Making Strawberry Jam

This past Fall I had two posts about learning how to make and can my own applesauce and apple butter.  If you want to re-live my journey here and here are the links.  I realized that canning really isn’t that hard, it just takes some time.  I also learned that the time and effort involved is well worth it when you get to enjoy the final product. 

With Spring fruits now available I figured what better way to try my hand at canning again than with strawberry jam.  I did the research on-line and found several different places that we could go to locally pick our own strawberries.  Unfortunately, the day that the weather worked out for us was the day I had to work.  Steve, being the great and fun dad that he is took the girls with some friends of ours.  I was really bummed that I missed out on the fun.  They came home with lots of strawberries.  Natalie especially was very excited about making jam with the strawberries that she helped to pick.  I had to work the next day also and made sure that before I came home from work that I had all the supplies so that we could spend the following day making jam.  I came home and the flat of strawberries were sitting outside on the ground.  I asked Steve why and he explained to me that the entire flat was rotten and had started to grow mold.  Yuck!  (Natalie actually noticed if when she got up from her nap and told Steve that the strawberries had cotton on them.)

It was cold and rainy for the next 2 days so the girls and I couldn’t go pick more strawberries.  I did some more research on-line and found out that there is a Farmer’s Market near us on Wednesday afternoons.  The girls and I went to visit and came home with 4 quarts of strawberries from Agriberry.  A local farm that is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). 

Here is a picture of the strawberries we purchased:

Yes – they were as yummy as they look!

 

I had helpers with mashing the berries for the jam.  Can you believe I forgot to take a picture?!?!?

Here is a picture of one of my helpers (along with her favorite bear Radar) and some of our finished product:

We actually ended up make 16 8-oz (half-pint) jars.  I gave several away as end of the year gifts for Natalie’s teachers at preschool, we enjoyed one ourselves, and I took one to Bible Study this morning with a loaf of Ukrop’s English Muffin bread I picked up at Martin’s this morning.  Yum!

The jam was so easy to make, and taste so yummy that I am actually contemplating going out to a berry patch again this weekend so we can make more for ourselves and gifts throughout the year.

Are any of you experienced canners?  What is your favorite thing to can?  Do you keep it all for your family or do you share it as gifts?  How do you determine how much to can to save for a year?

Ukrop’s Deals for Double Coupon Wednesday and 5/3-5/8

What a sad week – this is the last week there will be any Ukrop’s stores left in Richmond.  I told my husband that I was going to keep this week’s Ukrop’s ad as a Richmond collectible.  If you are able to get to one of the remaining stores don’t forget to check your $0.75 coupons to double on Wednesday.  MARTIN’S is only truly doubling up to $0.50. 

Here is a link to this week’s ad. 

I did find two FREE items, Clif Bars and Honest Tea.  Unfortunately you will have to locate a Mambo Sprouts coupon booklet to obtain the free Clif Bars.  I spoke with the Natural and Organic section manager at a MARTIN’S yesterday and was told that she didn’t think that they would be getting the booklets anymore.  I haven’t seen them in Kroger recently either.  I did an on-line search and it looks like Elwood Thompson’s has the booklets.  I am going to try to go there tomorrow and check it out.  You will have to register to print the coupon for Honest Tea, if you have printed this coupon before you may not be able to print it again.

Here are some guidelines for Ukrop’s coupon policy:

Ukrop’s will double manufacturer coupons up to $0.99 on Wednesdays only.

Ukrop’s will not double more than 5 like coupons per transaction.

Ukrop’s does accept internet printable (IP) coupons up to a face value of $2.  They do not accept IP coupons for a free item.  This includes buy 1 get 1 free.

