Best Bloom Deals: 6/30-7/6

Thanks to Sarah at A Bookworm's Bargains for providing us with the best Bloom deals each week.  Check out her complete list here. 

Check out the awesome 4th of July weekend deals!

3 Day Sale! (July 2nd, 3rd, & 4th) Buy One, Get Two Free Bloom Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns (8 ct) - 3/$1.17
Bloom Raw Shrimp (41-50 ct) - 3/$7.99
Table Top Deli Salads (1 lb) - 3/$3.49
Meats
Holly Farms Chicken Breasts - $1.99/lb
Ground Chuck - $2.49/lb

Ball Park Meat or Beef Franks - B1G1
Use (2) $0.75/1, found in 6/27 RP
Final Price: Varies

Produce
Hass Avocados - $0.99/ea
Vidalia Onions - $0.99/lb
Seedless Watermelon - $3.88/ea
Yellow or White Corn - 6/$0.96

Olivia Organic Salads - $2.99
Use $1.00/1, found here
Final Price: $1.99

Grocery
Bush's Baked or Grilling Beans - 3/$5
Ragu Pasta Sauce - 3/$5

Kingsford Match Light Charcoal (6.8-7.2 lbs) - $4.88
Use $1.00/1, found here
Final Price: $3.88

Lay's Potato Chips - B1G1
Final Price: $2.00/ea

Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat - B1G1
Final Price: $1.50
Dairy
Bloom Butter - $1.99
Bloom Shreds and Chunk Cheese - 3/$5
Heluva Good Dip - $1.50
Use $0.50/1, found 6/20 SS
Final Price: $1.00
Drinks
Pepsi (12 Pack, 12 oz) - 4/$10

Frozen
Breyer's Ice Cream (48-56 oz) - $2.50
Use $0.75/2, found in 6/27 SS
Final Price: $4.25 for 2
Red Baron Pizza - 3/$10
Use $1.00/1, found in 6/6 SS
Final Price: $2.33

Easy Freezer Meals

In addition to packing for the beach trip for myself and the girls this week, I've also been preparing food to freeze for my husband to eat while were gone.  It's important to me that he have easy and nutritious meals available without spending money eating out.  (Plus, then he has more time to work on the home projects he's planning!)  Here are some of the items I'm preparing for him: 

Breakfasts - Michael will probably eat a bowl of cereal at home, and then grab a yogurt to take with him to work.  I also made a batch of homemade bagels and frozen them.

Work Lunches - We used a Restaurant.com gift card to eat at our favorite pizzeria on Father's Day.  Since the gift card had a $50 minimum purchase (which goes far at this reasonably priced restaurant), we ordered two pizzas to go.  Then I froze them in  packages of two slices.  Michael can grab one of these each day as his lunch, with no sandwich-making or time involved!

I'm also leaving little ziploc bags of chips, granola bars, and invidividual cups of applesauce and diced fruit as snacks he can take to eat throughout the workday.

Dinners - Chili and lasanga were his requests, so that's what I'm making.  I'm freezing a small lasanga in aluminum foil, which he can thaw and bake and then eat over several days.  The chili I'm packaging in individual serving size plastic containers. 

He'll also have plenty of fresh salad and spinach from our garden, which he knows that he has to pick to maintain the garden.  He might even get the first tomatoes or cucumbers too!

PS - I hope this list doesn't make it sound like I'm an oppressed wife or something!  Even though it is some extra work this week, I'm happy to prepare this stuff for him.  I'm the one that handles the food preparation in our family, and I know Michael appreciates that.  In return, I appreciate the fact that he rarely complains about what I make and is willing to eat everything homemade instead of going out. :-)

Photo by pausimausi.

Wegmans Deals: 6/27-7/03

New Deals:

Wegmans 80% Lean Fresh Ground Beef (Club Pack - 6 lbs. or more) - $1.89/lb.

Hebrew National Beef or Reduced Fat Red Hot Dogs (11-12 oz.) - $2.00

Kraft Cool Whip (8 oz.) - $.99
Buy 2 and use $.20/2 from 06/27 SS insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.79 each
Kellogg's Eggo Waffles - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 06/20 RP insert
Final Price: $1.49 each

Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel - $1.88
Use $.75/1 Edge or Skintimate from 06/27 SS insert
Final Price: $1.13
Ongoing Deals:

Produce -
Blueberries (1 dry pint) - $1.50
Jumbo Cantaloupes - $2.00
Florida Whole Seedless Watermelons - $3.99
Wegmans US #1 Russet Idaho Potatoes (5 lb. bag) - $1.99
California Strawberries (2 lb. clamshell package) - $2.99
Sweet Corn - $.25

Grocery -
Kellogg's Pop-Tarts - $1.66
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.16 each
Nabisco Crackers (7-10 oz. Wheat Thins or 8-9.5 oz. Triscuits) - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 5/16 SS insert
Final Price: $1.49 each
Wegmans Elbow Pasta (16 oz.) - $.69
Wegmans BBQ Sauce (19-20 oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce from summer Menu Magazine
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Canned Vegetables (14.5-15.25 oz can) Cream Style Corn, Whole Kernel Corn, French Style Green Beans, or Cut Green Beans - $.39
Old El Paso Refried Beans (16 oz.) and Other Selected Old El Paso - $.99
Buy 2 and use $.60/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $.69 each
Goya Dried Beans (16 oz.) - $.99 (through 09/11)
Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Pasta Salad - $1.49
Use $.50/1 from 6/6 RP insert or buy 2 and use $.50/2 printable coupon here or here or from 5/23 SS insert
Final Price: $.49-$.99 each
Wegmans W Cola (12 pk./12 fl. oz. cans) - $2.00 (Limit 5)
Garden of Eatin' Organic Tortilla Chips (9 oz. Salted Blue or Red Hot Blues) - $1.99
Use $1.00 printable coupon here or here
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Hot Dog or Hamburger Rolls (8 ct./14 oz.) - $.99
Doritos Nacho Chips (11.5-13.875 oz.) - $1.99
Greeting Cards (prices starting at $.99) - $1.00 off 3

Refrigerated -
Ball Park Meat Franks (16 oz. regular or 14 oz. lite) - $1.50
Buy 2 and use $.75/2 coupon from 06/27 RP insert
Final Price: $1.18 each
Hillshire Farm Deli Select Ultra Thin or Premium Hearty Slices (8-9 oz.) - $2.99
Use $.35/1 coupon from 6/6 RP insert or $.55/1 Hearty Slices coupon from 6/6 RP insert or printable
Final Price: $1.89-$2.19
Heluva Good Cheese (8 oz. chunk) - $2.00
Use $.50/1 printable coupon (doubled)
Final Price: $1.00
Tribe Hummus - $1.99
Use $.55/1 printable coupon or buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Turkey Hill Iced Tea or Lemonade (64 fl. oz.) - $1.49
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 from 4/11 RP insert
Final Price: $.99 each

Frozen -
Weight Watchers Smart Ones Entrees (8.5-10.5 oz., all varieties) - $1.99
Buy 10 and use $4.00/10 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.59-$1.79 each
Turkey Hill Ice Cream (48 oz., all varieties)- $2.49
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 05/02 RP insert
Final Price: $1.99 each
North Star Pops (21 fl. oz. melon, patriot, or tropical) - $.99
Healthy Choice Pasta Entrees (8-10 oz.) - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.49 each
Hot or Lean Pockets (9-10.8 oz.) - $1.69
Buy 3 and use $1.00/3 coupon from 4/25 RP insert
Final Price: $1.36 each

Paper/Toiletries/Cleaning -
Wegmans Facial Tissue (65-160 ct. cube or flat) – $.79
Wegmans 8 pk. Paper Towels or 12 pk. Bath Tissue – $4.99
V05 Shampoo or Conditioner - $.77
Vive Pro Shampoo or Conditioner - $2.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 02/21 RP insert
Final Price: $1.99
Secret Solid Antipersperant (2.6-2.7 oz.) - $1.88
Use $.50/1 Secret product from 05/02 P&G insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.88
Bandaid Plastic 3/4" Bandages (60 ct.) - $1.50
Use $.50/1 from 03/18 4/25 SS insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.50
Old Spice High Endurance Deoderant - $1.88
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 5/2 P&G insert
Final Price: $1.38
Purex 2X Laundry Detergent (50 fl. oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Natural Elements printable coupon (if included)
Final Price: $.99
Bandaid Plastic 3/4" Bandages - $1.50
Use $.50/1 coupon from 04/25 SS insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.50
Gillette Foamy Shave Cream (11 oz.) - $.99

My Wegmans deals are based on the Sterling/Leesburg, VA sales ad and deals that I find in the Leesburg store.

