At this site, pick your grocery store and meal type (low fat, low carb, etc) and weekly you can print out a page of recipes for the week and the shopping list.
The meals are based on WHAT IS ON SALE at your grocery store that week, so it saves a lot of money & you have a PLAN for the things you buy so you don't waste food!
E-Mealz is very affordable, too - only about $5 a month.
Click here to find out more about E-Mealz
I am an affiliate for e-mealz, meaning I get some money for each sign up I send them. If you have a website or blog and would like to be an affiliate for e-mealz, you could do that too. I would recommend that you try the service first so you understand it and can genuinely recommend it yourself before you promote it. I have used the service and found it to be a big help, so I am glad to share it. Since I joined, they have added a lot of new options for people - they've added Aldi as a grocery store and now have low fat and couples menu options. Dave Ramsey has recommended the e-mealz service. I agree, it's good to have a plan. If you go to the grocery store without a list, you are going to buy all kinds of stuff and waste money.
Showing posts with label groceries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label groceries. Show all posts
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Comparing Publix, Kroger, Aldi's, Sam's and Wal-Mart for groceries
Which is your favorite grocery store in Snellville?
For me, it's Publix, hands down.
Best service, most knowledgeable/helpful employees - the prices are good on some things, not so good on others, but overall the service overrides everything else. But here's a list of what NOT to buy at Publix . If you combine coupons (most double) with the buy-one-get-one free deals, you can get lots of stuff free or almost free. They will ask you if you need help, you don't have to hunt someone down. I have never, ever had a bad shopping experience at the Snellville Publix on Scenic Highway in Snellville. As good as it is, the Publix store in Loganville at Cooper Road and Highway 20 is even more incredible, service-wise.
Kroger is okay for the things I don't buy at Publix. You can find some deals there if you pay close attention. Kroger also doubles coupons, but they don't double .35 cent coupons and Publix will.
Aldi's Snellville (Hwy 124/Scenic Hwy) - no name brands, can't use coupons, but they say their savings more than makes up for that. You can use a debit card but no credit cards. You need to bring your own bags. Bring a quarter for the shopping cart. I understand why they do all that, but it can be a pain if that's not what you expect when you walk in there. They buy older fruit and vegetables in order to save money and pass the savings along to you, and as a friend of mine (who is a loyal Aldi customer) told me, you need to plan to eat it right away if you buy it from Aldi's, because it will spoil fast. (Illinois)
Sams Club Snellville (Hwy 124/Scenic Hwy) you need to pay a membership fee. There's too much hassle involved for the savings...if you really know prices and compare you will see that they more than make up their money they save you on the "loss leaders." Loss leaders are the items that are super low, to entice you into the store...then they make up their money on overpriced items. I've always felt like the checkout process is like a cattle drive. (Headquartered in Bentonville AR)
Wal-Mart Snellville (Hwy 124/Scenic Hwy) - Savings on groceries, but if you have a problem like moldy bread (I did), expect a fight with customer service to get your money back. (Headquartered in Bentonville AR)
Target on Scenic Hwy in Snellville also has a grocery section. You can find some really good deals on cereal, dairy, and snacks sometimes. Avoid their condiments the prices on those are sometimes twice what they are from the regular grocery stores. Avoid their laundry detergents. Service: I was denied use of Target store coupons I printed out from the Target website. The Snellville Target would not let me use them, even though they were unexpired, valid Target coupons. It's no use to try to reason with a sales clerk, so I contacted Target headquarters for clarification on their coupon policy, and they never communicated with me.
I have none of these difficulties at Publix. I am very frugal, but good service is worth paying for. Another point for Publix is that if you want to help local people more, Publix is based in Florida and has a large warehouse in Lawrenceville, GA.
For me, it's Publix, hands down.
