Ukrop's Coupon Match-ups for Double Coupon Wednesday 12/30/09

I apologize again this week for being so down to the wire in posting this.  I have once again compiled a shorter list.  I have listed all of the front page items in addition to the posted sale items that have a coupon available.  There are still some great deals in this week's ad, they just didn't have a coupon to match-up with them.  Here is a link to the ad.

We have been enjoying a week together at home since Steve has taken a well deserved week off from work.  I somehow survived transitioning from Christmas on Friday to a Princess Birthday Bash on Saturday.  I am now the mom of a 4-year-old!  My "project" for this week is preparing to take ~20 college students from our church to the beach for a weekend retreat.  Yes, I said beach.  We are not going to a tropical paradise, we are going to Sandbridge, near Virginia Beach.  Because of my coupon and saving skills I volunteered and was assigned the job of planning and purchasing the food for the retreat.  I have actually been purchasing and prepping some food for the last several weeks, but this week I have been working on strategically purchasing the perishable items.  If I find any free time I may post my menu and my spending for the retreat.  (I tend to be even more frugal with the church's money.)

Here are some guidelines to Ukrop's coupon policy:

• Ukrop's only doubles coupons on Wednesday and up to a face value of 0.99.
• Ukrop's will not double more than 5 like coupons per transaction.
• Ukrop's does accept internet printable coupons up to a face value of $2.  They do not accept internet printable coupons for a free item.  (This includes buy one get one free.)

 I have made the sale items with coupons that will double on Wednesday in red.  All other deals are good for the rest of the week.  (Don't forget Ukrop's is closed on Friday, January 1st.)

I hope you find some great deals.  Have a Safe & Happy New Year!

Coupon Match-ups for Ukrop's Double Coupon Wednesday, December 23rd

 

I apologize.  I have been crazy busy this week.  Not only is it Christmas on Friday, but Natalie's birthday is Saturday.  So, I am getting ready for Christmas on Friday and a Disney Princess birthday bash on Saturday.  She is going to be 4 and is very excited about turning 4, she thinks that makes her a big girl because she was told by her cousins that when you turn 4 you don't have to ride in a car seat, you can ride in a booster seat.  We haven't broken the news to her that she has to be 4 and weigh 40 pounds, which she doesn't.

 

Ok, sorry about the tangent.  Because of my limited time this week I have only listed the deals that have coupons available.  I want to encourage you to look at the ad - there are some really good deals that don't have coupons to make them really great deals.  For example - they have Dole Pineapple (20 oz) for $0.88 a can.  They also have Dixie Napkins, Bowls, or Plates (20-200 ct) for $1.88 each.

 I want to give you some guidelines for Ukrop's coupon policy:

• Ukrop's only doubles coupons on Wednesday and up to a face value of 0.99

• Ukrop's does not accept more than 5 like coupons per transaction.

• Ukrop's accepts internet printable coupons up to $2. They do not accept internet printable coupons for free items. (This includes buy one get one free.)

 

I have the items that have coupons that will double on Wednesday in red. The other items are coupons and deals that are available all week long.

 

 

 

I also want to encourage you to check out the last page of the ad for the fuelperks!bonus! rewards items. They have White House Rolls (12 pk) for $2.49. One last thing - don't forget to check out Ukrop's on Saturday (the day after Christmas) they may have great thrift items.

 

Happy Shopping amd Merry Christmas!

No more Ukrop's?

It appears that all of the rumors are real this time.  Ukrop's is selling to Ahold.  A European based grocery company that has stores in Virginia under the names of Giant and Martin's. 

