StudentSavingBucks 8 Month Blogiversary + Giveaway [4 Winners]

 ~~~~Its Student Saving Buck's 8-Month Blogiversary!~~~~

What a great 8 months these have been :) In 8 months I've received 115,397+ page hits, 865+ Google Friend Connect Followers, 440+ Facebook Fans and 717+ Twitter Followers. I am very thankful for my growing number of readers :) I love all your comments and emails!

As you guys know, I hosted a giveaway for a $100 Target Gift Card during my 6th Blogiversary! Thanks for entering, all of you. I can't believe it got over 600+ entries. This past month was great as I started posting some "Cooking With Ai Mei" posts and started my "Blogger Spotlight". Also, with this time I have off from School I'll be able to post more personal posts :)

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GIVEAWAY: 

So, being the kind sharing person I am, I am giving away (1) gift card to (4) lucky winners! Enter below! :) Good Luck! NOTE: This giveaway is sponsored by myself for my readers :) 

Leave a comment telling me your top 3 gift cards, that way if and when your comment is picked by random.org you'll get one of your top choices. The Whole Foods Market gift card has a lot of wear and tear, I've had it for a while but never used it. Its only cosmetic, the card will work fine when you receive it.

One (1) Winner will receive:

★This month I'll be awarding several of my readers gift cards to various stores. (4) Winners will receive (1) Gift Card. The gift cards include:

★$20 Target Gift Card,
★$15 Ralphs Gift Card, 
★$15 Starbucks Gift Card,  
★$10 Whole Foods Market Gift Card 

(Winners Announced Here)

To Enter:

★(Mandatory) - Leave a comment telling me your top choice of gift cards, #1 (top choice) - #4 (last choice).


Optional Entries:

★(1 Entry) - Follow My Blog (Google Friend Connect)

★(1 Entry) - Subscribe To My Feed

★(1 Entry) - "Like" StudentSavingBucks On Facebook.

★(1 Entry) - Follow @SSBucks On Twitter.

★(2 Entries) - Add My Button On Your Blog or Blog Roll.

★(2 Entries) - Write A Review On Alexa.com (click review tab)

★(1 Entry)  - Share on Facebook or Tweet the Following: I entered to win 1 of 4 Gift Cards from @SSBucks from Starbucks, Ralphs, WholeFoods and Target #GIVEAWAY! ENDS- 1/31 http://fb.me/CsdSgn7q

Leave a comment for each of the things you did for extra entries. Leave your usernames and a link for tweets or blog posts, if applicable. Available to U.S. residents only. GOOD LUCK. Giveaway will end January 31st, 2011 and the winners will be chosen then.

NOTE: Make sure you read the full Giveaway Rules before entering. If you'd like, leave what state you reside in alongside your name. I will no longer be posting giveaway winner's emails for your privacy.

Review - George Foreman Evolve Grill

I got the chance to review the George Foreman Evolve Grill about a month ago and was ecstatic to put it to use! When I received it I was still in school and was worried about what I was consuming. I'm not on any diet and eat what I wish because I'm so picky. Being in school and coming home late made things much worse, but putting the Evolve grill in the picture made things better! :)

I received the George Foreman Evolve Grill with a a few (of many) plates and a spatula and a drip tray. The plates I received was the crosshatch plate, deep dish plate and mini sliders plate set. The grill itself looks very attractive and features a digital time and thermometer control. This massive grill has 84 sq. in. of cooking surface.

The day we received the grill we immediately prepared some meat for burgers. The grill heats up very quickly and I like that when the time runs out on the digital screen, it does not turn off, that wold be a hassle. To cook the burgers we used the cross hatch plates and placed the drip tray right below the grill. As we turned a knob on the back to tilt the grill down, the fat from the burgers was constantly dripping into the drip tray. It was disgusting and amazing to see so much fat was in that trap, which is actually quite deep. The burgers cooked through well in about 4-5 minutes.

The plates are very versatile, as I can make eggs, bacon, casseroles, and even bake things like brownies in the deep dish plate and with the cross hatch plates cook bacon, grill chicken, grill all kinds of veggies, fruits, etc. Coming home from school the Evolve grill allowed me the option of cooking something quick, healthy and easy like grilled chicken with some veggies or even a quick grilled sandwich. For that reason alone the evolve has been a great addition to my life.

As I previously mentioned, the Evolve grill has a cooking surface of 84 sq. in., all non-stick and is extremely easy to clean; I find that a dish towel with some warm water will quickly clean the plates without having to remove them or put them in a dishwasher between major cleanings. Some cons I find with the Evolve grill is the cooking surface, I have a big family and more cooking surface would always be great. Also, I dislike that the drip pan doesn't somehow attach to the grill, as we cook the grill tends to move the drip pan making a little mess on the counter.

Overall, the grill has been a great addition to the family. The ease of cooking healthier foods in a short amount of time and not much effort has been great. It is very user-friendly and even my little 8 y/ brother grills his chicken nuggets here and there. The George Foreman Evolve Grill sells on their website for $129.99, but also sells at store like Target, Kohls and Amazon.com. You can connect with George Foreman on Facebook and Twitter for news on current and new products.

Disclaimer: I was NOT paid for this post, however I did receive the product in question, from the company or their representing  PR company,  free of charge in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own and I have provided a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation for my review nor was I under any obligation to give a positive review.

