Publix Sneak Peek 10/7-10/13

Thanks to Slickdeals Publix thread for the Publix sneak peek, check the original source for updates and matchups.

 

BOGO's

Publix Deli Pre-Sliced Sweet Ham, 96% Fat Free, In the Deli, 12 oz package BOGO $5.99

Ball Park Meat Franks, or Turkey or Bun Size, 16 oz package (Excluding Beef and Angus) BOGO $2.99

DiGiorno Cheese, Assorted Varities, 5 or 6 oz cup, BOGO $4.49

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, or Farmhouse Originals, Assorted Varities, 16 oz Bottle (Excludes Organic Ranch) BOGO $3.45

 

Hellmann's Easy Out! Mayonnaise, Real or Light, 22 oz Bottle, BOGO $4.69

Lipton Tea, Iced Tea Brew Bags, Family Size, 24 ct Box, (Excludes Decaf) BOGO $2.65

Chef Boyardee Pasta, Assorted Varities, 14.5 to 15 oz Can (Excluding Big, Jumbo, Overstuffed and Whole Grain) BOGO $1.49

Powerade Ion 4 Sports Drink, or Powerade Artic Shatter or Powerade Zero, 32 oz Bottle BOGO $1.25

Swanson Broth, Assorted Varities, 32 oz Carton (Excludes Organic) BOGO $2.49

Hunt's 100% Natural Tomatoes, Assorted Varities, 14.5 oz can, BOGO $1.39

Post Cereal, Selects or Great Grains, 13 to 16 oz box or Trail Mix Crunch 17 oz box, BOGO $3.99

Quaker Cereal, Assorted Varities, Life, 21 oz, Cap'n Crunch, 20.7 to 22 oz or Squares 16 oz box, BOGO $4.49

Ronzoni Pasta, Selected Varities 12 to 16 oz box, Excluding Lasagna, Manicotti, Jumbo Shells and Fettuccini Florentine, BOGO $1.39

Classico Pasta Sauce, Assorted Varities, 8.1 to 24 oz jar, BOGO $2.69

Progresso Bread Crumbs. Assorted Varities, 15 oz cannister, BOGO $1.99

Propel Fitness Water. Assorted Varities, Vitamin Enhanced Beverage, 6-pack, 500 ml bottle, BOGO $3.99

Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn. 4.8 to 13 oz box or Poppycock, 8 to 8.5 oz bag, Assorted Varities, BOGO $2.75

Thomas' Bagels, Assorted Varities, 6-Count, 20 oz bag, BOGO $3.99

Planters Peanuts, Cocktail, Redskin Spanish, Lightly Salted or Honey Roasted, 12 to 12.5 oz can, BOGO $3.09

Entenmann's Donuts, Rich Frosted, Crumb Topped, Ultimate Chocolate Lovers Variety, Variety PAck or Frosted Devul's Food, 8-ct, 16 to 19 oz box, BOGO $4.49

Keebler Club Crackers, Assorted Varities, 11 to 16 oz box, BOGO $3.69

Dentyne or Trident Gum, Assorted Varities, 40 to 60 count bottle, BOGO $3.29

Nabisco Munch Packs, Or Variety Packs, or Single Tray Or Kraft Hany Snacks, Assorted Varities, 12 to 15 ct, 9.45 to 25.2 oz package, BOGO $5.99

Birds Eye Viola! Meal, Assorted Varities, 21 to 23 oz bag, BOGO $4.99

SeaPak Shrimp Co. Shrimp, or Salmon, Tilapia, Flounder or Crab Cakes, Assorted Varities, 8 to 28 oz box, BOGO $7.59

Luigi's Real Italian Ice, Assorted Varities, 6 Cups, 24 to 36 oz box, BOGO $2.99

Aunt Jemima Waffles, Assorted Varities, 10 count, 12.3 oz box, BOGO $2.29

Smart Balance Spread, Assorted Varities, 13 or 15 oz or 2 pack 7.5 oz tub, or Spray, 8 oz Bottle (Excluding Organic) BOGO $2.79

Athenos Crumbled Feta Cheese, Garlic & Herb, Traditional or Basil & Tomato or Reduced Fat, Traditional or Basil & Tomato 3.5 or 4 oz Package, BOGO $2.69

Right Guard Sport Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Assorted Varities, 2.8 or 3 oz package, BOGO $2.79

Resolve Spray 'n Wash Laundry Stain Remover, Regukar or Max, 12 or 22 ounce bottle or Power Stain Stick, 3 oz Stick, BOGO $2.99

Finish Automatic Dishwasher Detergent, Assorted Varities, 20 or 32 count Box, BOGO $6.99

Lysol Disinfectant Trigger Spray Cleaner, All Purpose 4 in 1, Lemon Breeze, Pacific Fresh Scent or With Bleach, 32 oz Bottle or Antibacterial Kitchen Citrus Scent, 22 oz Bottle, BOGO $2.69

Medium Shrimp Ring, Medium Cooked Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce, Shrimp, 12 oz Sauce 6 oz, 18 oz package, BOGO $11.99

