StudentSavingBucks - 100,000 Visitors!

Today, April 22, 2011, Student Saving Bucks has surpassed 100,000 visitors. That is a lot! Its practically like having the entire cities of Berkeley, California; Pompano Beach, Florida or even Green Bay, Wisconsin (home of the great Green Bay Packers) visiting my blog. I'm glad you guys keep coming back :)

A couple months back, in November 2010, I hit the 100,000 page views, which was super exiting, but 100,000 visitors is just amazing. I love that you guys keep coming back :) I'm surprised I stuck with the blog for this long, I did it for fun in the beginning but it does become work. I am here to stay though! :)

Here is to 100,000 more! :)

NutriSystem - Preparing To Start The Journey

I'll be starting my NutriSystem journey very soon, as I mentioned earlier this week. I want to weigh-in on Mondays so I will start the program this upcoming Monday and post my first weigh-in on the 2nd of May. I received my NutriSystem food later that day. I got my Pantry food (includes cereals, breads, bars, etc) and the Frozen foods (includes ice creams, frozen meals, etc.). I was surprised to receive both in the same day, as I heard the frozen food generally gets delivered at a later date after the pantry food.

I am on the Women's Basic program and was able to customize my Pantry food options, so I picked foods I knew I'd be comfortable eating. I was confused, and a little upset, that I wouldn't be able to customize the Frozen food options but am mildy content with what I did receive. Starting the NutriSystem program is something NEW to me, so I guess it wouldn't be too hard eating meals like spinach and ravioli that I wouldn't of chosen otherwise, lol. The food options are extensive on the Women's Basic plan, the foods below are ones that look best to me and my (very picky) taste. Can't wait to start tasting them all!

On NutriSystem, you have to add your own items in (these are called add-ins). They range from veggies, fats, fruits and carbohydrates. I was not aware of it at all, but am happy I get to choose what I get to add. On the plan there are also certain items that you can eat an unlimited amount of, like celery, peppers, jicama, tomatoes, etc. There are also "extras" which you can have limited servings of like sugar-free gelatin, syrup, hard candy, etc. I was happy to find herbs, salt-free seasonings, lemon and lime juice listed as "unlimited extras", as I often cook with them. I was surprised to see how much I have to eat, my problem has always been eating bad things, not eating in excess. See the picture to the right, it is a "sample" of a day's food while on NutriSystem (including grocery add-ins).

While lurking around the NutriSystem forums, I have found many of those creative people post some great recipes, many including the NutriSystem entrees. I honestly can't wait to try some of these out! Check out my entire NutriSystem Journey and photos on Flickr!

NutriSystem Nation Bloggers:

I want to say HELLO to my fellow NutriSystem Nation Bloggers! I regularly read their blogs and their ups & downs with the system! Don't forget to check them out! Trisha @ Makeup Files, Heather @ Living On Love & Cents, Di @ Free Sample Mama, Lisa @ Mommy & Me Giveaways, Carmen @ Closer To Lucy, Sara @ Dealicious Mom, Brett @ This Mama Loves Her Bargains

Want to join me on the Nutrisystem Program? Sign up online or call 1-888-853-4689!

Disclaimer: As a part of the "Nutrisystem Nation Blogger" Program, Nutrisystem is providing their food, services and program to me free of charge in exchange for blogging about my experience. Opinions are my own and I will provide only fair and honest reviews.

Target Ad for 4/24 - 4/30

Here is a partial list of deals for the Target Weekly Ad of April 24, 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:

Market Pantry Shredded or Block Cheese (8oz.) $2.15

-$1/2 Market Pantry Shredded or Block Cheese Target Q x5/21

Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat (8-9oz.) $2.89

-$1/1 Hillshire Farm Lunchmeat (printable)

Post Cereals (13-25oz.) 2 for $5 

-$1/1 Post Great Grains Cereal 4/3 SS

-$0.75/1 Post Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles 3/13 S

Planters Nuts (20oz.) $3

-$0.75/1 Planters Products 3/13 SS

Nature Valley Granola Thins (10ct.) $2.50

-$0.75/1 Nature Valley Granola Thins 4/17 SS

Sun Chips (9oz.)  2 for $6

Dunkin' Donuts Coffee (11 or 12oz.) $7.49 

-$1.50/1 Dunkin' Donuts Coffee 4/17 RP

Menage a Trois Wine (750mL) $8.49

Aquafina Water (24pk., 16.9oz.) $3.99

Pepsi Products; Cans (12pk.) or Bottles (6pk.)  3 for $11

Beauty / Health:

