APRIL 2013 GROCERY CHALLANGE THREAD

[dancinmama]

Apr 22, 2013 17:57:30 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

I did go to CVS and put together a deal.  While not my best trip, I did get the Crest which is our choice of TP.  I also got 2 Oral-B toothbrushes, 1 PF concealer and 2Orbit gum.  I used a $4/20 CVS, $5/2 Oral-B (found in Duracell batteries last Dec.), 2 $1.00 Crest MQ and paid $9.95 and got back $14.00 in ECB's.  I can get the Jif and some Dawn next week.

At Rite Aid, I paid $1.71 OOP and $9.00 in UPs and got 4 Colgate TP and a jar of Planters cashew halves.  I received $9.00 back in UPs.

At Meijer, they had a buy 8 save $8.00 on Kraft and Oscar Mayer products.  I got 2 packs shredded cheese, 2 bacons, 3 hotdogs, 1 Kraft dressing, 1 Sargento sliced cheese, 4 Chi Chi's enchilada sauce and 1 salsa.  I paid $16.92 and saved $12.96.

I'm good on produce and will wait till the end of the week to price match bananas and pineapple which are on sale at Aldis this week.

Hound Alert: If anyone has any of the Chi Chi's coupons from last weekend and will not be using them, I could really use them.  I buy this brand when Meijer has a sale and I'm a long way from making fresh salsa from our garden tomatoes.  TIA 

rubyslippers:  So glad you were able to cobble something together and take advantage of the $4/$20.

I think the Chi Chi's must have been regional.  I looked, but it was MIA in my inserts. 

[973beachbum]

Apr 22, 2013 19:19:52 GMT -5 MonicaLee5186 said:

If anyone has a Weis/Mr. Z's, they are having their "customer appreciation" sale where tons of items are only .88  -- frozen veggies are included and i have $1/2 making them only .38 per bag.   that's a great price for me.  There are a large variety of items, and tons of which you can find coupons for!


ShopRite this week was also looking good.  They have pork ribs for .99/lb, I will be stocking up for this summer.  DH loves them on the grill.  They also have store brand PB for $1.49 and Purex laundry detergent 4/$6 and I printed 4 .50 coupons which will double, making each bottle .50!  Digiorno pizzas are $4.47 or something and there are $2.00/1 coupons online.  I like to keep those in the freezer for a night that no one feels like cooking at all!  And I read there is a catalina on those pizzas too.


This will be a big week for me between both stores.  I'm planning on making at least one big run and then maybe additional smaller ones if need be.  Finally!  I've been waiting for a good week like this for MONTHS!

Monica if you, or anyone else, have an Acme by you they are having a sale on split chicken breasts and eggs this week, until Thursday.  The chicken breasts, bone in, are $1 a lb and the eggs are $1 a doz. I haven't seen prices that low on those two items in probably most of two years! I got 40 lbs of the chicken and I might go back for 40 more. It is our fav go to for protien at dinner and that is a killer price for stocking up.

I hope everyone is doing well.  I have had computer problems that stopped me from getting on PB.  I might have tried harder if I actually had a good deal to post but we all know that doesn't happen as much anymore.     Have a good week all!

[dancinmama]

SAFEWAY J4U:  ICBINB

Safeway J4U Price:  $1.99
ICBINB Coupon Center Coupon:  $.75/1

In addition, I have a 10% off any margarine or butter

The limit is one, but it should be under $.99, so I'll get it.

I'm also going to try to get the peanut butter that is FARR at WAGs, but I'm not holding my breath.

So far, that's all that's on my list for this week.

[MonicaLee5186]

thanks, beach, but i don't have an acme.  every now and them weis has split chicken breasts for .99/lb and i always buy a bunch, but then i started to wonder what the actual price worked out to since i throw away all of the skin and bone before or after cooking it.  I guess it still works out to be better than boneless skinless prices, around here the cheapest I see is 1.99/lb and that's rare.

