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.

===========

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

================

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

================

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!

--------

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.)

-----------

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.

-----------

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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Attention Borders Shoppers

Any Borders shoppers out there?

I recently became a member of the Borders Rewards program. Around Christmas, this helped me get free shipping on some gifts. Now, it helps me get substantial coupons!

Through May 10 you can save 30% with this coupon for an in-store, list price item if you are a Borders Rewards member. There is no cost to join the program, and you can find out how to join here.

If you visit Borders today, May 6, you can also get a free cup of Seattle's Best Coffee by printing and using this coupon through Freebies 4 Mom.

Today (Tuesday, May 5) only: 25-40% off shoes & sandals at Lands End

Lands End is running a sale TODAY ONLY on shoes & sandals for everyone but infants. Discounts are 25-40%.

You'll need promotion code MAY5 and pin# 00008563 at checkout to get the deal.

Thanks to SlickDeals for the tip.

Safeway and Shoppers: Grocery Store Promotions Ending

Today ends the Safeway "Living Well" promotion, and tomorrow ends the Shoppers triple coupon mania.

We've enjoyed reading all your comments and successes. Please keep them coming! I went this morning for one last run and saved $35 on my cart full o' goodies. If you're a member of Vocalpoint, you may have received a packet of $1 Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheat coupons last week. The smaller boxes are on sale at Shoppers this week for $2.50, so I used one $1 coupon which doubled, and one BOGO coupon, also in the Vocalpoint mailer, for a total of $.50 for 2 boxes of yummy cereal! If you don't like FM Wheats, this is another great item to donate to your local food pantry.

We highly recommend joining Vocalpoint. It helps us stay current with the latest product and retail trends, and there are message boards, activities and other interesting items available to members. Not to mention the fun mailers and coupons we receive!

Staples Deal: Free Paper

Common Sense with Money has a great post on rebates Staples is offering through May 9, 2009.

I went to Staples this morning to pick up my 2 near-free reams of HP multipurpose paper. We use a lot of paper printing internet coupons, so it was worth the short trip to get this deal! For just over $1 a ream, we'll have enough paper for a few months now.

Click here for more info on the Staples rebates. Thanks, Coupon Cravings! If your location carries the Casio labelmaker listed, you'll get it free. You also might be able to get some free Ghirardelli chocolate.

Can't beat those deals.

More free food from KFC!

Oprah has teamed up with KFC to offer a Kentucky Grilled Chicken 2-piece meal coupon. Go here for more information. This is a limited time only offer that will close tomorrow, May 6, 2009, at 9:59 pm CDT.

Please note: the first time we tried to print, it didn't work. The site is probably experiencing high volume. It did allow printing the coupon twice.

Thanks, Oprah! and enjoy your free food!

Parade Magazine strikes again!

Call me obsessive, but I page through pretty much anything that comes into my mailbox or home. That technique has paid off, because Parade Magazine strikes again!

On page 13 of the May 3, 2009 edition, there is a BOGO manufacturers coupon for Kraft Easy Mac. These single serve packages retail for $1 or less in most stores. Couple that coupon with this great deal at Target, and you'll get some cheap Easy Mac. These are great items to donate to food pantries if it doesn't appeal to you. Or to include in a gift package to your favorite high school graduate who is college bound.

Once again, thanks to Money Saving Mom!

Diaper Rewards Programs

We realize that not all of our readers buy diapers, but we thought we'd post some tips on the diaper rewards programs out there. Diapers are expensive, and we do anything possible to save $ on diapers so we can spend $ on things that matter a little more.

Has anyone been a member of the Pampers "Gifts to Grow" rewards program? I have been for some time, and I'm waiting to get enough points to redeem towards a meaningful reward.

We just found out that Huggies started its own "Enjoy the Ride" rewards program here. If you enroll you'll automatically receive 10 points and be entered in a drawing for a prize of none other than diapers.

Money Saving Mom has more info about the program. I recommend adding in the code she has on her website for 10 free points. My computer let me print 2 Huggies coupons after entering the code, so it's worth it to take a moment and enter that info.

On another note regarding diapers, Huggies just put out a new $3 coupon on their Pure & Natural diapers. Thanks, Coupon Cravings! If you're new to coupons.com, take a look around the website before giving up. You may have to page through a few screens to find the diapers coupon.

Monday May 4's Red Box Free Rental Code - and Other Free Rental Codes!

It's RedBox Free Rental Monday! Movies must be returned by 9 p.m. the following night...I love that feature because it means that I don't have to stress myself 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 4 Redbox Free Rental code (good for movies rented out today only): BT73H9 is the 05/04 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 05/04 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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Let's Dish! - FREE Preprepared Meal for Moms of Babies Born 05/11/08 or Later! May 5 through May 23

Let's Dish locations in Virginia and Maryland are offering moms of new babies a FREE meal (serves 2-3) to take away between May 5 and May 23, 2009.

