Finishing the last strand of lights on my tree, I went to plug them in, only, darn, the last plug was female!! No prongs! Somewhere, one strand inside was backwards. Off to the 24 hour CVS. "Is there a double male adapter for jerks who string their lights backwards and can't plug them in?" I ask.

The next solution...a green extension cord to run up inside the tree to the orphan prongs. The green extension cord is $7.99. As you may know if you read this blog, I am a big fan of the CVS Extra Care discounts and coupons, so I check my stash and there it is, a coupon for $5 off $15 in Holiday Decor! Looking at the wide array of lighting accessories, I spot a tree lights remote control. An indulgence, yes, but now it's become a matter of saving, not spending! Right?

I got home, rigged the lights with the new extension cord, and plugged it into the wall outlet via the new remote plug. Then I sat on the couch and pushed the 'on' button on the transmitter. WOW! It worked!!

Monday, CVS emailed their new ad with another coupon, this time it was for $3 off $10 in holiday decor good thru 12/22. Did you get yours? I would love to post one for you, but CVS won't send Shop-O-Matic generic coupons. You must have your own CVS Extra Care card to get them. "Maybe I'll get a remote for Mom," I think. And my newly married nephew. Combining sales with coupons = strategic shopping.

Long story longer, I went back to CVS, bought the $15.99 remotes on sale for $10.71, and with the -$3 coupon they were $7.71, plus tax. Shhh, don't tell CVS, but the good thing about getting the coupons via email is that you can print multiples.

Guess How many remotes I bought?

If you don't have a CVS Extra Care card, I highly recommend it for savings. You can get one in the store or sign up online. And give them your email address so they can send you printable coupons.