Barnes & Noble - Lots Of Great Kids Book As Low As $0.99

 

Barnes & Noble - After Holiday Sale has thousands of book 50% Off. I was browsing and found a whole bunch of kids books for $0.99. These are great for my little sister who will be starting school in 2011. She learning and these cheap books would be great for her! :)

Lots of kids books like Diego, Barbie, Care Bears, Curious George, Batman, etc for only $0.99. Shipping is free with a minimum $25 order. See below for an extra 8% cash-back.

Use Ebates to earn an extra 8% off. Ebates is a cashback service, and if you don't have an account, sign up and receive a $5 sign up bonus to get more money back. To see my post about Ebates, click here. Or click here to sign up for Ebates and receive $5 sign up bonus.

Target Ad for 1/2 - 1/8

Here is a partial list of deals for the Target Weekly Ad of January 2, 2011 I don't list the whole ad, just Grocery, Pets, Beauty and Household. Mainly, only things that can be matched with coupons. Remember, Ads may vary, I'm located in the Los Angeles Area in Southern California.

New to couponing at Target? Check out the Target 101 starter post for info and policies. 

If you ever need extra coupons or didn't get regional coupons, try CouponClippers.com.

Groceries:

Fresh Blueberries (1pt.) $3

California Cuties Clementines, Bag (5lb.) $5
$0.55/1; $1/1 Cuties 5 lb box 12/5 SS
Dole Classic Romaine Bagged Salad (9oz.) 2 for $4

Market Pantry Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Bag (2.5lb.) $6

Foster Farms Fresh Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Family Pack  $3.00/lb.

$3/2 Foster Farms Frozen Chicken Items Target Q

Sutton & Dodge Petite Sirloin Steak Steakhouse Quality USDA Choice Angus Beef  $5.00/lb.  

$1/1 Sutton & Dodge Steakhouse-Quality Choice Angus Beef Item Target Q

Morningstar Farms Meatless Products (5.25 - 12oz.) $3

Weight Watchers Smart Ones 5 for $9 
$5/12 Weight Watchers Smart Ones (printable)
$4/10 Any Smart Ones Products (printable)
$1/4 Any Smart Ones Products (pintable)
$1/5 Any Smart Ones Products (printable)
$3/10 Weight Watchers Smart Ones Products (printable)

Market Pantry Sandwich or Round-Top Bread $1

Archer Farms or Oroweat 100% Whole Wheat Bread (24oz.) 2 for $5

$1/2 Archer Farms Simply Balanced Items Target Q

Kraft Cheese Blocks or Shredded (6 - 8oz.) $2

$0.75/1 Kraft Shredded or Block cheese 6-oz. or larger Target Q
$1/1 Kraft Touch of Philadelphia Cheese (printable)
$1/2 Kraft or Cracker Barrel Natural Cheese (Shredded or Chunk) (printable)

Campbell's Select Harvest Soup Cans or Microwavable Bowls 4 for $5
$0/50/2 Campbell’s Chunky or Select Harvest Healthy Request soups 1/2 SS
$0.50/3 Campbell’s Select Harvest can or bowl varieties 1/2 SS
$1/2 Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup, Cans or Microwaveable Bowl (printable)

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (5.5 - 7.3oz.) 10 for $10

President Fete Cheese Crumbles (6oz.) $4

Fage or Chobani Greek Yogurt Cups 5 for $6
$0.30/1 Chobani Greek 6 oz Cups (printable)

Oscar Mayer Lunchables (4.15 - 2.5oz.) $1

$1/2 Oscar Mayer Lunchables Target Q

Goldfish (6.6oz.) 4 for $7 

SunChips (10.5oz.) 2 for $6

Orbit Gum (3pk.) 2 for $4

Reese's Miniatures (12oz.) 2 for $5

$1/1 Hershey’s Reese’s Miniatures 12 or 19.75 oz. Target Q

Junior Mints (4oz.) $1

Archer Farms Monster Trail Mix (16oz.) 2 for $6

FREE Frito-Lay Baked Chips wyb (10) SoBe Beverages: 
•SoBe Lifewater and Lean Tea (20oz.) 10 for $10

Simply Juice (59oz.) $3 

Aquafina Water (16.9oz., 24pk.) $4

Pepsi Products; Cans (12pk) or Bottles (6pk.) 4 for $12*

$1/2 Pepsi 6-pk. Target Q

$1/2 Mountain Dew or Diet Mountain Dew 12pk., 12oz. Soda Target Q (if included)

Dunkin' Donuts (11 - 12oz.) or Folgers (27.8 - 33.9oz.) $7

$2/2 Dunkin Donuts Coffee 11oz or larger bags 12/12 RP

$1/2 Folgers coffee products 7oz or + Folgers Singles or Gourmet Selections K-Cup packs 12/5 RP

Beauty / Health:

Herbal Essences Shampoo or Conditioner (12oz.) 2 for $5

Buy 1 Aussie or Herbal Essence Product, get 1 Free (up to $3.23) 12/26 P&G

Herbal Essences Shampoo or Conditioner (20.3 - 23.7oz.) $5

Buy 1 Aussie or Herbal Essence Product, get 1 Free (up to $3.23) 12/26 P&G

Suave Shampoo and Conditioner (14.5oz., 2pk.); Kids; Detanglers (10.5oz.) $3

$1/1 Suave Hair Care Item ETS Target Q

Irish Spring Bars (12pk.), Olay Body Wash (23.6oz.) or Olay Bars (6pk.) $5 

