THÊ JÚLY 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE

[dancinmama]

On behalf of suzi and all of the gals here, WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to the Grocery Challenge from me - dancinmama!!

If you have never clipped a coupon, or even if you have been using coupons for years, we'd love to have you join us. We are a crazy, fun-loving, and very friendly group of gals just chatting with one another about how to save big money using coupons. We are willing to help anyone, at any level, in any way that we can.

Don't think that you have to read through the pages and pages of posts to join in - most of it will be old, out-of-date information anyway. Just go to the last page of the thread and introduce yourself. Tell us what area of the country you're from and where you shop (grocery stores, national chain stores, Target, WalMart, etc.).

We'd love to have you join us on a regular basis, so don't be shy - just jump right in, have some fun, and save a ton of money in the process!!

NEWBIES/OLDIES: If you post a HOUND ALERT requesting coupons from others, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE also post which insert/where the coupon can be found (Example: 1/2 SS) so that we can find it easily without having to research it ourselves. ALSO, if you need the coupon for a specific deal, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE try to remember to post the deal with your HOUND ALERT so that someone who may have the coupon(s) can decide whether they want/need to do the deal before sending out any of their coupons. THANKS!!

POSTING ABOUT A DEAL / HOT COUPON: Some people get overwhelmed by the number of posts and only have time to skim the posts for the information that they need the most. If you are posting a deal, please post something that makes it stand out like "CVS DEAL ALERT" or if you are posting to tell us that there is a new, hot coupon available, please post something like "$3/1 WHOLLY GUACAMOLE IP ALERT".

We want to make this thread as fun, friendly, and helpful as possible. These suggestions will save EVERYONE a lot of time when they are trying to "catch up" and read through past posts.

Now let's have fun!!

[dancinmama]

Okay, I'm having a brain fart in how to attach a copy of the Grocery Challenger's handbook. I'll have to try it again.

[dancinmama]

Okay, let's try it again. Hopefully this time it will show up.

YEAH!! It worked.

Attachments:

THE GROCERY CHALLENGERS HANDBOOK.doc.jpg (89.5 KB)

[marvholly]

Dancin
When my coffee pot died I did a BUNCH of comparison shopping-I have a LOT of stores (Target, Walmart, CVS, WAG……) very near each other. I found that Walmart had the best $ by FAR even though I hate shopping there because of horrible parking, overcrowding in aisles (stuff & customers), dumb cashiers and even dumber CSRs & mgmt.

Sharona
My aunt worked at the old Marshal Fields for many years after retirement just for the discount.

Maryjane
There were recently insert and online coupons for Ronzini whole wheat pasta in addition to the produce ones mentioned. Also soy & almond milk. Moneysavingmom posts organic coupons/cheapies once a week-Thur I think.

[frugalsuz]

This message has been deleted.

[frugalsuz]

At 10 am EST this morning, Downy is going to be giving away coupons for free bottles! Here's the facebook link:

www.facebook.com/downy

[ohmomto2boys]

Good morning!
July - hard to believe June is gone already.
Bring on the "Back to School" sales! Yes, I'm crazy, but my oldest son starts kindergarten, makes me sad and happy at the same time. I'm sure some other parents can relate.
I started last year getting his school supplies (downloaded the list) and when I received his official list for this year, nothing has changed, so I'm well over 1/2 way done and I picked up the items free or freap last year.
Coupon fairies were smiling at me yesterday. Went to Giant Eagle to pick up a few items - ChiChi's salsa to be exact. It was on sale for $2, I had a .50 q which doubles, so $1 per jar. I had 4 q's but when I went to get the jars, someone had left 4 more. I was so excited and thankful. So, now we are stocked up on salsa!

[munjoyhill]

Leanne - Thanks for the Q's. I was sorting through what I have last night, and I'm still pretty lean, only have a few weeks worth.

I was excited to discover that I had torn out a page from the coupons (don't remember if it was SS or RP, and I think it was sometime in May), and kept a Q for Colgate toothpaste that expires July 31. This is the brand I prefer, and luckily there appears to be lots of sales and Q's so I have routinely been getting Colgate toothpaste for a small amount right along -- now I want to try to get some free!

I also have an excel spreadsheet I made up of all the items I will try to stockpile. I checked out my stash of items, and my stockpile consists of 3 bottles of All Detergent, 6 rolls of Bounty paper towels, and 1 extra tube of Colgate toothpaste.

