THE MARCH 2011 GROCERY CHALLENGE THREAD

[dancinmama]

Mar 7, 2011 21:01:29 GMT -5 kathyattraverse said:

Not sure if any of you read Precious' Frugal Makes Cents blog but she has decided to end it because of personal issues; one being the sudden loss of her dearest cousin. She is going to prioritize her life and focus on what is important. Lo and behold, I just wanted to share that I, me, KathyatTraverse, ended up in the ER yesterday in the middle of having a heart attack. I am still in shock and cannot believe that I am sitting in the hospital after having two stints put in an artery and two other arteries with blockage. I feel that I eat mostly healthy, exercise (yoga, pilates, hot yoga, walking) and am not overweight (or maybe 10 lbs). It is recommended that you have a colonoscopy at 50, mammograms at 40; they should have tests for checking clogged arteries (that is covered by insurance). Fortunately, I am feeling fine but have to stay in the hospital until Wed (72 mandatory hours). Thank goodness that I did not have to have my chest cracked open and that I am still here breathing and able to spend time with my children and grandchildren and dearest friends and my hound friends! Looking forward to going home and getting back to work. Haven't asked the doctor yet about work but I can't imagine that I have to be off. We'll see. So ladies take care of yourselves!!! Talk at ya soon.

kathyattraverse: I am sooo glad that you're okay. That's a pretty close call. Have you had cholesterol screenings (done through blood work)? I worry about DH all the time. He doesn't have high blood pressure which I think is a miracle, but he does have high cholesterol and is on one of those cholesterol meds and his job is REALLY high stress. We are counting the months until he retires.

Anyway, here's a hug from me - dancinmama!!

[mommy2twoal]

Mar 7, 2011 22:14:24 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Mar 7, 2011 21:01:29 GMT -5 kathyattraverse said:

Not sure if any of you read Precious' Frugal Makes Cents blog but she has decided to end it because of personal issues; one being the sudden loss of her dearest cousin. She is going to prioritize her life and focus on what is important. Lo and behold, I just wanted to share that I, me, KathyatTraverse, ended up in the ER yesterday in the middle of having a heart attack. I am still in shock and cannot believe that I am sitting in the hospital after having two stints put in an artery and two other arteries with blockage. I feel that I eat mostly healthy, exercise (yoga, pilates, hot yoga, walking) and am not overweight (or maybe 10 lbs). It is recommended that you have a colonoscopy at 50, mammograms at 40; they should have tests for checking clogged arteries (that is covered by insurance). Fortunately, I am feeling fine but have to stay in the hospital until Wed (72 mandatory hours). Thank goodness that I did not have to have my chest cracked open and that I am still here breathing and able to spend time with my children and grandchildren and dearest friends and my hound friends! Looking forward to going home and getting back to work. Haven't asked the doctor yet about work but I can't imagine that I have to be off. We'll see. So ladies take care of yourselves!!! Talk at ya soon.

kathyattraverse: I am sooo glad that you're okay. That's a pretty close call. Have you had cholesterol screenings (done through blood work)? I worry about DH all the time. He doesn't have high blood pressure which I think is a miracle, but he does have high cholesterol and is on one of those cholesterol meds and his job is REALLY high stress. We are counting the months until he retires.

Anyway, here's a hug from me - dancinmama!!

Kathy, OMG. I cannot believe that you are in the hospital like this. I hope all goes well and our thoughts & prayers are with you. Let us know if you need anything.

[ohiositter]

OMG Kathy............ I'm so glad to hear you're doing well take care and please listen to your DR's orders

Nickylee......... I about spilled my coffee all over my computer

[mommy2twoal]

Mar 7, 2011 19:49:23 GMT -5 nickyleey said:

Mar 7, 2011 18:31:27 GMT -5 herekittykitty said:

Nickyleey: OK, I just thought of a retort: "I don't have to use coupons to buy my groceries, either, but I prefer to spend my money buying birth control for people who shouldn't reproduce. Where should I send yours?"