With thanks to the coupon database at Mrs. Moneysaver for help in compiling this.

My store doubles coupons up to $.50, but Wegmans' coupon policies vary by store. Find the policy at your store here.

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

Giveaway Ending Soon!

Just a reminder that my Good Earth Dry Dinner Gift Pack giveaway ends tomorrow night at midnight.  If you haven't entered, be sure to enter now!  It's a really nice gift pack!

Product Review: Reno Rose Nurf

Recently I had the opportunity to review an interesting new product: Reno Rose Nurf.

What is Nurf?

Nurf is a patent-pending convertible scarf created by Rino Greenwood, founder of Reno Rose. Originally invented as a nursing cover, the Nurf also complements any woman's outfit as a fashion accessory. The Nurf serves five different functions and can transform into 14 completely different, unique looks.


Functions of the Nurf include the following
Nursing Cover
Stroller/Car Seat Cover
Accessory for purses and diaper bags
Shade for baby carrier or sling
Fashion accessory: to see all 14 different looks, please refer to "The ways to wear Nurf and it's sizing reference."   The Nurf is available in ten different designs.

I received the Emily model (pictured), which is a really attractive light blue and chocolate pattern.  The material is a light and translucent fabric, but it does not seem too sheer for nursing. 

In all honesty, I did not have the opportunity to use the Nurf much since I received it.  Although I think scarves are really attractive, I don't often wear them, and at 7 months pregnant in 90+ degree weather it's been too hot to wear any unnecessary clothing!  However, in cooler weather I would definitely try wearing it in some of the many styles shown on the website.

I think I personally will find the Nurf the most useful when the baby comes.  I have 100% confidence that I will use it as a nursing cover.  I actually have a similar wrap in a heavier knit that I have used as a nursing cover, but the Nurf is better because it much lighter.  I also really like that it does not scream "nursing," but is more like a fashion accessory. 

When you have a baby, having an extra piece of fabric in the diaper bag for padding something or shading or wrapping the baby is always useful as well.  There's always the option of draping it on after breastmilk leaks through your shirt or the baby spits up all over you too!  The Nurf is also so lightweight that it would take up hardly any room rolled in your purse or diaper bag.

The Nurf is priced at $35, which is a little higher than I would probably want to pay.  However, a quick Google search confirmed that it comparable in price to many commerical nursing covers, and the Nurf is more versatile.  I think it would make a really creative baby shower gift for a stylish mommy-to-be.

Overall, I think this is a useful and creative product and could be a worthwhile investment, especially for a nursing mom.

This is a Mama Buzz Review.  The Product was provided by Reno Rose for this review.  The opinions are my own.

Top CVS Deals: 6/27-7/3

Thanks to Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living for the best CVS deals each week.  You can read her full list here.

All Mennen Speed Stick $6/2 (get $3 ECBs wyb 2) Limit 1
$.75 printable
$.75 printable
= $.75 after ECBs
B1G1 Stayfree – starting at $3.79 Limit 6
B1G1 RP 6/27
$2 RP 3/28 (expires Wednesday 6/30)
= FREE – $.21 MONEYMAKER
Note: If your cashier allows it, you can have a $2 MONEYMAKER if you use both coupons.
Windex $10/4 (get $5 ECBs wyb $10) Limit 1
$1 printable
= $0.25 each after ECBS
Betty Crocker Warm Delights $.88
$.75 printable
$.75 printable
$.75 SS 6/27
= $.13 each

Kodak Picture Movie DVD $9.99 (get $9.99 ECBs) Limit 1
= FREE after ECBs

I'm not sure if I'll find time for CVS this week, and I just renewed all my ECBs last week.  However, the Stayfree and Betty Crocker Warm Delights deals are tempting, so I'll see if I have time.

Menu Planning Monday

This weekend the girls and I leave for the beach with my family!  (Unfotunately, my husband has to save his time off for the baby's birth, so he's staying behind.)  I'm very excited, but I have sooo much to do!  Our menus this week are very simple; I'm focusing on getting ready.  Any major cooking I'm doing is to freeze for Michael to eat while were gone (more on that later).

Breakfasts:
cereal, yogurt, eggs, toast

Lunches:
pepperoni, cheese, and crackers; peanut butter; leftovers

Dinners:
Mon - Ground beef stroganoff, salad
Tues - Chili (out of a big pot I'm making for Michael), rice, chips
Wed - Italian sausage with white beans and spinach
Thurs - Leftovers
Fri - Frozen pierogis, salad
Sat - Leave for the beach!!!

Check out more menus at Menu Planning Monday.

Bloom Deals: 6/23-6/29

Thanks to Sarah at A Bookworm's Bargains for the best Bloom deals each week.  You can see her complete list here.

Meats

Holly Farms Split Breasts, Thighs, or Drumsticks - $0.99/lb
Beef Sirloin Tip Roast - $3.99/lb
Natural Choice Ground Turkey - $1.99/lb

Produce
Green Grapes - $0.99/lb
Strawberries (1 lb) or Blueberries (1 pint) - 3/$5

Grocery
Nabisco Chips Ahoy - B1G1
Use (2) $1.00/1, found in July All You
Final Price: $0.84/1

Kellogg's Raisin Bran - B1G1
Use $1.50/3, found in 5/23 RP
Final Price: $6.48/4

Kraft Salad Dressing - 2/$4
Use $1.00/1, found in 6/20 SS
Final Price: $1.00/1

Dairy & Freezer
TGI Friday's Frozen Appetizers - $1.99
Aunt Jemima's Waffles - $1.50

Simply Potatoes (20 oz) - B1G1
Final Price: $1.25

Turkey Hill Ice Cream - 2/$6
Use $1.00/2, found in 4/11 RP
Final Price: $2.50/1

Drinks
Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice - 2/$5
Use $1.00/1, found here.
Final Price: $1.50

Frugal Frozen Treats

Here in the DC area we've had record-breaking highs for the past week or so.  Looks like we'll be having some triple-digit temperature days this summer.  Yikes!

My whole family loves to cool down with frozen treats in the summer, whether it's my girls eating popsicles in the backyard with their friends or us all having a bowl of ice cream after dinner.  However, the regular prices of some of these items are absolutely outrageous!  We can certainly go through a box of popsicles or a carton of ice cream pretty quickly in the summer, so I've worked out a few ways to enjoy these frozen treats for a lot less.

 - Coupon deals - Although many items can still be expensive, summer is the time when the coupons and sales on frozen treats come out.  By watching for BOGO deals or Target gift card deals, combined with coupons, you can definitely stock your freezer for less.  I try never to pay more than $2.00/carton for premium ice cream, and during the summer it's usually pretty easy to get that price.