The Essentails - Love To Shop Here. Love To Save Here.
Publix Premium Ice Cream, or Frozen Yogurt, Assorted Varities, Including Light and Homemade, half gallon carton, 2/$6
Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Assorted Varities, 9.8 to 10.9 oz box, 10/$10
Campbell's Chunky Soup, Assorted Varities, 18.6 to 19 oz can or 15.25 oz bowl, $1.29
Publix American Cheese Singles, 12 oz package, 2/$4
CapriSun Juice Drink Blend, or Lemonade or Roarin Waters, Assorted Varities, 10 pack, 6 oz package (Excluding 100% Juice 10 pack) $1.79
Peter Pan Peanut Butter, Creamy or Crunchy or Peanut and Natural Honey Spread Honey Roast, Creamy or Crunchy, 28 oz Jar, $2.69
Publix Deli Pre-Sliced Sweet Ham, 96% Fat Free, In the Deli, 12 oz package BOGO $5.99
Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Cereal, 14 ounce box, Limit 4, $1.99
Angel Soft Bathroom Tissue, Unscented Double Rolls, 4 roll package, $1.89

BAKERY
Key Lime Pie, $6.59
Chicago Hard Rolls 6 Count, $1.99
Whole Grain Muffins, 4 Count, $2.79
Multigrain Bread, 16 oz Loaf, $2.89
Mini Cake Donuts, 10 oz Package, $2.99

DELI
Boar's Head EverRoast Checken Roast, $7.19 lb
Boar's Head EverRoast Whole Sub, $5.99
Publix Deli Family Combo Meal, $9.99

PRODUCE
Red Delicious or Royal Gala Apples, 1.29 lb
Tomatoes on The Vine, $2.49 lb
Sweet Onions, $1.29 lb
Eat Smart Vegetables. 10-12 oz Package 3/$5
Cantaloupes, 2/$4
Bartlett Pears, .99 lb
Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice, or Ruby Red Grapefruit, Assorted Varities, 100% Pure, 59 oz carton, 2/$6
Sunflower Bouquet, $8.99
Southern Vegetables, Green Beans, Egg Plant, or Yellow and Zucchini Squash, .99 lb
Baby Portabella Mushrooms, whole or sliced, 8 oz package, $1.69
Gold Potatoes, 5 lb bag, $2.99
California Red Seedless Grapes, $1.69 lb
Publix Salads, Assorted Varities, 5 to 12 oz bag 2/$4
Marie's Dressing, 11.5 or 12 oz package, 2/$4

Mega Swag Bucks Day!

It's Friday which means Mega Swag Bucks Day! One of the easiest ways I get Amazon Gift Cards is by doing my searchs on the internet using Swagbucks search bar. There are other great gift cards and swag you can choose if Amazon doesn't float your boat. If you are using Swagbucks as your search and win engine today you have increased chances of winning the Mega Swag Bucks denominations (100, 200, 500, 1000).

 

Do it now. Just sign up HERE.

Disney Epcot Food & Wine Festival

For all you peeps out there who participated in the Disney Give A Day, Get A Day volunteer promotion, and you've been saving your free passes for a special occasion, now is the time. Celebrating its 15th year, the 2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be held from October 1- November 14th.  Your Epcot admission is all that's needed to participate in this popular venue. Find the answers to all your questions HERE.

As with all Disney events, themed entertainment is part of the festivities. Visitors to the Food and Wine Festival can "Eat to the Beat!"

The following line-up of performers is scheduled for the 2010 "Eat to the Beat" Concert Series:

10/01 - 10/03 - Taylor Dayne 10/04 - 10/05 - Kool & The Gang 10/06 - 10/08 - Sugar Ray 10/09 - 10/10 - Taylor Hicks 10/11-  10/12 - Air Supply 10/13 - 10/15 - Sister Hazel 10/16 - 10/17 - Howard Jones 10/18 - 10/19 - Expose 10/20 - 10/21 - 38 Special

10/22 - 10/24 - Night Ranger 10/25 - 10/27 - Billy Ocean 10/28 - 10/31 - Starship starring Mickey Thomas 11/01 - 11/03 - Boyz II Men 11/04 - 11/05 - Roger Hodgson 11/06 - 11/07 - Jon Secada 11/08 - 11/09 - Hanson 11/10 - 11/11 - Rick Springfield 11/12 - 11/14 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Performances are at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 at the America Gardens Theater.

Eat for Less Than $3 A Day

At the end of the month, since its the only payday of the month - I like to take a look back at things and assess. Additionally, since its the end of the 3rd quarter of the year, its also a good time to estimate expenses for the quarter or year, and what to expect coming up.

