2013 Grocery Challenge

[marvholly]

The independent stores were NOT better than Safeway on eggs so I will pick that up.

So glad I did hit the independent stores. Had planned to get chicken leg quarters at a place near DD1 today for 0.59/lb but one of my independents had them for 0.49/lb. Saved me time, a couple miles and $$.

[dancinmama]

Jul 5, 2013 19:40:45 GMT -5 emhalf said:

I just received an "interesting" response from P&G on my submission for the $10 whitestrips rebate. Apparently it was rejected because I used a coupon on the purchase  The rebate form contains the usual verbiage about how it "cannot be combined with any other offer" but doesn't say anything specific about coupons. Certainly combining coupons and rebates has never been a problem with P&G in the past. And seriously, the whitestrips were $45! Even with a coupon and a rebate, plus UPs used and received on the purchase, I was nowhere near break even on them much less moneymaker. 


I already left an annoyed message on the crest FB page, but I will definitely keep this new trend in mind. I used to rack up HBA products from P&G, but I'll probably limit myself to venus razors now. I already prefer colgate and listerine for oral care, since crest rinse turns my teeth brown

It seems that this is what it has now come to with P&G rebates.  Unfortunately you're a casualty of us having been able to get stuff for free and then submit to P&G for a rebate on top of it. 

[emhalf]

Jul 5, 2013 19:49:28 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

Jul 5, 2013 19:40:45 GMT -5 emhalf said:

I just received an "interesting" response from P&G on my submission for the $10 whitestrips rebate. Apparently it was rejected because I used a coupon on the purchase  The rebate form contains the usual verbiage about how it "cannot be combined with any other offer" but doesn't say anything specific about coupons. Certainly combining coupons and rebates has never been a problem with P&G in the past. And seriously, the whitestrips were $45! Even with a coupon and a rebate, plus UPs used and received on the purchase, I was nowhere near break even on them much less moneymaker. 


I already left an annoyed message on the crest FB page, but I will definitely keep this new trend in mind. I used to rack up HBA products from P&G, but I'll probably limit myself to venus razors now. I already prefer colgate and listerine for oral care, since crest rinse turns my teeth brown

EWWW!  I hope that's not typical.  I just "bought" 4 of the Crest rinse.

It's typical enough that they put a disclaimer on the bottles now. I think it depends on the person though. I know lots of people don't have any problems with it.

[FreeSalsa]

Saveinla, this one is for you.  It's an Arizona deal but hopefully they have it here too.  I know you like veggie burgers.

"We have just a few more days to do this deal – Through July 9th, Morningstar are $2.99 ea. and, not only do we have a catalina to pair with the sale, we have a coupon to help us pick them up for $1.24 ea.

Morningstar Farms Veggie Food Product (6/17 to 7/14)
Buy 3 & get $2 On Your Next Order
Buy 4 & get $3 On Your Next Order
Buy 5 or more & get $4 On Your Next Order

Your best bet is to buy in sets of 4 – you can use the Catalina to pick up 4 more, but buying 4 at a time will get you the best price:

Deal Idea: Buy 4 Morningstar Farms 5.12 – 12 oz. $2.99 ea.
= $11.96
Use 4 – $1/1 Morningstar Farms 6/30 RP (x 8/25) *Limit 4 per transaction/trip
= $7.96 | Earn $3 On Your Next Order
Final Price: $4.96 for 4, or $1.24 ea."

[FreeSalsa]

Are the eggs 99c at Vons too? 

[FreeSalsa]

Jul 5, 2013 19:46:25 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

Kroger stores:  HOUND ALERT--ALWAYS $1 PANTILINERS 7/15 PG IF YOU HAVE EXTRAS
Here’s a deal you can grab starting Sunday — this upcoming weekend we’ll score a coupon for $1/1 Always Pads or Pantiliners – excludes trial and travel size.
They are $1 at Fry’s right now – through 7/15 – after coupon grab them FREE.

This coupon is still going – it makes a sweet deal at Fry’s! Fry’s has the Imagine Organic Vegetable Broth for $1.49 – FREE + $.51 Moneymaker with coupon. Print a $2/1 Imagine Organic Soup, Broth and more.
Keep in mind that since this is not an advertised item it CAN vary by store.

CVS:
Pick up yet another FREE Gillette Venus coming up this Sunday at CVS – with an ECB deal that’ll reward you with $2 ExtraBucks for one purchased:
$2 ECB WYB ANY Gillette Venus or Fusion ProGlide razor 1ct. — Limit 1
–Venus Razor starts at $6.79
$5/1 Gillette Venus, excludes disposables, travel & trial, 06/16 RP (exp 07/31)
$3/1 Gillette Fusion Progilde Razor or Proglide Styler, 06/16 RP (exp 07/31)
$3/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide 7/7 P&G (x 7/31)
$3/1 Venus Razor Excluding Disposable 7/7 P&G (x 7/31)
= FREE Gillette Venus after $5/1 and ECB

Whole Foods:
Avalon Organics, Select items $4.00 – $4.50 (Hand Soap, Body Wash)
$4/1 Avalon Organics Whole Foods Coupon
= FREE or $.50

Coconut Dream 32 oz. Drink $2.00
$1/1 Dream Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert, Novelty or Beverage Whole Foods Coupon
Stack with: $2/2 Dream Non-Dairy Beverage Manufacturer coupon
= 2 FREE
Keep in mind that not all stores allow stacking a Whole Foods Coupon with a Manufacturer… and prices can vary by store.

Adding to the CVS list:
"This coupon has reset again for me – grab this coupon for $2/3 Hallmark Cards, $2 minimum purchase (total, not each) – use both to get a great deal:
It works well if you can find the $.99 cards at Walgreens or CVS.
Deal Idea: Buy 3 Hallmark $.99 cards
= $2.97
use $2/3 Hallmark Cards, $2 minimum purchase
= $.97 for 3, or $.32 ea.
My CVS has a very small selection of $.99 cards; Walgreens does as well – towards the bottom of the rack"

"Great deal at CVS – this upcoming week you can pick up Colgate for $.29 through 7/13 once again. We had this a few weeks ago and it’s also included this time around.
Buy Colgate Multipack Toothpaste or Brush & get $3 ECB (Lim 2)
The 4 pk of Travel Friendly is tagged and included at $3.29. We don’t have coupons that work for this size, but you will still get a great deal at $.07/tube.
Or, opt for the 4 pk of Colgate Optic White for $3.99 – $.99 after ECB."

[skubikky]

Jul 5, 2013 19:40:45 GMT -5 emhalf said:

I just received an "interesting" response from P&G on my submission for the $10 whitestrips rebate. Apparently it was rejected because I used a coupon on the purchase  The rebate form contains the usual verbiage about how it "cannot be combined with any other offer" but doesn't say anything specific about coupons. Certainly combining coupons and rebates has never been a problem with P&G in the past. And seriously, the whitestrips were $45! Even with a coupon and a rebate, plus UPs used and received on the purchase, I was nowhere near break even on them much less moneymaker. 


I already left an annoyed message on the crest FB page, but I will definitely keep this new trend in mind. I used to rack up HBA products from P&G, but I'll probably limit myself to venus razors now. I already prefer colgate and listerine for oral care, since crest rinse turns my teeth brown

I received the same response.  I called customer service and they had me re-submit my copy of the receipt.   They sent me a P&G gift card for 31.99 which was the price after the MC.
Very strange.  I was so glad that I had made a copy of the receipt.

[saveinla]

Jul 7, 2013 22:22:42 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

Saveinla, this one is for you.  It's an Arizona deal but hopefully they have it here too.  I know you like veggie burgers.

"We have just a few more days to do this deal – Through July 9th, Morningstar are $2.99 ea. and, not only do we have a catalina to pair with the sale, we have a coupon to help us pick them up for $1.24 ea.

Morningstar Farms Veggie Food Product (6/17 to 7/14)
Buy 3 & get $2 On Your Next Order
Buy 4 & get $3 On Your Next Order
Buy 5 or more & get $4 On Your Next Order

Your best bet is to buy in sets of 4 – you can use the Catalina to pick up 4 more, but buying 4 at a time will get you the best price:

Deal Idea: Buy 4 Morningstar Farms 5.12 – 12 oz. $2.99 ea.
= $11.96
Use 4 – $1/1 Morningstar Farms 6/30 RP (x 8/25) *Limit 4 per transaction/trip
= $7.96 | Earn $3 On Your Next Order
Final Price: $4.96 for 4, or $1.24 ea."

Thanks freesalsa. I will check it out.

[973beachbum]

I had a nice trip today to Shoprite.  Not huge but I felt I got a lot of products we use and like for a good price.  I won't do the whole deals because most people can't repeat them but here is what I got. 

7 lbs chicken legs..............10 yoplait light greek yogurts..........5 packs frozen birds eye vegatables
2 lindsay olives..................1 6pk luigi italian ices.....................1 renyolds cupcake cups
1 head and shoulders shampoo..1 tampax radiant tampons.........1 always infinity pads
2 gillette shave prep

After coupons and cats I paid $26.72.

My only other shopping has been to Staples.  I got the penny items plus 2 photo papers and paid zero after rewards and staples coupons but sent in for my rebates on the photo paper.

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer!

[marvholly]

Screwed up. Yesterday was senior discount day At WAG. AGAIN, the only 2 things I want/need at Jewel only 1 is on Dominicks price match. Don't know who does the 'matches' but I am not real happy w/that program. I don’t think I find matches for my wants more than a couple times/yr.

[marvholly]

Finished reviewing my grocery ads and local blogger sites. Dropped my 2 local fruit/veg markets (each had 1 item I was interested in) in favor of my BIG mkt which has better $$ on both items and 2 other items I want/can use/need.

I guess I really knew – Dominicks (Safeway for me) has had eggs priced decently last week & this ($1/dz). I have not really neede eggs so have not done BUT now I do. However, one of my independent markets has them for 0.88 this week. One of them generally has a good price on eggs every week or so.

Debating my ‘activities’ for the rest of the week. Shop/errand today, Fri or Sat? Local radio station is doing one of their remote broadcasts nearby early Fri am. Thinking about going since there are TONS of give aways/prizes. It ends early enough that I can still run my shopping errands route w/6 stops. BUT, if I go today I will have enough time to visit an old family friend who lives in the retirement buiding my Dad was living in.

[marvholly]

it is geting lonely here.

Overspent on groceries Thur BUT hit several GREAT deals not on my list:
12 oz pkg of broccoli florets 0.59
16 oz baby spring greens 0.75
2L EVOO $5.99 less $1 coupon

This morning I hit another GREAT deal. I was trying to decide which of my checking accounts to order checks for – all 3 (reg check, online check, MMA) were VERY low. A blogger I follow posted about a deal for 2 boxes + handling costing $8.95. DONE deal on my reg checking account.

However, I almost negated half that savings. My water bill is due Mon. I nearly forgot but wrote the check (and one for my city auto sticker) and will drop in the city payment box today.

[skubikky]

Hit the Rochester public market yesterday.

Organic head of escarole  $1
3 large cucumbers           $1
Strangely huge radish bunch  $1
3 large peppers               $2

 
COUPON ALERT:     $1.25/1 Quilted Northern TP   7/14 @ CVS  $6.99 --> $1.50 EB

www.passionforsavings.com/coupon/2012/03/toilet-paper-coupon-save-0-75-on-quilted-northern-ultra-plush/

[MonicaLee5186]

I burned $5 in ECBs at CVS today -- got pantene shampoo and conditioner, softsoap body wash, and tampax tampons and paid 0.07.  Walked away with $1ECB for next time.  Not the best deal as I lost ECBs, but it's so hard anymore to roll them!

[dancinmama]

I'm still here.  I had surgery on Thurs for carpel tunnel (all that clipping, you know    ).  Am finally out of pain.  Took ZzzzQuil last night instead  of pain meds and it worked GREAT.   I can only use my left hand which doesn't work too well.  DH has been waiting on me hand and foot - kind of nice.    .  DH will help me get my coupons tomorrow.

Toodaloo.....

[FreeSalsa]

Just something I saw in the news:

How about a $2.5 billion grocery bill? Kroger (KR) is paying that much to buy Harris Teeter Supermarkets (HTSI), which has more than 200 stores in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

[rubyslippers]

Hi everyone!  The best deal of my shopping week was getting 3 dozen eggs for $.49 a dozen by price matching at Walmart.  I also paid $.59 for mushrooms, $1.29 for peppers and $.69 for grape tomatoes by using the Aldi ad.  I paid $.74 for 2 lbs. of carrots after using two Earthbound Farm IPQ's.