- Homemade popsicles - My girls eat almost exclusively homemade popsicles, which I can make for pennies each!  A set of plastic popsicle molds costs well under $5 at Target or Walmart (mine are from Ikea).  Once you have the molds, the possibilities are endless.  One of the most frugal types of popsicles I make are from the juices of canned fruit (the real fruit juice kind).  If you figure that we purchased the can to eat the fruit and the juice is extra, then these pops are really free!  Other ideas for making homemade popsicles include any fruit juice, jello (prepare as you would the normal jello recipe), pudding, lemonade mix, Kool-aid, and fresh fruit/smoothie type combinations.

- Other creative homemade options - I purchased an ice cream maker at a yard sale last year, but I haven't actually tried it out yet. I'm curious to find out if making homemade ice cream is any cheaper than buying it on sale.  I do know, from making it in my childhood, that homemade ice cream is extra delicious!  There are lots of other possiblities of homemade frozen options - just ask yourself what you can freeze!  Kid yogurt is one option we've enjoyed lately.  A lot of these yogurts are packaged in ways that make them easy to freeze, and I can often get them very cheap on coupon deals.  Frozen fruit can also be eaten straight from the freezer.  How about grapes on a stick or bananas dipped in chocolate?  Yum!

Please share your ideas for cheaper frozen treats!  Anyone have experience making homemade ice cream?

Check out Life as Mom and Mrs. Moneysaver for more Frugal Fridays.

Photo by gyomedia.

Harris Teeter Super Doubles Trip

Yay - I actually made to HT Super Doubles pretty early this morning; we arrived at about 10:00.  It was nice; I don't think they were out of a single thing that I wanted.  I got some of the last few Danimals yogurt, so probably just a short time later I would have been out of luck!

In total I spent $18.74 for the items pictured (plus a 12 pack of Cottonelle TP I forgot to include in the picture), down from $95.26 before sales and coupons.  I think it was a pretty good super doubles run.  It would have actually been $2.00 cheaper, except that I unfortunately forgot to give the cashier my $1.00 Cottonelle coupon.  Grr - frustrating - but these things happen.

Some of the best deals I got were the free Danimals, Terra chips, and Kahiki egg rolls.  I was also excited about the Nitrate-free Oscar Meyer beef hot dogs for just $.75 per package!  I got most of my coupon matchups from Jenny's lists over at Southern Savers.  Her printable shopping lists are great!

Anyone else make it to Harris Teeter yet this week?

Wegmans Deals: 6/20-6/26

New Deals:

Blueberries (1 dry pint) - $1.50

Jumbo Cantaloupes - $2.00

Kellogg's Pop-Tarts - $1.66
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.16 each

Nabisco Crackers (7-10 oz. Wheat Thins or 8-9.5 oz. Triscuits) - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 5/16 SS insert
Final Price: $1.49 each

Hot or Lean Pockets (9-10.8 oz.) - $1.69
Buy 3 and use $1.00/3 coupon from 4/25 RP insert
Final Price: $1.36 each

Ongoing Deals:

Produce -
Florida Whole Seedless Watermelons - $3.99
Wegmans US #1 3 lb. Bagged Apples - $2.97
Wegmans US #1 Russet Idaho Potatoes (5 lb. bag) - $1.99
California Strawberries (2 lb. clamshell package) - $2.99
Sweet Corn - $.25

Grocery -
Kellogg's Cereal (12.2 oz. Froot Loops, 14 oz. Frosted Flakes, or 20 oz. Raisin Bran) - $1.99 (through 06/27)
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon here, here, or here, or buy 3 and use $1.50/3 coupon from 05/23 RP insert
Final Price: $1.49 each
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (8.4-8.7 oz.) - $2.29
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 05/02 RP insert
Final Price: $1.79 each
Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix (18.3-19.9oz.) or Cake Mix - $.99
Wegmans Elbow Pasta (16 oz.) - $.69
Wegmans BBQ Sauce (19-20 oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce from summer Menu Magazine
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Canned Vegetables (14.5-15.25 oz can) Cream Style Corn, Whole Kernel Corn, French Style Green Beans, or Cut Green Beans - $.39
Old El Paso Refried Beans (16 oz.) and Other Selected Old El Paso - $.99
Buy 2 and use $.60/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $.69 each
Goya Dried Beans (16 oz.) - $.99 (through 09/11)
Wegmans Chunk Light Yellowfin Tuna (6 oz. in water) - $.69 (through 06/26)
Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Pasta Salad - $1.49
Use $.50/1 from 6/6 RP insert or buy 2 and use $.50/2 printable coupon here or here or from 5/23 SS insert
Final Price: $.49-$.99 each
Keebler Vienna Fingers, Pecan Sandies, or Rainbow Chips Deluxe Cookies - $1.99
Buy 2 Sandies and use $2.00/2 peelie coupon on package
Final Price: $.99 each
Wegmans W Cola (12 pk./12 fl. oz. cans) - $2.00 (Limit 5)
Garden of Eatin' Organic Tortilla Chips (9 oz. Salted Blue or Red Hot Blues) - $1.99
Use $1.00 printable coupon here or here
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Hot Dog or Hamburger Rolls (8 ct./14 oz.) - $.99
Doritos Nacho Chips (11.5-13.875 oz.) - $1.99
Greeting Cards (prices starting at $.99) - $1.00 off 3

Refrigerated -
Ball Park Meat Franks (16 oz. regular or 14 oz. lite) - $1.50
Buy 2 and use $.75/2 coupon from 03/14 RP insert
Final Price: $1.18 each
Hillshire Farm Deli Select Ultra Thin or Premium Hearty Slices (8-9 oz.) - $2.99
Use $.35/1 coupon from 6/6 RP insert or $.55/1 Hearty Slices coupon from 6/6 RP insert or printable
Final Price: $1.89-$2.19
Heluva Good Cheese (8 oz. chunk) - $2.00
Use $.50/1 printable coupon (doubled)
Final Price: $1.00
Tribe Hummus - $1.99
Use $.55/1 printable coupon or buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Turkey Hill Iced Tea or Lemonade (64 fl. oz.) - $1.49
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 from 4/11 RP insert
Final Price: $.99 each

Meat -
Wegmans Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Club Pack - 5 lbs. or more) - $1.99/lb.

Frozen -
Weight Watchers Smart Ones Entrees (8.5-10.5 oz., all varieties) - $1.99
Buy 10 and use $4.00/10 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.59-$1.79 each
Turkey Hill Ice Cream (48 oz., all varieties)- $2.49
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 05/02 RP insert
Final Price: $1.99 each
North Star Pops (21 fl. oz. melon, patriot, or tropical) - $.99
Healthy Choice Pasta Entrees (8-10 oz.) - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.49 each

Paper/Toiletries/Cleaning -
Wegmans Facial Tissue (65-160 ct. cube or flat) – $.79
Wegmans 8 pk. Paper Towels or 12 pk. Bath Tissue – $4.99
Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel (7 oz.) – $1.88
V05 Shampoo or Conditioner - $.77
Vive Pro Shampoo or Conditioner - $2.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 02/21 RP insert
Final Price: $1.99
Secret Solid Antipersperant (2.6-2.7 oz.) - $1.88
Use $.50/1 Secret product from 05/02 P&G insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.88
Bandaid Plastic 3/4" Bandages (60 ct.) - $1.50
Use $.50/1 from 03/18 4/25 SS insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.50
Old Spice High Endurance Deoderant - $1.88
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 5/2 P&G insert
Final Price: $1.38
Purex 2X Laundry Detergent (50 fl. oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Natural Elements printable coupon (if included)
Final Price: $.99
Bandaid Plastic 3/4" Bandages - $1.50
Use $.50/1 coupon from 04/25 SS insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.50
Gillette Foamy Shave Cream (11 oz.) - $.99

My Wegmans deals are based on the Sterling/Leesburg, VA sales ad and deals that I find in the Leesburg store.

With thanks to the coupon database at Mrs. Moneysaver for help in compiling this.

