MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Feb 3, 2013 13:40:06 GMT -5
On behalf of all of the gals here, WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to the Grocery Challenge!!!
If you have never clipped a coupon, or even if you have been using coupons for years, we'd love to have you join us. We are a crazy, fun-loving, and very friendly group of gals just chatting with one another about how to save big money using coupons. We are willing to help anyone, at any level, in any way that we can.
Don't think that you have to read through the pages and pages of posts to join in - most of it will be old, out-of-date information anyway. Just go to the last page of the thread and introduce yourself. Tell us what area of the country you're from and where you shop (grocery stores, national chain stores, Target, WalMart, etc.).
We'd love to have you join us on a regular basis, so don't be shy - just jump right in, have some fun, and save a ton of money in the process!!
--- I figured since it's the 3rd, we need to start a new thread! ---
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constanz22
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Post by constanz22 on Feb 3, 2013 13:58:20 GMT -5
Thanks!
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Feb 3, 2013 14:25:36 GMT -5
MonicaLee: Thanks for starting the new thread!!
murphath: I left you a message on the January thread.
beachbum: Nothing in the new Staples ad caught my eye. Did I miss something?
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constanz22
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Post by constanz22 on Feb 3, 2013 14:40:17 GMT -5
I meant to post the other day, if you are going to Target, it's worth taking a stroll through the bedding department. I found tons and tons of clearance. It will probably get better. They had TONS of flannel sheet sets, NOT winter or Christmas at all, for $17.xx. I got a queen but I'm pretty sure king was the same price. I found them in like 3 different places. The set I got was a light tan, with a kind of chevron print through them. They washed well and are not super heavy. There were lots of other items being clearanced but I thought these were a really great deal...and I still had a gift card from Christmas I'd been looking to use
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Feb 4, 2013 4:34:38 GMT -5
emhalf Re: your Walt Disney World question. You might want to post it in Your Money and the travel sub board of Everything Else. think I saw some WDW stuff on the EE sub board a bit back (yearish?).
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Feb 4, 2013 9:27:10 GMT -5
MonicaLee: Thanks for starting the new thread!! murphath: I left you a message on the January thread. beachbum: Nothing in the new Staples ad caught my eye. Did I miss something? I must have missed it also then because I didn't see anything worth going there for.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Feb 4, 2013 11:05:20 GMT -5
MonicaLee: Thanks for starting the new thread!! murphath: I left you a message on the January thread. beachbum: Nothing in the new Staples ad caught my eye. Did I miss something? I must have missed it also then because I didn't see anything worth going there for. Okay, good. I just wanted to check in with the "Resident Expert for Staples". I'm patient. My rewards coupons don't expire until 3/31. I am sure there will be plenty of ways to spend them before then.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Feb 4, 2013 11:15:37 GMT -5
Crap, posted in Jan instead of Feb.
murphath: That little town of yours is a little slice of paradise in the East Bay. I love that little street (1st St.). What is your fav restaurant to go to on it? We'll probably be headed that way again (or we may drive up 1) when we need to comfort check whatever the next car we THINK we'd like to buy might be.
We looked at a 2011 Ford Explorer, but then came home and read the on-line consumer reviews and were HORRIFIED. There are sooo many people pissed off about that car. There are several things that go wrong that the dealers don't seem to be able to fix.
Geez, all we want is a mid-sized SUV with decent cargo space that is comfortable and reliable without spending toooo much money. We've looked at the Honda Pilot (not comfortable), the Jeep Grand Cherokee (not enough cargo space), the Toyota 4Runner (not enough cargo space), the Ford Explorer (horrible consumer reviews), the GMC Acadia (a little concerned about reliability, but it's probably EXTREMELY reliable compared to the Explorer). UGH!!
This will be the car we take our road trips in so comfort and reliability is a must. It just kills me that people spend $50K for a car like the Explorer only to find that several things are defective. That's A LOT of money and Ford doesn't really seem to care.
