The Art of Stacking Coupons
by TheresaShadrix
 Clip2Save
Aug 12, 2011 | 4950 views |  0 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

Most people coupon because they want to save money. But, they may not realize there is an art to it. It’s not a creativity that will result in a masterpiece to hang on a wall, but it’s one that will bring results to the wallet. One tool in the art form of coupons is stacking coupons.

Stacking doesn’t involve the sport of cups, if that’s your first thought. While you can’t use two manufacturer coupons on one item, stacking simply means using one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon on one product. Thus, you are “stacking” two coupons on one item.

A store coupon is just that. A coupon that a particular store has released for use only in that store. Store coupons usually have a unique look and are marked with the store logo and name. Walgreens, RiteAid, CVS, Target, Dollar General, Family Dollar and Winn Dixie all have store coupons.

A manufacturer coupon is one that is issued by the manufacturer of a product. Manufacturer grocery coupons are located in the newspaper inserts and printed online. They are clearly marked with “manufacturer coupon” on the top.

The key is to save money by stacking in a practical way. There are “extreme” deals that you can find, but here is a practical one.

At Walgreens this week, Huggies Wipes (184 or 216 pack) are $5.99 each. There is a $2 off Walgreens coupon in the August booklet, which can be found in the store. You can stack a $.50 manufacturer coupon from the 7/17/11 Smart Source insert with the store coupon. So, you would:

  1. Buy one Huggies wipes at $5.99
  2. Have the cashier scan the Walgreens store coupon.
  3. It subtracts $2.Then give the cashier the manufacturer coupon. It subtracts $.50

4.     Your total for the wipes is $3.49

Another example is at RiteAid this week. If you purchase two M&M’s (9.9-12.6 oz) for $2 each, you will receive a $1 UP, which prints on your receipt. If you are registered on RiteAid’s website you can watch videos and print “Video Value” coupons. There was one for $1 off two M&M’s. If you watched this video, you can stack this RiteAid coupon with a $1 off two manufacturer coupon from the 7/24/11 RedPlum insert. So, you would:

  1. Buy two M&M’s at $2 each, equals $4
  2. Use one $1 off two RiteAid Video Value coupon. It subtracts $1
  3. Use one $1 off two manufacturer coupon. It subtracts $1
  4. Your total for the two bags of M&M’s is $2

5.    Plus, you will receive a $1 UP reward that you can use on another purchase. This makes the two bags of M&M’s $1

The key to stacking coupons is knowing the store coupon policy to make sure of the limitations on stacking. Target, for example, recently changed the store coupon policy and now has limits on stacking.

Although Target still accepts one manufacturer coupon and one Target coupon for the same item, there are new limitations on stacking coupons with Buy One Get One items or BOGO’s. In the past, if you had a BOGO manufacturer coupon, you could use two Target coupons. Now, in the same scenario, you can only use one Target coupon with the manufacturer BOGO. Target’s policy states, “A second cents-off coupon of the same type cannot be redeemed towards the purchase price of the first item.

·       If a Target BOGO coupon is used, one additional manufacturer coupon may be used on the first item.

·       If a Manufacturer BOGO coupon is used, one additional Target coupon may be used on the first item

So my advice is to first research the stores you shop most often and read the coupon policy. Then, register for any promotions on the store website so that you can receive store coupons in the mail or your email. After that, when you read match-ups online, you will be prepared for the art of stacking.

Do you have a question about couponing? Email me at tshadrix@annistonstar.com. Like Clip2Save at www.facebook.com/clip2save

When Clip2Save reaches 1,000 “likes” on Facebook, we will give a $50 Wal-Mart gift card to a member at random. So, go “like” us today!

FREE Advil coupon
by TheresaShadrix
 Clip2Save
Aug 12, 2011 | 22268 views |  0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

This Sunday, Anniston Star subscribers will notice the newspaper in an Advil polybag. At the bottom of the bag, subscribers can open and remove a small card marked "HURRY! Act Now & Get Advil & Advil PM FREE."

Subscribers will find a unique code printed on the card. Go to www.advil.com/freeoffer by 9/4/11 and enter the code to receive a coupon by mail for a free bottle of Advil & Advil PM. Please allow 10-15 business days for delivery. Free coupon expires 10/23/11.

This coupon, offered by Valassis, is availble to subscribers only. It will not be available in rack and single copy locations.

Also, The Anniston Star will not have coupon inserts in the newspaper this Sunday. If you would like to have coupons in your local newspaper, let News Marketing America (Smart Source) and Valassis (Red Plum) know.