The coupons that will double on Wednesday are in red

Item	Sale Price	Coupon Source	Coupon Amount	Doubled	Final Price
Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts (8ct)	2/$3	3/28 RP	$1.25/3		Buy 3 for $3.25
Jimmy Dean Roll Sausage (9.6-16 oz)	$3.48	3/28 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $5.96
Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Lunchmeat	$3.78	5/2 RP	$0.35	$0.35	$3.08
Keebler Cookies (4.24-10oz)	2/$4	4/18 RP	$0.55/2	$0.55/2	Buy 2 for $2.90
Chex Snack Mix	2/$3	4/18 SS	$0.50/2	$0.50/2	Buy 2 for $2
Select Kellogg’s Cereals (12.2-20oz)	2/$4	3/28 RP	$1/1 Smart Start		Buy 1 for $1 (if included)
Select Kellogg’s Cereals (12.2-20oz)	2/$4	3/28 RP	$1.50/2 Rice Krispies, Crispix, All-Bran, or Corn Flakes		Buy 2 for $2.50 (if included)
Select Kellogg’s Cereals (12.2-20oz)	2/$4	5/2 RP	$1/2 Special K		Buy 2 for $3 (if included)
Select Kellogg’s Cereals (12.2-20oz)	2/$4	4/11 RP	$1/2 Frosted Mini-Wheats		Buy 2 for $3 (if included)
Select Kellogg’s Cereals (12.2-20oz)	2/$4	4/11 RP	$1/3 Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, or Frosted Flakes		Buy 3 for $5 (if included)
Select Kellogg’s Cereals (12.2-20oz)	2/$4	4/11 RP	$1/2 All-Bran, Crispix, Rice Krispies, Smart Start, Raisin Bran, or Corn Flakes		Buy 2 for $3 (if included)
Select Kellogg’s Cereals (12.2-20oz)	2/$4	3/28 RP	$1/1 Special K Low Fat Granola, Raisin Bran Extra! or Frosted Mini-Wheats Little Bites		Buy 1 for $1 (if included)
Select Kellogg’s Cereals (12.2-20oz)	2/$4	3/28 RP	$2/2 Special K Low Fat Granola, Raisin Bran Extra! or Frosted Mini-Wheats Little Bites		Buy 2 for $2 (if included)
Wesson Oil (48 oz)	2/$5	3/28 SS	$0.25	$0.25	Buy 1 for $2
Flippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (25.3 oz)	$6.99	Flippo Berio	$1		$5.99
Pam Cooking Spray (5-6 oz)	2/$5	3/28 SS	$0.35	$0.35	Buy 1 for $1.80
Mr. Clean Liquid & Spray (32-40 oz)	$2.79	5/2 PG	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4.58
Mr. Clean Liquid & Spray (32-40 oz)	$2.79	5/2 PG	$2/3		Buy 3 for $6.37
Downy Liquid Fabric Softner (34 oz)	$4.39	5/2 PG	$1		$3.39
Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent (40-64 loads)	$9.99	5/2 PG	$1		$8.99
Bounty Paper Towels (8 rolls)	$6.99	5/2 PG	$0.25	$0.25	$6.49
Charmin Ultra or Big Roll Bathroom Tissue (6-mega or 12 big rolls)	$6.99	5/2 PG	$0.25	$0.25	$6.49
Freschetta Pizza (18.5 –25.12 oz)	$4.99	3/7 SS	$1.25		$3.74
Turkey Hill Ice Cream (48 oz)	2/$6	5/2 RP	$1/2 (Dynamic Duos)		Buy 2 for $5
Weight Watchers Novelties (16-24 oz)	$3.99	All You Magazine April 2010	$0.75	$0.75	$2.49
El Monterery Taquitos	$5.49	3/7 RP	$1		$4.49
Lightlife Entrees (11.4 – 12.2 oz)	$2.88	5/2 SS or 4/18 SS	$1		$1.88
Tropicana Pure Premium Juices (59-64 oz)	2/$6	4/25 RP	$1		Buy 1 for $2
Activia Yogurt (4-packs)	2/$4	3/28 SS or 5/2 SS	$1		Buy 1 for $1
DanActive Yogurt (4-packs)	2/$4	3/28 SS or 5/2 SS	$1		Buy 1 for $1
Danimals Drinkable Yogurt or Crush Cup Yogurt	2/$4	5/2 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3
Daisy Sour Cream (24 oz)	2/$5	3/28 SS	$0.50	$0.50	Buy 1 for $1.50
Head & Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner (13.5-14.2 oz)	$4.49	5/2 PG	$1/2		Buy 2 $7.98
Crest Toothpaste (6.2 oz)	$2.99	5/2 PG	$0.75	$0.75	$1.49
Venus Sensitive or Tropical 3 Blade Disposable Razors (4 pk)	$6.99	5/2 PG	$2		$4.99
Naked Juices (15.2 oz)	2/$5	Naked Juice	$1		Buy 1 for $1.50
Clif Bars	10/$10	Mambo Sprouts, Green Spring	$0.50	$0.50	FREE
Honest Tea (16 oz)	$0.99	Honest Tea (must register)	$0.50	$0.50	FREE
fuelperks! bonus! Rewards		earn $0.05 in fuelperks with each item you buy
Edy’s Fruit Bars (6 pk)	$2.99	All You Magazine May 2010	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4.98

 

Well, that is it for my last coupon match-ups for Ukrop’s.  If you find any deals that I missed please share.

 

Happy Shopping!

 

~Ann

Ukrop’s Match-ups for the week of 4/26 –5/1

 

It is getting really sad to walk into a Ukrop’s these days.  I have to admit I have found some great clearance deals, but it still saddens me as to the reason why.  The shelves in the remaining stores are bare and the ad is rather slim as well. If you want to see an on-line version of the ad click here.  There are some good deals still out there and it looks like free toothbrushes on Wednesday.

Don’t forget that MARTIN’S won’t be doubling coupons over $0.50 so if you have any higher value coupons you have been holding onto it may be a good time to use them.

Here are some guidelines for Ukrop’s coupon policy:

Ukrop’s will double manufacturer coupons up to $0.99 on Wednesdays only.

Ukrop’s will not double more than 5 like coupons per transaction.

Ukrop’s does accept internet printable (IP) coupons up to a face value of $2.  They do not accept IP coupons for a free item.  This includes buy 1 get 1 free.

The items that will double on Wednesday are in red.

