MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of May 29th

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad. Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.  The ad and the coupon policy are for the Richmond, VA area.  There is the possibility of some variances in other areas.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I verify the coupons that I mention with what I receive in my local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD).  Coupons are regional so you may not have the exact same coupon or the same face value.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of May 22nd

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad. Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.  The ad and the coupon policy are for the Richmond, VA area.  There is the possibility of some variances in other areas.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I verify the coupons that I mention with what I receive in my local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD).  Coupons are regional so you may not have the exact same coupon or the same face value.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

There are lots of promotions in this week’s ad.  Please check back for separate posts on these and this week’s bonus fuelperks! REWARDS.

Coupons in the news

I was going through my Sunday papers yesterday afternoon and came across an article in the Richmond Times Dispatch titled, “Coupons are great – when used correctly”.  There has been a huge surge of interest in how to save more money at the store with coupons these days thanks to things like job losses and reality TV shows like TLC’s “Extreme Couponing”. 

It is my desire to show you how to honestly and ethically use coupons.  I admit that I have bought coupons from sites such as eBay in the past.  I am really contemplating if I will do that in the future.  I generally buy them for things that I am buying large quantities of for an event at my church such as brownie mixes and pasta, but I have bought them for personal use as well. 

I think that what it comes down to is that if we don’t honestly and ethically use the coupons that manufacturers release we are really hurting ourselves in the long run.  You may wonder how did I come to that conclusion.  I feel that if we don’t redeem coupons in an ethical and honest manner the manufacturer will stop releasing the “good” coupons.  The stores will stop accepting multiple coupons or even doubling coupons (I have read that Kroger stores in Texas are no longer doubling or tripling coupons).  When a store doubles coupons it is a loss for them, they only get reimbursed the face value of the coupon plus an $0.08 handling allowance.

Please be an honest and ethical couponer, buy only the item that the coupon is intended for and for the quantity that the coupon states.

Here is a link to the article – “Coupons are great – when used correctly”

Thanks for reading my thoughts.

~Ann

MARTIN’S Save $3 Instantly When You Buy 3 Select Oscar Mayer Products

This was not in the sales flyer, but it was in the middle of my 5/15 SmartSource insert (that is why you have a picture instead of a print graphic).  This promotion is running through 5/28 so we have two weeks to get this deal.

I want to thank reader Erin who sent me this comment from my top deals post:

There is mention of the $3 off any 3 new Oscar Meyer products @ Martins in this past weeks Smartsource. There is a $1 Lunchables with fruit coupon there and a printables have been available. They are $2.69 so after 3 coupons and $3 off they were only 0.69 each for me. The fruit cup alone cost almost that.

I ran out to MARTIN’S after dinner tonight to grab the Lunchables with fruit for our preschool end of the year picnic tomorrow and tried to check a few other prices.  This is what I found out along with the coupons that are available.

• Oscar Mayer Lower Sodium Turkey Bacon – Didn’t see at the store I checked
• $0.75/1 from 5/15 SmartSource insert
• Oscar Mayer One Pound Shaved Lunchmeat – Didn’t see at the store I checked
• $1/2 from 5/15 SmartSource insert
• $1/2 printable
• Oscar Mayer Deli fresh Combos – Didn’t see at the store I checked
• $1/2 from 5/15 SmartSource insert
• $1/2 printable
• Oscar Mayer Sandwich Combos – $3.49
• $1/1 from 5/15 SmartSource insert
• $1/1 printable
• Oscar Mayer Snacks To Go – I saw them but evidently forgot to write down the price
• Oscar Mayer Lunchables with fruit – $2.69
• $1/1 from 5/15 SmartSource insert
• $1/1 printable

Thanks Erin for the heads up on this deal!

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

MARTIN’S - Kellogg’s Cereal Deal

I flipped through the ad three times before I saw this deal hidden towards the bottom of the fourth page.

Remember – $6 off of four boxes means $1.50 off each box in addition to any coupons that you have.

This can be a great way to start stocking up on cereal.  I generally try to pay $1 or less for a small box of cereal (9-11oz), if it is a medium box (14-16 oz) I will allow myself $1.25.  Sometime it just depends on the type, if it is a brand that we like and will eat or that I know I can make something with it like Rice Krispie treats or Corn Flake Cookies. 

One other way to really stretch your savings with this deal is to save your barcodes and turn them in for a $10 prepaid MasterCard.  Please read the fine print because only certain cereals are included in the rebate.