Listerine Mouthwash (1.5-liter) $5.99 

-$1/1 Listerine Mouthwash (printable) 

Colgate (4.6-6oz.) or Crest (6.2-8.2oz.) Toothpaste $2.49

-$1/1 Colgate Max Fresh or Max White Toothpaste Target Q 3-20 SS x4/24
-$1/1 Colgate MaxClean Toothpaste All You May 2011 x6/30
-$1/1 Colgate Max, Total, Sensitive, or ProClinical Toothpaste 4 oz + 4-10 SS x4/30
-$1.50/1 Colgate ProClinical Whitening Toothpaste ETS Target Q 4/17-11 SS

-$1/1 Colgate Total Advanced Whitening, Max White Toothpaste ETS Target Q 4/17 SS x5/14
-$1/1 Colgate Max, Total, Sensitive, or ProClinical Toothpaste 4 oz + 4/10 SS x4/30
-$1/1; .75/1 Colgate Toothpaste, any 4.0 oz or larger – 4/3-11 SS x4/23
-$1/1 Colgate Total Advance Toothpaste ETS All You April 2011 x5/3
-$1.50/1 Colgate Total Toothpaste, any 4.0 oz or larger (SS en espanol) – 3/27 SS x5/1 

Olay Body Collections Body Wash (18 or 23.6oz.) or Bar Soap (4pk.) $5.99

-$2/1 Olay Products 4/3 P&G

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Surge Energizing Power Cleanser $12.99 

-$5/1 Clean & Clear Morning Burst Cleanser (printable) 

Aveeno Smart Essentials Cleanser (6oz.) or Moisterizing Lotion (8oz.) $6.49 

-$3/2 Aveeno Products 3/27 SS 

Band-Aid 3/4" Flex Fabric (30ct.) $2.69

 -$0.50/1 Neosporin or Band-Aid Product 4/17 SS 

U By Kotex Tampons or Maxi Pads (36ct.) $6.99 

-$1/1 U by Kotex 16 ct+ Target Q x4/30
-$1/1 U by Kotex Pads 4/17 SS2 x5/28
-$1/1 U by Kotex Tampons 4/17 SS2 x5/28
-$1/1 U by Kotex Products, any package (printable)

Advil Tablets (100+25ct.) $7.99

-$1/1 Advil 3/27 RP

Claritin 24HR Non-Drowsy (10ct.) $7.99

-$5/1 Non-Drowsy Claritin 4/17 SS 

-$3/1 Non-Drowsy Claritin (printable) 

One A Day Women's or Men's Vitamins (200ct.) $11

-$2/1 One A Day Vitamins 50 ct+ Target Q x4/24
-$1/1 One A Day Multivitamins 3/20 SS x5/30
-$1/1 One A Day Adult or Teen Multivitamins 3/20 SS x6/30
-$1/1 Any One-A-Day Adult or Teen Multi-Vitamin (printable) or (printable)

Up & Up Antacid Tablets (96ct.) $2.44

Loratadine [Generic, 30-day supply] (10mg.) $4

Home:

Angel Soft Double-Roll Bath Tissue (36pk.) $14.99

-$0.50/1 Angel Soft Bath Tissue (printable)

Cottonelle Double-Roll Bath Tissue (18pk.) $9.99 

-$0.50/1 Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue 3/13 SS

Viva Giant-Roll Paper Towels (8pk.) $9.99

-$0.40/1 Viva Paper Towels Big Roll 3/13 SS

Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent (75oz.) $8.99

-$1/2 Tide Detergent 4/3 P&G x4/30Tide Stain Release Duo Pacs (28ct.) $8.99

-$3/1 Tide Stain Release, Powder, Duo Pac or Liquid 4/3 P&G

Arm & Hammer Detergent (68-105-load) $8.49

-$1/2 Arm & Hammer Laundry Product 4/10 SS

OxiClean In-Wash Stain Removers $8.49 

-$1/1 OxiClean Original In-Wash Booster or Pre-Treater 4/17 SS 

Palmolive Liquid Dish Soap (25oz.) $1.99 

-$0.25/1 Palmolive Dish Liquid (printable) or (printable) 

