THE FEBRUARY 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE THREAD

[redwagon]

weaselfer - you're the best!

[mawmawandlovingit]

Frugalnurse: Did you get enough of the Buitoni Q's? I have 10 of them I can send to you. Are you only looking for the $1/1 Refrigerated Pasta or Sauce? You can PM me if you want me to send them out with your address.

Lbmoore: Same for you on the Ken's dressing. I have the 16 oz $1/1 Q's that I can send you.

[jdnstl]

Feb 8, 2011 10:25:28 GMT -5 mizbear said:

I have a question... my mother thinks I have lost it... I keep my reusable grocery bags in my car and keep my scan tags on my key chain with my keys- except Safeway (Von's, Dominick's) because it does not have one- so it stays in my wallet. Does anyone else do this? Mom thinks I am going overboard by carrying my bags and as she put it "40,000 keytags" around. If I have my bags, I get my discount (5 cents though it may be) and by having my key tags, I never miss a discount.

mizbear - you're not crazy. i carry all my tags on one keychain in my purse, except my 2 extra CVS tags. i have those separated so i don't get mixed up on which EBs go with which tag. DH says my car looks a bit trashy with my bags but i don't care. having my own bag just knocked $1 off the cost of oatmeal at CVS!! so who's the smarter shopper?

[mercee]

Something to think about - you may want to keep your store tags separate from your purse - especially if you carry your checkbook with you.

A few years back, my mom's purse was stolen. It had her keys, store tags & checkbook.

The theft was able to write checks at some of the store tag stores easier b/cuz she had "established" her check writing ability w/ the store tag.

Stupid stores didn't even notice that the woman totally spelled my mom's last name wrong - they just accepted the check w/o asking for ID because the woman had the store tag.

Just food for thought....it was bad enough to have to call all the credit card companies, but then do deal with closing the bank accounts, etc etc.

[dancinmama]

Feb 8, 2011 3:02:57 GMT -5 debinwa said:

dm: Thank you so much for posting this! Sadly, I didn't get there in time, but I did get the coupons from J&J, which will come in very handy for us! Karma to you!

debinwa: So glad you like that deal. Since my original post is buried three pages back, it might be worth a rinse and repeat.

RA 2/20 AD: FREE JOHNSON & JOHNSON COTTON SWABS (500 COUNT):

CALL: 1-800-526-3967 (J&J Customer Service) and ask for coupons for cotton swabs (make sure that you don't call them Q-Tips cuz that's another company ). They will send you (2) $1/1 ANY Johnson & Johnson product coupons. I tried to sweet talk the CS gal into sending me (4), but it was a no-go.

It is RARE to be able to get these for FREE. The last time I bought "cotton swabs" (actually it was Q-Tips), I paid $.79 plus tax in OOP at Longs Drugs and had to send away for a rebate to get them at that price. This deal will give you 1000 swabs for FREE.

They will be priced at $2.99 and give a $2UP for each package purchased, so FREE after $1/1 Home Mailer. They DO NOT count toward any of the other RA programs (Buy & Save or Heart Healthy), but even at $.99 each (without coupon), I think this is a good stockpile price especially for anyone who uses them regularly and is swimming in UPs.

[dancinmama]

Feb 8, 2011 10:02:47 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

Feb 8, 2011 3:00:16 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

FINISH/ELECTROSOL IS $.25 (AFTER Q) AT TARGET

The Finish Powerball and Gel Packs are on Price Cut for $2.50. Use the $2.25/1 in the 1/2 SS.

I am not sure if I have any more MQ's, but what a great deal!
I have some GC from a past promo, so if I have the coupons, off to Target I go!

Thanks, Dancinmama.

suzi: I thought it might be a great way to use those stray $2.25/1 Electrosol Qs for those who still have a couple left and want to add to their stockpiles.

For those who did not get the Q, last year it came out again in the summer. No guarantees though.

[momof2]

Does anyone happen to know if RA will take an expired UP? I just found $3 that expired on the 5th...

[mizbear]

mercee- Good point! I don't have check cashing/writing abilities tied to any of my tags, but for someone who does, that's a big deal.
I don't carry a purse often, I carry a backpack because I have my stuff and everyone else's in it, coupons, lists, flyers, wallet, emergency supplies, band aids, snacks, hand sanitizer, etc and so forth. We have a family friendly store here, so they are understanding to diaper bags and kid packs. Or in my case the "what can will" pack.

