THE FEBRUARY 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE THREAD

[mercee]

I missed the GM insert in my sunday paper but found it in the gas station papers that I went through - I'll have to go through my paper at home again tonight.

Not a lot ouf WAGS trips for me this week as they don't have much that I can score for a deal. Oh well.... I will go & get a few things like the airwick stuff so I can have a pretty smelling house (for not a lot of money) & some of the lysol cleaners to give to DD5's teacher.

mandyms - not sure if you have a KMart near you, but they have B1G1 booster car seats (price $18.99; these are no-back boosters). They also have a high back booster for $39.

suz - hope things go well!!! I'll be praying for ya!

[proudmommy]

Question what is the name of the site where you can order whole inserts?? I know i have used them in the past once but I can not remember the name???

[dancinmama]

Feb 14, 2011 11:18:21 GMT -5 AJ CouponGG said:

Good morning all! Happy Valentine's Day and nice job on the valentine's cost savings everyone!

Today happens to be our favorite Director's bday so the girls and I got together decorated office with balloons, streamers, and bday sign. For staff mtg we got a chocolate chip cookie from grocery with happy bday and name on it. So since I'm the frugal one I work I went. Price for cookie was $10.99 I got the bakery lady to give me $3 off since it was made yesterday and today's 12" cookies were not ready yet. I was excited-I'm in line I got it for $7.99 (work pays for it but I like saving where I can). I do self checkout.
Let me preface this with the following info: I'm wearing a business suit and a red poplin blouse with heels, she's in a track suit.
The woman in front of me did a P&G deal or something at our local G.Eagle and got a $10 off next purchase catalina on the machine. She left it. I said "Excuse me Ma'am you forgot your coupon" She turned and hatefully said "I don't do coupons" I politely said, "excuse me but it's not a coupon, it's $10 off your next transaction, you earned it from what you purchased today, it's sort of like a gift card". She looked me up and down and said "Do I look like I need coupons?" I decided fine, I won't push. So I asked "Do you mind if I use it?" She literally scoffed at me and said "Obviously you need coupons" and stomped out of the line. I was trying so hard to hide my glee. I immediately went and grabbed fruit/veggies to total $10 and did 2 transactions. So I got 2 weeks worth of veggies/fruit(they had the $0.99/bag of semi ripe bananas too) for $0.05 OOP. Total was $10.05, I used her Q and paid a nickel! Then I bought the cookie for work on my word credit card. It was great!

AJ: That's AWESOME!! And to think that I was excited to pull a cart out of the rack and notice a $1 OYNO CAT in it that someone had left behind.

[dancinmama]

Feb 14, 2011 11:36:02 GMT -5 proudmommy said:

Question what is the name of the site where you can order whole inserts?? I know i have used them in the past once but I can not remember the name???

proudmommy: I think most of the gals have been using MadCoupons, but have heard that she is getting overwhelmed with requests for inserts each week. Another one that some have used is CouponDede. HTH

Remember, if there is a particular Q that you're looking for, you can always post a HOUND ALERT here.

[proudmommy]

Thank you I cound not remember this morning!

[ohmomto2boys]

AJ - aren't people funny??? That is awesome!

Nicky - I had issues after having my 2nd son at 40 (yes, I know that is old, but I'm extrememly thankful for my 2 healthy boys). Had a D&C but that didn't stop the problem, so I asked my doc for a hysterectomy - best thing I ever did! It was a robotic operation - 5 small incisions to unhook everything and remove. They left my ovaries so I didn't have to go on hormone replacements. Super easy recovery. So all the deals everyone gets on feminine products - I get to pass them up.

[carolinagirl]

Feb 14, 2011 10:06:50 GMT -5 nickyleey said:

Feb 14, 2011 9:54:05 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

ohmomto2boys,
Thank you for your kind words and good wishes.
I am almost 55 (54 and hanging in there!) so I think it was a bit overdue anyway.