Item	Sale Price	Coupon Source	Coupon Amount	Doubled	Final Price
Cheerios (14 oz)	2/$4	3/28 SS	$1/3		Buy 3 boxes for $5
Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon (2.1 oz)	$2.99	3/21 SS	$0.75	$0.75	$1.49
Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved Lunchmeat (7-9 oz)	$3.28	3/7 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $5.56
Bush’s Grillin’ Beans	$1.79	4/18 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $2.58
Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn (Microwave of unpopped jars)	$2.79	3/28 SS	$0.40	$0.40	$1.99
Nature Valley Nut Clusters	2/$5	4/18 SS	$0.50	$0.50	Buy 1 for $1.50
Nature Valley Granola Bars	2/$5	4/18 SS	$0.40	$0.40	Buy 1 for $1.70
Chex Snack Mix Bars	2/$5	4/18 SS	$0.50	$0.50	Buy 1 for $1.50
Hershey’s Signature Packaged Candy (8-9.6 oz)	2/$7	4/25 SS	$1 off Bliss Chocolate		Buy 1 for $2.50
Hunt’s Ketchup (24 oz)	10/$10	All You Magazine April 2010	$1/2		Buy 2 for $1
Betty Crocker Hamburger, Chicken, or Tuna Helper	10/$10	4/11 SS	$0.75/3	$0.75/3	Buy 3 for $1.50
Hunt’s Snack Pack – Pudding or Gelatin	10/$10	All You Magazine April 2010	$1/3		Buy 3 for $2
Gain Liquid Laundry Detergent (48-64 loads)	$9.99	4/25 RP	$0.25	$0.25	$9.49
Cheer Liquid Laundry Detergent (48-64 loads)	$9.99	4/25 RP	$1		$8.99
Brawny Paper Towels (6 or 8 towels)	$6.99	3/14 RP	$0.50	$0.50	$5.99
Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue (12 double)	$6.99	3/14 RP	$0.50	$0.50	$5.99
Colgate Toothbrushes	$0.99	4/25 SS	$0.75	$0.75	FREE (possible $0.51 overage)
Nature Bounty Vitamin’s (30 – 250 ct or 2-15 oz)	50% off	4/25 RP	$1		varies
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls (7-8.55 oz)	2/$5	3/7 RP	$0.75	$0.75	Buy 1 for $1
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls (7-8.55 oz)	2/$5	All You Magazine April 2010	$0.55	$0.55	Buy 1 for $1.40
Dannon Yogurt (6 oz)	10/$5	4/11 SS	$1/10		Buy 10 for $4
Country Crock Margarine Bowls	$1.99	3/7 RP	$0.30	$0.30	$1.39
Edy’s Slow Churn or Haagen Dazs Cups (3.6 –6 oz)	10/$10	All You Magazine May 2010	$1/3		Buy 3 for $2
Marie’s Salad Dressing (10-12 oz)	$2.99	1/31 SS	$1 (exp 4/30)		$1.99
fuelperks! bonus! rewards
Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies	$2.49	4/18 RP	$0.55/2	$0.55/2	Buy 2 for $3.88
Turkey Hill Tea & Lemondae (64 oz)	$1.79	4/11 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $2.58

 

Happy shopping and cherish the last days of Ukrop’s.  Feel free to share any deals that you find or that I may have missed.

 

~Ann

Ukrop’s Double Coupon Wednesday and Weekly Deals (4/19-4/24)

If you have been in a Ukrop’s recently I am sure you have noticed how bare it is.  My store is closing for the conversion to MARTIN’S on Saturday.  I was in there last night and saw them marking down lots of stuff.  I really didn’t get much.  My pantry is overflowing and the deals weren’t that different from what I had already snagged at other stores.  Not to mention the way they were doing it was filling up a shopping cart and then bringing it to the front of the store.  There was a group of about 10–15 vultures people who were waiting for each new cart to come up.  Being almost 6 months pregnant and having a 4 year-old with me - I did not feel like fighting a crowd so that I could get hot chocolate mixes for $0.50 each.  (I can do that with coupons.)

The ad is almost as bare as the store shelves were.  There are a few good deals and don’t forget to see if you can match up some of your $0.75 off coupons while they double up to $1.50 on Wednesday.  If you want to see an on-line version of this week’s ad click here. 

Here are some guidelines for using coupons at Ukrop’s:

Ukrop’s will double manufacturer coupons up to $0.99 on Wednesdays only.

Ukrop’s will not double more than 5 like coupons per transaction.

Ukrop’s does accept internet printable (IP) coupons up to a face value of $2.  They do not accept IP coupons for a free item.  This includes buy 1 get 1 free.

The coupons that will double on Wednesday are in red. 

