March 4th deals and shopping

Hello everyone. Had my last week off this week. Did some house organizing stuff. Worked out every day this week. I take Sundays off though. Workouts are going well. i finished the series life unexpected on netflix. loved it. Now I am watching Drop Dead Diva on netflix during my workouts and I also really really like it.

Thursday I popped out to lululemon to pick up my some bras. The military pays us $180 per year and the policy used to be for 4 bras. I have since learned that you now get $180 total and you can buy as many bras as you want. I picked up 4 great running ones, 2 at $42 and 2 at $48. Total came to $200.48 or so so I only have to pay $20 out of pocket or $5 per bra. So sweet. I also treated myself to my first ever lulu lemon hoodie and I love it. It feels like a wonderful hug when you wear it.l It has the thumb hole too so it keeps me super cozy and warm.

I also popped out to see Kelly on Thursday and had a visit. Her kitchen is looking amazing after the renos!!!

Friday I was planning on cleaning the house all day but I didn't get any flyers this week so Stephanie lent me hers. I also had to try on her DEU pants. I found out that women are allowed to wear men's pants so I was sizing with her pants. I can't wait to order mine from logistik. They fit soooo much nicer than the ridiculous women's pants.

So I headed to metro with her flyers. I picked up 10 harvest splendours potatoes on for $2.99 minus $1 off coupon for each. I have already tried them and they are wonderful. The flyer for metro showed the scrubbing bubbles extended shower cleaner on for $4.97 or $4.99 this week. I figured it had to be a typo because these are normally $8.97 at walmart and the cheapest I have seen them is $5.97. So I picked up one and it scanned at $9.67 which is the regular price at metro. Then I showed them the flyer and they gave it to me for free but they have probably issued a correction that that isn't the price this week. sweet deal for me. I also picked up 3 packs of strawberries for $5.

Then I went to walmart. On the 29th I bought advil muscle aches 72 count for $12.96 and used a $4 off coupon and advil nighttime 40 count for $12.96 with $4 off. This week they are on sale for $10 each so I took in my receipt and they put $6 something back on my visa!!! Was awesome.

I picked up 6 gold fish at $2 each. The new one that is a mix of pretzels and regular and used 6 50 cents off each one coupons, picked up 2 avocado at .88 each. Picked up 2 astro omega3 biobest at $3.97 each (12 packs) and used $1 off on each from the tearpads, and then I price matched the scrubbing bubbles from the metro flyer and got 3 for $4.97 each and used a $5 off coupon on each one making them free, I picked up 3 febreze air effects for $2.79 each price matching food basics and used a save $4 when you buy 3 febreze products coupons. and then 2 babybel price matched at $3.49 minus the $1 coupons attached to each one. and also grabbed 2 dempsters wraps one whole wheat and one white which were supposed to be $2.50 each. subtotal before coupons was $60.83. After coupons before tax was $34.83 total $37.86. Then I noticed that I was charged $3.17 for each pack of wraps so I went to customer service and because of the SCOP (scanning code of practice) I got both for free since they had different upc symbols. Was awesome!!! $6.34 put back on my visa.

Then I stopped at sobeys and picked up 3 chocolate milk 1L's on for .99 each, pepperoni stick 250 g for $2.49, free trop 50 orange juice from superbowl promo, free liberte greek yogurt from facebook promo, and then 2 lean ground beefs on for $2.49/pound. Great savings!!!

Saturday morning at 0200 Finn woke up with a fever. It was a flash cold. Sucked. Hardly got any sleep. Then Paul and I took the kids to see the Lorax. It was awesome!!! Finn ate some chocolate aero balls and ended up puking all over himself and Paul during the movie.

Then we came home and did some tidying and prepping for supper. Stephanie, Brendan, Connor and Kieran came over for supper. Paul cooked up a prime rib roast and another roast, we did some of the harvest splendour potatoes, some broccoli, carrots, a caesar salad and I made the epicure citrus berry cheesecake for dessert. It was soooooooooooooooooo yummy and we had a great visit. We rented Our idiot brother yesterday from the walmart kiosk for $2 for 24 hours. Paul and I watched it last night and it was pretty funny. He polished my oxfords for me. He is the best! We pulled out some DDR and kids dance. I think the kids will be able to do it really well soon.

Then Finn woke up at 2300 or so and hung out with us for a bit and then ended up puking up his carrots from supper. Changed him and got him to bed. He slept till 0600 or so from 0020. I woke up with Logan curled up beside me with a fever. He is now sick too.