[dancinmama]

Feb 8, 2011 11:14:58 GMT -5 momof2 said:

Does anyone happen to know if RA will take an expired UP? I just found $3 that expired on the 5th...

momof2: I've never tried it, but from what I have heard they CAN push it through. I would go to your friendliest RA and speak with the store manager. The worst thing that can happen is that he'll say "no". Or better yet, call in advance if you're not going to be passing by that RA anyway - might as well not waste gas.

[mawmawandlovingit]

Feb 8, 2011 11:14:58 GMT -5 momof2 said:

Does anyone happen to know if RA will take an expired UP? I just found $3 that expired on the 5th...

I have never had success with expired ups....I am pretty positive that you will lose them if you don't use them. I have a VERY friendly store that is great with Q's, but never have they pushed through an expired up.

[mercee]

mini-rant

Out of all the RP coupons shown online for 2/6 preview - I only received the following:
Crisco save $0.75/1 crisco olive oil (4/30) (others got $1)
Fixodent save $0.50/1 fixodent adhesive or cleaner (3/31)
Folgers save $0.25 / 1 coffee product, singles or gourmet selections k-cup (3/31) others got $1.00/2
Kelloggs pop tarts mini crisps Save $0.55/1 (4/3)
Kelloggs pop tarts toaster pastries Save $1/2 (4/3) others got $0.75/2
Mach 3 save $3.00/2 disposable 3-ct, sensor 4-ct,venus 2-ct, or daisy 10 or 12 ct. (3/31)
Mach 3 save $4.00/2 6-ct,venus,sensor,daisy 18 ct. (3/31)
Marcal save $1.00/1 small steps towel (8+), bath tissue (12+) or two napkins (3/20)
Rhodes – save $1 / 1 package of any cinnamon rolls
Rhodes – save $1 / 1 package of any warm-n-serve rolls
Sara Lee – save $0.75 / 1 cheesecake (3/31)
Scope outlast save $1.00/1 on one scope mouthwash (3/31)
Secret buy two (2) get one (1) free (3/31)

The ones in blue are the ones that I got that weren't shown in preview online. And some of mine were even different dollar amounts.

I'll be going through the SS next.

[jdnstl]

mercee - i never use checks. i don't even really need to carry my checkbook. i never thought of that so i may take my checks out & leave them at home. my purse contains envies of coupons, chapstick, gum, nail file, and wallet. if i took out my q's my purse would be more than 50% lighter!

[mandyms]

Feb 8, 2011 3:00:16 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

FINISH/ELECTROSOL IS $.25 (AFTER Q) AT TARGET

The Finish Powerball and Gel Packs are on Price Cut for $2.50. Use the $2.25/1 in the 1/2 SS.

You're my hero, Dancinmama. Karma for you!

NAG: Does anyone know if I can find discounts on movie tickets? I can't believe how much it costs, my friend and I want to take our DDs to see Gnomeo and Juliet this Friday. Of course it's only in 3D our theater, automatic increase in price.

[dancinmama]

Feb 8, 2011 11:39:58 GMT -5 mercee said:

mini-rant

Out of all the RP coupons shown online for 2/6 preview - I only received the following:
Crisco save $0.75/1 crisco olive oil (4/30) (others got $1)
Fixodent save $0.50/1 fixodent adhesive or cleaner (3/31)
Folgers save $0.25 / 1 coffee product, singles or gourmet selections k-cup (3/31) others got $1.00/2
Kelloggs pop tarts mini crisps Save $0.55/1 (4/3)
Kelloggs pop tarts toaster pastries Save $1/2 (4/3) others got $0.75/2
Mach 3 save $3.00/2 disposable 3-ct, sensor 4-ct,venus 2-ct, or daisy 10 or 12 ct. (3/31)
Mach 3 save $4.00/2 6-ct,venus,sensor,daisy 18 ct. (3/31)
Marcal save $1.00/1 small steps towel (8+), bath tissue (12+) or two napkins (3/20)
Rhodes – save $1 / 1 package of any cinnamon rolls
Rhodes – save $1 / 1 package of any warm-n-serve rolls
Sara Lee – save $0.75 / 1 cheesecake (3/31)
Scope outlast save $1.00/1 on one scope mouthwash (3/31)
Secret buy two (2) get one (1) free (3/31)

The ones in blue are the ones that I got that weren't shown in preview online. And some of mine were even different dollar amounts.