Best service, most knowledgeable/helpful employees - the prices are good on some things, not so good on others, but overall the service overrides everything else. But here's a list of what NOT to buy at Publix . If you combine coupons (most double) with the buy-one-get-one free deals, you can get lots of stuff free or almost free. They will ask you if you need help, you don't have to hunt someone down. I have never, ever had a bad shopping experience at the Snellville Publix on Scenic Highway in Snellville. As good as it is, the Publix store in Loganville at Cooper Road and Highway 20 is even more incredible, service-wise.
Kroger is okay for the things I don't buy at Publix. You can find some deals there if you pay close attention. Kroger also doubles coupons, but they don't double .35 cent coupons and Publix will.
Aldi's Snellville (Hwy 124/Scenic Hwy) - no name brands, can't use coupons, but they say their savings more than makes up for that. You can use a debit card but no credit cards. You need to bring your own bags. Bring a quarter for the shopping cart. I understand why they do all that, but it can be a pain if that's not what you expect when you walk in there. They buy older fruit and vegetables in order to save money and pass the savings along to you, and as a friend of mine (who is a loyal Aldi customer) told me, you need to plan to eat it right away if you buy it from Aldi's, because it will spoil fast. (Illinois)
Sams Club Snellville (Hwy 124/Scenic Hwy) you need to pay a membership fee. There's too much hassle involved for the savings...if you really know prices and compare you will see that they more than make up their money they save you on the "loss leaders." Loss leaders are the items that are super low, to entice you into the store...then they make up their money on overpriced items. I've always felt like the checkout process is like a cattle drive. (Headquartered in Bentonville AR)
Wal-Mart Snellville (Hwy 124/Scenic Hwy) - Savings on groceries, but if you have a problem like moldy bread (I did), expect a fight with customer service to get your money back. (Headquartered in Bentonville AR)
Target on Scenic Hwy in Snellville also has a grocery section. You can find some really good deals on cereal, dairy, and snacks sometimes. Avoid their condiments the prices on those are sometimes twice what they are from the regular grocery stores. Avoid their laundry detergents. Service: I was denied use of Target store coupons I printed out from the Target website. The Snellville Target would not let me use them, even though they were unexpired, valid Target coupons. It's no use to try to reason with a sales clerk, so I contacted Target headquarters for clarification on their coupon policy, and they never communicated with me.
I have none of these difficulties at Publix. I am very frugal, but good service is worth paying for. Another point for Publix is that if you want to help local people more, Publix is based in Florida and has a large warehouse in Lawrenceville, GA.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
How to store fruits and vegetables
I've been trying to figure out how to store fruits and vegetables in my small kitchen. I have bags of onions and potatoes on my kitchen counter.
When I go to other peoples' homes, their kitchen counters are empty. I have to wonder, where do they keep their produce? Do they just eat out all the time? Maybe. I can't afford to do that.
Whenever I've put potatoes and onions in a dark cabinet, I tend to forget about them and when I do remember them, they have all rooted.
So, I was off in search of some tips on how to store fruits and veggies. Here's what I found out:
Keep bananas and apples away from other fruits and vegetables. They produce a gas that's harmless to us, but causes other produce to ripen very quickly.
"Tuber" vegetables like potatoes, yams, etc should be kept off the floor to discourage the produce being attacked by insects or tempting mice. Keep at room temperature. Don't refrigerate them or the flavor changes. Don't wash these until you need to use them, because the moisture can contribute to rotting.
Some people believe - and this does make a lot of sense - that if you store your potatoes next to onions, your potatoes could absorb an onion taste.
In the crisper drawer of the fridge, putting a paper towel on the bottom can help absorb moisture to help them last longer. On a personal note, I read in Good Housekeeping (I think that was the magazine!) that they tested those as-seen-on-TV produce bags, and they really didn't work as promised. So save your money by not buying those.
Many fruits do well on the top shelves of the refrigerator, but there are certain fruits like cherries, that do much better when kept at room temperature. The cold can ruin them. The overall advice seems to be - when in doubt, leave it out of the fridge.
You do not want to store vegetables or fruits on top of the refrigerator. It's very warm there, so you will have quicker spoilage.
