Exploring Minnesota: Northfield

Today we headed down to Northfield to check out the Riverwalk and Farmer's Market. The Market was disappointing, with very little produce, mostly art and prepared foods (we did get some honey sticks and refrigerator pickles though). The River walk was pretty, but short, only about 2 blocks total. Beautiful views but not really what we were expecting. We wandered the entire downtown, stopped in a half dozen stores, did the river walk, farmer's market and stopped for lunch at the Quarterback Club (decent burgers, excellent shakes) all in about 2 1/2 hours....a fun little half day adventure (about all the boys can handle) and another activity checked off our Explore Minnesota list.

Exploring Minnesota: Minnehaha Falls

We have decided to take mini adventures as a family, and explore this wonderful state we call home. There are many hidden treasures right here in the Twin Cities, as well as further away from home - and we plan to explore many as a family!

Our first adventure was to Minnehaha Falls, hidden away in Minneapolis, this huge park features walking trails, historic buildings and a beautiful water fall. We made our way down to the base of the falls, where Mike and Adam were rebels and climbed up as close as they could for some photos! We let Adam hop in and dip his toes in the river, went for a walk along the river and took a dip in the Minnehaha Wading Pool where we all climbed in to cool off! We ended our day with a stop at Jamba Juice for smoothies before heading home exhausted!

Target Trip - 7/16/12

Another successful trip at Target today! Pleased to have gotten some office supplies, cleaning products, first aid and soap for super cheap! Here's the breakdown:

Soft Scrub Cleaner: Sale $2.50 - used $1/1 MQ - Total: $1.50

Comet Spray Bathroom Cleaner: $1.87 - used .75/1 MQ - Total: $1.12

Comet Stainless Steel Powder Cleaner: $1.99 - used $1/1 MQ & $1/1 TQ - Total: Free

Bounce Dryer Sheets: $1.99 - used .50/1 MQ & .50/1 TQ - Total: .99

Up & Up Peroxide (large): .89 - used .75/1 TQ - Total: .12

Up & Up Soap x2: .89 each - used 2x .50/1 TQ (one from target.com and one register coupon) - total .39 each (.78) 

Up&Up Cotton Balls: .99 - used .50/1 TQ - Total: .49

Up&Up Paper Clips: $1.24 - used .75/1 TQ - Total: .49

Up&Up Sticky Notes 4 pack: $1.94 - used .50/1 TQ - Total: 1.44

Up&Up 20 ct pens: Sale $1 - used .50/1 TQ - Total: .50

Total Pre-Coupons: $16.19 

Total After Coupons: $7.44 

Total of 69% Savings 

My coupons come from 1 Sunday Paper, register coupons, Facebook offers and online coupons sources like target.com and coupons.com. 

Target: July 2

 As always, the majority of my coupons come from online sources (like target.com, walmart.com, coupons.com etc.) and from my 1 Sunday paper. Today I also had a bunch of coupons that printed out at the register at Target in previous trips. I was excited to get a few things we need (bandaids, dryer sheets and lactaid) today for really good prices and to add to my stock pile! 

Here's how I achieved 72% savings today - a final total of $9.98 out of pocket

Lysol Dual Action Wipes: $2.29 (Qualifies for Try Me Free Rebate) Total: Free

Up&Up Dryer Sheets (105): $3.99
Up&Up Bleach: $1.39
I used $1.50/2 TQ: Package Total: $3.88

Starbucks Refresher: $1.79 used .75/1 MQ and .75/1 TQ Total: .49

Revlon Nail Polish: $4.54 used $3/1 TQ and $1/1 MQ Total: .54

Sonia Kashuk Mascara Brush: $1.99 used $2/1 TQ Total: Free

Revlon Nail File: $2.89
Revlon Cuticle Trimmer: $2.99
Used $3/2 TQ and 2x $1/1 MQ
Package Total: .88 

Comet Stainless Steel Cleaner: $1.99 used $1/1 TQ and $1/1 MQ Total: Free

Up&Up Dairy Digestive Aid: $2.44 Used $1/1 TQ total $1.44 (I've been stocking up on this, since I use it all the time, that's why you see it so often in my pictures. Not everyone will benefit from this item)

BandAids: $1.99
2x Johnson&Johnson Gauze: $1.49 ea
First aid bag: $4.69
Used .50/1 Bandaid MQ and $1.50/2 J&J products and got the first aid bag free by buying 3 select products
Package total: $2.97

Total Pre-Coupons: 35.69
Total Paid: $12.27
(Submit for Rebate)
Actual Total: 9.98
A total of 72% Savings

**A few notes: Target's coupon policy states that they can adjust the price of a coupon down so that it does not exceed the value of the item. They do this mostly with Target coupons, but sometimes with manufacturer coupons. Always give them the Target coupons first, for the best chance at overage (even a penny here and there makes a difference). Deals like the free first aid pouch require a certain $ amount to be spent on the qualifying products - this is before coupons, so make sure you get the deal before handing over your coupons! There is a limit of 4 identical products per household per day, so stock up slowly. They also do not accept internet coupons for free items that have no purchase requirements.

