THE DECEMBER 2012 GROCERY CHALLENGE

[dancinmama]

Dec 3, 2012 7:30:37 GMT -5 skubikky said:

Dec 2, 2012 9:38:51 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

On the other hand, our frugal ways will never "die" unless we allow it to.

This reminds me of a PM conversation that I had with Dancin'sometime back. I was telling her how my Mom has maintained her frugal ways even at 79 when she really doesn't need to as she's saved/invested well enough to meet all and any of her needs. It's really not just a habit but a personality trait. Probably stems from a way of living that has one not wanting to waste or squander resources. I'm very much the same way.

I remember that conversation, skubikky. I think for some of us, frugality is just a part of our DNA. But that doesn't mean that we don't splurge. It means that when we do, we still pay the lowest price possible.

DH had been wanting to get a "new to him" guitar and kept looking and hunting on the internet trying to decide exactly what he wanted and comparing prices. He was given the opportunity to buy one of the guitars that he had been considering for $1400. He had seen the same make of guitar on Ebay for $2300-$2400. We jumped on it and he has been very happy with his choice AND the price he paid. Unfortunately, it ended "the hunt" which I think was a huge part of "the fun" for him.

[dancinmama]

Dec 3, 2012 0:54:21 GMT -5 Opti said:

Have a question for you all. I think some of you take advantage of Kohl's $10 coupons to get things for just a little OOP over that $10.

Speaking of great Kohl's coupons!! Do you all remember a couple of years ago when they put a $10/$10 out?

[973beachbum]

I have a P&G rebate question. I was just looking into the $15 Celebrate the Holiday season WYB $50 worth of P&G.

Well I just had the week from hell and completely shelved it because I didn't think I had bought much of the items for it. It turns out that I have $39.17 worth of products for it. My question is a two parter. P&G is normally pretty good about things but I have 4 different receipts from Oct and Nov and I would need another to finish the rebate. Would they be okay with 5 receipts spanning almost 2 months?

The second part is, is there anything that anyone sees at CVS that would finish this out without a lot of OOP? I REALLY need to not buy any more shampoo/cond. If I get any more someone is going to have to move out for it to come in the house.

So any help would be greatly appreciated!

[dancinmama]

Dec 3, 2012 11:41:12 GMT -5 973beachbum said:

I have a P&G rebate question. I was just looking into the $15 Celebrate the Holiday season WYB $50 worth of P&G.

Well I just had the week from hell and completely shelved it because I didn't think I had bought much of the items for it. It turns out that I have $39.17 worth of products for it. My question is a two parter. P&G is normally pretty good about things but I have 4 different receipts from Oct and Nov and I would need another to finish the rebate. Would they be okay with 5 receipts spanning almost 2 months?

The second part is, is there anything that anyone sees at CVS that would finish this out without a lot of OOP? I REALLY need to not buy any more shampoo/cond. If I get any more someone is going to have to move out for it to come in the house.

So any help would be greatly appreciated!

I can answer the first part of the question: If the rebate allows multiple receipts and the receipts fall within the date restriction of the rebate, you're good to go.

As for the second half, I have no clue. I'm like you, I don't necessarily "try" to buy stuff for a rebate, especially if it is "stuff" we don't need. A lot of people built the foundation for that rebate the week that the Herbal Essences was a MM with auto-deduct. I opted to do the Gain fabric softener that week instead (because I had plenty of shampoo and less fabric softener in my stockpiles), even though I knew about the rebate.

On a side note and similarly, I don't select deals at CVS just because they are tied into earning Beauty Club EBs either. If I opt to do a deal that adds to my BC total great, but I never let that factor into my decision as to whether or not to do a deal. However, I don't resell anything that I buy either so that might make the difference for some people.

[dancinmama]

GET A CVS $20 E-GIFT CARD FOR $10!!

If (3) people click on the link below to get it, I get mine for free. Please repost so I know when I have three on this link. THANKS!!


SORRY. It's a dead deal. I removed the link.

At least I got a $20 card for $10; I suppose I should be grateful.

[FreeSalsa]

Dec 1, 2012 21:25:05 GMT -5 twinmama85 said:

Hey ladies...barely coupon much anymore but my grocery budget is still pretty low considering, I switched to organic milk & eggs and now I pretty much everything from scratch. I do like to get coupons for things I use when I can, but I usually print em

I'd love to hear what deals you get on organic items. And where you get your printable coupons. I'm forgetting which "mama" you are. Are you in Northern California or New Jersey?