I'll be going through the SS next.

mercee: The coupon previews are just an idea of what you MIGHT get. Many coupons are regional so one area of the country will get them, while another will not. Even the values on the coupons can vary from one area of the country to another.

If ever you need a coupon that you did not get, just post a HOUND ALERT for the coupon. Chances are that one of the gals on here got it and has extras to share.

[dancinmama]

I called to have a couple of Johnson & Johnson Qs sent to my mom's address and they told me that they didn't have any coupons to mail out at this time. If you call today and they send you some, please post. Maybe I have to talk to the baby people.

[picghaw]

Hello ladies,

I was out of TP, so I headed to Wags to do a few deal at Wags on Sunday, will post details a bit later. I didn't do so good as planned since I had to pay taxes+fillers on 7 different transactions(diff Wags) but 4 of those were the Neuragen MM deals ergo my hand was forced. Technically, I got $20 Neuragen MM money(5*4) to buy other things.

Anyway I heard dancinmama's voice, well her "SLOW DOWN" post in my head so I figured I check in before proceeding. I need detergent, and I have 10 RR Neuragen and $3 Right Guard. Ideally I would love to pair a MM deal (Neuragen or Arnica RR) with the purchase of the All's BIGI, but since I have already have Neuragen RR, I have to find a way to spend those RR on item(s) that will give me back almost the same amount of RRs. Everyone seems to be out of Arnica.

I'm thinking....
1)
Lysol 11.99
- $3/ Q
Filler $1.00
- 10 RR
------------
OOP will be tax. Get back $7 RR

2)
Neuragen 14.99
All's B1G1 6.99 Goal Item
Fillers : Pencils (2) : $0.40
- $10 Neuragen Q
- $1 All Q
- $7 RR Lysol
- $3 RR Right Guard
------------
OOP will be tax ~$1.40. Get back $10 RR

Terrible Idea? Decent since I need the detergent? For (1), Arnica+RightGuard+Something Else(6 RR + 3 RR) would be a better choice, but everyone is out of Arnica right now.

I did similar deals on Sunday (1) and (2) but in (2) got Scott's TP instead of All's (was completely out), Progresso Soup in another transaction, Colgate &Right Guard in another. I think I got better at pairing stuff as I went along as Arnica being out altered my initial shopping plan big time. I guess practice makes perfect.

For (1), Arnica+RightGuard+Something Else(6 RR + 3 RR) would be a better choice, but everyone is out of Arnica right now.

I'm not stockpiling, just getting stuff that I would have spend more money on at Walmart/Ultra etc .

Thanks in advance.

[ohmomto2boys]

Go to www.instoresnow.Walmart.com and get a coupon for a free Chefboyardee. First 50,000......

[mercee]

Feb 8, 2011 12:06:23 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

mercee: The coupon previews are just an idea of what you MIGHT get. Many coupons are regional so one area of the country will get them, while another will not. Even the values on the coupons can vary from one area of the country to another.

If ever you need a coupon that you did not get, just post a HOUND ALERT for the coupon. Chances are that one of the gals on here got it and has extras to share.

Yea, I know, a free preview is a free preview - but wow - what a short list I have! And I know how wonderful you ladies (and couple guys) are.

[dancinmama]

Feb 8, 2011 12:26:52 GMT -5 picghaw said:

Hello ladies,

I was out of TP, so I headed to Wags to do a few deal at Wags on Sunday, will post details a bit later. I didn't do so good as planned since I had to pay taxes+fillers on 7 different transactions(diff Wags) but 4 of those were the Neuragen MM deals ergo my hand was forced. Technically, I got $20 Neuragen MM money(5*4) to buy other things.

Anyway I heard dancinmama's voice, well her "SLOW DOWN" post in my head so I figured I check in before proceeding. I need detergent, and I have 10 RR Neuragen and $3 Right Guard. Ideally I would love to pair a MM deal (Neuragen or Arnica RR) with the purchase of the All's BIGI, but since I have already have Neuragen RR, I have to find a way to spend those RR on item(s) that will give me back almost the same amount of RRs. Everyone seems to be out of Arnica.