Paul is also sick so we didn't make it to church today.

I made a quick trip out to return the movie to walmart south keys and then a quick stop at shoppers drug mart to check out the deals for the spend $75 get 18500 points promotion which is on till march 6th I believe. I got some awesome deals. Dove shampoo and conditioner 750 ml is on for $5.99 which is a great deal since the cheapest I have seen the 355 ml for is $2.99. I picked up 5 shampoos, and then guarnier fructis shampoo on for $2.99 minus $1 off coupon and 500 bonus points, free trop 50 juice from superbowl promo, 2 packs of biore strips on for 2 for $18 minus 2 $1 off coupons, tylenol body pain night on for $9.99 minus $5 coupon, physicians formula 3 pack of eyeliner on for $11.89, tylenol migraine on for $9.99 minus $4 coupon. Total before taxes and coupons was $82. After coupons was $70.81, after HST $81.08. Earned 820 points + 500 bonus, +18500 bonus points for a total of 19820 points. I also used up the rest of the giftcard I bought last week and then purchased a $50 giftcard as my first transaction earning 500 bonus points as well and then used it to pay for this purchase. i still have $5.54 left on the card. I also heard there is a bonus redemption next weekend. I currently have 134224 points so I can easily redeem 95000 points for $200 if it is a bonus redemption next weekend.

Finn is a walking/running machine. he is soooo good at it now. Logan is doing super well at school. I met with his teachers last week since he hasn't been there long enough for a report card. Both kids love their daycare and are upset when they have to come home with me.

Back to work tomorrow. Will be rough since I have been off for 14 months but I am sure it will be fine. I just have to put some time in today meal planning for the week and prepping the night before and things should go well.


Excited about the 24th of march for international women's day. my girlfriend Colleen and I are heading to Montreal on a daytrip organized by the mfrc. We paid $115 and we get roundtrip transportation on a luxury coach, a 1 hour massage at strom spa including the baths, pools, hottubs etc and supper. Can't wait.

I work this week and then Paul and I are off with the kids from the 10th-18th. I am off the 19th as well. Then I am also off the 26th and the 30th march till the 2nd of April.

Mom and Dad Hacker are taking Logan to disneyworld in Florida from the 22-29 April. If I can find cheap enough flights for Finn and I, we will also go.

Still praying for our house in Comox to sell soon.

I am off to prep my 3's for tomorrow.

Love always, Rae-Lynn, Paul, Logan and Finn.

Feb 25 20X the point event at shoppers

So had a good week. Thursday I saw "This means War" at the theater with Stephanie for the stars and strollers. Kids were at daycare. It was awesome.

Yesterday we had a huge snow storm. Paul made it home later than normal but made it home.

Today we came down to Mom and Dad's. They were supposed to come to the hospital but Great Grandpa is in the hospital now so we came up instead. It appears to be pneumonia. We visited him today in the hospital with the kids.

Then I stopped in to Shoppers drugmart in Belleville on the way to Mom and Dad's since it is a 20X the point event when you spend $50.

Here is what I bought:

2 Neilson choc milk 1 L at $1.29 each
3 Duracell mini chargers regular $19.99 on for $9.99 and used my $5 off on each one from P&G
9 Charmin travel toilet paper at $1.19 each
7 Charmin 5 packs of seat covers at $1 each
Used the following coupons on the Charmin: 4 Save $1 on 1 Charmin. Then I usd 2 Save $4 when you buy any 3 of the following brands: charmin, puffs, etc, and 3 Save $3 when you buy any 2 of the following brands: charmin, puffs, bounty etc. So basically the charmin stuff was free and I actually got a bit of an overage. I used $21 in coupons for them and it only cost me like $17.70 for the products. Sweet!

Then the duracell mini chargers came with 2 AA rechargeables and the charger and only cost me $4.99 each.

Total before taxes and before coupons was $50.19.

Total after coupons before taxes was $14.19. $6.19 in tax. Total OOP was $20.38

500 regular points earned and 9500 bonus points earned for a total of 10000 points.

Before I rang that stuff through I bought a shoppers drugmart gift card to get the points but I screwed up. I bought a gift card for $57 thinking that my total was $57 after taxes but not taking in to account my coupons. So now I have $57 minus the $20.38 left on my card. Oh well. I got 570 points for buying that shoppers gift card and then used it to pay.