[FreeSalsa]

Dec 2, 2012 9:38:51 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

Hi All!

I am so sad about Frugal suz's decision to stop blogging about deals.
She simply is "the best."
I will miss her.

Thank you, Frugalsuz, for all the deals you have posted for the last 4 years.
I enjoyed each and every post.

Yes, the deals are just not there as much.

I hate that.

On the other hand, our frugal ways will never "die" unless we allow it to.

I still scrutinize every grocery tab.

Have a Happy Holiday and check in with us from time to time.
Your blog was an example of how to best do what we do.
I will miss it.

I scrutinize every receipt after being rung up, assuming I don't already know the exact total. I get most of my food at Sprouts now and they're really good but the last few times they mixed up their leafy greens and charged me 99c for spinach instead of 88c for lettuce. I made them return it for the 11c (for their correct inventory count too, of course.)

[dancinmama]

Dec 3, 2012 17:55:53 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

Dec 1, 2012 21:25:05 GMT -5 twinmama85 said:

Hey ladies...barely coupon much anymore but my grocery budget is still pretty low considering, I switched to organic milk & eggs and now I pretty much everything from scratch. I do like to get coupons for things I use when I can, but I usually print em

I'd love to hear what deals you get on organic items. And where you get your printable coupons. I'm forgetting which "mama" you are. Are you in Northern California or New Jersey?

4

twinmama is located in central CA.

[Opti]

Dec 3, 2012 9:42:55 GMT -5 973beachbum said:

Dec 3, 2012 0:54:21 GMT -5 Opti said:

Have a question for you all. I think some of you take advantage of Kohl's $10 coupons to get things for just a little OOP over that $10.


This last coupon I bought a couple things and one was two wash clothes.
This time I got red kitchen wash clothes and it turns out they bleed even in warm water. I recycled the tags but might be able to retrieve them from the complex's dumpster. WWYD? Should I see if I can exchange or return them at Kohls with or without the tags? I do have the receipt and they are their house brand I believe , SO - Sonoma.

I did wash them like the directions said before use this Saturday and noticed the bleeding dye the minute I used hotter water. I've had mixed luck trying to fix dyes with vinegar especially reds so I'm wondering whether to return/exchange or live with the constant dye bleed. Since it was a $10 coupon and my OOP was less than the wash cloths I don't think they will give me cash for them. Will they?

My Dad was a textile chemist. I try very hard to not buy towels in dark red or the dark blue. Thos colors are the hardest to set. Technically you would have to run them in cold water with vinagar to try and set them. I have had a few towels that have never actually set though. One towels I still kept but it is dark blue and can only be washed with other blue clothes. Talk about a pain in the ass.

I would take it back and complain when you are in the area. They should be able to give you a credit or at least let you swap them for a different color that won't turn all your laundry pink.

I'll probably swap them for what I got last time which was two that were off-white with a reddish band.

Bummer though. I like red towels and blue towels. I bought the red to go
with a Christmas dish towel I got as a gift. I've always known red can be an issue but I had thought they would have made sure it didn't run. They are made in China, so given the quality control I wasn't that surprised.
Glad to hear I shouldn't need to dig through my grocery bag of recyclable papers. I did grab it this morning just in case.

Thanks Beach and everyone. Sorry to hear about the PITA towels. I have had that issue with a piece of clothing from time to time.

[marvholly]

I think my good but off regular route WAG has a new mgr. Deliberately went there Mon & NOTHING was marked. NO shelf tags for any of the deals. Walked out w/nothing.

My fav CVS did get me an 8 pack of the 2L Cranberry Sierra Mist BUT it was NOT diet. Shift supervisor said he would trade in when Pepsi is next delivered & give me the sale price as will mgr.

[skubikky]

Went to CVS last night to do the $20 ==> $10 ECB Schick/Playtex deal.

I had two Buy one 36 ct Playtex get 20ct or less free. The 36 ct was $8.99 and the 18 ct was $5.49(reg. price).
When the cashier scanned the Q's it deducted $5.99(maybe this was the max value of the Q?).