LOL!! I literally had the look on my face after she said that. I tried hard to be nice to her at first, but I'm sure she caught on that I was losing my patience by the time I had to read the dang Q to her.. She seemed to be in a hurry so maybe she was about to get off. She acted like a total spoiled brat and I couldn't help but wonder if her parents made her get a job to accept some responsibility. She really acted like she did not want to be there. We live in an area where there is a high concentration of wealthy people and I could tell by her jewelry, highlights, clothing etc that she came from money.

I used to know someone who believed that there should be a "stupid tax". On occasions like this, I agree with him.

Didn't you just want to say "here's your sign" ""STUPID""
I am in awe that she actually said that to you. And if she "comes from money" then would she really be working in a grocery store.

[ooty1234]

Kathy: I am so glad to hear you are ok, my pound buddy Take care of yourself and take some time off work. **Hugs**

[ooty1234]

NickyLee: I honestly would have just stood there with my mouth gaping open, all bug eyed! When I finally came to my senses, I don't know if I could come up with a reply, but maybe "I am very selective how I choose to spend my hard earned money, and YOU are not paying for my groceries" **insert raspberries here**

[shelly527in]

Mar 7, 2011 16:08:01 GMT -5 nickyleey said:

Mar 7, 2011 7:30:49 GMT -5 marvholly said:

This is another place that seems to have trouble hiring people who can actually read.

I tend to have similar experiences at several of the stores in my area, not just WM! I was at Harris Teeter (a local grocery store) yesterday. I bought one box of Mrs. Paul's fish sticks and 1 bag of bird's eye steamfresh veggies. I had a Q from All You that said you get 1 BE steamfresh veggie FREE (up to $2) when you buy 1 Mrs. Paul's OR 1 Van Camp's and had a picture of all 3 products on the Q. So the cashier rang it all up and I handed over the Q. Here's how it went down:

Without even reading she said "you didn't get everything pictured on the Q".

I said "I fulfilled the necessary requirements to get the free bag of birdseye veggies and that was buying the Mrs. Paul's. You only have to buy either Mrs. Pauls OR Van Camps, not both. Here's the price of the birdseye veggies so you just scan the Q and enter than in."

Cashier: "Ugh, I know how to do it. What I"m saying is that you didn't get everything in the picture."

Nickyleey: "If you read the Q, it clearly says that you get one free Birdseye when you buy Mrs. Paul's or Van Camp's."

Cashier: "Ugh, I don't HAVE to read the Q. The picture clearly shows 3 items and you didn't get all 3."

Nickyleey: (grabs coupon and reads it to her) "Please ring this up correctly"

Cashier: "Fine." (does it, then pauses and looks me in the eye). "I may be stupid but at least I don't have to use coupons to buy my groceries."
Nickyleey: "You're right, I suppose you are the lucky one. Have a great day."

I would have had to say: "you are stupid BECAUSE you don't use coupons!" Might not be very Christian of me, but at least it would be honest!

[shelly527in]

Mar 7, 2011 18:31:27 GMT -5 herekittykitty said:

Nickyleey: OK, I just thought of a retort: "I don't have to use coupons to buy my groceries, either, but I prefer to spend my money buying birth control for people who shouldn't reproduce. Where should I send yours?"

herekittykitty Good response!

kathyattraverse I'm glad you are okay....Thanks to God for taking care of you!

4hatsandfrugal Thanks for the Pamper Qs...co-worker will appreciate them!

[debinwa]

Mar 7, 2011 21:01:29 GMT -5 kathyattraverse said:

Not sure if any of you read Precious' Frugal Makes Cents blog but she has decided to end it because of personal issues; one being the sudden loss of her dearest cousin. She is going to prioritize her life and focus on what is important. Lo and behold, I just wanted to share that I, me, KathyatTraverse, ended up in the ER yesterday in the middle of having a heart attack. I am still in shock and cannot believe that I am sitting in the hospital after having two stints put in an artery and two other arteries with blockage. I feel that I eat mostly healthy, exercise (yoga, pilates, hot yoga, walking) and am not overweight (or maybe 10 lbs). It is recommended that you have a colonoscopy at 50, mammograms at 40; they should have tests for checking clogged arteries (that is covered by insurance). Fortunately, I am feeling fine but have to stay in the hospital until Wed (72 mandatory hours). Thank goodness that I did not have to have my chest cracked open and that I am still here breathing and able to spend time with my children and grandchildren and dearest friends and my hound friends! Looking forward to going home and getting back to work. Haven't asked the doctor yet about work but I can't imagine that I have to be off. We'll see. So ladies take care of yourselves!!! Talk at ya soon.