I spent a little over $11.00 at Rite Aid for 20 bottles of shampoo, 2 cans almonds, 2 Always tampons and 2 Smooth eye drops.  I'm saving my UPs to get some toilet paper after next week.

I stocked up on some ground chuck @ $2.69 lb. at a local grocery store to tide us over until our beef comes in in about 6-7 weeks.  And at Dollar General, I bought 4 Venus razors, 2 Clairol Balsams, and a 36 oz. jar of Hellmanns for $3.54.  I had $25.00 in MQ's and a $5.00/30.00 D. General Q.

At a farmer's market, I got a head of cabbage the size of a bowling ball which will give me at least 4 different meals, if not more.  They also had big candy sweet onions for $.50.

I did no shopping at Meijer and at Kroger I only got my gas cards and a free bag of Orville R. popcorn.  The ads don't look great next week either. 

I got the last of my lettuce from my garden but the green beans and zucchini are producing.

[murphath]

Dancinmama wrote:
I'm still here. I had surgery on Thurs for carpel tunnel (all that clipping, you know ). Am finally out of pain. Took ZzzzQuil last night instead of pain meds and it worked GREAT. I can only use my left hand which doesn't work too well. DH has been waiting on me hand and foot - kind of nice. . DH will help me get my coupons tomorrow.

Toodaloo.....

I hope you are feeling better.  It must have taken some effort to type the above!  I've known folks who had that surgery (years ago) and it can be pretty painful.  Your poor little paw...

[murphath]

No fantastic deals here.  Still keeping the inserts though.  My stockpile is still around but is getting smaller.   There just no awe-inspiring deals so I cherry pick as much as possible and use q's to help with that picking.

The economy must be getting better because I've noticed a real slow down in posts, not only here, but on others.  Either that or folks have exhausted all they have to say.

Off to church.

[saveinla]

I haven't stepped inside a drug store for more than 5 weeks now - went on vacation and after I came back have been very busy at work and with my son's college registration and stuff. Will have to start stock piling TP soon, so would appreciate any deals in the near future .

[FreeSalsa]

Yesterday's outing was an almost total bust.  My CVS did not have Hallmark cards, good thing DH notice before I got to the register that I had American Greetings cards in my hands.  The travel toothpaste was not $3.29 but $4.29 + tax so that was more than I wanted to spend.  The only thing I got was the one Venus razor which was $7.29 + tax, not $6.79 or whatever was online.  Then I went to Vons/Safeway for the 4/$5 eggs and suddenly realized it was a $5 Friday deal so no go on that either.

I have a $3 RR expiring Friday so I have to check the Rite Aid ad/site to see what I can use it on.  

[FreeSalsa]

Take these with a grain of salt.  From The Centsable Shoppin:

Pick up FREE Men’s Speed Stick at CVS, and possibly even cheap Swiffer as well – this week when you pop in.
The Red Scanner Machine is spitting out a great coupon for $3/2 Men’s Speed Stick – it has NO size restrictions and can be used on the .5 oz. Trial Size for $1.27 each – not everyone will receive this coupon, but if you do:
Men’s Speed Stick $1.27, .5 oz. Trial Size
$3/2 Men’s Speed Stick CVS Coupon from Red Machine
= FREE

The same red machine is also offering $2/1 Swiffer Purchase – the Swiffer Wet or Dry Cloths 12-16 ct, and Cleaner are $3.99 this week – combine with the P&G coupon for $1/1 and pick up for $.99:
Swiffer Cleaner, Wet or Dry Cloths $3.99
$2/1 Swiffer Coupon from the Red Machine
$1/1 Swiffer, refill or Wetjet, solution, 07/07 P&G (exp 07/31)
= $.99 ea.

If you haven’t yet grabbed this $2/1 Colgate Mouthwash you’ll want to print now – starting tomorrow at CVS:
$3 ECB WYB Colgate mouthwash $5.99 – Limit 2
$2/1 Colgate Mouthwash 32 oz. or Greater
= $.99 ea. (Lim 2)

[marvholly]

Murpath
I don’t think it is the economy getting better. I think it is just busy summer stuff – gardening, kids activities, vacations (staycations?), local events (some FREE), picnics/BBQs………..

Free Salsa
I have a RR expiring Fri too and have not figured out how to ‘spend’ it yet.

[emhalf]

Jul 13, 2013 13:16:35 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

Just something I saw in the news:

How about a $2.5 billion grocery bill? Kroger (KR) is paying that much to buy Harris Teeter Supermarkets (HTSI), which has more than 200 stores in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

That. Is. TRAGIC. If I still lived in NC I would legit cry

This article is a little tongue-in-cheek, but seriously, HT is AWESOME and kroger will run it into the ground.

[hopetoberich]

Hello everyone.
I just spend $100 on two grocery stops and not a coupons in sight. OK I did grab what I wanted which is unusual but gosh prices are high.
Sorry about your surgery Dancing. My doc talked to me about that but I am struggling on. Scared to death of the knife so brave you. Hands are used for everything and I still have to be careful what I do 3 years after my injury. Anyway I hope you heal fast.

[rubyslippers]

Free Reach toothbrushes at Rite Aid this week with $1.00 IPQ.  I'm rolling UPs and saving to get toilet paper next week.  Aldi has grapes @ $.75 lb. and bananas $.44 lb.  There's not too much I need this week besides that and a bag of potatoes. 

[marvholly]

Dominicks (Safeway) is NOT trying harder. I have LONG complained about the ‘poor’ quality of their deal matches. Guess I am not the only one; so what did Safeway do? The program ends 7/23. Wish the other chain (local Jewel is no longer part of the Albertsons group) was not so far off my regular shopping & errands route. In actuality I spend WAAAY more at the 2 local independent markets than I do at the chains. Even w/their …poor coupon policies the prices are SOOOO much better.

While the main Safeway ad has NOTHING I want, there are 2 items on the $5 Fri part. I will get cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese and maybe the turkey burgers. I will likeyly be over budget but I have saved unspent $$ from other weeks. I am staying home today so I will go online to extend the deal thru this weekend. Also have to load some Meijer mPerks deals.

[murphath]

Don't know if any of you have any small painting projects, but Kelly-Moore paints has a coupon for 1 free quart of paint.  Good thru 7/21.  I went and got one yesterday--should cover one wall in our bedroom.  Just want to see if I like the color enough to buy a gallon.

ACE Hardware has the same promo every so often.  I've gone every time and painted DS's bedroom for free.

[marvholly]

Realized again yesterday why I VERY seldom shop at Meijer. My closest store is one of 3 in metro Chicago that does NOT follow the major ad. Only 2 items of my 6 listed wants were on sale at my store and 1 of those was 0.30 cheaper at my independent market.

Did not spend as much at Dominicks (Safeway) as I had planned. They were OOS on one of the cheeses I wanted so I got a raincheck. Like this better as I did not really need it now – have about 14 oz on hand.

Hit it a bit lucky on a pkg of deli ends. It contained slices of salami. That immediately set up a desire for salami omelet. I don’t remember the last time I made that. I KNOW it has been at least 10 years.

[dancinmama]

Jul 14, 2013 12:04:38 GMT -5 murphath said:

Dancinmama wrote:
I'm still here. I had surgery on Thurs for carpel tunnel (all that clipping, you know ). Am finally out of pain. Took ZzzzQuil last night instead of pain meds and it worked GREAT. I can only use my left hand which doesn't work too well. DH has been waiting on me hand and foot - kind of nice. . DH will help me get my coupons tomorrow.

Toodaloo.....

I hope you are feeling better.  It must have taken some effort to type the above!  I've known folks who had that surgery (years ago) and it can be pretty painful.  Your poor little paw...

Thanks so much murphath.  My paw is feeling much better now.    The cast came off and the stitches came out last week and am now in a wrist brace for two weeks with a no lifting/pulling restriction.  After that I ought to be able to do whatever I want.  I've had the condition for over 25 years and have been waiting for the surgery to be perfected before taking the plunge.  It was getting to the point where I could do very little without pain, so it was time.