Today, I figured out that we spend an average of $2.81 a day each on food, me and DH (and the dog - her food and treats and toys are included in that too). We have spent $869 this year on household supplies, and groceries at the store. When you add our eating out at restaurants it brings the average per day to less than $3 each. Can you believe it? I thinks its pretty great. If I figured this month alone, it would be even lower, about $1.82 each. Here's how we do it

1. Use coupons - I get 5 newspapers every Sunday and 3 other people at work bring me their coupons on Monday's. So with 8 coupons I can match up the sales with the coupon to save over 90% on all my grocery store purchases. I used to shop at Walmart and Target for household supplies but not in the last year. Publix can always beat those prices with BOGO sales, advantage buys and stacking manufacturer coupons with Publix store coupons.
2. Stockpile - when there is a sale of products we use regularly, I use all my coupons and get at least 8 of the item. This usually lasts until another similar deal comes along (most sales rotate every quarter). I stockpile pasta, sauces, mixes, croutons, salad dressing, coffee, creamer, cereal, soda, condiments, paper supplies and dog food. If chicken goes on sale for less than $1.99 a lb, I'll stock up.
3. Cook at home - a great way to minimize food expenses is to prepare your meals at home - breakfast, lunch and dinner! Using the products we stockpile, we can make plenty of food, enough for leftovers which brings me to the next tip.
4. Eat leftovers - we usually have leftovers at least 2 nights a week which help minimize cooking time and expenses.
5. Shop at produce stands or start a garden - we usually stop at a produce stand when we're out motorcycling in the countryside to get fresh, inexpensive vegetables for our salads and cooking. We do have a garden with our Earth boxes, but we've found that it costs more than it produces - so its really just for a hobby. But so far our boxes have nice large tomato plants, green peppers, green onions, cucumbers, celery, and yellow squash. The harvest will be about 2 months from now.
6. Brew your own coffee - We both love our coffee every morning and it helps to brew our own. Coffee is something that is often available for a great deal when you watch for a BOGO sale. This is definitely something I'm always watching for to stockpile, you can never have enough in your stash. It would kill me to pay a high regular price for it. We also use flavored coffee and creamers so it tastes just like Starbucks. We occasionally get a Starbucks in the airport or when we travel, but we always use a free gift card for that.
7. Bring your lunch to work - Bringing your lunch to work can save you $2000 a year. We make 10 salads every weekend and its easy and fast to pack a lunch with salad, yogurt and soda to eat at the office.
8. Bring your snacks to work - Another way to cut expense is to bring your own snacks to work, avoiding the vending machines. Fresh fruit, granola bars, trail mix, cheese sticks and baked goods make great healthy snacks. Of course most of these can be purchased for a few pennies with coupons.
9. Limit eating out at restaurants - we only eat out on Friday and Saturday nights at our favorite pub. Any other time is with a free gift card we get from AMEX reward points, or for a secret shop where the meal is reimbursed. When we go out for our usual weekend chicken wings we also pay with our own allowance, in cash. It's not considered a "house" expense.
10. Eat & drink less - we don't starve ourselves, but we eat and drink only moderately. We can make a pizza last 2 meals, and we limit ourselve to one soda per day. Most of the restrictions we place on ourselves are to help maintain our healthy, active lifestyle - but it helps to stretch out your food supplies. We don't waste food and we are not gluttons. Its usually better to take a normal serving, and if we're still hungry then have seconds. We usually only eat when we're hungry, not necessarily when the clock says its a meal time. I don't eat anything after dinner, no night time snacks.

To be frugal and minimize expenses is a lifestyle, not a recipe to be followed for one week. Anyone can cut back expenses with very little effort. It just takes willpower to keep it up for a couple weeks to make it a habit.

Try it.

The #RAYS are Playoff Bound, Also Get 10 Strikeouts Free Pizza!

Wow, lots of greatness from the Tampa Bay #RAYS! First off they won the game tonight against Baltimore Orioles, And they got 10 Strikeouts which means more FREE PIZZA pizza from Papa Johns (print off your certificate at www.kanesstrikeoutcontest.com or bring your ticket stub to a KANES store near you), and they clinched a playoff berth! How exciting!

 

And just in time, the Rays are making 20,000 free tickets available to Wednesday night's regular-season home finale against the Orioles at Tropicana Field.
"You heard from a couple of our players about the crowd last night," said Rays team president Matt Silverman. "You can sense from that and other comments throughout the year that our players really thrive on the energy in the ballpark when it's full of our fans. We have a very good record in this ballpark on Saturday night concerts and other games where we're able to pack the place in." Game time is 7:10 p.m. ET. Tickets will be distributed at all gates beginning at 4:45 p.m on Wed 9/29. First Come First Serve, more details HERE

Publix Run

Things here in Frugalapolis have been kind of slow; I've been busy nursing my DH back to health after a motorcycle collision last Sunday where an unlicensed, uninsured driver ran a stop sign and collided with him. He broke his shoulder, and his feet and knees have lots of bruising, pain and soft tissue damage. The helmet did its job. So it is still a long journey back to pre-accident health. He's just barely able to walk now.

 

Anyway, I did manage to get him into the Publix store to be my shopping helper yesterday. The new Publix P&G coupons and the new P&G insert from 9-26 combine for a lot of moneymakers. I choose to use the overage for gift cards, so this is the week to stock up. Here's my plan for later today.