The best part of my transaction was that one mini charger sells for $19.99 regularly at shoppers and my total after taxes was cheaper than buying one of those at regular price!!!

The bill says I saved $33.70 on my sale items!!

Paul got a 95% on his exam on friday which was awesome but then failed his practical practice test. I am sure he will do awesome on the real thing on Monday.

HOpefully Great Grandpa will come home from the hospital soon.

Only one more week left before I have to go back to work :(

I started the couch to 5K again to try and get back in to better shape. So far I have done 4 workouts in 4 days. Doing well.

I started watching Life Unexpected on Netflix and love it. Already on Season 2. Makes the workouts go by superfast. When I go back to work I will get to work out every day from 0800-0900 so that will be nice. I only go back for a week and then I am off for Spring Break and the following monday and then the rest of the mondays in march and the last friday in march and first monday in April. Wish I was going to see the junos which are in ottawa this year.

Love Rae-Lynn, Paul, Logan and Finn

Feb 21 2012 post #2

Feast or famine on my blog. Some days no posts and today there is 2.

So I took Logan to pick up the parcels on the way to daycare and I didn't have the notices left by the postman. I misplaced them from friday night till today. She wouldn't give me my parcels. Said I had to find them or wait for a 2nd notice. I was not impressed. I actually started crying in the car. Must be stress. Logan goes "why are you sad mommy?" I said because she wouldn't give me my parcels. Took him to daycare and Finn was having a blast. Didn't want anything to do with me.

After that I dropped the comforter off at the drycleaners. Worked out to $35 or something for the duvet to be cleaned. Oh well. I got to use my 20% off coupon though.

Then I came home and made a couple of chicken wraps with cheese wraps for lunch and then organized some coupons to get ready for my trip.

I headed to rexall on merivale first. They have multibionta vitamins (30 packs) on for 2 for $20 right now and I have $10 off printable coupons which would make them free. First I did a quick walk around the store to see if they had any tearpads. I found some awesome save $3 when you buy 2 aveeno products! Then I found the vitamins. Unfortunately they only had the ones for 50 years old and older but I got 6 of them anyway, and then I picked up a 6 pack of pepsi that I had a free coupon for and a 2L pepsi that I had a free coupon for, and a smartfood popcorn that I had a free coupon for. On my bill it shows $4.99 for the pepsi, and then a $4.99 coupon, $2.49 for the 2L and then $2.49 coupon and then $10 for each vitamin and $10 coupon, and then $3.69 for smartfood popcorn and then it subtracts $3.69. My subtotal is 0.00 and then it charged me hst on everything for $9.25. I then used a printable save $2 when you spend $20 at rexall coupon making it $7.25. If I had more time I would have bought all of the vitamins separately and used a $2 rexall printable on each one. I ended up paying $7.25 and it says on the bottom of the receipt that I saved $104.11.

Then I popped over to metro. I didn't find any tearpads here. I redeemed 2 free product coupons for 12 grain bagels at $3.79 each and then I picked up 1 pack of hamburger buns and one of hot dog buns 2 for $5 and then redeemed another free 2L pepsi coupon for $1.75 and another 6 pack of pepsi at $5.99. Now looking at my receipt she only took $4.99 off. crappy. Anyway, the bill came to $7.01 and I earned 1 airmile. I think since they are charging me tax on the full price before the free coupon that it will be better to buy my stuff at walmart price matching it for the lowest price possible in the future. I

Next stop was walmart. I had an awesome cashier. I picked up another childrens tylenol at $5 - $3 printable, thinsations at $2 -.75, my free natrel baboo toddler drink $3.26-$3.26, 5 philly cream cheese price matched food basics at $1.88, 2 large eggs price matching cdn tire at $2.29 each minus my save $1 when you buy 2 eggs coupon, price matched dempsters bagels at cdn tire for $2.29 -$1 coupon, I picked up 2 packs of english muffins at $1.74 each because they had $5.50 in coupons in them. 4L of milk $4.29 price matching cdn tire, dempsters white bread at $2.48 price matched to $1.99 at shoppers. It also came with $.50 off my next pack of bagels, price matched ziploc storage bags for $2.27 at superstore and used $1 off each one, 2 packs of chicken weiners at .97 each, then the best thing ever was valentines day chocolate at 75% off. I scored 6 400g toffifee's and 7 ferrero rocher for $1.50 each. awesome!! subtotal $51.26, total $55.30 total $ value of coupons used was: $11.01. Regular price of the chocolates was a minimum of $6.47 each so they should have been $84 on their own!!!!

ok so the coupons from the english muffins are: .75 off black diamond cheese, .75 off lactantia butter, .75 off cheese makers 250g cheese, .75 off almond fresh 1.89L, .50 off oasis 960 ml juice, .75 off allens 2L apple juicle or 1.89L juice, .75 off twinings tea and .50 off naturegg omega 3 eggs.

the coupons from the ziploc is: save $1 off any 2 ziploc products, save.75 off any fresh produce, save .75 off any Block cheese product, and save $1.50 off any fresh chicken products.

