THE FEBRUARY 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE THREAD

[suziq38]

Feb 4, 2011 23:05:36 GMT -5 debinwa said:

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?

I don't know, I think that if I were Frugalsuz, I might sense a slight "BS alert" here.

[suziq38]

Feb 3, 2011 21:03:07 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Feb 3, 2011 20:53:41 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

So I went to RA today to use a $4 UP that's expiring Saturday. Somehow in all my trips this week I missed it. I gave the cashier the $4 UP to scan first and then my coupons. I noticed it didn't go through, so she tried it again and it beeped. Then I remembered it was one I'd tried to use previously but my subtotal was too low so they gave it back to me. Now its not scanning. Is that not the stupidest thing ever? Anyway, she calls the Manager over. While we're waiting, I gave the cashier three $1.99 UP's (balance was $12.80, so I'd have plenty left after these went through to use my $4 UP). As she's scanning, I see that a fourth $1.99 UP has stuck its little self to the others. In slow motion, I say "ooooohhhhh nnnnnoooooo dooooonnnn'ttttt sssssccccaaaannnn iiiitttttt!" but of course, I was too late and I hear BEEP as it goes through. Now my subtotal is again too low to use my $4 UP. (momentous sigh)

I picked up a candy bar just as the Manager comes up. She starts to tell me that they won't be able to use this UP b/c it won't scan. I explained what happened and she did a lot of sighing and then decided to put it through. Then she has the nerve to tell me the same thing happened to her the other day! And then she says to me - Don't do that again! She was half joking, but half serious. Well ya know what genius, you just admitted you'd done the same exact thing! And this is the only store I've ever been to where once you scan something, you better be ready to use it because it won't scan again! (jumping down from soap box now)

frugalsuz: When one of mine is scanned and then I end up not using it, I ask the cashier to write 'not used" on the UP and initial it so that the next cashier will push it through. IF it REALLY had been used then why would you still have it? DUH!!

How are you going to handle the fact that the Boiron PDFs will probably beep? I was thinking about copying the entire page from the Boiron website showing that they actually were offered and came from the company. What do you think?

This happened to me once, so I hand the UPs one by one to the cashier very slowly and make sure that they come off of my order. Another time, I handed a different cashier an UPs and it wouldn't go through. She aske ME why. I told her that I didn't know. She then had to put it in manually.

[suziq38]

At Dancinmama's suggestion, I went to CVS today.
She said that she saw this deal on Frugalsuz's blog.

I bought 1 PF Eye Booster for $10.99.

I had to spend $15.00, so I filled in with two bottles of Gillette body wash @2.74 each. My CVS accepts the internet coupons.

The total came to $16.47, I submitted a $5.00 off of $15.00, then a $3.00 CRT for the PF. plus a $3.00 off peelie. I also used 2 $2.00 off MQ's from P and G for the Gillette BW.
The balance was $1.47, and so I used a $1.00 EB and paid the OOP of 47 cents plus tax.

I received: $7.00 EB for the PF and I am going to mail in the "Try Me Free" coupon on the box.
Hopefully I will get the $10.99 back in a rebate check.
This is a definite MM.

[suziq38]

I went to RA and bought 6 of the cake and cookie mixes. The first two I had a $1.00 off of 2 RA coupon, and a 40 cents off coupon.
I paid $2.00 in UPS and 60 cents in cash, and I received $4.00 in UPs.

I the proceeded to buy two more for $4.00 in UPs and then received another $4.00 in UPs, so the cost was nothing and I got to "refresh" my UPS.
Rinse and repeat.

[suziq38]

Feb 3, 2011 22:23:53 GMT -5 @mommy2twoal said:

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!

I don't blame you for staying at home where it is warmer and safer.

[debinwa]

Feb 4, 2011 23:50:49 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

I went to RA and bought 6 of the cake and cookie mixes. The first two I had a $1.00 off of 2 RA coupon, and a 40 cents off coupon.
I paid $2.00 in UPS and 60 cents in cash, and I received $4.00 in UPs.

I the proceeded to buy two more for $4.00 in UPs and then received another $4.00 in UPs, so the cost was nothing and I got to "refresh" my UPS.
Rinse and repeat.

suziq: The cookie mixes are supposed to be generating $1 up each, and another $2 for 2. So you bought 2 at a time? And it is working for the cake mixes as well as cookie mixes? Did you try the brownie mixes? Thanks.

[frugalsuz]

Feb 4, 2011 23:05:36 GMT -5 debinwa said:

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?

Yeah, it definitely was a bit odd! And the funny thing was, this was after she'd washed and cut my hair, so maybe it was the water at the salon! If she does have mineral-smelling-abilities, that is. She washed it, but didn't use any conditioner. Then she put in something as she was combing it out so I assumed that was some kind of conditioner. Nope. I went to Rite Aid afterwards and by the time I was leaving the store, my hair was so static-y that it was sticking to my face! I had to pull it up just to see straight. I do like the cut though!

[suziq38]

Feb 5, 2011 9:32:47 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

Feb 4, 2011 23:05:36 GMT -5 debinwa said:

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?

Yeah, it definitely was a bit odd! And the funny thing was, this was after she'd washed and cut my hair, so maybe it was the water at the salon! If she does have mineral-smelling-abilities, that is. She washed it, but didn't use any conditioner. Then she put in something as she was combing it out so I assumed that was some kind of conditioner. Nope. I went to Rite Aid afterwards and by the time I was leaving the store, my hair was so static-y that it was sticking to my face! I had to pull it up just to see straight. I do like the cut though!

If you like the cut, that is all that matters!

[suziq38]

Feb 5, 2011 1:21:21 GMT -5 debinwa said:

Feb 4, 2011 23:50:49 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

I went to RA and bought 6 of the cake and cookie mixes. The first two I had a $1.00 off of 2 RA coupon, and a 40 cents off coupon.
I paid $2.00 in UPS and 60 cents in cash, and I received $4.00 in UPs.

I the proceeded to buy two more for $4.00 in UPs and then received another $4.00 in UPs, so the cost was nothing and I got to "refresh" my UPS.
Rinse and repeat.

suziq: The cookie mixes are supposed to be generating $1 up each, and another $2 for 2. So you bought 2 at a time? And it is working for the cake mixes as well as cookie mixes? Did you try the brownie mixes? Thanks.

Deb,
I bought 2 in one order at a time. I bought both the cookie mixes and the cake mixes and still got the $4.00 worth of total UPS.
I did not try the brownie mixes because the boxes did not have a price sign in front of the boxes at my store.

I wonder if I could have purchased all 6 in one order? I am stockpiling this for Easter.

[suziq38]

Just curious, Hounds.
What are some "guilty pleasures" that you can afford now that you save so much money "hounding?"
[/b]
As for me, I have a housekeeper every 6 months. I know it is not much, but dust accumulates, and my "once overs" on the furniture just don't "cut it" long term, LOL.

I also go to this Korean Spa, which is totally ethnic, but fun. I bring my friends who happen to be Anglo, and they stick out a bit in the crowd.
We jump in all the Spa pools, take a milk bath, visit all the little sauna rooms, and then finish off with a massage and body scrub combo. Such a treat.
We do that about once every 3 months, LOL.

One of my friends made me laugh. She said that the massage and body scrub that she experienced was so good that the lady that did the combo(massage and Body scrub) on her "could have taken all of her money" and she wouldn't have cared, LOL. I would have to agree, but no one takes all of my money unless I am being "robbed."

I also like to go visit my son in San Francisco. He is all grown up and has his own apartment, but sometimes I just like to disrupt his life and have some fun by visiting him for a few days.

I have also decided that since DD is 25, and has a BF, I better start saving for a wedding. I don't want to have to borrow money for that event.
If she ends up not getting married, I'll just use it to live on when I am old, LOL.

Things are different for me now. My student loans were paid off in 1984.
The children never went to private school, they always went to public school.
Yes, they went to college, but they graduated in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

What do you like to do with any money saved??

[dogmom]

Suziq38, it's a nice question. My husband is retiring in five months, so, the money I save helps us for our future.

[nickyleey]

Feb 5, 2011 9:48:43 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

Just curious, Hounds.
What are some "guilty pleasures" that you can afford now that you save so much money "hounding?"

[/b]
What do you like to do with any money saved??[/quote]

Pay for DD to attend a great daycare (it was recently rated the best daycare in NC by a UNC daycare assessment program)!! I wouldn't say I "like" spending money on it and it's certainly not a guilty pleasure, but the peace of mind and the ability to work in a career that I love is certainly worth it!

[dancinmama]

Feb 5, 2011 9:48:43 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

Just curious, Hounds.
What are some "guilty pleasures" that you can afford now that you save so much money "hounding?"

[/b]

What do you like to do with any money saved??[/quote]

Those of you who don't "know me" do not know that I have been hounding for over 20 years. I started when I gave up my career and became a SAHM and could not stand the fact that I was not contributing financially to the household. My mom was a couponer so the idea of couponing/stockpiling was not foreign to me.

My DH says that through the use of coupons, I have saved tens of thousands of dollars over the years. The most important thing that it has done for us is to allow us to always maintain a sizable EF so that we have always had money in the bank to pay cash for everything we have ever purchased (with the exception of real estate).

I would say our guiltiest pleasure is concert tickets. We go when we see a group is playing nearby that we REALLY want to see - that means two or three concerts a year. We haven't been to one in a while, but the last one was the Carole King/James Taylor Troubadour concert and the tickets were $120/ea. and well worth each and every penny (all 24,000 of them)!! ;D

suzi: I love the fact that you treat yourself to the spa every now and then. I'm not much of a spa person, but I can "hear" in your post how much you love it.

dogmom: My DH plans on retiring in early 2012 - about a year to go so I know EXACTLY what you are doing. Almost every extra penny that I can save is going into what I call our "Retirement EF". That account will (hopefully) allow us to continue to pay cash for larger ticket items and control which tax bracket we end up in when we combine DH's pension and 401k withdrawals.

DH's job has been EXTREMELY stressful the last few years and DH was diagnosed with Crone's 1 1/2 years ago, so we need to get him out of there (work). Thank goodness we started planning for his early retirement (at age 55) when we were in our early 20s. His dad retired after a lifetime career in the military at age 52 and I think DH saw early retirement as a "pretty good deal".

[suziq38]

Hounds,
Retirement is always a good thing to spend money on.
So is a good school for your kids.

[dogmom]

You're right Dancinmama. DH has been at it for 40 years. So, at 55, he's out of there, and I couldn't be happier. His job has gotten worse and worse over the last few years. The stress is awful. Can't pull 401K until 59 1/2, but the pension starts at 55. This is very planned. Our EF is partially due to "hounding" savings, and absolutely living within our means. NO consumer debt here. But, hounding is a good challenge. Best of luck to you and your husband.

[gardenergirl]

I LOVE hearing all of you talk about how much you have been able to save by couponing over the years. As a newbie it is very inspirational and motivating for me!

[mizbear]

Well, I did some shopping yesterday-
Rite Aid:
3 Suave Bodywash @ $1.99 ea- usually $2.89 ea- saved $2.70
2 Ansgel Soft 4 pk TP @ $.97 ea- usually $2.39 ea- saved $2.84
I also picked up a pack of gum for $1.49 (usually I buy mentos when they go 10/10 at the grocery store)
I bought a card that my DGM needed, but she will pay me back today @ $4.99.
I paid 14.39 before tax
.87 in tax
$15.26 after tax- but will get $5 back from DGM
Had $5.54 in wellness savings

CVS was another story:
Time to color my hair again-
Feria hair color $6.99 (saved $3)
Brita Filter 3 pack $14.99 (saved $7, plus $5 EB)
Cascade 75oz Gel $3.99 (saved $2.50)
2 Dawn $.97 ea (saved $1.44 total)
NM Fish Oil 11.49
NM Fish Oil B1G1F (FREE - Save $11.49)
2 NM Vit D @ $9.99
2 NM Vit D @ B1G1F (FREE- Save $19.98)
NM Stress B-Complex $9.99
NM Stress B-Complex B1G1F (FREE- Save $9.99)
- $5 off $15 NM vitamin coupon (CVS)
- $5 off $15 purchase coupon (CVS)
- $2 off NM Fish Oil Coupon
- $1 off NM Vit D Coupon
- $1 off any NM Vit Coupon
And an additional EB for using my Green Bag Tag

My OOP (including tax) was 56.93
SAvings was $69.40! More than my OOP!!! With 6 EB! I will be set for my vitamins until I get done school- and on some of them until the end of the year. Some of them I went down on the size to get the B1G1 so I can get my rebate- $5 for $30 purchase after Qs, plus burn my Qs. The larger sizes weren't part of the B1G1 this time.

Does anyone know if there is a sale coming up on electrasol/finish tabs soon? I went to a favorite restaurant with my mom the other day (her treat for me driving) and they had stacks of coupons for the taking!! I have more of those $1 and $.75 finish qs now and if I could find them at a good price may try it again.

[mizbear]

Hounding has done a lot for me. Boosted my confidence believe it or not. And prevented me from being relegated to eating ramen noodles and sitting in a bean bag chair- been there, done that.

[constanz22]

Feb 5, 2011 12:36:28 GMT -5 mizbear said:

Well, I did some shopping yesterday-
Rite Aid:
3 Suave Bodywash @ $1.99 ea- usually $2.89 ea- saved $2.70
2 Ansgel Soft 4 pk TP @ $.97 ea- usually $2.39 ea- saved $2.84
I also picked up a pack of gum for $1.49 (usually I buy mentos when they go 10/10 at the grocery store)
I bought a card that my DGM needed, but she will pay me back today @ $4.99.
I paid 14.39 before tax
.87 in tax
$15.26 after tax- but will get $5 back from DGM
Had $5.54 in wellness savings

CVS was another story:
Time to color my hair again-
Feria hair color $6.99 (saved $3)
Brita Filter 3 pack $14.99 (saved $7, plus $5 EB)
Cascade 75oz Gel $3.99 (saved $2.50)
2 Dawn $.97 ea (saved $1.44 total)
NM Fish Oil 11.49
NM Fish Oil B1G1F (FREE - Save $11.49)
2 NM Vit D @ $9.99
2 NM Vit D @ B1G1F (FREE- Save $19.98)
NM Stress B-Complex $9.99
NM Stress B-Complex B1G1F (FREE- Save $9.99)
- $5 off $15 NM vitamin coupon (CVS)
- $5 off $15 purchase coupon (CVS)
- $2 off NM Fish Oil Coupon
- $1 off NM Vit D Coupon
- $1 off any NM Vit Coupon
And an additional EB for using my Green Bag Tag

My OOP (including tax) was 56.93
SAvings was $69.40! More than my OOP!!! With 6 EB! I will be set for my vitamins until I get done school- and on some of them until the end of the year. Some of them I went down on the size to get the B1G1 so I can get my rebate- $5 for $30 purchase after Qs, plus burn my Qs. The larger sizes weren't part of the B1G1 this time.

Does anyone know if there is a sale coming up on electrasol/finish tabs soon? I went to a favorite restaurant with my mom the other day (her treat for me driving) and they had stacks of coupons for the taking!! I have more of those $1 and $.75 finish qs now and if I could find them at a good price may try it again.

Do you check HCW (or somewhere) for coupon match ups before you do your shopping? Maybe you just didn't mention them in your post, but, I see several things there are currently coupons for that could've saved you quite a bit more money...
There is a Suave coupon out, Cascade, RA had a TON of hair color 75% off and there were coupons, both MFR and RA making them free this week.

[gardenergirl]

Any tips for getting your DH on board with couponing/looking for sales? DH decided to do some shopping of his own yesterday (he does this from time to time) and I thought I had taught him well, to look for sale items and such, but he bought quite a few things at full price, no coupons and I'm just a little bit at him right now. Before I approach him about it, any tips??

[mizbear]

constanz- I need to look at my handbook and make a list of all my blogs and websites so I can get those extras. I can pin the list right by the computer so I see it. Plus this is the first time in months that my printer has worked - I don't know why it started again- but I am not arguing. I will admit I am a bit of a haircolor snob- I tried using some of the less expensive brands and they don't stay in my hair as long. I generally stick with loreal and garnier- but was looking for a specific Feria color to match what I have in my hair right now (the guy I like likes it ). One good thing is that I won't be buying some of this stuff for a while.

[dogmom]

Gardengirl, don't let him shop! JUST KIDDING. I know my DH appreciates what can be done with rebates and coupons. At first, I didn't think he was paying attention, but then, let's see...He won't get a haircut without a coupon. If I run low on salon coupons (that at the grocery store print on the alternate side of the receipt) he let's me know. So, I make sure to clean out my wallet and clip them before they expire. They then go on the side of the refrig with a magnet...Black Friday, he told me he wanted to shop at the auto parts store. He had a LIST and everything we bought had rebates attached. He did well. We spent $113.00 and stockpiled some of the things he was out of (oil, filters, plugs, etc) and with the items he chose, we got $76.00 back. When we were walking out of the auto parts store, he just smiled at me and said "I bet you didn't think I was paying attention." With my husband, it's more of what interests him and how much he can save on his own terms. Not mine. We went to a grocery store not too long after that. He doesn't do grocery...but, all the way through the store, he kept asking "Is that a good price? Do we have a coupon for this?" It just takes time and a sense of humor. He'll get it.

[AJ CouponGG]

dancin- I'll be honest we're not supposed to use facebook at work, but my admin assistant is a bit addicted to one of the fake virtual farms. So I let her play on facebook and she alerted me to when the coupon became available since it was 3 hours after the start time.

Pubbler-thanks for the envie in the mail!

[mommy2twoal]

Feb 4, 2011 23:56:20 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

Feb 3, 2011 22:23:53 GMT -5 @mommy2twoal said:

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!

I don't blame you for staying at home where it is warmer and safer.

Oh, i didn't get to stay home. I had to go to work in this mess, where we were slammed and in panic mode as I work in healthcare and we have drivers that go all over the south. Fun times, i'm telling ya.

[jkscott]

FREE Dove deodorant at Publix.

$2Q expires 2/27
$1Q in Publix ad

[dancinmama]

Feb 5, 2011 13:03:51 GMT -5 gardenergirl said:

Any tips for getting your DH on board with couponing/looking for sales? DH decided to do some shopping of his own yesterday (he does this from time to time) and I thought I had taught him well, to look for sale items and such, but he bought quite a few things at full price, no coupons and I'm just a little bit at him right now. Before I approach him about it, any tips??

gardengirl: I agree with dogmom, don't let him shop - and I'm NOT kidding. I FINALLY have DH trained, but it took a loooong time. He doesn't do the actual buying, but he will look for sales when he wants something, ask if I have coupons, etc. He teases me telling me that if I let him go to the store on his own, I do so at my own risk. ha ha ha

[rubyslippers]

I signed up DH for a wellness card at Rite Aid. If I buy items that have a SCR, can I put it on my account? I'm trying to get the Feb. reward for DH's card, but don't want to buy the medicines if I can't get the SCR.

[mizbear]

My late grandfather was the one who got me started clipping coupons as a kid- after church on Sunday he would sit there at his spot at the kitchen table, or at a tray table if a ball game was on and clip coupons. I knew I had gotten to be a big kid when he let me start helping.

[debinwa]

Feb 5, 2011 19:37:27 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

I signed up DH for a wellness card at Rite Aid. If I buy items that have a SCR, can I put it on my account? I'm trying to get the Feb. reward for DH's card, but don't want to buy the medicines if I can't get the SCR.

ruby: My DH and I each have wellness cards and I use receipts from both for my SCR account. None of Rite Aid's accounts seem to be tied together.

[ooty1234]

I do not like it when my DH does the shopping! I don't even like for him to go with me! But, since we moved, it is more convenient to have him pick up a few things here and there. Now, he did do the shopping one week without a list......I was just cringing as I put away groceries knowing that he paid toooo much and couldn't make a meal out of any of it. I have yet to try to make him a list and send coupons with him......going to have to try it soon though. Luckily, it's not like a Kroger Mega sale or anything....