 

27-Sep	40		136.18	16.86	121.20	tax	2.34	66	-98.28%
Product	qty	price	subtl	-B1G1	-Q		total	Q#	Q details
glade oil refills 2ct BOGO	2	5.49	10.98	5.49	6.49	0.38	-0.62	3	BOGO MQ 9-26pg + 0.50/1 PQ
bounty	6	1.97	11.82		14.82	0.83	-2.17	7	free wyb 3 items+$3/5 P&G items PQ
swiffer starter kit	1	2.69	2.69		2.00	0.19	0.88	2	$1/1 MQ+$1/1 PQ
swiffer sweeper refill	1	4.99	4.99		5.99	0.35	-0.65	2	free refill wyb starter kit 9-26PG+$1/1PQ
Downy ball		1.39	0.00			0.00	0.00		$1/1 MQ+$1/1 PQ
swiffer dust shine spray	6	3.79	22.74	11.37	11.37	0.80	0.80	12	BOGO 9-26PG+$1/1PQ
Frebreeze candle RC	7	2.50	17.50		21.00	1.23	-2.28	14	$2/1 MQ 8-29pg+$1/1 PQ
Febreeze set check	7	3.29	23.03		30.03		-7.00	14	free set check wyb candle 9-26P&G+$1/1 PQ
Smart Balance milk 1/2	2	2.50	5.00		4.00		1.00	2	$2/1 MQ print
Sundown vit D	2	2.99	5.98		8.00		-2.02	3	$1/1MQ+$6/2 PQ
nyquil dayquil	5	1.29	6.45		12.50	0.45	-5.60	6	$1.50/1 MQ 8-29 PG+$3/5 PQ P&G items
$/$$ coupon		0.00	0.00		5.00		-5.00	1	$5/$25 competitor x10/7
Gift Card	1	25.00	25.00				25.00

Sweetbay Coupon Seminars in FL

Thanks to KimBob from SD, here is information on upcoming events from Sweetbay (Publix Competitor in FL).
Sweetbay Supermarket is proud to bring back the original Coupon Queen for an eight-store tour from September 29 through October 8 to conduct free seminars showing shoppers "how to spot value at the grocery store."  Nationally recognized Susan Samtur, the Coupon Queen, will conduct a practical seminar on simple ways to spot value, stick to your shopping list and stay within your family budget.

Sweetbay will feature The Coupon Queen at eight stores throughout Florida, all seminars taking place promptly at 10 a.m. The schedule is as follows:

9/29   Clearwater 1861 N. Highland Avenue	10/5    Ft. Myers 5690 Bayshore Road
9/30   New Port Richey 7431 State Road 54	10/6   Sarasota 4230 Bee Ridge Road
10/1   Clermont 1714 U.S. Hwy. 27	10/7  Bradenton 5802 14th Street W.
10/4   Naples 7550 Mission Hills Drive	10/8  Northdale, Tampa 15692 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

 

To attend a seminar, those interested must register by calling (813) 251-4242 x224 or by e-mailing SweetbayCouponQueen@gmail.com - please note which Sweetbay location and number of people attending. All attendees will receive $5 off their grocery bill, a coupon organizer, coupon book and a copy of Refundle Bundle, the magazine by The Coupon Queen, while supplies last.

#Rays Get 10 Strikeouts Against Yankees - Again!

The Tampa Bay #Rays are awesome!

They just got 10 strikeouts against the stupid Yankees! The only way the Yankees win is when they get Derek Cheater to fake an injury to get our head coach thrown out of the game. Drama, Drama, Drama. How can you stand it?

Anyway yeah for more free Papa Johns Pizza. We just had one tonight for dinner and still have 17 free coupons to use up in the next 5 weeks. I think we can do it. We give them out as tips to our favorite bartenders and our handyman fixing up the bedroom.   

On Thursday, you can print your certificate at www.kanesstrikeoutcontest.com. But hurry, you only have one day to print it, but you have 3 days to redeem it at a Kanes store near you. The certificates now are valid until 10/25/2010.

I'm a genius knowing they would get 10K on Wednesday, and held onto my certificate to turn in a couple at once. Just go to your nearest http://www.kanes.com/ within 3 days of the game for a Free 10" cheese pizza at Papa Johns.

#Rays 10 Strikeouts Kanes Free Papa Johns Pizza

Well, they didn't win Tuesday, but the #Tampa Bay #Rays did get 10 strikeouts! The Rays are awesome! Yeah more free Papa Johns Pizza. Today, you can print your certificate at www.kanesstrikeoutcontest.com. But hurry, you only have one day to print it, but you have 3 days to redeem it at a Kanes store near you. The certificates now are valid until 10/25/2010.

 

I'm hoping they'll get 10 strikeouts again Wednesday, so hold onto your certificate and turn in a couple at once at your nearest http://www.kanes.com/ within 3 days of the game for a Free 10" cheese pizza at Papa Johns.

 

Keep some beer in your fridge for this weekend when they have home games on Fri, Sat & Sun. This is the beginning of the end of our free pizzas, with only 10 more home games to occur this year.

No Free Pizza Yet

Well, the #Rays won against the #Yankees last night with a late game, 11th inning homerun. But they didn't get 10 Strikeouts, so no free Papa Johns pizza for us #Tampa folks. Yet. There are still two more home games this week to give us a chance for more pizza.

 

We've been living off the stuff the last two months. We usually get the plain 10" cheese pizza for free, plus the upgrade "The Works" for $5. Last time we got thin crust with the works and it was the best pizza I've had yet from Papa Johns. 

