The Cunning Couponer

Goodbye… And Hello!

by kerri

It’s been an eventful couple of days around my house! There’s been bad news and there’s been good news.

Our new-to-us van blew its engine. And I mean several-thousand-dollars-to-replace blew. This would be the bad news. Really, there should be some kind of law about having to make major auto repairs when you’re still making payments on said auto!

Fortunately, there’s been some good news to combat this fairly disastrous event…

When I first started this blog I did so because I a.) love to coupon and b.) I found it pretty to difficult to coupon living where I do. I would drool at all the good deals I would read about on other blogs but, realistically, couldn’t justify the forty minute drive to Albertsons to save a few dollars when gas was $4.00 a gallon. Camano Island livin’ is the best, but it’s not the most convenient place to be a couponer.

That’s how Cunning Couponer was born. A desire to find good deals locally and to share them with family, friends and whoever else was interested in saving money. This meant I profiled Haggen, QFC and Camano Plaza IGA coupon match-ups… as well as highlighting good deals at Rite Aid and Bartell.

Along the way I discovered there was a fantastic blog that also covered TOP Foods/Haggen and QFC… Queen Bee Coupons based out of Olympia. I was so excited to find that someone else out there was doing match-ups for my stores. (I really love my grocery stores!) Plus, it’s an all-around fantastic blog with great recipes, money-saving ideas and amazing frugal finds. I pretty quickly fell in love with the blog.

I’m excited to announce that just yesterday I accepted a position with Queen Bee Coupons. This would be the good news! I’ll be doing the TOP Foods/Haggen, QFC and Rite Aid coupon match-ups. I’ll also be showing my Rite Aid purchases each week like I do now and highlighting any great unadvertised deals or in-store clearance deals I find. I’m hoping to be able to write some articles as well. Raising five kids on a single teacher’s income – as well as feeding those five kids (plus their parents!) on $400 or less a month – has given me a few tricks up my sleeve that will be fun to share and hopefully helpful to others as well.

Starting this week, I’ll be making the transition on over to Queen Bee Coupons. I’d love it if you would check it out, if you haven’t already. You’ll still be able to read about all the great TOP Foods/Haggen and QFC deals… it will just be at Queen Bee Coupons instead of here. And there will be more extensive Rite Aid posts as well to really help you save money.

Thank you so much for following Cunning Couponer. It’s been a blast! And I look forward to seeing you over at Queen Bee Coupons!

General

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Haggen: 4/25 – 5/1 (Tomatoes on the Vine Just $0.77 lb, Good Deal on Freschetta Pizza, Milk $1.99 + More)

by kerri

Here’s what looks most interesting to me this week at Haggen. I don’t list the full ad – just what looks most interesting to me – so please check your weekly ad for all the advertised specials. I’ve marked my favorite deals with asterisks.

IN-AD COUPONS

***Haggen’s Original Milk 1 Gallon – $1.99 with in-ad coupon (limit 1)

Franz Pan Bread (Nine Grain, Wheat & Honey or Buttermilk & Honey) – $1.77 with in-ad coupon (limit 1)

MEAT AND PRODUCE

Braeburn Apples – $0.88 lb

Fuji Apples = $0.88 lb

***Tomatoes on the Vine – $0.77 lb (wow!)

***Iceberg Lettuce – $0.67 ea

Mangos – $0.79 ea

***Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.69 lb

Boneless Beef Chuck Roast – $2.49 lb

Haggen Bacon 1 lb – $2.99

OTHER DEALS

***Yoplait Yogurt 6 oz – $0.60

Use $0.30/1 Yoplait Lactose Free Yogurt coupon from the 3/11 Smart Source
Or use $0.40/6 coupon from the 3/11 Smart Source
Final Price = $0.30 wyb Lactose Free

***Haggen Large Eggs 24 ct. – $2.49 ($1.25 a dozen)

Best Foods Mayonnaise 30 oz (Regular Only) – $3.99

Haggen Premier Ice Cream (1.75 qts) – $2.99

Haggen Toasted Oats Cereal 14 oz – $1.49

Florida’s Natural Orange Juice 59 oz – $2.99

Ortega Taco Seasoning 1.25 oz – $0.99

Use $0.50/2 coupon from the 4/15 Smart Source
Final Price = $0.74 each wyb 2

Ortega Diced Chiles or Jalapenos 4 oz – $1.49

Use $0.50/2 coupon from the 4/15 Smart Source
Final Price = $1.24 each wyb 2

Rosarita Refried Beans 15-16 oz – $1.29

Use $0.50/3 coupon from the 4/22 Smart Source
Final Price = $1.12 each wyb 3 (I’m saving my coupons for a better sale.)