[marvholly]

dancin
My not local WAG had the sign up re: the PB sale being extended for 4/28-5/4.  They 'swear' it will be on this week's truck.  I do NOT know why WAG couldn't get it since all my other stores have plenty INCLUDING Aldi.  It also said you could request a raincheck - so I INSISTED on getting one.  That way I have PROOF and no peon or store mgr can 'fake' ignorance about the extension.

I had a GREAT grocery shop day - except I forgot my coupon for my CVS item.  Will stop there another day.  I have been complaining for weeks about no good meat sales but hit it BIG time Wed.  Got:

10 oz pkg of pastrami
2 chicken kievs
2.25 lb boneless country ribs so nice looked like pork tenderloin
2.31 lb of real rare deli roast beef

All in all that is 14-15 meals of meat (0.54/meal) and I might go back for more kievs.  My Safeway receipt shows 75% savings.  Going to have to freeze some of it.  Other natl chain has whole chickens for 0.79/lb.  Want to put one on the grill this weekend if the weather is as nice as predicted.  that is another 6-8 meals.

I got a bunch of salad stuff too.  I have about 1 lb of baby spinach on hand.  Bought 1.5 lb romaine for 0.79.  Then found an 11 oz pkg of spring mix on clearance for 0.75.  Going to be eating a LOT of salad this week (goes w/the FREE Ken's dressing at Safeway).

[emhalf]

I had to burn my EBs and UPs this weekend. Didn't really plan well enough, but I've been busy at work lately. When it comes to the point that I want to get back into CVS, I may just get a new card and start over. Ok, I'm weak. I already registered for a new card

I ended up getting a CRT at RA for $8 off schick hydro refills. With that plus $4 MC and silver discount, I decided to go back yesterday and get a pack of refills. I paid ~$3.50 with tax and got back $5 UPs, so I guess I'll keep bumping along at RA.

[marvholly]

I read on AFC this morning that the green bag tag is ending this Sun, 4/28.  If this is true I would like to suggest we ALL complain to CVS corp both by email & by phone.  Also, let your store mgrs know how disappointed you are so it can come out at district meetings.

[dancinmama]

Apr 26, 2013 6:32:25 GMT -5 marvholly said:

I read on AFC this morning that the green bag tag is ending this Sun, 4/28.  If this is true I would like to suggest we ALL complain to CVS corp both by email & by phone.  Also, let your store mgrs know how disappointed you are so it can come out at district meetings.

Couponers have been doing this since the "rumor" about ending the GBT program broke before the new year.

You will get a final $2 EB when you scan your bag tag after the 28th.  I think that's more than fair; they don't HAVE TO do that.

We just have to face the fact that the "rewards" associated with playing the "drug chain rewards game" have been and are continuing to be minimized.  The ride isn't COMPLETELY over, but from what I see and read it is taking more time and effort for a lot less product and for higher OOP.

[hinil]

At Wags today, got:

2 boxes of 30 count Band-Aid fabric band-aids - $1.99 each with Wags Rewards card; reg price at my store was $4.49 each, no sign of sale on shelf.  Used $0.75/2 boxes (some regions got $1/2 boxes, which would make them totally free), and got 3000 Wags points ($3).  So my net out of pocket for 2 boxes was 0.23

1 Planters Nutrition - 2.99, used $1/1, paid $1.99 and got back $3 RR

Paid $5.22 out of pocket after tax, and got back $3 RR and 3000 points ($3).  First MM transaction for me in awhile.

Marvholly -- My wags also had the sign up re the sale and RR being extended to 5/4

[dogmom]

Nice job hinil!  I've been shopping more Wags than CVS.  Got Britia filters at Friends and Family (15% off) used $3.00 IP got 1500 points back.  OOP was reasonable.  Also received a $2.00/$10 which they seem to be printing out very frequently.  DH stopped there on Wednesday to pick up a birthday card for me and he got one too ($2./$10.)  Too bad they expire two days after issue.  So, I've been trying to roll between points and RR.  Dancin is correct though, it does take more time and more effort and the OOP is I think higher.  But, a hound's gotta do what a hound has to do, right?  .  ETA:  I was really excited about the extra $2/$10 and thanked him for it.  He laughed and said it was the cheapest birthday present he ever bought.    It doesn't take much.