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suziq38
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Post by suziq38 on Feb 4, 2013 11:21:38 GMT -5
On behalf of all of the gals here, WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to the Grocery Challenge!!! If you have never clipped a coupon, or even if you have been using coupons for years, we'd love to have you join us. We are a crazy, fun-loving, and very friendly group of gals just chatting with one another about how to save big money using coupons. We are willing to help anyone, at any level, in any way that we can. Don't think that you have to read through the pages and pages of posts to join in - most of it will be old, out-of-date information anyway. Just go to the last page of the thread and introduce yourself. Tell us what area of the country you're from and where you shop (grocery stores, national chain stores, Target, WalMart, etc.). We'd love to have you join us on a regular basis, so don't be shy - just jump right in, have some fun, and save a ton of money in the process!! --- I figured since it's the 3rd, we need to start a new thread! --- Hi Everyone! Thank you for posting the February Thread! I have been busy resting at home after my surgery. I had cervical spine surgery on 1/18. I am resting well at home. I have been mainly eating decently, with some occasional candy. I can't drive for another 4 weeks, so no deals for me. I hope all of you continue to do well and live frugally. Take care! SuzyQ
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Feb 4, 2013 12:17:37 GMT -5
dancinmama,
Try a test drive on the Toyota Rav4. It is a decent ride, except for the gas mileage.
Suzy,
Nice to see you here. Sorry about the need for a surgery, but hope you feel better soon.
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Post by twinsandmoremomma on Feb 4, 2013 16:02:35 GMT -5
Hello ladies...long time no post Dancinmama have you ever considered a minivan? We have one and have traveled home (over 1000 miles each way) and back several times and I have to tell you we've been extremely pleased with the roominess and storage. Especially since we travel with 3 littles ^_^
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Feb 4, 2013 16:29:58 GMT -5
Crap, posted in Jan instead of Feb. murphath: That little town of yours is a little slice of paradise in the East Bay. I love that little street (1st St.). What is your fav restaurant to go to on it? We'll probably be headed that way again (or we may drive up 1) when we need to comfort check whatever the next car we THINK we'd like to buy might be. We looked at a 2011 Ford Explorer, but then came home and read the on-line consumer reviews and were HORRIFIED. There are sooo many people pissed off about that car. There are several things that go wrong that the dealers don't seem to be able to fix. Geez, all we want is a mid-sized SUV with decent cargo space that is comfortable and reliable without spending toooo much money. We've looked at the Honda Pilot (not comfortable), the Jeep Grand Cherokee (not enough cargo space), the Toyota 4Runner (not enough cargo space), the Ford Explorer (horrible consumer reviews), the GMC Acadia (a little concerned about reliability, but it's probably EXTREMELY reliable compared to the Explorer). UGH!! This will be the car we take our road trips in so comfort and reliability is a must. It just kills me that people spend $50K for a car like the Explorer only to find that several things are defective. That's A LOT of money and Ford doesn't really seem to care. We have had a couple of Ford Explorers. The issue I have with the new one is simply that it isn't a ford Explorer. It is a cross over thingie. So it isn't quite an SUV and it isn't quite a station wagon but it has all the worst parts of both. I don't think there is an American made mid size SUV made anymore.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Feb 4, 2013 17:34:24 GMT -5
dancinmama, Try a test drive on the Toyota Rav4. It is a decent ride, except for the gas mileage. Suzy, Nice to see you here. Sorry about the need for a surgery, but hope you feel better soon. The Rav4 is going to be too small. We need the cargo space of something similar to the Honda Pilot for when DH needs to haul his guitars and amplifier. I sure wish the Honda Pilot had been comfortable because it was PERFECT in every other way.
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Feb 4, 2013 17:53:49 GMT -5
Well, I am happy to report that I spent my last EBs today. I decided to do the Spend $30/Get a $10 GC buying, what else?, TP!!! I bought (4) Scott Extra Soft. I had a $6 EB, (4) $1/1 coupons, and used (2) $10 CCs and got (1) $10 cash card back.
I haven't gotten a $/$$ since early December, so it's been about two months which I think is the longest CVS has gone without giving me SOMETHING. I was ready to take a break; but without those, I would have stopped shopping there anyway. They have always been the key to low or no OOP for me at CVS.