Here are some coupons available for you to maximize your savings with this deal:

Assorted Printables from Kellogg’s (must register)

Assorted Printables at SnackPicks (must register)

$1/2 packages of Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats and/or Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Cereal from 5/15 RedPlum insert

$1/3 Kellogg’s Cereal from 5/15 RedPlum insert

$1/2 Kellogg’s Rice Krispies or Cocoa Krispies from 4/17 RedPlum insert

$1/3 Kellogg’s Cereals from 4/17 RedPlum insert

$0.70/1 FiberPlus Cereal from 4/17 RedPlum insert

$1/3 Special K Cereal from 5/1 RedPlum insert

I also got coupons Monday afternoon in the mail from Vocalpoint (it is free and worth your time to register if you haven’t already) for Buy 1 Get 1 Free Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats Touch of Fruit in the Middle and three $1/1 of the same cereal.  What a great week to get those in the mail!

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of May 15th

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad. Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.  The ad and the coupon policy are for the Richmond, VA area.  There is the possibility of some variances in other areas.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I verify the coupons that I mention with what I receive in my local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD).  Coupons are regional so you may not have the exact same coupon or the same face value.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

There are lots of promotions in this week’s ad.  Please check back for separate posts on these and this week’s bonus fuelperks! REWARDS. 

Check back on Thursday for my weekly series - “Menu Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad”.

Menu Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad

Menu planning and saving money really can go hand-in-hand.  It is important to realize that you can still enjoy some of your family’s favorite meals by menu planning with a sales flyer, you just need to be flexible. 

I am including ideas and recipes for four meals for the week.  As I’ve mentioned before, I have found that I really only cook on average four meals a week and that we end up having at least one left-over night, one meal out, and something easy like homemade pizza or breakfast for dinner.

Simple Country Ribs:

I love spareribs!  I know some people don’t like them because of the mess, but that doesn’t bother me (most of the time).  I have cooked them in my slow cooker before and they have been so tender.  Steve has grilled them for us before and I like the extra crisp on the outside.  I saw this recipe and thought it was a great combination of both techniques.  I read one review that said instead of boiling her ribs in a stockpot she put them in the slow cooker.  You could wrap a few potatoes (the 5 lb. bag of all purpose potatoes is on sale for $2.99 this week) in some aluminum foil and bake them on the grill and mix up a batch of cole slaw with the Dole Cole Slaw on sale for $1.  If you prefer a regular salad don’t forget about the Dole Salad Kit and Kraft Dressing Deal.

Chicken Kabobs:

I enjoy things like quiche, casserole, and kabobs that I can take a basic recipe and change it up just a little bit to make it my own creation.  I came across this chicken kabob recipe and thought that it would be a great starting point for making your own kabobs.  You can make it your own by choosing what veggies or fruit you want to grill with the chicken.  I also like kabobs because you can have a variety of sides like grilled veggies (don’t forget that the summer squash is on sale for $1.49/lb) and a wide selection of starches.  You could easily serve this on a bed of rice, couscous, quinoa, or whatever you like.  If you want to make this a light meal you can just serve the cooked pieces of chicken on top of a salad with the Dole Salad Kits that are part of the Dole Salad kit and Kraft Dressing Deal.

Baked Spaghetti:

I know there are lots of fancy recipes for baked spaghetti, but sometimes when time or energy don’t allow for it I make my own super simple no brainer baked spaghetti.  I simply cook the pasta and while it is warm I toss the pasta with a jar of sauce (very carefully while wearing an apron).  I then pour the pasta and sauce into a baking dish that I have sprayed with cooking spray and sprinkle cheese over the top.  I put it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until the sauce and cheese are bubbling.  (If you want to be a little bit more creative you could easily cook some Italian sausage or ground beef to add to the sauce, but that it’s the beauty of a basic recipe you can do lots of things to make it your own creation.)  I always have pasta and pasta sauce on hand in my pantry, but if you don’t the Barilla Pasta is $1.25 a box and you can pick-up a jar Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce for $0.89 when you use the $0.50/1 from 3/20 RedPlum insert.  I would serve this with a salad (from the Dole Salad deal) and the Arnold Italian Bread is 50% off this week.

World’s Easiest Make-Ahead Marinated Chicken

I was looking for a simple marinated chicken recipe on-line and then checked out one of my favorite blogs Money Saving Mom and saw this.  I thought it was ideal for me to post it especially with all of the extra salad dressing we will be picking up thanks to the Dole Salad Deal.  I have prepared and frozen chicken this way several times and it is very easy.  The reason why I am sharing this super easy recipe is because I love how Crystal shared several different methods for preparing this dish.  I would use the Perdue Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast that are on sale this week for 50% off ($2.44/lb in Richmond) instead of the already frozen chicken breast.  I like her suggestion of serving it with rice and steamed vegetables.  The GIANT brand Steam Ready Vegetables are $1.25 a bag this week.

Happy Meal Planning!

~Ann

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of May 8

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad. Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.  The ad and the coupon policy are for the Richmond, VA area.  There is the possibility of some variances in other areas.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I verify the coupons that I mention with what I receive in my local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD).  Coupons are regional so you may not have the exact same coupon or the same face value.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

Check back on Thursday for my weekly series - “Menu Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad”.

Re-Post Dole Salad and Kraft Dressing Deal

I found out about this deal thanks to a comment Lissa left me on my top deals post. 

Save $2 Instantly When you Buy 2 Dole Salads Blends (excludes Iceberg, Shreds, and Cole Slaw without Dressing) and 2 Kraft Salad Dressings (14-16oz)

This promotion is running through 8/27. Currently there are not any valid insert coupons for Kraft Salad Dressing, but I found a tearpad in the produce section with coupons for $1 off produce when you buy 2 Kraft Salad Dressings.

Update 5/16/11: There was a $1/2 Kraft Salad Dressings (14 oz or larger)) in the 5/15 RedPlum insert that expires 6/12/11.

Thanks for sharing with us Lissa!

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

Re-Post MARTIN’S Money Maker thru 5/14

If you buy 3 expressions from Hallmark greeting cards you get a $5 Catalina to use on a future purchase.  I verified that the $0.99 cards work for this deal.  You can buy multiples of 3 in one transaction and get multiple $5 Catalinas.

I want to point out one thing that I did read and notice printed on the Catalina is that you can only use one of the $5 Catalinas at a time in a future transaction.  That means that if you get 6 cards and earn two $5 Catalinas and then want to use that towards your grocery purchase you can only redeem one of the Catalinas in the next transaction.  If you want to use both of them you will have to break up your grocery purchase into two separate transactions and use one $5 Catalina in each.  (Please do this in a self-check-out line and not the express line.)

Don’t forget that MARTIN’S offers a 10% discount on Hallmark cards everyday so the $0.99 cards are really only $0.89.  If you buy 3 that is $2.67 (before tax) and you just earned $2.33!

One great idea that I read on Hot Coupon World of a way to use the money you “made”, outside of the obvious of groceries, is to buy items that are part of the MARTIN’S Celebrates mothers every day prepaid $25 VISA promotion with your $5 Catalinas.  You will still be spending money, but if you combine the $5 Catalinas and the coupons from the May 1st P&G brandSaver you won’t be spending as much out of pocket to hit your 100 points. 

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

Menu Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad

Menu planning and saving money really can go hand-in-hand.  It is important to realize that you can still enjoy some of your family’s favorite meals by menu planning with a sales flyer, you just need to be flexible. 

I am including ideas and recipes for four meals for the week.  As I’ve mentioned before, I have found that I really only cook on average four meals a week and that we end up having at least one left-over night, one meal out, and something easy like homemade pizza or breakfast for dinner.

Slow Cooker Barbecue:

I like to pick up a Fresh Whole Shoulder Pork Roast when they are on sale ($0.99/lb this week) and just stick it in my slow cooker with a bottle or two of barbeque sauce (as low as $0.50 each when you buy 2 and use the $1/2 coupon from the Kraft Food & Family).  Depending on the barbeque sauce I may add some brown sugar, soy sauce, hot sauce, or whatever I am in the mood for.  I cook it on low for 6-8 hours (varies with size of the roast), then I take it out and chop it.  You can serve it on the GIANT brand rolls that are $1 a pack this week.  Feel free to serve it with a salad check out this post about the Dole Salad deal or with the Rold Gold Pretzels that are $1.50 each when you buy 2 bags and use the $2/2 coupon from the Pepsico insert

Baked Chicken:

I like to bake a few of the split chicken breast when I can find them on sale (they are 50% off this week).  I just simply place them on a baking sheet and rub a little oil over them and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.  They usually bake at 350 for about 40-50 minutes (depending on the size).  You can easily serve it with a salad and whatever starch you have on hand like rice, couscous, or quinoa.  It is a healthy and delicious meal. 