Item	Sale Price	Coupon Source	Coupon Amount	Doubled	Final Price
Kashi Organic Promise Cereal	2/$5	allyou.com	$1		Buy 1 for $1.50
Kashi Cereal  Bars	2/$5	Mambo Sprouts	$1		Buy 1 for $1.50
Earthbound Organic Clamshell Salads	2/$5	Mambo Sprouts	$0.55	$0.55	Buy 1 for $1.40
Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage	$3.49	4/18 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $5.98
Oscar Mayer Meat Bologna (16 oz)	$2.98	3/7 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4.96
Hebrew National Beef Hot Dogs (12 oz)	2/$6	3/7 SS	$0.75	$0.75	Buy 1 for $1.50
Select General Mills Cereals	4/$10	cereal	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
Keebler Sandies	2/$4	4/18 RP	$0.55	$0.55	Buy 1 for $0.90
Keebler Vienna Fingers	2/$4	4/18 RP	$0.55/2	$0.55/2	Buy 2 for $2.90
Krunchers! Potato Chips (9.6 oz)	$2.99	4/18 SS	$1		$1.99
Hellmann’s Mayonnaise (30 oz)	$3.29	3/28 RP	$0.60	$0.60	$2.09
Wishbone Salad Dressing	2/$4	3/28 RP	$0.75	$0.75	Buy 1 for $0.50
Ocean Spray Juice & Cran-Blends (64 oz)	2/$5	3/21 RP	$1		$1.50
Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers	2/$6	3/28 SS	$1		Buy 1 for $2
Marie Callender’s Signature Creations	2/$6	4/18 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $5
Hershey Pieces	$2.79	4/18 SS	$1		$1.79
Reynolds Wrap Recycled Foil	2/$5	reynolds (must register)	$1.25		Buy 1 for $1.25
Green works Liquid Dish Detergent, All Purpose Cleaner, or Glass & Surface Cleaner	$2.99	4/18 SS	$0.50	$0.50	$1.99
Green works Laundry Detergent (30 loads)	$4.99	4/18 SS	$1.50		$3.49
Tampax Tampons	$5.49	3/7 PG	$1		$4.49
Tampax Tampons	$5.49	3/7 PG	$2 (Tampax Pearls)		$3.49
Tampax Tampons	$5.49	4/4 PG	buy 1 get 1 free	(combine with 3/7 PG)	Buy 2 for $3.49
Always Pads	$5.49	3/7 PG	$1		$4.49
Always Pads	$5.49	4/4 PG	buy 1 get 1 free	(combine with 3/7 offer)	Buy 2 for $4.49
BiC Flex 4 Razors (4 ct)	$3.69	3/28 SS	$2		$1.69
BiC Flex 4 Razors (4 ct)	$3.69	4/18 SS	$3		$0.69
Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner	$2.49	3/7 PG	$3/2		Buy 2 for $1.98
Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner	$2.49	4/4 PG	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3.98
Pantene Styling Aids	$2.49	3/7 PG or 4/4 PG	$1		$1.49
Pantene Styling Aids	$2.49	3/7 PG	$3/2		Buy 2 for $1.98
Sargento Shredded Cheese	2/$4	1/31 SS	$0.50/2	$0.50/2	Buy 2 for $3
Sargento Reduced Sodium Colby Jack Sticks & String Cheese	2/$4	4/18 SS	$0.75	$0.75	Buy 1 for $0.50
Tropicana Pure Premium Juices (89 oz)	$4.49	2/21 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $7.98
Turkey Hill Iced Tea and Lemonade (1 gallon)	2/$5	4/11 RP	$1/2
Reddi Wip Whipped Topping (7 oz)	2/$5	3/28 SS	$0.50	$0.50	Buy 1 for $1.50
Parkay Squeeze Margarine (12 –16 oz)	$1.29	3/28 SS	$0.75/2	$0.75/2	Buy 2 for $1.08
Land O’Lakes Half & Half (32 oz)	2/$5	3/28 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
Almond Breeze Almond Milk (64 oz)	$2.99	2/28 SS	$1		$1.99
Yoplait Go-Gurt Yogurt (18 oz)	2/$5	3/21 SS	$0.35	$0.35	Buy 1 for $1.80
Yoplait Go-Gurt Yogurt (18 oz)	2/$5	3/21 SS	$0.75/2	$0.75/2	Buy 2 for $3.50
Stonyfield Farms Yogurt (Low-fat or O’Soy) 32 oz	$2.99	stonyfield	$0.50	$0.50	$1.99
fuelperks!bonus! Rewards	earn a bonus $0.05 per gallon	with each purchase
Orville Redenbacher Microwave Popcorn	$1.99	3/28 SS	$0.40	$0.40	$1.19

Feel free to share any deals that you find.  Also, if you have some hockey gear you might want to wear it near the mark down baskets in Ukrop’s.  :)

Happy Shopping!

Free Snuggle this week at MARTIN’S

I just glanced at the on-line version of the MARTIN’S ad and noticed that they have Snuggle Liquid (32 oz) or Sheets (70 ct) on sale for $2.99 each.  If you combine this with the $3 coupon from the 3/28 RP you get FREE fabric softener!

I am optimistic that I may find some more free or cheap inexpensive items this week at both Ukrop’s and MARTIN’S.  I am hoping to get match-ups done for both stores this week.  Check back to see if I accomplish this goal.  :)

Double Coupon Wednesday Deals at Ukrop’s

I found a few clearance and marked down items.  These items are shown in my total spent, but not in the shelf price or my total savings because they had to manually entered.