Tangled Up In Blue

I picked that title because Dear likes that song by Bob Dylan, who happens to be touring to Tampa area soon. Plus I've got blue on my mind and its tangling up. There are so many detail and decisions cluttering my thoughts. You know we're in the midst of a mini remodel - just the bedroom. At first we were just going to get a new bed after staying in a nice hotel in Bristol and sleeping like a queen on a fluffy, plush pillow top mattress - I was sold. So we came home and listed the waterbed on CL and it sold pretty quickly. Maybe we should have asked more than $150 for it, but I feel like we got our moneys worth out of it. The waterbed mattress was from 1996 and it cost about $500 back then, so $150 is good in my book.

 

Anyway, the bed is gone and the room is empty so why not fix it up first before getting another bed? So the last couple nights we've been running errands getting supplies and shopping. We decided we'll probably get our mattress at Sears because its on sale and we get free delivery. After dealing with that waterbed, we're not real excited about moving in a mattress and boxspring. I guess its just a sign we're getting old, when we'd rather pay someone to do a crappy job, than save the money and do it ourselves.

 

But we're still doing some crappy jobs ourselves. Like doing demolition of the old tile windowsills so our handyman can come install new marble ones. Like ripping out the old carpet in the bedroom and tack strips to prepare for our new flooring. I think I mentioned we were planning on blue carpet. But as we thought about it a little, we've changed our minds and decided to go with blue tile. The tile will be cooler, easier to see dirt and keep clean, better for my allergies and cheaper. About half the cost. Plus it speeds up the process by not waiting to schedule a carpet measure and wait 10 days for delivery and install. So we found some nice azul color tile at Floor & Decor and got a couple hundred tiles to do the bedroom.

 

This weekend we'll get everything ready, demo the sills, rip up the rug, paint the walls a light blue (rain drop is the color) and our handyman can wrap it all up next week.

Time To Remodel Again

Once again as the summer winds down, its time in our house to consider another remodel project. If you remember, last fall we gutted our two bathrooms and kitchen, replumbed the water pipes and built entirely new bathrooms and new kitchen. Our next project is the bedroom and the dressing room. We're kind of non traditional folks and decided to use our rooms in the house as we see fit which isn't always what other people do.

 

We made our master bedroom into a dressing room since it had a larger closet and bathroom connected. When we first moved into the house we had different work schedules with one of us getting up earlier to get showered and changed for work. It was more convenient and considerate to do this in a different room than the one the sleeping person was in. Also, I happen to have asthma and try to keep the bedroom allergen free by minimizing surfaces to collect dust, clothing or materials that shed skin cells and attract dust mites. So our bedroom is pretty bare, all it has is a bed and a dresser for the TV.

 

Anyway, we sold our vintage waterbed (thru craigslist) the other night which was drama in itself, you can read about it here. So now the bedroom is empty. Since its empty we decided to replace the carpet and update the window sills with marble, rather than the mid century tile. We may also replace the ceiling fan and we'll definitely paint it a color (yeah another white room bites the dust!), and get new blinds or window coverings.

 

The first step is to schedule a measure for the carpet. Home Depot has a deal now for $37 install. plus I signed up for the HD movers club and they emailed me a 10% off coupon the same day. I also redeemed a bunch of AMEX points for HD gift cards that should arrive in a few days. So after the measure it will be another 7-10 days to get the carpet installed. By then the windowsills and painting would done.

 

Next its bed shopping for us and paint selection.

National Coupon Month

September is National Coupon Month. As Americans embrace frugality, both coupon distribution and use have increased significantly over the past year, further demonstrating this strong desire to spend wisely and save. Seeking coupons, savings and deals remains commonplace as National Coupon Month is recognized throughout September for the 13th consecutive year.

 

Coupon Facts

1. Coupon redemption in the first half of 2010 increased by 7.9%, outpacing results in the first half of 2009. Consumers saved nearly $2 billion with coupons during this time frame.¹
2. Coupon distribution in the first half of 2010 increased by 11.4%. Marketers offered 18 billion more consumer packaged goods coupons during this time period.¹
3. 93% of shoppers said they will remain cautious and keep spending at their current level, even if the economy improves.²
4. 92% of shoppers have changed their grocery shopping behavior in the last two years.² 
5. 97% of consumers want to know the cost of the item before buying.³
6. CPG marketers continue to allocate the largest share of coupons — 85% — in the free-standing insert (FSI).¹
7. In 2010, the Internet continues to grow at a much faster pace than all other distribution media, up 79% from a year ago, but it represents 1.2% of all coupon distribution.¹
8. 91% of shoppers would walk away from the "perfect sweater" if it wasn´t on sale. 73% would come back later during a sale with a store coupon; and 19% would go to the sale racks instead.⁴  
9. CPG distribution increased by 11% in 2009 (311 billion coupons distributed) — the largest single-year distribution quantity recorded.⁵
10. Consumers redeemed nearly 3.2 billion coupons — a 23% increase (second largest increase in coupon redemption ever recorded) in 2009.⁵
11. Consumers saved nearly $3.5 billion with coupons in 2009, an increase of $800 million or nearly 30% more than the prior year.⁵
12. 51% of consumers indicate they will consider each purchase more carefully over the next five years. (Nearly as many say that they will become more price-conscious when buying clothing/food and that keeping a balanced budget will remain in the forefront).⁶
13. 65% of shoppers use cents-off coupons received in the mail or from newspapers/magazines.⁷
14. In 2009, 88% of consumers said they used coupons when planning shopping lists; an increase of 10% from 2007.⁵
15. 73% (3 out of 4) of shoppers stock up on an item when they find a bargain.⁷
16. 42% of shoppers are more likely to buy private label in 2010.⁸
17. 77% of consumers use CPG coupons on a regular basis.⁹
18. One year ago, 66% of consumers (a record number) were focused on needs over wants; 60% in Jan. 2010 — an indicator that consumer spending — at least on impulses or non-necessities — is likely to remain tight during Q1 of 2010.⁶
19. The projected redemption value of U.S. online coupons delivered via the Internet, e-mail and mobile in 2010 is $12.7 billion¹⁰