My store doubles coupons up to $.50, but Wegmans' coupon policies vary by store. Find the policy at your store here.

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

Best Bloom Deals: 6/17-6/22

Well, I feel a little silly!  I totally forgot to post these last week after Sarah sent them to me!  Well, if you need to shop at Bloom the next two days you can see the best deals here, and I'll be posting the new deals on Wednesday.  Sorry for the delay!

Meat

Country Style Pork Ribs - $1.99/lb
Ground Chuck - $2.49/lb

Produce
Eastern Cantaloupes - $0.99/ea
Seedless Red Grapes - $0.99/lb
California Strawberries (2 lb) - $3.99

Frozen
Bloom Premium Ice Cream (48-56 oz) - $1.99, Limit 2

Michelina's Lean Gourmet Dinners - 4/$5
Use $1.00/5, found in 5/9 SS
Final Price: 5/$5.25
Dairy
Daisy Sour Cream (8 oz) - $1.00
Buy Tropicana Juice (128 oz), Get One Dozen Large Bloom Eggs Free

Dannon Greek Yogurt (5.3 oz) - 10/$10
Use $1.00/3, found in 6/6 SS
Final Price: 3/$2.00

Borden American Cheese Singles - 2/$4
Use $1.00/1, found in 5/23 SS
Final Price: $1.00

Grocery
Bloom Ketchup - $0.95

Jell-o Gelatins or Puddings - 5/$4
Use $0.50/2, found in 6/6 SS
Final Price: $0.55/1

Kellogg's Bite Size Mini Wheats - B1G1
Use $1.00/2, found in 6/6 RP
Final Price: 2/$2.89

Everyday Essentials
Degree Deodorant - 2/$4
Use $0.75/2, 5/23 RP or $1.00/1, 5/23 RP (if Adrenaline Series is included in the sale)
Final Price: $1.00 - $1.62

Colgate Toothpaste (6.4 oz) - 2/$4
Use $1.00/1, found in 6/6 SS
Final Price: $1.00
Reynolds Wrap (35 sq. ft.) - $2.99
Use $1.00/1, found in 5/16 SS
Final Price: $1.99

Menu Planning Monday

We had a crazy-busy weekend, since Michael was a groomsman in a good friend's wedding on Saturday.  After all the wedding celebrations were finished, we ended up going out for pizza and bowling yesterday for Father's Day.  The whole weekend was a lot of fun, but it actually feels good to get back into the regular routine and get caught up on some household chores!

My dear friend who is unfortunately moving out of the country gave us some frozen meat from her in-laws cattle, so I'll be using some of that this week.

Breakfasts:
Banana bread, cereal, yogurt, eggs

Lunches:
Leftover chicken and pasta; cheese, crackers, and pepperoni; peanut butter

Dinners:
Mon - Hearty Meatball Sandwich (never got to this last week), garden salad
Tues - Leftover sandwiches (picnic at Daddy's softball game)
Wed - Ronaldo's Beef Carnitas, corn, watermelon
Thurs - Leftovers
Fri - Frozen pierogis with sauteed onions, garden salad
Sat - Grilling: chuck roast, ribs, lamb chops
Sun - Leftover grilled food

Baking List:
- banana bread (done!)
- tortillas
- blueberry muffins or pie (blueberries on great sale at Giant!)

Best CVS Deals: 6/20-6/26

Thanks to Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living for sharing the best CVS deals each week.  You can read her full list here.

Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength Toothpaste – 4 oz $2.99 (get $2 ECBs) Limit 2

$1 SS 6/6
= FREE

Zegerid OTC – 14 ct $9.99 (get $1 ECBs) Limit 1
$2 June All You Magazine
$3 printable
$4 SS 6/20
MIR SS 6/20
= $4.99 – $6.99 after ECBs (or $3MONEYMAKER to $5 MONEYMAKER after MIR)

PowerBar Pure & Simple $.99 (get $.99 ECBs) Limit 2
= FREE after ECBs

Glade Aerosol Can Room Spray $1
$1 printable
= FREE

This week the deal I'm going for is the Huggies box diapers at $19.99, get $10 ECBs.  In addtion to the printable $3 manufacturer's coupons, I have a CVS coupon that printed for me out of the coupon machine.  I should get them for $3.99 after ECBs!!!  Now, I just hope they have one of the sizes I need!

Washing and Storing Garden Produce

In this my second year of "serious" gardening, one of the challenges that I continually face is picking and using all the produce in a timely manner.  Besides taking the time to go out and pick it, the harvest needs to be washed, prepared, and properly stored, if it is not used right away.  I would say that once all the initial planting is finished, actually using the fruits of the garden is the most time-consuming part of maintaining it. 

A lot of the plants that I'm harvesting now, especially leafy ones, such as herbs and lettuce, needed to be picked very often, or else they will flower and start to deteriorate.  This produce is also harder to give away than tomatoes or zucchini, since they have a much shorter shelf life.

As my garden starts to move into high season, I plan to share the recipes and preservation methods that I have found so far to make the most of all our wonderful garden bounty.  For now, I thought I'd share how I'm currently washing and storing what I've already harvested.

Picking: Once they reach a certain size, my mesclun greens, spinach, and herbs all really need harvesting every couple of days.  Initially, I try to pick the larger outer leaves and leave the smaller ones to get bigger.  However, if the plant has already flowered or is about to, I cut the flowering stem as far down as I can to try to promote more leaf growth.

Washing:  For the leafy produce, I fill big bowls or pots with cold water and a little vinegar and/or salt.  The vinegar and salt are supposed to bring out and kill any little bugs.  I let the greens soak; then I change the water several times until it looks pretty clear.  Then I spread the greens out on one of my lint-free dishcloths, turn on the ceiling fan, and allow them to dry for quite a while.  (I've found this is more frugal and much less time-consuming than trying to use paper towels or my cheap salad spinner for drying.)  For other vegetables, I recently purchased a vegetable brush to scrub them.  Home-grown radishes and carrots are obviously  lot dirtier than store-bought, so it can take a little elbow grease to get them clean!

Storing: My greens are stored in plastic zip-top storage lined with a paper towel in the vegetable drawer of my fridge.  The paper towel is to absorb moisture that could lead to spoilage; I change it when it seems soggy.  Stored this way I've found that herbs greens can last at least a week, if not more.  Unwashed produce tends to keep the longest, so if I don't think I will use it soon, I don't even wash it first.

That's my typical routine for the fresh produce that we've been eating these past few weeks.  As the season continues, I'll share the long-term storage solutions that I use for produce that we can't quite eat while it is still fresh.

Check out Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom and Mrs. Moneysaver for more frugal ideas.

Shoppers Nutrition IQ Program

Several weeks ago, I was invited by Shoppers Food Warehouse to a blogger event to learn about their new Nutrition IQ Program.  It sounded like something that I and my savvy grocery shopping readers would find interesting, so I went to check it out.

Basically, Shoppers' Nutrition IQ program is a labeling system for the tags on their shelves.  Healthier grocery products receive a program tag, which highlights up to two outstanding nutrients that the product contains.

The nutrition labels were developed using the FDA Nutrient Content Claims, as well as in partnership with the Joslin Clinic (affiliated with Harvard medical school). 

The things I liked best about this program are twofold.  First of all, I liked that not all products are given a Nutrition IQ label.   The products that do receive the label have to meet a minimum standard, including having limited levels of sodium, saturated fat, and in some categories, sugar.  I think this is important because then you can have an idea that the IQ label is pointing out an actually somewhat healthy food.  Otherwise, you might have ice cream, for instance, singled out for its calcium, but we all know that ice cream is hardly a health food!