For the past year I have not bought junk food, so my stockpile will be mostly HBA items, plus coffee, Truvia, green tea, olive oil, greek yogurt and salsa. I no longer eat anything with white flour or sugar (and have lost 75 lbs too).

I am in Maine, and do most of my food shopping at Hannafords (and my son also works there), their prices are generally less than most, with the exception of Walmart. So now I am taking the advice of you ladies and gents here and buying what is one sale, for the past week blueberries were on sale, and I feel like they're coming out of my ears! But they are very good, and good for you!

I am going to also start e-mailing the manufacturers to see if they can send me coupons, unfortunately I don't have a printer, so I am not able to print them.

Thanks again for all your help and guidance.

[973beachbum]

"So now I am taking the advice of you ladies and gents here and buying what is one sale, for the past week blueberries were on sale, and I feel like they're coming out of my ears! But they are very good, and good for you!"

Munjoyhill, blue berries freeze really well. I would just spread them out on baking sheet, with small sides, and dust with a little corn starch and freeze them till the outsides were pretty solid. Then I would take them and put in a zip lock bag and back into my freezaer. We had blueberries through most of last winter thanks to it. ;D Just a thought.

[maryjanemanolos]

Wow. I am so overwhelmed right now! Last night I went onto Target's website and printed a bunch of coupons for stuff I thought I might use one day. Of course they all expire pretty soon so I don't know that I'll actually use them, especially if I'm trying to wait for these things to go on sale. They do have a coupon for a new carseat, which was nice. I need two new ones pretty soon.

I also went onto Kroger's website and downloaded a bunch of coupons to my loyalty card. But you can't pair them with manufacturer's coupons and most of them expire in two days, so...hmm. Off to a bit of a rough start, but hey. I'm sure I'll get the hang of this soon. I just have to pay WAY more attention to sales then I ever did before...which was never. I'm a slacker at heart ;D

[dancinmama]

Jun 30, 2011 7:26:21 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

At 10 am EST this morning, Downy is going to be giving away coupons for free bottles! Here's the facebook link:

www.facebook.com/downy

frugalsuz: From what I can tell, they are sending a sample in the mail along with a free coupon. This is a great way to add free fabric softener to the stockpile!!

Thanks for the link.

[dancinmama]

Jun 30, 2011 8:49:55 GMT -5 maryjanemanolos said:

Wow. I am so overwhelmed right now! Last night I went onto Target's website and printed a bunch of coupons for stuff I thought I might use one day. Of course they all expire pretty soon so I don't know that I'll actually use them, especially if I'm trying to wait for these things to go on sale. They do have a coupon for a new carseat, which was nice. I need two new ones pretty soon.

I also went onto Kroger's website and downloaded a bunch of coupons to my loyalty card. But you can't pair them with manufacturer's coupons and most of them expire in two days, so...hmm. Off to a bit of a rough start, but hey. I'm sure I'll get the hang of this soon. I just have to pay WAY more attention to sales then I ever did before...which was never. I'm a slacker at heart ;D

maryjane: I usually don't print a coupon until I am pretty sure that I am going to use it because the cost of paper and ink can really add up. That one for a car seat sounds really good for you though.

Don't let having the coupons expiring in two days bother you. If there is a good deal and you can use them - great; if not, there WILL ALWAYS BE another coupon and another deal.

The only time I let myself get a little bit bummed or stressed is when there is a really great deal and a really great coupon and there is no stock; or when there is an awesome internet coupon and for whatever darn reason, I can't get the thing to print.

Anyway, start getting the Sunday newspaper coupon inserts from family, friends, neighbors, etc. Then when a killer deal comes along for something you'll use (especially a non-perishable), stock up like crazy.

[shelly527in]

Thanks for the Downy link frugalsuz!!!

[va500]

Quote --"We've been using the Gain dish soap to wash our cars."
Love it !!!

And I thought I was doing good to use it to wash the dogs dish (but Fido said no more, its smelly).

[herekittykitty]

Jun 30, 2011 10:12:48 GMT -5 va500 said:

Quote --"We've been using the Gain dish soap to wash our cars."
Love it !!!

And I thought I was doing good to use it to wash the dogs dish (but Fido said no more, its smelly).

I read your reply quickly, and I thought for a minute you were using it to wash the dog! Then I had a mental picture of an unhappy apple or lavender-scented pooch!

