FREEBIES at Giant this week, 05/29-06/04

Visit our Giant post for this week - we've now updated the Catalina offers with matchups. There are a lot of potential freebies at Giant this week, like:

• Pillsbury Brownie Mixes
• Wishbone Salad Dressings
• Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream ("You had me at 'Haagen'...")
• Band-Aid bandaids

So - don't throw away your ad's dollar doubler coupons (they haven't been available in our in-store ads in the recent past) - and ask your neighbors and friends if they're using them. Those puppies can get you some free goodies! :)

Shopper's Master Matchups List Updates Made - 05/25-05/31 Ad Matchups Now Up

We have updated the master matchups spreadsheet - now the first page features this week's Shopper's Food Warehouse May Double Coupon ad matchups (the second page/tab retains the general/retail price and associated coupon matchups).

Freebies/potential freebies include:

• Hot Pockets
  
• Colgate (Total Advanced Whitening, Colgate Total Advanced Clean or Colgate Total Advanced Fresh tooth)
  
• Edge Shave Gel

Check it out when you get a chance - and post a comment there of your own adventures! :)

Note: Mr. Linky has been weird lately so we are going to skip using him for the time being. Post comments here with your hot finds and related blog posts.
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Shopper's Food Warehouse Does Doubles/Triples at Select NOVA/MD stores, May 25-31

With many thanks to FrugalFriends (thanks so much, Laura!) - we have been alerted that Shopper's Food Warehouse is doing another round of unlimited doubled coupons up to $1 in value for the stores in: Burke, Fairfax, Chantilly, Manassas, Sterling, Herndon, Leesburg, Gainesville, Centreville, Wheaton (MD), Olney (MD), White Flint (MD), and only through Sunday at Germantown (thanks, Micki!).

Here is an image of the Kellogg's deal from our ad (looks different from the $5/$20 coupon placement - on the last page - of coupon doubling store ads). Gina's Shopper's and Laura's Shopper's each had both the $5 coupon and doubles in their ads, so they had some posted scenarios for cereal on the cheap this week. (Thank you, ladies!)



Here are our current resources that you can turn to before planning this coming week's trip to Shopper's. We'll probably tackle the ad matchups on Thursday some time.

• The Redemption Unlimited Continuously Updated/Consolidated Shopper's Food Warehouse Double Coupon Matchups List (Updated as of 05/28: totals recalculated for up-to-$1 doubling parameters, with ad matchups on the first page/tab and general matchups on the second page/tab)
  
  **Note: if you are a blogger and wish to help your readers with our matchups spreadsheet, please link to this post and not directly to the list. Please do not copy or paste parts of this list without our written permission.**


• The Redemption Unlimited Discussion on Shopper's Food Warehouse Coupon Acceptance Policy (includes Internet Printable Coupons discussion - join in with comments on the linked post!)

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5 Reasons to Visit Giant (aka Stop and Shop) this Week, 05/29-06/04

Dollar doublers are back! This is a great time to maximize your value on $1 Internet printable coupons. Here are some sweet matchups we found so far (will update as other deals are found):

1. Pillsbury Brownie Mix is FREE! - $1/2 coupon from the 03/29 RP (exp. 06/30) can be doubled to get $1 off each, since it's priced at 10/$10.

2. Wish-Bone Salad Dressings are FREE! They are priced at 10/$10, and the $0.75/1 coupon from the 05/17 RP (expires 07/08) will double to $1.50 in value, getting you free salad dressing.

3. Planters Nuts are 2/$5, and the $1 printable available at coupons.com if dollar doubled will make them $0.50 each!

4. Knorr Pasta Sides are 10/$10. Use the $0.60/2 from the 05/17 SS (exp. 08/09) to make them $0.40/each.

5. Kellogg's Cereals are Buy 4, Save $4. If you use four $1 Kellogg's coupons (04/05 RP or printables from recent campaign), and dollar double them, you can get $12 off four boxes of cereal - $3 off each box of cereal! That's gotta make some cheap cereal.

Bonus Reason: Potentially Free Haagen-Dazs - see our deal below with the $4 when you buy 4 Catalina deal! :)

Other deals, specials, and matchups that we spotted for Giant the week of May 29-June 4:

• 80% Lean Ground Beef is $1.79/lb. Use the $3/$15 meat coupon, scannable before BonusCard, to get $15 worth of ground beef for $1.05/lb.
  
• Perdue Boneless Chicken Breast is BOGO (save $4.99/package). If I understand this right, you're getting two packages for $4.99. Get 4 packages for $6.98 with the $3/$15 meat coupon, or $1.75/package!
  
• Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops are $1.99/lb. Use the $3/$15 meat coupon to make it $1.35/lb.!
  
• Eckrich Smoked Sausage is 2/$5, and there was a $1/2 coupon (05/17 SS) and a $0.55/1 (03/29 SS) coupon. The $0.55/1 is worth more since it doubles automatically to $1.10/1, whereas the $1/2 if dollar doubled will only give you $1/1. Either way the sausage runs around $1.50 each. If you can apply the $3/$15 meat coupon here, then you can get six rolls of sausage (or less, depending on retail) for $5.40, or $0.90 each.
  
• Hillshire Farm Deli Selects are 3/$10 ($3.34 each). Use the $0.35/1 from the 05/10 RP to make them $2.64 each. Pretty sure that deli meat doesn't count toward a fresh meat purchase since it has been cooked and cured.
  
• SeaPak shrimp entrees are 25% off. Use this $1/2 coupon (available by registering) to get $1 off each package.
  
• Friskies Cat Food, 10/$4 - or $0.40 each. Use the $1/15 5.5 oz. cans coupon from the 04/26 SS, and dollar double it, to get 15 cans for $4, or $0.26/can.

Catalina Deal: Buy $20 worth of participating products, and get $5 off your next transaction. (Coupon matchups to be added in the coming day.)

• Newman's Own Lemonade, all varieties - 05/31 RP had a $0.50/1 that applies ($0.50/1
• Newman's Own Pasta Sauce, Salsa, Marinade, Lemonade, Popcorn or Cereal) and would double to $1 off. Same $1/2 printable could apply, getting you $1 off each.
• Newman's Own Honey Nut Cereal - 05/31 RP had a $0.50/1 that applies ($0.50/1
• Newman's Own Pasta Sauce, Salsa, Marinade, Lemonade, Popcorn or Cereal) and would double to $1 off. Same $1/2 printable could apply, getting you $1 off each.
• Newman's Own Salad Dressings - $0.75/1 from 05/31 RP, exp. 07/26, doubles to $1.50 off. This $1/2 printable (same as below) will only get you $1 off each.
• Newman's Own Marinade, 2/$5 - Use this printable 1/$2 for marinades, salad dressings, pasta sauces, popcorns, salsas, or drinks, and dollar double it. 05/31 RP had a $0.50/1 that applies ($0.50/1 Newman's Own Pasta Sauce, Salsa, Marinade, Lemonade, Popcorn or Cereal) and would double to $1 off. Final price either way: $1.50.
• Newman's Own Pasta Sauce - 05/31 RP had a $0.50/1 that applies ($0.50/1 Newman's Own Pasta Sauce, Salsa, Marinade, Lemonade, Popcorn or Cereal) and would double to $1 off. Same $1/2 printable could apply, getting you $1 off each.
• Newman's Own Salsa - 05/31 RP had a $0.50/1 that applies ($0.50/1 Newman's Own Pasta Sauce, Salsa, Marinade, Lemonade, Popcorn or Cereal) and would double to $1 off. Same $1/2 printable could apply, getting you $1 off each.
• Newman's Own Thin'n'Crispy Pizza - Here is a printable for $1/1, dollar doubled, should make the pizza at least a decent deal.
• Joy of Cooking Bagged Meals (frozen) - 04/26 SS $1/1 coupon, dollar doubled, gets you a pretty good discount.
• Del Monte Chillers - RedPlum.com currently has a $1/1 printable coupon which can probably be dollar doubled.
• Pillsbury Moist Cake Mix - unless there is reduced sugar moist cake mix ($0.35/1 reduced sugar, 05/17 RP), there are no other applicable coupons.
• Pillsbury Frosting - $0.35/1 from the 05/17 RP (exp. 07/31) will double automatically to $0.70/1.
• Pillsbury Brownie Mix - $1/2 coupon from the 03/29 RP (exp. 06/30) can be doubled to get $1 off each. First 8 are FREE with this method.
• Sorrento Mozzarella Cheese Cube (1 lb.) - 03/22 SS has a $1 coupon, so dollar double it to get it cheap!
• Johnson & Johnson Band-Aids, as low as $1.88 - Use $1 coupons from 04/26 RP and 02/08 SS and dollar double them to get the Band-Aids free.
• Neosporin - there are three $1/1 coupons: 02/08 SS (expires 05/31, so use first), 03/15 SS, and 04/26 RP. Dollar double them for $2 off.
• Neutrogena Skin Care (20% off regular retail) - If the acne kit counts in this, there is a printable $5 coupon. 05/03 SS had a $1 off any makeup remover or cleansing product - can be dollar doubled for $2 off.
• Truvia Sweetener - 05/03 RP had $0.55/1, doubles automatically to $1.10 off.
• OxiClean Stain Remover - 05/17 SS (exp. 8/31) had a stain fighter liquid coupon
• Daisy Sour Cream, 3/$5 - 4/05 SS had a $0.50/1 coupon, doubles automatically to $1 off. Final price: $0.66.