Holy cow! So happy to hear everything turned out well. I hope you rest up and get back to normal fast!

[Frugal Nurse]

Kathy: I'm sorry to hear you've had such a scare! It's great that you are here and they were able to open up your arteries! I wish you a speedy recovery!

I also wanted to say that lots of people have stents in their hearts and are able to go back to their normal, active lives. My dad had to have 3 arteries opened with stents in October 2009, and he was back to his old life within a couple of months.(unfortunately he is also back to his old eating habits....)

Did your hospital give you information about any kind of heart rehab program or therapy group? Many hospitals have services where you can start an vigorous exercise program, learn how to cook a proper heart-healthy diet, and ways to de-stress.

[marvholly]

SHOCK!!!
I was very pleasantly surprised to have NO issues w/ my $1 coupons on 0.97 items. The register gave me the overage against my sales tax. The tide coupon was a problem in and of itself but I worked my way up the flagpole and had it accepted.

However, I was VERY disappointed in my closest Walmart store. They have not remodeled to have a larger food & home supplies section like the one on my way to my Dad. Also, everything I checked prices on I KNOW I have paid less elsewhere. Don’t know if the pricing issue is this store or all Walmart since I seldom shop there. Checking the other store today.

All was NOT wasted, however, as I stopped at 2 fruit/veg markets to check for sales & clearance, CVS and at my bank to get $$ for next week.

NickeyLee
The Walmart cashier comment was right on spot w/the attitude I get from their cashiers ALL the time, eye rolls, huff & puffs and I usually have <10 items and less coupons. Similar issue re: reading and attitude at WAGs. If I had the time I would have insisted she call the mgr and repeat EXACTLY what she said. Then told him I was filing a FORMAL, written complaint w/corp. ALL my CVS cashiers are great now that I have ‘trained’ them. I also have 2 good cashiers at my Safeway (Dominicks). The fruit/veg markets have a very high/fast turnover and I don’t know them even going every week and none take IP’s. The Food4Less has the reading comprehension issue w/ALL cashiers and acceptance of IP’s is dependent on the mgr working like WAG used to be.

Kittykitty
LOVE your response to Walmart cashier. May I barrow as needed? Exalted you for it.

Ooty
Like your response too.

Thinking now maybe a response should/could be: “would you like to pay for my groceries and ….(whatever else was in my order), then I will give up coupons.

Kathy
Glad to hear you are doing ok. Take car & follow Dr. orders. I suspect some new meds are on your horizon.

[pubbler]

Kathy, your post gave me quite a scare. I'm so happy to hear you are okay. Hope you get to go home soon
50c Lysol Wipes at RA (3/20 - 3/26). Lysol Wipes & Bowl Cleaner will be $1.99, get $1 UP. Use the $1/2 Q (SS ??) & pay only 50c each. There's also a $1 SCR WYB 2 wipes/bowl cleaner. So free (for the first 2).
So annoyed, MI ads also didn't have any SCR items.
Starkist Tuna MM at Meijer. Starkist tuna is 20% off this week. Lowest priced one is $1.03. Buy 6, get $1.50 OYNO.
Scenario:
6 x Starkist Tuna @ $1.03 each = $6.18
Less 2 x $1.50/3 Q (RP 3/6) (3.00)
Less 3 x $1/2 Mealbox Q (3.00)
OOP $0.18, get $1.50 OYNO. Profit of $1.32
Ruby - does your Kroger deduct both eQ & Man Qs? My stores used to do that, but now they only accept one Q per item (can't combine the 2)

[mawmawandlovingit]

Kathy: So sorry that you had to go through this, but very happy that you are ok. You are in my prayers and I hope you have a very speedy recovery.

[ohmomto2boys]

Kathy - I hope you recover quickly. Very sorry this has happened to you.

