I shopped at Aldi last night for the very first time. I went in with two expectations and, for the most part, they were met. Based on the Sunday circulars, I was looking for inexpensive produce and I found it: 69¢ celery, 69¢ avocados, 99¢ carrots, etc. I also wanted to find cheap brown rice. What I found was 3# of white rice for only $1.69. Apparently, they only carry the brown rice when it’s highlighted in the circular. (I later found out I was supposed to be looking at Save-a-Lot for the brown rice.)
I’ve told you a few times, I’m not much of a center-store girl. (Center store is all the boxed, canned, processed foods.) With that in mind, please ignore the fact that it didn‘t woo me despite the super low prices.
There are a few other things I liked:
Cheap milk. (I don’t drink it, but I want to make my own yogurt next week.) Good prices on fresh mozzarella, chunk havarti, and crumbled feta.
 Cheap spices, spice grinders, and baking staples like sugar and flour. (I don’t do much baking, so the quantities would work for me.)
 Green tea is only $1.19. That’s a great price.
After not being totally in love with the store and wondering what I was missing, I asked for your opinions on facebook. You had a lot to say about it, and for the most part they were positive responses. A few of you said you like it, but you don’t buy the meat. What’s wrong with the meat??
 The $25/wk Food Budget Challenge for this week is going in a few different directions and will take a bit more effort than previous weeks, so I’ll try to keep this short and sweet.
1. I purchased 25# of dried black beans for $13.00 this week. The plan is to can some of them. I just need to buy some jars and borrow my cousin’s pressure cooker. Have you canned beans before? Please say it’s no big deal…
 2. Yesterday, I ordered $1/3 Ortega products coupons on Ebay. (Shop through Ebates for 2% cash back on Ebay purchases.) Combine them with the Meijer mealbox coupons for inexpensive seasoning, taco shells, etc. to go with the black beans. Check out this week’s Meijer grocery deals. I won’t shop until later this week when the coupons arrive (and the snow subsides), but I’ll be sure to update the $25/wk Food Budget Tally.
3. The Cedar Springs/Sparta areas received another four week’s worth of $10/$50 coupons to Family Fare stores. I’m passing on this week’s coupon in favor of Meijer, but I’m hoping for better grocery deals next week to do week 5 & 6 shopping all at once and save an additional 20% on food!
 How is your version of the $25/wk Food Budget Challenge going? What are you stocking up on this week?
I am totally tempted by today’s Hop in Deal for Grand Rapids. $45 for acupuncture at American Chiropractic (50% off). I’ve always wanted to try it. Therefore, I have 20(ish) questions: Have you done it? Do you recommend it? How often do you go? Is this a good price?
Great deal on Old Navy when you shop through Ebates, valid through tomorrow 2/3/11. Get 20% cash back on your purchase. Plus, if you’re a new Ebates member, you’ll get an additional $5 back for signing up!
It’s been a while since we’ve talked about Ebates, so if you need a refresher read this tutorial on cash back sites.
 Lots of new printable coupons are available. Some new, some reset. Print 2 per computer.
- $1/1 Athenos Feta, Pita Chips, Hummus, or Greek Yogurt
- $0.75/1 Cinnamon Burst Cheerios
- $0.75/1 Chex cereal
- $0.55/1 Armour Pepperoni
- $1/1 A-1 Steak Sauce
- $0.50/1 Bob Evans sausage
- and many more!
Print the coupons you want now because some have a print limit and will be gone if you come back later.
 I’m tempted to say, “Forget Valentine’s Day, I need this now.” What woman doesn’t? We ALL need a little relaxation and pampering.
Today’s LivingSocial deal is a $39 for a shellac manicure and 60 min Swedish massage at Amira Spa Hair & Body Therapy on Michigan St in Grand Rapids, MI.
See today’s Groupon, Seize the Deal, and LivingSocial for YOUR city here.
Save on Spartan brand items with the February Turn to Spartan coupons valid at any Spartan store (Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s, Tom’s Food, Glen’s Market) through 3/5/11; limit 1 per household.
Here are the best prices at Family Fare this week — it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best prices you’ll ever find. I won’t personally do all of these deals for the Food Budget Challenge — they’re just what I see in the ad. Please let me know if I’ve missed anything stellar!
Best Prices this Week:
Hass Avocados $1.00 ea
Spartan Fresh, all-natural Whole Chicken $0.79/lb
Tribe Hummus $2.99, BOGO (If “Origins” is included in the sale)
Use $2 printable coupon from Facebook
Final Price $0.50 ea wyb 2
Thanks, Evelyn!!
I have to be really honest. Nothing really stands out for me in this week’s ad. The prices are still to high for me after coupons. BUT on a positive note, there are some REALLY good new Turn to Spartan coupons to print this month. Here are a few of my favorites:
- $1.50 off One 16 oz. Spartan Shredded Cheese
- $1.00 off TWO 16 oz. Spartan Sour Cream or Dips
- $1.00 off One 2 lb. pkg. Spartan Dried Beans
- $1.00 off One 20 ct. Full Circle Tea
- $2.00 off One 12 Double Roll Spartan Bath Tissue
- and many more
Do you usually use the Turn to Spartan Coupons??
Note: Our stores do not double coupons.
Not sure about the lingo? Read this. Don’t have the coupons you need? Order some. Still need help? Look here or ask me in the comments!
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Cheap spices, spice grinders, and baking staples like sugar and flour. (I don’t do much baking, so the quantities would work for me.)
Green tea is only $1.19. That’s a great price.
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