Other participating products (no printable or insert coupons found):
Barilla Pasta, 12-16 oz. packages
Milk-Bone Dog Biscuits
Arm & Hammer Super Scoop Cat Litter
Spice Island Spices
EXTRA 2X Liquid Detergent
Neutrogena Suncare, $1 off retail.
Diamond Crystal Salt

Best ways to work the deal that we currently see:

Buy Pillsbury Brownie Mix at $1, use the $1/2 coupon dollar doubled. Since you are limited to 4 dollar doublers per transaction, you'd get 20 brownie mixes for $6, and get back a $5 Catalina. Net $1 for 20 brownie mixes.

Buy 12 Daisy Sour Creams, pay $7.92, get back a $5 Catalina. Net $2.92 for 12 sour creams, or $0.24 each.

Buy 11 Band-Aids ($20.68). Use 4 $1 Band-Aid coupons with 4 dollar doublers, and another 7 $1 Band-Aid coupons, for a total of $15 off. $5.68, get a $5 Catalina back, netting $0.68 for 11 boxes of Band-Aids.

Other Catalina Deal: Save $4 off your Next Transaction when you Buy 4 of any of the following: (Coupon matchups to be added in the coming day.)

Edy's, 2/$6
Haagen-Dazs, 2/$6 - 04/26 SS (exp. 06/26) had $1/1 coupon that can be dollar doubled, making it $1 each! There was a $2/1 Haagen-Dazs ice cream bars coupon in the same insert that probably applies too.
The Skinny Cow, $3.99 - might be a $1/1 printable here, though my firewall seems to be blocking it.
Edy's Dibs, 2/$6
Eskimo Pie Bars, 2/$6
Nestle Drumstick, 2/$6 - there was a $1/2 coupon in the 04/26 SS that would make these $2 each if dollar doubled.
Nestle Push-Ups, 2/$6
Frosty Paws Frozen Dog Treats (whaaaa?), 2/$7

Best way to work it:

Buy 4 Haagen-Dazs, @$12. (You'll need a filler or some groceries you'd buy anyway to get this over $15 in order to use the dollar doublers). Dollar double four $1/1 coupons, getting you 4 for $4. Get back a $4 Catalina. Did you just get lots of free premium ice cream? Yes, oh yes, you did, and it feels soooo good.

Did you spot any other matchups or deals? Post a comment to let us know!

Shopper's Food Warehouse Kellogg's Deal, 05/28-06/03

The Shopper's Food Warehouse ad for the coming week (deals start tomorrow) has a sweet deal for Kellogg's products. A Shopper's coupon (not a manufacturer coupon) offers $5 off a $20 purchase of Kellogg's products, and many major cereals go for 2/$5. I will try to add a picture of this section of the weekly ad (coupon nulled) to this post when it becomes available online tomorrow.

Strategy: Get yourself $20 worth of Kellogg's cereal, use the $5/$20 coupon, then as many Kellogg's coupons as you can.

Sample scenario, using the recent Frosted Mini Wheats coupons (One BOGO and four $1/1), along with other Kellogg's coupons from the 04/05 insert or past printable coupon campaigns:

5 MiniWheats
3 Other Kellogg's
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Subtotal: $20
Minus coupons:
$5/$20 store coupon
$2.50 coupon (BOGO)
4 x $1 coupon (MiniWheats)
3 x $1 coupon (Kellogg's)
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Total: $5.50 for 8 boxes of cereal, or $0.69/box. Not too shabby. This scenario assumes that there is no conflict between using a $1 coupon on a box which also gets you a free box with the BOGO coupon.

Another scenario with only Kellogg's coupons from the 04/05 insert or printables:

8 Kellogg's cereals
==============
Subtotal: $20
Minus coupons:
$5/$20
8 x $1
==============
$7 for 8 boxes of cereal, or $0.88/each.

How did you work this scenario? Post a comment to let us all know. ;) Do tell!
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Hot Coupons for a Potomac Mills run

We just found some hot coupons that could make for a great run to Potomac Mills in the next few days.

• Saks 5th Avenue put out a 40% off one item coupon for their Off 5th stores, through June 2. Thanks to SlickDeals for the tip. If you're not in the metro DC area click here for an Off 5th store locator.

• The Children's Place has a 20% off purchase coupon out that is valid through June 7. We haven't seen anything over 15% from the CP for a while, so this is a great opportunity! Thanks, SlickDeals. Note: there is a coupon code for internet purchases if you click through to the CP coupon. If you go through Ebates for your purchase, you'll earn an additional 3% cash back. If you haven't signed up for Ebates yet, we highly recommend it. List us as your referral at redemptionunlimited@gmail.com.

• For Gap Outlet shoppers who have a Banana Republic, Gap, or Old Navy credit card, here is a coupon for 25% off $75 or more purchase through May 31. Thanks, SlickDeals!

Let us know if you spot any other Potomac Mills deals or coupons and we'll update this post. And as always, let us know how it goes with a comment if you visit!

Whew! Back to the Deals

We hope that you all had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend - and a chance to reflect on the sacrifices of our military families and those in our country's service.

Both of us were waist-deep in family-related activities and travel - kind of a challenge sometimes to switch gears to "deals". But now that the holiday weekend offers have disappated, some deals remain (with thanks to AFullCup):

BOGO Baskin Robbins Soft Serve 31 Below printable coupon

Kraft Cheese $1/1 shredded, sliced, or chunk. Print it now, 'cause it won't last long. :)

Three more days to get a year of All You magazine on Amazon.com for just $10 ($5 deduced automatically at checkout) - or $0.83 each. Nice! It's very rare to get a year's subscription for such a low per-issue price. Send this subscription to your fellow coupon clippers - who will undoubtedly love the $30-$50 worth of coupons in each issue, including high-value coupons for freebies. The offer expires May 29, so jump on it. ;)

Sign up here to get members-only coupons from Bisquick and other Betty Crocker products. Remember to use your junk email address to keep your personal email unclogged.

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Lastly, a news tidbit: Google recently announced its partnership with power companies in its foray into smart grid technologies - an initiative called Google PowerMeter. What does this mean for us consumers? If Google partners with your power company in the future and you do not elect to opt-out (meaning opting out of your information being shared by your power company with Google) - you can automatically check up on your energy usage in real-time, and even do continuous monitoring of your energy usage based on the appliances that soak up energy unnecessarily in your home (so-called "vampire applicances"). You can also see how your energy usage varies over the day, and day-to-day, to see your most egregious power-sucking hours. If you have no beef with your information being shared, you can get some useful information on your power usage, ergo lowering your energy bills, yet another cost-saving measure.

Happy deal surfing, y'alls. :-D
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Clearanced Diapers at $0.10/each at Giant!

Liz of Frugally Blonde just notified us of a sweet diaper stock up scenario: apparently her Giant has clearanced packages of Cottontails diapers to 50% off (84 size 3 for $8.99) - making them about $0.10 each. (For reference, even Sam's club prices on diapers can run up to $0.30/each for brand name diapers). Liz has advocated trying out generic diapers, and since we've both started couponing and deal-hunting, we've started to become more flexible in that arena, too (Between the two of us, we've tried CVS brand, Playskool, and Wal-Mart brands at least). Thanks so much for this tip, Liz!

Liz theorized that they might be changing the packaging...which in Diaperland often means that you'll soon be spending more for less diapers (sigh), as one savvy reader wrote us about recently when she was aghast at the new reduced sizes and hiked prices in the Harris Teeter diaper aisle. So - grab some clearanced Cottontails at your Giant if you see them!
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5 Reasons to go to CVS this week, 05/24-05/30

Many thanks to iheartcvs for the matchups on this. Please be sure to visit the iheartcvs blog to see all other matchups for this week! There are some other sweet freebies and matchups worth a gander.

1. Sunday and Monday Only:
   Bandaid bandages are $2.99, and you earn back $2 ExtraCare Bucks. This deal is limit 2.
   Use coupons:
   $1 off Band-Aid (excludes trial sizes) 02/08 SS or 04/26 Valassis/Red Plum
   $0.50 off Band-Aid Adhesive Bandages 05/17 Valassis/Red Plum
   
2. Clearasil Stayclear face wash 6.5 oz is $3.99, earn back $3.99 ECBs.
   This deal is limit 1.
   Use: $1 off Clearasil, any 04/19 SS
   
3. Playtex Gentle Glide 18 ct. or Sport tampoons ,16 ct. are $3.99, earn back $3 ECBs.
   This deal is limit 1. Use coupons:
   $1 off Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons 03/22 SS
   $1 off playtex sport
   all you magazine 05-22-09 issue pg. 60
   
4. Revlon Nail color is $3.99, earn back $3 ECBs.
   This deal is limit 1
   Use: $1 off Revlon Color Cosmetic, any 04/26 SS
   
   Good all week:
5. Colgate Total Advanced 4 oz. is $2.99, earn back $2 ECBs.
   This deal is limit 1. Use coupons:
   $1 off Colgate Total Advanced Whitening, Total, etc 05/10 SS
   $0.75 Colgate Adult or Kids Toothpaste, 4 oz. or larger, 02/22 SS
   $1 off Colgate Total
   $1.50 Colgate Total Advanced Whitening, Colgate Total Advanced Clean, or Colgate Total Advanced Fresh Toothpaste 4.0 oz or larger, all you magazine 03-20-09 issue page 41 (expires 05/24)
   $1 off Colgate Total Advanced Whitening, Colgate Total Advanced Clean or Colgate Total Advanced Fresh Toothpaste (4.0 oz or larger), any all you magazine 04-17-09 issue pg 51

Here's a sample scenario if you were emailed one of the $4/$20 coupons this weekend, and have at least one of each insert:

2 x Bandaid - 2 x $2.99
Clearasil - $3.99
Colgate - $2.99
Playtex - $3.99
Revlon - $3.99
Speed Stick - $3.99
================
Subtotal: $20.94
Use coupons:
$4 off $20 purchase (emailed)
2 x $1 (Bandaid)
$1 (Clearisil)
$1 (Colgate)
$1 (Playtex)
$1 (Revlon)
================
Post-coupons: $10.94 (plus tax)
Earn back ECBs:
2 x $2 (Bandaid)
$3.99 (Clearisil)
$2 (Colgate)
$3 (Playtex)
$3 (Revlon)
$3.99 (Speed Stick)
= $19.98 ECBs earned

Net: $9.04 ECB 'profit' to walk out the door with ~$21 in merchandise.
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Lands' End Memorial Day Sale: 30% off plus free shipping!