Secondly, I liked that that labels are primarily for packaged grocery products, the products you find in the middle aisles of the store.  I think this is very useful, since we all already have a good idea of the nutritional value of apples or cheese.  It's items like canned soup and cereals that can be harder to navigate, and I think this program could be a help with that.  When we were going around the store checking out the labels, we found several suprises as regards what items were more and less healthy.  For instance, I believe that Cinnamon Toast Crunch received a label, while some brands of Raisin Bran did not.

The main downside I noticed to the program is simply the question of whether the labels would be noticeable to the average shopper.  Especially in some aisles, I felt they were too small and could easily be passed over.  Also, you might need to know something about the program to actually find it useful.

Overall, I think the Nutrition IQ program has the potentional to be a helpful too, and I plan to keep an eye out for the labels when I'm at Shoppers.

Have any of you who go to Shoppers noticed these lables?  Have you found anything similar at other grocery stores?

Disclosure: Although I did not know this before I went, Shoppers gave the all the bloggers attending the event a gift card and a bag of healthy grocery products, to thank them for taking the time to attend.  However, the opinions about their program are entirely my own.

Review and Giveaway: Good Earth Dry Dinner Kit

I recently had the chance to review an interesting new grocery product: Good Earth dry dinner kits.  These are similar in some ways to something like Hamburger Helper, in that it includes everything you need for a meal except for the meat.  However, the simliarities to cheap, sodium-filled dinner kits end there!

With appetizing entrées from Good Earth, dining in is sure to become the new dining out. Enjoy cooking a sophisticated, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Each variety includes vibrant and flavorful sauces along with specialty ingredients like sweet basil, white wine and dried tomatoes. Delicious dinners that allow you to keep a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste, Good Earth dry dinner kits are perfect for whipping up a no-fail, five-star cuisine in less than 30 minutes.

The Good Earth dinner kits also have 100% whole grain, no trans fat, no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives, and no MSG.  I was really excited to learn about a product like this that is super convenient, yet healthy. 

Good Earth dry dinner kits offer a selection of four flavors: Mediterranean Chicken with angel hair pasta, Spicy Citrus Glazed Shrimp with angel hair pasta, Herb Crusted Chicken with mushroom risotto and Tuscan Chicken with penne pasta.  The one that I sampled was the Medierranean Chicken.

First of all, the meal was indeed quite easy to prepare.  The box claims that dinner can be prepared in about 30 minutes, and I would say that it is pretty accurate.  I think it took just a bit longer for me, although I had a little extra chicken to cook.

I thought that the taste of the meal was delicious!  The sauce was a little different from something I would usually make, and it did indeed remind me of a restaurant meal.  Plus, I loved that it had whole wheat pasta. 

I think pretty much my only critique of the kit was that it could have had a little more pasta.  I actually ended up cooking some other pasta and saving some of the sauce for it, since there was plenty of sauce.  I would say that if you are feeding four hearty appetites you would definitely want to do that.

Overall, I would absolutely buy this product again, as long as I got a good deal.  It would really be nice to have a few of these around for crazy evenings!

One lucky reader will have a chance to win a Good Earth gift pack, which includes a Good Earth Mediterranean Chicken dry dinner kit, two sets of bamboo flatware, two bamboo dishes, a bamboo utility board and a 100% recyclable grocery tote.  I just wanted to mention that I thought this was one of the nicest of these promotional gift packs I have received.  The bamboo dishes are really attractive and different!

To enter, please just leave a comment on this post saying which variety of Good Earth dinner kit you would like to try.  (You must do this to enter.)  Please include your email in your comment if it is not available in your profile. For extra entries, you may do any or all of the following, for a maximum of 5 entries in total (please leave a separate comment for each):

1) Follow Frugally Blonde by rss feed.

2) Follow Frugally Blonde by email

3) Follow Frugally Blonde on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. (Leave a link to your tweet.) This may only be done once; no daily tweets.

4) Blog about this giveaway. (Leave a link to your post.)

The contest ends on Wednesday, June 30, at midnight. The contest is open to residents of the US only, and the winner must provide a valid mailing address (no PO boxes).  I will choose the winner randomly and notify him or her by email, and he or she will have 72 hours to respond.  Good luck!

The gift pack that I received and the giveaway prize were provided by Good Earth and MyBlogSpark.  I received no other compensation for this reveiw, and the opinions are my own.

Giveaway Winners!!!

Announcing the randomly chosen winners of my last two giveaways:

The winner of the Orient Automatic Watch is:

comment #22: abfantom

The winner of the Grill Daddy is:

comment #90: carrieann13

Also, the original winner of the Wonder Hanger giveaway did not leave an email and never contacted me, so the new winner is:

comment # 12: skgaff

All the winners have been notified by email, and have 72 hours to claim their prizes.  Thanks so much to all who entered.  I'll be posting a new giveaway shortly!

Where I'm Shopping This Week

I'm feeling a little more organized this week then I've felt in a few weeks, which is a very good thing!  This morning the girls and I hit Wegmans after my midwife appointment for a few staples and good deals.  I was excited to get two of the Heluva Good cheese for just $1.00 each.

Either this afternoon or tomorrow afternoon, I hope to make it to Giant and Shoppers.  I have a $3 off coupon for Giant from the recent Kellogg's deal that I need to use.  I also noticed a good ice cream deal for Edy's ice cream products at Giant this week. Edy's Dibs are included, and I have $1.00 coupons from the newspaper and from here.  I'll share the results after I snag this deal!

I don't often shop at Shoppers, but they sent a store coupon book with some really good coupons in the newspaper this week.  I'm going to head over there for a few of the deals, like $.99 cantaloupe, $.99 Doritos, and BOGO bananas.

My husband is a groomsman in a good friend's wedding this weekend, and I think instead of shopping online I'll head over to the Bed Bath and Beyond store to try to get the gift.  The advantage of shopping in-store is that I'll be able to use a 20% off coupon.  It won't be any trouble not to ship the gift, since the wedding is local and we're attending anyway.  I also need to hit the Dollar Tree for Father's Day cards asap!

A few other deals of interest that I've noticed lately:
 - If you have a Blockbuster Express kiosk near you (similar to Redbox), Gina has a list of free codes here.  There's one of these at our local Sheetz station.
 - Speaking of movies, Laura has two comprehensive lists of free outdoor movies in the DC metro area.  There's a list for Maryland and one for Virginia.
- In the Washington area (and selected other cities), you can get an AMC movie ticket for just $4 from KGB deals.  Just one per customer.*
- You can get a free e-book of 10 Father's Day crafts from creative bloggers here.*

See any other particularly good deals this week?  Where are you shopping?

*These links are sponsored by Logical Media, for which I am an affiliate.

New Wegmans Store Coupons

While in the checkout line at Wegmans this afternoon, I picked up something I've never seen out in the store before: a sheet of store coupons!  I found this whole page of  Health and Personal Savings coupons on a rack on a display of Wegmans brand baby wipes, right in the front of the health and beauty section.  Here are the coupons it contained:

Personal Savings:
- Save $5.00 on any Crest White Strips
- Save $1.00 on Wegmans Baby Wipes (320-400 ct.)
- Save $1.00 on 2 Glide Floss (27.3-54.7 yd.)
- Save $1.00 on any U by Kotex
- Save $1.00 on Secret Clinical Strength 1.6 oz. or Gillette clinical 1.7 oz.
- Save $1.00 on TopCare Men's or Ladies 6 Blade Rozor System or refill 4 ct.
- Save $1.00 on Reach Total Care Toothbrush or Floss

Health Savings:
- Save $1.00 on TopCare Loratadine 10 mg, 60 ct.
- Save $1.00 on TopCare Cetirizine, 45 ct.
- Save $1.00 on TopCAre Diphendydramine, 100 ct.
- Save $2.00 on Zyrtec Allergy, 5-70 ct. or 4 oz. liquid
- Save $1.00 on any Visine Eye Drops .5 fl. oz.
- Save $1.00 on any Neosporin
- Save $1.00 on 2 Band-Aid Bandages

All the coupons expire on 6/26/10 and say "Limit 1 per customer."  Since these are store coupons, I assume that they could be combined with manufacturer's coupons for even more savings.