$8.99 36 ct Playtex
$8.99 36 ct Playtex
$5.49 18 ct Playtex
$5.49 18 ct Playtex

tax $1.92

-5.99 BOGO Q
-5.99 BOGO Q
-$10 EB
-$5 EB (from survey)
-$1.98 EB
Total = $1.92 (Cleared with GC)

[emhalf]

Dec 4, 2012 7:18:53 GMT -5 skubikky said:

Went to CVS last night to do the $20 ==> $10 ECB Schick/Playtex deal.

I had two Buy one 36 ct Playtex get 20ct or less free. The 36 ct was $8.99 and the 18 ct was $5.49(reg. price).
When the cashier scanned the Q's it deducted $5.99(maybe this was the max value of the Q?).

$8.99 36 ct Playtex
$8.99 36 ct Playtex
$5.49 18 ct Playtex
$5.49 18 ct Playtex

tax $1.92

-5.99 BOGO Q
-5.99 BOGO Q
-$10 EB
-$5 EB (from survey)
-$1.98 EB
Total = $1.92 (Cleared with GC)

Did you reach the limit at 1? Seems like it would make for a better deal if you could get 2 more and get back another $10 EB...

[frugalsuz]

Hurry and print this coupon - FREE 6 pack of Vitamin Water at CVS with an additional $10 purchase!

www.cvs.com/deals/deals.jsp

[constanz22]

Dec 4, 2012 9:02:35 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

Hurry and print this coupon - FREE 6 pack of Vitamin Water at CVS with an additional $10 purchase!

www.cvs.com/deals/deals.jsp

Thanks! Was watching for the deal of the day! This will be awesome to throw in with a $10/50 scenario!

[frugalsuz]

CVS sells single Gillette Venus razors on cardboard backing for around $7. Are those considered disposable razors? They don't have any cartridges in the box and I usually dispose of them after I use them. There's a sale during the week of 12/9 at CVS and if the BOGO disposable razor coupon from the 11/25 P&G is ok, I think I can wrangle a moneymaker out of it and that $15 P&G rebate.

[skubikky]

Dec 4, 2012 9:01:50 GMT -5 emhalf said:

Dec 4, 2012 7:18:53 GMT -5 skubikky said:

Went to CVS last night to do the $20 ==> $10 ECB Schick/Playtex deal.

I had two Buy one 36 ct Playtex get 20ct or less free. The 36 ct was $8.99 and the 18 ct was $5.49(reg. price).
When the cashier scanned the Q's it deducted $5.99(maybe this was the max value of the Q?).

$8.99 36 ct Playtex
$8.99 36 ct Playtex
$5.49 18 ct Playtex
$5.49 18 ct Playtex

tax $1.92

-5.99 BOGO Q
-5.99 BOGO Q
-$10 EB
-$5 EB (from survey)
-$1.98 EB
Total = $1.92 (Cleared with GC)

Did you reach the limit at 1? Seems like it would make for a better deal if you could get 2 more and get back another $10 EB...

I did reach the limit of 1. Also, didn't have any more than the 2 BOGO Q's.

[murphath]

frugalsuz:
Thanks for the heads up on the Vitamin water CVS q.

skubikky:
CVS had the Platex 36 ct. on sale a few weeks back: $7.99 w/$3 EB. It think it was the same week the bogof q came out. I used mine with some other deals and a $10/$50. Believe it or not, I'm still getting those $10/$50 on every receipt.

[dancinmama]

Dec 4, 2012 9:57:52 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

CVS sells single Gillette Venus razors on cardboard backing for around $7. Are those considered disposable razors? They don't have any cartridges in the box and I usually dispose of them after I use them. There's a sale during the week of 12/9 at CVS and if the BOGO disposable razor coupon from the 11/25 P&G is ok, I think I can wrangle a moneymaker out of it and that $15 P&G rebate.

No, they are not a disposable. They are a refillable without a cartridge. How that might work with the coupon is anyone's guess.

[frugalsuz]

Dec 4, 2012 12:22:40 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Dec 4, 2012 9:57:52 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

CVS sells single Gillette Venus razors on cardboard backing for around $7. Are those considered disposable razors? They don't have any cartridges in the box and I usually dispose of them after I use them. There's a sale during the week of 12/9 at CVS and if the BOGO disposable razor coupon from the 11/25 P&G is ok, I think I can wrangle a moneymaker out of it and that $15 P&G rebate.

