton Tea 128 oz $2.49  = $1 ECB (limit 1)
Pay $2.49
Get back $1 ECB
Final cost $1.49!



Nature Made vitamins and supplements Buy 1 get 1 Free
Buy 2 Nature Made Vitamins or supplements
Use 2 $1/1 coupons found here or in the 8/14 SS
Use 2 $2/1 Nature Made products CRT CVS coupons from the Magic Coupon Machine
Final cost varies but makes for a good deal!

Spend $25 on Participating Charmin, Bounty, or Puffs Plus get$10 ECB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario #1:
Buy 1 Charmin Big Rolls 16 pk $9.99
Buy 1 Bounty Paper towels 12 pk $9.99
Buy 4 Puffs Tissues 124 ct. 2/$3
Total = $25.98
Use the $0.25/1 Charmin coupon (7/31 P&G)
Use the $0.25/1 or $1/1 Bounty coupon (7/31 P&G)
Plus, use the $0.25/3 Puffs coupon (7/31 P&G)
Pay as low as $24.48
Get back $10 ECB
Final cost $14.48 for all 6 items!  


OR


Deal Scenario #2:
Buy 2 Charmin Big Rolls 16 pk $9.99
Buy 4 Puffs Tissues 124 ct. 2/$3
Total = $25.98
Use $1/2 Charmin coupon (7/31 P&G)
Use $0.25/3 Puffs coupon (7/31 P&G)
Pay as low as 24.73
Get back $10 ECB
Final cost $14.73 for all 6 items!


V05 shampoo, conditioner 15 oz $0.77Use $2/2 shampoos/conditioners/styling products CRT CVS Coupon from the Magic Coupon Machine
Final cost FREE!


Spend $10 on Garnier Fructis shampoo, conditioner 13 oz or styler 1-8.5 oz 3/$10 = $3 Ecb (limit 1)
Use 3 $1/1 coupons found in the 6/5 RP or 7/24 RP or found hereUse $2/2 shampoos/conditioners/styling products CRT CVS Coupon from the Magic Coupon Machine
Pay $5
Get back $3 Ecb
Final cost $2 for all 3!!!!!

Allegra Allergy 24-hr 30 ct or Allegra-D 12-hr 20 ct $17.99
Use the $2 off Allegra products, 30, 45, or 90 ct coupon (7/31 SS
Use the $4 off Allegra 30-45 ct, or Allegra-D coupon (8/7 SS) or found here
Use the $5 off Allegra 30-45 ct or Allegra-D 12 hr 20 ct or 24 hr 10 ct coupon found here
Final cost varies

For more CVS Deals this week, check out Hip2Save

CVS Coupon Policy

Free Crest Samples!!

Click the here to get yours before they are all gone!

Walgreens Estroven Moneymaker 8/28/2011

                      

Starting  8/28/2011 at Walgreens:

Estroven Dietary Supplement 28ct - $10

Use $3/1 Estroven Printable Coupon
You pay: $7
You get: $10RR
Final Price: FREE + $3 Moneymaker!!!!

Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kits @ Walgreens $0.37

Look for $1.50/2 Johnson & Johnson products at Walgreens in a red case on the shelf where the Johnson & Johnson bandages are sold. if you already used the one from 7/31 RP or the printable that is no longer available.

Walgreens Sale

Johnson & Johnson 12 piece First Aid Kit Buy 1 Get 1 50%
1st one $1.49
2nd one $0.75
Use $1.50/2 J&J products
Final price $0.37 ea. wyb 2

Totino's Pizza @ Meijer for $.50

I have not tried this yet, but I think this should work

Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza 9.8-10.9oz  4/$5
Use $1/4 Meijer Mealbox Coupon
AND $1/4 Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza Smart Source Printable
Pay $3 OOP ($0.75 each wyb 4)
Additionally, you will get a $1 off your next shopping order catalina for purchasing 4 Totino's Party Pizzas so it is like getting them for $0.50 each wyb 4)

Meijer Matchup August 21-27, 2011

Thank you to Bargains to Bounty for providing highlights of the best Meijer deals for this week! She does her matchups using the metro Detroit Meijer ad, where coupons are doubled up to $0.50.