When I find them on sale I like to buy and bake a few extra chicken breasts.  When they are cool enough to touch, pull the meat off the bone and chop it.  Here are some ideas for meals to make with your leftover cooked chicken.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches:

Are you looking for a new twist on your basic chicken salad?  I highly recommend this recipe.  I made it this fall and served it for a ladies luncheon at our church.  This is not a recipe for the calorie conscious – you must use the heavy whipping cream.  It is what makes this recipe go from good to great.  If you don’t want to buy grapes I actually used craisins (they are 10% off this week).  The Arnold Bread and Sandwich Thins that are 50% off would be a great way to serve this hearty salad.  If you want to serve some healthy sides you could have some baby carrots that are $1.67 for a 1-lb. bag and some fresh strawberries that are $2.

Spicy Black Bean & Chicken Enchiladas:

I love this recipe.  It was one of the dishes I made and placed in the freezer before Michael was born.  It is a great way to use leftover chicken (although I have baked chicken just to make this recipe).  I don’t use the American cheese they have listed in the ingredients, I just use shredded cheddar (Kraft shredded is $2 this week).   The Nature’s Promise brand of canned beans are on sale this week for $1 each and you can pick-up a jar of Newman’s Own Salsa for $1 after sale and the $0.50/1 coupon in the 3/20 RedPlum insert.  If you don’t have tortillas you can pick up one of the Old El Paso kits that are on sale for $2 and use just the tortillas – save the rest of the kit for another meal.  You may want to buy enough ingredients to make a second batch for the freezer.  That is what I usually do.  :)

Happy Menu Planning!

~Ann

MARTIN’S Dole Salad & Kraft Dressing Deal

I found out about this deal thanks to a comment Lissa left me on my top deals post.  Here is the information that she shared with me.  I don’t know how long this promotion is running, but with the salad dressing on sale this week and a manufacturer coupon available it looks like a great deal.

**I checked tonight – the promo is going on through 8/27.  It looks like a summer of inexpensive salad and salad dressing!

Money Maker Opportunity at MARTIN’S

Did you see this hidden on the front page of this week’s ad?  If you buy 3 expressions from Hallmark greeting cards you get a $5 Catalina to use on a future purchase.  I have read on-line (but haven’t had a chance to verify it myself) and verified that the $0.99 cards work for this deal.  I have also read that you can buy multiples of 3 in one transaction and get multiple $5 Catalinas.

I want to point out one thing that I did read and notice printed on the Catalina is that you can only use one of the $5 Catalinas at a time in a future transaction.  That means that if you get 6 cards and earn two $5 Catalinas and then want to use that towards your grocery purchase you can only redeem one of the Catalinas in the next transaction.  If you want to use both of them you will have to break up your grocery purchase into two separate transactions and use one $5 Catalina in each.  (Please do this in a self-check-out line and not the express line.)

Don’t forget that MARTIN’S offers a 10% discount on Hallmark cards everyday so the $0.99 cards are really only $0.89.  If you buy 3 that is $2.67 (before tax) and you just earned $2.33!

One great idea that I read on Hot Coupon World of a way to use the money you “made”, outside of the obvious of groceries, is to buy items that are part of the MARTIN’S Celebrates mothers every day prepaid $25 VISA promotion with your $5 Catalinas.  You will still be spending money, but if you combine the $5 Catalinas and the coupons from the May 1st P&G brandSaver you won’t be spending as much out of pocket to hit your 100 points. 

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

 

**Update: I was able to make a quick run to MARTIN’S shortly after writing this post.  I didn’t see a large selection of $0.99 cards.  I made my purchases in two transactions at the self check-out.

Transaction #1:

• Arnold Sandwich Thins = $1.84
• (3) Hallmark Cards at $0.89 each (after 10% discount) = $2.67
• Redeemed $3 Catalina from Splenda Deal
• Final Price (including $0.18 tax) = $1.69
• Earned a $5 off your next order Catalina

Transaction #2:

• Arnold Sandwich Thins = $1.84
• (2) Hallmark Cards at $0.89 each (after 10% discount) = $1.78
• (1) Hallmark Card at $1.79 (after 10% discount) = $1.79
• Redeemed $5 Catalina earned in Transaction #1
• Final Price (including $0.23 tax) = $0.41
• Earned a $5 off your next order Catalina

I spent $2.10 and left with $5 to spend on my next shopping trip!

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of May 1st

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad. Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.  The ad and the coupon policy are for the Richmond, VA area.  There is the possibility of some variances in other areas.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I verify the coupons that I mention with what I receive in my local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD).  Coupons are regional so you may not have the exact same coupon or the same face value.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

I will be writing a separate post for this week’s fuelperks! REWARDS.

Check back on Thursday for my weekly series - “Menu Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad”.