Recently I started going to CVS to take advantage of the ECB's and so I could start getting some free stuff. This Sunday was my first official trip and I think I did fairly well. I learned a lot and made some mistakes that I know I'll never do again. Overall, it was a successful trip...or should I say trips. I went a total of three times because I knew I wouldn't have time to go to Monday or Tuesday. Here's the run down of the three trips:
Trip One (this was my plan)Starting with $5 ECB Buy:
(1) Colgate Total Toothpaste $2.88
(2) Composition Note Book .99
(2) CVS Erasers .99
(2) Neutrogena Cosmetics $5 B1G1
Use:
-$1 off Colgate
(2) -$3 off Neutrogena
-$5 ECB
Total Due: Nothing
Get Back: $5.96 ECB ($2, $1.98, $1.98)
When I got to CVS the whole Neutrogena thing threw me off. I thought I had it figured out when I left the house but my brain turned to mush once I was there. This was basically due to having both kids and Nate with me. I won't do this again - Lesson #1. My problem was that I didn't read the instructions correctly on southersavers.com - Lesson #2. I should have had 2 coupons for $3 off. Instead I had two coupons but they totalled $3 instead of having two coupons that totaled $6. The instructions also read that the product should be $5. I couldn't find any of these lower priced products which is why I bought a $8.99 item - Lesson #3 (when in doubt...don't buy). I basically walked out with all the above and I paid a little over $9 bucks. I was a little bummed with myself for paying that Neutrogena stuff but after using it this morning I think it was a good buy.
Trip Two(3) Kashi Products $3.33 ea
Use:(3) -$1.50 off Kashi
-$5.96 ECB
Total Due: -47 (bought a treat for the girls - who were with me - Refer to Lesson #1)
Get Back: $5 ECB
After this trip I walked out feeling very successful. Who doesn't like to get one of the most expensive cereals for free? On top of that, I got $5 ECB back. Now... if only the cereal were that good. After I opened it up last night it's no wonder I got it for free. That stuff is nasty! Because it was free we will eat it...it may take a month but we will get through it!
Trip Three(1) Colgate Total Toothpaste $2.88
(2) Generic Post Its .99
(2) CVS Staplers .99
(1) CVS Tampons 1.89
Use:
.75 off Colgate
-5 ECB
Total Due: $3 something
Get Back: 3.87 (1.89, 1.98)
OK, so here is where I learned Lesson #4. If it says Limit 1...it really means Limit 1 FOREVER...not only for that visit. I got the toothpaste for 2.88 minus .75 but I didn't get the ECB that went with it. Bummer. I have no idea where my other ECB of 1.98 went either. I know the 1.89 was for the tampons and the 1.98 was for the Post Its, but I think I should have gotten another 1.98 back for the staplers. I think I should have kept it to two trips in one day because by trip three my brain was fried to even ask where my other 1.98 ECB was - Lesson #5.
ECB Remaining: $3.87
Total Out of Pocket: $12 something
Total Merchandise Purchased: $43.57
Overall, like I said, it wasn't a bust but I definitely could have done better. Here's to next week. I better have a heck of a plan if I'm going to start out with $3.87 ECB's!
The "bus" must be the main theme in this trip because we're touring the city on the Chicago Trolley which I'm so excited about. It has 13 or 14 stops and you can jump off and jump back on. It's the best way to see the town. 
The only thing that would make it better were if it were in the spring or summer. I'm hoping it won't be too cold while we're there. Either way we're going to have a blast! We're planning on going to Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and of course we have to catch a Chicago Bulls game. That's the part that Nate is most excited about! It will be a short trip but it's gonna be packed with so much fun stuff. Can't wait!