I think I know approximately a bajillion moms who could score some free eats off this deal. Any baby born or adopted since last Mother's Day (05/11/08) will qualify you for this offer; you simply need to bring some proof of birth or adoption, and you will be asked to provide a valid email address (hint: let it be your junk email address). Note that it does not need to be your first baby for you to qualify!

To find your nearest Let's Dish! location, click here.

Details seen here at the Let's Dish! blog. Let us know if you try this offer out - and what you thought of the meal you tried. :)

Many thanks to FrugalFriends, who took the time to email us about this sweet offer!
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Clip-Free Reasons to go to CVS in May

We're not quite sure what to make of the development: CVS is switching from monthly ExtraCare Buck deals to monthly clip-free coupons (translates to instant savings with your ExtraCare card at checkout). There are still two V8 ExtraCare Buck deals this month, weirdly enough, which can see in the full listing (though no manufacturer coupon matchups are currently present). We guess time will tell whether the deals are better or worse with this clipfree setup. We will comment more on them as deals become clear. Thanks to iheartcvs for the monthly summary - see the entire list for May here.
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5 Reasons to go to CVS this week - 05/03-05/09

Thanks to iheartcvs for the matchups. Click here for the rest of this week's matchups and deals at CVS. Money Saving Mom described a deal getting you Kellogg's ExtraCare Buck cereal with those aforementioned printable $1 off 1 coupons for around $0.67/box.

1. Zantrex 3 is $4.99, and you earn back $4.99 ECBs. Free After ExtraCare Bucks!
   
   
2. Adidas Deodorant is $3.99, and you earn back $3 in ExtraCare Bucks.
   Use the coupon for $1 off Adidas Anti-perspirant, deodorant, body spray or body wash, any size/variety, 04/05 Valassis/Red Plum. $0.01 'profit'. ;)
   This deal is limit 3.
   
   
3. Colgate Max Fresh or Max White toothpaste is $2.99, and you earn back $2 ECBs.
   Relevant coupons:
   $1 off Colgate Max Fresh or Max White Toothpaste, any, 04/26 SS insert
   $0.75 off Colgate Adult or Kids Toothpaste, 4 oz 02/22 SS or 04/26 SS
   This deal is limit 2.
   
   
4. Coke or Mars get $10 ExtraCare Bucks when you buy $20 worth
   This deal is limit 1.
   Relevant matchup and other pricing:
   VitaminWater 3/$4 ($1.33), limit 6 per transaction
   $1 off VitaminWater 10, 20 oz. 04/05 SS
   SmartWater 3/$4 ($1.33), limit 6 per transaction
   Coke 2 Lt 3/$4 ($1.33), limit 6 per transaction
   Coke 12 Pk 3/$12 ($4 each), limit 6 per transaction
   M&Ms 9.9-12.6 oz 2/$5 ($2.50), limit 4 per transaction
   Snickers Minis or Mini Mix 2/$10 ($5)
   
   And finally, for those spring allergy sufferers out there (we hear ya):
   
   
5. Claritin $12.99, earn back $3 ECBs. This deal is limit 1.
   
   No Sunday insert coupons match, but if you know someone in health care or are stopping by your doc's any time soon, maybe you can snag a coupon there.
   

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First Dollar Doubler Run at Giant, 05/01: $2.65 for $25+ of Frosted Flakes and Gum

This morning, I paid $2.65 at Giant for:

7 x 14 oz. boxes of Frosted Flakes
and
2 x SlimPacks of Wrigley's Winterfresh

I used:

7 x $1 off Kellogg's coupons (04/05 RP insert coupons)
4 x $1 dollar doubler coupons from the Giant ad
2 x FREE SlimPack coupons (03/15 SS insert coupons)

Noteworthy items, in chronological order
(hopefully smoothes out your future trips):

My Giant's ads by the door had no dollar doubler coupons attached. Lesson learned: Use your dollar doublers for what you are most likely to need/consume! And - don't throw away your Giant ad at home.

The shelves were fully stocked; only one Frosted Flakes box missing by the time I got there. Of course, that could be a different story by, say, Sunday afternoon.

I picked up the two SlimPacks to put my post-BonusCard discounts total over $15, just to have my bases covered. $1.88 (BonusCard sale price for Frosted Flakes) x 7 is $13.16, after all, so after two gum packs I would be up to $15.74, ergo justified in using all four dollar doubler coupons.

The free gum coupons really mess up the self-checkouts! My self-checkout refused the manually punched in instructions of the very nice lady who helped me, and ultimately she had to transfer my transaction to her personal register. For some reason, she could only give me $1.19 off the $1.29 packs, so the gum cost me $0.10/each. So sue me. ;-p Lesson learned: use coupons good for $/cents off to get filler freebies - like the 04/05 SS $1 VitaminWater coupons that get you free VitaminWater - instead of plain old freebie coupons - at self-checkout. Click here to see our list of coupon matchups for May 1 through May 7, including many other dollar doubler coupon steals.

I'm content to amortize the rest of the transaction cost over all the cereals, even though four were technically free. $2.45/7 boxes = $0.35/box. For a box of cereal that retails $3.49/box. That's a savings of 90%!