Handwoven baskets that can be hung on the wall could be one solution for my onions and potatoes. The baskets will allow for air circulation. Less attractive but a workable solution would be to put cup hooks on the wall and hang the onions and potatoes in the bags they already come in. The net of the onion bag should allow plenty of air circulation, and that way they're up where you can see them and not let anything rot (is there anything worse smelling than old rotted potatoes and onions?!?)
I've also gotten good advice from the produce people in the stores - especially Publix in Snellville. They seem to know their produce really well (the Scenic Hwy/Ronald Reagan Parkway store).
For those even more determined to keep their fruits and vegetables fresh, here's a scientific solution from Stacks and Stacks homewares. I love how it looks, too!
When I go to other peoples' homes, their kitchen counters are empty. I have to wonder, where do they keep their produce? Do they just eat out all the time? Maybe. I can't afford to do that.
Whenever I've put potatoes and onions in a dark cabinet, I tend to forget about them and when I do remember them, they have all rooted.
So, I was off in search of some tips on how to store fruits and veggies. Here's what I found out:
Keep bananas and apples away from other fruits and vegetables. They produce a gas that's harmless to us, but causes other produce to ripen very quickly.
"Tuber" vegetables like potatoes, yams, etc should be kept off the floor to discourage the produce being attacked by insects or tempting mice. Keep at room temperature. Don't refrigerate them or the flavor changes. Don't wash these until you need to use them, because the moisture can contribute to rotting.
Some people believe - and this does make a lot of sense - that if you store your potatoes next to onions, your potatoes could absorb an onion taste.
In the crisper drawer of the fridge, putting a paper towel on the bottom can help absorb moisture to help them last longer. On a personal note, I read in Good Housekeeping (I think that was the magazine!) that they tested those as-seen-on-TV produce bags, and they really didn't work as promised. So save your money by not buying those.
Many fruits do well on the top shelves of the refrigerator, but there are certain fruits like cherries, that do much better when kept at room temperature. The cold can ruin them. The overall advice seems to be - when in doubt, leave it out of the fridge.
You do not want to store vegetables or fruits on top of the refrigerator. It's very warm there, so you will have quicker spoilage.
Handwoven baskets that can be hung on the wall could be one solution for my onions and potatoes. The baskets will allow for air circulation. Less attractive but a workable solution would be to put cup hooks on the wall and hang the onions and potatoes in the bags they already come in. The net of the onion bag should allow plenty of air circulation, and that way they're up where you can see them and not let anything rot (is there anything worse smelling than old rotted potatoes and onions?!?)
I've also gotten good advice from the produce people in the stores - especially Publix in Snellville. They seem to know their produce really well (the Scenic Hwy/Ronald Reagan Parkway store).
For those even more determined to keep their fruits and vegetables fresh, here's a scientific solution from Stacks and Stacks homewares. I love how it looks, too!
Description from Stacks and Stacks:"This fantastic food storage device isn't just for fruits and vegetables - it's also great for bread, pastries, and more! Preserve the nutrients and flavor of your food. The FoodFresh has a built-in electronic pump, which draws out the air - creating a vacuum seal! You'll love the attractive bread box style of this container, and you'll enjoy looking at your food through the transparent food-grade plastic lid. Complete suction is achieved in only two minutes! A silicon seal and locking clasp keep the FoodFresh air tight! Handles on each side of the base make for easy transport! There's a removable, dishwasher safe tray for easy cleaning and maintenance."