On WUC a lot of long time shoppers are posting how they are not getting any $/$$, or % off coupons, or any of the better scanner coupons that others report getting, so I wonder what is going on. It seems as though this could be the start of a change at CVS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Well, I couldn't help myself. I had to go back to WalMart today before the Safeway ad ends (tomorrow) to get more Heinz 57 Sauce. I also did a BOGO price match on French's Yellow Mustard and Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce as I had (2) coupons for each of them.
At Safeway I would have paid $39.12 for what I got; at WalMart I paid $14.28 - a difference of $24.48!! Price matching at WalMart allowed me to stockpile the Heinz 57 which I would never have done at the Safeway BOGO sales price....which is why I guess I rarely stockpile much from Safeway any more.
I think WalMart is going to be my new best friend when either of my grocery stores has a BOGO sale. I can't see any other use for price match there.
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jdnstl
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Post by jdnstl on Feb 4, 2013 18:06:22 GMT -5
dancin - did you look at hyundai? i have a little tucson but i've always wanted a santa fe - bigger, faster, more features. i've had mine for almost 6 years & haven't had any of the mechanical issues i had with my chevy s10. plus the santa fe's are manufactured in the USA if that is important to you.
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emhalf
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Post by emhalf on Feb 4, 2013 19:20:57 GMT -5
Another random walmart deal for those who don't shop there much...if you got the $2/1 jimmy dean delights coupon in 1/6 RP, you can get the individual breakfast bowl scramble things for free. I picked up 7 of them this weekend, which will make for a nice breakfast at work.
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oreo
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Post by oreo on Feb 4, 2013 20:47:26 GMT -5
Someone posted about the Keri Lotion deal at RiteAid (Use $5 in ad coupon plus $2 mfr coupon) in the January thread. My question is, the coupon in the ad says "Manufacturer coupon". Can you still use it with the $2 mfr coupon? I thought we'd only be able to use 1 mfr coupon per item. TIA!
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Feb 5, 2013 11:28:17 GMT -5
Another random walmart deal for those who don't shop there much...if you got the $2/1 jimmy dean delights coupon in 1/6 RP, you can get the individual breakfast bowl scramble things for free. I picked up 7 of them this weekend, which will make for a nice breakfast at work. I read that one, but I didn't get the coupon. Actually, I rarely coupon at WalMart. The only time I usually go there is when a free pet food coupon is issued, otherwise I just tend to not shop there; but with the way things are these days, if I can get a price match on a BOGO sale at the WalMart price for a pantry staple and I have coupons, I believe it will be the cheapest way for me to stockpile. If I can do this just a couple times a month at WalMart on an item that we use regularly, I'll be happy. The date on the Heinz 57 sauce is late September 2015 and we all know that most products are "good" far beyond the date stamp. That's why I decided to go back and use the rest of my coupons. I don't think I'll ever get it for any cheaper than $.96/bottle again and the fact that the regular price at my Safeway is $6.49 is downright scarey. I am, however, going to go back and check the "regular" price after the sale ends at Safeway to see if they boosted the price just for "the sale". $6.49 at Safeway vs $3.92 at WalMart for the same size bottle is a huge disparity. murphath and I are always joking that our stores are really named "Expensive" (Safeway) and "More Expensive" (Raley's/Nob Hill), but that is RIDICULOUS!!