No, they are not a disposable. They are a refillable without a cartridge. How that might work with the coupon is anyone's guess.

Bummer, thanks anyway!

[skubikky]

Dec 4, 2012 12:08:26 GMT -5 murphath said:

frugalsuz:
Thanks for the heads up on the Vitamin water CVS q.

skubikky:
CVS had the Platex 36 ct. on sale a few weeks back: $7.99 w/$3 EB. It think it was the same week the bogof q came out. I used mine with some other deals and a $10/$50. Believe it or not, I'm still getting those $10/$50 on every receipt.

That was a good deal too.
I haven't had any $10/$50. Maybe it's a regional thing? Not sure. But, I'm still happy with the deals I've been able to do. Hope we can keep it up.

[rubyslippers]

Frugalsuz: Thanks!

[dancinmama]

Dec 4, 2012 13:06:12 GMT -5 skubikky said:

Dec 4, 2012 12:08:26 GMT -5 murphath said:

frugalsuz:
Thanks for the heads up on the Vitamin water CVS q.

skubikky:
CVS had the Platex 36 ct. on sale a few weeks back: $7.99 w/$3 EB. It think it was the same week the bogof q came out. I used mine with some other deals and a $10/$50. Believe it or not, I'm still getting those $10/$50 on every receipt.

That was a good deal too.
I haven't had any $10/$50. Maybe it's a regional thing? Not sure. But, I'm still happy with the deals I've been able to do. Hope we can keep it up.

They're not a regional thing. People in various states all over the country have been getting them. Here's my hypothesis. Some people have mentioned that they did get ONE back in September; but many, for whatever reason, did not use it. I THINK those who did kept getting them. Those who let it go, didn't get them anymore. I have no clue why.

I am finding that it is getting more and more difficult to roll the EBs for low or no OOP and therefore it is getting more and more difficult for me to justify doing the deals, especially when they are on the exact same products that I have already stockpiled in abundance for free. The $10/$50s have helped, but I know that they are not going to last forever. The benefits of shopping at CVS on a regular basis are diminishing for me.

[dancinmama]

I got a CVS email survey request. There were no EBs offered for taking the survey - just the chance to enter a "sweepstakes" and win a prize.

No thanks.

[FreeSalsa]

Dec 4, 2012 9:57:52 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

CVS sells single Gillette Venus razors on cardboard backing for around $7. Are those considered disposable razors? They don't have any cartridges in the box and I usually dispose of them after I use them. There's a sale during the week of 12/9 at CVS and if the BOGO disposable razor coupon from the 11/25 P&G is ok, I think I can wrangle a moneymaker out of it and that $15 P&G rebate.

If you find a good scenario and it works, please let us know. I can't find a good scenario on razors yet that works for me and I'd love the PG rebate if it all works out.

[FreeSalsa]

Dec 4, 2012 15:22:51 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Dec 4, 2012 13:06:12 GMT -5 skubikky said:

That was a good deal too.
I haven't had any $10/$50. Maybe it's a regional thing? Not sure. But, I'm still happy with the deals I've been able to do. Hope we can keep it up.

They're not a regional thing. People in various states all over the country have been getting them. Here's my hypothesis. Some people have mentioned that they did get ONE back in September; but many, for whatever reason, did not use it. I THINK those who did kept getting them. Those who let it go, didn't get them anymore. I have no clue why.

I've been getting them at random but regularly on two of my three cards but haven't used one yet. Right now I have 4 of them on one card and can't make use of them. I wish they were transferable. Actually, I wish they were $4/20. I tried to use my $5/15 last night but they didn't have the right Anchor dishes I wanted. I have to go to another store tonight before it expires.

I'll also try using coupons again tonight at Dollar Tree. I hope they've got their system figured out. Last time it took so long that there was a traffic jam in the parking lot because everyone was inside the store behind me in line and no one could get out to move their cars to make way for incoming customers. It was ridiculous.

[FreeSalsa]

For those of you buying holiday candy

Mail in Rebate – Buy 3 Mars Chocolate Brand Products (M&M’s, Twix, etc) & get back $10 NFL Shop.com Gift Certificate. All 3 bags must be purchased in the same transaction – through 2/3/2013.
www.snickers.com/pdf/orderform.pdf

And some higher value coupons if you share
www.thecentsableshoppin.com/

Now that I look at it I'm not going to do it but maybe some of you can use it.

