THÊ JÚLY 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE

[leanna]

Jul 13, 2011 7:39:20 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

On a different card I had to burn more, but I found about 12 bottles of Pantene Curly hair spray.
It was marked down, 75%, to $1.24 each.

I bought 12, so the total was $14.88 minus $3.00 off of 2 (4 coupons). I then had a balance of $2.88 to pay, so I gave her a 5th coupons and she priced modified it down to $2.88.
I got all free.

I had to burn a few more bucks, so I bought milk, butter, bacon, and sour cream.

I have to get ready for work now, so have a great day, hounds!

I have been working for another teacher who is with her family in Japan for the month of July.
It has been hectic doing my job and hers.

I have had very little time to "hound," but when I do, it has been fun as ever, thanks to all of you.

I have people to tell my stories to, and ideas to get free stuff from you.
Keep posting!

Nice one! Now that's the way to hound...clearance on the hair spray made 'em less than the coupons. Awesome!

[leanna]

Jul 13, 2011 8:39:55 GMT -5 munjoyhill said:

I wanted to do the BIC deal, but no razors -- and I will be needing razors soon!

Munjoyhill, I can't remember - do you have any drug stores besides CVS? Do you have a RA? If so, there may be a deal on the RA brand razors next week IF you can find the peelies on 'em.

Jul 13, 2011 8:39:55 GMT -5 munjoyhill said:

Hound Alert


Paper Towels - Bounty brand, prefer the Select-A-Size, 'cause I used so much less.

Toilet paper - Angel Soft, Cottonelle, Charmin -- don't care what brand as long as it's soft!

I have been reading that the toilet paper deals aren't as good as they used to be, but I'm hoping that I can get some better deals that the $.45/roll I paid a few weeks ago at Walgreens.

Thanks!

Munjoyhill,

You'll want to calculate your toilet paper costs by the square foot, so that you can compare apples to apples. I recently got Cottonelle double-ply for 1.6 cents a sf. I'm going to see what happens this next month w/the Cottonelle catalina going on to see if I can get it even cheaper. We'll see.

[leanna]

Jul 13, 2011 10:46:28 GMT -5 bluecluessubtlety said:

This is from Centsable Shoppin:

There is a new catalina starting tomorrow 07/08. And it’s exciting! We ♥ our toilet paper!

Cottonelle 12 pk Toilet Paper
::: Valid 07/08 – 07/31 :::
Buy 2 & get $3.50 ONYO
Buy 3 OR MORE and get $4.50 ONYO

Not sure what prices would be elsewhere, but I would think the catalina would still apply. Don't quote me on that.

If you want to see if a Catalina is available where you live, go to the Catalina website here:

www.couponnetwork.com/

I registered and then, since they know my zip code, they can tell me what Catalinas are available where I live. I believe they often will even list the stores if you print out the Catalina.

Sometimes Catalinas are running across the country, but the dates may be different.

[nickyleey]

Jul 13, 2011 8:45:35 GMT -5 munjoyhill said:

Hound Alert


Paper Towels - Bounty brand, prefer the Select-A-Size, 'cause I used so much less.

Toilet paper - Angel Soft, Cottonelle, Charmin -- don't care what brand as long as it's soft!

I have been reading that the toilet paper deals aren't as good as they used to be, but I'm hoping that I can get some better deals that the $.45/roll I paid a few weeks ago at Walgreens.

Thanks!

Munjoy - here's a post from Money Saving Mom from a while back for Charmin Basic:

Staples: 16-count Charmin Double Rolls for $4.24 (in-store only)
by Crystal on June 29, 2011
Share125

Through July 30, 2011, Staples has a 16-count package of Charmin Double Rolls on sale for $4.99. This deal is valid in-store only.


Thanks, The Big Red Pot!

There have been 25 cent Q's in the inserts, so that would get your OOP to 4.74 plus tax. This passes the "toilet paper principle" as posted previously in July's thread. Divide the price (4.99) by the number of sq feet (I think it's 510) and it's less than 1 cent per sq. foot. Definitely a stock-up price, for me at least!

[rubyslippers]

Jul 13, 2011 7:45:57 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

On Sunday I want to Staples. I bought 2 reams of paper for $5.99 each, to get to the $10.00 mark.
I then "filled in" with 1 cent glue, erasers and 10 packs of Bic pens.
I bought 25 of each, because I am a teacher.
The total bill came to about $14.00 with tax, but I can send in the rebate for the paper and STaples will give me back $5.74 each ream in a check.
This left about $2.02 for the 75 school items PLUS the tax.

I loved it.
I did a rinse and repeat at another store, as I needed the reams of paper and my students are always asking for pens. I am going to keep some of the glue, but the rest will go to a local elementary school teacher.

Today is the last day.

Suzi: I did just about the same deal you did at Staples on Monday. It was a moneymaker for me as I had a $10.00 reward to use. This year our students have to bring in one package of copy paper. I'm giving mine to my sis so she doesn't have to buy it for DS. I'm donating the other package to our school.

SaveinLA: Awesome job at Target! I wish we had one nearer to us.

I went to another town with my friend today and signed up for their grocery store's loyalty card. I got $5.00 put on the card for free. While I don't shop a lot at this certain town, I do get there every once in awhile. What would you ladies buy with free $5.00 grocery money? I need some good ideas.

Hound request: If anyone has any Chi Chi salsa Q's they're not going to use, I would really appreciate it. I need 2 for the raincheck I have. Thanks in advance.

[saveinla]

Jul 13, 2011 13:59:33 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

Suzi: I did just about the same deal you did at Staples on Monday. It was a moneymaker for me as I had a $10.00 reward to use. This year our students have to bring in one package of copy paper. I'm giving mine to my sis so she doesn't have to buy it for DS. I'm donating the other package to our school.

SaveinLA: Awesome job at Target! I wish we had one nearer to us.

I went to another town with my friend today and signed up for their grocery store's loyalty card. I got $5.00 put on the card for free. While I don't shop a lot at this certain town, I do get there every once in awhile. What would you ladies buy with free $5.00 grocery money? I need some good ideas.

Hound request: If anyone has any Chi Chi salsa Q's they're not going to use, I would really appreciate it. I need 2 for the raincheck I have. Thanks in advance.

rubyslippers - thanks.

I checked and we did not get the chi-chi's salsa in our inserts. Probably a regional Q, since we don't have that brand here.

[mizbear]

munjoyhill- I have some bounty $1off qs that I got with my charmin TP if you would like them. They do not say you can not use them on select a size bounty. They only specify that it has to be 1 6 ct or larger towels or 2 towels or napkins any size. DM was supposed to take these and never did.

[Opti]

Has anyone used the Walgreens Women's six blade razor that has the good RRs this week?

Two of the stores I stopped by today are out but a local one says they have 10 in stock.

[leanna]

Jul 13, 2011 8:45:35 GMT -5 munjoyhill said:

Hound Alert


Paper Towels - Bounty brand, prefer the Select-A-Size, 'cause I used so much less.

Toilet paper - Angel Soft, Cottonelle, Charmin -- don't care what brand as long as it's soft!

I have been reading that the toilet paper deals aren't as good as they used to be, but I'm hoping that I can get some better deals that the $.45/roll I paid a few weeks ago at Walgreens.

Thanks!

Munjoyhill,

Do you shop at Target? I have some Target specific q's for some of those. Also I have a few of those mq's that I can send you. Not a lot of toilet paper or paper towel coupons out right now for some reason.

RubySlippers,

No Chi-Chi coupon here either.