Then I popped over to food basics since walmart wouldn't let me price match the basmati rice. I picked up 2 basmati 10LB bags at $5.99 each. They also had dove go fresh on for $2.99 and I bought 5 and used 5 $2.00 off on each one making them $1 each, I picked up a 9 pack of chicken breasts stuffed with broccoi and cheese for $10, lactantia homo milk $6.29 - $1 coupon = $5.29 and it came with another $6 in coupons for stuff like more milk, astro yogurt, black diamond cheese strings and black diamond cheese. I mentioned this in a previous post, and I picked up skinny cow ice cream bars for $4.99 minus $1 off printable from facebook, a free bag of doritos from the superbowl event and 4 packs of bacon on for $2.44 or so. I can't find my receipt right now but I think that was everything.

Then I popped in to bulk barn to pick up Logan's free cheecha puffs from the cheecha gram I sent him on valentine's day. I had to pay $.32 in tax. Can't wait to try them.

Then I was rushing to the daycare to get the kids. Kelly called at 1630 while I was enroute to the daycare to invite the boys and I out to denny's at south keyes to celebrate fat tuesday, aka shrove tuesday, aka mardi gras aka pancake tuesday. I picked up the boys. Logan started crying because he didn't want to leave. Finn wanted nothing to do with me. We quickly ran home to drop off some groceries and headed to denny's. We had a great meal. Was delighted that kids eat free on tuedays!!! I had the new prime rib skillet. It was yummy. Finn did a great job on his pancakes, eggs and bacon and sausage and then puked up a tonne of stuff at the end of his meal all over himself, his coat, the floor etc. Was very gross.

After I cleaned him up we ran into walmart since we were there and I wanted to get the peas for Logan at the $1 price. I picked up 3 bags which are $2.97 at walmart and price matched them for $1 each at no frills. I also picked up a 400g tub of philly dill pickle for $3 pm no frill, then I bought 6 double boxes of puffs for $8.97, 12 rolls of bounty for $8.98 and 1 charmin seat cover for $1. I was able to use a $6 off when you buy one bounty, one charmin, and one puffs product coupon!!!The puffs came with the following coupons worth $20:
save $6 when you buy one charmin, puffs and bounty, save $3 when you buy any 2 products from the following brands: bounty, charmin, puffs, save 50 cents on any bounty napkins, save $1 when you buy any one bounty 12 roll count or larger, save 50 cents on any charmin freshmates, save $1 on any charmin product, save 50 cents on any tide product, Save $1 on any puffs product, save 75 cents on any duracell coppertop, save 50 cents on any downy or bounce, save $1 on any pampers diapers, save $1 on any febreze fabric refresher 800ml, save $1 on any clairol natural instincts, save $2.50 on any head and shoulders shampoo and conditioner.

Came home, bathed the kids and put them to bed. Then I had to cook up the hamburger meat that was defrosting all day. Made pasta sauce for thursday as we will try to go without meat tomorrow for ash wednesday. Fish it will be!!! I don't consider fish meat.

Through in a load of clothes since Finn puked on everything and now I am off to bed.

Boys have a dr. appt so they won't go to daycare till after that which is at 11am. Then I will clean the house all afternoon and get organized.

Love Rae-Lynn, Paul, Logan and Finn.

21 Feb 2012

Hi everyone!

Things are going alright here. Last week I decided to go with the daycare that I had found that would take both kids. I called all of the references (5) and they were all glowing and wonderful. I am glad that I didn't let the bird scare me away. The bird will be moving to the garage in April. Silvia is wonderful. Logan and Finn both love the daycare. They cry when they have to leave to come home with me. Makes me feel good. Not really but I am happy that they are happy there. She is took Finn last wednesday morning, then all day thursday and friday and took Logan after school on thursday and friday. She is also taking them this week too and isn't charging me because she wants to make sure we are all comfortable. This Friday Logan will get on his bus from her place and be dropped off there and then all next week is practicing for when I go back to work on the 5th. I can't say enough good stuff about her. She is wonderful and the kids love her. She is very accomodating.