[nickyleey]

Hi MaryJane - I get all my Q's from Sunday paper and the internet. I can honestly say I've never contacted a manufacturer! It is a good way to get Q's though. Ladies here do it all the time. One occasional poster, Jenny's mom (aka jmo), is also a natural foods hound and she's an expert at sweet talking companies into sending her coupons. Walgreens (WAGs) sells the Sunday paper at a good discount and I usually get 2 a week or more if the selection of coupons is good. Dollar Tree also sells cheap papers, but I have a hard time finding papers that are not torn to shreds and the coupons are gone. Do you have a Harris Teeter near you? I'm in Raleigh NC so I figured there may be some in Richmond. They are usually very high priced, but their sales and Super Double and Triples coupon events are where I get most of my food stockpile, as I can get many quality items for free or very cheap. Here are some blogs you can follow for the stores around you:

www.southernsavers.com (my favorite - you can make shopping lists with coupon matchups on this site)
www.hip2save.com
www.swaggrabber.com
www.moneysavingmom.com (she also tries to feed her family natural foods and share recipes and meal plans, as well as lots of money saving ideas)
www.frugalsuz.blogspot.com/ (our very own frugalsuz does a wonderful job of highlighting the best of the upcoming drugstore deals every week)

Go to the first page of this thread and you can get the grocery hound handbook and I'm sure the other ladies here can help you too. I think you'll find that with some time, effort, and patience, you'll start saving alot of money without having to sacrifice the quality of food you feed your family. Start slowly and ask questions!

[nickyleey]

Mary Jane - Oh and about the formula: DD also had constipation issues when she was about 3 month old or so and she was on a different formula (Enfamil AR - she had terrible reflux) for 50% of her intake and the other 50% was pumped breastmilk. When her reflux went away around 6 months, we took her off the AR and switched to the Target brand and nothing really changed in the poop department. The dr said it was fine to give her a little bit of apple or prune juice each day to keep things moving and that helped alot. So, long story short, maybe you can try the Target brand in a few months, when they can increase the variety in their diet. Also feeding them baby food like prunes, veggies, peaches, etc will help tremendously, when it's time.

For diapers, you can combine Q's with store sales/reward programs to get them cheap or free. Amazon also has a great program called amazon mom that saves you 30% and gives you free shipping. See the moneysavingmom, swaggrabber, and hip2save sites for amazon diaper and wipes deals they post from time to time. But you're doing the right thing buying Target brand diapers, b/c they are good quality and the price is comparable (or maybe just a little bit more) to most deals that I find (except the free ones, of course!).

[nickyleey]

Just saw this on moneysavingmom.com - good deal, right?

.Staples: 16-count Charmin Double Rolls for $4.24 (in-store only)
by Crystal on June 29, 2011


Through July 30, 2011, Staples has a 16-count package of Charmin Double Rolls on sale for $4.99. Use the 15% off one item coupon (valid through July 2, 2011) to get this big package for just $4.24.

This deal is valid in-store only.

[ohmomto2boys]

maryjane - on the formula - check with your pediatrician for samples plus coupons. It wouldn't hurt to ask when you have the babies in there for a check-up. Our office always had coupons and sometimes samples - it really helped.

[va500]

For a Free Sample of "Ocean Spray Sparkling Juice" go to:

printablecouponsanddeals.com/

Its on facebook -- and you must fill out the form
I hope by now everyone has a second facebook account with a separate ID that you can use for deals like this.

[973beachbum]

Does anyone know if there will be any coupons this weekend?

I got my circulers in the mail today and the CVS even has MC listed next to some things in the ad but I didn't get the Red Plum insert like normal. So will they be in the paper or no coupons this weekend because it is a holiday?

[dancinmama]

Jun 30, 2011 11:16:57 GMT -5 nickyleey said:

Just saw this on moneysavingmom.com - good deal, right?

.Staples: 16-count Charmin Double Rolls for $4.24 (in-store only)
by Crystal on June 29, 2011


Through July 30, 2011, Staples has a 16-count package of Charmin Double Rolls on sale for $4.99. Use the 15% off one item coupon (valid through July 2, 2011) to get this big package for just $4.24.

This deal is valid in-store only.

nickeyleey: A while back you posted a link to "The Toilet Paper Principle". I copied/pasted the info to a file because it is always hard to tell based on the number of rolls in a package; it really depends on overall square feet. Here it is to refresh your memory. When you get the stats on what is on sale at Staples, please let us know if it's a good deal, okay?