I got a sweet email from Lands' End's newsletter chain:

Use the code MEMORIALDAY at checkout with pin 00002958 to get 30% off new spring arrivals, plus free shipping! The last day for this deal is Monday 05/25.

Be sure to go through ebates for your purchase to get an additional 3% cash back!
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Shopping This Weekend: Old Navy and Free Eggs'n'Bakie at IKEA

IKEA is offering free breakfast this weekend! Saturday May 23 through Sunday May 25, from restaurant opening until 10:30 a.m. Your get: one small breakfast, valued at $0.99 (looks like eggs, bacon, and home fries), and one cup of coffee, valued at $0.99. (Offer not valid at IKEAs in Charlotte, Hicksville, Houston, Pittsburgh, Stoughton, Tampa, and IKEA Direct.)

Find an IKEA store near you and see restaurant hours by clicking "Restaurant" in the left hand column of your store's page! NOVA/DC/MD folks, you're likely to seek out the IKEAs of Woodbridge, VA, Baltimore, MD, and College Park, MD.

Meanwhile, if you're already in an IKEA, chances are good there's an Old Navy nearby. On Saturday, flipflops are just $1 per pair. Also check here at Thrifty Mama and here at the Bargain Moose for the scoop on how to score some Old Navy Weekly steals in-store discount coupons.
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More $/$$ coupons - Bloom and Shopper's Food Warhouse - but Usable At Other Stores, Too!

There are more $/$$ grocery coupons in today's Washington Post (A15 and A17, plus others like Ruby Tuesday BOGO entrees) - for Bloom and Shopper's Food Warehouse. There is also a printable coupon available via Bloom's website for $10/$40, good 05/20-05/26 - posted earlier today by Jodi (thank you!) of Never Pay Retail Again.

Remember that these coupons can be used at Harris Teeter, or as Penny Possibilities helpfully pointed out (thanks Heather!), at SuperFresh, both of which officially accept competitors' coupons. Some other NOVA/MD/DC Metro area grocery stores are open to accepting these competitor coupons, but it's probably wise to ask before you shop at the Customer Service desk as it can vary on a store-by-store basis. Frugal in Virginia has confirmed that all Giants accept competitor coupons.
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Notes on Giant Run - "Cheap Date Night In!"

Made a stop at Giant today - as predicted based on the coupon offer text, the $3/$15 meat coupon definitely works without/before the BonusCard is scanned.

Porterhouse and T-Bone steaks measured in packages from ~$20-$30 retail ($10-$15 after BonusCard discount) - which makes it hard to use the "buy $15 of steak" strategy I mentioned before. Basically about the best you can do on the steak is to buy the smallest package available, around $20 retail, use the $3/$15 coupon, and then scan your BonusCard to get a $20 package for $7. Still a great (and oh so freezable) discount at 65%.

Those of you who are more "housebound" because you're parents to little ones can appreciate the value of a post-kids'-bedtime "date night in".

Here is a sample of a date night in based on price ranges of items that I picked up today (see our discussion of weekly deals and matchups at Giant):

2 Porterhouse Steaks - $7 after $3/$15 coupon
2 ears of corn, grilled, ~$0.34 on sale
1 watermelon @$3.99, - we'd eat ~$1 worth for dinner
1 Ben and Jerry's pint - $2 after $0.50 manufacturer coupon
1 can ice cold Barq's root beer for hubs - $0.18 after Coke 12-packs deal
(water for me)
=======================
Total consumed: $7 + $0.34 + $1 + $2 + $0.18

=~$10.52 for a quickly-prepared dinner of "splurges", and no tips to pay! (Though I could prorate the pennies of propane, the Heinz 57, the free-after-Cats-and-coupons butter, and salt and pepper if you really wanted me to...) Did I mention that I ended up with half of my steak leftover for today's lunch? Maybe that would bring the price for the sample dinner date down another $1.75. ;-p

This date would have normally cost around $26.91 at retail grocery prices or upwards of $50 for a sit-down dinner out (babysitter not included!), for a date discount of up to 80% or more. That's what I call a cheap date. :)
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All Right! $3 off $15 meat purchase at Giant coupon!

Click here to access a printable coupon for $3 off a $15 fresh meat purchase at Giant!





Coupon is good May 18 through June 4. There is no stated requirement on when the coupon must be presented (that is: after all discounts, etc.), or even that you must have a Giant BonusCard to receive the savings - so you can scan this coupon before your BonusCard for maximum discount.

Sample scenario: Buy $15 retail of fresh meat, scan coupon, bring it down to $12. Scanning your BonusCard will make the meat up to half price off retail (as w/steak and ribs) as discussed in our Giant ad matchups and deals post for the coming Memorial Day BBQ sale - so $7.50 off - down to $4.50 for $15 worth of steak or ribs. All right.

$/$$ Shopper's Food Warehouse Coupons in the Washington Post

Gina alerted us to the presence of $/$$ coupons for Shopper's Food Warehouse in today's Washington Post. Values are:

$5/$25
$10/$50
$15/$75

Basically, a 20% discount is what we're talking about here - before your manufacturer coupons, if you're using any. If you make a $150 purchase, you can use all three coupons and save $30.

Remember that Harris Teeter officially - (and some Safeways and Giants, depending on the manager/policy) - accepts competitors' $/$$ coupons, so if you have some rockin' deals elsewhere, don't be afraid to ask in advance if you can use the Shopper's coupons!
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Save up to $27 off $60 purchase (ships free) on CVS.com this weekend.

May 21 and 22, save 20% off your entire purchase at CVS.com when you enter the code sale20 at checkout.

Here's the fine print: To receive the 20% off discount you must be signed in to your CVS.com account. These products are not discounted: Burts Bees, Conair Infinity, Sinupulse, DS Laboratories, Epilady, Jitterbug, Lierac, LipFusion, Maxoderm/Vivaxa, Ontel, OXO, Rainbow Light, Tweezerman, Zeno, Violight, Omnilux, AeroGarden, Kidco, Rapidlash, LaRoche-Posay. If there is another product sale running at the same time you will get the larger discount. Valid on nonprescription items only.

Also, when you sign in using your CVS.com account, you save $10 off your purchase of $60 or more, and an additional $5 off your purchase by using your MasterCard to pay.

This deal is good to consider for personal care products that are rarely, if ever, listed in the CVS weekly ad. If you put $60 worth of items in your cart and take advantage of all above discounts, you can save up to $27 total! That's nearly half-price! Orders over $49 ship free (unknown whether before discounts).

You can also print $35 worth of in-store coupons (not sure whether CVS or manufacturer coupons) here.
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5 Reasons to Visit Giant (aka Stop and Shop) this Week, 05/22-05/28

Sweet hickory smoke, there are some great stock-up prices on barbeque and picnic eats at Giant this week. Even better: a lot of the stuff can be frozen or stay fresh for a long time in the fridge, so as a Klingon might say: "Ah, the thrill of the hunt! This evening we eat well!" Egads, did I just expose my Trekkie streak? I think I did.

*Ahem* On to the best deals! We may post more in time, but for now, here are the ones that caught our eyes:

5 Reasons for the Carnivores - CLICK HERE TO OUR POST WITH A $3/$15 meat purchase coupon:

1. $4.99/lb. (half price) Porterhouse or T-Bone Steaks.
   
2. $1.99/lb. (at least half price) Fresh Pork Spareribs or Italian Dinner Links. I'm thinking of trying out this highly-rated slow cooker (crock-pot) BBQ ribs recipe.
   
3. $0.99/lb. (45% off) Chicken drumsticks or thighs. This looks like an easy marinade to try.
   
4. $4.99/lb. (37.5% off) Snow Crab Clusters. I admit - I'm reluctant to try new recipes on more expensive seafoods. Anybody have a killer/easy recipe for crab legs?
   
5. Ball Park Franks are BOGO - and if you use the 05/17 RP $1/2 insert coupon OR the $1/1 angus franks peelies that reader Trisha emailed us about (thanks, Trisha!) - you can probably do pretty well. Anybody know if that $2.50/3 Shopper's Food Warehouse ad manufacturer coupon has already expired? If not, you could get $2.50 off the price of 2 to get 4...