Haggen Chunk Light Tuna in Water 5 oz – $0.69 (I used to always be able to get tuna for under $0.50 a can but it’s getting rare to see it that low anymore. This is a good price compared to what I’ve been seeing lately.)

Nalley Original Chili 15 oz – $0.88

Jolly Time Microwave Popcorn 2-4 ct – $1.49

Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 4/15 Smart Source
Final Price = $0.99

***Freschetta Pizza – $3.99

Use $1.50/2 coupon from the 3/4 Smart Source
Final Price = $3.24 each wyb 2

Jose Ole Taquitos 22.5 oz – $4.99

Use $3/2 Printable Coupon
Final Price = $3.49 each wyb 2

Cascade Ice Sparkling or Seltzer Water or Juice 17.2 oz-2 liters – $0.89

Zevia Natural Soda 6 pack – $2.99

Use $1/1 Printable Coupon
Final Price = $1.99 (I try to stock up on this when the $3 off coupon comes out but this is still a good deal for the product.)

All Laundry Detergent 50 oz – $3.99

Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/1 Red Plum
Final Price = $2.99

Scott Paper Towels 6 Rolls – $5.49

Use $1/1 coupon from the 3/25 Smart Source
Final Price = $4.49 ($0.75 per roll)

Brawny Paper Towels 6-8 Rolls – $6.99

Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/29 Red Plum
Final Price = $5.99

Haggen

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Bartell Drugs: 4/22 – 4/28 (Great Deals on Stash Tea, Blue Diamond Breeze, Wet Ones Wipes + More!)

by kerri

Bartell has some really great deals this week that I’m excited about!

Stash Tea 18-20 ct is on sale for $1.69. You can do this scenario to get an even better deal:

***Stash Tea 18-20 ct – $1.69

Use $1/2 coupon from the 2/5 Red Plum
Final Price = $1.19 each wyb 2!

***Blue Diamond Breeze 32 oz – $1.39

Use $0.55/1 coupon from the 3/18 Smart Source
Final Price = $0.84!

Wet Ones 40 ct or 24 singles are on sale for $1.99. This matches up great with the coupon that came in yesterday’s Smart Source (4/22). I’ll be stocking up on these for our road trip this summer!

***Wet Ones 40 ct or 24 singles – $1.99

Use $0.75/1 coupon from the 4/22 Smart Source
Final Price = $1.24

Other good deals are:

***Blue Diamond Baked Nut Chips 4.25 oz – $1.69

Use $1/1 Printable Coupon
Or use $0.75/1 Printable Coupon
Final Price = as low as $0.69

***Food Should Taste Good Chips 6 oz – $1.79

Use $1/1 Printable Coupon
Final Price = $0.79

***Pacific Broth or Soup 32 oz – $2.39

Use $1/1 Printable Coupon (must register)
Final Price = $1.39

Kleenex Viva Paper Towels 6 pack – $4.99

Seventh Generation Household Products – 30% Off

Bartell

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Rite Aid: 4/22 – 4/28

by kerri

Each week I plan on showing what I bought at Rite Aid. I have been couponing for a year and a half now and have a great “stockpile” of toiletries and other household items. Most of these have been bought at Rite Aid for “free” or “nearly free” by combining sales, coupons and +Up Rewards. By buying just a few items each week at great savings it is easy to quickly build up a supply. My goal is to show you how I do this each week with easy instructions so that, if you want, you can try them out, too.

Total = $0.29 + tax

Here’s how I did it:

Bought 6 packages of Dentyne Pure 9 ct – 3/$3.00 ($6.00 total for all six)

Used (3) $1/2 coupons from the 3/4 Smart Source
Received (2) $2 +Up Rewards (wyb 3 – limit 4 +Up Reward offers)
Final Price = FREE after coupons and +Up Rewards
*Dentyne Ice 16 ct is also included in this deal.