THE TOILET PAPER PRINCIPLE
Let's talk toilet paper for a moment. It's definitely a necessity, and I personally find it to be one of the most difficult items to stockpile. Deals have been somewhat scarce lately, and in addition, it's just darn hard to figure out whether you're really getting bargain on it. With double rolls and ultra packs, etc., how do you know if you're paying a reasonable price or not.

Look at the front bottom of the toilet paper package to determine the total square feet. Now insert a decimal point in this number two places to the left. If the cost of the package minus coupons is less than or equal to this figure, it's a decent deal -- basically $0.01 or less per square foot!

Example:

TP #1 = 400 sq. ft.; price = $6; stock-up price $4, so not a fabulous deal....
TP #2 = 650 sq. ft.; price = $5; stock-up price $6.50, so definitely a bargain!

[dancinmama]

Jun 30, 2011 11:37:08 GMT -5 973beachbum said:

Does anyone know if there will be any coupons this weekend?

I got my circulers in the mail today and the CVS even has MC listed next to some things in the ad but I didn't get the Red Plum insert like normal. So will they be in the paper or no coupons this weekend because it is a holiday?

beachbum: Wow, good point. I didn't even think about it being a holiday this weekend.

I did a little research for you and the only insert that will be in Sunday's paper is the P&G Brand Saver. If you want to get a preview of the coupons that will be available go to www.taylortownpreview.com .

HTH

[oreo]

Someone was talking about the Target formula so I'm going to throw in my $.02. My son had Target brand formula and had no issues. In fact, he's 2 1/2 now and still requests a scoop of formula in his milk so we still buy the toddler formula. After he was done with infant formula, one of the Targets near us started carrying a REALLY big size which was a better deal so if you go with the Target brand, look for the really big one. I think it was around $20 and was twice the size of the $13ish one.

[maryjanemanolos]

Thanks for the blogs, nickeyleey! I will check those out immediatamente (ole, heh).

ohmomto2boys- that's a GREAT idea. I never thought of asking the pediatrician. I will be there in August for their 4 month check up, I'll make a note to myself to inquire about samples while I'm there.

YOU GUYS ARE SO HELPFUL!

SO. I did my first couponing today. I went to CVS to get a card because I hear they have good sales on diapers sometimes. I went back to check after I signed up for the card, and the formula was on sale for 19.99! I happened to have some manufacturer's checks on me, so I got it for 10 bucks! It's usually 23$. They also had some Huggies wipes on sale for 3.19 and I had a 75 cent coupon, so I got those for cheap as well. I was pretty happy. Successful first couponing attempt! I spent 13$ on what normally costs me 30$ a week.

Then I went to Target with some of the coupons I printed last night. I was able to pair a coupon with a sale on chicken breasts, shredded cheese, pasta sauce (organic, hey!) and conditioner. I only saved 10% on the total transaction because I was picking up a few full priced storage bins for the house, but the sales and coupons combined made the items cheaper than Trader Joe's! This may just work for me!

ETA: I got response emails back from Burt's Bees and Enfamil, both basically saying "glad you love the product but NO SOUP FOR YOU!" Lame. At least I tried

[pudgybunny]

Jun 30, 2011 12:03:33 GMT -5 maryjanemanolos said:

Thanks for the blogs, nickeyleey! I will check those out immediatamente (ole, heh).

ohmomto2boys- that's a GREAT idea. I never thought of asking the pediatrician. I will be there in August for their 4 month check up, I'll make a note to myself to inquire about samples while I'm there.

YOU GUYS ARE SO HELPFUL!

SO. I did my first couponing today. I went to CVS to get a card because I hear they have good sales on diapers sometimes. I went back to check after I signed up for the card, and the formula was on sale for 19.99! I happened to have some manufacturer's checks on me, so I got it for 10 bucks! It's usually 23$. They also had some Huggies wipes on sale for 3.19 and I had a 75 cent coupon, so I got those for cheap as well. I was pretty happy. Successful first couponing attempt! I spent 13$ on what normally costs me 30$ a week.

Then I went to Target with some of the coupons I printed last night. I was able to pair a coupon with a sale on chicken breasts, shredded cheese, pasta sauce (organic, hey!) and conditioner. I only saved 10% on the total transaction because I was picking up a few full priced storage bins for the house, but the sales and coupons combined made the items cheaper than Trader Joe's! This may just work for me!

ladies and gentlemen we have another one that caught the bug! welcome to the 'club'. Just wait! Your deals and savings will get even better as time goes on. Plus you have a cvs so that helps too!

