THE FEBRUARY 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE THREAD

[mommy2twoal]

Hi ladies,

No shopping for me much this week, DS has been sick and with work & not sleeping much, I am pooped. However, we (unexpectedly) got an ice storm today and more expected tonight. Driving home was very exciting (if you like slip, sliding, away) and I don't know what will happen in the morning. Forcasters said, "oh it is just going to be a little rain, temps up to 37 degrees today." Whoops!

[mizbear]

The CVS ad previews should be coming by e-mail overnight.
marvholly- Do we have the same mailman? I've known mine for my whole life, but only started disliking him when he became my postal carrier.
I have lined up my deals for tomorrow. Gonna try to do the $1.99 Suave Body Wash at RIte Aid and see if I can find a good deal on TP or wipes. Have a big thing lined up for CVS. May check Family Dollar. Need a couple items from grocery store.

[mizbear]

The CVS ad for next week is posted- just saw when checking the old one. Can't sleep.
cvs.shoplocal.com/cvs/default.aspx?action=entryflash&Flash=Y&WT.mc%5Fid=EM%5FECE%5F012011%5FWEEKLY%5FAD
I hope I did that right.

[dogmom]

There is a rather nice coupon on Jewel's (Albertsons) website. BOGO Pedegree +. Jewel's IP coupons are kind of hidden, but at the bottom of their page there is a spot to click for coupons. Half price food for my girl is in the works now. It let's you print two. Jewel isn't the most reasonable place to buy dog food. Meijer and Walmart are better..

On another note, the Dominicks/Safeway in my area has NEVER been coupon friendly. They refuse two "like" IP coupons in the same purchase, even though you may be buying two or more of the same items.

[finnime]

Safeway! My local store was coupon hostile for a time. Eventually I contacted CS online and was called by someone from corporate. Still had problems with using IP's. I called CS directly and started carrying with me a copy of the official coupon acceptance policy. The second call seems to have worked - ever since, they readily take anything I give them. I did tell CS the second time that retraining of the cashiers and perhaps the manager was needed, and reminded her that other grocery stores in our area were happy for my business.

It is so much easier to shop there now.javascript:add("%20;D")

[jdnstl]

morning hounds. i've been quiet lately because i've been pretty busy. but there are ice on the roads & EVERYTHING is closed today, in HOUSTON of all places! can you believe it!?! got a text a few minutes ago that work is closed so i'm up & ready to go but don't have to go anywhere. YEAH! i might get my house cleaned finally.

re:safeway, mine has always been hostile to me when it comes to using coupons. they ALWAYS beep at that store, regardless if it works at another store or not. that's why i cherry pick & only go when i have time to argue with management. they will almost always take the coupons after i argue i've complied with the fine print, but it's still a huge hassle. and to think how much $ i spent in one of the stores a few years back. i was living by myself, trying to make it "downtown," and even though i watched for sale items in the weekly ads, i know i spent a ridiculous amount of $ at their store. since their CS s-u-c-k-s i sure regret giving them my hard earned $!!

[jdnstl]

HAHAHAHA!! i just got this link in an email. i know you texans will get a good laugh!

[missourimommy]

jdnstl,
Thanks!! That was pretty funny...and I'm in Missouri!

[kathyattraverse]

Thanks to all that voted. You can vote EVERY DAY up to 10 votes each time. I think there are 4-5 days left. I appreciate it and Grand Marais does also. You are all the best!!!!

[mizbear]

My local safeway is generally coupon friendly- except sometimes IPs and they scrutinize anything that says free- but the store is old and grungy. There is no room to expand and they don't want to move really because a lot of older folks walk there.

[dogmom]

I read that there is a $1 +Up Reward for Cesar Soft Dog Treats. This deal is only valid through Saturday at Rite Aid

Cesar Soft Dog Treats $2.99
Buy 1, Recieve $1 +Up Reward
$2.00/1 – Cesar Treats, Any – (smartsource.com) (zip 90210 page 9)
Pay: $0.99, Receive $1 +Up Reward

[oreo]

Are you allowed to print more than 1 of the same internet coupon? For example, I went to RiteAid a couple of days ago and used 2 different $1 off coupons on the Stayfree pads (I got the links from iloveriteaid). I can go to those links again and it allows me to print another coupon. Can I use that in a separate transaction at a different store or is that not ok? For some reason I thought I wouldn't be allowed to print the coupons again but since I can, I'm wondering if I'm allowed to use them that way or not. Thanks!