CONTACTS:

 

Teacher Appreciation days at Office Max
by TheresaShadrix
 Clip2Save
Jul 29, 2011 | 1660 views |  0 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

Office Max will have the 2011 Teacher Appreciation Days on Sunday, July 31 and Monday, August 1.

Max-Perks Rewards Teacher will receive:

  • FREE reusable tote, plus 20% off everythng you fit inside.
  • FREE give-aways for the first 150 teachers, while supplies last. 

If you are not a Max-Perks Rewards Teacher, you can sign-up at the store or online here.

P&G 7/31 Coupon Preview
by TheresaShadrix
 Clip2Save
Jul 29, 2011 | 472 views |  0 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

I compared the P&G insert that will be in The Anniston Star on 7/31 with the list on Sunday Coupon Preview. There are some regional coupon differences that will work in our favor! For one the Downey coupon is $.50, instead of $.25. Plus, there are three Pampers coupons that I didn't even see on the Sunday Coupon Preview list. I have the coupon differences bolded in the list below.

7-31 P&G coupon insert
(x) before coupon = multiple of same coupon
ETS = excludes trial sizes

Always Pantiliners 30 ct Save $1 (8/31)
Always Pads, Clean or Feminine Cleansing Cloths .50 (8/31)
Always Infinity 14 ct Save $1 (8/31)
Bounce Dryer Bar Save $.50 (8/31)
Bounce Dryer Sheet or Dryer Bar refill Save $.25 (8/31)
Bounty Towels or Napkins Save $.25 (8/31)
Bounty Napkins Save $.25 (8/31)
Braun curzer trimmer Save $5 (8/31)
Braun Series 3, Series 5 or Series 7 Shaver Save $10 (8/31)
Cascade Save $1 (8/31)
Charmin Save $.25 (8/31)
Clairol Hair Color Save $2 (8/31)
Covergirl Save $1 (8/31)
Covergirl Save $1 (8/31)
Crest 3D White Professional Effects or 2 Hour Express Whitestrips Save $10 (8/31)
Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid, Vivid, Stain Shield or Gentle Routine Whitestrips Save $5 (8/31)
Crest Toothpaste 4oz Save $.50 (8/31)
Crest Rinse 946ml Save $2 (8/31)
Crest Toothpaste 4 oz Save $.75 (8/31)
Dawn Save $.50 (8/31)
Downey Liquid or Dryer Sheets .50 (8/31)
Duracell .75 (8/31)
Duracell Rechargeable Batteries or Charger or 6 pack Hearing Aid Batteries Save $1 (8/31)
Fixodent Adhesive Save $.50 (8/31)
Fixodent Cleanser Save $.75 (8/31)
Gillette Body Wash Save $2 (8/31)
Gillette Deodorant Save $3/2 (8/31)
Gillette Clinical Deodorant Save $3 (8/31)
Gillette Fusion Skin Care Save $2 (8/31)
Buy one Gillette Fusion ProGlide Cartridge, get free Gillette Fusion ProGlide Shave Prep (8/31)
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor Save $4 (8/31)
Head & Shoulders Save $.50 (8/31)
Iams Naturals Dry Dog or Cat Food Save $1 (8/31)
Iams Premium Protection Dry Dog or Cat food Save $1 (8/31)
Iams ProActive Healthy dry dog or cat food Save $1 (8/31)
Iams canned dog or cat food B3G1F (8/31)
Ivory Body Wash or Bar or Safeguard bar or liquid hand soap Save $.50 (8/31)
Metamucil Save $1 (8/31)
Metamucil Fiber Singles Capsules or Wafers Save $1 (8/31)
Olay Pro-X Facial Moisturizer or Pro-X Clear Save $5 (8/31)
Olay Regenerist Moisturizer Save $3 (8/31)
Buy Olay Body Wash, Bar or Hand and Body Lotion, Get free Satin Care Shave Gel to Save $3.99 (8/31)
Oral-B Battery Toothbrush Save $3 (8/31)
Oral-B Floss or Oral-B Floss Picks 30 ct Save $.75 (8/31)
Oral-B Stages, Zooth or Crest Kid’s Manual or Power Toothbrush Save $.50 (8/31)
Oral-B Stages, Zooth or Crest Kid’s Toothpaste Save $.50 (8/31)
Oral-B Replacement Brush Heads 3 count Save $10/2 (8/31)
Oral-B Replacement Brush Heads 3 ct Save $3 (8/31)
Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction Advance or any two Indicator or Cavity Defense Manual Toothbrushes Save $.75 (8/31)