[dancinmama]

Dec 4, 2012 17:44:57 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

Dec 4, 2012 15:22:51 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

They're not a regional thing. People in various states all over the country have been getting them. Here's my hypothesis. Some people have mentioned that they did get ONE back in September; but many, for whatever reason, did not use it. I THINK those who did kept getting them. Those who let it go, didn't get them anymore. I have no clue why.

I've been getting them at random but regularly on two of my three cards but haven't used one yet. Right now I have 4 of them on one card and can't make use of them. I wish they were transferable. Actually, I wish they were $4/20. I tried to use my $5/15 last night but they didn't have the right Anchor dishes I wanted. I have to go to another store tonight before it expires.

I'll also try using coupons again tonight at Dollar Tree. I hope they've got their system figured out. Last time it took so long that there was a traffic jam in the parking lot because everyone was inside the store behind me in line and no one could get out to move their cars to make way for incoming customers. It was ridiculous.

Well, that blows that theory. A couple people said they got one or two from the red machine, they never used them, and then they stopped. Did you use any the week of BF?

I would much rather they go back to $4/$20s too although there is ONE plus if you can use a $10/$50 and that is that you don't have to do multiple transactions to get the job done.

My Dollar Tree is sooooo small that I haven't even tried to use a coupon there yet. I usually only go in there to buy greeting cards for $.50/ea. and lasagna noodles for $1. I did hear that they carry a great cleaner called The Works. If I see it, I might pick up a bottle and try it.

[dancinmama]

Dec 4, 2012 17:44:57 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

I'll also try using coupons again tonight at Dollar Tree. I hope they've got their system figured out. Last time it took so long that there was a traffic jam in the parking lot because everyone was inside the store behind me in line and no one could get out to move their cars to make way for incoming customers. It was ridiculous.

I read on WUC that some people have been having "problems" using coupons at Dollar Tree. A lot of the managers/cashiers are only allowing on coupon per transaction because of the "one coupon per purchase" wording. One gal said she had 10 of the same item and it took her 20 minutes to check out. No matter how hard she tried to explain to them what the wording meant, they would not budge.

[973beachbum]

I went out to CVS and wondered for a while. Thruthfully it was more of a case of wanting to get out of the house after last week, then real hounding.

I got 6 edge/skintamite shave cream, 5 pepsi 2ltr, 1 dial lotion, 3 riight gaurd,1 NV protien bars, 6 pack vitamin waterr, and an assortment of gum.

I used a $10/$50, $4.88 CRT, $10 in MC's and $28.65 in ECB's. That left a total of $0.26 cents plus tax and I got back $14 in ECB's I guess it is not that bad all things considered.

The best part was my cell phone didn't ring or vibrate once.

[constanz22]

I was able to cobble together a 10/50 deal at cvs yesterday, on the fly. Probably not the BEST deal ever, but not bad for "winging it". I only had about $20 EB's on this card to start with. I wanted to throw the Vitamin Water Q in the deal. And, I got TWO more 10/50's! I need to figure out something to do on my other card that has $60ish EB's today to try and get another 10/50 that will be good the week of 12/16. I want to buy the icraig speaker tower for 39.99. I'll use up most of my EB's on that card.
Here's yesterday's deal, probably can't be copied cuz I had a couple rain checks in the mix:
4 Right Guard, 2.99, used two $3/2
1 Dial lotion, 3.99, used $1/1 (expired 12/2 but my store usually takes them within a couple days)
1 Nutri Grain protein bars, 2.99 (raincheck from TG)
1 Nivea lotion, 6.88
3 Nivea tins, .99
2 CVS flossers, 2.00 (raincheck from BF)
1 Cover Girl lash blast, 8.99, used $1/1
1 Cover Girl nail polish, 5.99 used Buy lash blast, get nail polish free, 5.49 deducted.
1 Vitamin water 6 pack, 4.88 (shelf said 6.99 so must've been on sale), used free CVS Q

Total after Q's and EB's was 5.30 before tax. I used just under $20 EB's (all I had) and got:
2 Nutri Grain, 4 Flossers, 1 Dial, 4 Cover Girl, 5 Nivea, 1 bag tag, 4 Right Guard, so $21 EB's back.