March 2013 Grocery Challenge Thread

[marvholly]

Good thing I happened to check the basement stockpile this morning BEFORE I went shopping.  Found I had enough on hand of 2 items that are on this week's ad.

$6 saved.  No need to find a place to put MORE stuff.

[FreeSalsa]

Mar 6, 2013 11:53:34 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Freesalsa,

Were you able to use 2 Qs on a BOGO deal at Sprouts? If you tried it, can you let me know?

Thanks

I didn't try it yet.  The EB Farms coupons wouldn't print.  I read that there have been big problems with Java and it wouldn't work.  But I got a raincheck for EBF hoping that I will be able to print and use them before the raincheck expires in a month.

[FreeSalsa]

Mar 6, 2013 14:05:12 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Mar 6, 2013 0:06:15 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

LOL, beach.  It will be about 7 years before that happens to Dancin!!!

I still have two individual rolls from the Black Friday CVS sale but we need more asap.  I don't have all the storage room Dancin does.  DH brought up moving again in August when our yearly lease is up.  I just can't move a whole stockpile again!  I had to move it in here and it took over a year to use it up.

Hey, Miss Hot Tamale:  And you're the ONLY Grocery Hound who knows what kind of storage space I REALLY have!!

If there was any thought of moving, there is no way that I would have stockpiled as much as I have.  DH and I plan to stay here another 9 or 10 years.  In the meantime, during our US travels, we are going to be looking for a retirement community to move to where they provide meals, activities, housekeeping, and assisted care - when the time comes.  I hope that most of my stockpiles of non-perishables that we use on a regular basis will see us through with close to nothing to move when the time comes. 

That sounds like a fantastic plan!  My parents moved to a community with activities etc. and they LOVE it.  They are having the time of their lives.  

[FreeSalsa]

Mar 6, 2013 16:08:45 GMT -5 weaselfer said:

Has anyone seen any specials on iTunes or iApp cards?  I try to buy them when there is a discount and figured if someone else was looking they might have seen something.  I know sometimes the office stores will have a special.  Thanks!

Are you buying them for yourself or as a gift?  DH just got his free through Swagbucks.  I have almost enough for another CVS GC.

[FreeSalsa]

Not a lot of activity on the board here these days, eh?  Thanks, everybody for contributing your little tidbits here and there.  Even if it's YMMV, maybe someone can use it or be inspired to try something similar on another deal.

I should have gotten the shaving cream at Target but I forgot to buy a paper the week of the PG ad and now I've procrastinated (as usual!) and the deal is done today.

I just read a good idea.  We've been saving organic chicken bones in the freezer and making soup from them when we get a bunch.  DH made three pots of soup while I had the flu.  

Anyway, the idea I read was to take the ends of the celery, onions, carrot tops, etc., even potato peels and apple and pear cores, the stuff you normally toss, and save those in a baggie in the freezer to make soup.  Boil 'em up in water to make a veggie broth, strain and toss them in the compost when you're done.  Voila!  An extra use out of the stuff you were going to throw out anyway.  Just another way to stretch what you already have.  Then you don't need to buy Swansons once a year at Thanksgiving and find a place to store it all year.

[973beachbum]

Hi all!  Everyone can feel free to check my math, but the Staples ad is up on their website, and I saw bupkus.  

Yeah FreeSalsa it is pretty quiet here lately.  I know I don't post much lately because I literally don't have any deals to talk about it seems.  I did shop at Shoprite this week.   I got some organic Gala apples for 0.99 cents a lb with a coupon from the ad.  Other than that I picked up some raw pizza dough balls for a buck a piece.  That's all I got.

[emhalf]

Thanks to whoever gave me the tip to find the Allergy Guide flyers at Walgreens. I was able to pick up some zyrtec coupons today for next week's sale at CVS The 5-ct packs are BOGO at 6.99, so with 2 $3 coupons that makes it 10 pills for .99, which is quite good for zyrtec. Speaking of which, when CVS limits a normal sale item in the ad, that's the limit per transaction, right? I could go in on multiple days and get 2 of the zyrtec, right?

I also got enough $1 CRTs for the mars minis to do the candy deal next week too. It's not as good as the m&m deal, but still makes 5 bags for $3 with MC, CRT and EB.

[saveinla]

Hound Alert - St.Joseph aspirin Qs from 2/3 SS.

Not all regions got this Q, but if anybody has some I would love to trade or send stamps. This is for the monthly buy 30$ get 20$ UP at RA and my friend's dad can only use this aspirin.

[973beachbum]

Mar 9, 2013 15:45:29 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Hound Alert - St.Joseph aspirin Qs from 2/3 SS.

