Venus... Razor, not Planet.

Yes, that's right. My "V" post for the Blogging from A-Z challenge is about a razor. That means if you're reading this and you're a male, then feel free to hit the nifty "Next Blog" tab at the top of the page.

I'll start off by saying that this post is 100% self-inspired. I received no coupons, free products, discounts, or compensation of any type. Believe it or not, this blogger has found a little product she likes and feels the need to tell her blogosphere sisters all about it, expecting nothing in return.

Now I have to confess that throughout my shaving years, I have always used a disposable razor.  Not exactly sure why... guess I was just always looking at the price tags and they were always the cheapest.  A week ago, Publix had this particular razor on sale, plus I had two great coupons to stack on top.  So, I thought, "What the heck?  I'll try it."

Oh my gosh!  What a difference.  Seriously.  I will never go back to disposables.  The result is an incredibly smooth, close shave with zero irritation.  I've even heard of a few people using it without shaving cream because it's so quick and soft.  I haven't tried this out yet, but am definitely going to.  Shaving is my least favorite activity in the world (next to going to the dentist) so I'll try anything to make it as fast and painless as possible.

The Venus Embrace normally will cost you anywhere from $6.00-$8.00 (maybe a bit higher some places).  With my coupons and in-store special, I was able to grab it for 3 bucks.  If you can find a good deal on this razor, then pick it up.  You and your legs will thank me. 

Happy Shaving!  (If there is such a thing...)

So Much to Read, So Little Time

I've been reading, reading and reading this week, so not much writing has taken place for "Keeping Up Klapper."  Truth is, I've gotten sucked into the "coupon thing" and now I'm obsessed!  I had no idea how many money-saving bloggers there are out there who keep their readers posted of deals by the hour as they find them.  I've only been at this for two weeks and I've already saved a few hundred dollars... $239 to be exact.

Here are some of my favorite blogs that I currently subscribe to via Google Reader:

Coupon Geek

Jaycie does an incredible job of keeping her readers aware of "hot" coupons when they are posted, like this one from Huggies.

Faithful Provisions

Grab a free pastry from Starbucks here.

Koupon Karen

Check out her great article about "stockpiling."

I Heart Publix

Just found out about this blog/site this week.  I was thrilled to find out that she posts the Publix sale flyer early!  Because as I've shared before, I ♥ Publix, too. ; )

Southern Savers 

Snag a 30% off coupon from Old Navy that can be used multiple times through Sunday.  

So, my Reader inbox stays full all day with these awesome feeds. On top of my blog-stalking sessions, I'm reading John C. Maxwell's upcoming release, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.  The book. Is. Awesome.  Blog review coming soon.


Even now, I should be headed to bed... but not before I read a little more and clip another coupon or two.  Or ten.

I ♥ Publix

Recently, a friend of mine convinced me that I needed to start clipping coupons.  Without even giving it a thought, I immediately began giving her excuses of why I didn't have enough time to do such a thing.  She convinced me to give it one try... So, I did.  And here I am today, completely addicted to the incredible savings and ready to share with you all!

Now, I know many people who do the "coupon thing," but I have to say... If you're not doing your shopping at Publix, then you're missing out on incredible savings.  Let me being with my total bill from this morning.  Are you ready? (drum rolllllll...)

Total spent: $76.11

Total saved with coupons and in-store specials: $86.99

SERIOUSLY!  Isn't that amazing?!  I purchased $163.10 worth of items at only $76.11.  That's averages out to OVER 50% savings on each item.  WOOT!

Okay, okay.  I know you're thinking, "How in the world did you manage that?"  So that's where my infatuation with Publix comes in.  Here's why I totally love this store:

*Publix has weekly BOGO (Buy 1, Get 1) sales of many items.  The best part is, they don't require that you purchase the second item.  So that makes the first item HALF off.

*Publix will accept competitor coupons.  I don't know of another store in my town that will do this.

*Publix will let you "stack" coupons... meaning, you can use an in-store coupon, a manufacturer's coupon, AND a competitor coupon ALL ON ONE ITEM!

*The Publix location in my town will double manufacturer's coupons up to $.50 or less.

*Publix offers a "Penny Item" on one day of each week.  It only costs a cent with a purchase over $10.00.

With all those things in mind, there is one rule that you will have to begin following for the most savings: ONLY buy items on sale for which you also have at least one coupon.  What that means for some of you is a shift in your menu planning each week.  Before I started this coupon craziness, I always had a menu planned out before I went shopping.  This is where things changed.  I now go shopping and THEN create a menu for the week.

Here are just a few of the great buys I got today with my coupons and in-store specials:

1 14.5 oz bag of Publix brand tortilla chips- $.01 (reg price, $3.19. "Penny Item.") 

1 Bag of 8 o'clock coffee- $1.49 (reg price, $4.99)

1 box of Lysol 4-in-1 wipes- $1.75 (reg price, $5.49)

1 4-pk of Yoplait YoPlus yogurt- $.25 (reg price, $2.50)

Pretty darn good, huh?!

Now, get busy finding all the coupons you can.  Be sure to grab the ones issued in your Sunday paper, plus check out these websites, as well:

www.southernsavers.com

www.coupons.com

www.kouponkaren.com

HAPPY SHOPPING!

I did not receive any compensation for this post.