$1.00 Aunt Jemima Breakfast Entrees 5.2-6.8 oz
-$1.00/1 Aunt Jemima printable coupon (Facebook)
FREE after coupon

$1.00 Chobani Greek Yogurt, 6 oz
-$0.30/1 Chobani printable coupon (when you register)
$0.40 after coupon

$1.00 Krusteaz Muffin Mix 17-20 oz, Cookie Mix 17.5-18 oz, Bars 19.35 oz or Crumb Cake 21 oz
-$1.00/2 Krusteaz printable coupon (when you register)
$0.50 each when you buy 2 with coupon

$1.00 Hunt’s Ketchup, 24 oz
-$0.25/1 Hunt’s printable coupon
$0.50 after coupon

$1.00 Totino’s Pizza Rolls 15 ct frozen *Box Tops Bonus*
-$0.40/2 Totino’s coupon (from 8-7 GM or printable)
$0.60 each when you buy 2 with coupon

Visit Bargains to Bounty for the rest of the deals.

Kroger Coupon Policy for Southeast Michigan

I live in Southeast Michigan and when I contacted Kroger about their coupon policy, I was sent this email for my "region". I don't know how large this region is, so always make sure you ask your local Kroger.

Thank you for contacting Kroger regarding our Coupon Policy. Our coupon policy varies by division. The policy for stores in your area is as follows. Please note that this policy is our most current and it is subject to change without notice. For further clarification of this policy, please speak directly to store management.

The store manager has the right to accept, decline or limit the quantity of coupons or items used or purchased in a single transaction, by a single customer, or in a single day.


Double Coupons: 
* Manufacturer coupons of $0.50 or less will be "doubled". 
* Manufacturer coupons over $0.51 will be redeemed at face value. 
> This does not apply to "free," Kroger, Retail Food Store coupons, electronic coupons on the Kroger Plus card, or items prohibited by law. 

Pharmacy Coupons: 
* Competitor pharmacy coupons are not accepted. 
* LCM or Competitor Coupons may not be used in conjunction with our $4 Generic Program 

General Coupon Policy: 
* Limit one (1) manufacturer coupon per item purchased. 
* Limit one (1) store coupon per item purchased. 
* One (1) manufacturer and one (1) store coupon can be used on the same item. 
* A second or third coupon cannot be used on an item that is part of another coupon offer. 
o Example: Coupon states: Buy 2 cereals and get a gallon of milk free. A customer cannot use another coupon on the cereal or the milk. 
* Coupons cannot be used on "free" items. 
* Expired coupons are not accepted. 
* Amount refunded cannot exceed the cost of the item. 

PRINT-AT-HOME (PAH) COUPONS: 
* We only accept printable coupons if they scan properly at checkout. 
* We do not accept "free product" printable coupons that have no purchase requirement. 
* Buy-one-get-one-free coupons and other values that have a purchase requirement are acceptable but will be much less common than traditional value-off coupons. 
* We do not accept coupons for more than about 75% of a product's value without advance notice. 
* Legitimate PAH coupons will not be for a high value relative to the cost of the item. For example, a $2.00 off coupon will be acceptable for a product that normally sells for $5.00 or more, but a $2.00 off printable coupon for a product that sells for $2.25 is unlikely to be legitimate. 
* Coupons will be rejected if they appear out of proportion or blurry, or are obvious duplicates. 
* Legitimate PAH coupons are never copied, sold, or traded. Nearly all coupons are "non-transferable," meaning they should not be photocopied or scanned and distributed to others. 
* Coupons will be rejected if they appear to have been altered in any way. 

PAH coupons can be checked for validity at: http://www.printcoupons.com

ONLINE COUPONS versus PAPER COUPONS:
* The online coupon will always take priority over the paper coupon. Stacking is not allowed.
* There is a limit of one electronic or paper manufacturer coupon per item.
* Digital coupon and manufacturer paper coupons may not be combined on the purchase of a single item.
* If a Customer has loaded an electronic coupon to their loyalty card, then the electronic coupon will apply before the manufacturer paper coupon.
* A digital coupon cannot be removed from a transaction once redeemed
* If the electronic coupon and manufacturer paper coupons are applicable to the same item, the system will give the discount based on the Electronic Coupon.