If you decide to purchase this, if you use this link, Stacks and Stacks says it's free shipping.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
New food product reviews
I reviewed a couple fairly new grocery food products:
Alexia Natural Waffle Fries (chips)
I bought 3 bags of the Alexia Waffle Fries - Why I bought 3 packages: Retails $2.89, on sale half price for 1.45 each. Had $1.00 coupons, so each bag cost me only .45 cents. ... [more]
StarKist SeaSations fish fillets - looking for printable coupon for StarKist SeaSations, will post if I find it. ... if you want to try this product, this is a good time. It retails $5.99, but it on sale for $3.00. I had a Manufacturer's Coupon for $3.00 off, so I got it free. Check through your coupons to see if you have this one. ...[more]
Alexia Natural Waffle Fries (chips)
I bought 3 bags of the Alexia Waffle Fries - Why I bought 3 packages: Retails $2.89, on sale half price for 1.45 each. Had $1.00 coupons, so each bag cost me only .45 cents. ... [more]
StarKist SeaSations fish fillets - looking for printable coupon for StarKist SeaSations, will post if I find it. ... if you want to try this product, this is a good time. It retails $5.99, but it on sale for $3.00. I had a Manufacturer's Coupon for $3.00 off, so I got it free. Check through your coupons to see if you have this one. ...[more]
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Free cereal deal at CVS
Do you like the idea of free cereal? Whether you're a veteran CVS/pharmacy shopper who knows how to work the ExtraCare Rewards Program's deals or you're new to the idea, the week of July 5, 2009, would be a great time to head to the store. According ... Read more »
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Kroger Sale List - Today Thru Saturday July 19
Here are some of the Kroger deals this week. To view the circular, click here, but I will give you an overview of what is a deal and what might not be a deal here.
Kroger is having their 10 for $10 sale again. Keep in mind that some things for a dollar are a great deal for the dollar, but on some of them a dollar isn't really a super price. I haven't listed any of the dollar deals that are mediocre.
If there is a coupon circulating for the item and I know about it, I'll put an asterisk before the item. This is not a complete list, but just a list of some of the things that caught my eye.
Kroger frozen vegetables, $1
Pictsweet Steamers, $1
*Bounty Basic Big Roll Paper Towel $1 - look for free printable coupons
July 6th Proctor and Gamble Sunday Insert had .25 cents off coupon. Doubled, it would take .50 cents off each roll, making it only .50 cents your final cost.
Kroger Saltine Crackers $1 ... these aren't strong saltines...they don't hold up to a spread and they are very crumbly, but if you don't mind that, they are a great value.
Kroger Waffles (Frozen) $1 - I'm not a fan of these. They aren't very tasty and sometimes have a 'freezer' smell and taste. I'm an Eggo Waffle enthusiast. You can often get Eggo Waffles on sale for $1.12, so I would wait.
Everyday Living Bleach $1...This is the Kroger brand generic bleach. I think bleach is bleach, so this is a good price. Sometimes Clorox brand bleach will go on sale for $1.50
*Rice a Roni/Pasta Roni $1 Stock up if you have coupons...check the expiration dates on the packages and add to your stockpile as appropriate. It usually keeps a long time. Look for free printable coupons
*Hunts Snack Pack Pudding $1
If you don't need/want pudding in individual cups, keep in mind that Publix has the tubs of Kozy Shack Pudding on sale Buy one Get one Free this week. It is delicious but the Kozy Shack isn't individual cups, like this Snack Pack deal. These are nice for school lunches. Look for coupons
Glade Air Freshener Aerosol $1...
Kroger Cream Cheese Bar $1
*French's Yellow Mustard $1...there is a .30 cent off coupon circulating, and once Kroger doubles it, then your mustard ends up being only .40 cents Look for coupons
The coupon was in the June 22 SmartSource Insert.
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce $1
Betty Crocker Cake Mix $1...ever notice that frosting will never be on sale the same time as the cake mix? Get the cake mix when it's a good deal, but avoid the temptation to buy the frosting. The frosting will be on sale later on. Once you have a bit of a stockpile going, you can always afford to wait for the best price.
*Duncan Hines Brownie Mix $1, wonderful to have on hand. Check for coupons.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast $1.99 lb...good price...stock up if you have a freezer
Keebler Town House Crackers, buy any 4 selected Keebler cracker and cookie selected varieties and get $6 off your total at checkout when you use your Kroger Plus Card. Makes the final price $1.50 each.
Half Gallon Milk is $2.27. The way I figure out if it's a good price is by doubling it to get what the price would be per gallon. 2.27 x 2 is $4.54, which is a fairly good price. It works out to about a .50 cent per gallon discount.
