2014 Grocery Challenge

[murphath]

Re my Harbor Freight coupon request:

I noticed that the most recent one from last Sunday was for 20%.  That's why I'd like to get as many 25% off ones as possible.

Thanks again.

[marvholly]

You guys will appreciate this.

When I went to my good fruit/veg market last week I planned to buy a 1 lb bag of frozen calamari rings for $4. Was VERY disappointed that there were none in the case. However, there were LARGER bags of rings at $2/lb. So I bought a $5 bag (2.5 lb). Spent $1 more for 2.5x as much.

Made some w/pasta the next day and they are good. I am a HAPPY camper.

[rubyslippers]

Murpath, I have 2 of the coupons you need.  PM me your address and I'll send them off to you.

When we dig out of all the snow we got last night, I'm going to price match bread for $.69, eggs $1.29 (Walgreens), pineapple $1.00, lettuce $.89, oranges $1.99, 3 lb. onions $.99 and celery $.69.  Walgreens also has Progresso soup for $1.25 this week and I printed out $1.00 IPQ's last night.  If I get the overage I'm hoping to get, I'll get the cans of soup for $.11 a can.

[constanz22]

Feb 1, 2014 16:53:04 GMT -5 murphath said:

Re my Harbor Freight coupon request:

I noticed that the most recent one from last Sunday was for 20%.  That's why I'd like to get as many 25% off ones as possible.

Thanks again.

I PM'd you too.  I have several, just need your address.

[saveinla]

Feb 1, 2014 16:53:04 GMT -5 murphath said:

Re my Harbor Freight coupon request:

I noticed that the most recent one from last Sunday was for 20%.  That's why I'd like to get as many 25% off ones as possible.

Thanks again.

murphath,

This week's insert had 1 inside for 25% off and 1 in the paper itself. I have 4 of these coupons and can send them. Please let me know if you need anything else.

[murphath]

Thanks constanzz, saveinla, and rubyslippers!  I think with what your send me, I'll have enough Harbor Freight q's.

You gals are the best!

[saveinla]

dancinmama & murphath- MFA is giving away 50$ Grocery Outlet cards. You can enter until 2/6

myfrugaladventures.com/2014/02/giveaway-grocery-outlet-50-gift-card-2/

[FreeSalsa]

Jan 28, 2014 11:04:19 GMT -5 murphath said:

Quick question:
Do any of you do Swagbucks?  Is it similar to My Points?  Is it worth it?

OH, am I too late  I've been talking about SB for years, trying to get someone to join as a referral.  For me it's totally worth it.  I can do a lot of it at work since I'm in front of my computer all day.  The rest I can do on my laptop at home in front of the TV.  There are surveys,videos you don't even have to watch, secret codes that my friends and I share with each other.  You also get points for searching, which is what you have to do anyway.  I make $20-30 a month sometimes and you can do more to earn more or do less to earn less, depending on your time and Internet access.  It's totally worth it for me.  If you want to do it I can send you a list of tips on where to find codes.

MyPoints is ok, though I don't use it as much.  I think I have a $10 GC waiting for me but haven't checked on it lately.  That one is harder for me since it requires me to logon to my junk mail and read through the e-mails.  It's not hard, it just takes a lot longer for me.

Please PM me your e-mail address if you'd like a referral so I get some points out of your points.  It would really help me out!

 

[skubikky]

At WM last night.
Went looking for the Schick Hydro Silk disposable women's razors.
Noticed that they were marked $1.50? Asked one of the sales associates if she could scan it for me.
It came up $7.97 but she said they'd honor the display price.

(2) $1.50 Hydro Silk razors = $3.00 + $0.23 tax = $3.23
                                                                 -$4/1 MC
                                                      Total = <$0.77>

Got paid $0.77 to take home 2 razors!
Not sure if I've ever done a MM like that. 

[murphath]

FreeSalsa wrote:
OH, am I too late I've been talking about SB for years, trying to get someone to join as a referral. For me it's totally worth it. I can do a lot of it at work since I'm in front of my computer all day. The rest I can do on my laptop at home in front of the TV. There are surveys,videos you don't even have to watch, secret codes that my friends and I share with each other. You also get points for searching, which is what you have to do anyway. I make $20-30 a month sometimes and you can do more to earn more or do less to earn less, depending on your time and Internet access. It's totally worth it for me. If you want to do it I can send you a list of tips on where to find codes.