¹NCH Marketing Services, Inc., Mid-Year 2010 Coupon Facts Report
²The 2010 American Pantry Study: The New Rules of the Shopping Game by Deloitte and Harrison Group
³ National Grocers Assoc. 2010 Consumer Panel Survey
⁴ Redplum.com Savings Style Survey, July 2010
⁵NCH: U.S. CPG 2009 Coupon Marketplace Facts
⁶BIGresearch's Consumer Intentions & Actions Survey, Jan. 2010
⁷National Grocers Assoc. 2010 Consumer Panel Survey
⁸Supermarket Guru® 2010 Top Food Trends
⁹NCH Coupon Facts Report, 2010
¹⁰Borell Associates, "What's On Sale? Coupon and Sales Circulars Move Online"

 

source

Happy Labor Day

Hope you have the day off, after toiling away all these months. We're enjoying a nice long weekend.

Survivor

If you're sticking around Tampa Bay this weekend, here's a fun free event. Busch Gardens is hosting a concert on Sunday Sept 5 in Gwazi field at 4pm. The old eighties band Survivor will be playing for FREE (included with park admission).

And The Winner Is...

The winner of the latest giveaway of the General Mills Boxtops and MyBlogSpark gift pack and Target gift card is Dianne (dpoff1961@). The winner has been notified by email and has 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be picked.

 

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Tampa $10 off $50 Publix Coupon in Mail Today

If you're in #Tampa, check your Red Plum mailer, the junk mail ads for a coupon. Its been reported that there is a $10 off $50 Publix coupon on the BOGO ad. Coupon expires 9/14/10

$25 Target Gift Card

Don't forget to enter my #giveaway for a $25 Target Gift Card and General Mills gift package which includes Hefty bags, Cheerios, Grape Jelly, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks and Hamburger Helper products. The giveaway closes tonight 8/31/2010 at midnight.

 

I just used my Target gift card to yesterday to score some cheap Mt Dew and Sobe water.

Ball Park Franks BOGO coming up at Publix

Last week there was a great coupon for Ball Park Franks on facebook, that I mentioned HERE. Well, lucky us! Publix has the Ball Park Franks on BOGO coming up this Thursday 9/2 - 9/8. Here's the deal: get 2 packs of hotdogs, use 2 prints of your facebook coupon and they are BOTH FREE! Stockup time.

Ball Park Beef Franks Regular, Bunsize, Fat-Free, Singles, Grillmaster or cheese or Fat-Free Smoked White Turkey Franks, 12.8 to 16 oz pkg (Excluding Angus) BOGO $3.99
-$1/2 Ball Park Products 8/1/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/11/2010)
-$0.75/2 Ball Park Products 8/1/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/11/2010)
-$2/1 Facebook coupon (no longer available)
-FREE Sara Lee Buns ( up to $2.00) with the purchase of 2 Ball Park Franks DND starts with 5 Tearpad

For the complete Publix Sneak Peek, check out www.iheartpublix.com

 

#Rays WIN & Get 10 Strikeouts Free Papa Johns Pizza

Well, last night Sunday, 8/29 the #Rays beat the Red Sox again, and they also got 10 strikeouts. For folks in the #Tampa Bay area, that means free Papa Johns Pizza! Just bring your ticket stub from the game or print your certificate HERE and bring it into the nearest Kanes Furniture store to exchange for your free 10" cheese pizza at Papa Johns. But hurry, you need to print your certificate TODAY, but you have three (3) days to redeem it at Kanes.

 

Also don't forget to enter my #giveaway for a Free $25 Target gift card and Boxtops gift pack (thanks to General Mills and Blogspark for providing the gift card and gift pack), you need to leave a comment on THIS BLOG POST and the deadline for entry is Tuesday, 8/31 at 11:59 pm.

#Publix Changes

My love affair with Publix is over, its moved onto the part of a relationship where there are some uncomfortable situations. My last three trips to Publix have sucked, and especially today. I walked away from the checkout and said forget it, I'm not shopping here.

 

I know things are changing and Publix tells us that the couponing has gotten out of hand. They are losing money, especially on honoring competitor coupons. Today I saw this sign: Attention Customers, Effective Sat 8/28/10 we will no longer accept competitor coupons from Albertsons, U Save, Save A Lot, and Whole Foods.  We will only accept, Aldi, Target, GFS, Sweetbay and Winn Dixie.