[alphayankee]

Oreo - you can print as many as the software will allow. Most times you can print an extra by hitting the back button. Just make sure the codes are different. Copying IP's is fraud because you would be using q's with the same code. Many IP's are actually embedded with your IP address, so if the company discovered that you had used copies, they may be able to prevent you from printing IP's in the future.

Some manufacturers issue pdf's on their websites. These are find to print multiple copies because there are no unique codes on them.

[oreo]

Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll just go home first and print the coupons there to be safe (I printed the first ones at work). I sort of thought the software that had to be installed was to limit the coupons and only allow them to print once which is why I was surprised it allowed me to print it again. I found another BOGO free coupon in my coupon organizer for the Stayfree pads last night so I figured as long as I was there I might as well get 2 more for $1 off too!

[AJ CouponGG]

So I'm somewhat impressed with Coffeemate-they did a free flavor friday promo with a Q for free creamer via postal mail in 3-4 weeks on their facebook site. They were advertising it for about a week to my knowledge as starting at 9amPST. Of course like most promos I have participated in on facebook pages for products the servers couldn't handle traffic & shutdown. Originally Coffeemate was offering only 100K coupons for free bottle, they upped it to 120K and asked people to stick with them. I did get my free coupon submittal accepted, but what really surprised and impressed me was they are still offering anyone who wants one a $1 off Q on their facebook page as an apology for the technical difficulties. I was shocked at all the hateful and rude comments people were leaving when the company didn't have to add an extra 20K free coupons and they didn't have to give a $1 off Q. Also I found out that there is a$0.55 Q on international delight creamers website that will let you get it twice if anyone is interested.

[dancinmama]

Feb 4, 2011 16:42:01 GMT -5 AJ CouponGG said:

So I'm somewhat impressed with Coffeemate-they did a free flavor friday promo with a Q for free creamer via postal mail in 3-4 weeks on their facebook site. They were advertising it for about a week to my knowledge as starting at 9amPST. Of course like most promos I have participated in on facebook pages for products the servers couldn't handle traffic & shutdown. Originally Coffeemate was offering only 100K coupons for free bottle, they upped it to 120K and asked people to stick with them. I did get my free coupon submittal accepted, but what really surprised and impressed me was they are still offering anyone who wants one a $1 off Q on their facebook page as an apology for the technical difficulties. I was shocked at all the hateful and rude comments people were leaving when the company didn't have to add an extra 20K free coupons and they didn't have to give a $1 off Q. Also I found out that there is a$0.55 Q on international delight creamers website that will let you get it twice if anyone is interested.

AJ: I wanted to do the CoffeeMate Q, but didn't have time to wait around for them to solve their problems.

[dancinmama]

Well, I found out through suziq that the Rite Aid ad for the WEST does not have half the SCR items that are free or almost free on sale (starting Sunday) - the (2) Chestal and the Oscillococcinum. That TOTALLY screwed up my plan for how I was going to qualify for the $20 Winter Reward. So I took a chance and drove to the next town over and was pleasantly surprised. They had a ton of the Chex Mix, a few of the Stayfree, and (3) Lays Stax. EVERYTHING that I bought will be donated; I just needed more $$ toward my Winter Reward to make my "plan" work and I made a profit of $11 in UPs in the process.

I would much rather have saved the time and energy and had just been able to get the rebate items on Sunday, but I guess it isn't meant to be.