I'm thinking....
1)
Lysol 11.99
- $3/ Q
Filler $1.00
- 10 RR
------------
OOP will be tax. Get back $7 RR

2)
Neuragen 14.99
All's B1G1 6.99 Goal Item
Fillers : Pencils (2) : $0.40
- $10 Neuragen Q
- $1 All Q
- $7 RR Lysol
- $3 RR Right Guard
------------
OOP will be tax ~$1.40. Get back $10 RR

Terrible Idea? Decent since I need the detergent? For (1), Arnica+RightGuard+Something Else(6 RR + 3 RR) would be a better choice, but everyone is out of Arnica right now.

I did similar deals on Sunday (1) and (2) but in (2) got Scott's TP instead of All's (was completely out), Progresso Soup in another transaction, Colgate &Right Guard in another. I think I got better at pairing stuff as I went along as Arnica being out altered my initial shopping plan big time. I guess practice makes perfect.

For (1), Arnica+RightGuard+Something Else(6 RR + 3 RR) would be a better choice, but everyone is out of Arnica right now.

I'm not stockpiling, just getting stuff that I would have spend more money on at Walmart/Ultra etc .

Thanks in advance.

picghaw: According to the WAGs coupon policy, you can use (2) manufacturer's coupons on a BOGO sale, so you can deduct another $1/1 from your All scenario. Also, your FREE item counts in your items vs coupons count. It looks to me like in the scenario above, you have (5) items (Neuragen, 2 All, and 2 pencils), but you're only using (4) coupons (Neuragen, All, Lysol RR, and Right Guard RR) so you can get rid of one of the pencils or add another All coupon and keep the second pencil.

Clear as mud, right?

HTH

[dancinmama]

Feb 8, 2011 13:00:03 GMT -5 mercee said:

Feb 8, 2011 12:06:23 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

mercee: The coupon previews are just an idea of what you MIGHT get. Many coupons are regional so one area of the country will get them, while another will not. Even the values on the coupons can vary from one area of the country to another.

If ever you need a coupon that you did not get, just post a HOUND ALERT for the coupon. Chances are that one of the gals on here got it and has extras to share.

Yea, I know, a free preview is a free preview - but wow - what a short list I have! And I know how wonderful you ladies (and couple guys) are.

mercee: Don't feel badly, I got the short list too. I did get the Nivea and some vitamin Qs, but no Rhodes or Kellogg's.

[dancinmama]

Feb 8, 2011 12:02:37 GMT -5 mandyms said:

Feb 8, 2011 3:00:16 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

FINISH/ELECTROSOL IS $.25 (AFTER Q) AT TARGET

The Finish Powerball and Gel Packs are on Price Cut for $2.50. Use the $2.25/1 in the 1/2 SS.

You're my hero, Dancinmama. Karma for you!

mandyms: Hero status, huh? I guess that makes it a MOST EXCELLENT day for me.

[dancinmama]

For (1), Arnica+RightGuard+Something Else(6 RR + 3 RR) would be a better choice, but everyone is out of Arnica right now.

picghaw: If this is your preferred scenario and you're not concerned about them running out of the Right Guard (based on stock) you could call and ask when they restock and hope that the Arnicare comes in. If not, you could go ahead and do the Lysol. Also, the Veripure ($3.99 and giving a $4RR) might be a viable alternative in one of your scenarios.

One other thing - how was the stock on the All? If they do not have a particular "flavor" that they usually stock (i.e. free and clear), and you don't absolutely have to have it RIGHT NOW, you might be able to snag a rain check (WAGs rain checks never expire) and work them into another scenario in the next week or two.

If you have a CVS, the All and Wisk are both BOGO there this week too, but I think the price on the All is higher than $6.99. You can use (2) coupons on a BOGO at CVS too.

[mercee]

Feb 8, 2011 12:26:52 GMT -5 picghaw said:

Anyway I heard dancinmama's voice, well her "SLOW DOWN" post in my head so I figured I check in before proceeding.

I hear dancinmama in my head a lot saying this. LOL That's why I carefully make a short list of each scenario that I want to do b/4 heading to store - in case a scenario / deal that I saw wasn't valid for me or if store doesn't have a particular item, I grab a different paper-clipped scenario (with all the coupons needed) & fulfill that one instead. I found if I put too many items on my scenario, I get all jumbled up & thrown off if I can't find one of the items.