Bone in pork chops 1.99 lb. Pretty good price for pork chops, but the kind Kroger has with the bone in are kind of hit and miss. Often the pork chop on top in the package looks great and the pork chops underneath are a disappointment.
*Carolina Pride...the full line of Carolina Pride meat products is 40% off. Look for coupons
Tostitios 2.50...fairly decent price
*General Mills or Post Cereals 2.50..some stores have had cereal on sale for 1.99 lately so I'd just buy what I need and save stocking up for another time and a better deal. Look for coupons
*Tide 2x detergent, 24-32 load bottle ... $5.99 ...I don't usually buy Tide because it is so expensive, and I still think this is expensive, but it's a good price for Tide brand. Look for coupons
.35 cents off coupon was in the July 6 Proctor and Gamble Sunday Coupon Insert. This coupon will be worth .70 when doubled.
Popsicle treats Buy one Get one Free
Pepsi 12 pack fridge cans 4 for $12...don't you hate how they do that? Why don't they just say $3 each?
*Tropicana Orange Juice Carton $2.99...typical price but look for coupon
Freschetta Pizza $4.50 ... Kroger has had this special price a lot lately. Publix had these for $5.00 each.
Breyer's Ice Cream 2.27
*Suave Shampoo 1.50 Look for coupons
Suave Coupons were in the July 13th Red Plum Sunday Insert.
*Suave Conditioner 1.50 Look for coupons
Suave Coupons were in the July 13th Red Plum Sunday Insert.
*Suave Deodrant 1.50 Look for coupons
Suave Coupons were in the July 13th Red Plum Sunday Insert.
Suave Deodorant Coupons also were in the May 18th Red Plum Insert (.75 cents off)
Suave or Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion 2.49 Look for coupons
Suave Coupons were in the July 13th Red Plum Sunday Insert.
Orbit Gum $1
Hormel Natural Choice Lunchmeat $2.50 Look for coupons
Kroger is moving out their summer furniture and merchandise (patio sets, pools, etc) while supplies last, clearance for 40-50% off original retail. If you have been thinking about getting a patio set, you should check it out immediately for the best selection.
Kroger is having their 10 for $10 sale again. Keep in mind that some things for a dollar are a great deal for the dollar, but on some of them a dollar isn't really a super price. I haven't listed any of the dollar deals that are mediocre.
If there is a coupon circulating for the item and I know about it, I'll put an asterisk before the item. This is not a complete list, but just a list of some of the things that caught my eye.
Kroger frozen vegetables, $1
Pictsweet Steamers, $1
*Bounty Basic Big Roll Paper Towel $1 - look for free printable coupons
July 6th Proctor and Gamble Sunday Insert had .25 cents off coupon. Doubled, it would take .50 cents off each roll, making it only .50 cents your final cost.
Kroger Saltine Crackers $1 ... these aren't strong saltines...they don't hold up to a spread and they are very crumbly, but if you don't mind that, they are a great value.
Kroger Waffles (Frozen) $1 - I'm not a fan of these. They aren't very tasty and sometimes have a 'freezer' smell and taste. I'm an Eggo Waffle enthusiast. You can often get Eggo Waffles on sale for $1.12, so I would wait.
Everyday Living Bleach $1...This is the Kroger brand generic bleach. I think bleach is bleach, so this is a good price. Sometimes Clorox brand bleach will go on sale for $1.50
*Rice a Roni/Pasta Roni $1 Stock up if you have coupons...check the expiration dates on the packages and add to your stockpile as appropriate. It usually keeps a long time. Look for free printable coupons
*Hunts Snack Pack Pudding $1
If you don't need/want pudding in individual cups, keep in mind that Publix has the tubs of Kozy Shack Pudding on sale Buy one Get one Free this week. It is delicious but the Kozy Shack isn't individual cups, like this Snack Pack deal. These are nice for school lunches. Look for coupons
Glade Air Freshener Aerosol $1...