[saveinla]

Feb 4, 2011 16:57:12 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Well, I found out through suziq that the Rite Aid ad for the WEST does not have half the SCR items that are free or almost free on sale (starting Sunday) - the (2) Chestal and the Oscillococcinum. That TOTALLY screwed up my plan for how I was going to qualify for the $20 Winter Reward. So I took a chance and drove to the next town over and was pleasantly surprised. They had a ton of the Chex Mix, a few of the Stayfree, and (3) Lays Stax. EVERYTHING that I bought will be donated; I just needed more $$ toward my Winter Reward to make my "plan" work and I made a profit of $11 in UPs in the process.

I would much rather have saved the time and energy and had just been able to get the rebate items on Sunday, but I guess it isn't meant to be.

dancinmama,

Do you have the exact same ad as SoCal? I think since you follow the Sunday - Saturday schedule, you may be surprised when you look at the actual ad. A few weeks ago, we did not get the Airwick deals, even though everyone else did, so just keep an eye on your ad. I am just going to buy the Viva and Cottonelle to use my Ups this week, since I have 2$ MQs for both. Even though it's not a MM, at least it will be something that can be used. I already have my Winter rewards and so am not too concerned.

[constanz22]

Another option for Rite Aid, to boost your Winter Rewards, there are 3 new varieties of Physicians Formula make-up that have TMF stickers on them. frugalsuz has the link on her site for the rebate form, but you have to have the TMF sticker from the product. My store had a whole display of the new products, all with TMF stickers on them. (I know they were on sale at CVS this week too, with $7 EB's, but there were very few of the products in my stores and the TMF stickers were hard to find...found tons of them at RA). They are priced right around $10, minus your wellness discount AND there are $3 peelies on some of the new blushes/powders that works fine on the other products. They all count toward the Winter Rewards and you can do the TMF rebate to turn your Ups used into cash.

I actually got picked for the CoffeeMate Office Party, so, I didn't even try for the FB coupon since they sent around 15 coupons for free CoffeeMate for the party! I was so happy to get picked for it! I never win anything!

[hopetoberich]

I just returned 2 PF make-up to CVS as the TMF stickers were both out of date. I called the 1-800 # and they said it ended on 12/31/10. That was for some face powder @ $6.99.They gave me a store credit.
I will look out in RA for them though, i need to get to $100 and i only have $25 so far.

[constanz22]

Feb 4, 2011 17:45:50 GMT -5 hopetoberich said:

I just returned 2 PF make-up to CVS as the TMF stickers were both out of date. I called the 1-800 # and they said it ended on 12/31/10. That was for some face powder @ $6.99.They gave me a store credit.
I will look out in RA for them though, i need to get to $100 and i only have $25 so far.

Yes, these are BRAND new. The TMF stickers are good until the end of 2011. There are 3 specific products, an eyeliner w/serum, a correcting primer, and a mascara. You can see the exact names of them on frugalsuz site.

[saveinla]

Here is my trip to RA today.
Coldcalm Tablets 60 ct - 1 - 5.99
Revitalens 2x2Z - 1 - 3.99 (not sure why I have a 1$ discount on this and how it will affect the SCR)
BC CChip cookies - 2 - 4.00 - used 2 1$ IPQ that rang up as .40 each and 1$VVQ
Cottonelle 12 pk - 1 - 6.99 - use 2$ IPQ and 1$ VVQ
Excedrin PM Gelcap 20ct - 2 - 3.98 - used 2 2.50$ tearpad Q in front of the display

Used 4$/20, 11$ in Ups and paid 2.01 cash OOP and got back 4 Ups for the BC cake mix and 9.98 in SCR.
Not bad for a quick 5 minute trip.

[dancinmama]

Feb 4, 2011 17:18:41 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Feb 4, 2011 16:57:12 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Well, I found out through suziq that the Rite Aid ad for the WEST does not have half the SCR items that are free or almost free on sale (starting Sunday) - the (2) Chestal and the Oscillococcinum. That TOTALLY screwed up my plan for how I was going to qualify for the $20 Winter Reward. So I took a chance and drove to the next town over and was pleasantly surprised. They had a ton of the Chex Mix, a few of the Stayfree, and (3) Lays Stax. EVERYTHING that I bought will be donated; I just needed more $$ toward my Winter Reward to make my "plan" work and I made a profit of $11 in UPs in the process.