Staples - Is anyone doing the rewards? I have $4 for toner cartrigdes and $23 from easy rebates that expire 4/30. There are a couple things that look good (to me) this week.
Pentell RSVP ballpoint pens - $2.49 - $.49 instant savings & $2 Easy Rebate
$10 Envelopes, pull & seal, security, 100 pack $8.49 - $3.49 instant savings $5 Easy Rebate
Then several $1/$2 deals (they don't come with easy rebates).

[nickyleey]

Mar 7, 2011 22:29:11 GMT -5 @mommy2twoal said:

Mar 7, 2011 19:49:23 GMT -5 nickyleey said:

Didn't you just want to say "here's your sign" ""STUPID""
I am in awe that she actually said that to you. And if she "comes from money" then would she really be working in a grocery store.

No kidding! She just acted so snotty and it made no sense to me that she was a cashier at a grocery store but looking down her nose at me the whole time for using coupons. While she was ringing up my groceries, she was talking to one of her friends about some kind of makeup or something and not even focusing on what she was doing. I don't see her lasting very long at her job.

You'd be surprised at the amount of "rich" people in my area that are now "suffering" due to the economy. They can't unload their $500K+ homes and are not bringing in enough to cover the mortgage anymore. From the way she looked and acted, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if her parents made her get this job to help out or pay for her own wants. She reminded me of the girls in the movie "Mean Girls".

[mercee]

kathy - get some rest & I wish you a speedy recovery!!

I stopped at Walmart today & used a $2 RR from Walgreens. The cashier was extremely skeptical in taking it because apparently they've all been written up before for taking them. So I spoke with her & two managers & showed them the policy that says that as long as it says "Manufacturers coupon" on it, they are supposed to take it. The manager allowed it to go through (though it did scan on it's own) & will make sure that the cashier doesn't get written up for it. I spent probably 5-10 min discussing it with them. They were nice about it, but clearly it was a hassle for all involved - esp since the RR does say "redeemable at Walgreens".

[suziq38]

Mar 7, 2011 22:04:43 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Mar 7, 2011 18:49:21 GMT -5 hopetoberich said:

I am down to $6UP's I need to buy some almay to get a few new ones. I have about 8 $2 MQ. Does anyone have other ideas to get more UP's using coupons?

hopingtoberich: Starting 3/13 the Bumble Bee Chunk White Tuna will be $1.50 ea. You will buy (10) and get $1 UP for each and a $5 bonus UP for buying $15 worth. The limit is (2) so you can do the deal twice and you don't need ANY coupons (well, except UPs to pay your OOP). HTH

Dancinmama,
I can test this one on Friday.
Please remind me as it sounds like a great deal to "roll" the UPs.

Thank you!!

[suziq38]

Mar 7, 2011 16:53:26 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Skippy PB recall - for those who have not checked your stash yet, here are the details - www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm245897.htm

Thank you,
saveinLA,
I love you and others on this message board that keep us up to date and safe.
I did not know, so I am going to have DH check my banana box full of stockpile Skippy for the dates listed on the recall.

[jdnstl]

Mar 8, 2011 9:49:23 GMT -5 ohmomto2boys said:

Kathy - I hope you recover quickly. Very sorry this has happened to you.

Staples - Is anyone doing the rewards? I have $4 for toner cartrigdes and $23 from easy rebates that expire 4/30. There are a couple things that look good (to me) this week.
Pentell RSVP ballpoint pens - $2.49 - $.49 instant savings & $2 Easy Rebate
$10 Envelopes, pull & seal, security, 100 pack $8.49 - $3.49 instant savings $5 Easy Rebate
Then several $1/$2 deals (they don't come with easy rebates).

ohmom - i posted my buys at staples sunday but that was several pages ago. i had some rewards checks to use and i got almost all rebate items, just used a $1 filler to use the whole check but also since i'm trying to get into teaching i used this as a great excuse to stock up on some stuff. i also wanted to turn my rewards into cash, so this was a good week to do that! here's my transaction:

pens = $2
paper clips $2x2 = 4
envelopes $5x2 = 10
HP photo paper = $8.99
very tiny useful box = $1
subtotal $25.99 - 25 rewards statement, OOP 0.99+.08 tax = $1.07 will get $24.99 back in rebates!!!

did this a second time with a $25.30 rewards check & submitted the rebates at my mom's addy.