Not all regions got this Q, but if anybody has some I would love to trade or send stamps. This is for the monthly buy 30$ get 20$ UP at RA and my friend's dad can only use this aspirin.

I got them in all three of my inserts.  Just PM me your addie and I will get them out to you on Monday.

[973beachbum]

Mar 9, 2013 15:19:45 GMT -5 emhalf said:

Thanks to whoever gave me the tip to find the Allergy Guide flyers at Walgreens. I was able to pick up some zyrtec coupons today for next week's sale at CVS The 5-ct packs are BOGO at 6.99, so with 2 $3 coupons that makes it 10 pills for .99, which is quite good for zyrtec. Speaking of which, when CVS limits a normal sale item in the ad, that's the limit per transaction, right? I could go in on multiple days and get 2 of the zyrtec, right?

I also got enough $1 CRTs for the mars minis to do the candy deal next week too. It's not as good as the m&m deal, but still makes 5 bags for $3 with MC, CRT and EB.

Yes that is correct.  It is the cashier that sets the limits on a per tran basis.  Actually on a YMMV basis really.  I have asked if I could buy say 5 bottles of diet coke when it is on sale when the ad said limit 4.  I just asked and they said sure. 

[dogmom]

This morning I went through my coupon file.  Wow, talk about the shrinking value of coupons and the "value" of buying multiples for maybe a dime off each?....  Short expiration dates, store limits... The list really goes on.  It's really hard to find a good value these days.  I'm thankful for the items that I have been able to get at a good price.  But, I have to add, living off a stockpile is good for many items, but, I find we are beginning to hit the "OMG, sale pricing is WHAT?" to replenish what we've used.   I also think it's time to go back to a more detailed price book.  I'm not sure where the blame really lies, but, I wonder, when people stop buying many products, who will cave first?  The manufacturer or the store?

[constanz22]

Mar 9, 2013 15:19:45 GMT -5 emhalf said:

Thanks to whoever gave me the tip to find the Allergy Guide flyers at Walgreens. I was able to pick up some zyrtec coupons today for next week's sale at CVS The 5-ct packs are BOGO at 6.99, so with 2 $3 coupons that makes it 10 pills for .99, which is quite good for zyrtec. Speaking of which, when CVS limits a normal sale item in the ad, that's the limit per transaction, right? I could go in on multiple days and get 2 of the zyrtec, right?

I also got enough $1 CRTs for the mars minis to do the candy deal next week too. It's not as good as the m&m deal, but still makes 5 bags for $3 with MC, CRT and EB.

Can you tell me what the booklets look like and where you found them in the store? I really need Zyrtec...

[dancinmama]

Mar 9, 2013 15:45:29 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Hound Alert - St.Joseph aspirin Qs from 2/3 SS.

Not all regions got this Q, but if anybody has some I would love to trade or send stamps. This is for the monthly buy 30$ get 20$ UP at RA and my friend's dad can only use this aspirin.

All I got that week was the metro paper, not the one that's like your Times and it wasn't in there.

[constanz22]

Hound Alert:
In today's paper, I got a .55/1 Fresh Express bagged salad MC. I'd love to get my hands on several more if anyone got them that isn't using them. I buy these a lot. TIA!

[dancinmama]

Mar 9, 2013 8:29:20 GMT -5 marvholly said:

Good thing I happened to check the basement stockpile this morning BEFORE I went shopping.  Found I had enough on hand of 2 items that are on this week's ad.

$6 saved.  No need to find a place to put MORE stuff.

holly:  If you feel so inclined, it's nice to have an inventory list on Excel so you know exactly what you have and where without having to go look.

I put one together early last fall and I have used it more than I thought I ever would.

[jdnstl]

speaking of P&G....i had bought a venus & olay razor kit that was supposed to have the handle, holder & cartridge. when i opened it there wasn't any cartridge!! WTHeck!! i know i got it for super cheap but still whatever i spent was wasted. i tried calling the 800# but it was ALWAYS busy. so i went to the website & submitted a form about it. the same day i got an email saying that they would send a refund check or a coupon for free cartridges. since the cartridges are sold in 3 packs & cost more than that razor kit i said i'll take the coupon. we'll see what happens.

warning: if you have bought the venus & olay razors (in gold packaging), you might check before you open for the cartridge & take it back or else call P&G.

[dancinmama]

Mar 10, 2013 9:39:30 GMT -5 dogmom said:

This morning I went through my coupon file.  Wow, talk about the shrinking value of coupons and the "value" of buying multiples for maybe a dime off each?....  Short expiration dates, store limits... The list really goes on.  It's really hard to find a good value these days.  I'm thankful for the items that I have been able to get at a good price.  But, I have to add, living off a stockpile is good for many items, but, I find we are beginning to hit the "OMG, sale pricing is WHAT?" to replenish what we've used.   I also think it's time to go back to a more detailed price book.  I'm not sure where the blame really lies, but, I wonder, when people stop buying many products, who will cave first?  The manufacturer or the store?

