Money saving tips

Thought I would post some ways we save money when camping. We did the tent thing when our kids were little then moved up to a very small travel trailer, I think it was a 12 footer. We now have a 28 foot travel trailer. Having the travel trailer makes it so much easier, everything we need is in the camper so the only thing we do when we return home is empty the fridge and bring in the dirty clothes. We started off with a pontoon boat, then got a ski boat. We now have a 1959 Sea King vbottom boat and its perfect for just DH and I to fish out of. But the best part is everthing is paid for!!

Most of the food we take comes from the stockpile

I have 2 crockpots in the camper that get used alot. I can put a pork or beef roast in it before we go out fishing and lunch is ready by the time we get back.

Bring our own ice from home to put in the boats ice chest.

Almost everything in the camper came from clearance, garage sales or the thrift store.

DH has an Access card so we get 50% off most campgrounds. We usually pay $10.00 a night. We try to stay fairly close to home if we can especially if it is for a week or more. That way we can come home to mow and check on things.

We have a small propane grill so the only time we buy charcoal is when all the kids are there and we feed a crowd.

All the trial size items I get free or samples in the mail go in the camper. When our kids do come they usually use the campground showers so our holding tank doesn't get full so quick. They can grab a trial size shampoo and soap and I don't have to worry about them returning a big bottle.

We have always loved going to the lake. It doesn't cost much to get away for a weekend or even a week.


I'll post more ways to save time and money camping.

Walgreens deals

4~Bic Soleil razors~6.99 BOGO 50%~used BOGO and $3.00 off 1=$.24 each

1~Fusion razor~9.89~used $4.00 off 1=$5.89 rec'd $5.00 RR

2~Playtex tampons~4.00 each~used $2.50 off 2=$5.50 rec'd $3.00 RR

2~Cheezit~2.50 each rec'd $2.00 RR

1~Crayons~1.00 rec'd $1.00 RR

2~Organix shampoo~6.99 BOGO=$6.99 send rebate for $6.99 so 2 bottles for free!!

6~Cookies~1.99 BOGO~used buy 4 get one free $1.50=$.75 each

Total $28.93-rec'd $11.00 in RR and $6.99 rebate=$10.94

The mail brought a $3.00 rebate.

Replaced fridge in RV

Our fridge in the travel trailer went out. We had been having trouble with it for some time. A replacement would have cost $1480.oo, so I did a search and found out we could replace it with a household fridge from Home Depot for $269.00. We found one that fit the hole perfect. DH had to remove some trim and modify the bottom a little so he could secure it. The old fridge was small compared to this one. The freezer is twice as big and I can actually fit a whole gallon of milk in it. We will save money in the long run by not running to town when we camp for extended periods. Can't wait for our week long trip!!

Working on the travel trailer

We have been busy working on our travel trailer. We decided to remove the bench close to the door. It is hard for DH to slide in and out not to mention he is 6' 4" so he didn't have much leg room. I can't believe what a difference it made! We had a few of these black chairs that were free when the company I worked for went out of business. The previous owners had saved a whole roll of leftover fabric so we used that to recover the cushion. DH had to build a box to cover the fender on the inside and recycle some trim from the old bench. It turned out nice and didn't cost anything. We lost some storage space but I have plenty of other storage areas.

Sorry meant to post the pictures before and after instead of after and before!!

Walgreens deals

2~Scrunci hairbands~$2.99 on sale BOGO~used IVC for $1.99~$.99 for 2

6~Combo snacks~$.99 each~used $1.00 off 2~$.49 each

6~Nabisco snacks~$.50 each~used $.20 off 1=$.30 each

6~Pantene~$1.32 each on clearance~used $2.00 off 1 and $1.00 off 1=free

Total $5.73-$.08 overage-$3.00 rr from previous deal=$2.65 + tax!

The mail today brought P&G coupons and 2 rebate checks. One for $4.50 and one for $1.39!

Walgreens deals this week and next aren't that good. I still have about $15.00 in rr so I may just get the Fusion razors with the 8 for $1.00 folders as fillers.

Homeland has their Kelloggs cereal on sale for $1.40 a box again! Also if you buy 10 Kellogg and/or Keebler items you get a $10.00 catalina! Transaction will look like this:

8~Kellogg cereal~$1.40 each~use $1.00 off 2~one coupon will double=$7.20

2~Keebler crackers~$1.40 each~use $1.00 off 2=$.80

1~1lb of bananas~use $1.00 off fresh fruit when you buy cereal=free

Total $8.00 receive $10.00 catalina!!

Walgreens deals

3 separate transanctions

1st

1~Airplus Aloe socks~$3.00

1~Blistex smoothies~$2.99

Total $5.99-$5.00 rr from previous deal=$.99 rec'd $6.00 in rr's.

2nd

1~Airplus Aloe socks~$3.00

Total $3.00-$2.00 rr from previous deal=$1.00 rec'd $3.00 rr

3rd

3~Captain Crunch cereal~$1.75 each on sale~used $.50 off 1 mfq=$1.25 each

2~Reeses pieces~$3.79 each~used IVC for $2.50 + $1.00 off 1 mfq=$1.50 each

1~Starburst jumbo bag~$5.99

1~Lays chips~$1.99

Total $14.73-2 $5.00 rr from previous deal=$4.73+tax!

So total oop was $6.72+tax but rec'd $9.00 in rr's! Had to use the rr because they would expire on July 4th and we have family coming from out of town so I won't be "Wagging" while they are here.

Walmart Deals

14~Louisiana fish fry mix~$1.76 each~ad matched for $1.00 each~used $1.00 off 2 mfq=$.50 each!

5~Shick razors~$1.97 each~used $2.00 off 1 mfq=free+$.15 in overage

6~Jello pudding mix~$.84 each~ad matched for $.50 each~used BOGO mfq=$.25 each

3~Wishbone dressing~$1.48 each~ad matched for $1.00 each~used $.75 mfq=$.25 each

2~Masterpiece BBQ sauce~1.38 each~ad matched for $1.00 each~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=free

2~Kraft BBQ sauce~$1.00 each~ad matched for $.50 each~used $.25 off 1 mfq=$.25

3~Taco seasoning~$.50 each~used $1.00 off 3 mfq=$.17 each

3~Lea&Perrins~$2.54 each~used $2.00 off 1 mfq=$.54 each

3~Fisher nuts~$1.88 each~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=$.88 each

2~White Cloud toilet paper~$2.00 each~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=$1.00 each

2~Reddi-Whip~$1.98 each~used $1.00 off 1 mfq~$.98 each

3~Edward pie slices~$1.17 each~used $.75 off 1 mfq=$.42 each

2~Blue Bunny 12 count ice cream sandwiches~$2.98 each~ad matched $2.50 each~used $1.25 off 1 peelie found on box=$1.25 each not shown I put them in the freezer right away, it is so hot!

Total $22.44-$.15 overage=$22.34

Got my socks!

They had a bunch so I think I will get all my kids a pair for Christmas.

1~Airplus Aloe socks~$3.00~rec'd $3.00 rr

Total $3.00+tax so I really only paid $.26 cents!

All kinds of designs and colors but these must be just for women because there were no masculine looking colors.

Walgreens deals

Wanted to get the socks that are free after RR but its been posted that Walgreens hasn't updated this deal and it is not printing right now. Maybe they will have it fixed by tomorrow. What I did get:

4~Oral B toothbrush~$4.99 each~used BOGO mfq and $1.00 off 1=$1.99 each rec'd 2 $3.00 rr's and 2 $2.00 rr so made $2.04

2~Sure deodorant~$1.99 each~used $1.50 off 1 mfq=$.49 each

2~Reach floss~$1.79 each~used $.99 IVC and $1.50 off 1 mfq=free+$1.02 overage

1~Fusion razor~$9.98~used $4.00 off 1 mfq=$5.98 rec'd $5.00 rr

1~2liter Diet Pepsi~$1.00 used for filler not shown

Total $14.92-$1.02 overage-$4.50 rr from previous deal=$9.40+tax rec'd $15.00 in RR's and the Sure deod. had try me free rebate!

Just an update: DH fixed the dryer so the clothesline is axed for now. I won't give up though and hope to eventually talk him into putting them up. I don't think he likes the idea of chaining up the dog in this weather. It is so hot here that just mowing will wear you completely out!

Walgreens deals

4~Nivea bodywash~$5.99 on sale BOGO~used BOGO coupon=free and rec'd 2 $6.00 RR rang up separate

3~Neutrogena soap~$2.19 each on sale~no coupons but there were some in my paper so I'll try to do this deal again. Rec'd $10.00 RR

1~Sunday paper~$2.00

2~Butterfinger~$.39 each my favorite cashier was working and these are their bonus items this week

Total $9.35-$5.00 rr from razor deal=$4.35+tax and rec'd $22.00 in RRs.

Just a little rant: This Walgreens is my favorite one, close to my house, clean, good management, coupon friendly, pretty good stock, the pharmacy knows us, etc. But I am tired of being solicited on my way in. Had this one lady ask me for money, kids asking for money, one guy ask if he could use my cell phone (don't have one anymore), one guy ask this elderly lady to give him a ride somewhere!! She told him no but she would call someone to come pick him up but he didn't want that. When it happened yet again this morning I went straight to the cashier. The manager came out and made him leave. I am all for helping people in need but the lady that ask me for money was talking on a cell phone, dressed nice, had nice jewelry on and didn't seem to be in distress about anything. If someone came up to me and explained their situation be it some sort of domestic issue, or they were stranded then I would be willing to help in some way. But these people are just hollering out "Hey you have a few dollars I can have?" It's crazy! Ok rant over.

Walmart Deals

Homeland had their cereal on sale 5 for $7.00 so I took the ad to Walmart for price match.

10 boxes cereal~$1.40 each~used $1.00 off 2 mfq=$.90 each and several boxes had $5.00 worth of coupons inside! Love cheap cereal! Will do this deal again Monday.

4~Vlasic pickles~$1.88 each~used $.55 off 1 mfq=$1.33 each

2~Old Spice bodywash trial~$.97

2~Old Spice deodorant~$4.24 each~used buy bodywash get free deodorant=free

2~White Cloud~$2.00 each~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=$1.00 each this is the best deal right now in my area for double rolls of toilet paper.

Total $18.26+ tax! The cereal is a stock up price I think I have 10 more coupons for a total of 20 more plus the coupons I found in the boxes:

3~$1.00 off fresh fruit when you buy two boxes of cereal

1~$1.00 off any coffee when you buy two boxes of cereal

1~$1.00 off any size any brand of milk

We don't need the coffee right now. The fresh fruit ones I will use for bananas put in 3 separate bags, each bag will add up to $1.00 so free bananas!! The milk one I will ad match for $2.69 so $1.69 for a gallon of milk that is cheaper than a half gallon!!

Target Deals

I found a target coupon for $1.00 off 1 Olay Effects bodywash in my binder that I didn't know I had.

1~Olay Effects bodywash~$5.50~used $4.00 off 1 mfq and $1.00 off tq=$.50

1~Ivory 10 bars~$3.59~used buy Olay get free soap up to $3.00=$.59

1~Toothbrush holder~$.25 on clearance

3~Crest Pro health~$3.00 each on clearance~used $.75 off 1 mfq and $.75 off 1 tq=$1.50 each and each box had a free Crest mouthwash attached. Normally I don't pay for toothpaste but the pro health is my favorite and we were out of it.

7~Colgate toothpaste~$1.38 on clearance~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=$.38 and each box had a free toothbrush attached.

1~Fructis conditioner~$2.08 on clearance~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=$1.08 and the bottle had trial size shampoo and conditioner attached. I like to keep the trial size stuff in the camper.

1~Fructis hairspray~$2.08 on clearance~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=$1.08

Total $10.66-$.10 for my bags-$5.00 gift card from ice cream deal=$5.56+tax!

Taco Bell free drink

Stopped at Taco Bell for their free Margarita Fruitista. I got the Strawberry one and it was really good. I don't know that I would have paid almost $3.00 for it. The coupons were in last Sunday paper and I have about 12 more!

Walgreens deals

2~Fusion razors~$9.89 each~used $4.00 off 1=$5.89 each and rec'd 2 $5.00 rr rang up separate

2~Bic Hybrid razors~$6.99 each~used $3.49 IVC and $3.00 off 1 mfq=$.49 each

2~Covergirl mascara~$3.19 each on clearance~used $1.00 off 1 and BOGO 50%=$1.39 each

3~Bayer chewable~$3.19 each~used $.99 IVC and $1.00 off 1 mfq=free

Total $15.54 and rec'd $10.00 RR

Target deals

I was hoping to find the Olay Effects body wash that some people have found for $3.84 TPC but at my Target they scanned $5.50! I did get:

5~Drumstick ice creams~$2.54 each~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=$1.54 each and rec'd $5.00 gift card

4~Bounty paper towels~$.99 each~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=free

4~Rolaids 3 pack~$1.99 each~used $4.00 off 2 mfq=free+$.04 in overage

Total $7.70-$.04 overage-$.15 for bags=$7.51+tax and rec'd the $5.00 gift card!

Walmart deals

Good Walmart run but I forgot my pickles!! What I did get:

8~Pampers wipes~$1.97 each~used $2.00 off 1 mfq=free+$.24 cents in overage

4~White cloud~$2.00 each~used $1.00 off 1 mfq=$1.00 each

2~Adams flea collar~$.97 each~used $3.00 off 1 mfq= free+$4.06 in overage

2~All you magazines~$2.24 each~used $.50 off 1 mfq=$1.74 each

2~Old spice body wash trial~$.97 each

2~Old spice deodorant~$4.24 each~used buy body wash get free deodorant mfq=free

2~Rolaids 4 roll pack~$2.23 each~used $4.00 off 2 mfq=$.23 each

1~Dog biscuit~$2.50~used $2.00 off 1 mfq=$.50

1~Noxema razor 4 pack~$2.97~used $2.00 off 1 mfq=$.97

Total $11.35-$4.30 in overage=$7.05+tax

Walgreens

Both Walgreens I went to were completely wiped out of razors and all the gillette body wash. I will wait until later in the week and try again. Still got a good deal:

2~Always pads~$3.79 each on sale BOGO 50%~used free coupon from Kotex deal=free+$1.90 in overage

2~Bayer~$3.49 each~used $.99 IVC and $1.00 off 1 mfq=free and one was a double pack

1~Bayer chewable~$2.99~used $.99 IVC and $1.00 off 1 mfq=free double pack

1~Dawn~$1.99~used $.99 IVC and $1.00 off 1 mfq=free

1~Cascade~$3.99~used $2.00 off 1 mfq=$1.99 and rec'd $1.00 RR

Total $1.99-$1.90 overage=$.09+tax and rec'd $1.00 rr!!

I started to go Sunday knowing that the razors would probably be wiped out but got busy doing yard work!

Money saving tips

My dryer went out (the heating element). Oldest DD was in between moving so she loaned me hers out of storage. She came and got it so now we are without a dryer until DH fixes ours.

Well I'm seriously thinking about not fixing it since it uses alot of electricity. Instead I'm trying to talk DH into putting my clothes line poles back up. We would have to chain up our dog while the clothes were on the line. I have missed being able to hang clothes out, we took them down when we redid the house. Here are some tips:

~use liquid fabric softener (free or really cheap of course)

~shake the clothes before hanging to reduce wrinkles

~double up thin items such as hankies, pillow cases, underwear (if you hang yours out) to give yourself more line space

~hang shirts from the tail and jeans from the legs

~some people have bags for their clothes pins but I prefer a pouch (like the car hops wear at Sonic or the workers at Subway) that ties around your waste. That way you can bring your pins inside out of the elements, it keeps the wooden pins from rusting or rotting and the plastic ones from getting brittle.

~hang out your whites when you have the most sun exposure

~alot of complaints about towels being "scratchy" so if you have a dryer put your towels in for a few minutes before you hang them out.

~if your clothes line is further out in the yard invest in a little red wagon it will save your back! Think garage sales or thrift stores.

~choose the most windy day if you can for the least amount of wrinkles

They say you can save $100.00 or more a year hanging out your clothes. With energy costs rising it just makes sense to let nature do the work for you.

Now back to convincing DH to get out in the 97 degree weather and put up the poles!!

Free Catfish

My son went fishing this morning and brought us these 2 catfish!! We love having a family fish fry a few times a year. Catfish is priced anywhere from $4.99 to $6.99 a pound here! DH fillets them with his electric knife and we freeze them in salt water.

Walgreens and Walmart

Walgreens:

1~Trash bag~$4.99 on sale

1~Ecotrin~$2.00~ran out of coupons but used as a filler and rec'd $2.00 RR

1~Bic mechanical pencil~$1.39 on clearance~these were marked $3.29 but rang up $1.39 and had a TMF rebate up to $5.99

Total $8.38-2 $2.50 rr's from kotex deal=$3.38+tax rec'd $2.00 rr and will send for the rebate


Walmart: no picture

12~Bar S jumbo hot dogs~$.50 each~price matched from Dollar General~used $1.00 off 2=free

1~Vlasic pickles $1.86~used $.55 off 1=$1.31 this is a huge 46 ounce jar of whole dill pickles
still have 6 coupons!!

Total $1.31+tax!

I can't wait for the Sunday paper, lots of good coupons! Probably will purchase 15 or 20. The two that are the best~Fusion razor $4.00 off 1 and Pampers wipes $2.00 off 1. Walgreens will have a RR deal on the Fusion and I think the wipes are right at $2.00 at Walmart. Although Walgreens will have their wipes $5.00 for 2 starting Sunday. You can't beat $.50 cent wipes!!