2013 Grocery Challenge

[skubikky]

Yeah, I'll be careful also to read them very carefully and then decide if it makes sense.

[constanz22]

Anyone that still has the $1/1 6pk Sparkle IP, Dollar General has the 6 pack for $3.65, so $2.65 for 6 rolls is an ok price.  Especially since I'm pretty low on pt's.

[FreeSalsa]

Not much to report this week.  I bought a lot of meat at Sprouts.

Organic, 100% grass-fed ground beef $4.99/ lb. (reg. 6.99)
Organic chicken legs $1.99/lb. (reg 3.99)
Pork chops and pork roast $1.79/lb.  (reg ?)
Org cucumbers 88c ea
Org 3 lb. sweet potatoes $2.99
Alden organic cookies and cream ice cream $3.99
Organic quinoa BOGO $4.50?

A lot of BOGO sales but no Qs to make it worth it.  I still can't get Java to work to print the Fresh Express Q's and I've given up.  The IT guy at work (it doesn't work there either) said Java has known about it for months but hasn't fixed it.

There's a Fri-Sat-Sun sale on Brown Cow (humanely treated) yogurt but I still have so much from the last sale that I'm not making a special trip since it's near work and I am not on the weekend.  50c ea. - 35c CA dairy Q = 15 c ea.

My boss had lunch brought in as a thank you for the staff and I was able to take home a few cupcakes, about a bag of potato chips, 1 L Sprite, and 6 sandwiches (turkey, ham, or veggie.)  I feel like a mooch taking all that food but I gave away as much as possible and the rest would just get thrown out, so here we are, eating a lot of sandwiches.  Saves me some food money and saves me from having to cook!  We had them for dinner last night and lunch today so far.

Freezer is stuffed full again of meat and some fruit and veg.  I reorganized last weekend.  Took inventory, brought the oldest stuff to the front, put some in the fridge to defrost for the week, tossed some really old stuff.  If I haven't used the frozen bananas to make banana bread in a year, it's never gonna happen.  They were free anyway.  

We're trying to cook more and freeze some meals.  I was able to grab one in a pinch this week to take to work when I had nothing else planned.  I had some year-old zucchini in there.  I defrosted it, squeezed out all the water, and made soup with it.  No freezer burn taste, remarkably.

[marvholly]

After reading my local bloggers’ post I ‘thought’ I might skip WAG this week BUT then I reviewed the actual ad & will need to go. They have several items w/IAC I want like the canned salmon & microwave popcorn.

[rubyslippers]

Ladies, I'm trying to get really good deals on produce.  This week Aldi has acorn and butternut squash $.59 each.  Is this a good price and how do you prepare it?  My family likes zucchini and I have cooked spaghetti squash before but not the acorn or butternut.  I'm mainly looking for vegetables for a side dish.  Aldi also has 10 lb. of russet potatoes for $1.49 and bags of apples for $1.99.

I will probably do the Crest deal at Rite Aid this week and then roll rewards on the Kelloggs cereal.  I'll be able to get my Crispix for free and I'll put that back for chex mix during the holidays.

[constanz22]

Sept 22, 2013 8:51:53 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

Ladies, I'm trying to get really good deals on produce.  This week Aldi has acorn and butternut squash $.59 each.  Is this a good price and how do you prepare it?  My family likes zucchini and I have cooked spaghetti squash before but not the acorn or butternut.  I'm mainly looking for vegetables for a side dish.  Aldi also has 10 lb. of russet potatoes for $1.49 and bags of apples for $1.99.

I will probably do the Crest deal at Rite Aid this week and then roll rewards on the Kelloggs cereal.  I'll be able to get my Crispix for free and I'll put that back for chex mix during the holidays.

For the squash, I would just halve them, clean out any seeds, top with a little butter and brown sugar and bake until soft.

[FreeSalsa]

Sept 22, 2013 8:51:53 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

Ladies, I'm trying to get really good deals on produce.  This week Aldi has acorn and butternut squash $.59 each.  Is this a good price and how do you prepare it?  My family likes zucchini and I have cooked spaghetti squash before but not the acorn or butternut.  I'm mainly looking for vegetables for a side dish.  Aldi also has 10 lb. of russet potatoes for $1.49 and bags of apples for $1.99.

I will probably do the Crest deal at Rite Aid this week and then roll rewards on the Kelloggs cereal.  I'll be able to get my Crispix for free and I'll put that back for chex mix during the holidays.

That's a pretty good price.  Regular around here is $1.29 or something so that's good.  I think the lowest I saw it a few times last winter was 49c.  Cut it in half and bake it with a little water in the bottom of the pan.   You can also cut it in chunks and bake it.  There are soup recipes too if you cook and puree it.  You can also steam it.  It takes 45-60 minutes for any of these but it's really good.  I like it much better than acorn squash.  You can put butter and/or maple syrup or brown sugar on it when it's done.

Don't forget to roast the seeds like you would with pumpkin seeds.

[murphath]

I did the Crest toothpaste deal at Rite Aid as I was down to my last two tubes.  Yikes!  Do you know if I can use the $3 UP I received and purchase another toothpaste tomorrow?  That would get me the second one for free and give me another $3 UP.

Thanks.

[constanz22]

Sept 22, 2013 15:43:00 GMT -5 murphath said:

I did the Crest toothpaste deal at Rite Aid as I was down to my last two tubes.  Yikes!  Do you know if I can use the $3 UP I received and purchase another toothpaste tomorrow?  That would get me the second one for free and give me another $3 UP.

Thanks.

Yes!

[marvholly]

Ruby
your Aldi produce prices are WAAAY cheaper than mine in metro Chicago. I would KILL for acorn squash at 0.59 each. I just stab it, nuke a few minutes (makes it easier to cut in half) and then remove the seeds. Finish cooking in the oven or microwave. I like mine w/butter, brwon sugar and a dash of cinnomon.

[dancinmama]

Sept 22, 2013 15:43:00 GMT -5 murphath said:

I did the Crest toothpaste deal at Rite Aid as I was down to my last two tubes.  Yikes!  Do you know if I can use the $3 UP I received and purchase another toothpaste tomorrow?  That would get me the second one for free and give me another $3 UP.

Thanks.

Wow, down to two tubes!!  That won't happen around these part for a while. 

I'm like you.  I haven't done a RA deal in such a long time that I have no clue what the rules are these days except that you have to wait a day to use any UPs you earn.  It would be like learning the ropes there all over again.

[marvholly]

I HATE that most of the stores in my area now have their sales Wed to Tue. My ads come in the mail and do not arrive until around 4 pm on Wed. Makes planning a PITA AND I can NEVER catch the Aldi meat special since they have such limited quantaties.

[skubikky]

I've noticed that for the past few years that Wegman's has bins of inexpensive name brand HBA right by the checkout.
Last night got free Crest 6.2 oz tubes of TP for $0.99/tube -$1/1.   Figure, that's how I'm going to be able to get low or no OOP stuff going forward.
.

[rubyslippers]

I had a decent run at Kroger yesterday with their buy 5 save $5.00 sale.  I got 2 free Speedstick deodorants, 1 Colgate and 2 Huggies Wipes after sale and doubling coupons.  I got my free Friday specials from the last 2 weeks, Orville R. popcorn snack and Emerald Breakfast to go.  I bought 2 Kotex liners and 2 LA Hair products $1.00 each and had 4 $.75 MQ's and received a $2.00 catalina.  I used the cat to buy bananas, a loaf of bread and a bag of Werther's caramels, using $.50 MQ that doubled.  I also bought a pork loin for $6.93.  I spent $8.73 and saved $19.72.  I've been doing the surveys each week earning an extra 50 fuel points for doing so.

Rite Aid had the Crest deal and I also had coupons for the Werthers caramels, so I spent $7.00 and received $7.00 back.  I did the deal twice using another card.

Meijer will be having a couple things on their 2 day sale this weekend, half priced Northern TP and 64 oz. bags of chicken breast for $6.99.   I have an IPQ for the Northern and I need the chicken.  I also will be getting boxes of Belvita for $.49 each after the buy 6 save $6.00 deal.  I got some nice $1.00 coupons from Walmart last month when they were giving out samples.