$2/1 Olay Bodywash, Bar, In Shower Body Lotion, or Hand & Body Lotion 12/26 P&G

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Manual Razor $10

$4/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Manual or Power Razor 12/26 P&G

Crest (6.2oz.) or Colgate (6oz.) Twin Packs $4

$0.75/1 crest toothpaste (4.0 oz or larger) 12/26 P&G

$0.75/1 Colgate Total, Max White, Max Fresh or Sensitive Toothpaste 4 oz+ 1/2 SS
$0.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste 4 oz+ 1/2 SS

Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid Whitestrips (14ct.) $35

$5/1 Crest 3D White Professional Effects 12/26 P&G

L'Oreal Healthy Look or Excellence Hair Color $7
$2/1 L’Oreal Haircolor (excl Root Rescue) 1/2 RP
$2/1 L’Oreal Healthy Look Haircolor – 10/17 OR 10/24 RP

Jergens Lotion (21oz.) $5
$3/2 Jergens Moisturizer, any (4oz or larger) 12/5 SS

Q-Tips Cotton Swabs (650ct.) $4

$1/1 Q-Tips 285 ct+ Target Q

Playtex Tampons (36ct.) $6

FREE $5 Gift Card wyb (2) Select Items Below:

•Depend (18ct.) or Poise (42ct.) $12

$1.50/1 Depends 6-ct. Variety Pack Absorbency Item Target Q x1/29
$3/1; $2/1 Depend Underwear in Colors 6ct. 10/17 SS x1/9
$2/2 Depend Absorbent Products (printable)

Delsym Grape-Flavored Adult Liquid Cough Suppressant (5oz.) $10
$1/1 Delsym Product (printable)

Mucinex DM Maximum-Strength Tablets (14ct.) $10
$1/1 Mucinex, Children’s or Adult product  12/12 SS

Home:

FREE Charmin FreshMates Tub wyb Charmin Tissue Below:

•Charmin Double- (24pk.) or Mega-Roll Bath Tissue (12pk.) $12

$0.25/1 Charmin Product 12/26 P&G

Viva Giant-Roll Paper Towels (8pk.) $10
$0.50/2 Viva Paper Towels (printable)

Scott Extra Soft Double-Roll Bath Tissue (24pk.) $10

$2/1 Scott Bathroom Tissue Target Q * x1/8
$1/1 Any Scott Bath Tissue or Towels (printable)

Bounty Huge-Roll Paper Towels (6pk.) $13

$0.25/1 Bounty Towels or Napkins 12/26 P&G

All Detergent (98-load )  $11

Downy Fabric Softener (78 or 90-load) $6

$0.50/1 Downy Liquid Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets 12/26 P&G

Bounce 4-month Dryer Bar or Dryer Sheets (160 - 180ct.) $6

$0.50/1 Bounce Dryer Sheet 12/26 P&G
$1/1 Bounce Dryer Bar 12/26 P&G

Cascade Complete ActionPacs (16ct.), 2-in-1 (20ct), Gel or Powder (75oz.) $4

$0.25/1 Cascade Product 12/26 P&G

Dawn Liquid (48 or 38 oz.) $4

$0.25/1 Dawn 12/26 P&G

Palmolive Liquid Dish Soap (10oz.) $1

$0.25/1 Palmolive Dishwashing Liquid, (printable)

Clorox Bleach (82 or 96oz.) 3 for $5
Mr Clean, Windex Sprays or Wipes, or select Scrubbing Bubbles or Soft Scrub (40oz.) 2 for $5

$1.50/2 Windex or Pledge Multi Surface Cleaners Target Q x1/1/11
$0.75/1 Pledge Multi-Surface Product (printable)
$0.75/1 SoftScrub Cleanser (printable)

Glad Trash Bags: 13 Gallon (38-88ct.), 30 Gallon (28-30ct.), 33 Gallon (25ct.), 39 Gallon (18ct.) $7

$1/1 Glad Odor Shield Trash Bags with Febreze 20 ct+ Target Q x12/31
$1/1 Glad Trash Bags Target Q x12/31
$2/1 Glad Force Flex Trash Bags (printable)

Dixie Plates (45 - 105ct.) or PerfecTouch Cups (26ct.) 2 for $7

Solo Tableware 2 for $15

$1/2 Solo Disposable Tabletop Items Target Q
$0.75/1 Solo Cups Plates or Bowls Facebook Coupon (printable)

Babies:

Pampers and Huggies Diapers or Training Pants Big Packs $19 

$1/1 Huggies Diaper Pack Target Q x1/8
$3/1 Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers 12/5 SS x1/1
$2/1 Huggies Little Snugglers/Little Movers Diapers 12/5 SS x1/1
$3/1 Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers 60 ct+ Manuf. Q on Target Site (printable)

$1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Pants 12/26 P&G
$1.50/1 Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive, or Extra Protection Diapers 12/26 P&G

Pampers (420 - 504ct.) or Huggies (448 - 504ct.) Baby Wipe Refills $11 

$1/1 Huggies Wipes Target Q x1/8
$1/1 Huggies Wipes 180 ct+ 12/5 SS x1/1

Similac Advance (12.4oz.), Enfamil Premium (12.5oz.), Gerber Good Start Gentle Care (12oz.) $12

$3/1 Gerber Good Start formula 11/14 RP

$3/1 Similac Infant Formula, any (printable)

Earth's Best 2nd Foods Baby Food (4oz.) 10 for $7 
$1/7 Earth’s Best Jarred Organic Baby Food (printable)

Pets:
FREE $5 Gift Card wyb any 2 Friskies or Fresh Step items:
•Fresh Step Litter (25lb.) or Friskies (16lb.) $10

Purina Dog Chow (44.1lb.) $19

$2/1 Purina Dog Chow (printable)

Page will be updated as more coupons are found

Thanks to Kerry from TotallyTarget.com for having such a great Target Coupon page!

