I had a booth at a bazaar...

and met some really nice women. While I was there, I called my friend (you know who you are!) to talk about some of the deals I've been able to get up here using coupons. This particular bazaar was pretty slow, so I had free time...

Anyway, it turns out one of the ladies in the booth next to mine was a "couponer" at her previous base, was eavesdropping (she couldn't help it, our booths were right next to each other) and was impressed with some of the finds I've made up here. So, for quite a while we were talking coupons and deals and rebates, etc. Now, I will say, it's not my own genius that leads me to these deals. I frequent a website (www.hotcouponworld.com) that gives you the lowdown on these deals, store by store. However, it's a crap shoot as to whether or not I'll find something similar up here.

Also, when shopping, remember to ALWAYS look at the unit price. If your store's tags don't have unit price on them, go shopping with a small calculator handy. While there are times that buying large is more economical, I have found that a lot of times the smaller package of a product will be a better buy, especially after coupons. For example, I've been getting 10 count packages of BandAids for $0.33 after the coupon. That's (easy math) $0.033 per bandaid. The larger packages of various character bandaids are $1.14 after the coupon for 25 bandaids. That breaks down to $0.0456 per bandaid. So, always keep an eye on the unit price! Also, pay attention to sale prices or closeout prices. My Wal-Mart, for whatever reason, has the 36 count packages of Kotex tampons marked down to $3.89. The 18 count packages of the SAME thing are priced at $3.64 or something like that. So, duh, it's a fantastic deal after the coupon. Needless to say, when I went the other day to use up more coupons, the shelves were practically bare!

Anyway, some of the latest deals I've been able to get (I will list price AFTER coupon):

12 packs of disposable razors- $0.22
16 count Huggies travel wipes- FREE or $0.08, depending on which type of wipe
Rolaids- FREE after a coupon that gives UP TO $4.00 off on 2 products
Cheese Ritz Bits (the small travel size)- FREE, after coupon
Tucks Wipes 12 count, individually wrapped- $0.84 (definately handy with kids around, since it's basically just a wipe soaked in Witch Hazel, which is great for scrapes and bruises!)
"Go, Diego, Go!" Bandaids, 10 count- $0.33
Kotex 36 count tampons- $3.24
Johnson & Johnson Buddies Soap- $0.12
Dove trial size deodorant- $0.33
Ester C supplement 1000 mg, 60 ct- $4.12 (after $5.00 coupon! great for cold season)
Kotex liners 14 count- $0.37
Crest Kids toothpaste & Oral B kids toothbrushes- $1.17 each (have to buy 2 of each, it's Buy 1, Get 1 coupons)

Anyway, I know, I'm probably sounding like a freak, but I really enjoy seeing what kinds of good deals I can get. It's addicting... My latest trip to Wal-Mart, I only bought items for which I had coupons. My total before coupons was $114.58. After coupons, I paid $42.34. I've seen some people, mostly those who live in the Lower 48 and have CVS, Walgreen's, and tons of grocery stores, do much better than that. But, for Alaska, I'm happy with saving over 60% on things that I'd be using anyway!

Well...

There has been a lot of shopping going on...

First, our local Fred Meyer had a great deal on clearance clothes a few weeks ago... an additional 60% off. The next weekend, it was an additional 70% off, but they were pretty picked through by the time I got there, so I didn't find much. I picked up some goodies for my new niece, Cabrini.

Our local BX just opened a new facility, where everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is in one building. So, they had a great sale at the old store on Feb 28th. It was a "we're not moving it" sale and everything was on clearance. I picked up some Levi's for Bob at 60% off. Levi's for $13.50 a pair? Yeah, I bought them.

They're having a FINAL sale this coming Saturday. Everything will be 75-90% off. I'm hitting that sale, too. What better time to stock up on things we need and/or want?

With the sale prices plus my obsessive couponing, I've gotten lots of free & dirt cheap stuff the last two Saturdays (this past Saturday was the employee only shopping). When I was there a few days ago, they still had LOTS & LOTS of Gerber items and baby/kids clothing, so when it's on sale this coming weekend, I'm getting a lot more. Look out for some fun boxes, Cabrini (and Mommy & Daddy). With some Gerber coupons I have, it'll be the best deal in the universe. :) I'm exaggerating, but, really, it'll be great!

While I was out shopping on the 28th (I think), I had Audrey & Olin with me. I was looking at the baby stuff at Fred Meyer and Audrey came up with this adorable outfit. While it wasn't on clearance, it was on sale, so I bought it... I bought it because Audrey brought it to me and said, "Look at dis, Mommy. I wanna git it for A-Beanie." Well, for Cabrini, but she can't say her name. So, it's A-Beanie. I'm going to get it on video, or at least audio, soon. It's so cute! I had to get it, since she picked it out on her own for her cousin... Here's the outfit, it's 2 onesies and a pair of pants:

"Made you Smile"

"Love Me"

In other news, we had a lot of snow this past week. From Thursday to Friday, we set a 20 year record for the amount of snowfall in a 24-hour period. I ended up getting stuck in my parent's driveway. I felt like a fool... I know better than that, but I didn't on Friday.

All that snow makes me wonder... What's all this talk about Global Warming? In my humble opinion, it's a load of bull, if you ask me...