Pantene Save $1/2 (8/31)

Pampers Two Bags or One Box $1 (8/31)

Pampers One Swaddlers Sensitive, Cruisers, Limited Edition Prints or Extra Protection $2 (8/31)

Pampers One Diapers or Pants AND One Wipes 60 ct $2 (8/31)
Pringles Super Stack cans Save $1/4 (8/31)
Pringles Snack Stack or Stix Save $.50 (8/31)
Pringles Fat Free Cans Save $1/2 (8/31)
Puffs Singles .25/3 or one 3 pack Save $.25 (8/31)
Scope Mouthwash 710ml Save $.75 (8/31)
Secret Flawless, Scent Expression or Fresh Effects Deodorant Twin Pack Save $1 (8/31)
Buy two Secret Scent Expressions or Fresh Effects deodorants, get one free Secret Body Spray to Save $5 (8/31)
Swiffer Wet Jet or Sweeper Vac Starter Kit Save $5 (8/31)
Swiffer Sweeper or Swiffer Dusters Starter Kit Save $1 (8/31)
Swiffer refill or Dust & Shine Save $.75 (8/31)
Tampax Pearl Compak B1G1F to Save $3.99 (8/31)
Tampax Pearl or Tampax Pearl Compak 18 ct Save $1 (8/31)
Tampax 18ct Save $.50 (8/31)
Tide Detergent Save $1 (8/31)
Tide Stain Release .50 (8/31)
Tide Stain Release 26-50 powder, 15-34 ct Duopack or 36-68 oz liquid Save $1.50 (8/31)
Buy one Venus Refill, get Save $5 off Venus Razor (8/31)
Venus or Downy Disposable Razor Save $2 (8/31)

Skinny Cow BOGO coupon
by TheresaShadrix
 Clip2Save
Jul 28, 2011 | 852 views |  0 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

To get your coupon, just "like" Skinny Cow on Facebook, share this deal with
one FB friend and print a Buy One Get One Free coupon on any new single–sized Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisp or Dreamy Clusters. Click here.

Also, starting this Sunday (7/31) at CVS, Skinny Cow singles you will receive a $.99 ECB when you buy Skinny Cow Singles at $.99. Limit is 1 per card.

So you will want to buy 2 Skinny Cow singles. Use one BOGO coupon. Pay $.99 and receive $.99 ECB. 

 

 