• (2) Joe’s Market Lemonade - $0.50
• Smoothie Mix - $0.50
• Coleslaw Dressing Mix - $0.50
• Mariani’s Dried Cranberries – $0.50
• Food Club Gourmet Popping Corn - $0.50
• Blue #1 Birthday Candle - $0.20 (for baby brother)

Here is the list of the rest of my purchases:

• Betty Crocker Muffin Mix - $1
• Betty Crocker Warm Delights - $0.16
• (3) Contadina Tomato Paste - $0.16 each
• (4) Dole Pineapple Chunks - $0.50 each
• (6) Dole Tropical Fruit Salad - $0.50 each
• (2) Prego Heart Smart Pasta Sauce - $1 each
• Ukrop’s Gourmet Decaf Coffee - $3.99
• V8 Fusion Light - $1
• Gardening Gloves - $1.99
• Woman’s Day Magazine - $1.99
• Food Club Frozen Blueberries - $1.99
• (2) Food Club Ice Cream (1.75 pints) - $1.99 each
• International Delight Pint - $0.89
• (3) Stonyfield Organic Yogurt - $0.46 each
• Stir Fry Beef - $2.99
• Pork Shoulder Picnic (7.72 lb)- $9.88
• Pork Tenderloin (2.78 lb)- $7.42
• Pork Tenderloin (2.66 lb) - $7.12
• Bananas (1.92 lb) - $0.94
• Cucumber - $0.99
• Strawberries - $2.50

Shelf Price (before sales, coupons, or tax): $107.95

Final Price (after sales, coupons, and before tax): $61.88

Total Savings: $46.07 (43%)

I bought the pork tenderloins for preparing meals this week for two families from our church that recently had new babies.  The rest of the meats are for us.  I will make barbeque with the pork shoulder early next week.  I am thinking we will have either fajitas or stir fry with the beef strips I found marked down 33% off.

Ukrop’s Match-ups 4/12-4/17 and Double Coupon Wednesday

 

Well, once again I am going to say how sad I am that the Ukrop’s era is coming to an end.  I realize that it is just a grocery store and there are far more important issues in the world beyond where I can buy my groceries and use my coupons.  I have LOTS to be thankful for and I am not go to share that right now, the list would be longer than one of my famous spreadsheets.  :)

The advertised deals are starting to fade, it doesn’t seem as if there are as many.  I have heard of lots of deals people are finding at the stores.  I have found that these deals really do vary by store.  You may notice lots of signs that either say “This Store Only” or “TSO”.  If you have the time, walk the aisles and see what is marked down.  I have seen things like Food Club Jellied Cranberries and Food Club Olives for $0.25 a can.  I have noticed that select Sauer’s spices are marked down.  (If you still have the $0.50 off one Sauer’s Spice or Extract coupon from the 3/28 SS you could get a really good deal.)  Feel free to share any deals that you find and if you could where you found it, because it really does vary by store. 

There are some decent weekly deals that don’t have coupons available like the Fieldale Value Pack Bone-in Split Chicken Breast for $0.98/lb, and the Smithfield Fresh Pork Picnic Shoulder for $1.28/lb. 

Here are some guidelines for using coupons at Ukrop’s:

Ukrop’s will double manufacturer coupons up to $0.99 on Wednesdays only.

Ukrop’s will not double more than 5 like coupons per transaction.

Ukrop’s does accept internet printable (IP) coupons up to a face value of $2.  They do not accept IP coupons for a free item.  This includes buy 1 get 1 free.

Coupons that will double on Wednesday are in red.