Please let us know if you find these in your store!

Wegmans Deals: 6/13-6/19

New Deals:

California Strawberries (2 lb. clamshell package) - $2.99

Sweet Corn - $.25

Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Pasta Salad - $1.49
Use $.50/1 from 6/6 RP insert or buy 2 and use $.50/2 printable coupon here or here or from 5/23 SS insert
Final Price: $.49-$.99 each

Hillshire Farm Deli Select Ultra Thin or Premium Hearty Slices (8-9 oz.) - $2.99
Use $.35/1 coupon from 6/6 RP insert or $.55/1 Hearty Slices coupon from 6/6 RP insert or printable
Final Price: $1.89-$2.19

Doritos Nacho Chips (11.5-13.875 oz.) - $1.99

Greeting Cards (prices starting at $.99) - $1.00 off 3

North Star Pops (21 fl. oz. melon, patriot, or tropical) - $.99

Healthy Choice Pasta Entrees (8-10 oz.) - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.49 each

Bandaid Plastic 3/4" Bandages - $1.50
Use $.50/1 coupon from 04/25 SS insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.50

Gillette Foamy Shave Cream (11 oz.) - $.99

Ongoing Deals:

Produce -
Florida Whole Seedless Watermelons - $3.99
Wegmans US #1 3 lb. Bagged Apples - $2.97
Wegmans US #1 Russet Idaho Potatoes (5 lb. bag) - $1.99

Non-perishables -
Kellogg's Cereal (12.2 oz. Froot Loops, 14 oz. Frosted Flakes, or 20 oz. Raisin Bran) - $1.99 (through 06/27)
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon here, here, or here, or buy 3 and use $1.50/3 coupon from 05/23 RP insert
Final Price: $1.49 each
Post Select Cereals - $2.49 (through 06/19)
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 05/23 SS insert or printable
Final Price: $1.99 each
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (8.4-8.7 oz.) - $2.29
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 05/02 RP insert
Final Price: $1.79 each
Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix (18.3-19.9oz.) or Cake Mix - $.99
Nabisco Club Crackers - $1.99
Wegmans Elbow Pasta (16 oz.) - $.69
Wegmans BBQ Sauce (19-20 oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce from summer Menu Magazine
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Canned Vegetables (14.5-15.25 oz can) Cream Style Corn, Whole Kernel Corn, French Style Green Beans, or Cut Green Beans - $.39
Old El Paso Refried Beans (16 oz.) and Other Selected Old El Paso - $.99
Buy 2 and use $.60/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $.69 each
Goya Dried Beans (16 oz.) - $.99 (through 09/11)
Wegmans Chunk Light Yellowfin Tuna (6 oz. in water) - $.69 (through 06/26)
Keebler Vienna Fingers, Pecan Sandies, or Rainbow Chips Deluxe Cookies - $1.99
Buy 2 Sandies and use $2.00/2 peelie coupon on package
Final Price: $.99 each
Wegmans W Cola (12 pk./12 fl. oz. cans) - $2.00 (Limit 5)
Garden of Eatin' Organic Tortilla Chips (9 oz. Salted Blue or Red Hot Blues) - $1.99
Use $1.00 printable coupon here or here
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Hot Dog or Hamburger Rolls (8 ct./14 oz.) - $.99

Refrigerated -
Ball Park Meat Franks (16 oz. regular or 14 oz. lite) - $1.50
Buy 2 and use $.75/2 coupon from 03/14 RP insert
Final Price: $1.18 each
Heluva Good Cheese (8 oz. chunk) - $2.00

Use $.50/1 printable coupon (doubled)
Final Price: $1.00
Tribe Hummus - $1.99
Use $.55/1 printable coupon or buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.45-$1.49 each
Turkey Hill Iced Tea or Lemonade (64 fl. oz.) - $1.49
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 from 4/11 RP insert
Final Price: $.99 each

Meat -
Wegmans Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Club Pack - 5 lbs. or more) - $1.99/lb.

Frozen -
Weight Watchers Smart Ones Entrees (8.5-10.5 oz., all varieties) - $1.99
Buy 10 and use $4.00/10 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.59-$1.79 each
Turkey Hill Ice Cream (48 oz., all varieties)- $2.49
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 05/02 RP insert
Final Price: $1.99 each

Paper/Toiletries/Cleaning -
Wegmans Facial Tissue (65-160 ct. cube or flat) – $.79
Wegmans 8 pk. Paper Towels or 12 pk. Bath Tissue – $4.99
Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel (7 oz.) – $1.88
Use $.75/1 Edge shave gel from 01/10 insert or $.55/1 Skintimate from 03/07 insert
Final Price: $1.13-$1.33
V05 Shampoo or Conditioner - $.77
Vive Pro Shampoo or Conditioner - $2.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 02/21 RP insert
Final Price: $1.99
Secret Solid Antipersperant (2.6-2.7 oz.) - $1.88
Use $.50/1 Secret product from 05/02 P&G insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.88
Bandaid Plastic 3/4" Bandages (60 ct.) - $1.50
Use $.50/1 from 03/18 4/25 SS insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.50
Old Spice High Endurance Deoderant - $1.88
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 5/2 P&G insert
Final Price: $1.38
Purex 2X Laundry Detergent (50 fl. oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Natural Elements printable coupon (if included)
Final Price: $.99

My Wegmans deals are based on the Sterling/Leesburg, VA sales ad and deals that I find in the Leesburg store.

With thanks to the coupon database at Mrs. Moneysaver for help in compiling this.

My store doubles coupons up to $.50, but Wegmans' coupon policies vary by store. Find the policy at your store here.

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

Menu Plan!

Have I skipped two weeks of menu planning?  I know I didn't have a plan last week, and just made life more stressful.  I'm looking forward to a well-planned week!

Breakfasts:
The usual: cereal, yogurt, toast, eggs

Lunches:
pasta salad with veggies & white beans; cheese, crackers, and pepperoni; pbj

Dinners:
Mon - Italian sausage with onions and potatoes, salad,
Tues - Baked chicken, corn, spinach
Wed - Chicken alfredo pasta (using leftover chicken), salad
Thurs - Hearty Meatball Sandwiches, chips, fruit salad
Fri - Rehearsal dinner for friend's wedding
Sat - At wedding all day
Sun - Leftover meatball sandwiches

Baking List:
- sandwich bread
Check out more menu plans over at OrgJunkie!

CVS Deals: 6/13-6/19

Thanks to Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living for providing the top CVS deals each week.  Check her blog for the complete list.

Covergirl Wetslicks Amazemint $4.99 (get $3 ECBs) Limit 1

$1 P&G 6/6
$1 P&G $100 Coupon Booklet
= $.99 after ECBs

Old Spice or Gillette Body Wash – 10 to 15 oz $4 ($4 ECB wyb) Limit 1
B1G1 PG 6/6
= Two for FREE

Dial or Tone Body Wash $6.99/2
$1/2 Dial RP 6/13
$1.50/2 Dial printable
$1 Dial RP 5/16 (expires Tuesday 6/15)
Buy Dial Wash, Get Right Guard Deodorant FREE RP 6/13
= $2.50 – $3 each plus Right Guard FREE (get two actually because it is B1G1)
Note: see deal idea below

B1G1 Right Guard Total Defense, Sport or Dry Idea $3.29 and up
$1.50 Total Defense printable
$1.50 Total Defense 5 printable
$3/2 Total Defense 5 printable
Buy Dial Wash, Get Right Guard Deodorant FREE RP 6/13
= $.15 each
Note: see deal idea below

Deal Idea for Right Guard and Dial Body Wash:
Buy 1 Dial Body Wash $3.50
Buy 2 Right Guard Total Defense $3.29
Use one $1 Dial RP 5/16 (expires Tuesday 6/15)
Use one $1.50 Total Defense printable printable or printable
Use one Buy Dial Wash, Get Right Guard Deodorant FREE RP 6/13
= $1 for all three or $.33 each!