Today's Events
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Wednesday, 19, 2013
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Pond Spring- The Gener... 3:50 PM
Oxford Farmers market 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Join us for the kick-off of Oxford's first...
Oxford Farmers market 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Join us for the kick-off of Oxford's first...
Hip Hop Hope Vacation ... 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
$0 The Living by Faith Ministry will host Vac...
Anniston man with crazy hats had big heart
by Patrick McCreless
pmccreless@annistonstar.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 567 views |  0 comments | 13 13 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Darrel "Sonny" Clayton was known in the community for his profession as a clown. Clayton had hundreds of hats which were on display at his memorial service.  Photo by Courtney Davies
Darrel "Sonny" Clayton was known in the community for his profession as a clown. Clayton had hundreds of hats which were on display at his memorial service. Photo by Courtney Davies
slideshow
Sonny Clayton never met a hat he didn't like or a stranger he couldn't make a friend. A self-proclaimed clown, the Anniston native always had a balloon animal for a crying child or a big smile and helping hand for anyone in trouble. He was a kind of local celebrity and though people might not have known his name, his wacky hats and friendly attitude were unforgettable. Clayton died early Tuesday morning at his sister's home in Anniston. He was 60. A memorial service for Clayton was held Wednesday at Church on the Rock in Anniston. For decades, Clayton entertained children in full clown makeup at birthday parties, church events and parades. Only poor health forced him to give up his full clowning activities about three years ago, said Diane Tant, Clayton's sister. But even when he was not in clown costume or even at a special event, he would routinely go out of his way to brighten a child's day, Tant said. "He'd keep a bag of balloons in his vest pocket," Tant said. "If he'd see a child in Wal-Mart who was upset, he'd make a balloon for them." Clayton had vast balloon-making skills, able to create swords, poodles and even flowers. "He used to come down to our children's church and make balloon animals when we did fundraisers to bring people in," said Darlene Wood, secretary for Church on the Rock. "He knew all the children's names and they weren't afraid to approach him ... he didn't look like a grown up." Even when not in clown costume, Clayton looked amusing, which was just the way he liked it. Tant said the colorful hats Clayton wore were just another way for him to brighten people's lives. "He was always trying to make someone happy," Tant said. "He would say, 'if I can just make one person laugh a day, that's my goal.'" He almost never failed to wear a large, gaudy hat in public. Almost a hundred of the hats were displayed on four large tables at his memorial service. Hats of every shape and size were there, some that resembled large hot dogs and chickens to others that were patriotic red, white and blue. Beyond the hats, Clayton for years would go to local hospitals around Christmas to deliver candy canes to the medical staff there. "He thought all the doctors at the hospital did not get enough recognition," Tant said. Dr. Michael Kline, a urologist in Anniston who had known Clayton for 10 years, said Clayton never failed to be friendly. "He always had a smile on his face," Kline said. "And even though he might have had different types of medical problems, he never let it get him down." Curtis Kirk of Jacksonville, who grew up with Clayton, said the man's friendly, kind nature never wavered. "He never had a bad word to say about anybody and never hurt anybody or anything," Kirk said. Teresa Hayes of Wellington, who was also a friend of Clayton's, said he always tried to help other people whenever possible. "He was very unconventional in the way he looked, but he was the most kind-hearted person," Hayes said. Tant said Clayton was just a people person who talked to everyone he met. "He never met a stranger," she said. Staff writer Patrick McCreless: 256-235-3561. On Twitter @PMcCreless_Star.
American Medical Association recognizes obesity as a disease
by Patrick McCreless
pmccreless@annistonstar.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 525 views |  0 comments | 14 14 recommendations | email to a friend | print
As a nurse practitioner at the Oxford Adult Care and Weight Loss Center, Kanina Crosen sees Alabama's obesity problem firsthand. To her, obesity is more than a condition that 30 percent of adult Alabamians live with every day, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a disease. The American Medical Association, the largest physician group in the country, agrees, and officially recognized obesity as a disease Monday during its annual meeting in Chicago. But while the organization has no legal authority to dictate how obesity should be treated, some local health experts say the decision could spur physicians to more aggressively attack the problem and encourage insurers to offer more coverage for treatments and prevention. "I honestly do think it's a disease," Crosen said. "We try every possible angle to prevent it, the same way we might treat someone who has high blood pressure ... it's a problem we're trying to prevent." The AMA, specifically its house of delegates, voted to categorize obesity as a disease during its annual meeting in Chicago Monday. The decision went against the conclusions of the association's Council on Science and Public Health, which studied the issue the past year. The council determined obesity was not a disease since the body mass index, the measure used to define obesity, is overly simplistic. Statistics from the CDC show that obesity is a growing epidemic, with more than one-third of American adults being categorized as obese. About 17 percent of U.S. children are obese, the statistics show. The situation is particularly dire for Alabama, which is among the three states with the highest rates of obesity for adults. Obesity can lead to a variety of conditions, from diabetes to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Lewis Doggett of Anniston Pediatrics, who focuses on childhood obesity and is working to create a childhood obesity clinic for the area, said obesity has been treated like a disease for some time. "I think whether they call it that or not, we certainly treat it like it's a disease," Doggett said. "It's got obvious medical morbidity attached to it and there's definitely prevention efforts with it." Doggett said he hoped AMA's decision will lead to more intervention and prevention of obesity among the medical community. At Anniston Pediatrics, Doggett tells parents to feed their children