Zappos - Free Shipping & 365-Day Return Policy. Love It!

Have you ever ordered shoes online and had them at your front door the next? If you have, I'm sure you paid twice the amount the shoes cost in the first place. I have used Zappos to order shoes about 4 times now and every time I've had my shoes delivered next day.

The first two times I ordered from Zappos I needed to return them and get the same shoes half a size bigger. I called their Customer Service and they were honestly very nice and it felt more like I was talking to a friend than some CS rep. She let me know that there was a return slip, already pre-paid, with my shoes so I stuck the shoes back in the box they came from, put the return slip on and I received the shoes in the right size about 2 weeks later. This is because the return shipping isn't as fast as when they initially ship it to you. I didn't like the fact that when you return the shoes, they give you a refund and you practically have to re-order them. The only reason it took that amount of time was because I ordered the wrong size the first two time, the two after those my order cam just as fast, overnight or the day after that. Even with the long wait the first two purchases I adore Zappos.

I love to shop for DC Shoes, Vans, Converse and other shoes through their website. Their 2-day shipping is ALWAYS free and they have a 365-day refund policy. Zappos is known for selling shoes but they also sell beauty products, clothing accessories and more.

Disclaimer: This is a paid post for which I will be compensated. Please note: All opinions are my own and I have provided a fair and honest review. I was not under any obligation to give a positive review.

My 12/27 Target Shopping Round-Up (Saved 97%)

With all the great coupons that were up on the Target website, including many re-set, I headed to target on Tuesday :) I was hoping to find Christmas clearance but it looked like the shelves were wiped clean :( Signage was at 50% off. I was able to find the Mini Chicken Sandwiches and used the new $3/2 making them a mere $0.50 a box! The overage from the $2/1 Olay Bar is great, as it literally paid for my entire trip :) See my trip and coupons used below: 

Transaction #1:

Bought (4) Olay Bars - $0.97 each

-Used (4) $2/1 Manufacturer Qs (overage given)

Bought (2) Market Pantry Frozen  Chicken Sandwich - $1.99 each

-Used (1) $3/2 Target Qs

Bought (2) Lysol Fabric Neutra Air Sprays - $2.50 each

-Used (2) $1/1 Manufacturer Qs & (2) $1/1 Target Qs

Bought (1) Exccedrin XS - $3.59

-Used (1) Free Exccedrin Manufacturer Q

Bought (1) Suave Shampoo and (1) Conditioners - $1.02 each

-Used (1) $1/1 Target Qs 

Bought (1) Suave Conditioner - $1.77 each

-Used (1) $1/1 Target Qs 

Bought (2) Cool Whip 8oz. Tubs - $0.99 each

-Used (1) $1/2 Manufacturer Qs & (2) $0.50/1 Target Qs 

Transaction #2:

Bought (4) Olay Bars - $0.97 each

-Used (4) $2/1 Manufacturer Qs (overage given)

Bought (1) Reeses Peanut Butter Cup - $0.69

Bought (1) Smuckers $2.69

Bought (2) Market Pantry Frozen  Chicken Sandwich - $1.99 each

-Used (1) $3/2 Target Qs

Total - before coupons: $32.46 | after coupons: $1.11 (before tax)

Saved: $31.35  -or-  97%

Click Here to see my other Shopping Round-Up Trips and how much money I've saved on other trips.

Our Christmas With Some Baho! :)

Our Christmas went well, my little sister was exstatic with her new pink Nintendo DSi, so was my other sister with her new orange one. My brother loved his night-vision binoculars, and the younger ones all got a bunch of video games for them all along with some toys and such. Not the greatest Christmas for presents, but with a new house to pay off, I'm not complaining. Especially since I got no presents :( I guess after you turn 22 your parents don't think you enjoy opening Christmas presents as much. I would've been content with some pajamas, pants or shoes. Well, my shoes are usually $100 - $200 so I understand lol. Santa didn't even bring me my Justin Beiber doll :( I'm starting to think he isn't real lol!

On another note, there is NO MEAT CRISIS, as i previously posted about. We were able to find the cut of meat (which cost about $50) and we were able to make some Nicaraguan Baho! That is my greatest present seeing as I asked for it for my birthday a couple months ago and didn't get it. I have won a couple of giveaways from some blogs so THANK  YOU GUYS, those are my presents :) And THANK YOU to my buddy Kerry who also sent me a present! :) I've shown it off to quite a few people!

Did everyone get what they wanted? I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Christmas for us our here sure is nothing compared to Christmas in Nicaragua, we throw fireworks in front of our house right when it hits 12:00 am and go hug and wish everyone in the neighborhood a Merry Christmas. Also, the parties and celebrations are a lot of fun. Sure seems more Christmas-like and less consumerist over than than out here in my eyes. I do love that there are people who still keep great traditions alive in the U.S. though :) I've seen many families with kids that throw tantrums when they don't get them those games, electronics or whatever it is they wanted, lets keep it traditional and continue to leave out cookies for Santa :)

"Cooking With Ai Mei" - Cebada con Piña Drink

Cebada is a typical drink we make in Nicaragua and can be found in many other Latin American countries. Cebada drink is made from Barley, which would make most think about beer or whiskey, however, cebada is a non-alcoholic drink. This particular drink we made is called Cebada con Piña (Barley w/ Pineapple) with a certain type of barley, but it would be difficult to find that here in the U.S. so we use the powder which comes in a bag. 