5 Fiberlicious Reasons

1. Sweet white corn, 12 for $1.99, ~$0.17 each. This well-rated recipe for grilled corn requires only butter, salt, and pepper in addition to your corn. I know I sure have an overflow of Catalina-generating triple couponed butter from my Shopper's escapades.
   
2. $3.99 each. Whole Seedless Watermelon, 13-16 lb. weight (these normally go for around $6.99 at my Giant). The last time that Giant did a whole watermelon sale, I tried weighing a couple - going for "big" looking ones, and the highest I got weight-wise was around 9.5 lbs. Weird. Anywhoo, I mention this only in case you are looking for a specific weight watermelon for a recipe - weigh your melons in advance and don't rely on the ad's listed weight.
   
3. Franceso Rinaldi Pasta Sauce is 4/$5 ($1.25 each). It normally goes for $2/jar, so this is a significant discount, even without any active insert coupons.
   
4. Planters Mixed Nuts are BOGO, and Coupons.com currently has a $1/1 printable available (limit 2 per Windows run computer), and you can use two, so you will probably get 2 jars of mixed nuts for ~$2-3, or $1.00-$1.50 each. Cheap!
   
5. Cucumbers are 4/$3 ($0.75 each), and they've recently been $1 or more at my Giant. Yea, cucumber salad!

3 Reasons for the Thirsty

1. $2.20/12 pack for Coke products, Friday 05/22 through Monday 05/25 only! My husband's tastebuds pirouette at the thought of Barq's, so he will be happy cracking some of these open in the coming weeks.
   
2. Deer Park has a Catalina deal going on: Buy 2 24-packs, get a $2 Cat, Buy 3 23-packs, get a $3 Cat, and buy 4 24-packs, get a $5 Cat. We couldn't find any insert or printable coupons to apply, but if you bought 4 24-packs at $3.88 each, after the $5 Catalina, they'd net to $2.63 each, or around $0.10/bottle.
   
3. Turkey Hill half-gallon chilled drinks (teas, lemonades, includes diets, etc.) are 3/$5. There was a $1/2 coupon in the 05/10 RP that would make these $1.16 each.

5 Reasons for Those Hosting Overnight Company

1. Kraft Cracker Barrel Cheese, 2/$5. This is normally ~$4.89 each, so this is close to half price. I have an irrational love for this cheese.
   
   Pair it with:
   
2. Nabisco Snack Crackers, which are 2/$5. There are $1/1 coupons for Triscuits and Wheat Thins each on coupons.com right now, which would make these $1.50/box. Nice between-meals hors-d'oeuvres!
   
3. Edys Ice Cream is 2/$5 (normally $3.99 each). No insert or printable coupons apply, but this is cheap still. Note: Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream pints are 2/$6. Use the $0.50/1 manufacturer tearpad coupons that were on the ice-cream doors at Wawas, doubled, to get them for $2/pint. And no, you don't necessarily have to serve this to your company. You can save it for yourself when they've left the homestead. :)
   
4. Buy any two Doritos, Lay's, or Tostitos chips - all varieties excluding baked, light, kettle, and family size - and two 24 oz. jars of Tostitos Salsa to get all four for $8 - $2 each! Save $7.98, making this a "half price" deal. Limit 1 deal per transaction. We couldn't find any insert or printable couposn that apply.
   
5. When you buy Kellogg's cereal at Giant, you can get free gallons of milk in this hot deal. Edit: the deal computes to coupons for free gallons of milk, so I've redone the tallies below to reflect that. 1 free gallon for 3 boxes of cereal, 2 free gallons for 5 boxes of cereal, and 3 free gallons for 7 boxes of cereal. If you have your $1 coupons printed from coupons.com or the 04/05 insert (exp. 05/31 so use'em!) - this can be a great deal.
   
   Cheapest Kellogg's cereal (normally small boxes run ~$3.50) are 2/$5 this week:
   
   Frosted Mini-Wheats Bite Size 18 oz.
   Special K Cinnamon Pecan 12.5 oz.
   Special K. Fruit and Yoghurt 12.8 oz.
   Corn Flakes 18 oz.
   
   I'm pretty sure that the Frosted Mini Wheats campaign coupons can count toward the Bite-Size, too (four $1/1 and a BOGO).
   
   Here's a deal off the top of my head:
   
   7 boxes Frosted Mini-Wheats Bite Size or other Kellogg's
   (at least two should be Mini-Wheats to use the BOGO coupon)
   ===========================
   Total: $17.50
   Use:
   BOGO coupon, and 6 $1 off coupons (insert, printable, or campaign)
   ===========================
   New subtotal: ~$9.00 for seven large boxes of cereal - and you'd get coupons good for three free gallons of milk (around $10.47 worth). $9.00 for 9 boxes of cereal + 3 gallons of milk milk = Enough to feed a houseful of company over the weekend, or one teenaged boy for a snack.
   
   Bonus: theoretically, your milk acquisition might count toward the Buy 6 get 1 free deal, which ends this week on 05/28 (free milk coupons from this deal are redeemable through June).
   

FREE Oscar Mayer Beef Franks...TODAY only - 'til 11:59 PM EDT!

Gina emailed us this coupon much earlier today, but unfortunately neither of us were able to sign in to blog/check email until just now. Sign up here before 11:59 pm EDT to get a coupon for a FREE Oscar Mayer Beef Franks. Thanks, Gina - and sorry to all for the late notice.

We will be back later tomorrow with some Giant deals for the coming week. Hold on to your hats, because there will be oodles of discounts on:

Barbequein' Meats (beef, pork ribs, chicken, oh yea!)
Chips and salsa (can you say $2 each?)
Watermelon
Coke products ($2.20 each - yea, Barq's!)
FREE Milk WITH Kellogg's cereal purchases.'Bout time to use those $1 coupons if you haven't already. :)

...and on and on. Giant is eager for your business this week in prep for Memorial Day festivities, but I'm planning on marinating/freezing a lot of that meat for grillin' all summer long. Details to come!
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New York Times Piece: Credit Card Industry Aims to Profit From Sterling Payers

Go and read this article. Apparently with new credit card legislation/regulation at play, credit card companies won't be able to make their biggest profits (was 70% of their revenue streams) from delinquent payers the same way that they have in the past. What does this mean? The perks programs - no annual fees, rewards and cash-back programs, etc. - are likely to evaporate since the only other sources of income would be sterling payers: people who faithfully pay their bill in full every month.

If you are a perfect credit card payer (and you should try to be, because otherwise it's money down the drain on fees and interest) - it's probably best to monitor your card's interest rate and the other fine print. Before you know it, a long-loved rewards program could silently cease (save only the teeny tiny notification at the bottom of one of your bills), or an annual fee could start on your account. Definitely budgeting considerations! And for fun, check out Crystal Paine's post today on making a mosaic frame out of cut-up credit cards - so cute!
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Total 31% Discount on any Beauty.com purchase, Wednesday May 20-Friday May 22

Beauty.com (drugstore.com's sister site) is offering a 20% anniversary discount this Wednesday through Friday (May 20-May 21). If you click to beauty.com through ebates, you'll get 6% cash back on your purchase. Your beauty.com and drugstore.com accounts also give a "quarterly ExtraCare Buck" type reward of 5% cash back which you can apply to a future purchase. 20+6+5 = 31% total discount.

In addition, the site currently says that it is offering free shipping on any order, though I'm not sure if this overlaps to Wednesday and beyond. (Normally beauty.com and drugstore.com purchases ship free for first purchases over $25, and subsequent purchases ship free over $49.) There is also currently an offer for a loaded beauty bag full of deluxe size samples for purchases over $100, but again: I'm not sure if this will still be around by tomorrow (beauty.com tends not to overlap its best offers).

Yes - many high end beauty products are not worth the premium (I have a few splurge items, as do most of us) - but this is a great time to think about getting something that normally has little-to-no discount - like if you are considering getting a new hair dryer, curler, or hair iron.

Though there is a guaranteed return program within 30 days of purchase on beauty.com items, be sure to check out Makeup Alley (our review and link here) to read reviews on your potential purchases before you buy.
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Redbox Free Rental Updates

Well - for now the weekly "free rental Mondays" are supposed to be over, with a once-monthly free rental program promised for the summer for those who sign up to receive texts of the codes by cell phone. But Inside Red Box posted a tantalizing message hinting that by this time next week, there may be a way back to free rentals every week. IRB also says:

"But, in the meantime, check out our recent post titled “Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Redbox?” and take advantage of a free trial that will get you at least 6 free rentals over the next 2 weeks."

So, this is looking semi-promising - 'cause once per week is about as often as my husband and I manage to sit down for a stretch on the same night and agree about which latest release (entails explosions/laughs/kissing debates) we want to watch.

We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, look at our past Redbox Free Rental Code Posts to see the free rental codes out there which are not day-specific, or head over to insideredbox.com.

Find your local Redbox kiosks at nearby gas stations, grocery stores, and other locations.
Search the Redbox Movie Titles for tonight!
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05/17 Parade Magazine coupons

Parade Magazine did it again!

The May 17, 2009 edition had 2 coupons of note in the D.C. area: $1 on any Healthy Ones lunch meat and $3 on the movie "Mall Cop."

Leave us a comment below if your edition has any other coupons.