Last Thursday Stephanie and I went to see The Vow for stars and strollers. Was nice for me to be kidless for the movie. I loved it. Friday afternoon Stephanie and I went to walmart and loblaws to do some shopping and couponing.

I picked up 2 140 packs of cruisers for Finn size 4 for $28.75 and was able to use a $5 off coupon on each pack at loblaws. I bought them at loblaws because there was a no tax event!

Then we went to walmart and I picked up the following:

3 philly cream cheese. price matched food basics $1.88 each saved $1.10-$1.60 each
Romaine $2.47 (3 pack regular price walmart)
top dogs hotdogs on sale for $1.88 each at walmart 2 packs
9 pack of pork loin chops reduced to $4.90 from $7
free twistos (coupon from superbowl) $2.67 savings
pringles on for $1 bought 3
bananas $1.48
tylenol infants on for $5 minus my $3 off coupon. bought 3. Regular price is $6.96 or &7.96.
apples price matched independent 1.96/kg
aussie shampoo and condition was $2.96 at walmart, price matched zellers for $2.49 and then used .75 off each bottle. bought 7. Saved $1.25 per bottle.
thinsations $2. - .75 off coupon.
clorox wipes price matched metro $1.99 minus $1 off coupons. bought 2.
white bread wonder plus $1.88 price matching giant tiger and then used .75 off coupons. bought 2.
bagels I think they were $3.50 or something but price matched canadian tire at $2.29 and then used a $1 off coupon. dempsters bagels
broccoli .97 can';t remember if this was a price match
axe shower gel price matched no frills at $3.00 each and then used a $2 off coupon making them $1 each. bought 2.
Strawberries price matched no frills 2lbs for $3. They only had 1lb at walmart so bought 2 of those and he put them in as $1.50 each.
rice crispies squares on for $2.00 each bought 2 and then used a buy 2 save $1 coupon from superstore.
froot loops $2.97 x 2 and 1 frosted flakes at $2.97. used a buy 3 kellogs get $3 off coupon from superstore.
frenchs mustard was supposed to be $1 but I see on my bill I was charged $1.79 minus my 75 cents off coupon.
I also see on my bill one of my coupons for a $1 got entered as $2.00 so basically that corrected the overcharge on the mustard but had I noticed it scan incorrectly I would have got it for free but things were crazy at checkout with all of my price matching etc.
I also bought snap pees for Logan which were $2.97. Later I found out that they are $1 at no frills so I could have price matched them. doh.


total number of coupons used was 22. total coupon savings of $30.17 and then my price matching on top of that.

Total out of pocket was $76.21

With my shopping out of the way I didn't need to run out this weekend. I heated up some of the oven chicken breasts for supper and did potatoes in the oven and a caesar salad. I also made a cheese cake but it wasn't ready in time so we had it on saturday. I love my new epicure cheese cake pan.

Saturday we headed to the war museum at 1430 after Finn's nap. We spent 2 hours there and had a really good time. Logan loved it. It is free for the military but we thought we would have to pay for Logan but apparently each military person can bring 1 or 2 not sure guests each that also get in free. Only cost us $4 for parking.

Then we popped over to Michael and Kelly's for supper. We had lassagna soup which was awesome and a great visit. We ended up forgetting the diaper bag.

Sunday we got up and went to church at 11 and then took the boys to Funhaven. Logan absolutely loved it. We went for 2 hours. Only cost us $9.99 for Logan. Finn had fun too.

Unfortunately the military doesn't get family day off so Paul had to go back to Kingston sunday night. we were very sad to see him go. On family day, the boys and I just hung out and watched movies in the den. We even rocked out a little with rockband!!

This morning I took Finn to daycare and Logan to his bus. Then I vacuumed. Doing some cleaning and then I will pick up Logan from the bus and then take our comforter to be drycleaned. I have a fab coupon for 20% off!!! Then I have to pick up a couple of parcels from the post office. Then I will pop over to the Independent and then probably head over to walmart and food basics. There is a couple more things I need to pick up on sale and then I will do some more house cleaning before the boys come home.

Making spaghetti for supper tonight. Can't wait to use my super duper epicure pasta pot!

Can't believe 2 weeks till I go back to work. Life is going to get crazy busy!

Love Rae-Lynn, Paul, Logan and Finn