NAG - Suzi I hope your surgery and recovery go well! Get some R&R and you'll be back to hounding in no time!

Just wondering, don't want to pry, but it seems that alot of ladies on this board have had to have some lady bits removed - is this the norm now once you hit 40+? Just asking cuz I'm a huge and I really thought that childbirth would be the worst of it and I'd be done!

Not sure about everyone else, but I am 33 and have a family history of cancer. didnt suprise me when they said I had to have the surgery. the size of the tumor did surpise me however....(my scar is 18 inches long ) No chemo right now. they test my Cancer Antigen (CA125) for Ovarian cancer every 3 months and as long as that is normal no chemo. Praise God!

[murphath]

AJ:
Oh, you lucky person! Like dancinmama, I've found a $1 OYNO on the ground a couple times, but that's it. That lady just shows how ignorant some folks are. They aren't coupons, people, they're MONEY! Once I get a friend to understand that, you can just see the lightbulb go on in their head. I don't think the lady in front of you will ever get that. Her loss, your gain.

Alphayankee: Yes, I saw the q for the Secret, too, but with three women in the fam, we go through moisturizer. Well, deodorant, too, but I have a good stock of that! I'm still debating this deal because moisturizer is always so darn expensive--even in Target. If any of you have any good scenarios, please let me know. Most of the ones I use are @ $15 a pop. YIKES!

Nicky: I'm happy to say that at 57 years of age all my lady parts are where they should be and functioning quite well. Menopause (or mental pause as dancin calls it) is still providing me with my own internal heating system, and I've finally gotten rid of those 10 lbs. it "gifted" me. THAT was not easy!

Dancin: I must have missed your J&J post for 2/23. What's up or what page is it on?

I did not get the GM insert this past weekend but was able to score 4 of the Gain q's! Anything good in the GM insert?

[saveinla]

Feb 14, 2011 11:07:44 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Feb 14, 2011 9:47:33 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

For those of you that have iPhones:

A friend of mine downloaded an application for finding the cheapest price in the area for any given item.
It is called "Scanner," because it will give you the ability to scan any item with a bar code, then see who is selling it for the cheapest price.

I notice though, that not all vendors are in my immediate area. This is the downside.

The "scanner" application cost me only 99 cents, so it is definitely worth the investment.

I know that this isn't new news to you "young un's," and even I had heard about this before, but I think I will be able to use this one.

If ANYONE has this app and happens to use it to find a great price on the Gain liquid fabric softener, please post. I was told not to use dryer sheets in our dryer when we bought it, so I have to get the liquid.

dancinmama, pubbler posted this a few days ago. RA has the smaller size Gain liquid fabric softener for 2.99 regular price. After the 10% or 20% discount, it will be free or a small MM, even including tax.

[dancinmama]

Feb 14, 2011 12:09:44 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Feb 14, 2011 11:07:44 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

If ANYONE has this app and happens to use it to find a great price on the Gain liquid fabric softener, please post. I was told not to use dryer sheets in our dryer when we bought it, so I have to get the liquid.

dancinmama, pubbler posted this a few days ago. RA has the smaller size Gain liquid fabric softener for 2.99 regular price. After the 10% or 20% discount, it will be free or a small MM, even including tax.

saveinla: I saw your post and thought that I would use it as a backup plan. I am thinking that with this great Q and with it being a new(er) product (I think) that there should be some killer deals (FREE or MM) on the larger sized bottles. My mom does have the 10% discount at RA (we recently figured that out) so if someone doesn't find it free somewhere before the end of March (WalMart/Target) or if nothing shows up in the March ad previews for the drug chains, I will get it at RA @ $2.99 since that is their regular price.

Do you know how many loads/ounces the smaller bottle holds?