5 Reasons to go to CVS this week, 05/17-05/23

Check out the rest of this week's matchups at iheartcvs's weekly matchups post. (Thanks, Erica!)

Some freebies and cheapies:

1. Hershey's Extra Large Bars are BOGO - at $1.99 for both.
   Use two of the 04/19 SS coupons for $1 off Hershey Special Dark Bag or Extra Dark Bar or Bag (3.5 oz+) or any Cacao Reserve Item, 3.5 oz +, to get both FREE. Sweet deal. :)
   
2. Right Guard or Dry idea Deodorants are 2/$5, and you earn back $2 in ExtraCare Bucks when you buy 2. This deal is limit 3.
   Use the coupon for $1 off 2 Right Guard, Dry Idea, or Soft & Dri products SS 5/17/09.
   Net: 2/$2, $1/each.
   
3. Earn $5 ECBs when you buy $10 worth of:
   ACT II Popcorn 4/$5
   Chef Boyardee 4/$5
   David sunflower kernels 4/$5
   Hunt's snack pk 4/$5
   Poppycock 2/$5- use the $1/2 Poppycock coupon from the 03/29 SS
   Orville Popcorn 2/$5
   This deal is limit 1.
   
   Best way to work this deal? Buy $10 worth of Poppycock, use 2 x $1/2 coupons. Net $3 for 4 bags of Poppycock, or $0.75 each.
   
4. Covergirl outlast lip color or lip stain is $7, and you earn back $3 ECBs.
   Use the $1 off Covergirl 05/03 P&G.
   This deal is limit 1.
   Net: $3 for the lip stain.
   
5. Colgate Sensitive Whitening, Enamel Protect Toothpaste (6 oz.) or Colgate Visible White (4 oz.) are each $3.99, and you earn back $2 ECBs.
   Use the coupon for $1 off Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste (05/17 SS).
   This deal is limit 1.
   Net: $0.99 for the toothpaste.
   

No...seriously...we're not joking...get thee to a Shopper's Food Warehouse!

Fellow bloggers and some intrepid readers have written/posted with some great non-ad (aka regular-price-based) matchups that they've scored! See the Mr. Linky with associated Shopper's deals posts - and click on the link to the spreadsheet where we've started integrating them into our master matchups list.

Currently listed Shopper's Food Warehouse triple coupon deals by the numbers (which could change by the hour):

• 22 items that are $0.50 or less!
• 9 items that are free (or...maybe overage?)!
• 15 items that are at least 90% off!

If you picked up one of all 22 $0.50 or less items, you'd pay:

$3.74 for $41.17 worth of stuff!

That's a 91% savings!

Um...what are you doing still reading this post? Check out the growing coupon matchups list in our original post and then get thee to a Shopper's Food Warehouse! :) Remember that this time, the deals are only good through Sunday May 17.
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Old Navy Weekly Steals - Coupons For Week of May 15

The Thrifty Mama and Bargain Moose have the scoop on this week's Old Navy Weekly printable/emailable in-store coupons. Thanks, ladies! Happy coupon hunting!
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Note on Shopper's Matchups Master Spreadsheet - Making Changes Tonight

Now that we have the ad matchups posted for this weekend's Shopper's Food Warehouse triple coupon matchups, I have moved along to accumulating deals on regularly-priced items. Click here to access the link to our growing spreadsheet of deals - the first sheet is ad-related deals, and the second is regular-pricing deals. Of course, since Shopper's decided to do new parameters this time (up to $0.99 triple - rather than their usual rules of $0.00-$0.50 triple, $0.51-$1.00 double), I'm having to rethink triple deals and post them slowly. Please note that this is very much a process, and I'm going to try to verify the sources/expirations on these entries based on past matchups, but this will take time. This also means that past lists we've posted of freebies and cheapies (which were largely based on $1 coupons doubling) will change, too, with the new rules for this weekend.

Long story short: The second regular-pricing sheet of the Shopper's matchups spreadsheet is available, but in continuous edits. We can't make claims for their veracity at any given point as it is a living document (and expired/defunct deals may be deleted as they are discovered), but want you to know that they are being developed and posted, so that you can take advantage of what is there and plan your trips.

We're also going to try to attribute matchups to specific readers who submitted them in the past - but if we missed you, please let us know! We'll be sure to post your name by your deal. :o)
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Fabu new 30% Gymboree coupon

Attention, Gymboree shoppers:

Click here for a new 30% coupon. It's only good from May 14-17, and online shoppers should use code GYMFAMILY.

We don't shop Gymboree very much but do find that their clothing lasts very well, even items we've bought on consignment. And it also resells well at consignment sales or on Ebay.

Shopper's Food Warehouse Coupon Matchups Posted for May 14-17

Click here to go back to our original post. We've already posted triple coupon matchups for the Shopper's Food Warehouse ad for the coming week, and will be adding non-ad matchups over the next couple of days to this same post's matchup list.

Be sure to check out the new matchup listing format - and add your Mr. Linky if you do a blog post about Shopper's trips!
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5 Reasons to Visit Giant (aka Stop and Shop) This Week (05/15-05/21)

Well - you definitely have more than 5 reasons. For right now, we've focused on the Unilever deal: When you buy $20 worth of participating Unilever products, $5 will be automatically deducted instantly at checkout. Participating products (prices listed in ad are bolded, other prices are retail):

• Knorr Pasta Sides, $1.25 each
  $0.50/1, 03/29 RP, = $0.25
  
• Hellmann's Mayonnaise, $2.50 each
  
• Ragu Pasta Sauce, $2.59 each
  $0.60/1 or $0.60/2, 05/17 RP
  
• Skippy Peanut Butter, $2.50
  
• Wish-Bone Salad Dressing, $2.50
  
• Lipton Tea Bags, $3.49
• Lipton Iced Tea Mix, $4.99
• Breyers Ice Cream is BOGO (normally ~ $3.99)
  04/05 RP2 insert had $1/2, which would make these ~$1.50 ea
  Note: not sure of how a BOGO item fits into this transaction - does buying two only count $3.99, or does it count $7.98 worth? We don't know.
• Good Humor Ice Cream Bars, $2.50
• Breyers Fruit Bars, $3
• Breyers Double Churn Lite or Carb Smart Bars, $3.50
• Oreo or Mrs. Fields Ice Cream Novelties, $3.99
• Popsicle, $3
• Klondike Bars, $3
• Bertolli Complete Dinner for Two & Bakes, $6.99
  AFullCup lists the 03/15 SS as having a $1 and/or a $1.25 off coupon for these, but my 03/15 SS didn't have them. Bummer. Anybody else manage to find this coupon?
  
• Shedd's Country Crock Spread, $2.29
  Calcium Plus Vitamin D version printable coupon, $0.55 off (should double to $1.10 off)
  
• I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, $2.50
• Country Crock Side Dishes, $2.99 (or free with purchase of Hormel Entree; see Giant ad)
  $1 off, 03/25 RP, = $1.99
  
• Dove Bar Soap 6 Pack, $5.99
  $1/1 from 03/15 RP
  
• Dove Body Wash, $5.99
  $1/1, 03/15 RP
  
• Dove Cream Oil Body Wash, $5.99
  $1.50/1, 03/15 RP
  
• Caress Bar Soap, $6.49
  $1/1, 03/29 RP
  
• Caress Body Wash, $4.99-$5.49
  $1/1, 03/29 RP
  
• Lever 2000 Bar Soap, $6.29
• Lever 2000 Body Wash, $3.50
• Slim-Fast Optima Ready-to-Drink, $6.99
• Slim-Fast Optima Meal or Snack Bars, $4.99
• Dove Cream Oil Body Lotion, $7.49
  Save $1.50/1 here with this printable.
  
• Dove Hair Care, $3.50
• Dove Deodorant, $2.50
  Save $1.50/2 here with this printable.
  $2.00 off Dove Visibly Smooth Deodorant.
  
• Degree Deodorant, $2.50
• Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion, $5.99
  $1/1, 03/31 RP
  
• Sunsilk Hair Care, $2.99
• Q-Tips, $3.50
  $0.30/1, 03/29 RP (doubles to $0.60)
  

Best deal? Buy 16 Knorrs - $20 total. $5 deducts automatically - to $15. Use 16 $0.50 coupons - doubles to $16.00 in value. Should make the Knorrs FREE!


Other deals and Giant coupon matchups that we spotted (may update more later):

BOGO deals:

• Breyers Ice Cream (normally around $3.99/each)
  04/05 RP2 insert had $1/2, which would make these ~$1.50 each.
• Lay's Classic Potato Chips
• Philly Cream Cheese
• Romaine Lettuce
• Hormel Black Label Sliced Bacon (normally $5.29)
• Wisk 2X Liquid Laundry Detergent
  $1/1 printable likely available here, and you can print and use two.
• Banana Boat or Hawaiian Tropic Sun Care
  $1/1, 05/03 SS (use two!!)

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Shopper's Food Warehouse May Triple Coupons Master Shopping List, May 14-17th

Homies - Looks like Shopper's Food Warehouse is gunning to keep couponers distracted from Bloom triple coupons this weekend. This coming Thursday through Sunday (May 14-17), all coupons up to $0.99 in value triple - same as Bloom's parameters. Even better - no limit on the number of coupons that you can use. So overall, you're probably better off investing your time into shopping at Shopper's (whose everyday prices are lower, anyway) - unless of course there is an item advertised as being on sale at Bloom that has a wicked matching coupon.