CVS e-mailed me $3.00 EB for my birthday that I have no idea what I'll do with them.  I'm really not chasing any deals.  They also mailed a 25% off valid May 4th or 5th.  The balance of the information was rather skewed though.  They were of course advertising how much you can save shopping their sales...but included in their totals were IF you used every coupon they give you in the machine and garner all of the EB's in the ad for a certain month....really

[dancinmama]

Apr 27, 2013 4:40:59 GMT -5 dogmom said:

Dancin is correct though, it does take more time and more effort and the OOP is I think higher.  But, a hound's gotta do what a hound has to do, right?  . 

Absolutely!! 

In the past, chasing deals was almost a slam dunk because of how much product you could bring home in a single visit to CVS or WAGs or Rite Aid.  There are still good deals out there; I find that I just have to be more discriminate as to which ones I'm going to chase so that I ensure that the value of the product exceeds the costs (particularly in gas).

[emhalf]

P&G has a new rebate on Olay skincare starting tomorrow. You only have to spend $30 to get $10, but the trick is, this time the $30 has to be after coupons I have a feeling that's going to significantly cut down on the number of people doing this rebate...

[dancinmama]

Apr 27, 2013 4:40:59 GMT -5 dogmom said:

CVS e-mailed me $3.00 EB for my birthday that I have no idea what I'll do with them.  I'm really not chasing any deals.  They also mailed a 25% off valid May 4th or 5th.  The balance of the information was rather skewed though.  They were of course advertising how much you can save shopping their sales...but included in their totals were IF you used every coupon they give you in the machine and garner all of the EB's in the ad for a certain month....really

I've noticed that too.  I'm sure that the front-end sales volume has dropped dramatically.  Rolling those EBs was bringing in A LOT of business and most of the "cost" was covered by the manufacturers (EBs and MCs).

One thing that I have noticed from reading about what other people are doing at CVS is that more and more of what will make a transaction a "great deal" is YMMV.  For example, CVS is putting out a lot more CVS IPs for products, but technically you are not "allowed" to stack them with a manufacturer's coupon.  Apparently the register will allow it, but the restriction IS printed on the IP.  Another one is whether or not a particular cashier or store will allow auto-deduct which can turn an "okay deal" into a "break even deal" or even a MM.  % off coupons no longer are "supposed to be" applied to any promotional items (i.e. products that are not on sale, but are giving EBs).  Apparently, however, the computer does not recognize the restriction (yet) IF an item in your cart is scanned BEFORE your card.

It just seems like, not all, but the majority of good deals that I read about at CVS, require some type of YMMV; and even then, the OOP would be more than I (personally) would be willing to pay.  

[dancinmama]

Apr 27, 2013 12:18:22 GMT -5 emhalf said:

P&G has a new rebate on Olay skincare starting tomorrow. You only have to spend $30 to get $10, but the trick is, this time the $30 has to be after coupons I have a feeling that's going to significantly cut down on the number of people doing this rebate...

"$30 purchase total is total after ANY coupon(s) is applied."

I find it odd that the restriction does not read "manufacturer's coupons" or "P&G coupons", but it is what it is. 

I think you're right and I don't think P&G will be surprised.

[dancinmama]

WAGs RANT - PLANTER's NUT-RITION PEANUT BUTTER

DH and I had an errand to run so we stopped into WAGs hoping to get the peanut butter.

#1  This is not regular peanut butter.  It is flavored peanut butter - chocolate or cherry.  YUK!!

#2  There was none on the shelf, but was hoping that maybe there was a display and it MIGHT include plain, old, regular peanut butter so I go up front to ask.

#3  The customer in front of me took 5 minutes trying to find enough money on him for his purchase.  He didn't.