[bobbysgirl]

I have a post on my blog about a conversation I had with Amy Dacyczyn. Our frugal mama! We talked for over an hour, and had a good time. This is not an interview and I promised not to promote her. Thought you all would be interested.

[mizbear]

I want to give many thanks again for everyone who sent me the slimfast and special K qs last month- I haven't seen a whole lot of number loss on the scale- but my jeans are falling down!! Now I have to start eating the regular food again and keep it up!

[murphath]

kathy: I hope you are feeling much better and will be home soon. Like dancinmama, I thought regular cholesterol tests were the predictor for potential clogged ateries. I'm not in the medical field (I'll have to ask my DD2 who is in med school) if this is the case. In any event, take care and don't rush back too soon!

[suziq38]

Kathy,
I am glad that you are O.K.
What a shock!
Take care of yourself and rest for awhile.
We'll be thinking good thoughts about you for a speedy recovery.

[suziq38]

Hitenny sent me the cutest card.
It is fairly large, and has a picture of the cutest dog on the front. It is smiling!
It says: "A They Say in Obedience School.....(now open card).....HEAL!!!"
So appropriate for the "hounder" that needs rest, LOL.

Perfect. I love it.
Thanks again.

[dancinmama]

Mar 8, 2011 10:28:18 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

Mar 7, 2011 22:04:43 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

hopingtoberich: Starting 3/13 the Bumble Bee Chunk White Tuna will be $1.50 ea. You will buy (10) and get $1 UP for each and a $5 bonus UP for buying $15 worth. The limit is (2) so you can do the deal twice and you don't need ANY coupons (well, except UPs to pay your OOP). HTH

Dancinmama,
I can test this one on Friday.
Please remind me as it sounds like a great deal to "roll" the UPs.

Thank you!!

suzi: Okie dokie. Please post and let us know how it goes. I wanted to burn most of my UPs on SCR items this week; but as you know, we didn't get the sales prices so I used spent some extra UPs so that I could convert my $20 ones into SCRs, but still have several of the old snack UPs that I will need to roll. I am hoping that the stocking stars align (like they did with the snacks) and that I can stockpile tuna and roll my UPs in one fell swoop. Thanks goodness my DH LOVES tuna sandwiches cuz my tuna stockpile is already pretty darn good (due to sales and EBs at CVS).

[dancinmama]

Mar 8, 2011 10:34:44 GMT -5 suziq38 said:

Mar 7, 2011 16:53:26 GMT -5 saveinla said:

Skippy PB recall - for those who have not checked your stash yet, here are the details - www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm245897.htm

Thank you,
saveinLA,
I love you and others on this message board that keep us up to date and safe.
I did not know, so I am going to have DH check my banana box full of stockpile Skippy for the dates listed on the recall.

suzi: None of the recalled products were shipped to CA so you ought to be good.

[jdnstl]

GDA - "Like" CVS on facebook & get a free candy/drink coupon through 3/10/11!!!

[dancinmama]

Mar 8, 2011 12:21:53 GMT -5 jdnstl said:

GDA - "Like" CVS on facebook & get a free candy/drink coupon through 3/10/11!!!

jdnstl: Could you provide a link? I have a FB account (just to get coupons), but I've never even seen my FB page and wouldn't know how to get to it if I wanted to.

[mercee]

Hound Alert Can anyone print / scan the $1 /1 Newman's Own products found on Facebook by "liking" them & email it to me please? You should be able to print it twice. I can get pasta sauce for FREE when these are doubled! mercee75 at gmail dot com

www.facebook.com/newmansown?v=app_10442206389

THANK YOU!!

[jdnstl]

Mar 8, 2011 12:25:18 GMT -5 dancinmama said:

Mar 8, 2011 12:21:53 GMT -5 jdnstl said:

GDA - "Like" CVS on facebook & get a free candy/drink coupon through 3/10/11!!!

jdnstl: Could you provide a link? I have a FB account (just to get coupons), but I've never even seen my FB page and wouldn't know how to get to it if I wanted to.

dancin - i clicked the link in today's email from them. when i click that link it gives me this web address:

www.facebook.com/CVS?sk=app_161582440546564