I have posted the matchups for the prices listed in the Shopper's Food Warehouse weekly ad below. Check back at this link for more matchups over time, including non-ad matchups. In the past, many nonsale items have also turned out to be free or pretty close to it after a tripled coupon.

We're going to try something new this time - which may enable us to build future matchup lists more quickly and streamline reader contributions to a more sleek, uniform format. Check out our published spreadsheet, sorted by greatest savings percentages first! (Items under $0.50 are also highlighted with green.) Email us your thoughts on the new format at redemptionunlimited at gmail dot com.

The Shopper's Food Warehouse May Triple Coupons Matchups Master Shopping List Can Be Seen Here.

**Note: if you are a blogger and wish to help your readers with our matchups, please link to this post and not directly to the list. Please do not copy or paste parts of this list without our written permission.**

The best deal from the ad? Free (overage?) Kraft BBQ sauce.

As for the $5 Catalina when you buy $20 deal, here's the very best scenario:

20 x $1 bottles of Hunt's (I'm not joking...someone out there has to have 20 inserts)
=$20
Use 20 x $0.20/1 coupons from the 05/10 SS, which will triple.

Pay $8, get $5 printable. Net $3 for 20 bottles of ketchup, or $0.15 each (85% discount). Hey, if you've got a big BBQ/grilling gathering coming, you can be the ketchup contributor. Otherwise, consider donating to your local food bank!

On a more practical note, if you have only one coupon from each insert, here's the best way to work it:

1 x Hunt's = $1.00
1 x Pam = $3.00
2 x HC Entree =$4.00
Other $12 worth: whatever you want, since you're out of coupon matchups.
We'll say:
6 x Orville = $12.00
===============
Subtotal $20.00

Minus coupons:
$0.20/Hunt's (triple to $0.60)
$0.35/Pam (triple to $1.05)
$1/2 Healthy Choice
===============
Post-Coupon Subtotal $17.35

Minus $5 Catalina, net $12.35 for two frozen meals, six boxes of popcorn, a bottle of ketchup, and a bottle of cooking spray.

===========

As always, we fervently (truly, madly, deeply) welcome reader comments with matchups spotted in the field!

If you do a blog post on this coming Shopper's run, please feel free to post your Mr. Linky! This way readers can see scenarios and other revelations you've had while bopping to the in-store cheesy 70's disco soundtrack (which I happen to like, thank you very much). Your readers are bound to benefit from our comprehensive matchups, too, so please consider linking to this master matchups/scenarios post.
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$5/$20 Instant Savings Unilever Deal in Coming Week's Giant Ad - Save Skippy, Ragu, Hellman's, and other Unilever Coupons!

If you can't make it to CVS this week, do not despair; you can get similar or better deals at Giant in the coming week for your Unilever products - and many of the lower-value coupons will double since they're under $0.99 in value. The Giant deal is: Buy $20 of Unilever products in one transaction, get a $5 instant discount. Combined with coupons, you can get some deals this way. Brands include Knorr, Skippy, Ragu, Hellman's, Bertolli, Breyers, Dove, Vaseline, Sunsilk, Degree, Q-tip...and many others.

We will post a complete list of participating products (most prices were listed in the ad, but others we will have to scope out today at Giant), coupon matchups, and a few scenarios later tonight.
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Free 5x7 Hallmark Card, shipped

Hallmark is offering a free 5x7 photo card, folded, personalized and mailed!

To take advantage of the offer, you must have an account and sign in to enter the coupon code. Go here to create your card, then use this code at checkout: ICTCARD.

Code can only be used once per account. Let us know how it goes if you try it by leaving a comment below. Sounds perfect for an upcoming birthday or Father's Day!

Thanks, Slickdeals for the tip.

Free Haagen Dazs ice cream today!

Get your free scoop of Haagen Dazs ice cream today, Tuesday, May 12!

Haagen Dazs is giving away a "free-bee scoop" at participating locations from 4 pm - 8 pm. To find a location near you, go here. As always, we recommend calling your local shop to verify participation.

Mmmmm!

Kraft Coupons and Target matchups

You may have already caught wind of a new set of Kraft coupons available. If not, click here to sign up for the Kraft community. You'll get the Kraft magazine in the mail, which usually has valuable manufacturers coupons inside. You'll also gain access to the new coupons so you can print yours - you should be able to print 2 sets.

Attention Target Shoppers has some great matchups on coupon stacking to get some of those tasty Kraft products into your home!

As always, many of these nonperishable items would make great food donations to your local food pantry or food bank.

Monday 05/11 Redbox Free Rental Code - And Other Free Rental Codes!

It's RedBox Free Rental Monday! (Happy dance time...) Movies must be returned by 9 p.m. the following night...this is a great feature because it means that you don't have to stress out the following day trying to schedule in a trip to the Redbox. By the way, you don't need to return your RedBox rental to the same Redbox machine; you can return it to any RedBox machine. See link at post bottom for RedBox locations.

Get a free night's rental with the Monday May 11 Redbox Free Rental code (good for movies rented out today only): 6A43JK is the 05/11 Monday code.

But please note:
If it's your very first time using RedBox, use the code REDBOX first (this is a one time only code good only on the first time you use Redbox) If you want to use this code and the Monday 05/11 code, then you pretty much need to rent two movies tonight, using REDBOX and then the Monday code.

Other codes:
BREAKROOM and DVDONME are supposed to be good for free rentals anytime, so wait to use these until tomorrow, when you must return your Monday DVD(s). There is a history of regular Monday one-day-only freebie codes, so never use these on a Monday if you can help it. Instead, if you want to rent on a Monday, check out Redemption Unlimited under the RedBox Free Rental Codes label, or head over to insideredbox.com to find those one-day-only codes.

Find your local Redbox kiosks at nearby gas stations, grocery stores, and other locations.
Search the Redbox Movie Titles for tonight!
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Bloom Triples Coming Up, May 15 - May 17

Bloom is rumored to be tripling coupons this coming weekend! Woohoo! (And thanks for the heads-up, Blessings in Bargains!) I love Bloom triples because it gives me a chance to maximize the savings of my $0.51-$0.99 coupons (whereas these coupon values would at most double at Giant, Safeway, and Shopper's Food Warehouse). Bloom typically triples all coupons up to $0.99 in value (limit 20 per transaction - internet printable coupon acceptance might differ between stores) - so a $0.75 coupon is worth $2.25 off! You can definitely scope some great deals with that kind of discount, especially if it's something already on sale in the weekly ad.

For discussion on this weekend's potential deals, see here on afullcup.com and here on hotcouponworld.com.

The last time Bloom tripled, Southern Savers had a comprehensive list of triple coupon matchups - some of which still apply.

If anybody needs me, I'll be huddled by my coupon file folders with some scissors, maniacally planning my trip:
"Hee hee...seventy-five cents off 4-packs of Cottonelle (04/26 SS)...hee hee...seventy-five cents off Bertolli (04/05 insert)..."

I've got a fever and the only answer is more coupons. :)
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Make-Your-Own Experiment - Bagels, Cream Cheese, Granola, and More!

A couple of weeks ago, Slate's Jennifer Reese did a neat article detailing her efforts at making staples at home as cheaply as possible - to see which are worth making at home for the budget-conscious. Surprise, surprise: many items - yoghurt, bagels, granola among them - turn out to be classified as worth trying to make at home, not just because they're cheaper, but because they taste considerably better.

Check out the article for a the author's take on making the following at home:

Bagels
Cream Cheese
Yoghurt
Jam
Crackers
Granola

We weren't surprised to see the bagels on the "definitely make your own at home" list - after all, Frugally Blonde makes her own drool-worthy bagels all the time.
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Dannon Yoghurt Catalina Deal at Giant

We're not sure if this deal is valid at other stores, but at my Giant, the Catalina recently machine printed a note that said:

"Buy any TWO (2) Dannon Quarts and a 16 oz. container of fresh strawberries between 05/18/09 and 06/14/09, and receive a coupon for $3.00 off your next shopping trip" (Light'n'Fit quarts do not apply.)

At first glance, you think, "Meh." But wait! There were(/are?) several coupon dispensers throughout Giant (in really random places at mine...as in the nonperishable grocery aisles, not in dairy!) for $0.75/2 Dannon Quarts, and the first digit on these was a 5 - meaning that they'll double automatically at checkout since Giant's policy is to automatically double coupons under $0.99.

SO, how does this hash out? Wait until Dannon quarts or strawberries are on sale (for strawberries, this is every other week or every couple of weeks).

Here's a sample scenario:

2 x $2.99 Quarts of Dannon (retail price)
1 x $1.66 1 lb. Strawberries (common sale price)
==================
Subtotal: $7.64
Use $0.75/2 coupon, doubled to $1.50
==================
Post coupon subtotal: $6.14

Receive Catalina for $3 back.

'Net' = $3.14 for two quarts of yoghurt and a pound of strawberries, when one quart of yoghurt is $2.99 retail. Nice! We'll alert you if some Giant sale prices make for a similar deal. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for those coupons! :)
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Happy Mother's Day to Our Readers

Happy Mother's Day, readers! We know all too well the mental and physical muscle that you readers that are moms put into being the core of your families. Props to you for everything you do (and yes: we definitely include wiping bottoms, wiping noses, potty training, dealing with food allergies, grocery checkout meltdowns...et cetera. :) )

We'll be taking a break today, and so should you. And if you aren't going to see your own mommy in person, give her a call and make her day!
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Children's Place 15% Off Entire Purchase May 2009 Birthday Club Coupon is Out!