Item	Sale Price	Coupon Source	Coupon Amount	Doubled	Final Price
Prego Spaghetti Sauce (24 oz)	2/$3	2/7 SS (Heart Smart Only)	$0.50/2	$0.50/2	Buy 2 for $2
Johnsonville Italian Dinner Sausage	$4.98	3/7 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $8.96
Jimmy Dean Roll Sausage	$3.48	3/28 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $5.96
Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Sausage	$3.48	4/11 RP	$1		$2.48
Fast Fixin’ Breaded Chicken 36 oz	$5.48	AllYou Magazine 3/2010	$1		$4.48
Bounty Paper Towels (2 rolls)	$3.59	3/7 PG	$0.25	$0.25	$3.09
Nonni’s Biscotti	$2.99	4/11 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4.98
V8 V-Fusion (48 oz)	2/$5	3/14 SS	$0.75	$0.75	Buy 1 for $1
Peter Pan Peanut Butter (13-16.3 oz)	2/$4	3/14 SS (exp. 4/15)	$1/4		Buy 4 for $7
Peter Pan Peanut Butter (13-16.3 oz)	2/$4	AllYou Magazine 4/2010	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3
Peter Pan Peanut Butter (13-16.3 oz)	2/$4	ConAgra Rediscover Your Balance	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3
Filippo Berio Olive Oil (17 oz)	$5.99	coupons.com (no longer available to print)	$1		$4.99
Betty Crocker Muffin Mixes (15.2 – 18.25 oz)	2/$4	3/28 SS	$0.50	$0.50	Buy 1 for $1
Betty Crocker Warm Delights & Mini Warm Delights	3/$5	3/28 SS	$0.75	$0.75	Buy 1 for $0.16
Betty Crocker Warm Delights & Mini Warm Delights	3/$5	coupons	$0.50	$0.50	Buy 1 for $0.66
Selected Kellogg’s Mini Wheats Cereal (15.8 – 18 oz)	2/$5	4/11 RP	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
Soft Soap Pumps (7.5 oz)	$0.99	softsoap  (need to register)	$0.35	$0.35	$0.29
Soft Soap Pumps (7.5 oz)	$0.99	AllYou March 2010	$0.50	$0.50	FREE
Selected Johnson’s Baby Products	$2.69	3/7 RP	$1		$2.69
Freschetta Pizzas (18.5-25.12 oz)	$4.99	3/7 SS	$1.25		$3.74
Weight Watchers Ice Cream Cups (2-pk)	2/$4	AllYou Magazine April 2010	$0.75/2	$0.75/2	Buy 2 for $2.50
Healthy Choice Complete Dinners or Steamers	2/$5	ConAgra Rediscover Your Balance	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
International Delight Creamers (32 oz)	2/$5	3/7 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $4
Kraft Deli Deluxe Singles (8oz)	$2.99	3/21 SS	$1		$1.99
Healthy Choice Naturals or Simple Selections	2/$4	3/28 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3
Fleischmann’s Egg Beaters (15 –16 oz)	2/$5	AllYou Magazine April 2010	$1		Buy 1 for $1.50
Fleischmann’s Egg Beaters (15 –16 oz)	2/$5	ConAgra Rediscover Your Balance	$1		Buy 1 for $1.50
Dannon Yogurt (6 oz)	10/$5	4/11 SS	$1/10		Buy 10 for $4
Stonyfield O’Soy Yogurt (6 oz)	$0.79	Mambo Sprouts	$1/3		Buy 3 for $1.37
Stonyfield O’Soy Yogurt (6 oz)	$0.79	stonyfield   (need to register)	$0.50/3	$0.50/3	Buy 3 for $1.37
Stonyfield Lowfat Yogurt (6 oz)	$0.79	stonyfield   (need to register)	$0.50/3	$0.50/3	Buy 3 for $1.37
Litehouse Dressings (13 oz)	$2.49	coupons	$1/2		Buy 2 for $3.48
Litehouse Dressings (13 oz)	$2.49	3/28 SS	$0.50	$0.50	$1.49
fuelperks! bonus! Rewards Items
Welch’s Grape Jam or Jelly (Jar or Squeeze 2 lb or 22 oz)	$1.99	1/3 SS	$0.55	$0.55	$0.89

Key to abbreviations:

SS= Smart Source (Sunday Paper Coupon Insert)

RP = Red Plum (Sunday Paper Coupon Insert)

PG = Proctor & Gamble (Sunday Paper Coupon Insert)

 

Remember feel free to share any of the deals that you find! 

 

Happy Shopping!

Researching MARTIN’S Coupon Policy

I want to give you a tip and share some info that I have found on-line regarding MARTIN’S coupon policies.  I have not had a chance to go to one of the newly remodeled stores that opened today, but I have heard they were crazy.  I also can imagine that one of the biggest hassles was waiting in line to get a MARTIN’S bonus card in order to receive the sale price or for any of your coupons to double. 

Here is a way to avoid standing in line to receive your card – you can do it on-line and print a temporary one until your actual card arrives in the mail.  You can go on-line to MARTIN’S website and you can register for your card on-line.  I actually registered for mine on-line a few weeks ago from the Ukrop’s website.  That link now takes you directly to MARTIN’S so I don’t know for certain if you can still enter your UVC info and link your information and fuelperks!. 

I have also spent some time looking at the MARTIN’S website and reading some on-line forums for areas that have already had MARTIN’S or GIANT stores.  I have found out a few things.

• It appears that even though their ad says that they only double coupons up to $0.50 that if you have a coupon that has a face value of $0.51-$0.99 they give you the difference of the face value and $1.  In other words if you have a $0.75 coupon it will get “doubled” an additional $0.25.  That isn’t really doubling, but it is more.  :)  (I haven’t found this on the MARTIN’S site, but from the on-line forums.)
• I also found out from the forums and from the MARTIN’S website that they will not double more than one like coupon per customer per day.  (That stinks!)
• I discovered that they will accept internet printables (IPs) for a face value of up to $5. (Ukrop’s only accepted them up to $2.)
• MARTIN’S will not accept IPs for a free item – including buy one get one free.  (Ukrop’s had this same policy.)

It looks like shopping at MARTIN’S with my coupons is going to be a trial and error adventure for me.  Did any of you venture into one of the new stores today?  What is your first impression of the new Richmond area MARTIN’S stores based on your store visit or just from looking at the ad in the Sunday paper?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

The Ukrop’s to MARTIN’S transition begins…..

I have to admit that although I didn’t grow up in Richmond, I fell in love with Ukrop’s about 14 years ago when I came to Richmond for pharmacy school.  My love for Ukrop’s took on a new level 5 years ago when I became a Ukrop’s associate.  They were such a good company to work for.  They may not have had the best pay all of the time but the little extras they provided their employees like a paid day off and a card mailed to your home with a $50 check on your birthday for full-time employees, the annual picnic at the family farm, knowing that I would always have off on holidays and Sundays – they were great. 

But, those days sadly ended early February when the company was sold to Giant Carlisle and it was announced that the stores would be remodeled this Spring and then reopened under the name of MARTIN’S.  Yesterday, I have to admit that I was sad to see the first ever MARTIN’S ad in the Sunday paper.  I looked at the ad and there are some positives – they are going to double coupons everyday, but only up to $0.50 – just like Kroger.  (There go all of the great deals I got with my $0.75 coupons.)  I plan to go to one of the new stores this week to check out some things and find out if with a buy one get one free if you really do have to buy 2 or can you get the one for half-price.