[saveinla]

Feb 14, 2011 12:39:40 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Feb 14, 2011 12:09:44 GMT -5 saveinla said:

dancinmama, pubbler posted this a few days ago. RA has the smaller size Gain liquid fabric softener for 2.99 regular price. After the 10% or 20% discount, it will be free or a small MM, even including tax.

saveinla: I saw your post and thought that I would use it as a backup plan. I am thinking that with this great Q and with it being a new(er) product (I think) that there should be some killer deals (FREE or MM) on the larger sized bottles. My mom does have the 10% discount at RA (we recently figured that out) so if someone doesn't find it free somewhere before the end of March (WalMart/Target) or if nothing shows up in the March ad previews for the drug chains, I will get it at RA @ $2.99 since that is their regular price.

Do you know how many loads/ounces the smaller bottle holds?

I think it's 24 loads.

[dancinmama]

Feb 14, 2011 12:01:21 GMT -5 murphath said:

Dancin: I must have missed your J&J post for 2/23. What's up or what page is it on?

murphath: Okay, I think I'm posting on here waaaaay too much. I had to go back 11 pages to find the post and I thought I had JUST posted it!! Anyway, here's a rinse and repeat with a small addition to the original post.

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

The cotton swabs 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.

I called 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 sent me (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 the cotton swabs 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.

There are all sorts of J&J baby products that are part of the same deal and there is a $1/1 insert Q for ANY J&J baby product in the 1/9 SS, so that means free baby bath, baby lotion, baby shampoo, etc.

[dancinmama]

frugalsuz: Maybe you can help with this.

I just noticed that the $1/1 home mailer that I received from Johnson & Johnson has their products segregated into (3) groups: BABY/KIDS, SKIN CARE, and TOPICAL HEALTH.

In the BABY/KIDS grouping they have "JOHNSON'S cotton products" listed. This being the case, I am wondering if I could get your EXPERT opinion as to whether you think the $1/1 ANY Johnson's baby or Johnson's natural product Q from the 1/9 SS will be good on the cotton swabs (even though they are not pictured). I THINK it might and if the cashier questioned it because it is not pictured (which is unlikely depending on the cashier as long as it doesn't beep), I could show them the grouping on the home mailer.

The UPC on the home mailer is: 5 08137 99276 7 / 038137-022794

The UPC on the insert Q is: 5 08137 00076 9 / 038137-022648

This would be an awesome way to stockpile the Q tips (uhm, I mean cotton swabs) for free. If it works, I don't think that I would ever have to purchase them again.

What do ya think?

ALL HOUNDS: Does anyone know what the regular price of the J&J cotton swabs (500 count) is and whether or not the silver or gold discount will apply?

[Frugal Nurse]

I got an awesome deal on the Gain this week. It is $3.99 at Meijer, and buy 2, get $3.00 off your next order. So I got 2 for a total of $7.98, minus 2- $3.00/1 Q's = $1.98. Then $3.00 Cat = 1.02 Profit! woohoo!

[Frugal Nurse]

Feb 14, 2011 13:20:13 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

frugalsuz: Maybe you can help with this.

I just noticed that the $1/1 home mailer that I received from Johnson & Johnson has their products segregated into (3) groups: BABY/KIDS, SKIN CARE, and TOPICAL HEALTH.

In the BABY/KIDS grouping they have "JOHNSON'S cotton products" listed. This being the case, I am wondering if I could get your EXPERT opinion as to whether you think the $1/1 ANY Johnson's baby or Johnson's natural product Q from the 1/9 SS will be good on the cotton swabs (even though they are not pictured). I THINK it might and if the cashier questioned it because it is not pictured (which is unlikely depending on the cashier as long as it doesn't beep), I could show them the grouping on the home mailer.

The UPC on the home mailer is: 5 08137 99276 7 / 038137-022794

The UPC on the insert Q is: 5 08137 00076 9 / 038137-022648

This would be an awesome way to stockpile the Q tips (uhm, I mean cotton swabs) for free. If it works, I don't think that I would ever have to purchase them again.

What do ya think?

ALL HOUNDS: Does anyone know what the regular price of the J&J cotton swabs (500 count) is and whether or not the silver or gold discount will apply?