If you go out to your local grocery store, make sure you look for it in the Latin America or Ethnic aisle. Brand name doesn't matter, all cebada powder is the same and almost always is available in a pink bag.

Recipe:

■ Bag of Cebada Powder Drink Mix, any brand

■ Water, (depends on mix)

■ Sugar, (1½ - 2 cups)

■ Vanilla Extract, (1 teaspoon)

■ Pineapple Slices, (1 or 2 cans)

■ Cinnamon Sticks, (2 or 3)

Directions:

1. To make the drink we add whole allspice, cinnamon sticks and liquefy some pineapple slices. 
2. We then add water and the powder on medium-heat for about 40min. then pour and strain in a pitcher
3. Add vanilla extract and sugar to your liking.
   
4. Let is cool by letting is sit out, adding some ice cubes or putting it in the fridge. 

If you manage to find the Cebada Powder drink mix in your stores, it will tell you how much water to add. :)

After it has cooled you can add some rum and garnish it with a cinnamon stick, a pineapple or lime slice. The drink is absolutely delicious, I have grown up with it all my life. I love where my parents were born and raised, it has allowed me to have a unique culture with food and drinks to die for! They may sound exotic to others, but to me, they represent my comfort food/drink :)

ツ 

I hope you guys try this and enjoy it. If you've never tried it I bet you will love it! :) I hope to have more of these "Cooking With Ai Mei" posts in the future.

WUC - Coupon Preview Wednesday For 1/2

Every Wednesday  I will be posting EARLY PREVIEWS available through (WUC) WeUseCoupons.com. I will be highlighting the best deals from (2) particular stores; CVS and Walgreens. Don't worry though, you guys will still have your Target Ad + Coupon Match-Ups too! So make sure to drop by Wednesdays and check the early previews here at StudentSavingBucks. I will have an individual post for each store. This main post will be used to direct you to early coupon insert previews.

This upcoming week you will have (4) Coupon Inserts. The previews are already available below, so click to get a very early preview :)

Coupon Previews from WUC:

•#1 Smart Souce (SS) 1/2

•#2 Smart Souce (SS) 1/2

•#1 Red Plum (RP) 1/2

•#2 Red Plum (RP) 1/2

Target coupons in 1/2 Inserts:*

•No target Qs in 12/26 Newspaper

*Target Coupons may be regional

WUC has a pay-per-click Affiliates Program. If you're interested click here to join. New sign ups get a $3 bonus! If you do, please list "SSBucks" as your referrer and let me know you did. Thanks

WUC - CVS Early Preview + Deals

CVS Deals on WeUseCoupons Early preview of the CVS Ad for 1/2 with coupon match-ups. The full Ad scan is available. Here are a few highlighted deals from the CVS Ad 1/2 - 1/8:

Extra or Extra Dessert Delights Gum 15ct. ($1 ECB wyb 3) - 3/$2

Total: $0.99 after ECB (Limit 2)

GE Energy Smart 40, 60, 75 or 100 watt equivalent (1pk.) ($2 ECB) - $3.99

$1/1 GE Energy Smart CFL or LED, GE Reveal CFL, or GE Halogen Product SS 11/21

Total: $0.99 after coupon and ECB (Limit 1)

Spend $25 Get $10 ECB wyb any of these products:

Wisk Liquid laundry detergent 2/$10
$2/1 Wisk Laundry detergent, any 1/2/11 RP

1. Deal Scenario:
2. Buy (5) Wisk Laundry Detergent Bottles - $25
3. Use (5) $2/1 Wisk Laundry detergent, any 1/2/11 RP
4. Total: $0.99 each after coupons and ECB (Limit 1)

 To view the full CVS Ad + Deals, click here

WUC - Walgreens Early Preview + Deals

Walgreens Deals at WUC - Early preview of Walgreens Ad for 1/2 w/ coupon match-ups. The full Ad scan is available. Here are a few highlighted deals from the Walgreens Ad 1/2 - 1/8

  

Omega Factor 3 Soft-gel 60's (get $10 RR) - $10

Total: FREE after RR

Nivea for Men Arctic Freeze Shave Gel or After Shave (get $3 RR) - $3.99

Total: $1 after RR 

Salonpas Arthritis Pain 5's (get $5.99 RR) - $5.99

Total: FREE after RR

Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils 7mm 5 pack - $0.19

To view the full Walgreen Ad + Deals, click here

Blog Hops For The Week Of December 27, 2010

Another week of Blog Hops nicely organized into a NEW convenient post :) lol. Join us, make new friends, and find new blogs! This is my 25th week! Wow! Super long time!:)

For my 8-Month Blogiversary I am giving away (1 of 4) Gift Cards to (4) lucky readers! Make sure you enter, I have gift Cards for Target, Ralphs, Whole Foods Market & Starbucks! Enter Here

Other Giveaways (low entries) going on (check the Giveaways section on the left sidebar). One of them is for Mango Languages, a $200 Value! Choose the language you'd like to learn! It has low entries so make sure you guys enter! :) Ends 1/1. I have another with only 8 entries for a Coffee Bean Gift Card (ends: 1/6) and one for Pillsbury Toaster Strudels which ends: 12/31. :)

Click on "Read More" below:

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Its been quite a mediocre Christmas for us but we have our head held high :) I hope everyone is enjoying their time off and with their loved ones and families because no matter how many physical items we might lose, our family and friends will always be by our side, even if just in our hearts!