Feel free to ask questions!

I didn't get a picture of this one, but I also tried Walgreens this week (and got really frustrated with their policies).

2x Olay Body Wash: $4.99 each (on sale 2/$7) used $3/2 MQ total: $4 ($2/each)
2x Gillette Body Wash: $4.99 each (on sale, BOGO50%) Total: $7.49 Used $3/2 MQ Total: $4.49 ($2.24/each)
Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent: $8.99 (on sale $5.99) used $2/1 MQ Total: $3.99
Crest Toothpaste: $1.99 (on sale .99) used .50/1 MQ total: .49

Total Pre-Coupons: $30.94
Total Paid: $12.97
A total of 58% savings (not great, but decent considering the brand names purchased)

Target Trip: May 30

My printer has been out of ink for a little while, so I haven't been able to get my couponing fix! But, I got ink, and had some coupons that were expiring, so I headed over to Target for a small trip - but still managed 73% savings!

Here's the breakdown:

Up &Up baby lotion (15oz): 1.52 -$1 TC Total: .52
Similac Liquid Formula (to donate): $6.39 -$5 MQ Total: $1.39
Scrubbing Bubbles Color Power Bathroom Cleaner: $4.29 - $1 TC - $2 MQ Total: $1.29
Up & Up Soap: .99 -.50 TC Total: .49
Clear 7 Day Starter System (2 shampoos and 1 conditioner) $3.99 -$2 TQ Total: $1.99*
Up & Up Dairy Digestive Aid: $2.44 -.75 TC Total: $1.69
Dr Schols Heel Liners $4.64 -$2 TC -$3 MQ Total: +.36**

Pre-Coupon Total: 24.81
Out of Pocket: $6.67
73% Savings

*This pack comes with a TQ for $2 off any Clear product, so I plan on going back to get another one. I got the TQ after picking one of these sets up earlier this week with a MQ.
**Moneymakers are not always possible at target, oftentimes the value of the coupon is reduced down to the price of the item. Per the manager at my local Target, it depends on how the coupon is coded as well as how observant the cashier is. I always give my store coupons first, followed by MQ's to increase my chances of moneymakers. Target's coupon policy says they have the right to reduce the value of a coupon - but they don't have to.

Target Trip: 5/14/12

I actually ended up at Target twice today, I don't want to get into the whole thing, but I'll post what I shared on Facebook. The end result was a very sincere apology from someone in Customer Service and a gift card that's being mailed to me. Here's the story:  

"This morning, I went to the Burnsville Target. After spending more than an hour shopping, I finally made it to the check out, cranky baby in tow. The cashier rang up all of my items, and I handed over my coupons. They were immediately handed back to me and the cashier said "I am sick of the coupon games, I have the right to refuse to accept any for any reason, and I refuse yours." I asked to speak to a mananger, and he called for one. While waiting he said "You need to get off welfare, get a real job and buy real food for your kids." When the manager came over, I tried explaining not only that the cashier would not accept any of my coupons, but that also what he said to me. She told me that her staff would never talk to someone like that, and that he was right and he did have the right not to accept my coupons. He then said, in front of the manager, that he did not feel comfortable serving me in any way and asked that I leave the store immediately. The manager said "that seems like a good idea, you should go." So I did. Since, I have tried calling the store and was unable to get a manager on the phone, and have sent in using your online form, which would not accept my full story due to 'language'. So I am resorting to posting here. I sincerely hope Target does not encourage their staff to treat customers in this way."

So, after that trip, I ended up having to go back a second time. It was much faster, since I knew exactly what I wanted. I had 74% savings today and built up our stockpile a bit, plus got a few things we actually need!

Today's Haul: $41.52 worth of product for $11! 