I did notice that MARTIN’s is not continuing the once daily deals that Ukrop’s started about a year ago.  I plan to hit Ukrop’s today (Monday) to get some of the 85% ground beef for $1.99 a pound.  I am going to buy extra to put in the freezer because that is a really good price. 

I am working on the match-ups for this week’s Ukrop’s ad, I may try my hand at some of the MARTIN’S match-ups.  I am still debating about whether or not I want to continue match-ups after the transition.  MARTIN’S has a much larger ad and I am not sure with baby #3 arriving in August if I want to take that much time away from my family and other necessary duties.  I will still be around, but maybe not my famous spreadsheets.  :)

Double Coupon Wednesday Shopping & Other Deals

I didn’t get to Ukrop’s until late again this week.  We got back into to town around mid-afternoon today, but after unpacking the car and getting everyone and everything in the house we were all ready for naps.  By the time we all got up it was time to hit the ground running so that we could get over to church. 

I really just loaded up on essentials that we were out of because of our trip and I did find a few close-out items that I splurged on.  I even bought a bag of potato chips for Steve. 

Here is a picture of my purchases tonight – because of junk miscellaneous items on the kitchen table I choose a different setting. 

• Charmin Ultra Strong (12 double rolls) - $5.38 (not pictured)
• Food Club Fruit Crisp Mix - $0.45
• Joe’s Market Flatbread - $1.50
• (2) Ken’s Ranch Dressing (8 oz) - $0.75 each
• (4) Dole Mandarin Oranges - $0.50 each
• Swiffer Dusting Cloths - $2.99
• Ukrop’s Bottled Water (24 pk) – $2.49 (not pictured)
• Grandma Utz Kettle Chips - $2.50
• Tums Smoothies - $1.59 (I needed them ASAP)
• Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon - $1.48
• Perdue Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (2.83 lb) - $5.32
• Perdue Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (2.55 lb) - $4.79
• Organic Gala Apples (1.73 lb) - $2.92
• Bananas (2.69 lb) - $1.32
• Cucumber - $0.99
• (2) Earthbound Farms Organic Spring Mix - $1.89
• D’Anjou Pears (2.55 lb) - $3.29
• Alouette Spread - $1.84
• (3) Joe’s Market Biscotti - $1.50 each
• Reusable Bag Credits (-$0.10)

Shelf Price (before sales, coupons, bag credits, or tax): $113.50

Final Price (after sales, coupons, bag credits, before tax): $50.53

Total Savings: $62.97 (55%)

This was not my best shopping trip, but almost half of my spending went to a little over 5 pounds of chicken breast for about $10 and about $12 on fresh produce.  I also picked up some household items like the toilet paper, the swiffers, and the bottled water (for trips).  I guess I am just trying to justify my $4.50 for 3 packages of biscotti. :)

Did you find any great deals this week?  Feel free to share.

Ukrop’s Coupon Match-up and Deals April 5-10

We are on a mini-family vacation for a few days in Washington, DC with some other members of my family.  We left Richmond mid-afternoon after church after a trip back home to gather last minute items and to pack-up the car.  I did make sure I had my Ukrop’s sales flyer with me and my coupons.  (Yes - I travel with my coupons if possible.) 

I realized when I was double checking the match-ups that I don’t have an insert with me.  I am missing the 3/14 SS.  There is one coupon that may be available in that insert for Kingsford Charcoal that I remember seeing but don’t remember the verbage.  Please check behind me because I am not sure of the wording on the coupon or if there are restrictions. 

Because of our mini-vacation I haven’t had a chance to visit Ukrop’s this week to verify some items (like what Special K cereals are included in The Big Deal) or to look for any unadvertised specials.  I do want to encourage you if you have some extra time to check out any of the Ukrop’s store brands (Ukrop’s, Food Club, Full Circle, Joe’s Market)  for some great close-out deals.  There are also appear to be some brands that MARTIN’S may not plan to carry that are also marked down.  The sales vary by store based on the inventory they have and when they are scheduled to be shut down for the remodel.  If you want to double check the store closing list check out this post. 

There are some good deals at Ukrop’s this week feel free to check out an on-line version of this week’s ad if you don’t have the paper copy with you.  I am once again only listing the items that are advertised and have a coupon available for match-up.  The coupons that will double on Wednesday are in red. 

I have included several links to internet printable coupons.  You will have to register first before you can print the coupons from Home Solutions and Stonyfield.

I want to point out that there are Value Packs (usually around 2+ pounds) of Perdue Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast on sale this week for $1.88/lb. The last time this was on sale I tried to combine this deal with the Friday only 50% off chicken deal and it did not work.  Although I personally don’t think that $1.88/lb is a bad deal for boneless skinless chicken breast. 

Here are some guidelines for using coupons at Ukrop’s:

Ukrop’s will double manufacturer coupons up to $0.99 on Wednesdays only.

Ukrop’s will not double more than 5 like coupons per transaction.

