I’ve recently joined the CVS/Walgreen’s couponing clan. I have always used coupons and shopped using the sale ads, but not having any stores that offer double coupons down here was a real bummer when we moved back from Tulsa. So, I haven’t been as faithful as I was there, and just a little less motivated. Now that I’ve discovered CVS with their ECBs, thanks to my friends Carlie and Teresa, I’m a little addicted. On my CVS trip yesterday, I paid .26 for $33.00 worth of stuff. It was little bit of a rush! I can’t wait to see the sale ads for next week, and the next, and the next, and the next. But, as I was clipping coupons this morning, I started thinking about some things I just CANNOT skimp on … not gonna happen and I’ll just pay whatever the cost to get these things. I’m sure you all have some things that you will pay full price for if you need them. So, here’s my list:
2. La Roche Posay facial cleanser, moisturizers, Skinceuticals toner: I have very mild rosacea and these products are very gentle and actually clean my face. The moisturizer is actually now available at CVS. I was only able to get this from my dermatologist and online before.
3. Base: Estee Lauder Maximum Coverage – Covers like you would not believe. I have been using this base for about 10 years and have tried others, but no others even compared.
4. Powder: Estee Lauder Double-Matte Pressed Powder – Just plain awesome!
5. Perfume: I don’t know if it’s something about my body chemistry or what, but every time I’ve tried some of the less expensive perfumes, they’re gone in about an hour even after spraying about eight sprays. Then, the bottle is gone in no time and I have to buy another one sooner than I should. So, I just buy the good stuff because you use less and smell better longer. Here’s my favorite – 
6. Hair Products: I must use good hair products or my hair is totally disgusting the next day. The only thing I can skimp on is shampoo, but not styling products. I love Nioxin for my thinning hair, BioSilk, and Chi products. 
8. Detergent: Gain or Tide ONLY – love the smell! 
10. Milk, Eggs, and sometimes Meat (when I can find it) – I only buy organic milk, eggs, and meat when I can find it here. With a pre-adolescent girl who was already wearing a bra in the fourth grade, we have been doing organic for about three years now. Young girls are developing way too early from those hormones given to cows, chickens, etc. Now I’m not a fanatic or anything; I just do the best I can. My favorite milk is Horizon -Organic Fat-Free – 
11. My Computer – I have MAC love. I own an iBookG4 at home and have an iMac at work. I don’t even remember how to work a PC. 
I guess that’s enough for now. There are other things that I love that are more of a luxury, like Lush bath products, Beanpod candles, Synergy drinks, Naked juice, organic fruit, Great Harvest bread, and several others. Do you have any products you can’t live without that I need to try?
I just thought I’d mention Hot Coupon World if you’re not familiar with it – you CAN see the next week and the next week and the next week’s add for CVS and Walgreens… 🙂
Just visiting! We also like Community Coffee – got hooked on it when we used to live in LA (Lafayette and Lake Charles). Glad it is easy to get in Houston, too!
Thanks for stopping by and adding me to your blog roll! Oh, and one thing I would add to this is Philosophy’s Amazing Grace lotion. I love the stuff, and even in all my frugal ways, I don’t skimp on it! But, of course, I have found the cheapest places to buy it is QVC or Skinstore. Take care!!
That was really fun to read! I can’t buy generic pop or fabric softner…I need Downy or Gain 🙂
Hey girl, I just wanted to share this link for a $1.00 coupon for horizons milk.
Hi. I live in Louisiana too and was just perusing your blog. Great site BTW.
I wanted to add something that I NEVER skimp on: DRYER SHEETS!!
I always buy BOUNCE w/ FEBREZE. The clothes, towels and sheets smell so good.
It may not be the best thing for your family if anyone has allergies tho. Lucky for me, my kids don’t!
I am with you on the Horizon Milk. Definitely the best.
I also won’t skimp on:
Zone Caramel Cluster Protein Bars
Diet Mt Dew
Viva Paper Towels
Tide Detergent
Fun!! I am excited to see what everyone cannot live without…
I love Bath and Body lip shine. It is $7.50 a tube but I wait until it is 3 or 4 or sometimes even 5 for $10 and then I stock up. Usually at the semi-annual sell. That’s about all I can think of now. Welcome to the world of CVSing. I love it too and it can become quite addictive. Oh yeah, I have to have Diet Dr. Pepper. Can’t live without it.
This is a fun post!
Before I forget, what is your email address guh? Email me –
jydardeau at bellsouth dot net
Here are some things I don’t ever want to live without.
1. Coconut Oil. Right now I use Tropical Traditions. It’s the only moisturizer I use on my face. If I were stranded on an island and had no way to get into real coconuts, I’d want this with me. It’s food grade so you can eat it too. I can’t stomach it though. It makes me want to throw up. But you know desparate times… if I was stranded, I’d eat it. It’s a miracle food.
2. Diapers – Pampers or Huggies, no store brands
3. I’m with you on the Community, organic milk and Nature’s Sunshine supplements.
4. Free range/hormone free eggs
5. Shampoo – My scalp doesn’t stand a chance against cheap stuff. I’m pretty loyal to Aveda. I’m afraid to try anything else. It’s too much of a gamble.
This was great. Chris and I were just laughing the other night about how we were sheet snobs – lol. We love our Beech Satin Sheets but there 100 – 150 a pop.
There are some things that CVS just doesn’t carry. Now if only I could pay my car note in ECBs……..