I'm anxious to see if this works. i havea bunch of those Q's to use up!

[dancinmama]

Feb 14, 2011 13:46:32 GMT -5 Frugal Nurse said:

I got an awesome deal on the Gain this week. It is $3.99 at Meijer, and buy 2, get $3.00 off your next order. So I got 2 for a total of $7.98, minus 2- $3.00/1 Q's = $1.98. Then $3.00 Cat = 1.02 Profit! woohoo!

frugalnurse: Great job!! Unfortunately, I don't have a Meijer; but that's the kind of deal that I'm looking for!!

[AJ CouponGG]

dancinmama/Murphath/ohmomto2boys: I agree it was definitely my gain. I just was surprised at her reaction to immediately put down using the free $10 in the future-when she bought the items to earn it in the first place. I have found $1 OYNO and a $0.50 OYNO but I've never actually been there when the person left it, so I figured good karma I'd better be nice and let her know (I'd expect someone to let me know if I left something). It's still hard for me to believe how some people react to coupons.... like it's a disease. DH swears I've got an addiction to it-I see it as my eyes have been opened.

I guess my good karma came back to me right away as a reward. I found a quarter in the parking lot at lunch.....so far today I'm positive $0.15

Thanks all for the cotton swab heads up-Great deal!

[dancinmama]

Feb 14, 2011 14:28:24 GMT -5 AJ CouponGG said:

dancinmama/Murphath/ohmomto2boys: I agree it was definitely my gain. I just was surprised at her reaction to immediately put down using the free $10 in the future-when she bought the items to earn it in the first place. I have found $1 OYNO and a $0.50 OYNO but I've never actually been there when the person left it, so I figured good karma I'd better be nice and let her know (I'd expect someone to let me know if I left something). It's still hard for me to believe how some people react to coupons.... like it's a disease. DH swears I've got an addiction to it-I see it as my eyes have been opened.

I guess my good karma came back to me right away as a reward. I found a quarter in the parking lot at lunch.....so far today I'm positive $0.15

Thanks all for the cotton swab heads up-Great deal!

AJ: It's pretty sad when someone lets their pride cost them money. If she had left a $10 bill behind (which in essence she did), I'm sure that she would not have reacted that way.

People just don't realize the enormity of what can be done with coupons and how much money can really be saved. It's not $.25 here or $.50 there; it's BIG money. When I look at a $1/1 coupon, I see a one dollar bill.

[AJ CouponGG]

Not sure if anyone knew about these deals I stumbled upon today, but Redbox has a free movie rental today only the code is:BEMINE

Also the Ocean Spray facebook tab is giving away free samples daily-they are gone for today but it says they will have more tomorrow. Normally when I get these kinds of samples they come with Q's in the box.

[mandyms]

Feb 14, 2011 13:46:32 GMT -5 Frugal Nurse said:

I got an awesome deal on the Gain this week. It is $3.99 at Meijer, and buy 2, get $3.00 off your next order. So I got 2 for a total of $7.98, minus 2- $3.00/1 Q's = $1.98. Then $3.00 Cat = 1.02 Profit! woohoo!

Thanks, Frugalnurse for posting that. Does Meijer allow you to roll the Cat?

[jdnstl]

Feb 14, 2011 13:20:13 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

frugalsuz: Maybe you can help with this.

I just noticed that the $1/1 home mailer that I received from Johnson & Johnson has their products segregated into (3) groups: BABY/KIDS, SKIN CARE, and TOPICAL HEALTH.

In the BABY/KIDS grouping they have "JOHNSON'S cotton products" listed. This being the case, I am wondering if I could get your EXPERT opinion as to whether you think the $1/1 ANY Johnson's baby or Johnson's natural product Q from the 1/9 SS will be good on the cotton swabs (even though they are not pictured). I THINK it might and if the cashier questioned it because it is not pictured (which is unlikely depending on the cashier as long as it doesn't beep), I could show them the grouping on the home mailer.