#4  I asked the cashier if there might be a display and showed him the ad and he said, "I don't even think we carry that."  I told him that there was a shelf space, but that it was empty.  So he called up someone to check stock.

#5  Wait, wait, wait and more wait.  FINALLY, a gal comes up, checks the back and nope - none available.  She doesn't mention a word about the offer being extended.  I only care if I can get regular peanut butter anyway, which I don't think I can.

#6  After 15-20 minutes in WAGs, I walk out empty-handed and for me, it's a dead deal....unless they get some that tastes like peanut butter. 

[marvholly]

dancin
My fav store mgr was complaining about a MAJOR drop in front end sales.  However, he ain't seen nuttin yet.  With the end of the green bag tag program I have NO incentive to hit CVS more than 1x/week for the specials/sales.  if they are OOS, oh well.  I'll get a raincheck & most likely someone else will run the same sale at the same time (Zyrtec this week EVERYWHERE) or within a week or 2 9WAG, Target, Walmart, natl chain grocers.....).

I am willing/wanting to try the cherry choc PB.  I can see it being great on apple slices for a sweet treat.

Since I was awake so ……blamed early this morning (3 am CT) I decided to run to my local 24 hr WAG for the held over Planters PB deal. NONE on hand. Claimed they still did not get delivery, had no clue when or if they would get or if the (FAKE) deal would be extended AGAIN!!!!

And, of course, the extended sale shelf sign is GONE!!

IF it does come in I am willing to bet dollars to donuts it will be AFTER the $1 coupon expires on 5/5/13.

Time to start filing fraud/false advertising claims w/the local atty general & FTC.

[dancinmama]

Apr 28, 2013 4:21:53 GMT -5 marvholly said:

dancin
My fav store mgr was complaining about a MAJOR drop in front end sales.  However, he ain't seen nuttin yet.  With the end of the green bag tag program I have NO incentive to hit CVS more than 1x/week for the specials/sales.  if they are OOS, oh well.  I'll get a raincheck & most likely someone else will run the same sale at the same time (Zyrtec this week EVERYWHERE) or within a week or 2 9WAG, Target, Walmart, natl chain grocers.....).

That doesn't surprise me at all.  One of the cashiers had told me that front end sales were falling at our CVS even before I stopped shopping.

My guess is that CVS corporate is probably just beginning to realize how much of their front end business was the result of couponers hunting down the rinse and repeat EB deals that many now no longer need.

[dogmom]

My guess is that CVS corporate is probably just beginning to realize how much of their front end business was the result of couponers hunting down the rinse and repeat EB deals that many now no longer need. 

So, maybe they should liven it up a little.  At least I think so. 

About a week ago, I renewed the Chicago Tribune (.50 cents delivered only on Sundays) and I just looked at this week's coupon assortment.  Values continue to drop.  For sure Rhodes rolls (as an example) coupons use to be $1.00 off one (while there were still 8 in a package), then they dropped package size down to 6, and dropped coupon value to $1/2.  Now, this week, it's .40 cents off one.  Really?  I doubt I will renew the newspaper again.  I do read it, but, it generally doesn't carry much suburban news, so, I am considering.  Is anyone getting extra inserts?  The new coupon thoughts from manufacturers don't lend to singles or couples, the packaging, however certainly does.    ETA:  On the Rhodes, I checked my price book.  The package size was 8, usual price $2.38/8, store would run a B1G1, would use 2 $1.00 one ea, got 16 decent dinner rolls for .38 cents.  Now the price is $3.59 for 6.  Shrinking packaging, Shrinking coupon values, Higher Pricing... I've stopped buying the product.  Too cost prohibitive. 

[rubyslippers]

I printed out a CVS 25% off coupon but have no plans to use it.  I can't think of anything that would make sense to use it on without putting out too much OOP, so I will use the ECBs earned last week to stock my pantry with Jif and some Dawn detergent and get out again.  I haven't been around my CVS too much to know if their sales have dropped off.  Lately, most of my savings has been to price matching produce and dairy.  The sales this week are not spectacular.

[constanz22]

I have $5 EB on one card and $2 on another card that expire this week. I have not stepped foot in CVS since I earned them, so, close to a month...I'm not even going in to scan my card anymore unless I am already going there for something, or am near one and looking for time to kill. I'm not seeing anything this week so I will likely find something I need and just spend them and get out too. Which just leaves me in Rite Aid, but I do seem to still be able to roll Ups pretty easily.

dogmom- regarding what you said about coupon values and package sizes, I completely agree. I use way fewer coupons that I ever did before. The price of our "local" paper went from 1.75 to 3.00 lost year for the Sunday edition and since it's a smallish city, the coupons suck in it. I would rarely have $3 worth of Q's to use. The other "local" paper was 1.75 so I started buying that, but they've recently gone up to 2.50, again, it's rarely worth it. There is one NYC paper that has coupons, but never the SS, and it's 1.50 so sometimes I'll grab that. But, I still like to look at paper store ads vs looking at them online . I can see getting to the point of not buying a paper anymore cuz it's just not worth it. More and more companies, even P&G, seem to be making their Q's available to print online. That really limits the number you have access to, but with the lack of deals, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. I do not ever seek out "extra inserts" anymore. Well, I did look thru the papers at my campground this weekend just cuz they were there, but i'm (hopefully) selling my camper so won't have that option, and that"/ fine. I just like that they're free with as expensive as our paper has gotten.

I have , just a couple times recently, bought coupons I wanted on eBay. Folgers ones, for a good stock up deal. I paid like $1 for 35 coupons. I didn't need that many, but it allowed me to stock up on 10 cans of coffee. And Fresh Express salad kits, that I use a lot. They were like $1 too for maybe 20 and .55/1 that double to $1 at most stores here. I am also finding myself doing A LOT more grocery shopping at Price Rite, a discount store that doesn't take coupons. I still cherry pick at other stores, but it's slim pickings out there...

[hopetoberich]

Anyone shop in Big Lots? I went in today and found Premium Nabisco rounds crackers for $1.50 a box. I got 3 as we both love these. They also carry a lemon cookie by Hellema called fourre french I think or German, anyway I eat these all the time they are not too sweet. I am going to start using big lots much more.$1.50 per pack of crackers or cookies is much better than the over priced grocery store.
We are still finding melons and salad goods marked down in another local store. Today I shopped ia a place that (horror) doesn't double coupons. I had Mahatma rice mq's to use up and sucked it up and bought brown and yellow rice. We were completely out of brown rice.
I know I am bringing home less and less my neighbors must notice this too. I used to bring in my red cart filled with cheapies all the time. I liked the CarT as no one could see where I had been shopping. I hate that stores advertise their name all over the plastic bags so I took the cart.
I second the Price Rite store. Its very near here and we got some good turkey deals there last.month. but loads of the food stamp brigade shop there so I never go this time of the month.

[rubyslippers]

At the end of last summer, I had printed out a $10/$10.00 Lowe's coupon and used it to buy tulips.  They should be blooming very soon now and I can't wait to see them.  One of the nicest things I've used a coupon for and which should give me joy throughout the years.

Dancin, thanks to you and the Target rebate deal a few months ago, I now have a couple of solar lights to replace a couple of dead ones.  We hit a Target over the weekend and I went straight for the garden section.  Thanks again!

As of Saturday, I have received all of my Staples rebates which had never been sent to me, some as far back as July of 2012.  I will have to stop in and thank the manager for taking the time to see that I got them all.

Constanz, I'm still managing to keep going at Rite Aid.  It's slow going now, but sometimes the rewards add up fast and I have to "worry" about spending $40.00 or more UPs before they expire. 

Our coupon inserts suck!!!  I can't ever count on getting any good ones that I read about others getting.  Apparently they don't think people in our neck of the woods shave or wear makeup.

[marvholly]

dogsmom
There are a LOT of items I no longer buy, buy as Aldi brand or pick up at Dollar Tree (usually gerneric type brands) because they are no longer worth the $$ even on sale w/a coupon.  Most recent was 81 mg asprin.  Prev bought a BUNCH of Bayer & St. Joe at CVS & WAG when on sale w/a $1 coupon on a 36 ct bottle.  Bottles now 32 ct, no coupons & no sale.  Found at Dollar Tree in 60 ct for $1.  Frozen ries & mixed veg are prob next on my list for $ store. 

I will NOT be renewing my Trib either.  Originally got the Groupon for 4 days at 0.50/week but service has been VERY poor.  Will just buy at Dollar Tree for $1 when coupon preview list seems good to me.

Ruby
I do NOT remember the last time I used a CVS % off coupon since it is SOOOO restricted although I do send to card everytime I get it just in case.

Hope
I used to check Big Lots about 1x/month.  Have NOT been there in months.  Prices got too high, esp in comparison to Aldi & Dollar Tree.

Personally, I think CVS is shooting themselves in the foot w/dropping the bag tag. Now I have NO incentive to go to CVS more than 1x/week to get the sale/EB items from the ad. Before I would be there 2-3x and grab that candy bar treat, milk, can of soda, cute item for the grand kid………..Won’t be doing that anymore. Going to be looking a LOT more at Target, Walmart and esp Dollar Tree.

[murphath]

I went into CVS yesterday to get my free bag of M&Ms. I had the gal scan my bag tag and I got the $2 EB. She told me the bag tags were ending on 5/31 and each time we reached 4 uses, we would get the $2 EB. I think that's pretty generous although I agree that this will probably come back to bite them. Not necessarily at my CVS because it's the closest store to our housing development. People will go there for stuff rather than drive 3-5 miles to Raleys/Safeway. But the three in the town next door will definitely suffer--they have more grocery stores than we do.

God forbid any of us should need toothpaste, but you can get some for free at Target this week. They have the 3 pack on sale for $5.99. Use the $1 q from P&G insert (April or May--April expired 4/30 though). Pay $4.99 plus tax and get a $5 target gift card. It was supposed to be B3G$5 gift card but the ad did not say that so they are honoring the ad.

[dancinmama]

Apr 28, 2013 14:16:10 GMT -5 dogmom said:

My guess is that CVS corporate is probably just beginning to realize how much of their front end business was the result of couponers hunting down the rinse and repeat EB deals that many now no longer need. 

So, maybe they should liven it up a little.  At least I think so. 

About a week ago, I renewed the Chicago Tribune (.50 cents delivered only on Sundays) and I just looked at this week's coupon assortment.  Values continue to drop.  For sure Rhodes rolls (as an example) coupons use to be $1.00 off one (while there were still 8 in a package), then they dropped package size down to 6, and dropped coupon value to $1/2.  Now, this week, it's .40 cents off one.  Really?  I doubt I will renew the newspaper again.  I do read it, but, it generally doesn't carry much suburban news, so, I am considering.  Is anyone getting extra inserts?  The new coupon thoughts from manufacturers don't lend to singles or couples, the packaging, however certainly does.    ETA:  On the Rhodes, I checked my price book.  The package size was 8, usual price $2.38/8, store would run a B1G1, would use 2 $1.00 one ea, got 16 decent dinner rolls for .38 cents.  Now the price is $3.59 for 6.  Shrinking packaging, Shrinking coupon values, Higher Pricing... I've stopped buying the product.  Too cost prohibitive. 

Maybe they will, or maybe they will establish a "new normal" for front end sales and incorporate that into their business model.   A lot of the regular prices at my CVS seem to be about 20-25% higher than they are at my Target or Walmart.  Using the $4/$20 on sale items at CVS made shopping there a better value.

$.38/16 ($.02/roll) is a heck of a lot different than $1.59/12 ($.13/roll).  Geez, that's more than a 600% increase in price.  But the manufacturer is literally banking on your having become brand loyal over the period of time that you were able to get the rolls at a discount.  You are doing what all good hounds do - stop buying it.