Schick Hydro 3 or Hydro 5 Razor System- 1 ct or Cartridges- 4ct $8.97 (get $4 ECBs) Limit 1

$5 SS 6/13
= FREE

Negotiating and Bargaining: Give It A Try!

I do not consider myself an expert price "haggler."  I'm often not brave enough to give it a try, nor am I always experienced enough to know the situations where bargaining might be appropriate.  But according to several news articles I've read, price haggling is on the rise in all types of situations.

Even though I'm not a big haggler, there are a number of small ways that I do know how to negotiate small price changes, almost always with a successful result.  For instance, when we were having lunch with my Grandma this weekend at a hotel down in South Carolina, my dad "negotiated" half price at the buffet lunch for my 11-year-old cousin.  I also remember my dad calling for the big treat of takeout pizza during my childhood, telling the Dominoes man that he was placing a large order, and asking, "What kind of deal can you give me?"  He always got a bulk price for the 5 or so pizzas. 

Now, my dad is a lawyer, but you don't have to be a "professional" to ask for small discounts.  Most restaurants managers have a lot of leeway in giving deals.  My mom was just telling me that for her end-of-the-year teacher's meeting, the orgainzer called Panera and asked what they could provide for the amount of money in the budget per teacher.  They were happy to come up with a nice lunch menu for less that the usual price.

Did you know that almost any clothing store will give you 10% off for any small flaw or problem in your merchandise just for asking?  I've done that several times when I found a small spot or tear that wasn't big enough for me to reject the item.

A friend of mine is an expert yard sale haggler; she literally gets items for pennies!  I've haven't done much haggling in my yard sale career, but a couple of weeks ago I did unexpectedly negotiate a bargain at a yard sale.  I was buying my sister a large TV, for which the seller was asking $25.  However, I honestly only had $16 in cash left!  I asked the seller if they would accept what I had, and they were happy to oblige.  Boy was I proud of that deal!

What bargains have you gotten by negotiating?  Do you have any haggling tips?

Check out Life as Mom and Mrs. Moneysaver for more Frugal Friday tips!

Saving Money on Car Trips - And Share Your Tips!

As I mentioned, we just got back from a quick trip to my cousin's wedding in South Carolina.  It was a seven hour drive to my parents' house, where we were staying.  That doesn't count the stops!

The cost of car trips can really add up, when you count gas, meals, snacks, and hotels (if you're traveling more than a day).  I know that personally, I'd rather spend money at my destination, so I try to think of ways to save.

One of the best ways to save money is to bring your own meals and snacks.  Believe it or not, this is doable, even for meals.  I come from a (very) large family, and for all of us to eat even at a fast food restaurant cost a good chunk of money!  So for years we packed our lunch in a cooler for car trips.  At first we used to stop at a rest stop and have a picnic; in later years when everyone was older we just ate in the car.  I also still remember my mom packing a frozen pot of sloppy joe to take on our annual trip to the beach.  In a cooler, the pot stayed cold until we arrived, and we had the first night's dinner all ready.

At this point, with very young kids, my family still indulges in a restaurant stop for lunch.  However, I do try to buy or make snacks ahead of time, instead of buying them at gas stations, where they're probably much more expensive.  We also all bring our refillable water bottles.

I know plenty of people have even more experience with frugal car trips, especially if you often travel long distances.  Car trip season is full in the works, so please share your tips with all of us.  Any tips for saving on gas?  On hotels?  More food tips?  Please share!

Photo by jard_jard.

Using Ebates

One of the things I'm shopping for this week is wedding gifts.  We just got back from my cousin's wedding, and I ordered her gift yesterday.  We also have two weddings coming up in June and July for which I am ordering gifts.  I find that the easiest thing to do is to order from the couple's online registry and have it shipped to them, especially if we're not attending the wedding.  And one step that's become a habit for me when online shopping is to use Ebates.

You may already know about Ebates; if not, the concept is simple.  You start all your online shopping by going to the Ebates site and then clicking on the retailer you choose.  While not every online store is available on the site, many of the major ones are.  Then, just for clicking through the Ebates site, Ebates will give you a certain percentage of cash back on your purchase.  That's all you have to do!

Just to give you an idea of the stores included, my "favorite" stores on my account include Children's Place, Snapfish, Target, Ebay, and One Step Ahead.  The amount of cash back varies for each store; around 3% seems average.  However, for some stores it is as high as 10% or even 15%!

When you first sign up for Ebates, you get a $5 bonus right off the bat.  Then, if you refer others to the site, and they sign up and make a purchase, you receive another $5 bonus for each friend you refer! (If you sign up through my link, I will get a bonus.)  That could definitely add up to a little cash if you get your friends and family members to sign up!

Ebates sends you a check every 3 months, as long as you've earned over $5 in that period.  If not, they just carry it over to the next payment period.  I have received several small checks from them with no problem.  The site automatically keeps track of the cash back you're owed, and it credits your account within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the retailer.  If you notice cash back missing from a purchase you made, you can also email them and get it credited.  Overall, however, my cash back has been credited correctly the majority of the time.

Ebates is one of those little things that I do that is not going to make a huge difference in our bottom line, but it can make just a little money to help with those "extras."  It requires almost no effort, so getting into the habit was worth it to me.

Best Bloom Deals: 6/9-6/16

Thanks to Sarah at A Bookworm's Bargains for sharing the best Bloom deals each week.  You can see her full list here.

Meats
Perdue Chicken - 25%
93% Lean Ground Beef - B1G1
Final Price: $2.25/lb
Ball Park Beef Franks - 2/$5
Use (2) $0.55/1, found in 6/6 RP
Final Price: $1.95/ea
Produce
Yellow Peaches or White Nectarines - $1.49/lb
Del Monte Gold Pineapple - $2.99/ea
Bing Cherries - B1G1
Final Price: $2.50/lb

Frozen
Breyer's Ice Cream (48-56 oz) - 4/$10
Dairy
Kraft Shredded, Cubed, or Chunk Cheese - B1G1
Final Price: $1.50/ea
Breyer's Yogurt Multipack (select varieties) - 2/$4
Use $0.50/1, found in 3/28 SS and 5/23 SS
Final Price: $1.50/ea

Grocery
General Mills Cereals - 2/$6
Use $0.75/1 (6/6 SS), $1.00/2 (5/2 SS or 5/30 GM), or here
Final Price: $2.25 - $2.50
Doritos - B1G1
Final Price: $2.00/ea
Hunt's Tomato Ketchup - $1.00
Use $0.20/1, found in 5/16 SS
Final Price: $0.80

Household
Wisk Laundry Detergent (50 oz) - B1G1
Use (2) $1.00/1, found in 5/23 RP
Final Price: $2.49/ea
Clorox 2 (33 oz) - B1G1
Use (2) $1.00/1, found in 6/6 RP
Final Price: $2.49/ea

I'm Back!

Sorry for my silence this week!  Our weekend trip to my cousin's wedding was very fun and rewarding, but we returned really, really tired!  However, I'm starting to get back into the groove, and I'm getting caught up on posting.  Stay tuned!