five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, cut out sweets and sugary beverages and encourage them to engage in one hour of activity each day. Crosen said she hoped the disease designation will encourage insurers to cover more treatments for obesity. "I hope insurance will cover more things like appetite suppressants, weight loss treatment and even gym memberships," Crosen said. Crosen said prevention of obesity is the key to dealing with a host of other diseases that many Americans have, such as diabetes. "You've got to start at the root of the problem," Crosen said. Dr. Jeff Terry, chairman of the Alabama delegation to the AMA and past president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, said he was not sure what, if any, effect AMA's decision will have on the medical community. "We want to acknowledge that obesity is a terrible problem affecting over 30 percent of our population, however, the council felt it did not meet the true definition of disease," Terry said. "This does not affect how we take care of obesity ... it is not important as far as how physicians take care of the patient." Don Williamson, Alabama’s state health officer, who attended the AMA meeting, said he had mixed feelings about the decision. "If it encourages insurance companies to cover preventive care, that's a positive development," Williamson said. However, he added that the disease label could encourage some people to take less responsibility for their own fitness. Dr. Timothy Garvey, chairman of the department of nutrition sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said he considered obesity to be a disease with genetic, behavioral and environmental causes. "I very enthusiastically welcome this decision," Garvey said. Garvey said the AMA decision could accelerate changes in society's understanding about obesity, and he hopes it will improve coverage offered by insurers. Garvey said insurers will cover bariatric surgery, a procedure involving the removal of a portion of the stomach to treat obesity, but not many lifestyle interventions like weight-loss programs. "We need to use all the weapons we have to treat this disease and it would help if insurers help cover prevention," Garvey said. Staff writer Patrick McCreless: 256-235-3561. On Twitter @PMcCreless_Star. Capitol and statewide reporter Tim Lockette contributed to this report.
A group of students listen as instructor Jeffrey Nichols talks to them about how to properly set up a camera at the Longleaf Studios in Jacksonville. Photo by Trent Penny.
A group of students listen as instructor Jeffrey Nichols talks to them about how to properly set up a camera at the Longleaf Studios in Jacksonville. Photo by Trent Penny.
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Film students learn the business of storytelling
by Laura Gaddy
lbjohnson@annistonstar.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 348 views |  0 comments | 16 16 recommendations | email to a friend | print
A group of students listen as instructor Jeffrey Nichols talks to them about how to properly set up a camera at the Longleaf Studios in Jacksonville. Photo by Trent Penny.
A group of students listen as instructor Jeffrey Nichols talks to them about how to properly set up a camera at the Longleaf Studios in Jacksonville. Photo by Trent Penny.
slideshow
JACKSONVILLE — On the floor of a converted warehouse Wednesday, Jana Tolliver steadied a light on a long, metal pole so it shone on an expanse of green-painted plywood. Also pointing at the green walls and floor were about a dozen other lights and one camera, waiting for action. Tolliver, 24, was one of a dozen teens and young adults in the warehouse to learn the basics of film production in a week-long camp hosted by the Northeast Alabama Film Initiative, a nonprofit established by Jacksonville State University to train a workforce to staff a local film industry. It’s hoped the effort will help attract filmmakers to take advantage of a 2009 tax-incentives law aimed at movie and television projects. For Tolliver, who hopes to become an animator, the camp is a chance to get her hands on movie-making equipment and learn how to tell stories through film. “I’m building an extra skill that might help me get a job related to what I want to do,” she said. The converted warehouse is the home of Longleaf Studios, the initiative’s facility in western Jacksonville. The green-painted plywood, according to program director Pete Conroy, is the largest green screen in an Alabama studio. Actors are filmed performing in front of the screen, and producers later replace the images of the green surfaces with other images so the actors can be made to appear anywhere in the finished film. Conroy said he hopes the program encourages some of the students to consider enrolling in film classes at Jacksonville State University being taught by Jeffrey Nichols, an artist in residence there. Nichols and Louisiana native Chuck Bush were leading the instruction at the camp on Wednesday. “This is round one,” said Bush, who broke into the entertainment industry as an actor in the 1985 film “Fandango.” “I teach them whatever they need to know.” On Wednesday, the students learned the basic framework of visual storytelling. Earlier in the week, they learned to use digital video cameras and how to set up studio lighting. By the week’s end they’ll have produced short films with help from the instructors. “It gives students a big heads up,” said one participant, 32-year-old Jonathan Garland, who has worked behind the scenes at WJXS-TV 24. “It amazes me that it’s in Jacksonville.” The Northeast Alabama Entertainment Initiative is being supported with state tax money routed through JSU. The 2014 Education Trust Fund budget includes $226,194 for the program, down from $426,194 in 2013. The cost for each student to attend this week’s film camp was $650, $300 of which is paid by the initiative, leaving the students to pay $350. The funding is intended to help the local economy cash in on the 2009 tax incentives bill, modeled on a Louisiana law that has grown a film industry in that state. According to the Motion Picture Association of America, 8,655 people have jobs directly related to the film industry in Louisiana, 3,400 of them in production-related work. The state has provided filming locations for movies including the 2013 releases “Now You See Me,” “This Is the End” and “Snitch.” In Alabama, 3,529 people work in the industry, according to the MPAA, 540 of them in production jobs. While some of the students in Jacksonville this week, including Tolliver, said they were drawn to filmmaking as a form of creative expression, the focus at Longleaf this week has been on the basic skills for workers behind the scenes. “It’s called show business, not show art,” Bush told a reporter Wednesday. Staff writer Laura Gaddy: 256-235-3544. On Twitter @LJohnson_Star.
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