[973beachbum]

Jun 30, 2011 11:44:51 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Jun 30, 2011 11:37:08 GMT -5 973beachbum said:

Does anyone know if there will be any coupons this weekend?

I got my circulers in the mail today and the CVS even has MC listed next to some things in the ad but I didn't get the Red Plum insert like normal. So will they be in the paper or no coupons this weekend because it is a holiday?

beachbum: Wow, good point. I didn't even think about it being a holiday this weekend.

I did a little research for you and the only insert that will be in Sunday's paper is the P&G Brand Saver. If you want to get a preview of the coupons that will be available go to www.taylortownpreview.com .

HTH

Thanks for the info!!

And for the person who said they buy blue diamond almond milk there is a coupon at that site here.

www.taylortownpreview.com/id119.htm

[munjoyhill]

I went to CVS today at noon, intending to just get toothpaste, Colgate is on sale for $2.87, I had a $1.00Q, plus I would get back $1.00 in ECB, so for a newbie, I thought this was a good scenario.

But . . . I first scanned my card, and I got a $2.00 Pantene CVS Q. Yes! (or is this called a Catalina??)

So I quickly rearranged my transactions and here's what I did:

Transaction #1
$6.97 for 2 Pantene products
-3.00 Q 2 Pantene products
-2.00 Q (Catalina?) CVS Pantene product

1.97 + .35 tax, for OOP $2.32, plus I got $2.00 in ECB


Transaction #2
$2.87 Colgate Regular
$2.87 Colgate Advanced
-1.00 Q for any Colgate
-1.00 Q for any Colgate Advanced
-2.00 ECB from Transaction #1 above

1.74 + .29 tax, for OOP $2.03, plus I got $2.00 in ECB


I'm pleased with this transaction, they're not free, and I am envious of you ladies who get free or nearly free toothpaste and shampoo, but normally I would have paid over $2.00/tube for toothpaste and $2.00-$3.00 or more for shampoo/conditioner, so this is a start for me at about a $1.00 each (or $.50/ea if I factor in the $2.00 EBC I got back).

I figure I have enough shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste on hand to last me 3 months (I live alone).

__________________________

Another question - I also asked about the Refresh tampons that are $6.79 w/$6.79 back in ECB, and they are out of them again. When I asked the sales clerk, she stepped back and turned around, I thought she was checking a list of something, but she wrote out a rain check and handed it to me. So my question is I now have TWO rain checks for the Refresh tampons. Can I use both?

[973beachbum]

"Another question - I also asked about the Refresh tampons that are $6.79 w/$6.79 back in ECB, and they are out of them again. When I asked the sales clerk, she stepped back and turned around, I thought she was checking a list of something, but she wrote out a rain check and handed it to me. So my question is I now have TWO rain checks for the Refresh tampons. Can I use both?"

I think this depends on your manager but I would use them one at a time. Do not use them while the sale is still going. The computer stops tracking those things at the end of the sale.

And make sure it has the ECB written on it. Sometimes they forget and it defeats the purpose of the raincheck half the time if it is not on there. If not go back and get another raincheck with it written on the raincheck. CVS also doesn't have expiration dates on their rainchecks so feel free to wait as long as you need and find a coupon to use with it. ;D

[dancinmama]

Jun 30, 2011 12:40:27 GMT -5 973beachbum said:

"Another question - I also asked about the Refresh tampons that are $6.79 w/$6.79 back in ECB, and they are out of them again. When I asked the sales clerk, she stepped back and turned around, I thought she was checking a list of something, but she wrote out a rain check and handed it to me. So my question is I now have TWO rain checks for the Refresh tampons. Can I use both?"

I think this depends on your manager but I would use them one at a time. Do not use them while the sale is still going. The computer stops tracking those things at the end of the sale.

And make sure it has the ECB written on it. Sometimes they forget and it defeats the purpose of the raincheck half the time if it is not on there. If not go back and get another raincheck with it written on the raincheck. CVS also doesn't have expiration dates on their rainchecks so feel free to wait as long as you need and find a coupon to use with it. ;D

When not paying close attention and getting an EB rain check that has info missing, I cut the pertinent ad right out of the paper and attach it to the rain check. They've issued the EBs every time.

beachbum is right. The rain check can be used at any time in the future as long as you don't buy them at the same time. I love getting those types of rain checks cuz they allow you to roll EBs on your own schedule.