Jodi of Never Pay Retail Again recently posted the 15% off your entire purchase May 2009 Children's Place Birthday Club Coupon. Thanks, Jodi!

As always, we recommend using this coupon at a Children's Place outlet location, like the one at Potomac Mills, if there is one near you. Buy out of season a couple of sizes bigger (in anticipation of a few months from now) and you'll save the most - paying $2-4 for most anything.
This strategy can enable you to buy a child's full seasonal wardrobe - several pair of bottoms and tops, pajamas, and even a couple of pair of shoes - for well under $50.

Find a Children's Place location near you.
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5 Reasons to go to CVS this Week, 05/10-05/16

With many thanks to iheartcvs for matchups. Click here to see Erica's full listing of the week's matchups.

1. Bayer Quick-Release Crystals, 4 ct., are priced at $2, and you earn back $2 in ExtraCare Bucks.
   Coupons out and about:
   $1 off Bayer Aspirin or Heart Health Advantage product, tearpad @ CVS
   $1 off Bayer Aspirin Quick-Release Crystals, from display @ Walgreens
   This deal is limit 1.
   
2. Bayer/Ascensia Contour blood glucose meters are $14.99, and you earn back $5 in ExtraCare Bucks
   Use these coupons:
   $14.99 off Bayer Breeze2 or Contour Meter, up to $30.00 off
   03/22 SS, 10/26 Valassis/RP, or 02/01 Valassis/RP
   This deal is limit 2.
   Check out this post where we explain why picking up blood glucose monitor ECB deals can be worthwhile - for you and for others!
   
3. Colgate Roothbrushes have a deal where you earn back $5 ECBs when you buy $10 worth.
   Prices for the toothbrushes start at $1.99.
   There was a coupon for $1 off Colgate Max White or any Adult Manual or Powered Toothbrush in the 04/26 SS.
   This deal is limit 1 (not 1 toothbrush; limit one $10 purchase earning you back $5 ECBs).
   
4. Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield (4.2 oz toothpaste or 14.8 oz. rinse) is $3.49, and you earn back $2 ECBs.
   Use the $1 off Crest Rinse, 440 ml + from 05/03 P&G, or the
   $0.50 off Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel 4.2 oz 05/03 P&G
   This deal is limit 2.
   
5. Earn $3 ECBs when you guy $10 worth of:
   Hellman's mayonnaise $3
   Lipton $3
   Ragu 3/$5
   Use: $0.30 off Ragu Pasta Sauce 04/05 Valassis/RP
   Skippy 3/$5
   Use: $0.40 off Skippy Peanut Butter Product 04/05 Valassis/RP
   This deal is limit 1.

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Here's a scenario if you were emailed one of the $4/$20 coupons that went out this weekend.

3 Skippys - $5

3 Ragus - $5

1 Bayer BGM $14.99

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Subtotal: $24.99

Use coupons:

$4/$20

$14.99 Bayer coupon (three insert sources, above)

3 x $0.40 Skippys

3 x $0.30 Ragus

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Post-coupon subtotal:

$3.90

Earn back: $3 ECBs (Food) + $5 ECBs (Bayer) = $8 ECBs.

You just made $4.10 ECB net profit for $24.99 in merchandise. Congratulations!

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Stop by Giant Tomorrow Morning For Coupon Booklets! + Mother's Day Freebies and Activities

Reader Jen reminded me in an email about a coupon giveaway on Saturday and the FREE Mother's Day activities at Giant. Thanks, Jen! :)

So: Saturday, May 9, you can get a coupon booklet with $7 worth of savings for the first 1000 customers who enter the store starting at 11 a.m. No details on the ad about which coupons are included. If the lower half on the back of your Giant ad has this blurb, then your Giant is participating in all likelihood.

Sunday May 10 (aka Mother's Day)

• Kids can bring in their own homemade card at Giant before Mother's Day, and when the moms come in to pick up the card on Mother's Day, some moms will receive a "special surprise".
  
  
• The first 100 children who enter the store starting at 10 a.m. will receive a free flower for their mom.
  
  
• 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Mother's Day raffle drawings will be held every hour. Prize is a beautiful Mother's Day floral arrangement. Winner must be present to receive prize.
  
  
• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids can create a special cookie just for mom. All supplies provided for free.

.To see our weekly Giant deal and coupon matchups post, click here.
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Making Meals at Home = Avoiding Obesity?

This is a little off the beaten path of our usual post content, but we think it's fascinating. The New York Times' Catherine Rampell plotted the average time each day that an average citizen of a country spends eating against the national obesity rates. The result is fascinating. Check out where the U.S. is hanging out!

Meanwhile, personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary noted in this past Wednesday's Washington Post article that making and eating your meals at home and eating out less is a great way to reclaim a chunk of your budget.

Singletary says,

"Because I write The Post's Color of Money personal finance column, I've seen the high cost of eating out. Dozens of readers regularly tell me that their budgets get busted by frequent restaurant visits.

If you shop well, you can cook at home for less money. But there's another important benefit and blessing that is priceless: Having family meals at the same time, at the same table is a way to keep the family healthy and close. I just wish I had understood that earlier in my marriage and motherhood.

Some of the best times I've had in my home with my kids and husband have occurred around the preparation or consumption of a meal. We have to teach our children how to cook, so they can cook for their families and minister to their needs. "

Amen to that.

If economic pressure makes us reinvestigate thrifty grocery shopping and old fashioned family dinners at home, maybe we'll take a little more time at the dinner table to to savor the fruits of our efforts in the supermarket and kitchen...and bonus: we just might buck an American obesity trend along the way.
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KFC Coupon Article - Why Some Won't Redeem

This article had a little snippet on why some KFC's are refusing to redeem Oprah's coupons: it's dependent on whether the KFC location is franchised.

Some folks in New York staged chicken sit-ins, refusing to leave locations until they got their free chicken meals. I love free chicken, but sometimes your time is just worth more than a freebie, y'know? I can understand getting principled about it, though - I've been to a few customer service desks over a buck or two (though if it takes long, I'm usually out of there - can't park in customer service with a little one forever, after all).

Have any of you had your KFC coupons rejected? What are your stories?
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OId Navy Weekly Coupons, May 8 and May 9

I give credit to those willing to stay up into the wee hours hitting "refresh" on the Old Navy site and - it's just not in me these days. But, head over to Bargain Moose to get a good idea of where the few remaining coupons are for this week (unfortunately the $60/$100 and $45/$100 are gone).
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IKEA $4.99 meatball meal down to $1/each this weekend!

If you're contemplating an IKEA trip this weekend, my IKEA ad says that Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10, the regularly-priced-at-$4.99 Swedish meatball meal (15 meatballs with sauce, mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam) is just $1 each! That's a better value than a fast food dollar menu experience (well...if you like meatballs). :)

Find an IKEA store near you and see restaurant hours by clicking "Restaurant" in the left hand column of your store's page! NOVA/DC/MD folks, you're likely to seek out the IKEAs of Woodbridge, VA, Baltimore, MD, and College Park, MD, which is where the ad says the offer is valid (not sure about IKEAs outside of the D.C. metro area).
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A Few Shopper's Food Warehouse matchups, 05/07-05/13

My Shopper's Food Warehouse ad for this week features a lot of coupons and deals. Here are some associated matchups (note that "No manufacturer coupons apply." is shorthand for no active insert coupons applying).

Edit: Gina posted a comment letting us know that her ad had a $10 off $50 purchase coupon. (My ad did not have this coupon, so it's store-specific, looks like.) This is a great coupon! Also remember that Harris Teeter takes these types ($/$$) of competitors' coupons and some Giants are rumored to, as well. Main idea: if you're not planning a Shopper's run but still want to use the coupon, try asking your store manager at your regular grocery store. You never know! (Of course, if you're not going to use it at all, you can always send it my way since my Shopper's has been punting on the best deals for, oh, the last month! ;-) ) Thanks, Gina!

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The front page flap "store coupons" - look to be combinable with manufacturer coupons:

Tide 100 oz. bottle liquid detergent, buy 1, save $2.50, final price $11.99. (No manufacturer coupons apply.)

Pepsi 2 Liters, Buy 4, save $2 (final price 3/$3). (The formerly available printable Sierra Mist BOGO coupon would apply here, so if you snagged it and your Shopper's Food Warehouse location accepts this type of printable coupon, you can get 4 bottles, save on two of the original price - maybe? - of $1.66/each, and maybe get all 4 free...?)

Kellogg's Cereal and Pop-Tarts, Buy 2, Save $2 with coupon, final price $2/4. Use the $1/1 printable coupons if your Shopper's Food Warehouse location accepts this type of printable coupon, or the 04/05 RP $1/1 coupon, to get two boxes of Kellogg's Cereal for $2 ($1 each). The $1/2 from the 03/29 insert would also make the Pop Tarts $1.50 each in combination with the store coupon.

Deer Park 24-pk. water, save $1 with coupon, final price $3.99. (No manufacturer coupons apply.)

Tyson Bagged Chicken Breasts, buy 1, save $2, final price $8.99. (No manufacturer coupons apply.)