I would much rather have saved the time and energy and had just been able to get the rebate items on Sunday, but I guess it isn't meant to be.

dancinmama,

Do you have the exact same ad as SoCal? I think since you follow the Sunday - Saturday schedule, you may be surprised when you look at the actual ad. A few weeks ago, we did not get the Airwick deals, even though everyone else did, so just keep an eye on your ad. I am just going to buy the Viva and Cottonelle to use my Ups this week, since I have 2$ MQs for both. Even though it's not a MM, at least it will be something that can be used. I already have my Winter rewards and so am not too concerned.

saveinla: Maybe there is a shred of hope if CS is wrong, but I actually called them and asked if they had Sunday's ad for my area. They told me that only the Cold Calm (not the Chestal or Oscillocillum) would be in my ad. The scenarios that I worked out include them so I guess I'll hold onto those and do a reword that does not include them. Since I did not do or pay attention to the Airweek deal, I have no idea whether I got that one or not, but that's a heck of a clue. I just cleaned out my "ad drawer".

[frugalsuz]

Feb 4, 2011 19:15:26 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Here is my trip to RA today.

Revitalens 2x2Z - 1 - 3.99 (not sure why I have a 1$ discount on this and how it will affect the SCR)

saveinla - its on sale for $4.99, but if your wellness discount is greater than the sale price, you'll get the discount instead. Your receipt should say the regular price of the item. You should still get back $4.99 for the SCR, so that's a $1 profit for you.


I finally got my hair cut today. It was way overdue because getting haircuts is one of my least favorite things. I love getting it washed, but sitting there staring at the mirror while its getting cut is so awkward. The hairdresser and I were talking about my water and how it affects my hair. She said I must have hard water because she can smell the minerals in my hair.

[ohiositter]

dancin.............. got your envie.... thank you.........

[jkscott]

I did the Coke deal at CVS today. Have my 5ECB's.

Now.. what to use them on?? Im going to try to "roll them" like many of you do. Hopefully it will keep my OOP at a minimum.

[mizbear]

I got $6 EBs (1 thanks to my green bag tag), and qualified for my $5 rebate from nature made- will post the whole deal tomorrow. Didn't do as well at RA, but still scored 4 pk TP for less than a $1 a pack.
I am coming down with something- hope it isn't bad.

[dancinmama]

Feb 4, 2011 21:51:44 GMT -5 ohiositter said:

dancin.............. got your envie.... thank you.........

Glad to be of help Miss OhioSitter!!

[saveinla]

Feb 4, 2011 21:40:45 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

Feb 4, 2011 19:15:26 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Here is my trip to RA today.

Revitalens 2x2Z - 1 - 3.99 (not sure why I have a 1$ discount on this and how it will affect the SCR)

saveinla - its on sale for $4.99, but if your wellness discount is greater than the sale price, you'll get the discount instead. Your receipt should say the regular price of the item. You should still get back $4.99 for the SCR, so that's a $1 profit for you.


I finally got my hair cut today. It was way overdue because getting haircuts is one of my least favorite things. I love getting it washed, but sitting there staring at the mirror while its getting cut is so awkward. The hairdresser and I were talking about my water and how it affects my hair. She said I must have hard water because she can smell the minerals in my hair.

frugalsuz,

Thanks for the explanation. That's a nice profit, especially since there are no coupons around for the revitalens now.
I remember when I was a little girl, my grandmother used to save rainwater in barrels and then heat them up to have our hair washed. She said that it made your hair soft and shiny.

[debinwa]

Feb 4, 2011 21:40:45 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

I finally got my hair cut today. It was way overdue because getting haircuts is one of my least favorite things. I love getting it washed, but sitting there staring at the mirror while its getting cut is so awkward. The hairdresser and I were talking about my water and how it affects my hair. She said I must have hard water because she can smell the minerals in my hair.

Hmmm. I was a hairstylist for 20 years, and I don't recall ever smelling the minerals in someone's hair. And kind of an odd thing to say, huh?