Kroger Cream Cheese Bar $1
*French's Yellow Mustard $1...there is a .30 cent off coupon circulating, and once Kroger doubles it, then your mustard ends up being only .40 cents Look for coupons
The coupon was in the June 22 SmartSource Insert.
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce $1
Betty Crocker Cake Mix $1...ever notice that frosting will never be on sale the same time as the cake mix? Get the cake mix when it's a good deal, but avoid the temptation to buy the frosting. The frosting will be on sale later on. Once you have a bit of a stockpile going, you can always afford to wait for the best price.
*Duncan Hines Brownie Mix $1, wonderful to have on hand. Check for coupons.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast $1.99 lb...good price...stock up if you have a freezer
Keebler Town House Crackers, buy any 4 selected Keebler cracker and cookie selected varieties and get $6 off your total at checkout when you use your Kroger Plus Card. Makes the final price $1.50 each.
Half Gallon Milk is $2.27. The way I figure out if it's a good price is by doubling it to get what the price would be per gallon. 2.27 x 2 is $4.54, which is a fairly good price. It works out to about a .50 cent per gallon discount.
Bone in pork chops 1.99 lb. Pretty good price for pork chops, but the kind Kroger has with the bone in are kind of hit and miss. Often the pork chop on top in the package looks great and the pork chops underneath are a disappointment.
*Carolina Pride...the full line of Carolina Pride meat products is 40% off. Look for coupons
Tostitios 2.50...fairly decent price
*General Mills or Post Cereals 2.50..some stores have had cereal on sale for 1.99 lately so I'd just buy what I need and save stocking up for another time and a better deal. Look for coupons
*Tide 2x detergent, 24-32 load bottle ... $5.99 ...I don't usually buy Tide because it is so expensive, and I still think this is expensive, but it's a good price for Tide brand. Look for coupons
.35 cents off coupon was in the July 6 Proctor and Gamble Sunday Coupon Insert. This coupon will be worth .70 when doubled.
Popsicle treats Buy one Get one Free
Pepsi 12 pack fridge cans 4 for $12...don't you hate how they do that? Why don't they just say $3 each?
*Tropicana Orange Juice Carton $2.99...typical price but look for coupon
Freschetta Pizza $4.50 ... Kroger has had this special price a lot lately. Publix had these for $5.00 each.
Breyer's Ice Cream 2.27
*Suave Shampoo 1.50 Look for coupons
Suave Coupons were in the July 13th Red Plum Sunday Insert.
*Suave Conditioner 1.50 Look for coupons
Suave Coupons were in the July 13th Red Plum Sunday Insert.
*Suave Deodrant 1.50 Look for coupons
Suave Coupons were in the July 13th Red Plum Sunday Insert.
Suave Deodorant Coupons also were in the May 18th Red Plum Insert (.75 cents off)
Suave or Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion 2.49 Look for coupons
Suave Coupons were in the July 13th Red Plum Sunday Insert.
Orbit Gum $1
Hormel Natural Choice Lunchmeat $2.50 Look for coupons
Kroger is moving out their summer furniture and merchandise (patio sets, pools, etc) while supplies last, clearance for 40-50% off original retail. If you have been thinking about getting a patio set, you should check it out immediately for the best selection.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Mayfield Ice Cream Deal at Kroger
Mayfield Ice Cream is on sale this week at Kroger - the price is $1.99.
The usual retail price on it is $5.30 each.
There are Mayfield Ice Cream coupons circulating now for $1.00 off, that makes final price on the ice cream only $1.00. I was able to get 3 containers. What a deal!
3 for $3, instead of 3 for $15.90
Saved: $12.90
Have I convinced you to use coupons yet?!?
...I'll even help you organize your coupons! <---- Check out this page.
The usual retail price on it is $5.30 each.
There are Mayfield Ice Cream coupons circulating now for $1.00 off, that makes final price on the ice cream only $1.00. I was able to get 3 containers. What a deal!
3 for $3, instead of 3 for $15.90
Saved: $12.90
Have I convinced you to use coupons yet?!?
...I'll even help you organize your coupons! <---- Check out this page.
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