Bought 1 Veet Wax Strips – $5.29

Used $2/1 in-ad coupon
Used $2/1 Printable Coupon (facebook)
Received $1 +Up Reward
Final Price = $0.29 after coupons and +Up Rewards

I was so mad at myself because I forgot my Samy coupons! The weather was too nice for me to head back to the store so the next time I’m near Rite Aid I’ll be doing this deal:

Samy Fat Hair Shampoo or Stylers or Fat Foam Hair Color – $8.99

Use $2/1 Printable Coupon
Use $2/1 Rite Aid Video Values Coupon
Receive $5 +Up Rewards (limit 3 +Up Reward offers)
Final Price = FREE

Other good deals my family didn’t need buy yours might:

Finesse Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers – $1.99

Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/22 Smart Source
Final Price = $0.99

Rite Aid

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Camano Plaza IGA: 4/18 – 4/24

by kerri

Here’s what looks most interesting to me at the Plaza this week. I love the frozen chicken breast price! It’s $0.30 a pound less than I paid the last time I bought the individually frozen chicken breasts. And since I have a daughter that eats bell peppers like candy I’ll be buying the green peppers, too! Also, I’ll be checking out the Xtra Laundry Detergent and grabbing that as well if it really ends up being $0.04 a load (see below).

MEAT AND PRODUCE

***Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 3 lb bag (individually frozen) – $4.99 ($1.67 lb!)

Fresh Pork Boneless Sirloin Roast – $1.99 lb

***Strawberries 1 lb pkg – $1.69 ea

***Fuji or Gala Apples – $0.79 lb

***Cucumbers – $0.49 ea

***Green Bell Peppers – $0.49 ea

***Kiwi Fruit – $0.33 ea

Asparagus – $1.69 lb

Celery – $0.79 ea

Organic Cauliflower – $1.49 lb

OTHER DEALS

***Xtra 2X Liquid Laundry Detergent – $1.99 (From the ad it looks like this is the 50 load size which would make each load just $0.04! I’ll drop by today to check it out for sure but if it is that is an amazing price – especially for no coupon involved!)

Starbucks Coffee – $6.99

Use $1.50/1 coupon from the 3/25 Smart Source
Final Price = $5.49

Kellogg’s Cereal (Apple Jack, Corn Pops, Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies or Gluten Free Rice Krispies) – $2.50

Use Save $2.00 on any Four Kellogg’s Cereal in-ad coupon
Final Price = $2.00 each wyb 4

Oscar Mayer Bologna 12 oz – $1.00

Oscar Mayer Lunchables 4.2-4.5 oz pkg – $1.00

Vlasic Dill Spears 24 oz or Vlasic Stackers 16 oz – $2.50

Use $0.55/1 coupon from the 4/1 Smart Source
Final Price = $1.95

Tillamook Ice Cream 56 oz – $3.99

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter – $2.79

Use $1.25/1 Printable Coupon
Final Price = $1.54

Camano Plaza IGA

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Haggen: 4/18 – 4/24 ($0.99 Eggs; $0.77 Fresh Express, Cheap Strawberries)

by kerri

Here’s what looks most interesting to me this week at Haggen. It looks like kind of a slow week to me but the eggs, strawberries and Fresh Express are great prices. I don’t list the full ad – just what looks most interesting to me – so please check your weekly ad for all the advertised specials. I’ve marked my favorite deals with asterisks.

MEAT AND PRODUCE

***Strawberries 2 lb box – $3.79 ea ($1.90 lb)

***Honey Mango – $0.50 ea

***Fresh Express Iceberg Garden Salad or Shreds! – $0.77 (limit 2)

Fresh Express Salad Kits (7 varieties) – $1.50

Broccoli or Cauliflower – $1.00 lb

Hass Avocadoes – $0.89 ea

Organic Kiwi – $0.40 ea

Organic Peeled Carrots 1 lb bag – $1.50

Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2.25-2.5 lbs) – $4.97 ea (as low as $1.99 lb)