[picghaw]

Feb 8, 2011 13:02:55 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

picghaw: According to the WAGs coupon policy, you can use (2) manufacturer's coupons on a BOGO sale, so you can deduct another $1/1 from your All scenario. Also, your FREE item counts in your items vs coupons count. It looks to me like in the scenario above, you have (5) items (Neuragen, 2 All, and 2 pencils), but you're only using (4) coupons (Neuragen, All, Lysol RR, and Right Guard RR) so you can get rid of one of the pencils or add another All coupon and keep the second pencil.

Clear as mud, right?

HTH

Yes, its clear Its very clear at home and when I take off to the store....then starts getting foggy as I'm shopping and items are out and by the time I get to the register its foggy ;D

[picghaw]

Feb 8, 2011 13:20:21 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

picghaw: If this is your preferred scenario and you're not concerned about them running out of the Right Guard (based on stock) you could call and ask when they restock and hope that the Arnicare comes in. If not, you could go ahead and do the Lysol. Also, the Veripure ($3.99 and giving a $4RR) might be a viable alternative in one of your scenarios.

One other thing - how was the stock on the All? If they do not have a particular "flavor" that they usually stock (i.e. free and clear), and you don't absolutely have to have it RIGHT NOW, you might be able to snag a rain check (WAGs rain checks never expire) and work them into another scenario in the next week or two.

If you have a CVS, the All and Wisk are both BOGO there this week too, but I think the price on the All is higher than $6.99. You can use (2) coupons on a BOGO at CVS too.

For CVS, I don't have ECB, so Wags is better. Also they didn't have Wisk HE and I believe All F&C HE.

Re: ask when they restock and hope that the Arnicare comes in.

That's the million dollar ?. Should I risk waiting for Arnica...hmmmm? All Free & Clear HE stock at 2 Wags was good, but that was yesterday and I don't seem to find a lot of 50oz Free& Clear/Sensitive Skin HE in stock....I've been watching the detergent sales for weeks now.

I think I could hold on the detergent for maybe a week....have to check.

[Frugal Nurse]

Mawmaw- You have a PM! Thanks So much!

[mizbear]

NAG- Warning good news ahead! As of tonight I will be 2/5 of the way through my transcription course. I am waiting for my third pack of study materials and am still carrying an A average.

Scored a 10% off CVS beauty q by joining the Beauty Club- wish I had known it was good on stuff like shampoo sooner.

[picghaw]

Feb 8, 2011 13:20:25 GMT -5 mercee said:

Feb 8, 2011 12:26:52 GMT -5 picghaw said:

Anyway I heard dancinmama's voice, well her "SLOW DOWN" post in my head so I figured I check in before proceeding.

I hear dancinmama in my head a lot saying this. LOL That's why I carefully make a short list of each scenario that I want to do b/4 heading to store - in case a scenario / deal that I saw wasn't valid for me or if store doesn't have a particular item, I grab a different paper-clipped scenario (with all the coupons needed) & fulfill that one instead. I found if I put too many items on my scenario, I get all jumbled up & thrown off if I can't find one of the items.

Yeah, I have stories to tell..... I kept on getting hung up on the taxes so 1 of my RR wouldn't go through. Apparently there is no way to avoid paying taxes in IL......learned the hard way, plus I don't really like getting $2.00 in pencils, so my unplanned fillers cost me a bit more OOP (e.g Cottenelle TP with Qs==$3.50). Anyway, its definitely a learning experience.

[weaselfer]

I haven't seen this mentioned, but CVS on facebook has it if they get 250,000 people to like and register, you will receive a 20% off coupon on Feb 14th. If they get 350,000, it will be a 25% off coupon.

[debinwa]

Feb 8, 2011 10:20:29 GMT -5 jdnstl said:

coupon question - i noticed that the $1 skippy q from the safeway books starts with a 9, not a 5, is that why they beep & don't scan?

jdnstl: The first digit on the coupon just refers to whether it can be doubled. A 5 means it can, a 9 means it can't. That shouldn't affect the beeping. I heard somewhere that these coupons are coded for $1 off 2 rather than the $/1 that it says, but that doesn't make sense to me either. Otherwise, you would be able to use 5 on a transaction of 10 before they beep.