[saveinla]

Ladies,
Does anyone know about RA's policy on expired food in the shelves (this is regarding chocolate) , but any info would be helpful. Thanks

[saveinla]

RA transaction for today - trying to burn all my Ups and use one last 3$/15 -

Benefiber - 62 dose pkts 28 ct - 1*9.99 - used 3$ IPQ + 3$ RA email Q
Cottonelle wipes (reg 3.69) - 1*2.95 - Used 1$ IPQ + 1$ VVQ
Lamisil AF Spray (reg 7.99) - 1*6.39 - used 3$ MQ + 2$ VVQ
Whitman sampler - 1.5 oz - 2*1.19 - monthly deal
Russel Stover choc - 2 oz - 2*1.27 - monthly deal

Paid with 2.69 Up & 5 Up and 56 cents. Will get back 5 SCR and got back 4 1$ Up for the candy.

[leanna]

Jul 13, 2011 18:51:53 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Ladies,
Does anyone know about RA's policy on expired food in the shelves (this is regarding chocolate) , but any info would be helpful. Thanks

I don't know...but I started laughing when I read this...why do I have the feeling that you're asking not so that you can report them, but rather so that you can get some sort of deal/freebie? LOL...

[saveinla]

Jul 13, 2011 20:42:57 GMT -5 leanna said:

Jul 13, 2011 18:51:53 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Ladies,
Does anyone know about RA's policy on expired food in the shelves (this is regarding chocolate) , but any info would be helpful. Thanks

I don't know...but I started laughing when I read this...why do I have the feeling that you're asking not so that you can report them, but rather so that you can get some sort of deal/freebie? LOL...

Leanna,

You must have read my mind. I just wanted to help them clear it off the shelves and into my pantry - that's all

ETA - My store is pretty strict and would probably not let me, but you never know until you ask.

[leanna]

Yeah, that's the tough part - I think if you point it out, they may not be able to sell it to you. But I'm not sure about that.

[mizbear]

Expired/free food- I try to make sure I check all the expiration dates as I buy groceries and am trying to teach my nieces to do the same. Problem is, their mother works in management at a grocer so they (the 10yo in particular) assume that because Mommy would never put expired product on the shelf that no one else would. So, I go to shop for DM/DGM the other day and end up with OJ dated 6/23/11!!! I called the store as soon as I got home and realized it (mind you, I specifically pointed at the one marked 8/22/11) and they told me to toss it and come back in- I got a FREE replacement- AND a refund!!

[sealy]

thanks saveinla i was able to print out those Qs also.



s

[dancinmama]

Jul 13, 2011 13:59:33 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

I went to another town with my friend today and signed up for their grocery store's loyalty card. I got $5.00 put on the card for free. While I don't shop a lot at this certain town, I do get there every once in awhile. What would you ladies buy with free $5.00 grocery money? I need some good ideas.

rubyslippers: Does the $5 expire? Are there any items in your pantry that you are running low on? Are there any summer barbecue items that might go on sale that you need to add like baked beans or mustard? If the $$ doesn't expire, I'd keep my eyes peeled for something that goes on add that you need at a rock bottom price that you rarely find a coupon for.

[rubyslippers]

Jul 14, 2011 3:07:31 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Jul 13, 2011 13:59:33 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

I went to another town with my friend today and signed up for their grocery store's loyalty card. I got $5.00 put on the card for free. While I don't shop a lot at this certain town, I do get there every once in awhile. What would you ladies buy with free $5.00 grocery money? I need some good ideas.

rubyslippers: Does the $5 expire? Are there any items in your pantry that you are running low on? Are there any summer barbecue items that might go on sale that you need to add like baked beans or mustard? If the $$ doesn't expire, I'd keep my eyes peeled for something that goes on add that you need at a rock bottom price that you rarely find a coupon for.

Dancin: That's probably what I'll do, just hang on to it. My pantry items that I never find coupons for are canned artichoke hearts and Hidden Valley salad packs, and I try to buy those if I have overage at Walmart.

[bluecluessubtlety]

Update on the sis and niece - both accepted jobs they're due to start Monday.

Yesterday we went shopping with those famous food stamps. Niece had two hours prep (because she went through circular herself instead of following blog that lists every deal and q like I told her to) and two hours in store. $505+ down to $315. She was very happy. She said she usually spends entire $576 in food stamps in one trip.