Ukrop’s does accept internet printable (IP) coupons up to a face value of $2.  They do not accept IP coupons for a free item.  This includes buy 1 get 1 free.

 

Item	Sale Price	Coupon Source	Coupon Amount	Doubled	Final Price
Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent (24-32 loads)	$5.88	3/7 PG or 4/4 PG	$1		$4.88
Oscar Mayer Fully-Cooked Bacon (2.1 oz)	$2.98	3/21 SS	$0.75	$0.75	$1.48
Hillshire Farm Deli Thin Lunchmeat (8-9 oz)	$3.78	3/14 RP	$0.35	$0.35	$3.08
Johnsonville Dinner Sausage (19.76 oz)	$3.98	3/7 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $6.96
Johnsonville Dinner Sausage (19.76 oz)	$3.98	johnsonville	$0.55	$0.55	Buy 1 for $2.88
Hunt’s Ketchup (24 oz)	4/$5	AllYou Magazine April 2010	$1/2		Buy 2 for $1.50
Ken’s Salad Dressing (8 oz)	4/$5	3/7 SS	$1/2		Buy 2 for $1.50
Dawn Dish Liquid (19-24 oz)	$2.59	3/7 PG	$0.25	$0.25	$2.09
Dawn Dish Liquid (19-24 oz)	$2.59	4/4 PG	$0.50	$0.50	$1.59
Pringles Super Stack Cans (5.71 –6.73 oz)	2/$3	3/7 PG or 4/4 PG	$1/4		Buy 4 cans for $5
Kingsford Charcoal (15.7 – 16.6 lb)	$7.99	3/14 SS	$2 off meat purchase WYB charcoal		$7.99 plus meat discount
Thomas’ English Muffins (11-13 oz)	2/$4	AllYou  Magazine March 2010	$1 off (Honey Wheat Only)		Buy 1 for $1 (Honey Wheat Only)
Hunt’s Tomatoes (28 oz)	3/$5	AllYou Magazine April 2010	$1/3 (Diced Only)		Buy 3 cans of diced for $4
Hunt’s Tomatoes (28 oz)	3/$5	ConAgra Rediscover Your Balance Booklet	$1/4 (Diced Only)		Buy 4 cans of diced for $5.67
Glass Plus Cleaner (32 oz)	$1.99	homesolutions	$1		$0.99
Lysol Cling Toilet Bowl Cleaner (24 oz)	$2.49	homesolutions	$0.50	$0.50	$1.49
Lysol Cling Toilet Bowl Cleaner (24 oz)	$2.49	3/14 SS	$0.50	$0.50	$1.49
Lysol Kitchen Cleaner (22 oz)	$2.49	homesolutions	$0.50	$0.50	$1.49
Lysol Kitchen Cleaner (22 oz)	$2.49	3/14 SS	$0.50	$0.50	$1.49
Swiffer Wet and Dry Refills (1-16 ct)	$3.99	3/7 PG	$0.50	$0.50	$2.99
Prilosec OTC Pills (14 ct)	$8.99	4/4 PG	$1		$7.99
Crest Toothpaste (6.4 oz)	$1.99	3/7 PG	$0.75	$0.75	$0.49
Crest Toothpaste (6.4 oz)	$1.99	3/21 PG	$1.50 off ProHealth (if included)		$0.49
Crest Toothpaste (6.4 oz)	$1.99	4/4 PG	$1 off Premium Toothpaste (if included)		$0.99
Ivory Body Wash(24 oz)	$2.49	3/7 PG	$0.25	$0.25	$1.99
Red Baron Single Serve Pizzas (6.8 – 11.2 oz)	2/$6	2/28 SS	$0.75	$0.75	Buy 1 for $1.50
Select Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables (10-16 oz)	2/$3	2/28 SS	$0.35	$0.35	Buy 1 for $0.80
Select Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables (10-16 oz)	2/$3	3/21 SS	$0.50	$0.50	Buy 1 for $0.50
Bertolli Meals (24 oz)	$6.99	3/14 RP	$1		$5.99
Eggland’s Beat Extra Large Eggs (1 dozen)	$1.99	1/31 SS or 3/14 SS	$0.35	$0.35	$1.29
Smart Balance Quarters	$2.79	smartbalance	$1		$1.79
Silk Soy Milk (64 oz)	2/$6	2/21 SS	$1		$2
Bounty Paper Towels (8 rolls)	$5.88	3/7 PG	$0.25	$0.25	$5.38
Charmin Bathroom Tissue (12 big rolls)	$5.88	3/7 PG or 4/4 PG	$0.25	$0.25	$5.38
Earthbound Clamshell Salads	$2.99	Mambo Sprouts	$0.55	$0.55	$1.89
Marzetti Salad Dressings (12-15 oz)	$3.49	3/21 SS	$0.75	$0.75	$1.99
Stonyfield Farm Yogurt (6 oz)	$0.79	stonyfield	$0.50/3	$0.50/3	$1.37
fuelperks! bonus! Rewards	earn an additional $0.05/gallon	with the purchase	of each item
French’s Mustard (20 oz)	$2.39	3/21 SS	$0.50	$0.50	$1.39

Feel free to share any deals that I missed.  Happy Shopping!