Fabuloso All-Purpose Cleaner (56oz.) $2.99

Ziploc or Hefty OneZip (44-68ct. ) Food Storage Bags $4.49

-$1/2 Ziploc Brand Bags (printable)

-$1/2 Hefty One Zip 2/20 RP

Ziploc Containers (12ct.) $3.99

-$1.50/2 Ziploc Containers 4/3 SS 

Glad (48-120ct.) or Hefty (60-100ct.) Trash Bags $10.99

-$1/1 Glad OdorShield with Febreze trash bags 84 ct 13 gal Target Q x4/30

-$1/1 Glad Force Flex Trash Bags (printable)

-$0.75/1; $1/2 Glad OdorShield with Febreze trash bags 3/13 SS x4/24 

Swiffer Sweeper Vac Starter Kit $34.99

-$10/1 Swiffer Sweeper Vac Starter Kit 4/3 P&G

Babies:

★FREE $5 Gift Card wyb Any (3) Pampers or Huggies Jumbo Packs

•All Pampers and Huggies Jumbo-Pack Diapers & Training Pants $8.99

-$3/1 Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers 50 ct+ Target Q x5/7
-$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers 4/17 SS2 x5/14
-$3/1 Huggies (when you share; printable)

-$3/1 Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers, Box 4/3 P&G 

★FREE $5 Gift Card wyb Any (2) Enfamil (33.2 or 35oz.) Refills:

•Enfamill Premium or Newborn (35oz.) Refill $32.99

•Enfamil Genlease (33.2oz.) Refill $32.99

Pets:

★FREE $5 Gift Card wyb Any (2) Iams Items listed:

•Iams Dog Food (17.5lb.) $17.79

-$1/1 Iams Healthy Naturals Dry Dog or Cat Food 4/17 RP

-$1/1 Iams Premium Protection Dry Dog or Cat Food 4/17 RP 

Fresh Step (25lb.) or Scoop Away (34lb.) Cat Litter $9.99

-$3/2 Fresh Step or Scoop Away Cat Litter Target Q 2/6 SS x5/1
-$1/1 Fresh Step or Scoop Away Cat Litter Target Q 2/6 SS x5/1
-$1/1 Fresh Step Scoopable Litter 20 lbs or + [zip 01364] (printable) 

-$1/1 Scoop Away Cat Litter 14 lb or + [zip 01364] (printable)

Friskies Cat Food (32ct.) $13.99

Page will be updated as more coupons are found

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

Review - Contigo AutoSeal Water Bottle

How many innovative water bottles have you seen lately? I've seen quite a bit, but one that has the ability to auto-seal itself to prevent spills is a first for me. Contigo has many innovative products, including, but no limited to, auto-seal kid's food jars and insulated travel mugs. I was sent the Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle to review. My Contigo water bottle has a capacity of 24oz. and Contigo's autoseal technology. Autoseal technology automatically seals between sips, making the bottle great for one-handed use, and spill-proof. It also comes with a carabiner clip which allows you to clip it on your purse or gym bag.

I have taken the bottle with me for two weeks on my daily run with the dogs. Filled with flavored water, the bottle is heavy so I can't clip it on to my shorts. However, it does have a handle/loop where I can comfortably drink and hold it in one hand, and have the dogs on the other hand. The auto-seal technology does add a bit of weight to the bottle, but no so much where it get unbearable to hold for a long time.

The Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle comes in a variety of colors, is BPA-free and retails for $9.99 (24 fl. oz.) and $11.99 (32 fl. oz.). A huge thanks to Contigo for allowing me to review their great product! I highly recommend it to those who, like myself, run with their dogs on a leash, it provides easy one-handed access to your water :)

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.

WUC - Coupon Preview Wednesday For 4/24

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 (0) Coupon Inserts because of Easter. My coupon jungle can use a break, so thank you Easter! lol. Preview ARE available already for the Proctor & Gamble (P&G) set to come on 5/1, see below for early preview:

Coupon Previews from WUC:

•Proctor & Gamble (P&G) 5/1

Target coupons in 4/24 Newspaper:*

None. There will be no coupon inserts this Sunday..

