Best of Sunday circulars con'd

To convince myself that taking advantage of bargains really IS possible (and not just a well-thought out extra errand that feels like a waste of gas) I went to Walgreens during my lunch break with two things on my list: a toothbrush and shampoo that were free after mail-in rebates. Found the toothbrush aisle ravaged and not a single sticker advertising the freebie. So I couldn't even confirm that they were sold out!

I grabbed four brushes that were $1 each and headed to the counter. Like a horse with blinders I didn't even look at the candy or nail polish. I asked the checker if they were all out of the free toothbrushes and he hunched down behind the counter. Turns out these things are so coveted they keep them behind the counter with the cigarettes and Nicorette. I got the last one! Definitely deserving of a Bargain Hunter gold star. (About as satisfying as they were in third grade!)

That's when I remembered the shampoo. Left my 5 awesome toothbrushes at the counter, picked out two bottles of Pantene shampoo and one conditioner and headed back to the counter. Turns out I had the wrong type of shamoo. There are a million these days to make your hair fuller, or thinner, or straighter or curlier. The type on sale is supposed to make your hair more clumpy. That could work with my frizz-prone locks. If not, I can pawn it off on hubby. I mean, it's perfect for your hair darling!

Finally I had the freebies plus a few extra brushes. Total came to $14.34 but I have a check for $8.98 coming in the mail (you have to fill out the booklet, which you have to ask for. Can't do the rebate online in Cali for some reason.) The moral of the story is be determined to save a buck and ask questions. You will be rewarded - if you don't blow the savings on gold stars!