My sister was annoyed at the time and effort. Idiot. I see it four hours of her time saved $190. That's a hell of an hourly wage! My niece appreciated it. I think she may stick with it.

She could have even done better - using more competitors $ off qs, splitting orders to use more of them... but I was super tired and migraine and don't have the energy to prep her better. Next week I will.

[sealy]

WAY TO GO blue teaching your niece life lessons that will help her for the rest of her life and her future family's life also.

[va500]

Heard on the grapevine (rumor mill gossip).

In August some WalMarts will start to double coupons!!!

Anyone have the facts??

[bluecluessubtlety]

Jul 14, 2011 9:43:03 GMT -5 sealy said:

WAY TO GO blue teaching your niece life lessons that will help her for the rest of her life and her future family's life also.

I felt pretty good about it. She did well for first time and sees that if she does it the way I do, it would have been much less (I did some non-food shopping and paid separately and my savings were closer to 95%).

And she left the store with the first few items for her when-she-moves stockpile - some free Colgate. ;D

[murphath]

Q Request:

Since I was out for that little Avon Breast Cancer stroll last weekend, I did not get the great Kelloggs cereal q's in the 7/10 insert. Does anyone have any they can spare? We all love, love, love Kelloggs blueberry miniwheats and there's a good deal this week at Safeway. Even if q's don't get here on time, they will probably have the deal again soon. PM me and I can send you my addy.
Thanks so much!

[murphath]

bluescluessubtlely:

Fantastic job on helping your niece! She's lucky to have you guiding her. Now she has some food stamp money to pick up any extra deals/needs she has until the end of the month.

[murphath]

CVS:
On clearance they had:
2 boxs Aunt Jemima instant oatmeal: .50 ea
2 boxes Simple onion dip mix: .50 ea
2 cans Minerva chicken and noodle soup: .50 ea
1 American red licorice: .99

Minus:
.75 licorice q from Red Machine
$3 EB (they were due to expire)
Total OOP: .24
Rec'd: $1 EB for 4th use of green tag

[saveinla]

Jul 14, 2011 10:53:51 GMT -5 bluecluessubtlety said:

Jul 14, 2011 9:43:03 GMT -5 sealy said:

WAY TO GO blue teaching your niece life lessons that will help her for the rest of her life and her future family's life also.

I felt pretty good about it. She did well for first time and sees that if she does it the way I do, it would have been much less (I did some non-food shopping and paid separately and my savings were closer to 95%).

And she left the store with the first few items for her when-she-moves stockpile - some free Colgate. ;D

Great job blues. She should ignore her mother and follow you since you guys have so many great deals using competitor Qs at Fry's. Don't worry on her not using the blog. She will come to use it when she realizes she can save a lot more time and money later on.

[saveinla]

Jul 14, 2011 10:56:37 GMT -5 murphath said:

Q Request:

Since I was out for that little Avon Breast Cancer stroll last weekend, I did not get the great Kelloggs cereal q's in the 7/10 insert. Does anyone have any they can spare? We all love, love, love Kelloggs blueberry miniwheats and there's a good deal this week at Safeway. Even if q's don't get here on time, they will probably have the deal again soon. PM me and I can send you my addy.
Thanks so much!

murphath,

PM me your address. I will send out those Qs.

Thanks

[murphath]

saveinla:

I sent you a PM. Thanks again.

[constanz22]

Jul 14, 2011 10:56:37 GMT -5 murphath said:

Q Request:

Since I was out for that little Avon Breast Cancer stroll last weekend, I did not get the great Kelloggs cereal q's in the 7/10 insert. Does anyone have any they can spare? We all love, love, love Kelloggs blueberry miniwheats and there's a good deal this week at Safeway. Even if q's don't get here on time, they will probably have the deal again soon. PM me and I can send you my addy.
Thanks so much!

I did not get the Kellogg's Q's, but there are several IP's available, including a $5/5 Kellogg's products.

[sealy]

Question: I bought both the compound W and the tootpaste from RA but only got a SCR for the toothpaste does anyone know why? I bought them together on the same receipt does that make a difference?