 

So at least I was warned, so I didn't even bother with pulling out my SAL coupon. But as luck would have it, there were 2 Thermacare on the shelf. That should have been a red flag. Whenever Thermacare is in stock it means the store believes the $5 off PQ requires 2 products, not one Thermacare. Anyway, I said I didn't want it then, but DH said NO WE DON"T WANT ANY OF IT. He was pissed, and called the store manager over to say we wouldn't be purchasing from their store any longer.

 

Anyway, we needed some fruit for making fruit salad and went to another store close to our house. I asked the store manager if I could use the $5 off $25 Save A Lot coupon and he said yes. But if there were a lot of other coupons they like to have that coupon used at the end. My order was $34 and I told him I didn't think it would be over $25 at the end. The young male cashier suggested we just use that coupon first, and the manager said "sure, that works" and walked away. I paid $0.79 and the dude complimented me on my great shop.

 

Thats the way it used to be and what my expectations are, to have a pleasant trip.

#Rays 10 Strikeouts Kanes Free Papa Johns Pizza

Its Friday night and the #Rays game isn't over, its only the 7th inning and they got 10 strikeouts already!. Yeah more free Papa Johns Pizza. Tomorrow (or maybe later tonight) you can print your certificate at www.kanesstrikeoutcontest.com. But hurry, you only have one day to print it, but you have 3 days to redeem it at a Kanes store near you. The certificates now are valid until 10/25/2010.

Ball Park Franks $2 Coupon

Did you get your coupons (2 per PC) from "liking" Ball Park Franks on facebook? Did you know that you can go to another PC and print another set too? You can. Although, I personally don't eat hotdogs (I used to work at Smithfields Meat Plant and know whats in them, and how they're made) - this could be a great deal when they go BOGO at Publix.

Green Advantage Buy Flyer 9/4-9/24

Here is a list of the coupons coming up in the new #Publix GAB

 

I'm glad to see they are coming out with another Thermacare coupon because that stuff has never been in stock for the past couple months.

All Publix Coupons -
Save $5.00 on any 2 Advil or Advil PM 32 ct or larger or Children's Advil or any ThermaCare 2ct or more
Save $3.00 on any Motrin PM 40 ct or larger
Save $2.00 on any Tylenol Precise 2.5 oz cream or patch 3ct
Save $1.00 on the purchase of any Axe shower gel
Save $10.00 on any SlimQuick 26-72 count
Buy any Halls 20-25 ct and get a Halls Refresh free 20 Ct (up to 1.99)
Save $2.00 on any Claritin, Claritin-D 10Ct or larger or Claritin Pediatric 4 ounce Syrup
Save $3.00 on Energizer hearing aid battery 6 or 8 pack
Save $2.00 on Energizer Ultimate Lithium or Advanced Lithium AA or AAA4 PK
Save $2.00 on Energizer Max AA 20 pack

What A Glorious Day for The Fair

Post #1
Well, I wish I were in Minnesota today going to the Minnesota State Fair, but since I'm not I have a special treat for you today. I'm going to pretend I'm at the fair and share my day with you of all the great things I ate and fun things to do. You too will wish you were at the State Fair.

Pooped Pool Pump

So, its another rainy day - which actually is really great for our newly seeded front yard - it is a carpet of green grass now. But not so good for getting in a walk after work. Well, then its onto other chores like checking on the pool. All the rain filled it up pretty high and it could use a back flush to bring it back to normal levels for good skimming action. So, I go out to the power switch to discover it wouldn't go on. The breaker switch had tripped so I flipped it back to on. We must have had a power outage from all the storms. Anyway, I turned on the pump and in a couple seconds it started smoking and smelling like burnt up motor before it popped the breaker again. Uh Oh. Not good. The old cooter was toasted. So, I got DH and we checked it out some more and decided we needed to get a new one. We disconnected the wiring and brought it to pinch a penny and they switched it out in a few minutes. We brought it home and connected it back up to the power, with just a few minutes to spare before another rainy downpour.

 

So we are the proud owners of a new $220 pool pump. We kind of knew we needed to keep an eye on the old one and it needed some new cones or something, But we waited too long and then it was toast. The new one is smooth and quiet though. Definitely worth it.

 

The point is, if you have home equipment that needs attention or maintenance to prolong its life, don't put it off. Emergency repairs have a way of popping up at at the most inconvenient time. Like Monday on our day off after our trip, we had planned to mow and trim the lawn. The problem was the fuel line on the weed wacker had disintegrated and the new one we replaced it with leaked gas, and it wouldn't start. So we called a small engine repair shop and they wanted $35 bucks to "look at it", and it would take a week. Instead we just searched for "fuel line weed wacker" on www.youtube.com and found a couple home videos that outlined exactly how to replace the fuel line. We fixed ours like it said, and it works just great now. Free and instant.

 

If you don't know how to fix something, but you think you have the aptitude or parts and just need a little guidance, youtube.com is definitely a resource that you should check out. There a tons of tips on how to fix and repair stuff, which can save you from an expensive repair.