Here's the breakdown:

2x Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner: Total for both: $7.99 On Sale, $3.50/1, $2.99/1 Used Target coupon for $1/2 and a MQ for $2/2 TOTAL: $3.40 for both
Ella's organics baby food pouch: $1.99, On Sale: $1.34 used MQ $1/1 TOTAL: .34
Welch's Fizz 4 pack: On Sale: $2.50 Used $1/1 Target coupon and $1/1 MQ TOTAL: .50
Mission Brand tortillas 20 count $2.99, On Sale $1, Used $1/1 Target Coupon TOTAL: $1
Banana Boat Sport sunscreen (travel size): .99, used $1/1 Target coupon TOTAL: FREE
Coppertone Baby sunscreen (travel size): .99, used $1/1 Target coupon TOTAL: FREEGillette Fusion shave gel: $3.99, Used MQ $2/1 Gillete Shave product Total: $1.99
Aquafresh extreme clean toothpaste: $4.29, on sale $3, Used $1.50/1 Target coupon and $1/1 MQ TOTAL: .50
Nailpolish Remover: .99, used .50/1 Target coupon TOTAL: .49
Eyelash Brush: $1.99, used $2/1 Target coupon Total: FREE 
Ibuprofen 24 ct: .99 used $1/1 Up&Up Pain Med coupon TOTAL: FREE
Always Pantiliners (20 count): .94 used $1/1 Always 20ct+ MQ TOTAL: +.06
Lactaid: $2.44 used .75/1 Up&Up Digestive product TOTAL: $1.69
Nail Clipper: $1.97 used $2/1 Revlon Tool Target Coupon TOTAL: FREE
Revlon Mascara: $6.99, On Sale $4.74 Used $2/Any Revlon w/ purchase of a tool Target Coupon and $3/1 Revlon MQ TOTAL: +.26


Pre-Coupon/Sale Total: $41.52
Out of Pocket Total: $11.15


I was most excited about the deal on the Shave Gel, Mike is almost out and on the "lactaid' because I go through a lot of it in the summer with all the cold ice cream treats available. I was also happy to have gotten a couple of food stuffs this week as well. And of course, stocking up on some of these other products is wonderful when the prices are this good! 


*Note 1: I get 1 copy of the Sunday paper. I'm not 'extreme' in that I buy 40 of something when it's free, usually it's just one or two depending on the sale, and how the coupons match up. Most of my coupons are printed from online resources like coupons.com and target.com. I do get random things in the mail, watch for coupons included with products and steal them from my mom on occasion, if the deals are really good. 
**Note 2: I'm bad at math, so if my adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing is off - forgive me, the out of pocket cost is straight off the receipt, and that's the important part
***Note 3: I am not sure that it was OK for me to use all three of the Revlon coupons, but I decided I could because they were on different items and stacked in a way where it made sense. I used a target coupon on the tool, and both a target coupon and MQ on the mascara - but since the tool was actually free, I'm not sure that was OK, but the cashier agreed that it seemed like it should be, so we went with it. 


MQ= Manufacturer coupon

Couponing at Target 5/7/11

**I've been couponing a bit lately, and have been sharing my experiences in hopes that someone can learn from my experiences! Keep in mind, not everyone will have the same coupons and sales and clearance can vary by location**

Today I got a large bottle of shower gel, glade air freshener, gerber puffs, Pantene shampoo and conditioner, 2x charmin fresh mates wipes, baby powder, Pampers travel wipes, 2x travel sun screen and some pantiliners. Here's what I did:

Charmin Freshmates: Regular 2.99, on sale for $1.99/each had 2x $1 off coupons - paid .99/each.

Pampers Wipes (travel size): Regular $1.19 used .75/1 manufacturer coupon and .50/1 target coupon - total: +.06

Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen: Regular .99 used target printable for $1/1: Total +.01

Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen: Regular .99 used target printable for $1/1: Total +.01

Glade Air Freshener: Regular .99 used target coupon for $1/1: Total: FREE

Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner: Regular 3.79 each, Used BOGOFree Manufacturer coupon, $2/1 Target coupon and $1/1 manufacturer coupon Total: $.79 for both

Gerber Puffs: Regular: $2.49, On sale $1.69 Paid $1.69 (but the canister has a try me free sticker to submit for a rebate, which makes them FREE)

Carefree Pantiliners: Regular .99 Used .50/1 manufacturer coupon Total: .49

Johnson&Johnson Baby Powder: Regular $3.99, Price Cut to $2.44 Used $1/1 Baby Powder and .50/1 any J&J Target coupon Total: .94

Olay Body Wash (with free bar of soap): Regular 5.99 (plus cost of soap) Clearance: $3.98 used $2/1 Olay product Target coupon and $1/1 Olay Body was manufacturer coupon: Total: .98

Total Pre Tax, Sale and Discounts: $31.18
Total After Coupons (no tax): $6.79
Total After Tax: 7.99
Plus, I'll be getting a rebate of $1.69 which makes my grand total (including tax) for all of this: $6.30