 On another note, I think we have a meat crisis! We have been looking around for a certain cut of meat and have had NO luck finding it in any stores! Its sold out. We drove over an hour away looking for it and still no luck. I hope we find it before tomorrow so we can make some Nicaraguan Baho for Christmas! Santa, all I want for Christmas is some Baho! I've been craving it for so long, its a very hands-on dish and with our family, only 1 person can make it, if anyone  but that 1 person touches it, it won't turn out good. My family is a mystery lol, its very labor intensive for just 1 person so its a tough once-in-a-whole delicious dish :).

P.S. Santa, if you read this, I hope you bring me a Justin Beiber doll, or Justin Beiber himself! lol

[Closed] - GIVEAWAY - Coffee Bean Gift Card

Any Coffee Bean fanatics out there? Coffee Bean sells delicious Coffee and other drinks like brewed tea, fruit drinks, and non-coffee drinks like hot chocolate, pure caramel, among others. You can't go wrong with them :)

Hope you guys have one around you, click here for Coffee Bean Locations. My favorite stores are the ones on 7th St. in Downtown Los Angeles and the one on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City in the Valley :) Make sure you look up to see if you have any locations near you so you can enter my giveaway below! :)

I highly recommend the Gingerbread Cookie Latte iced drink and the Candy Cane Tea Latte. So yummy. I just tried them both on Monday! They are only around for the Holiday Season so if you want to try them, get out there!
 

I'm giving away a Gift Card to Coffee Bean. Their gift cards are re-loadable so that means that after you finish your balance you can load more money in there. :) So Good Luck to you guys! This giveaway is sponsored by myself and no one else. The picture above is the Gift Card and the cute sleeve that in comes with, you will be receiving that if you win! :)

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GIVEAWAY: 

So, being the kind sharing person I am, I am giving away (1) gift card to (1) lucky winner! Enter below! :) Good Luck! NOTE: This giveaway is sponsored by myself for my readers :) 

WINNER:

#38 - Claire

Congrats! Winner was chosen via Random.org.

One (1) Winner will receive:

★(1) $10 Coffee Bean Gift Card 

To Enter:

★(Mandatory) - Leave a comment, its that simple :)


Optional Entries:

★(1 Entry) - Follow My Blog (Google Friend Connect)

★(1 Entry) - "Like" StudentSavingBucks On Facebook. 

★(1 Entry) - Follow @SSBucks On Twitter

★(1 Entry) - Enter another giveaway of mine or comment on any post you'd like.

Leave a comment for each of the things you did for extra entries. Leave a link for tweets or blog posts, if applicable. Available to U.S. residents only. GOOD LUCK. Giveaway will end January 8th, 2010 and a winner will be chosen then.

NOTE: Make sure you read the full Giveaway Rules before entering. If you'd like, leave what state you reside in alongside your name. I will no longer be posting giveaway winner's emails for your privacy.

Blogger Spotlight - Crystal

This week's Blogger Spotlight is Crystal from Surviving  a Teachers Salary. Head on over to "Blogger Spotlight" for more info on being featured on Student Saving Bucks.

My name is Crystal, and I host Surviving a Teachers Salary- a fun educational blog for parents & teachers! 

Ok, so I admit-I am was coupon obsessed for a while. Can you actually "coupon" too much? Yes (don't shoot me!), I think you can! Keep reading to hear my story!

After the birth of my second son we just couldn't pay all of our bills. Our insurance isn't the best and I had had a c-section. I had to start looking for a job away from home. That's when I learned how to coupon. Between couponing and watching another child during the day, that is the absolute only reason that I am able to stay home with my children. When I first learned how to coupon, I went nuts. How in the world had I not known how to do this before?! LOOK AT ALL THAT FREE STUFF just BEGGING me to take it!!! :) I hit up Walgreens, CVS, Target, & Publix every week like clockwork, but after a few months I was SO sick of drugstores and shopping- even if it was free! I felt like I was at the grocery & drugstores more than I was home! I had certainly learned how to stretch my budget very quickly, but I had also learned how to overspend when I shouldn't have- just because it was cheap!

One of my best shopping trips at Publix I spent $13.52 & saved $268.62. That's a 95% savings on my grocery bill! (Although as you will notice this was definitely an 'extras' week!) Here is what I bought: ‎12 tubs of butter, 16 jars baby food, apples, bananas, milk, 2 Emory boards, envelope, 5 boxes sugar packets, 6 boxes gelatin, bread, oreos, formula, 24 pk water, 2 mega packs GoodNites (this by itself would have cost $30!!), 22 bags cat food (not all pictured), 4 tubs Huggies wipes, 4 boxes Kotex, chips, pretzels. And check out that receipt!!! I was SO proud of it! It was almost from ceiling to floor! My husband was so proud he actually hung it up at work in his teacher's lounge where I had offered a coupon class for the employees!