I don't think I have shared this on my blog, but I am a Ukrop's employee.  I don't get paid to post match-ups or promote them on my blog.  I get paid to be a pharmacist for Ukrop's.  They have treated me well in the last 5 years that I have worked for them.  I started working for them the week after Thanksgiving 2004.  I was full-time until my first daughter was born in December of 2005.  I maintained my full-time status until I returned to work from my maternity leave in April of 2006.  My boss, the director for Ukrop's Pharmacy, was willing to not only move me to a store closer to my home, but to allow me to work as much or as little as I wanted.  They have continued to work with me over the years adjusting my schedule as needed for them and to make sure it worked for me.  I think my favorite thing about working for Ukrop's has been the luxury of having Sunday's off.  As a pharmacist it is really hard to find a retail pharmacy that is closed on Sunday.  I have also been spoiled by having holidays off - another luxury you don't always find with retail pharmacy jobs.  I have always had off Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

I remember the first day I shopped in a Ukrop's.  I had just moved to Richmond to go to pharmacy school.  I distinctly remember walking into the Mechanicsville store and smelling fresh baked bread.  I knew that Ukrop's and I would be fast friends, and we have been.  Whenever I went home over breaks I would get requests from my family to bring Ukrop's items like their White House Rolls, Chicken Salad, or pies.   I never imagined as a first year pharmacy student that I would find the love of my life (Steve), move back to Richmond, and get a job working for Ukrop's. 

Ukrop's it has been great.  Thanks for everything. 

Please pray for the Ukrop's employees.  It looks like most of the store employees will be ok, but you never know what can happen in a buy-out.  In all honesty in situations like this there are people who don't get to keep their job.  There are lots of families that both spouses are employed by Ukrop's.  Just the uncertainty can cause anxiety.   I am going to be ok.  We are very blessed that Steve has a great job and if I don't get to keep my position I will happily become a full-time stay at home mom.

Thanks for letting me be nostalgic and sentimental.

Ukrop's Coupon Match-Ups For Double Coupon Wednesday, December 16

There are some really good deals this week at Ukrop's.  I am most excited about getting Breakstone sour cream for 0.19 each on Wednesday.  I am also hoping to get some more Nestle morsels for 0.88 each.  I really want the dark chocolate mint chips and some white chocolate chips for Christmas goodies.  I also saw a Ukrop's ad in this past Sunday's Red Plum insert showing Scotties Facial Tissues (60, 65, 75, or 132 ct) for 0.99 each.  Below the ad is a coupon for 0.50/3 that means on Wednesday you can get 3 boxes of tissues for $1.97 or about 0.67 each.  If you still have you Sauer's coupons for 0.50/1 select Sauer's items are on sale for 20% off.

 I want to give you some guidelines for Ukrop's coupon policy:

• Ukrop's only doubles coupons on Wednesday and up to a face value of 0.99
• Ukrop's does not accept more than 5 like coupons per transaction.
• Ukrop's accepts internet printable coupons up to $2.  They do not accept internet printable coupons for free items.  (This includes buy one get one free.)

Here is a link to this week's ad.

I have the items that have coupons that will double on Wednesday in red. The other items are coupons and deals that are available all week long.

I hope you find some great deals on Wednesday.  Please feel free to share any sales that you found that I didn't list. 

Happy Shopping!

Coupon Organization

I got a question from Michelle in the comments section of my last post asking me how I organized my coupons. I thought it was a great question and it really isn't a short answer so I thought I would share what I do and see if anybody else wants to share their method.

I kind of have my own system, that works for me (most of the time). I like the binder method. I have a 3" 3-ring binder that I use baseball card holders (they have 9 slots per page) and dividers that divide the sections. The dividers I use have pockets on both sides so I use them to hold coupons that I haven't had a chance to put in the individual slots. I divide my coupons into five categories.

• Non-perishables

• Perishables

• Household (cleaning supplies, candles, air fresheners toilet paper, paper towels, plastic wrap, etc.)

• Personal Care (shaving cream, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene, deodorant)

• Medicine

I have subcategories in each category. They fluctuate with the sale and coupon cycles. For example I have lots of soup coupons right now, in the summer I have lots of coupons for barbecue sauce and picnic type items. I separate these by giving them an individual page or if there are more than 9 coupons for that subcategory I will carry it over to a new page. I like the baseball card holders because they are easy to flip through and check for expiration dates on the coupons.

Although I like the binder method the best - it does have its downfalls. You have to be able to really stay on top of clipping your coupons. I find that with this method I cut out more coupons than I actually use. It is nice to have a coupon with you if you happen to stumble across a really good deal.  But, I don't always have the time to clip, sort, and file my coupons every week.  (I guess I am too busy creating spreadsheets.)

Currently I have stopped clipping my coupons out of the Sunday paper every week.  I usually get 3-5 papers a week.  I sort my inserts and collate them into one big insert.  I then keep them in piles on a desk by the insert name (Smart Source, Red Plum, Proctor & Gamble).  I go through my stack about every 2-3 months and purge the inserts that have expired coupons and keep the few coupons that haven't expired.  I cut out the coupons from the inserts according to my shopping list.  I just carry them to the store with me in an envelope or a ziploc bag.  This method works great if I am sticking to my list.  It can create additional trips to the store when I refuse to buy something because "I know" I have a coupon for that item at home.

I have tried the coupon dividers that will fit in a purse or small bag.  I actually just picked up a new one from the dollar aisle at Michael's last week.  I find this to be helpful when I am trying to hit numerous stores in one trip.  I will sort my coupons and list in each individual pocket.  I also like this method to keep items like CVS Extra Care Bucks and my Register Rewards from Walgreens.  That way I have them with me if I happen to run into one of these stores.  I also like to use this method for holding onto coupons for items that I know I will buy - like diapers.

So- with all of that I hope I answered Michelle's question and gave some of you some insight to keeping and sorting your coupons.  Feel free to share your method or any tips you have on organizing your coupons.

My Return Trip to Ukrop's - for milk and other things

I ran back to Ukrop's to get the milk that I forgot on my first trip - I also remembered I wanted to pick-up eggs. I was trying to be quick because I knew I was pushing my girls.  They were ready for lunch.  I ended up with the Rolo's because Megan (who had decided to try to climb out of the shopping cart and was on the floor) likes shiny wrappers and took it apart.  I bought them.  They served as dessert today for all of us after lunch.

Here is a picture of both of my shopping assistants with our purchases:

Here is the spreadsheet:

*  The Fleischman's yeast strips are on clearance.  Because of the clearance sale they had to be manually entered in and didn't show the previous shelf price.

In case you don't feel like looking at the end of the spreadsheet:

Shelf Price (before sales, coupons, or tax): $48.57

Final Price (after sales, coupons, bag credits, and before tax): $11.63

Total Savings: $36.94 (76%)

Free items at Ukrop's Wednesday 12/9/09 - One Day Only

I just came back from my morning trip to Ukrop's.  I was excited about the FREE Birds Eye Vegetables that I mentioned in my last post.  I also got more FREE Muir Glen Organic Tomato Paste.  I found 2 more great deals - the Betty Crocker Frosting is an unadvertised special - it is 0.99 a tub.  There are coupons available at coupons.com for 0.50 off one tub - that makes it free for Wednesday only!  I also noticed the Kotex pantiliners that are 50% off.   I honestly didn't know the regular price. I didn't bring my coupon to the store but I am going back to get them - the small pack of liners are marked 0.64 each (on sale) - the coupon from 11/8 Smart Source is for $1.50 off 2 packages - that is a 0.22 money maker!  I was so excited about the deals I was getting that I forgot to pick-up milk.  It will be a good buffer item for the overages - even though it is on sale this week for $1.50 a half-gallon. 

(Megan is snacking on the Cheez-its we got for 0.99 - I don't know what happened to her hair?!?!)

*The Fleischman's yeast strip was on clearance.  The price had to entered manually and does not show the original shelf price.

Shelf Price (before sales, coupons, or tax): $99.78

Final Price (after slaes, coupons, bag credits, and before tax): $25.10

Total savings: $74.68 (75%)

Ukrop's Match-ups for Double Coupon Wendesdy - 12/9/09

There is a chance to restock your frozen vegetables with FREE Birds Eye frozen vegetables on Wednesday.  To see how to do that and to see the rest of this week's deals look at my spreadsheet.

I want to give you some guidelines for Ukrop's coupon policy:

• Ukrop's will only accept 5 like coupons per transaction
• Ukrop's only doubles manufacturer coupons on Wednesdays and up to 0.99
• Ukrop's will accept internet printable coupons up to $2 they will not accept internet printables for free items this includes buy one get one free. 

Here is a link to this week's ad.

I have the items that have coupons that will double on Wednesday in red. The other items are coupons and deals that are available all week long.

* Free Smart Balance Sour Cream + Omega 3s, Calcium, Vitamins D & E - When you buy Smart Balance Buttery Spread.

I also wanted to let you know you that I noticed the Loreal Kids Ice Age Shampoo still on sale for $1.79 - combine that with the 0.75/1 coupon from 11/1 RP for 0.29 each.  I think the multiweek deal is going thru December.  My other great find was thanks to Money Saving Mom - she mentioned in a post that Muir Glen Tomato products has a $1 off one product coupon available on coupons.com.  I printed it out and looked at Ukrop's and found the Muir Glen tomato paste on a multi-week deal for 0.99 each - which means free organic tomato paste.

Happy Shopping!

My first batch of Christmas cookies for 2009...

My Assistant - she helped to flatten the cookies after I rolled them into balls.

Our finished product:

 Sugar cookies dipped in white candy coating and sprinkled with crushed candy canes.

Yummy!

Shopping Week of 11/29/09:

I know that all of you have been logging onto your computers every day in anticipation of seeing pictures of my groceries from last week.  :)  When you already have a crazy busy life and add the craziness of Christmas, well it is just super crazy.  I did hit Ukrop's several times this week.  I have everything in one super long spreadsheet.  I also hit "the K grocery store" a second time this week.  I even found some inexpensive crackers at Target this week.

These are the items that I got on Double Coupon Wednesday.  Steve got a new camera lens and I was having trouble getting everything in focus and so I took two pictures. 

These are the items I got from Ukrop's, Kroger, and Target later in the week.

And now the moment I know you have all been waiting for - the spreadsheet!

So here is the grand total (with the exception of Target*):

Shelf Price (before sales, coupons, or tax): $246.30
Final Price (after sales, coupons, and before tax): $98.63
Total Savings: $147.67 (60%)

* I didn't include Target because I didn't have the shelf price only the sale price on the receipt.



Not bad - I picked up some things (like the Starbucks Coffee and the Rubbermaid containers) that are Christmas presents and some treats (like Kid Cuisines) for my girls to help inspire them to be good during the day.  I also got a bunch of meat - now what should I make with all of it?

Coffee

We had just gotten in from a morning out and I had put down my travel coffee mug on the kitchen table. (Side note - I got free Starbucks coffee today by bringing in a specially marked empty bag of Starbucks coffee.) I ran upstairs for a few minutes while the girls were playing downstairs. When I came back downstairs the girls seemed to be playing well together. They are right now fascinated with the Christmas ornaments. We wound up a few and were listening to the music. Then I looked at Megan's shirt (a white turtleneck) it was brown all over the top. I asked Natalie what was on Megan's shirt. She looked at me and said "coffee". I then asked, "Where did she get coffee from?" "Your mug," Natalie replied nonchalantly. I then walked into the kitchen and noticed the mug sitting on its side and in a different spot. I asked Natalie how Megan reached it. She said. “I gave it to her, we both like coffee. I didn't spill any, but Megan spilled it on her shirt and on the floor." I looked on the floor and sure enough - there was a coffee spill.  Just another day in the life of a mom.  :)

Ukrop's Double Coupon Wednesday Match-ups - 12/2/09

5/$25 Meat Sale & a 10/$10 Week - WOW!

(That is exactly what I said when I got my copy of this week's ad.)

In an attempt to make my spreadsheet easier to read and follow I have the items that have coupons that will double on Wednesday in red.  The other sales are coupons and deals that are available all week long.  I hope this makes it easier to read and follow. 

I want to give you some guidelines for Ukrop's coupon policy:

• Ukrop's will only accept 5 like coupons per transaction
• Ukrop's only doubles manufacturer coupons on Wednesdays and up to 0.99
• Ukrop's will accept internet printable coupons up to $2 they will not accept internet printables for free items this includes buy one get one free

Here is a link to this week's ad.




I hope you find some great deals and don't forget to be on the lookout for some hidden finds. I am hoping to find some Sauer's spices at a decent price with a 0.50/1 coupon doubled. Please feel free to let me know if you find any great deals. I get as excited about other people's deals as I do about my own.

Don't forget while you are at Ukrop's to get you buy one get one free salad bar offer that I mentioned here.

Happy Shopping!

Money-Saving Monday!

I sat down late Monday morning with my coffee and the sales flyers from the Sunday paper.  I was still trying to recover from a busy weekend and I had a little one sneezing, and coughing, with a yucky runny nose.  I was glancing through the ads quickly and realized that I saw some things that I had been hoping to find on sale to use with a coupon.  Then I realized that Monday was 11/30 - yikes! Some of my coupons were going to expire that day.  I quickly tried to get myself in gear.  So, with Steve's help we were able to run out after dinner and snag a few deals.

We first went to Staples.  I didn't take a picture our purchase - it wasn't that exciting.  I found out about a deal that Staples is running through 12/26 from Money Saving Mom.  If you buy a 20 count package of Duracell batteries (AA or AAA) for $12.99 you get a Staples reward of $12.99 back.  (Limit of 2 packages per week.)  We both signed up this weekend for a Staples Reward card.  We went to the store Monday night still not quite sure how this program worked.  We looked at the poster they had by the display advertising the deal and noticed that it said that rewards will be mailed to you home address in January.  We asked a salesperson and he told us that the Staples reward checks are good for anything in the store except gift cards, shippings, and copy services (I may have left off something).  We talked about it and decided that although $12.99 isn't the best deal for batteries we could always use the reward check on other items like printer cartridges.  We each got 2 packs of batteries.  I am sure they will be put to good use with the Wii remote and the plethora of battery eating toys we have.

We then hit Walgreens - I had coupons for the kids toothbrushes on sale that expired on the 30th.

Prices are after sales and coupons:

(2) Oral B Princess Toothpaste - 2.00 each

(2) Kid's Toothbrushes - 1.50 each

(2) Glade Candles - 0.50 each

(3) Nivea Lip Products - 0.66 each

(1) Nivea Lotion - FREE

(8) Holiday Pencils - 8/$1 (filler item)

I used $10 in RR I had earned from previous shopping trips

Total cost before sales, coupons, and tax: $38.50

Final cost after sales, coupons, redeemed RR, before tax: $0.98

Total Savings: $37.52 (97%)

**I also earned $6 in additional RR with the toothpaste & toothbrushes, and the Glade candles**

Our last stop was Kroger.  I had been on the lookout for a Dial liquid hand soap sale for several weeks and saw that it was finally on sale and that my coupons expired on the 30th.

Prices are after sales and coupons:

(4) Dial liquid hand soaps - 0.30 each

(2) Turkey Hill Iced Teas - 0.50 each

(1) Nesquick Chocolate Milk - FREE

(1) Maruchan Cheddar Cheese Noodles - FREE

(1) 9-cup Rubbermaid Container - 1.00 (I took the stickers of to wash it)

Recycable Bag Credit (-0.10)

Total cost before sales, coupons, and tax: $21.61

Final cost after sales coupons, and before tax: $3.10

Total Savings: $17.51 (84%)