The UPC on the home mailer is: 5 08137 99276 7 / 038137-022794

The UPC on the insert Q is: 5 08137 00076 9 / 038137-022648

This would be an awesome way to stockpile the Q tips (uhm, I mean cotton swabs) for free. If it works, I don't think that I would ever have to purchase them again.

What do ya think?

ALL HOUNDS: Does anyone know what the regular price of the J&J cotton swabs (500 count) is and whether or not the silver or gold discount will apply?

dancin - i know you can use them for the "baby" cotton swabs (with the safety tips). they will probably work on the regular cotton swabs as well since it is a J&J product, but you have to have a very knowledgeable cashier or one that just scans & doesn't look at q's until they beep. i say "probably" will work because they are most likely coded like the huggies diaper & wipes coupons - you can use either on either without any beeps.

[mawmawandlovingit]

Feb 14, 2011 13:20:13 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

frugalsuz: Maybe you can help with this.

I just noticed that the $1/1 home mailer that I received from Johnson & Johnson has their products segregated into (3) groups: BABY/KIDS, SKIN CARE, and TOPICAL HEALTH.

In the BABY/KIDS grouping they have "JOHNSON'S cotton products" listed. This being the case, I am wondering if I could get your EXPERT opinion as to whether you think the $1/1 ANY Johnson's baby or Johnson's natural product Q from the 1/9 SS will be good on the cotton swabs (even though they are not pictured). I THINK it might and if the cashier questioned it because it is not pictured (which is unlikely depending on the cashier as long as it doesn't beep), I could show them the grouping on the home mailer.

The UPC on the home mailer is: 5 08137 99276 7 / 038137-022794

The UPC on the insert Q is: 5 08137 00076 9 / 038137-022648

This would be an awesome way to stockpile the Q tips (uhm, I mean cotton swabs) for free. If it works, I don't think that I would ever have to purchase them again.

What do ya think?

ALL HOUNDS: Does anyone know what the regular price of the J&J cotton swabs (500 count) is and whether or not the silver or gold discount will apply?

Dancin: These Q's are basically the same, the "992" means that you can use it on any product with the upc beginning with 08137. The 000 also means you can use it on any 08137 product. If you have a package of the swabs, look and see if the upc matches that and it should work "slick as snot" ;D

[rubyslippers]

AJ: Awesome find! I can't believe the stupidity and arrogance of that woman. Her foolishness is your gain.
Dancin: I got my J & J coupons in the mail Saturday. That was quick!
Frugalnurse or Pubbler: Do the Gain cats at Meijers roll?

On Southernsavers.com there's a $.55 Q for 2 dozen eggs from Smart Source. I'd print them NOW! I'm using mine at Rite Aid where I've been getting all my eggs. Love having one more thing I don't need to "pay" for.

[Frugal Nurse]

Mandyms and Ruby: I don't know if you can roll CATS at Meijer. Sorry.

[constanz22]

I checked out the 2.99 Gain at RA. They are teeny, tiny. The one's I saw at Dollar General for 3.25 are about twice the size, so, I'm probably going to get one at DG, since I'm almost out, and hold the rest of my Q's, hoping for a better deal...

[herekittykitty]

Feb 14, 2011 11:18:21 GMT -5 AJ CouponGG said:

Good morning all! Happy Valentine's Day and nice job on the valentine's cost savings everyone!