I would come home elated, and exhausted! I knew how much I spent at the grocery store every week, but when I started going to the drugstores especially because I was so busy squeezing in trips I wouldn't remember how much I spent where. So I decided to have a cash envelope in my house for a few weeks and whenever that money was gone during the week it was gone. I started to realize very quickly that getting that great deal at Target, or at Walgreens/CVS added up! Putting $5 here to get that gift card deal, then rolling it later in the week with another new deal, and heading over to get my register rewards with a couple dollars out of pocket, but then paying the tax later to roll it over....it soon went from a great deal to money overspent that we didn't have! Soon I started buying fillers that weren't so cheap, and the tax for "free" products became $8 a week! (Our grocery budget for a while was $20 a week, so $8 was A LOT!) Most of the stuff I was buying I really didn't need- I just had the "freebie bug"! When I started realizing that I had a lot less money for groceries because I was rolling all these free or cheap products everywhere else, I had to take a step back and think about what I really needed. I had so much deodorant I was set for a couple years- and if I did happen to run out and not catch a sale, my world would not come crashing down because I had to buy a stick of deodorant! I started learning how to be more choosy. Just because it's free- I don't get it anymore. I have friends that coupon, that get so much free stuff they have to keep buying new deep freezers and shelving systems. All the money they saved they have bought 8 new bookshelves with! Does a small family REALLY need quite that much? Is it really saving money if you have to spend money to make your house more storage-friendly? (to a certain degree yes, but be careful of extremes!)

In fact, I hardly ever go anywhere other than my grocery store to be honest! Occasionally once or twice a year when my toothpaste/deodorant/shampoo stock pile runs low I start the rolling rewards madness, but I have saved a lot more money and enjoyed the time staying home with my kids more than getting up early every week to run out and get that great deal! (although I can't always pass up Black Fridays!) Now I'm certainly NOT saying don't grab a good deal- but take a step back and look at just how much you are really spending every week-both time, gas, & energy- to go out shopping. I have realized that the deals will always be there-some more than others. To me, it wasn't worth being exhausted just to go out and get the free stuff that was always free to couponers anyways. :)

So the next time you start feeling run down and stressed out because you can't find a coupon or that the store might be out of stock if you don't go right this second- step back and take a breather! Couponing is supposed to be fun and help you save money-not stress you out! :)

This is a great spotlight post by Crystal. She mentions the topic of overindulgent spending. I, myself, have been and still am guilty of this. After we lose our "newbie couponer" stash and become "regulars" we tend to try and out-do our last shopping trip. Sure, baby wipes are $0.25 a box, but I DON'T have kids, many deals come up that seem to good to pass up. However, when you take into consideration the tax, gas and effort you made just to get those cheap items, you spent more than you wanted. This is the reason why a lot of my shopping trips don't compare to the ones I had back in June/July when I was starting out.

What are your opinions on over-spending while couponing? Are you guilty too?

Target Ad for 12/26 - 1/1

Here is a partial list of deals for the Target Weekly Ad of December 26, 2010. I don't list the whole ad, just Grocery, Pets, Beauty and Household. Mainly, only things that can be matched with coupons. Remember, Ads may vary, I'm located in the Los Angeles Area in Southern California.

New to couponing at Target? Check out the Target 101 starter post for info and policies. 

If you ever need extra coupons or didn't get regional coupons, try CouponClippers.com.

Groceries:
Market Pantry Oranges, Bag (1lb.) $2.99
Foster Farms Fresh Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breast Family Pack $2.99/lb.
Ground Beef, All-Natural 80% Lean, 1lb. pkg. $1.99
Archer Farms Spinach Dip (12oz.) $2.99
Stouffer's Family-Size Frozen Meals (29.5-40oz.) $6.49
Market Pantry Frozen Cooked Tail-On Shrimp (16oz., 41-50ct.) $5
$1/1 Market Pantry Seafood Item Target Q
Market Pantry Meatballs (26oz.) $5
TGI Friday's Frozen Appetizers (7.5 - 14oz.) $2.75
$2/1 T.G.I. Friday’s Skillet Meals or Value Size Snacks Target Q
Totino's Pizza Rolls (40ct.) $2.75

$1/2 Totino's Products (printable)

$0.50/2 Totino's Products (printable)

Tyson Frozen Fully Cooked Crispy Chicken Strips (25oz.) $6
$1/1 Tyson Frozen Breaded Chicken 10/10 SS
Market Pantry Deli Cheese (8oz.) $2.29

Del Monte Fruit Cups (4pk.) $2
Ben & Jerry's (1pt.) or Breyers (1.5qt.) Ice Cream $2.99
Eggo Homestyle Waffles (10ct.) $1.75
Market Pantry Elbow Macaroni (16oz.) $1

$1 Off Market Pantry Pasta or Sauce Peelie (found on Market Pantry Shredded Cheese)

Oroweat Dutch Country Bread (24oz.) $1.99
Quaker Life (21oz.), Oatmeal Squares (16oz.) $2.75
Market Pantry Cheese Balls (22oz.) $4.50
Doritos, Family-Sized Chips (17oz.), Queso (23oz.) or Spinach Dip (23oz.) $3.75

FREE Smart Water 6pk., 1-liter wyb (10) Smartwater (700mL.) or Vitaminwater (20oz.)