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Feb 5, 2013 12:09:07 GMT -5
LATEST HYPOTHESIS / RUMOR AT CVS Okay, it seems as though CVS has started to issue some $/$$ coupons again and some decent scanner coupons ($/$ a general product category like $2/$10 any dental hygiene). The gals on WUC who have been used to using the $/$$, the % off, and all the best scanner coupons to lower their OOP who haven't been getting anything have been trying to figure out why. One WUC gal even called customer service to complain. The CS rep told her that what she gets is based on her "shopping habits". She told him that she hasn't been getting anything and that she shops there all the time. To make a long story short, he reviewed her account and told her that her OOP is too low so basically she's been "cut off". Now of course these are his words to her and then her words to the community, but still - that was how she interpreted what he said. So, with that said, the latest hypothesis is that the extra bucks computer has been programmed to issue CVS promotional coupons ($/$$, % off, the better scanner coupons, etc. - the coupons that CVS pays for) only to those who show that they actually are spending money (OOP) at CVS. You guys know that I am no computer weenie, but how hard would that be to program? At first, I thought when I go back that I'd just start using an "old" card to "trick them" into giving me good coupons; but if the hypothesis is correct, I don't think that is going to work because the computer will wait until I actually spend out-of-pocket BEFORE it will issue the coupons. It's an interesting hypothesis and time will tell what is really going on, but one thing is for absolutely certain - I have not received ANYTHING in almost two months - no $/$$, no % off, and mostly only discount coupons for on-line purchases only (by email). I have been shopping at CVS for over three years (almost 4) and that is a record for me. I can honestly say (guestimating here) that 98% of my transactions over that time have involved a $/$$ coupon. The highest quarterly reward was last quarter when it was double rewards and it was for $2.50 only because of all the sales tax that I paid using all the $10/$50s they issued to me. Prior to that I either got $.25 (when the threshold allowed it), $.50, or nothing. So if the hypothesis turns out to be fact (and hopefully it's won't), it looks like the gravy train of getting freebies on a consistent basis by rolling EBs will be over - for me anyway. It would take too much time and effort, if it's even possible, to consistently get my OOP low enough to do it. I do have a "stockpile" of CVS money - gift cards, cash cards, and a couple of money cards from recent returns that I will use to cherry pick the best EB MMs and then use those EBs to cash in on the stockpile of rain checks that I have for pantry staples or other items that we may need that are on sale, but that will be about it. Once my CVS money is gone, then I'll be relying on combining rock bottom prices with coupons when I shop there - just like in the "olden days".
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Post by twinsandmoremomma on Feb 5, 2013 12:25:32 GMT -5
Dancin: that is an interesting theory about CVS. It could still work for me if I could get in the game enough to see. I often hit them up for milk totally out of pocket because here they regularly put it on sale for $1.99/gallon. With 3 littles I go through almost a gallon a day so when I hit them up for it I usually do my limit of 2 at 2 different stores. However, I only do it when I'm near them, have the time and not the littles so it's not as often as I would like. It's really sad though because they have to still be making money. They get all their money back on man coupons and even with their ecb's their prices are much higher than others so how could they not be?
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Feb 5, 2013 13:38:35 GMT -5
Someone posted about the Keri Lotion deal at RiteAid (Use $5 in ad coupon plus $2 mfr coupon) in the January thread. My question is, the coupon in the ad says "Manufacturer coupon". Can you still use it with the $2 mfr coupon? I thought we'd only be able to use 1 mfr coupon per item. TIA! Even though it says Manufacturer coupon, it will have a code of RC49.... This is considered as a store coupon and according to their policy can be combined with a manufacturer coupon from an insert or an IP. HTH
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rubyslippers
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Post by rubyslippers on Feb 5, 2013 13:46:32 GMT -5
Last week I went to CVS after swearing them off because they had the best price on pop. I took the $5.00 ECB from that and got a Tide and a Dawn. I ended up earning a $1.00 ECB from that and got a small bag of mixed nuts for the ride home. My savings at CVS really dipped last year. I'm finding better deals at Rite Aid and the grocery stores. Kroger has been having great deals lately and I also cherry pick at Meijer. I do my price matching of produce at Walmart. Aldis has been having things we use at great prices and I end up paying far less by using their ads to pricematch. My stockpile looks good but I will be keeping an eye out for a good sale on ketchup in the near future.
Suzi: Nice to see your post. I hope you feel better.
Reach catalinas: Kroger and Meijer are both doing a catalina promotion on the floss. When you buy 4 you get a $3.00 cat. I've been using my $1.00 MQ's from the dentist to get the floss for free and using the catalinas to buy bacon.
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Post by bluecluessubtlety on Feb 5, 2013 14:15:22 GMT -5
I had never received the $/$$ from CVS. Lately the boyfriend has been stopping in for quick grocery items and OTC medicine (all full price) and typing in his phone number. When I scanned that card yesterday I had a $10/50. First time ever.