Wild Pacific Whole Pink Salmon – $2.99 lb

OTHER DEALS

***Haggen Large Eggs 1 dozen – $0.99! (limit 1)

Haggen Sour Cream 16 oz – $1.49

Haggen Mac & Cheese – $0.49

Chicken of the Sea Tuna 5 oz – $0.79

Campbell’s Soup at Hand or Red & White Bowls – $0.99

Cool Whip 8 oz – $1.19

Use $0.50/2 coupon from the 3/25 Smart Source
Final Price = $0.94 each wyb 2

Coca Cola 2 liters – $0.99 each wyb 4 (limit 4)

Vitaminwater 20 oz – $0.88

Sunshine Cheez-It Cracker 9 oz – $1.69

Darigold Yogurt 6 oz – $0.50

Old Orchard 100% Juice 12 oz – $1.29

Use $1/4 Frozen Concentrate Printable Coupon
Final Price = $1.04 each wyb 4

Haggen

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Cartbuster Deal of the Day Coupons Return to QFC (and Fred Meyer)

by kerri

Save $0.75 on Kashi Cereal

QFC and Fred Meyer are running their Cart Buster Deal of the Day Coupons again through April 28. Each day there is a new digital coupon that you can load directly onto your card.

Today’s QFC coupon (4/17) is $0.75/1 Kashi Honey Sunshine or Berry Blossoms Cereal. You must load this coupon onto your card today but it doesn’t expire until May 1st. You can click here to go to the Fred Meyer Cart Buster Savings Event.

These coupons usually line up with ongoing sales so they can make for some pretty decent deals. I’ll try and post reminders to load the coupons onto your card each day!

Fred Meyer QFC

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QFC: 4/18 – 4/24 (Stock-Up Prices on Chicken, Strawberries, Cheese, Almonds & More!)

by kerri

Here are the coupon match-ups for QFC this week. I’ve listed the deals that I think are the most interesting and put asterisks by my favorites. Please remember that I don’t list all the advertised specials – just the ones I think are the best deals – so make sure to check your weekly ad for all the listings.

MEAT AND PRODUCE

***Draper Valley or Foster Farms Whole Chicken – $0.89 lb (stock-up price!)

***Strawberries 16 oz – $1.49 (stock-up price!)

***Red, Green Leaf, Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce – $1.00

Red, Orange or Yellow Bell Peppers – $1.00

Red, D’Anjou or Bosc Pears – $1.00

OTHER DEALS

***Tillamook Ice Cream 56 oz – $2.99 (limit 4)

***Kroger Cheese 16 oz – $2.50 (limit 4) *This is my price point for cheese; I stock up at this price but go crazy if I ever see it go as low as $2.00 lb.

Cheetos or Fritos 8.5-10.5 oz – $1.88

Powerade or Powerade Zero 32 oz – $0.59

***Blue Diamond Almonds 6 oz – $1.99

Use $1/1 coupon from the 1/29 Smart Source
Final Price = $0.99

Pringles Super Stack – $1.25

Use $1/4 coupon from the 3/18 Red Plum
Final Price = $1.00 each wyb 4

Kellogg’s Cereal (select varieties – Rice Krispies and Frosted Flakes pictured) – $1.99

Use $1/2 Rice Krispies coupon from the 4/1 Red Plum
Or use $1/2 Rice Krispies Printable Coupon
Final Price = $1.49 each wyb 2 Rice Krispies

Eggo Waffles or French Toast – $2.00

Use $0.75/2 coupon from the 3/11 Red Plum
Final Price = $1.63 each wyb 2

Keebler Cookies – $1.99

Use $0.75/2 Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies coupon from the 4/15 Red Plum (if included in sale)
Final Price = $1.62 each wyb 2 (if Chips Deluxe Cookies are included)

Keebler Town House or Club Crackers – $2.50

Use $1/2 Keebler Club Crackers coupon from the 4/1 Red Plum
Final Price – $2.00 each wyb 2

Big K Soft Drinks 12 pack – $2.50

Kraft Barbecue Sauce 18 oz – $1.00

Bounty Paper Towels 6 Big Rolls or 8 Regular Rolls – $5.99

Use $1/1 coupon from the 4/1 P&G Insert
Or use $1/1 QFC Digital Coupon
Final Price = $4.99

QFC

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Get Celestial Seasoning Tea for $1.34 after Coupon at Bartell

by kerri

Just a reminder that the great deals on Blue Diamond Almonds and Colgate Toothpaste are still running this week at Bartell Drugs through 4/21. Here’s another good deal you can grab this week at Bartell: