I was so nervous, I almost vomited.

Okay, I did it. I put on my big girl panties and went shopping at CVS. Here's why I'm afraid of drug stores- I cannot wrap my brain around the register printed store credits! I know, it shouldn't seem that hard, but more often than not, I hear from my fellow frugalists that they are also intimidated. At least I'm not alone!

Tonight, since I only spent $56 at Publix on Wednesday and had $19 to play with, I went to CVS to see what I could do. Actually, I only went for toilet paper, but once there, things began to click, and I simply had to try.

Here's what I found (with the help of a wonderful cashier):

Product- Regular Price- Sale Price (Coupon Value)

Pantene 2-in-1- $4.99- $3.49 ($1/1)

Pantene 2-in-1- $4.99- $3.49 ($1/1)

Pantene 2-in-1- $4.99- $3.49 ($1/1)

Puffs Plus with Lotion- $1.67- $1.00 ($.50/2)

Puffs Plus with Lotion- $1.67- $1.00

Puffs Plus with Lotion- $1.67- $1.00 ($.50/2)

Puffs Plus with Lotion- $1.67- $1.00

Puffs Plus with Lotion- $1.67- $1.00 ($.50/2)

Puffs Plus with Lotion- $1.67- $1.00

Dawn Lavender Dish Soap- $1.69- $.94 ($.50/1)

Dawn Lavender Dish Soap- $1.69- $.94 ($.50/1)

Dawn Lavender Dish Soap- $1.69- $.94 ($.50/1)

SoftSoap Bodywash- $4.99- $2.99

Charmin Ultra Soft 12 ct-$7.29- $4.99 ($1/1)

Charmin Ultra Strong 12 ct-$7.29- $4.99 ($1/1)

Charmin Ultra Strong 12 ct-$7.29- $4.99 ($1/1)

I also had $3 in Store Credit.

Total before sale prices- $56.92

Total after sale prices (before taxes)- $37.24

I qualified for $2 Store Credit for the SoftSoap and $10 SC for buying $30 of P & G products.

Paid: $28.58 AND got $12 in Store Credit!!

I am saving the $12 SC for another trip, so I won't count it as savings in this transaction and count it twice, which seems like cheating...

Savings of $31.68 or 53%! Not bad for my maiden drugstore voyage!