Maruchan Instant Lunch, buy 5, save $1. Final price 5/$2 ($0.40 each). (No manufacturer coupons apply.)

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Save $5.00 on your next shopping visit (Catalinas presumed) when you spend $20 on the participating items below.

Bounty 8 Giant Roll Paper Towells, $12.99, $0.25/1 from 05/03 P&G probably applies.

Charmin 12 Roll Bath Tissue, $8.69. $0.25/1 from 05/03 P&G probably applies.

Dawn Dish Detergent is $2.79. No manufacturer coupons apply.

Cascade 20-ct. package regular, bleach, citrus, or cinnamon/apple, $4.98 each. No manufacturer coupons apply.

Pampers Cruisers Diapers, $22.99 each. No manufacturer coupons apply - though this amounts to a greater than 20% discount (down to $17.99, price per diaper depends on count) when considering the net Catalina, and if you have some Pampers coupons of your own from packaging or blinkies, you could do even better.

Pampers Sensitive or Natural Unscented Refill Wipes, $10.29. No manufacturer coupons apply.

Aussie Hair Styling Products, $2.49 each. No manufacturer coupons apply.

Herbal Essences Shampoo or Conditioner, $2.99. Use the $2/2 from the 04/19 RP.

Oil of Olay Skin Care Products, $5.99. No manufacturer coupons apply.

Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush, 2/$7. Use the $0.75/1 from the 05/03 SS.

Crest Toothpaste ir Glide Floss, 2/$7.

Crest Pro-Health Oral Rinse, $4.49. Use the $1/1 from the 05/03 P&G.

Gillette Manual Fusion Razor, $8.99. No manufacturer coupons apply.

Prilosec Antacide, $25.99. No manufacturer coupons apply.

Duracell Ultra Batteries, $3.49/each. No manufacturer coupons apply.

Best deal/savings ratio here: Buy 8 Herbal Essence Shampoos or Conditioners, totalling $23.92. Use 4 $2/2 coupons, now totalling $15.92. Subtract $5 for the Catalina, to net you $10.92 for 8 bottles of Shampoo and Conditioner, about $1.36 each.

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Finally, the ad includes a manufacturer's coupon for a FREE package of Eggland's Best Large Eggs (up to $3.09) when you buy any two packages of Jimmy Dean Fresh Sausage, Bacon, or Frozen Skillets.

Jimmy Dean Fresh Sausage Rolls are listed at 2/$6. Other prices currently not known. No known Sunday inert coupons applying to these three Jimmy Dean Items. Doubtful that 02/01 SS Eggland's Best coupons can be used in conjunction with this since both are manufacturer coupons.
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5 Reasons to Visit Giant This Week, 05/08-05/14

Mother's Day gettogether deals - including Nabisco crackers! I knew my entertaining cheese platter radar was picking up something. ;-p

1. Reach Dental Floss is 10/$10. $1.00/1 Reach Dental Floss (excludes trial sizes) or Reach Access Flosser or Reach Toothbrush, 04/26 RP. Ergo...FREE?
2. $0.99/lb. Drumsticks or Thighs, or whole chicken. The whole chicken has been known to go as low as $0.69/lb. in recent months, but this is still a good price for both.
3. $6.99/lb. Whole Beef Tenderloin, (save $8/lb.!)
4. Hillshire Farm Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage, BOGO (usually around $4.50/ea.). $0.55/1 Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage Links, 04/19 RP. Use two since you're buying to to get two for ~$2.30, or ~$1.15/each - about 75% off.
5. Pillsbury Brownie Mix is 10/$10. Use the $0.35/1 from the 03/25 RP to make it $0.30 each!

Here are other deals and Giant coupon matchups that we spotted for the week of May 8 through May 14:

• $1.66/lb. strawberries
• $1.66/5-6 oz. box blackberries
• Tropicana Pure Premium, $2.50/each. $1.00/1 Trop50 59 oz. carton, 03/15 RP, $1.50 final price.
• 33% off all Pepperidge Farm cookies and crackers. Use the $1.00/1 Pepperidge Farm Granola Cookies, 05/03 SS.
• Scott Bath Tissue, $11.99 for 20 pk. (save $3). Use $1.00/6 Scott Naturals Paper Towels, 6 or more rolls, from 04/19 SS.
• Edy's (Ice cream, sherbet, froyo) 2/$6.
• Marie Callender's meals, 5/$10. Printables (looks like $2 and maybe $1) available here.
• Freschetta Pizza, 2/$10. Best: $0.75/1 Freschetta pizza, 02/08 SS. Others: $1.25/2 Freschetta Pizzas, any 2, 02/08 SS, and $1.00/1 Freschetta Pizza product, any, 03/01 SS.
• Eggo frozen waffles, 2/$4. $0.75/1 Kellogg's Eggo Frozen Product, 04/05 RP. Final price: $0.50.
• Philips backfin Crab Meat, $9.99. Philips Seafood Products also 25% off. Use: $1.00/1 Phillip's Product, 03/22 SS.
• Tyson Chicken Strips or Filets are $5.99. Use the $1/1 breaded bagged product (03/08 SS) to make them $4.99.
• Johnsonville Brats are 2/$7, and the $1/2 coupon from the 04/05 SS will make them $3/each.
• Sabra Hummus is 2/$7 for 10 oz. packages. Use the $1.50/1 Sabra printable coupon to get it for $2/package.
• Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream is 2/$6. Use the $0.50/1 manufacturer tearpad coupon from the ice cream fridge at Wawa to double, making the ice cream $2/each.
• Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables are $1.66 each. Use the $1/2 from the 04/19 SS to make them $1.16 each.
• Totino's Pizza Rolls are 2/$7, but use the $0.35/1 from the 02/08 SS to get them for $2.80 each.
• Kraft Shredded Cheese is 2/$5, and there should be a $1 off printable coupon here when you buy the shredded or chunk cheese and 1 box of Triscuits.
• International Delight quarts are 2/$6. Use the $1/2 coupon from the 04/05 SS to make them $2 each.
• Yoplait Yoghurt is $0.50 each. Use the Yoplait $0.40/6 coupons (double automatically) from the 03/22 SS and the 04/19 SS to make it just $0.37/each (about half off the normal price).
• Dannon Activia Yoghurt 4-packs are 2/$4. Use the $1/1 coupon from the 03/01 SS to make them $1/package, or $0.25 each.

Deal: Get 2 FREE Aquafina FlavorSplash 6 Packs (valued at $2.50 each) when you buy 2 Aquafina Water 24 Packs @ $3.99 each. (No coupons apply.)

• Nabisco Snack Crackers - All Varieties - are 2/$5, or $2.50 each. There was a BOGO Wheat Thins Artisan Cheese Crackers coupon in the 03/15 SS which would make them $1.25/box. Not bad! There was also a $1/2 coupon in the 03/15 SS which would make any 2 Wheat Thins or Triscuit varieties $2/box.
• Ocean Spray Cranberry Juices (all varieties) are 2/$6. There was a $0.55/1 coupon in the 04/19 RP for the Cranberry Pomegranate and the Ruby Pomegranate. If this applies (it will double), it will make the drinks just $1.90/each.
• Pepperidge Farm breads are 2/$5. A $1/2 and a $0.40/1 coupon for Pepperidge Farm Swirl Bread was in the 02/22 SS, which would make these range from $1.70-$2 each. There was also a coupon for $0.50/1 Pepperidge Farm Vitality Bread in the 03/01 SS, which would double to make a loaf $1.50.
• Ken's Salad Dressing is 2/$4. Use the $1.00/1 (05/03 SS) to make it $1 each.
• Uncle Ben's Ready Rice or Long Grain and Wild Rice are 2/$4. Use the printable $1/2 here (must register; use your junk email address) to make them $1.50 each.
• Betty Crocker Flavored Mashed Potatoes are $1.66 each. Use the $1/2 coupon from the 04/05 SS to make them $1.16 each.
• Fiber One Bars are 2/$6. Use the $0.50/1 from the 01/25 SS to make them $2/box.
• Clorox Liquid Bleach, 2/$4. $0.50/2 Clorox liquid bleach 82 oz. +, 04/05 RP. Doubles to make the Bleach 2/$3.
• Schiff Vitamins or Move Free Glucosamine/Condroitin are BOGO. Use the $5/1 Move Free from the 04/05 SS, or the $2/Vitamin or Supplement, 02/08 SS - and use two coupons! - to get these pretty cheap.
• Lindt Truffles are 2/$6, and the $1 Lindt truffle printable coupon currently available at coupons.com (several pages in) will make them $2/each.
  
  Potential freebie alert: Russel Stover Chocolates are BOGO.
  There were BOGO-type Russell Stover coupons as follows - not currently sure which, if any, would apply:
  ~ 11/02/08 SS: Russell Stover Sugar Free Candy, 3 oz. bag, Buy 2, Get 1 Free (expires 5-31-09)
  ~ 11/09/08 SS: Russell Stover Private Reserve, Internationale, etc, 3.95 to 4.95 oz. BOGO (expires 5-31-09)
  ~ 01/11 SS: Russell Stover Sugar Free Big Bag, any 10 oz. $1 (expires 7/31/09)
  Let us know if you try any of these RS coupons and have success (or not).

Did we miss any deals? Please leave a comment to let us know about your Giant adventures this week! We lurrrrv reader comments. ;)
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