My sentiments exactly!!  I'm not sure how people who are still buying multiple inserts are making it work for them.  There is very little guarantee these days that you're going to get a return on your "investment". 

I am also very grateful for the stockpiles that I was able to create - especially of non-perishables, which has been my focus.  Since I won't be buying non-perishables, I hope those savings will offset the increase in food prices.  And since I stopped CVSing, I AM saving on gas.  My CVS is REALLY close to home, but multiple trips does add up.

I don't know whether people will stop buying many products - maybe they'll boycott the high prices of one or two items (like beef); but for the most part, they'll get what the need and/or want and move on.  The only benefit will be that when products don't move, they'll end up on clearance.

[dancinmama]

Mar 10, 2013 11:17:17 GMT -5 jdnstl said:

speaking of P&G....i had bought a venus & olay razor kit that was supposed to have the handle, holder & cartridge. when i opened it there wasn't any cartridge!! WTHeck!! i know i got it for super cheap but still whatever i spent was wasted. i tried calling the 800# but it was ALWAYS busy. so i went to the website & submitted a form about it. the same day i got an email saying that they would send a refund check or a coupon for free cartridges. since the cartridges are sold in 3 packs & cost more than that razor kit i said i'll take the coupon. we'll see what happens.

warning: if you have bought the venus & olay razors (in gold packaging), you might check before you open for the cartridge & take it back or else call P&G.

So the packaging said it was supposed to be in there and it was MIA?  If that's the case it sounds like a quality control issue on the manufacturing line.  P&G is usually pretty good; I'm thinking it was a fluke.....and in the end, it really worked out for you, with a little hassle, that is.

[saveinla]

Mar 9, 2013 22:56:55 GMT -5 973beachbum said:

Mar 9, 2013 15:45:29 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Hound Alert - St.Joseph aspirin Qs from 2/3 SS.

Not all regions got this Q, but if anybody has some I would love to trade or send stamps. This is for the monthly buy 30$ get 20$ UP at RA and my friend's dad can only use this aspirin.

I got them in all three of my inserts.  Just PM me your addie and I will get them out to you on Monday.

Thanks a lot beach. Will PM you in a second.

[Deleted]

Mar 10, 2013 9:39:30 GMT -5 dogmom said:

This morning I went through my coupon file.  Wow, talk about the shrinking value of coupons and the "value" of buying multiples for maybe a dime off each?....  Short expiration dates, store limits... The list really goes on.  It's really hard to find a good value these days.  I'm thankful for the items that I have been able to get at a good price.  But, I have to add, living off a stockpile is good for many items, but, I find we are beginning to hit the "OMG, sale pricing is WHAT?" to replenish what we've used.   I also think it's time to go back to a more detailed price book.  I'm not sure where the blame really lies, but, I wonder, when people stop buying many products, who will cave first?  The manufacturer or the store?

I don't think either will, honestly.  People are just giving up and buying the stuff.  We are the "weird" ones, lol, that will stop buying because we can, because of our stockpiles.

[Deleted]

Anyone have the $2.00/2 coupon from the 3/10 RedPlum insert All coupon?  I need two for a deal I am trying this week.  Thanks

[dogmom]

Okay, I have a Hound request.  This week in the Smart Source a Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Treats for Dogs $1.50 off one coupon.   No sale going on right now, (I don't ever find a sale on them.  Pricey little devils)  but, I do get them for Sierra when I can find them.  Anyone who can send what they won't use would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[saveinla]

Mar 10, 2013 10:51:04 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Mar 9, 2013 15:45:29 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Hound Alert - St.Joseph aspirin Qs from 2/3 SS.

Not all regions got this Q, but if anybody has some I would love to trade or send stamps. This is for the monthly buy 30$ get 20$ UP at RA and my friend's dad can only use this aspirin.

All I got that week was the metro paper, not the one that's like your Times and it wasn't in there.

Thanks for checking dancinmama. The western region did not get this Q at all.

Regarding value of coupons, I have stopped buying the newspaper. I figured if they are going to give us paltry value Qs, I would rather buy higher value of Qs on ebay if and when I need them rather than buying a paper every week. 

[973beachbum]

Mar 10, 2013 12:19:16 GMT -5 dogmom said:

Okay, I have a Hound request.  This week in the Smart Source a Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Treats for Dogs $1.50 off one coupon.   No sale going on right now, (I don't ever find a sale on them.  Pricey little devils)  but, I do get them for Sierra when I can find them.  Anyone who can send what they won't use would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I got 2.  Just PM me you addie and I will get them out tomorrow. 