Too many Americans convince themselves that only this brand or that brand will do.  There are special circumstances where that is probably true (various allergies, extremely greasy work clothes, etc.).  My late MIL was one of those people who was EXTREMELY brand loyal for almost everything she purchased.  Every week she'd check to see what she was out of and replace it regardless of the shelf price.  Gelatin had to be Jello, pickles had to be Clausen, and paper towels had to be Viva.  I never knew her to buy even two of a product because it was on sale, but she WOULD use a coupon if she had one.

[dancinmama]

Apr 29, 2013 10:07:09 GMT -5 murphath said:

I went into CVS yesterday to get my free bag of M&Ms. I had the gal scan my bag tag and I got the $2 EB. She told me the bag tags were ending on 5/31 and each time we reached 4 uses, we would get the $2 EB. I think that's pretty generous although I agree that this will probably come back to bite them. Not necessarily at my CVS because it's the closest store to our housing development. People will go there for stuff rather than drive 3-5 miles to Raleys/Safeway. But the three in the town next door will definitely suffer--they have more grocery stores than we do.

God forbid any of us should need toothpaste, but you can get some for free at Target this week. They have the 3 pack on sale for $5.99. Use the $1 q from P&G insert (April or May--April expired 4/30 though). Pay $4.99 plus tax and get a $5 target gift card. It was supposed to be B3G$5 gift card but the ad did not say that so they are honoring the ad.

murphath:  I'm pretty sure that your cashier misunderstood about the GBT.  From what I have read, between 4/28 and 5/31, you will get one final scan on your card that will yield a $2 EB.  Once you get the $2 EB, you will not get anything further.  If you experience something different, please post.

I noticed that deal on toothpaste at Target and thought that something wasn't quite right.  If I happen to be over by Target this week, I'll go in and get some, but I won't make a special trip across town for more toothpaste.

I recently tested a unopened tube of toothpaste with a date stamp that was (3) years old.  I compared it to a current tube that was the same brand and type (Colgate Advanced Whitening).  I felt the paste between my fingertips and could tell no difference.  I brushed with each and still could tell no difference in taste or texture.  I'm going to do a blind study with DH and ask him to brush with each and then tell me if he can tell which is current and which is 3 years old.  I'll report back if he can identify the older paste, but I really doubt that he will be able to.  I have three more tubes with a date stamp of 2010.  I will do the same experiment with one of the tubes next year and the year after that and the year after that.

[FreeSalsa]

Apr 26, 2013 12:59:04 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Apr 26, 2013 6:32:25 GMT -5 marvholly said:

I read on AFC this morning that the green bag tag is ending this Sun, 4/28.  If this is true I would like to suggest we ALL complain to CVS corp both by email & by phone.  Also, let your store mgrs know how disappointed you are so it can come out at district meetings.

Couponers have been doing this since the "rumor" about ending the GBT program broke before the new year.

You will get a final $2 EB when you scan your bag tag after the 28th.  I think that's more than fair; they don't HAVE TO do that.

We just have to face the fact that the "rewards" associated with playing the "drug chain rewards game" have been and are continuing to be minimized.  The ride isn't COMPLETELY over, but from what I see and read it is taking more time and effort for a lot less product and for higher OOP.

This is a big bummer.  I think I'm on 79 rewards, which means I've gotten almost $20 doing this.  I liked that reward, environmentalist that I am.  I also liked the free money.  It's a bummer too that more plastic bags will be used.  Thanks for letting us know.

[FreeSalsa]

Apr 29, 2013 10:07:09 GMT -5 murphath said:

I went into CVS yesterday to get my free bag of M&Ms. I had the gal scan my bag tag and I got the $2 EB. She told me the bag tags were ending on 5/31 and each time we reached 4 uses, we would get the $2 EB. I think that's pretty generous although I agree that this will probably come back to bite them. Not necessarily at my CVS because it's the closest store to our housing development. People will go there for stuff rather than drive 3-5 miles to Raleys/Safeway. But the three in the town next door will definitely suffer--they have more grocery stores than we do.