[constanz22]

There are Crest coupons in the last P&G to use on the RA deal too...makes it a small MM.

I, too, was quite low in toothpaste.  

[murphath]

I have another Rite Aid question:  I got my first two Crest toothpaste and will now go to card #2 for the next two.  I hardly ever use this card anymore and the UPs go directly to the card.  Do you know if they ever fixed that glitch re using a q with UPs on a card?  Used to be you had to have them ring up the product, give them the q to deduct, THEN scan you wellness card.  Such a pain explaining it all to the cashiers who are trained to scan your card first.

Thanks to all you RA experts out there.  I'll soon be back up to 6 toothpastes in my stockpile!!  I'll use the final $3 UP to get 2 boxes of Kelloggs miniwheats (and I'll use a $1/2 q) and one of those .33 Halloween candy bars.  With tax etc., I figure I'll spend @ $3.50-$4 when all is said and done for 4 toothpaste, 5 Halloween candy bars, and 2 boxes of cereal.  Since the miniwheats alone are priced at $4.99 per box at Safeway, I figure I'm way ahead.  And if this year's Halloween is like last year, 5 Halloween treats will be more than enough--had zero trick or treaters last year.

[rubyslippers]

Murpath: I wouldn't take a chance on it with your UPs at Rite Aid.  Either ask them to opt out of getting them sent to your card or do it the way you described above.

I went to Walmart and paid $3.27 OOP for a 3 lb. bag of apples, baby bella mushrooms, 6 Belvita and 5 Gillette shave creams after price matching and using coupons.

DS2 is moving out so I went to the thrift store and Goodwill to find stuff for his apartment.  They had some nice things that will help him get started and the family has been going through their things too.  We'll be empty nesters once again.

[constanz22]

Sept 25, 2013 10:32:49 GMT -5 murphath said:

I have another Rite Aid question:  I got my first two Crest toothpaste and will now go to card #2 for the next two.  I hardly ever use this card anymore and the UPs go directly to the card.  Do you know if they ever fixed that glitch re using a q with UPs on a card?  Used to be you had to have them ring up the product, give them the q to deduct, THEN scan you wellness card.  Such a pain explaining it all to the cashiers who are trained to scan your card first.

Thanks to all you RA experts out there.  I'll soon be back up to 6 toothpastes in my stockpile!!  I'll use the final $3 UP to get 2 boxes of Kelloggs miniwheats (and I'll use a $1/2 q) and one of those .33 Halloween candy bars.  With tax etc., I figure I'll spend @ $3.50-$4 when all is said and done for 4 toothpaste, 5 Halloween candy bars, and 2 boxes of cereal.  Since the miniwheats alone are priced at $4.99 per box at Safeway, I figure I'm way ahead.  And if this year's Halloween is like last year, 5 Halloween treats will be more than enough--had zero trick or treaters last year.

It may be easier to call the 800# for RA and opt out of the Ups going to the card.  Only took a few minutes when I did it way back when.

[murphath]

jdnstl:

Thanks for the boxtops for education--got them yesterday.  Combined with ones I've saved, I'll be bringing the school almost $10 worth.  They will be very happy.

[dancinmama]

Sept 25, 2013 6:27:24 GMT -5 skubikky said:

I've noticed that for the past few years that Wegman's has bins of inexpensive name brand HBA right by the checkout.
Last night got free Crest 6.2 oz tubes of TP for $0.99/tube -$1/1.   Figure, that's how I'm going to be able to get low or no OOP stuff going forward.
.

That's great though.  Get stuff you need free/cheap with no receipt of drug chain rewards that you may or may not be able to roll efficiently.

I haven't done any hounding in over a week.  I've been too busy getting yard projects done before the the rains start and too tired afterward to go shopping - another great advantage of having stockpiles. 

[skubikky]

I've been getting into selling stuff on e-bay.   It's been a lot of fun.

[rubyslippers]

I bought 3 Palmolive dish detergents for $1.00 each, minus 3 $.50 MQ's, minus $1/3 Video Values equals $.50 and received $1.00 UPs.  Since getting DS moved out, I've been helping him with some of my supplies and I noticed my dish soap stockpile has gone down this summer.  I wish it would've been Dawn, but I'll take the Palmolive.

[marvholly]

I am breaking my promise to myself to NOT buy any meat protein for a month or 2 (until I WAAY reduce freeze stock). Dominicks has Lloyd's ribs on $5 Friday and I have a $1 coupon. Guess what I am planning for dinner. At least I will use some of the frozen potatoes.

[dancinmama]

Sept 26, 2013 14:28:36 GMT -5 rubyslippers said:

I bought 3 Palmolive dish detergents for $1.00 each, minus 3 $.50 MQ's, minus $1/3 Video Values equals $.50 and received $1.00 UPs.  Since getting DS moved out, I've been helping him with some of my supplies and I noticed my dish soap stockpile has gone down this summer.  I wish it would've been Dawn, but I'll take the Palmolive.

I love Palmolive, but my stockpile is 99% Dawn.  I can't justify spending any time or effort to get Palmolive when I have enough Dawn to last for years.

[marvholly]

Dancin
The best Dawn deals have been on the Hand Renwel and I have discovered I do NOT like it. So did the Palmolive and may do a future regular Dawn.

Since I suffered from CRS on Fri and forgot a $1 coupon (and ruined my dinner plan) I have to go out today to get the ribs. Won't go on Sun as I watch the political talk shows & Bears game. While I am out I will use the opportunity to hit a couple resale stores and maybe the library.

NOTE: Panda Express is doing one of their new entrée freebies on 10/2. Coupon is available online.

[rubyslippers]

I've been busy shopping for DS2 and finding some pretty good deals.  I didn't know there was a senior discount at Good Will, but my husband saved us 10%.  We got a very nice, heavy art deco brass lamp for $15.00 and 2 end tables and a coffee table for $100.00 total.  He cleaned them up and put some Old English on them and they look as good as new.  I went to Dollar General today to pick up cleaning supplies, paper towels etc... and used a $5/30 coupon and $1.50 in MQ's.  And at Kohls, I ordered him a sweeper and got 2 throw pillows and a mattress pad.  I used a 30% coupon and he got $30.00 back in Kohls cash.  I also got back a $10.00 coupon for my frustration at trying to order from the very slow kiosk.  After a great deal of time and 4 tries, it didn't work and the lady knew I was upset so her manager gave me a gift card.

[saveinla]

Freesalsa,

If you are checking, this week the 99cents store has Earthbound Organic Spring mix and Organic baby spinach in the plastic boxes for 1$ each. Much better than Sprouts 3.49 BOGO last week. 

[marvholly]

I absolutely cannot figure out Safeway receipts. I bought 3 salad kits, Lloyds ribs and 1# cottage cheese Sat.
Had a raincheck or $2.50 on one kit
2 kits were 50% off
Lloyds was $5 Friday extended
Cottage cheese was 1.50 J4U

Used
10% off produce
2x$2.00 salad kit coupons
$1 Lloyds coupon.

I figured the bill to be 7.33 w/tax
Total actual bill was $6.95
NOT going to question that.

[constanz22]

My small regional grocery chain by my house has butter for 1.88 a pound this week.  That is about the cheapest I ever see it here and there is no limit posted in the ad (usually is at that price) so I will be stocking up.  I use only real butter, and will use quite a bit between now and the end of the year with holiday baking so I am going to grab a bunch.  I'll probably grab 4-5 today and another 4-5 later in the week.

[dancinmama]

Sept 29, 2013 7:40:30 GMT -5 constanz22 said:

My small regional grocery chain by my house has butter for 1.88 a pound this week.  That is about the cheapest I ever see it here and there is no limit posted in the ad (usually is at that price) so I will be stocking up.  I use only real butter, and will use quite a bit between now and the end of the year with holiday baking so I am going to grab a bunch.  I'll probably grab 4-5 today and another 4-5 later in the week.

That's a great price and butter freezes well too!!