Wegmans Deals: 6/6-6/13

New Deals:

Jumbo Cantaloupes (size 9) - $2.00

Driscoll's Raspberries (6 oz.) - $1.66

Heluva Good Cheese (8 oz. chunk) - $2.00
Use $.50/1 printable coupon (doubled)
Final Price: $1.00

Tribe Hummus - $1.99
Use $.55/1 printable coupon or buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.45-$1.49 each

Turkey Hill Iced Tea or Lemonade (64 fl. oz.) - $1.49
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 from 4/11 RP insert
Final Price: $.99 each

Purex 2X Laundry Detergent (50 fl. oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Natural Elements printable coupon (if included)
Final Price: $.99
Ongoing Deals:

Produce -
Florida Whole Seedless Watermelons - $3.99
Ocean Mist Artichokes - $.50
Wegmans US #1 3 lb. Bagged Apples - $2.97
Wegmans US #1 Russet Idaho Potatoes (5 lb. bag) - $1.99

Non-perishables -
Kellogg's Cereal (12.2 oz. Froot Loops, 14 oz. Frosted Flakes, or 20 oz. Raisin Bran) - $1.99 (through 06/27)
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon here, here, or here, or buy 3 and use $1.50/3 coupon from 05/23 RP insert
Final Price: $1.49 each
Post Select Cereals - $2.49 (through 06/19)
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 05/23 SS insert or printable
Final Price: $1.99 each
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (8.4-8.7 oz.) - $2.29
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 05/02 RP insert
Final Price: $1.79 each
Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix (18.3-19.9oz.) or Cake Mix - $.99
Nabisco Club Crackers - $1.99
Wegmans Elbow Pasta (16 oz.) - $.69
Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad Pasta Salad - $.99
Use $.40/1 printable coupon or printable coupon (doubled)
Final Price: $.20
Wegmans BBQ Sauce (19-20 oz.) - $1.99
Use $1.00/1 Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce from summer Menu Magazine
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Canned Vegetables (14.5-15.25 oz can) Cream Style Corn, Whole Kernel Corn, French Style Green Beans, or Cut Green Beans - $.39
Old El Paso Refried Beans (16 oz.) and Other Selected Old El Paso - $.99
Buy 2 and use $.60/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $.69 each
Goya Dried Beans (16 oz.) - $.99 (through 09/11)
Wegmans Chunk Light Yellowfin Tuna (6 oz. in water) - $.69 (through 06/26)
Keebler Vienna Fingers, Pecan Sandies, or Rainbow Chips Deluxe Cookies - $1.99
Buy 2 Sandies and use $2.00/2 peelie coupon on package
Final Price: $.99 each
Wegmans W Cola (12 pk./12 fl. oz. cans) - $2.00 (Limit 5)
Garden of Eatin' Organic Tortilla Chips (9 oz. Salted Blue or Red Hot Blues) - $1.99
Use $1.00 printable coupon here or here
Final Price: $.99
Wegmans Hot Dog or Hamburger Rolls (8 ct./14 oz.) - $.99

Refrigerated -
Ball Park Meat Franks (16 oz. regular or 14 oz. lite) - $1.50
Buy 2 and use $.75/2 coupon from 03/14 RP insert
Final Price: $1.18 each
Hebrew National Beef or Reduced Fat Red Hot Dogs (11-12 oz.) - $2.00
Use $.75/1 coupon from 05/23 SS insert
Final Price: $1.25

Meat -
Wegmans Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Club Pack - 5 lbs. or more) - $1.99/lb.

Frozen -
Healthy Choice Select Entrees (8.5-9oz.) - $1.99
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 from ConAgra mailer
Final Price: $1.49 each
Weight Watchers Smart Ones Entrees (8.5-10.5 oz., all varieties) - $1.99
Buy 10 and use $4.00/10 printable coupon
Final Price: $1.59-$1.79 each
Turkey Hill Ice Cream (48 oz., all varieties)- $2.49
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 05/02 RP insert
Final Price: $1.99 each

Paper/Toiletries/Cleaning -
Wegmans Facial Tissue (65-160 ct. cube or flat) – $.79
Wegmans 8 pk. Paper Towels or 12 pk. Bath Tissue – $4.99
Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel (7 oz.) – $1.88
Use $.75/1 Edge shave gel from 01/10 insert or $.55/1 Skintimate from 03/07 insert
Final Price: $1.13-$1.33
V05 Shampoo or Conditioner - $.77
Vive Pro Shampoo or Conditioner - $2.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 02/21 RP insert
Final Price: $1.99
Secret Solid Antipersperant (2.6-2.7 oz.) - $1.88
Use $.50/1 Secret product from 05/02 P&G insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.88
Bandaid Plastic 3/4" Bandages (60 ct.) - $1.50
Use $.50/1 from 03/18 4/25 SS insert (doubled)
Final Price: $.50
Old Spice High Endurance Deoderant - $1.88
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 5/2 P&G insert
Final Price: $1.38

My Wegmans deals are based on the Sterling/Leesburg, VA sales ad and deals that I find in the Leesburg store.

With thanks to the coupon database at Mrs. Moneysaver for help in compiling this.

My store doubles coupons up to $.50, but Wegmans' coupon policies vary by store. Find the policy at your store here.

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

New Wegmans Coupons

Wegmans's Summer Menu Magazine is now available, and it includes a page of coupons for Wegmans brand products.  If your correct address is registered with your Shoppers' Club Card, you should have received the magazine in the mail.  If not, you can get one free per Shoppers Club Card in the store.  You can purchase one as well.

Here are the coupons included in the summer issue of the magazine.  I'll be including any particularly good deals using these coupons in my regular weekly Wegmans posts.

- Save $1.00 on Wegmans Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce (20 oz.) (This is priced at $1.99.)
- Save $1.00 on Ready to Cook Marinated Meat
- Save $1.00 on any meat sliders
- Save $1.00 on any Irradiated Ground Beef
(For the meat coupons, I look for meat that is reduced for quick sale and use the coupon on that.)
- Save $1.00 on Food You Feel Good About Belize Cooked or Uncooked Shrimp
- Save $1.00 on any two Wegmans Premium Ice Cream Pints
- Save $1.00 on any Carr Valley Cheese purchase of 4.99 or more
- Save $1.00 on Food You Feel Good About Vinaigrette or Yogurt Dressing (12 fl. oz.)
- Save $1.00 on Wegmans Small Fresh Fruit Topped Cheesecake
- Save $1.00 on any two Organic Lemonade, Limeade, or Raspberry Lemonade (64 fl. oz.)

These coupons all expire on 09/11/10.

Best Bloom Deals: 6/2-6/8

Thanks to Sarah from A Bookworm's Bargains for giving us the best Bloom deals each week.  You can see her complete list here.

Meat
Holly Farms Boneless Chicken Breasts - $1.99/lb
Natural Choice Ground Turkey - $1.99/lb
Oscar Mayer Meat Wieners - 2/$5
Use $1.00/2, found here or the 5/16 SS
Final Price: $2.00/ea

Produce
Seedless Red Grapes - $0.99/lb
South Carolina Yellow Peaches - $0.79/lb
Eastern Athena Cantaloupes - 2/$4
Fresh Express Salad (12 oz), select varieties - $1.50/ea

Drinks
Coca-Cola Products (12 pack, 12 oz) - 3/$11
If you buy (3) 12 pack, 12 oz packs, you will get (1) 8 pack, 7.5 oz pack free.

Tropicana Orange Juice (89 oz) - $4.79
Buy (1) Juice, Get a Dozen Bloom Large Eggs for Free.

Baby
Huggies Jumbo Diapers and Training Pants (10-50 ct) - $9.99
Use $3.00/1, found here or the $2.00/1 (for Training Pants only, found in 5/16 SS)
Final Price: $6.99 - $7.99

Grocery
Kellogg's Special K Cereals (12-14 oz) - 2/$4
Use $1.00/2, found 5/2 RP
Final Price: $1.50/ea

Wish Bone Salad Dressing - 3/$5
Use $0.75/1, found in 5/23 RP
Final Price: $0.91

Duncan Hines Cake Mix - $1.00
Use $0.55/2, found in 3/28 SS
Final Price: $0.72/ea