God forbid any of us should need toothpaste, but you can get some for free at Target this week. They have the 3 pack on sale for $5.99. Use the $1 q from P&G insert (April or May--April expired 4/30 though). Pay $4.99 plus tax and get a $5 target gift card. It was supposed to be B3G$5 gift card but the ad did not say that so they are honoring the ad.

I'll take any freebies I can get these days, even toothpaste.  I don't see it free much anymore.  What brand is this?

[FreeSalsa]

Apr 29, 2013 13:26:24 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Apr 29, 2013 10:07:09 GMT -5 murphath said:

I went into CVS yesterday to get my free bag of M&Ms. I had the gal scan my bag tag and I got the $2 EB. She told me the bag tags were ending on 5/31 and each time we reached 4 uses, we would get the $2 EB. I think that's pretty generous although I agree that this will probably come back to bite them. Not necessarily at my CVS because it's the closest store to our housing development. People will go there for stuff rather than drive 3-5 miles to Raleys/Safeway. But the three in the town next door will definitely suffer--they have more grocery stores than we do.

God forbid any of us should need toothpaste, but you can get some for free at Target this week. They have the 3 pack on sale for $5.99. Use the $1 q from P&G insert (April or May--April expired 4/30 though). Pay $4.99 plus tax and get a $5 target gift card. It was supposed to be B3G$5 gift card but the ad did not say that so they are honoring the ad.

murphath:  I'm pretty sure that your cashier misunderstood about the GBT.  From what I have read, between 4/28 and 5/31, you will get one final scan on your card that will yield a $2 EB.  Once you get the $2 EB, you will not get anything further.  If you experience something different, please post.

I noticed that deal on toothpaste at Target and thought that something wasn't quite right.  If I happen to be over by Target this week, I'll go in and get some, but I won't make a special trip across town for more toothpaste.

I recently tested a unopened tube of toothpaste with a date stamp that was (3) years old.  I compared it to a current tube that was the same brand and type (Colgate Advanced Whitening).  I felt the paste between my fingertips and could tell no difference.  I brushed with each and still could tell no difference in taste or texture.  I'm going to do a blind study with DH and ask him to brush with each and then tell me if he can tell which is current and which is 3 years old.  I'll report back if he can identify the older paste, but I really doubt that he will be able to.  I have three more tubes with a date stamp of 2010.  I will do the same experiment with one of the tubes next year and the year after that and the year after that.

Good idea.  I would like to report that the CVS brand of lotion that is the generic for Vaseline lotion (aloe vera scent) is not holding up well, after about 6-9 months.  It's starting to smell a bit off.  I might be able to finish the whole bottle but we'll see.

[FreeSalsa]

Been on vacation to a nice, warm, tropical climate and it was great!  Coming back, I felt the need to continue the tradition of fruity drinks.  Bought myself some strawberries and made daiquiris.  They were not organic but they were extremely local!  Grown right across the street from the farm stand, right off the intersection of two major freeways, not far from my house.  So that was worth something.  I washed them well with vinegar and lemon juice, and figured the rum would help kill off any of the fungicide (I asked) and car exhaust that might be resting on them.  Boy, were they good.  Not a bargain price but I was happy with my local purchase.

This week in the free fruit box I got oranges, apples, and avocados.  This weekend my fellow vacationers are coming over for more fruity drinks and pool time this weekend.  The menu includes more daiquiris (I will buy strawberries from the store at a good sale price since they're in season), free-orange juice with vodka, and lemonade from the neighbor's free lemons with vodka.  Alcohol was from Smart and Final on some other occasion.  Anyone who wants their drinks N/A gets fresh apple juice in theirs instead of liquor.  I think they will appreciate the made-from-scratch drinks.  I'd make guacamole with the avos but they'll never last until the weekend.  They go bad pretty fast. 

Did someone say fruity drinks? ? ?