How are you working the doubler coupons at Giant? What kinks in the system have you encountered, if any? Comment and/or add a Mr. Linky!

If you have a great blog post about Giant dollar doublers this week, feel free to Mr. Linky it. Come to the Redemption Unlimited site to add your Linky and see other Linkys (not visible in most readers or subscriptions)

Note: Unrelated links and/or links straight to blog home pages will be deleted, so please link directly to your Giant dollar doubler blog posts.

New Coupons.com and upromise.com coupons out for May!

Remember to go to coupons.com and check out the sweet May coupons now available - including $1 off one box coupons for many, many Kellogg's cereals, limit 2 per Windows-run computer. Crystal Paine of Money Saving Mom posted a cool tip yesterday for how to get a second link to a new 'batch' of Kellogg's coupons, too! Coupons are often limited in number, so print the ones you want today!

Have you loaded your batch of May upromise coupons? I just did - and $45.95 worth of May coupons - potential upromise account credit - is now linked to my loyalty cards, just in case I snag some coupon deals with them. If you have store loyalty cards (CVS, Giant, Safeway, Shopper's Food Warehouse, Wegmans, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, anybody?) - then you can tie your loyalty card to your upromise accounts. Just sign into upromise.com, make sure that your loyalty card numbers are tied to your upromise accounts, and go to 'Earn Rewards' in the top menu bar, and click 'e-Coupons'. You can select all of the coupons and load them for May.

You do not get the discounts right away for having loaded these coupons - the 'savings' is loaded instead to your upromise account when you purchase selected items with the store loyalty cards whose numbers you've added to your upromise account. The coupons are very often for the same items heavily promoted in Sunday inserts and store weekly ads, so if you are a couponer, odds are good that you may find yourself buying items that are on the upromise monthly e-Coupons lineup. (Still present in the May e-Coupons: Johnsonville Sausage, Post Cereal Coupons, Huggies...sounding familiar?)

Yes - it is a small amount, but something is better than nothing, and this is a painless way to add some college savings in just a couple of minutes. Think about it: you'd kick yourself if you later realized that the CVS "Free After ExtraCare Bucks" item(s) you purchased would also have given you a couple of bucks in your upromise account just because your store loyalty card numbers and coupons would have been pre-loaded. And remember that purchasing certain participating products with your store loyalty card every day (even without e-Coupons!) will add slowly but surely to your upromise accounts, so go get your account up and running! :)
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Old Navy Weekly Steals are Refreshed, April 30 and May 1

The Old Navy Weekly Steals site is refreshed! This time they're releasing the $75 off $100 coupons in shifts, giving those of us who refuse to stay up until 2:45 a.m. hitting Refresh a shot at big savings. At last! Here's the remaining coupons for now:

• Click the dog's red Frisbee for an in-store $5 discount on adult and kids shorts.
• Knock all the popcorn (or ice?) out of the male mannequin's cup for an in-store $10 off $50 purchase discount coupon.
• Move the mannequin's head from the bottom right onto the headless mannequin to get an in-store coupon for 30% off your entire purchase.
• Move the blue umbrella from the brunette's drink - drag and tuck it behind the blond mannequin's ear ear for an in-store coupon for $5 off $25 purchase.
• If you're lucky enough to be confronted by a quiz, the answers are Wesley, Wilma’s Wearables, Barker - and this just might net you the $75 off $100 coupon. (Thanks, BargainMoose!)
  

This time it might be worth checking during the week to see what's happening on the site...and hope for the quiz. :) Good luck!
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Giant Printables/Dollar Doublers Question

Reader Jen alerted us in a comment to some more fine print on those Giant doubler coupons (thanks for bringing this up, Jen!). The fine print appears not on the doubler coupons themselves, but on the Giant ad flap under the doubler coupons, at the very bottom. Jen asked:

"Does anyone know if printables will work with the doublers? The fine print at the bottom of the strip of coupons says "Offer applies to manufacturers' coupons clipped from magazines and/or newspapers" which seems to imply it's NOT applicable to Internet coupons - which would take out my free Frosted Flakes at the very least!"

Arrrrrrgh. This is the kind of fine print which spurs me try to acquire as many newspaper inserts (as cheaply) as possible for my coupon collection; I'm just getting tired of having to justify Internet printables as perfectly legit coupons, and stores seem to increasingly specify newspaper-only coupons. You don't need to spend $1.50 per Sunday paper, either. Find your cheaper local papers in gas stations and grocery stores - which often publish weekly and are around $0.50/each, depending on the publication. Bonus: you'll keep smaller newspapers afloat in this economy. :)

Nevertheless, if you're feeling bold, you could ask your Giant manager if they accept the printables with the doublers. We are curious to hear feedback from readers on their experiences redeeming printables these with the doublers!
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Click here to see an actual May 1 transaction - and Mr. Linky links to other blogs' Dollar Doubler strategies/transactions!