For any additional questions please contact a member of management. I hope this information is helpful to you. Please let me know if I can assist you further.  

Sincerely,

The Kroger Co.
Customer Service

Walgreens Store Guide

• Walgreens Coupon Policy.
• Walgreens does not double coupons
• You may stack one manufacturer coupon and ALL Walgreen store coupons that apply. The official policy says: "When purchasing a single item, Walgreens accepts one manufacturer coupon and applicable Walgreens coupon(s) for the purchase of a single item, unless prohibited by either coupon offer."
• You may not have more manufacturer coupons than items.
• Register Rewards
• RR print from a Catalina machine at the register after you complete your transaction that includes a participating item. Most RR are published in the weekly ad although some are only posted in the store. 
• RR can be used on your next transaction at Walgreens.
• RR count as manufacturer coupons in the item to manufacturer coupon ratio. For example, if you purchase 4 products and have 1 manufacturer coupon for each of those items and would like to use a RR from a previous transaction, you will need to add a "filler item". A filler item is an inexpensive item you add to your transaction in order to balance your item to manufacturer coupon ratio. If you had 4 items but only 3 manufacturer coupons, you could use your RR without adding a filler item. 
• If you purchase 2 identical RR qualifying items in one transaction, only 1 will result in a RR being printed. If you want to purchase more than one of a particular item, purchase them in separate transactions so you can get a RR from each one. You can purchase different items that qualify for a RR in one transaction as long as they are not the same item.
• If you use a RR received from buying an item to purchase another identical item, you will NOT get another RR. You may use a RR to purchase a different RR qualifying item to receive another RR.
• Walgreens Store Coupons
• In Ad Coupons
• Look in the weekly ad for coupons for items
• Instant Value Coupons (IVC) are coupons found in a booklet located near the weekly ad in the store. This is a monthly booklet and the coupons are good for that month. 
• Walgreens store coupons do not count toward your coupon to item ratio.  You can use as many Walgreens store coupons in a transaction as you would like.
• When using manufacturer coupons and Walgreens store coupons, give the cashier all your manufacturer coupons first and then use your store coupons.  This will allow the coupons to give you overages off the rest of your purchase. 
• If you would like to purchase a large quantity of a sale item, you can order up to 99 of an individual item in advance. Be prepared to prepay and have all coupons needed on hand when making the order.
• If you are going to make several transactions in one visit, it works well to go to the cashier at the Cosmetics counter.  They are usually not as busy and can take the time to do the multiple transactions and process all your coupons.
• If a particular item you want is out of stock, you can request a rain check for the sale price. Rain checks do not include RR for an item. 
• B1G1 - If there is a B1G1 sale, you can:
• use up to two "cents off" coupons
• use a B1G1 coupon to get both items for free!
• You can use coupons on clearance items.

Meijer Matchup August 14-20, 2011

Thank you to Bargains to Bounty for providing highlights of the best Meijer deals for this week! She does her matchups using the metro Detroit Meijer ad, where coupons are doubled up to $0.50.

$0.99 Barilla Piccolini Pasta, 16 oz
-$0.55/1 Piccolini coupon (from 6-26 SS)
$0.44 after coupon

$1.00 Kleenex Facial Tissue Flats 120 ct ultra soft, 174 ct colors, 184 ct basic or Cubes 75 ct ultra soft, 68 ct antiviral, 84 ct expressions or 90 ct basic
-$0.50/2 Ultra Soft/Antiviral coupon (from 8-14 SS) or 1 $0.50/3 Kleenex coupon (from 8-14 SS)
Final Price: $0.50 or $0.67 each 

$1.50 SuperPretzel Soft Pretzels, 9-13 oz (1/2 price – may vary by location)
-$0.50/1 SuperPretzel coupon (from 8-14 RP)
Final Price: $0.50 after coupon

$4.99 Air Wick Freshmatic Compact-Odor Detect Kit

-$4.00/1 Air Wick Freshmatic Kit (from 7-10 SS)
$0.99 after coupon

$0.99 Nivea Moisture Lip Care, select varieties (through Sept 4)

-$3.00/2 Nivea coupon (from 7-31 RP)
FREE when you buy 2 with coupon (coupon will adjust down to item price)

Visit Bargains to Bounty for the rest of the deals.