Friday, November 7, 2008

This week's hobby: shopping at Albertson's



My newest cheap and useful hobby: Alberson's catalina deal. My favorite self-check cashier, who initially was slightly gruff, has started getting into couponing too! I saw him cutting out internet printables on his down time, which is awesome! The only thing better than a cashier who is supportive of couponing is one who is doing it themselves!

If I can get our laptop hooked up to our printer I will be going back to Albertson's again for several more rounds until I can hibernate for the winter. Next up: meal planning a la' Betty Crocker and Albertson's freebies/cheapies--without eating a diet of all processed foods:)

Here is round #1, just to keep you on the edge of your seats, I have another coming in a later post! For this transaction I used several of my highest dollar coupons to minimize up-front out of pocket costs. I spent $13.-- and received a catalina for my next purchase for $15 off! Not to mention my receipt had a free frenchbread coupon on it, so that will be shown in my next picture coming soon!

Although I don't particular like eating a lot of processed, convenience foods, I have already seen them come in handy when extra busy or entertaining. We are really hoping to entertain more in the near future since life won't ever be less busy than it is now...and having a cookie mix or a box of quick muffins can be a lifesaver if I have to choose between making dessert or cleaning the house!!!

8 comments:

valley view farm said...

Awesome job!!!

And, I want to stop you before you go through the trouble of hooking up another computer. Most Coupon sites, like Bricks, rely on your IP address to limit coupons. If you have fast speed internet (NOT dial-up) then you only have one IP address per home and will not be able to print multiples.

My husband is an IT guy, and I have proven this as we have multiple computers and printers.

Sorry to bring you the bad news.

I usually go to my moms to print more....

Otherwise, awesome job at Albertsons!!! What a great promotion, huh? I was not raised on this processed food either but have found ways to work around it. I make any boxed meals vegetarian by adding healthier beans and veggies instead of meat, and for the dessert mixes, I add a little oatmeal, flaxseed or ww flour to make them a little better for us!! Maybe I'll do a blog post on that....

Rachael said...

bummer on the IP address thing! Thanks for letting me know:) Those are great ideas for "healthying up" boxed foods! I did an experiment this morning with one of the not-so-healthy muffin mixes by adding an overripe pear instead of most of the oil and some benefiber I got for free earlier this year...so hopefully that will cancel out some of the unhealthiness! I would love to see a blog post about that...I will probably do one about menus when I get the chance:)

FishMama said...

We have DSL and I can almost always print two per computer. We have three computers.

Can you roll these catalinas into the next deal and still get three more?

Rachael said...

FishMama: You can definitely roll them. The only time you don't is when the machines are down or there is a glitch in the system(which they were the first day!). I am hoping to go back several more times and spend less than $8 for several sacks of groceries/laundry soap each time! I hope you have an Alberson's or affiliate near you so you can take advantage!

FishMama said...

Thanks for the reply! I am really hoping to stock up on some great deals, esp since I've got all the coupons to go with. I am thinking of making gift baskets for my siblings who are college students and/or living on tight budgets. Some of the items will make great things to give as holiday donations as well. Will they let you do more than one transaction at a time?

Rachael said...

FishMama: great idea...that's what I am planning on doing for my college-aged brother too! I have a self-checkout at my Albertson's so I do several transactions that way. But I have heard of nice checkers (from others) doing several transactions in a row for people. I would think if you went during a slow time and had a nice checker, it would be absolutely no problem. And there are no limits per day or anything like that!

D said...

Rach- We have three computers and DSL also- never have a problem printing two per computer.

Great Job! I am glad to see a good deal come along here before the holidays- it's such a help to have a stock pile of stuff! :-)

Tara said...

Great Deals. I always forget about Albertsons!