Smartmater (700mL.) or Vitaminwater (20oz.) 10 for $10
BOGO Vitaminwater (printable)
$1/1 Smartwater 1 liter 6 pk Target Q (if your store allows a Q on the free item)

Arrowhead Water (24pk., 16.9oz.) $3.33
Coca-Cola Products; Bottles (2-liter) 5 for $5
Buy (3), Get (1) FREE - Coca-Cola 2-liter Soda Target Q
Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice (59oz.) $2.99
Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante or Korbel Sparkling Wine (750mL) $10.79
Tassimo, Keurig & Senseo Coffee Pods - 10% Off
$2/1 Tassimo Coffee or Tea (For Tassimo System) Target Q

Beauty / Health:

Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner (12.6oz.) $3.49

$3/2 Pantene Products, 12/26 P&G

Garnier Fructis Curl Spray Gel (8.5oz.), Shampoo & Conditioner (13oz.) $2.99

$1/1 Garnier Frustis Style Product, ETS 12/5 RP

$1/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment 12/5 RP

Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer W/ SPF 15 (4oz.) $13.49

Vaseline Intensive Rescue Lotion (10oz.), Suave Lotion (18oz.) $2.50

$1.50/1 Vaseline Skin Care Item (No Size Exclusion) Target Q
$1/1 Intensive Rescue Lotion coupon (printable)

Dove Beauty (8pk.) or Men + Care, or Lever (12pk.) $7.49

$1.50/1 Dove 4 bar+ or Body Wash 16 oz+ or Lever 2000 6 bar+ Target Q
$1/1 Dove Body Wash 10 oz or Larger (printable)
$1/1 Lever 2000 Bar Soap 4 Pack or Larger (printable)

Caress Bar Soap (4pk.) or Body Wash (15-18oz.) $3.49

$1/1 Caress 4 bar+ Soap or Body Wash 15 oz+ Target Q

Secret or Old Spice Deodorant $3.79

Old Spice deodorant products (1.7 oz or larger) 12/26 P&G

Buy (1) Old Spice Deodorant, Get (1) OS High Endurance Body Wash FREE (up to 3.99) 12/26 P&G

Old Spice Red Zone $3.29

Old Spice deodorant products (1.7 oz or larger) 12/26 P&G

Buy (1) Old Spice Deodorant, Get (1) OS High Endurance Body Wash FREE (up to 3.99) 12/26 P&G

Colgate (7.6oz.) or Crest (5.8 - 7.8oz.) Toothpaste $3.99
$0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste (4.0 oz or larger) 10/26 P&G
Venus Sensitive, Mach3 or Tropical Disposable Razors (3ct.) $5.99
Up & Up  Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, Mint Gum (100ct.m 2mg.) $24.99

$0.75/1 Up & Up Smoking Cessation Product Target Q

Up & Up Gummy Multivitamins (70ct.), Women's or Men's Daily Vitamins (100ct.) $100

$0.75/1 Up & Up Vitamins or Dietary Supplements Target Q

Home:
Charmin Mega Double-Roll Bath Tissue (9pk.), Bounty Giant Roll Paper Towels (8pk.) $9.49
$0.25/1 Charmin Product 12/26 P&G

$0.25/1 Bounty Towels or Napkins 12/26 P&G

Cottonelle Double-Roll (30pk.), Scott Extra Soft Triple-Roll (42pk.) or 1,000 Sheet Bath Tissue $14.99

$1.50/2 Cottonelle Bath Tissue AND Wipes ETS Target Q 

$0.50/1 Cottonelle Toilet Paper 4-pk or Larger (printable)
$1.50/1 Scott Bath Tissue ETS Target Q
$3/2 Scott Bath Tissue Products, on any TWO (2) (Q in English and Spanish) – 11/7 SS x12/31
$1/1 Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue, 8-pack+ (Smart Source en Espanol) – 11/14 SS x12/26
$1/1 ANY Scott Bath Tissue or Towels (printable)
$2/2 (1) Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue 8+ AND (1) Long Lasting or Mega Roll Towels 8pk+ (printable)
Up & Up Napkins, Plates, Cups, Bowls and Wipes $2.49
Air Wick or Glade PlugIns Oil Refills (2pk.) $4.59

$1/1 Air Wick Scented Oil Twin Refill Pack 11/14 SS x12/26

FREE Airwick Plug-In Scented Oil Warmer wyb a Refill Target Q

Formula 409 (32oz.), Tilex, Pine-Sol (49oz.) or Selected 22-32oz. Clorox $2.49
Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent (56oz.) or Stain Release Duo Pacs (28ct.) $8.99

$1/1 Tide Detergent 12/26 P&G

Seventh Generation (64-load) or Method (50-load) Laundry Detergent $12.99

$1/1 Seventh Generation Item Target Q
$1/1 Seventh Generation Laundry Product (printable)
$2/2 ANY Seventh Generation Products (printable)

Up & Up Laundry Detergent (100oz.) $8.79

$0.75/1 Up & Up Laundry Detergent ETS Target Q

Babies:
Pampers or Huggies Value-Pack $29.99
$3/1 Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers 12/5 SS
$2/1 Huggies Little Snugglers/Little Movers Diapers 12/5 SS
Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads (60ct.) $7
Johnson's (5-15oz.) or Desitin (2oz.) 2 for $6

Graduates Finger Foods; Lil' Crunchies and Puffs 4 for $7

$1/2 Gerber Graduates Snacks 11/14 RP

Enfamil Powder; Premium (23.4oz.) or Gentlease (22.2oz.) $21.99
$2/1 Enfamil (22.2 or larger) 12/5 SS

Pets:
FREE $5 Gift Card wyb (1) Pedigree Dog Food 40lb.
Pedigree Dog Food (40lb.) $20.49
$2/1 Pedigree Healthy Longevity, Healthy Weight, or Healthy Joints (8.8 lbs or larger).(printable)

Tidy Cats Litter (35lb.) $10.99
Fancy Feast Cat Food (3oz.) 20 for $9
$0.75/10 Fancy Feast cat food cans Target Coupon Target Q x12/31
$0.65/3 Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers (printable)
$1/24 Fancy Feast canned cat food any variety 10/10 RP
B3G1 FREE Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Canned Cat Food 10/10 RP

Page will be updated as more coupons are found

Thanks to Kerry from TotallyTarget.com for having such a great Target Coupon page!