Today happens to be our favorite Director's bday so the girls and I got together decorated office with balloons, streamers, and bday sign. For staff mtg we got a chocolate chip cookie from grocery with happy bday and name on it. So since I'm the frugal one I work I went. Price for cookie was $10.99 I got the bakery lady to give me $3 off since it was made yesterday and today's 12" cookies were not ready yet. I was excited-I'm in line I got it for $7.99 (work pays for it but I like saving where I can). I do self checkout.
Let me preface this with the following info: I'm wearing a business suit and a red poplin blouse with heels, she's in a track suit.
The woman in front of me did a P&G deal or something at our local G.Eagle and got a $10 off next purchase catalina on the machine. She left it. I said "Excuse me Ma'am you forgot your coupon" She turned and hatefully said "I don't do coupons" I politely said, "excuse me but it's not a coupon, it's $10 off your next transaction, you earned it from what you purchased today, it's sort of like a gift card". She looked me up and down and said "Do I look like I need coupons?" I decided fine, I won't push. So I asked "Do you mind if I use it?" She literally scoffed at me and said "Obviously you need coupons" and stomped out of the line. I was trying so hard to hide my glee. I immediately went and grabbed fruit/veggies to total $10 and did 2 transactions. So I got 2 weeks worth of veggies/fruit(they had the $0.99/bag of semi ripe bananas too) for $0.05 OOP. Total was $10.05, I used her Q and paid a nickel! Then I bought the cookie for work on my word credit card. It was great!

OMG...Obviously, she needs a brain!

[AJ CouponGG]

Feb 14, 2011 18:50:01 GMT -5 herekittykitty said:

Feb 14, 2011 11:18:21 GMT -5 AJ CouponGG said:

Good morning all! Happy Valentine's Day and nice job on the valentine's cost savings everyone!

Today happens to be our favorite Director's bday so the girls and I got together decorated office with balloons, streamers, and bday sign. For staff mtg we got a chocolate chip cookie from grocery with happy bday and name on it. So since I'm the frugal one I work I went. Price for cookie was $10.99 I got the bakery lady to give me $3 off since it was made yesterday and today's 12" cookies were not ready yet. I was excited-I'm in line I got it for $7.99 (work pays for it but I like saving where I can). I do self checkout.
Let me preface this with the following info: I'm wearing a business suit and a red poplin blouse with heels, she's in a track suit.
The woman in front of me did a P&G deal or something at our local G.Eagle and got a $10 off next purchase catalina on the machine. She left it. I said "Excuse me Ma'am you forgot your coupon" She turned and hatefully said "I don't do coupons" I politely said, "excuse me but it's not a coupon, it's $10 off your next transaction, you earned it from what you purchased today, it's sort of like a gift card". She looked me up and down and said "Do I look like I need coupons?" I decided fine, I won't push. So I asked "Do you mind if I use it?" She literally scoffed at me and said "Obviously you need coupons" and stomped out of the line. I was trying so hard to hide my glee. I immediately went and grabbed fruit/veggies to total $10 and did 2 transactions. So I got 2 weeks worth of veggies/fruit(they had the $0.99/bag of semi ripe bananas too) for $0.05 OOP. Total was $10.05, I used her Q and paid a nickel! Then I bought the cookie for work on my word credit card. It was great!

OMG...Obviously, she needs a brain!

HereKittyKitty-LOL DH said she just hasn't seen the light.

[Deleted]

Hello Ladies,

My goodness you all have been quite busy here today!

FYI Gain sheets are $3.00(60 ct sheets), $3.75 (120 ct sheets), and $3.75 (60 loads liquid) at Family Dollar.

I was wondering if anyone here has a Bissell 'Steam and Sweep' and would recommend it. Kohls has it on sale for $130 (reg $160) and after my 30% discount and $20 rebate it would be $71. Thanks for any input on this.

I am very happy with my savings so far. Two highlights are 4 Boost 6 packs for $2.80/ea. and 4 boxes Loreal Preference for $2.25/ea. at WAGS.


Thanks

[lbmoore]

I finally was able to get the coupon exchange list posted in google docs!

[pubbler]

AJ - good for you!! Just think of that $10 CAT as another Valentines gift to you
Ruby - no the Gain CAT doesn't roll. But it doesn't matter to me. I mainly grocery shop at Meijer, so I can always use the CATS next week. Don't forget to pick up some free Ronzoni garden delight too. They're on sale for $1 & there were $1/1 Qs in the 1/23 SS