*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 4/24 with coupon match-ups. The full Ad scan is available. Here are a few highlighted deals from the CVS Ad 4/24 - 4/30:

Dove Men+Care Deodorant (2.7-3oz.)  - $0.99
-0.75/1 Dove Deodorant or Body Mist, Excludes trial/travel sizes or Men+ Care 3/27 RP
-1.00/1 Dove Men+Care Antipersperant/ Deodorant 3/27 RP
Total: $0.24 - FREE after coupon and ECB (Limit 5)

Blink Gel Tears - ($7.99 ECB) - $7.99

-$1/1 Blink Tears or Blink Gel Tears Lubricating Eye Drop 4/3 SS

-$4/1 Blink GelTears (Blinkie, found in-store)

Total: $1 - $4 Money Maker after coupon and ECB (Limit 2)

Fuze Drinks - $0.99
-$1/2 Fuze Drinks 4/10 SS
Total: $0.49 each wyb 2 after coupons and ECB

 To view the full CVS Ad + Deals, click here

WUC - Walgreens Early Preview + Deals

Walgreens Deals at WUC - Early preview of Walgreens Ad for 4/24 w/ coupon match-ups. The full Ad scan is available. Here are a few highlighted deals from the Walgreens Ad 4/24 - 4/30:

  

Stayfree Maxi Pads (14, 16 or 24pk.) (get $2.99 RR) - $2.99

Total: FREE after RR

Nexcare Waterproof (20pk.), Active or Soft N Flex (30pk.) Bandages (get $2.99 RR) - $2.99

Total: FREE after RR

 

Purex Complete - $3.99
-$2/1 Purex Complete Crystals Softener 3/13 RP

Total: $1.99 after coupon

To view the full Walgreen Ad + Deals, click here

My Nutrisystem Journey Begins Soon!

I've never been one to order diet pills, buy the useless looking (and over priced) exercise equipment on infomercials or even bothered to start a diet. I was very thin when I was younger, didn't eat meat or any type of junk food. I think I started gaining weight at the end of Elementary school, little by little. I was very shy back then and very uncomfortable about my weight. In both Middle and High School things were tougher, you're under a microscope and kids don't think much before bullying their peers. Thankfully, I never encountered those kids and the weight seemed to only affect me and how I thought about myself. Fast forward 5 years and I'm a different person. I no longer sit in class worrying what each and every person is thinking of me being overweight, because none of them really care lol.

I am very motivated to get things done but for some reason have had no desire to lose weight, partially because I'm embarrassed to, If that makes any sense at all. Without trying I easily lose 10lb. in a week, but I only do it to "test" myself.  I want a change this year, something grand. I've decided to start my 1st (and hopefully only) diet. I will be blogging about my success (because there is no way I won't have it) while on Nutrisystem. Thanks to the great Nutrisystem Nation Blogger program, I will be able to do this. I have already placed my 1st order and am super exited to receive it!

I have slowly been familiarizing myself with the Nutrisystem website and have lurked around some of the forums. I spent a good while on the "before and after" picture thread and seen other people's success while on NutriSystem and saw nothing but positive encouraging replies from other members. Nutrisystem's support system and community seem to be very helpful. My shipment is set to come today and I will start next Monday so I can weigh in on the 1st of the week! I will blog about the food and system later this week, so keep an eye out!

NutriSystem Nation Bloggers:

I want to say HELLO to my fellow NutriSystem Nation Bloggers! I regularly read their blogs and their ups & downs with the system! Don't forget to check them out! Trisha @ Makeup Files, Heather @ Living On Love & Cents, Di @ Free Sample Mama, Lisa @ Mommy & Me Giveaways, Carmen @ Closer To Lucy, Sara @ Dealicious Mom, Brett @ This Mama Loves Her Bargains

Want to join me on the Nutrisystem Program? Sign up online or call 1-888-853-4689!

Disclaimer: As a part of the "Nutrisystem Nation Blogger" Program, Nutrisystem is providing their food, services and program to me free of charge in exchange for blogging about my experience. Opinions are my own and I will provide  fair and honest review.

My 4/17 Target Shopping Round-Up (Saved 94%)

So, my trip to Walmart was were I unloaded my Nivea Women's Body Wash because they had no mens body wash, which was odd. As much as I wanted to go, I just had too much to do on Sunday so my sister went off with only the Nivea Body Wash for men AND the FREE Reusable Target Bag on the "must" list. She picked out a couple more qs from my coupon filer and went on her way. Everything went great, and I got 3 reusable bags. Love them! They are so cute and pretty sturdy, all 9 Nivea body washes were in one bag.

•Bought (9) Nivea's Men Body Wash - $3.04 
-Used (9) $3/1 Manufacturer Q

•Bought (5) Revlon Nail Files - $1.47
-Used (1) $1/1 Target Qs 
•Bought (1) Purex Crystals - $3.99
-Used (1) $1/1 Target Qs & (1) $2/1 Manufacturer Q  
•Bought (1) Kikkoman Soy Sauce - $1.64 

-Used (1) $1/1 Manufacturer Q 
•Bought (1) Market Pantry Frozen Fruit Bag - $2.29 

-Used (1) 20%/1 Target Q

•Bought (4) Olay Bars - $0.97

-Used (4) $2/1 Manufacturer Qs

•Bought (2) Herbal Essences Conditioners - $2.99

-Used (2) $0.50/1 Target Qs

•Bought (2) Herbal Essences Mousse - $2.89

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

Total - before coupons & sales: $58.27 | after coupons & sales: $3.68 (before tax)

Saved: $54.59 -or- 94%

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

My 4/16 Walmart Shopping Round-Up (Saved 100%)

Stopped by Walmart on Saturday for the Body Wash. There were only 4 Nivea Men's Body washes, so I grabbed 2. Great stock up price (FREE). I still have about 5 from last years Nivea Body Wash deal, so I know these will last :)

•Bought (10) Nivea Women's and (2) Mens Body Wash - $3.00
-Used (12) $3/1 Manufacturer Q

Total - before coupons & sales: $36.00 | after coupons & sales: $36.00 (before tax)

Saved: $36.00 -or- 100%

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

Review - Logitech Ultimate Ears 100 In-Earphones

"Whether your MP3 player is filled with electro beats or urban funk, the Ultimate Ears 100 Earphones allow listeners to express their personal music preferences. And, because these earphones are tuned by the same engineers who tune stage earphones for 75% of the world’s top touring artists, you know you’re getting superior acoustics. "

I recently was sent a pair of Logitech Ultimate Ears 100 earphones to review. These are in-ear earphones, which I find are great because regular earphones NEVER stay in my ears. They are available in different styles to match your personality and the colors are great! They are cheap, sturdy and loud.

I received the Logitech Ultimate Ears 100 in Blossom. These have a blossom designs and baby blue ear cushions, which make them "pop". I have been using them all around the house and when going out and have found that the cable does not easily get tangled. It is very elastic, but I prefer earphones with a fabric type cable, as they are easier to care for and you can tie them up wit ease.

The packaging that the earphones came in was absolutely adorable, reminded me of a long chocolate candy bar. The earphones came with 4 sets of ear cushions in sizes XXS, XS, S, M to fit your ears. Its great to have the extra ear cushions, as not all earphones come with the right size to fit inside your ear. I had to customize mine because I have a Tragus Ear Piercing on my left ear (see picture above) that makes it hard for earphones to stay put inside. I find them very comfortable with the XXS in the left and XS in my right ear.

I tested and compared these to my Skull Candy Tokidoki in-earphones and found the Ultimate Ears has better ear cushions and noise isolation than my Skull Candy in-earphones. The volume was the same but the bass was clearly more rich on the Ultimate Ears. They are very comfortable and at $19.99 are a steal! A huge thanks to Logitech for the opportunity to review these earphones, I love them!

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.

Blog Hops For The Week Of April 18, 2011

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 41st week! Wow! Super long time! 

Make sure you guys check out the "Quick Links" on the left sidebar for the Target Weekly Ad with coupon match-ups and coupon previews (updated every Wednesday).

Click on "Read More" below: