I DIDN’T WANT TO GO!!!
I didn’t want to leave my comfy, cozy home – even for double coupons up to $2 at Kmart.
I didn’t want to look at another coupon, cut it, or try and organize it,
yet I knew I needed to…it was the right thing to do!
This was an opportunity that was within my grasp, and a noncommittal attitude, and um… sheer exhaustion, didn’t quite cut it as an excuse.
The queen of best intentions had procrastinated, and the clock on the wall read 7:30 pm…Sunday evening…with destination Kmart closing their doors at 10:00pm, and the coupon deal ending for good.
Well, I dug deep, took my daughter for some bonding time, even worked in some math with her, and did it!
Today it was worth it!
Last night at 10:05 when I was the last person in the store, and it took FOREVER to ring me out because this location wasn’t a “participating” K-mart, and they had to check with their corporate location for the details….I definitely think my story would have been different.
So what were the damages?
Before coupons the total was $161, and after coupons….$55.00
(and that includes some goodies that were non-coupon items like Capri Suns, and some cookie snacks for our co-op). I saved over $100 with coupons. Now, if I do the math and figure out my hourly rate, including drive time, shopping time and coupon cutting time – $33.33 an hour. Not bad for an evening’s work. I surely am not making that typing here on the computer.
Could I have done better?
Probably, but at this point it wasn’t about just getting things for free, it was about what will we really use, and how quickly could I get outta there.
For instance, I ended up spending $1.25 on some body washes that my sons were SO excited about. They were typically $5.75, but were on sale. Then I had a $2 coupon (doubled to $4) and so I got it dirt cheap….it was so worth it, and we’ll use it quicker than I care to think about.
It wasn’t free, but what a great deal.
We now have shampoo, conditioner, air fresheners, carpet cleaners, deodorants, cleaners, lotions, unmentionables (which shheesh – those are ridiculously priced), make up, nail polish and a few other things that didn’t make it into the picture for $50, and it will last many months.
Yipee! I didn’t want to go, but now when I see how much I got and the great quality items,
it was worth it.
So what if my son said, “This is all you got for $50?”
Let’s let him pay for those household things for a month and we’ll see what he says.
Both of my daughters got ” real fake nails” since I had a coupon for them…such fun.
They were enjoying looking very grown up (for a few minutes anyhow, until they tore them off because they were getting in the way).
My toilet water now looks like it’s taking residence at an old people’s home, and our dog isn’t liking that one bit.
My husband just yelled down to me …….”Jen, isn’t Lola drinking from the toilet…..it’s blue water.”
Oops…so sorry, girl! You’ll have to wait for 1,988 more flushes.
Use the dog bowl – that’s what it’s there for.
And I am sorry for all the people that have to read this post,
and didn’t even have a Kmart near them.
Are you tired of my coupon stories? I think I am…..it might be a bit before I do another one.
I WILL get to my designer clothes posts….I have to….I have them all bought and they’re waiting patiently on my coach – for me to photograph them…with me in them.
UGH! I think that’s why I am procrastinating.
I’ve got to get in gear when I hear about the next Kmart deal. I have procrastinated and missed out. Some of you really scored at that store this week! Good job! Love your blog!
I am seriously impressed.
I need lessons! Do you find you buy what you don’t need? Or do you only collect coupons for necessities?
Now I’m extra jealous that you have Kmart and I don’t. I did however, get some crazy amounts of EBCs today at CVS. So, that helps I guess….
I didn’t go, boo hoo. It was just too overwhelming to me. I am trying not to spend any money this week on food, just use ECB’s and Reg Rewards. Our Kmart is 30 minutes away in an area of town where I don’t really like. I stopped by two weeks ago to get the flyer in the front and two cop cars pulled in with me and stopped up at the door and went in. That kind of place. Glad you got your deals.
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!! That’s awesome! You know, I’m so the bargain lady, but so not the coupon chick. I neeeeed to get with the program.
Love the ‘real fake nails’ – I totally remember that age! hahaha Too cute!
~melody~
Wow! You did great Jen! I know that feeling of dreading going to the grocery store. It is like a half day ordeal here b/c we are in the sticks!
I went to my Kmart and thy were sold out of everything! Crazy!!!
I did get some Infusium 23 shampoo for less than $2!
You have to keep this going. It is very inspiring. Especially since until last week I had never even been in a CVS. I am learning!!
you don’t ever stop, do you? amazing 🙂
trying to figure out a way to meet everyone for brunch on Friday…
I love reading your post about your coupons but I can’t wait for your clothes post!!!
Cleaning supplies…something you can never have too much of! 🙂
What an awesome deal! We don’t have a Kmart here.
Way to go, I am just waking up to a pile of coupons that need to be organized in my new binder/card holder. Friday I left my old small one some where in Costco. I don’t even want to think of all the savings I lost because of it, not to mention my Extra Bucks receipt for CVS. Oh well, I learned my lesson, I should have listened to you from the get go and used a big one that will be harder to lose! Have a good one. 🙂
No Kmart anywhere around here but I sure enjoy reading your posts about your couponing. What a deal you got!!!
Look forward to the designer clothes post!
Wow! $50!! That’s a steal… no Kmarts in South Texas though… only Wal-Mart, and I absolutely refuse to go there no matter how cheap it may be. It’s my own personal boycot 🙂 lol
I truly cannot believe how much you saved…that is amazing to me! Way to go!
-Sandy Toes
love the nails!
You scored, for sure!
Look at all that loot! Fun! I missed your post on the Kmart deal, so i missed out this time. how disappointing. I never get tired of your coupon posts, and I have told several people to read to learn the CVS program – I am loving it…although, slightly addicted…
Hey, way to save! Now, aren’t ya glad you went? Hey, thanks so much for coming by yesterday and participating in my SITS Featured Blogger Day in the Sun! Hope you come back soon and take a look around-hope you’ll find lots of interesting stuff around my place!
You are SO lucky! I went armed with all my coupons. They don’t even CARRY pert shampoo! They were out of many things I had coupons or didn’t even have an empty spot where they were:( I saved some but not like you. I ended up spending $24. Don’t know what my before coupon total was, not exciting enough. I do better at CVS.
Oh, I use to be such a great coupon collector, but haven’t done much of this lately! Such great deals you got!
I’m having a little giveaway at my place…as well as starting up a new home school open house forum…so hope you can stop by!
Blessings,
~Tammy @ Lattes and Lollipops
Girl, you are killing me with your coupons. I have GOT to get my act together and do better at using coupons. I don’t have a KMart around here but I am sure there are other places I could check out!
Carrie
You did really good! I know you are so glad you went – I wish I did!
Wow, I am so jealous. We don’t have a K Mart within 40 miles of here 🙁 . You did do well, though! Good for you