[973beachbum]

Mar 10, 2013 12:28:09 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Mar 10, 2013 10:51:04 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

All I got that week was the metro paper, not the one that's like your Times and it wasn't in there.

Thanks for checking dancinmama. The western region did not get this Q at all.

Regarding value of coupons, I have stopped buying the newspaper. I figured if they are going to give us paltry value Qs, I would rather buy higher value of Qs on ebay if and when I need them rather than buying a paper every week. 

DH LOVES reading the Sunday paper.  I am not sure if it is an age thing or growing up 20 miles outside of NYC.  People used to define themselves based on what section of the Sunday NY Times they read.   So we still buy 2 a week mostly but any coupons I get in them is just a bonus.  If I really need a particular coupon that week I put a hound alert here or sometimes buy them on EBay.    I'm a little over EBay too though.   Some of the coupon selling people have a pretty inflated worth to their coupons it seems lately.    I have seen a lot of 0.50 off,cent 10 pack lots, that people wanted $20 bucks type of thing.  My first thought is if I was going to pay even half that I would just skip the coupon and buy the exact product I wanted.    

[973beachbum]

Mar 10, 2013 12:04:44 GMT -5 @gin1984 said:

Anyone have the $2.00/2 coupon from the 3/10 RedPlum insert All coupon?  I need two for a deal I am trying this week.  Thanks

Gin, the $2/2 what?  I can only get 1 Red Plum a week so I rarely have any of them that people need but without the name I have no idea. 

[Deleted]

Mar 10, 2013 12:43:26 GMT -5 973beachbum said:

Mar 10, 2013 12:04:44 GMT -5 @gin1984 said:

Anyone have the $2.00/2 coupon from the 3/10 RedPlum insert All coupon?  I need two for a deal I am trying this week.  Thanks

Gin, the $2/2 what?  I can only get 1 Red Plum a week so I rarely have any of them that people need but without the name I have no idea. 

I have horrid grammar while tired, lol.  The All Laundry coupon $2/2. 

[FreeSalsa]

I got an offer in the mail for the city paper on Sundays for $1 a week for a year.  It's a good price for the paper but I don't even know if it's worth it.  I hardly use the Qs anymore since I buy more organic stuff.  It's been nice to have a break from having to organize them.  I didn't see an expiration date on the offer so maybe I'll think about.

[emhalf]

Mar 10, 2013 10:06:38 GMT -5 constanz22 said:

Mar 9, 2013 15:19:45 GMT -5 emhalf said:

Thanks to whoever gave me the tip to find the Allergy Guide flyers at Walgreens. I was able to pick up some zyrtec coupons today for next week's sale at CVS The 5-ct packs are BOGO at 6.99, so with 2 $3 coupons that makes it 10 pills for .99, which is quite good for zyrtec. Speaking of which, when CVS limits a normal sale item in the ad, that's the limit per transaction, right? I could go in on multiple days and get 2 of the zyrtec, right?

I also got enough $1 CRTs for the mars minis to do the candy deal next week too. It's not as good as the m&m deal, but still makes 5 bags for $3 with MC, CRT and EB.

Can you tell me what the booklets look like and where you found them in the store? I really need Zyrtec...

They weren't actual booklets this time, just a small green flyer, maybe 4x7. They were hanging on the shelves where they keep the allergy meds. There were also $4 tearpads, but only for the larger sizes. HTH.

[emhalf]

Mar 9, 2013 23:00:15 GMT -5 973beachbum said:

Mar 9, 2013 15:19:45 GMT -5 emhalf said:

Thanks to whoever gave me the tip to find the Allergy Guide flyers at Walgreens. I was able to pick up some zyrtec coupons today for next week's sale at CVS The 5-ct packs are BOGO at 6.99, so with 2 $3 coupons that makes it 10 pills for .99, which is quite good for zyrtec. Speaking of which, when CVS limits a normal sale item in the ad, that's the limit per transaction, right? I could go in on multiple days and get 2 of the zyrtec, right?

I also got enough $1 CRTs for the mars minis to do the candy deal next week too. It's not as good as the m&m deal, but still makes 5 bags for $3 with MC, CRT and EB.

Yes that is correct.  It is the cashier that sets the limits on a per tran basis.  Actually on a YMMV basis really.  I have asked if I could buy say 5 bottles of diet coke when it is on sale when the ad said limit 4.  I just asked and they said sure. 

That's good to know I thought the registers might enforce the prices, but if it just depends on the cashier I'm sure the ones here won't care.