Get USF Bulls Football Tickets 53% off

Today's 8/25/10 Tampa Groupon is for single game or season tickets for the University of South Florida football team. Choose one of the following options:

• For $80, you get a season pass, good for a lower-bowl end-zone seat in Section E (a $170 value).
• For $12, you get a ticket to the September 25 game against Western Kentucky, with a seat in the upper bowl around the 25 yard line, section 333 (a $25 value).
• For $12, you get a ticket to the October 2 game against Florida Atlantic, with a seat in the upper bowl around the 25 yard line, section 333 (a $25 value).

The USF Bulls play their home games in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' sleek Raymond James Stadium, home of the famous pirate ship harbored in Buccaneer Cove. Single-game tickets against Western Kentucky and Florida Atlantic provide a taste of the festive atmosphere present in collegiate ball. The season pass, which is good for all seven regular home games against teams such as Connecticut, Syracuse, and the Tuscaloosa Technical Institute of Poetry, lets fans fill the football-shaped void in their hearts over the course of the season.
The USF Bulls are beginning a new era under head coach Skip Holtz, who looks to transform the team into Big East conference champions. This year's roster is lead by wide receiver Dontavia Bogan, running back Moise Plancher, and quarterback B.J. Daniels, whose ability to pass, run, and levitate has put him on the short list for Big East Player of the Year.
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Swag Bucks Swagstakes Tip

 

Even though I've been signed up with Swagbucks for over a year now, I didn't realize until just this week all the cool things you can get by entering swagstakes. As you know there are lots of ways to get swagbucks and sometimes the swag codes we get are for "sister sites" and can't be redeemed for all the usual stuff in the swag store. At first I didn't realize these sister swag codes couldn't be used for Amazon gift cards and I would gather them up, as they are quite plentiful. But, it was annoying to calculate how many "real" swagbucks I had and when I could redeem them for my favorite swag, the Amazon gift card.

 

But yesterday at the slickdeals.net swagbuck forum (where a lot of codes are posted) a discussion on these sister codes helped me learn that these sister swag codes can be redeemed for Swagstakes which are drawings where you can get entries using your sister swag points. So, the best thing to do if you've gathered these and want to redeem them is to use them for swagstakes right after you've redeemed your "real" swagbucks for some swag. This way, you won't use your real swagbucks for swagstakes entries. You don't really want to use real swagbucks for swagstakes because you can use them for more valuable exchanges at the swag store.

Twitter Hop Tuesday

1. Add your Twitter to the Linky below: when you add it, it will automatically appear on everyone’s page that posts this Linky so you do not need to add it more than once

2. Click on the top 5 Twitter Names and follow them: It would be a big plus if you adde the Twitter Hop Button to your Page.

3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like: just make sure you at least do the Top 5. Also be sure to leave comments with your twitter name so they will know where to follow you!

4. If someone follows you from this Linky, PLEASE follow back.

5. You do not have to make a post to join: but it is always a plus if you do so everyone else can see and join in on the fun!

Below the Linky box, you will see see “What is a blog Hop? Get the Code Here" Click on it and just copy and paste that code into your post and the same Linky will appear. Your blog visitors can add their Twitter ID to your list and it will show up on all lists!
 


follow me @frugalapolis

Rays Get 10 Strikeouts Free Pizza

Its Tuesday night and the #Rays game isn't over, its only the 7th inning and they got 10 strikeouts already!. Yeah more free pizza. I went and picked up my certificate at Kanes today. Tomorrow (or maybe later tonight) you can print your certificate at www.kanesstrikeoutcontest.com. But hurry, you only have one day to print it, but you have 3 days to redeem it at a Kanes store near you. The certificates now are valid until 10/25/2010.

 

$15 Budweiser Beer Rebate Offer

You know I've been stockpiling beer in preparation for our racing road trip. As luck would have it, I found a tear pad in Publix today with a nice beer rebate. You too, can probably do this rebate because you can fill out the rebate form online HERE, print it off and mail in your receipts for qualifying items and your beer.

So here's the deal, get a $15 Prepaid card via mail in offer 28368 on the purchase of salty snacks, ice, charcoal, propane, coolers, dips, condiments, buns, meat snacks, deli sandwiches, bottled water and prepared foods from the deli, with the purchase of two (2) Budweiser 12 pks or larger (cans or bottles). Purchase price of qualifying items must exceed $20, and can be on multiple receipts. Purchases must occur between 08/01/10-09/06/10. Limit one per address. Postmark by 9/20/10. Valid in AK AZ CA CO DC DE FL GA IA ID IL KS MD MI MS MT ND NE NH NM NV OH OK PA SC TN VT WA WI WY.

You can presubmit your request online at http://www.abrebates.com/ and select offer 28368, print and sign the form and mail in with rebate certificate, your receipts (with items and beer prices circled) and beer UPCs. Offer Expires 09/06/2010.
Mail to: Bud Light Offer, Offer 28368, PO Box 752897, El Paso, TX 88575-5897.

I've been buying lots of SOBE water at Publix (its $1 ea) using the BOGO coupon from the instant win game HERE, stack it with the $0.50/1 Target coupon HERE and get it free. Just get 20 SOBE's and some beer and you're set. Since SOBE is bottled water, it meets the requirements of the rebate.