Turns out I already had an account for Swagbucks--just never used it.  I may give it a whirl--I don't know.  Now that I'm retired, I'm only on the computer in the morning and I don't have a laptop.  My Points is easy for me because I usually just click thru to get the 5 pts as they pop up when reading my email.  We'll see...

[FreeSalsa]

No worries!  I'll find somebody to use as a referral some day!  

My mom is also retired and she does it off and on all day while paying bills, e-mailing friends, planning vacations, to earn extra money.

[dancinmama]

murphath:  If you find you still need more HF, let me know.  I still have stacks of inserts from last Oct and Nov and they might still be in there (I usually threw out what looked like "junk" ads).

99 Cent Store Shopper Alert
Yesterday I went in and found 2-lb. bags of Halos for $1!!  I've never been able to get them that cheaply before - even after a sale at Safeway and a coupon.

I also found 16 oz. Kraft Simply sour cream for $1.

I saw 15 oz. tubs of Country Crock spreadable butter (with canola oil) for $1, but I have a stockpile of the same product made by Smart Balance in the freezer, so I took a pass.

Safeway
After having seen no good deals for a couple of weeks, I finally stepped foot into Safeway.  Between using a $5/$20, J4U prices, ecoupons, and hangtags, I was able to get the following for $11.22 OOP:

Coupon Center Deals:
(2) 14 oz. plain Cheerios
(4) Lays 40% Less Fat Kettle Chips (ya, it would be a lot less fat if I just skipped the darn things!! )

Personalized Deals:
(4) 24 oz. Mt. Olive dill slices
(1) 7 oz. Eating Right hummus

Not even close to free like in the old days, but it will have to do.  The only reason I stepped foot in there at all was because of the $5/$20 and I really wanted those Cheerios. 

[murphath]

Dancin:

Thanks for the offer: think I'm good for now.

Re chips: everyone needs a little crunch with their lunch.

[jeep108]

Not sure if it will be in your Region or not.  This weekend we are getting $4 Venus coupons in the Redplum.  Fry's (Kroger)has the Embrace for $4.99.  So cheap razors.

[Deleted]

Feb 3, 2014 23:12:15 GMT -5 FreeSalsa said:

Jan 28, 2014 11:04:19 GMT -5 murphath said:

Quick question:
Do any of you do Swagbucks?  Is it similar to My Points?  Is it worth it?

OH, am I too late  I've been talking about SB for years, trying to get someone to join as a referral.  For me it's totally worth it.  I can do a lot of it at work since I'm in front of my computer all day.  The rest I can do on my laptop at home in front of the TV.  There are surveys,videos you don't even have to watch, secret codes that my friends and I share with each other.  You also get points for searching, which is what you have to do anyway.  I make $20-30 a month sometimes and you can do more to earn more or do less to earn less, depending on your time and Internet access.  It's totally worth it for me.  If you want to do it I can send you a list of tips on where to find codes.

MyPoints is ok, though I don't use it as much.  I think I have a $10 GC waiting for me but haven't checked on it lately.  That one is harder for me since it requires me to logon to my junk mail and read through the e-mails.  It's not hard, it just takes a lot longer for me.

Please PM me your e-mail address if you'd like a referral so I get some points out of your points.  It would really help me out!

 

I use both and find them useful.  I check my email for mypoint and get about $25-30/CVS gift cards/year.  Swagbucks I put a little more time into and get about $55-$60/year. 

[Deleted]

Jan 30, 2014 8:26:57 GMT -5 skubikky said:

Tops last night:

(2) Muellers pasta  $0.79 - $0.75 + $0.04(only doubles up to the amount of the item) = free
(2) Purex 50 oz  BOGO @ $4.99/1 - $1.50/2 = $3.78/2 = $1.64 each(not like the old days but ok)
(2) Bison cottage cheese BOGO @ $3.49/1 -$1/2 = $2.49/2 = $1.25 each
(2) Tribe Hummus BOGO @ $3.69/1 = $1.85 each (need for company this weekend)
(2) Tops pretzels BOGO @ $2.49/1 = $1.25 each

Were those coupons online or from the newspaper? 