Any ideas on how to use it this week?
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Feb 5, 2013 15:23:13 GMT -5
I had never received the $/$$ from CVS. Lately the boyfriend has been stopping in for quick grocery items and OTC medicine (all full price) and typing in his phone number. When I scanned that card yesterday I had a $10/50. First time ever. Any ideas on how to use it this week? hi blues - longtime no see. There is a ton of clearance going on at CVS in the razor & shaving section. Check out your store and see if there are deals to be had . There are a couple ECB monthly like the Nivea Buy 1 get 2$ ECB - if you fins the clearance shave cream /aftershave it's around 2.14. There is also a cash card deal with the Scott TP & PT combined with glade and some food items.
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constanz22
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Post by constanz22 on Feb 5, 2013 16:32:23 GMT -5
If you printed the Deal of the Day from CVS today (.99 Speed Stick), you can use the recent $1/1 MC to get one for free.
Also, at Rite Aid, I got 3 Clear Shampoo (2 mens shampoo, 1 women's conditioner) for free/MM. They are 4.99 with a $2 Up this week. Limit 4. Some of the men's ones still had $3/1 peelies on them. I used 2 $3/1 peelies and the MC from the recent Unilever insert to get a conditioner free WYB shampoo. So, I "paid" 2.98 and got $6 Ups back. I had a $5 Up to use, so I used my last 2 Finish MC's to buy that (2/$7 minus 2.15/1 MC). I could've grabbed one more men's Clear shampoo and gotten more Ups back, but honestly, I needed the dishwasher detergent more than shampoo, especially men's shampoo...
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Feb 5, 2013 16:53:43 GMT -5
I had never received the $/$$ from CVS. Lately the boyfriend has been stopping in for quick grocery items and OTC medicine (all full price) and typing in his phone number. When I scanned that card yesterday I had a $10/50. First time ever. Any ideas on how to use it this week? OMG!! It's blueclues!! How have you been? Look at the Buy $30/Get a $10 CVS cash card items, buy $30 and add $20 more of clearance items that can be combined with coupons. I was using those like crazy in the late fall/early winter, but I haven't gotten any since early December, so I'm out of the loop on that one.
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Post by bluecluessubtlety on Feb 5, 2013 19:54:20 GMT -5
Thanks save and dancin. I guess I'll go check out clearance for prices. Maybe I'll put my inserts in the car and try to work something on the fly.
If nothing else my mom uses adult diapers so I can fill with those.
I've been scarce because I am not working so "saving" on sales when I'm cash poor in order to stockpile didn't make sense. I've stuck to grocery store megas and only stockpiling "free" of what I use.
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marvholly
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Post by marvholly on Feb 6, 2013 7:01:06 GMT -5
this is nearly a first for me. NOITHING I want/need at Aldi this week.
Think I have noticed something about Meijer. Seems they have good for me items/deals about very other or every 3rd week. This is an off week for me.
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murphath
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Post by murphath on Feb 6, 2013 11:21:01 GMT -5
Dancinmama:
To answer the restaurant question: Italian: Venticello's Thai: Can't remember the name--in the vicinity of Venticello's Indian: Aroma American: Lucca or First St. Cafe Mexican: Randy's or Sandoval's (The brother owns Randy's; the sister owns Sandoval's) BBQ type sandwiches: Kinder's Their ball tip sandwich is unbelievable! Fish: Sailor Jack's (but you already know that) And for a more gourmet style cuisine: The Union Hotel We don't care for the Chinese restaurants on First St. We go the The China Garden which is on the corner of East Military and East 5th St. It's above a junky, old bar (The Bottom of the Fifth). The restaurant is nothing fancy but the food is always good.
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shelly527in
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Post by shelly527in on Feb 6, 2013 12:34:36 GMT -5
Another random walmart deal for those who don't shop there much...if you got the $2/1 jimmy dean delights coupon in 1/6 RP, you can get the individual breakfast bowl scramble things for free. I picked up 7 of them this weekend, which will make for a nice breakfast at work. I will have to look for the Jimmy Dean scrambles.
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