[skubikky]

Feb 6, 2014 12:55:47 GMT -5 @gin1984 said:

Jan 30, 2014 8:26:57 GMT -5 skubikky said:

Tops last night:

(2) Muellers pasta  $0.79 - $0.75 + $0.04(only doubles up to the amount of the item) = free
(2) Purex 50 oz  BOGO @ $4.99/1 - $1.50/2 = $3.78/2 = $1.64 each(not like the old days but ok)
(2) Bison cottage cheese BOGO @ $3.49/1 -$1/2 = $2.49/2 = $1.25 each
(2) Tribe Hummus BOGO @ $3.69/1 = $1.85 each (need for company this weekend)
(2) Tops pretzels BOGO @ $2.49/1 = $1.25 each

Were those coupons online or from the newspaper? 

The Mueller's was from their website
The Purex I had printed from Coupons.com awhile ago.
The Bison was from the RP or SS.

[Deleted]

Feb 6, 2014 12:57:38 GMT -5 skubikky said:

Feb 6, 2014 12:55:47 GMT -5 @gin1984 said:

Were those coupons online or from the newspaper? 

The Mueller's was from their website
The Purex I had printed from Coupons.com awhile ago.
The Bison was from the RP or SS.

THANKS!  I'll see if I can get the first two.

[dancinmama]

Feb 6, 2014 12:44:52 GMT -5 jeep108 said:

Not sure if it will be in your Region or not.  This weekend we are getting $4 Venus coupons in the Redplum.  Fry's (Kroger)has the Embrace for $4.99.  So cheap razors.

$1 plus tax is pretty darn good these days. 

Whatever happened to $2-$4 MM razors?  <<sigh>>

[jeep108]

Feb 7, 2014 10:58:43 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Feb 6, 2014 12:44:52 GMT -5 jeep108 said:

Not sure if it will be in your Region or not.  This weekend we are getting $4 Venus coupons in the Redplum.  Fry's (Kroger)has the Embrace for $4.99.  So cheap razors.

$1 plus tax is pretty darn good these days. 

Whatever happened to $2-$4 MM razors?  <<sigh>>

I know I miss the MM>

[marvholly]

I know I miss the MM>

Don't we all. I know I have been doing more shopping at WAG than at CVS for several months. This is WAAAY unusual since the end of the online WAG easy saver rebates.

While I do NOT have Grocery Outlet I do have a multitude of independent (local chains) stores & fruit/veg markets. I have not been in our remaining natl chain (Jewel) in about 2 months. When I worked i would sometimes go as the work one had TOP quality meat. Local one is eh. Rest of their prices are not too great.

[emhalf]

Coupons.com currently has a $2/1 available for angel soft (12 roll+). They will be on sale 3/$15 with $5 EB at CVS on week of 2/16. I really hope that's not a misprint, because that will be an awesome price. Quilted northern and sparkle are also included in the sale, so I will probably get 2 angel soft and 1 sparkle (need PT).     

I did a lot of shopping at RA this week and got several free or nearly free items. I also racked up almost $50 toward the February UP rewards game, so I'm hoping some other deals materialize. 

[marvholly]

I read about the Angel Soft deal BUT as a single person that is WAAAY too much for me to buy, need or use so I plan to pass.

MANY of the deals lately require the purchase of WAAAY more than a single can use in a reasonable amount of time. I wonder if these stores have any concept of how much their business hinges on singles (new grads, 1st apts, divorced, widowed)? WAG has a 'new' trick. Sale is 10 for $5 BUT if you buy less than 10 price is 0.59 ea. HATE being discriminated because DH died.

[FreeSalsa]

Feb 9, 2014 6:48:04 GMT -5 marvholly said:

I read about the Angel Soft deal BUT as a single person that is WAAAY too much for me to buy, need or use so I plan to pass.

MANY of the deals lately require the purchase of WAAAY more than a single can use in a reasonable amount of time. I wonder if these stores have any concept of how much their business hinges on singles (new grads, 1st apts, divorced, widowed)? WAG has a 'new' trick. Sale is 10 for $5 BUT if you buy less than 10 price is 0.59 ea. HATE being discriminated because DH died.

They've been doing that for a few years at my Wags.  And you have to read the fine print below the large sale price on the shelf to notice it.  I'd still get the TP at that price.  We can always find a place to store cheap TP.  I'll keep it in my car if I have to.  

[frugalsuz]

Feb 7, 2014 10:58:43 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Feb 6, 2014 12:44:52 GMT -5 jeep108 said:

Not sure if it will be in your Region or not.  This weekend we are getting $4 Venus coupons in the Redplum.  Fry's (Kroger)has the Embrace for $4.99.  So cheap razors.

$1 plus tax is pretty darn good these days. 

Whatever happened to $2-$4 MM razors?  <<sigh>>

Seriously!  I've actually caved and just started to buy the cartridges.  I started a price sheet too, so I can track the best sales on cartridges and a couple other items.

Haven't poked my head in for a while and just wanted to say hi!   

I switched to sulfate free shampoo recently and unloaded 20+ bottles of shampoo on my sister and ebay.  It felt so good to get rid of them!  Isn't that weird?  Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful for all the sales and promos that got me all those shampoos for free, but I'm so sick of having them around the house!  Ditto to dishwasher detergent and paper towels and pantiliners and Dawn dish soap.  Its not like I'm going to toss my stockpile or anything, but I'm tired of looking at it.  Couponing problems I guess.    

[constanz22]

Feb 11, 2014 15:14:32 GMT -5 frugalsuz said:

Feb 7, 2014 10:58:43 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

$1 plus tax is pretty darn good these days. 

Whatever happened to $2-$4 MM razors?  <<sigh>>

Seriously!  I've actually caved and just started to buy the cartridges.  I started a price sheet too, so I can track the best sales on cartridges and a couple other items.

Haven't poked my head in for a while and just wanted to say hi!   

I switched to sulfate free shampoo recently and unloaded 20+ bottles of shampoo on my sister and ebay.  It felt so good to get rid of them!  Isn't that weird?  Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful for all the sales and promos that got me all those shampoos for free, but I'm so sick of having them around the house!  Ditto to dishwasher detergent and paper towels and pantiliners and Dawn dish soap.  Its not like I'm going to toss my stockpile or anything, but I'm tired of looking at it.  Couponing problems I guess.    

Miss you girl! Good to see you!
I am contemplating a BIG move (to FL) so I am giving away and selling stockpile items more than usual. I too am very thankful but there is still WAY TOO MUCH!

[dancinmama]

Nice to see ya post, frugalsuz.  I don't have much to contribute to the GC these days either as I have pretty much "retired" from couponing - not only was it going to start costing my OOP for stuff I already had stockpiled in abundance, but last December the liquor store that let me pull inserts was sold, so I lost my free inserts.  No matter though - the (2) stores where I find AWESOME deals on food don't even take MCs!! 

I am loving the non-perishables products that I strategically stockpiled during the glory days of couponing.  I haven't had to purchase anything non-perishable that we use in over a year and don't think that I will need to for a very long time.  All of my stockpiles are behind cabinet doors so I don't have to look at them until I go to grab something that we need.

Anyway, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!! 

[grits]

I hit loss price leaders with coupons on Cottonelle at Kroger. I hit a lot of sales with coupons, and loss price leaders in January. I don't think I'll be buying much this month at the grocery. I stocked up on paper goods, detergent, bath soap, toothpaste, shampoo, staples, canned goods, frozen food, fresh fruit and veggies. Honestly, it will take me well into March or April to eat all of this stuff.  I kind of hate to admit it but I hit a sale on Ghiradelli brownie mix.  I....well, I bought a dozen boxes.   

[marvholly]

Got a couple decent sales on chicken in my area: bone in breasts for 0.99/lb and whole for 0.79/lb (cheaper than Aldi. Won't know my good fruit/veg mkt sales until thur.

Family is getting together at DD1’s on Sat. there is a produce store just a bit further from her that often has some good deals. NOT this week. Also, this is the first week in a LONG time I do not have anything I want on special at Aldi, not even produce.

[azucena]

Feb 8, 2014 20:58:29 GMT -5 emhalf said:

Coupons.com currently has a $2/1 available for angel soft (12 roll+). They will be on sale 3/$15 with $5 EB at CVS on week of 2/16. I really hope that's not a misprint, because that will be an awesome price. Quilted northern and sparkle are also included in the sale, so I will probably get 2 angel soft and 1 sparkle (need PT).     

I did a lot of shopping at RA this week and got several free or nearly free items. I also racked up almost $50 toward the February UP rewards game, so I'm hoping some other deals materialize. 

What's the zip code for the $2?  I only see 0.55.  I've been watching for a TP deal as we're almost out.