Ralphs Update!!! Double coupons through Thanksgiving!!! Double Coupon Policy

I spent a couple of hours prepping for a trip to Ralph's today. I crossed checked the ad with http://couponmom.com/, made my list, and went through all of my stored Sunday coupon circulars looking for $1 off coupons that I would only use if the double coupon price was right.

Before I hit the aisles I stopped at the manager's desk to ask about the restrictions. There on the desk is a big sign with the coupon terms:

SUPER DOUBLE COUPON POLICY
Effective 11/14/10 - 11/25/10
All manufacturer's coupons doubled are subject to the expirations and specific language contained in the manufacturer's coupon. The following are excluded from this promotion: all liquor, fluid milk products, "Free" coupons, coupons marked "Do Not Double", or that exceed the value of the item and except as we specifically advertise, any coupon that require the purchase of multiple items. A limit of 1 coupon per household for each coupon offering will be doubled. All other coupons of that offering will be redeemed at face value. All coupons $1.01 or greater will be redeemed at face value.We reserve the right to accept, limit or refuse manufacturer's coupons issued by other supermarkets.

I was a little irritated that the manager on the phone told me the coupons would be doubled today only, but then I realized that at least all of my shopping is done for the next few weeks, so I'm only slightly bothered. I'm sorry if any of you dropped everything like I did to go to Ralph's, only to discover the offer is good until Thanksgiving.

Since Ralphs does not allow more than one copy of any coupon to be doubled I had to make two separate purchases. My first purchase included the special buy 10/get $5 off deal, produce, cans of soda, diapers, and special items that I usually tell my kids "no" to but I made the exception since I would save $2. I saved $39.60 with coupons and my total was $80.93, an overall savings of 33%. After I loaded everything in the car I went back in and purchased only the 10/$5 off items and items I had $1 off coupons for. I saved 25.60 with coupons and my total was $29.91, an overall savings of 46%.

Looking at the numbers it doesn't look that great but I know I got a great deal on everything. I know the lowest prices of a lot of things I usually buy. You can see what I usually pay here: http://montebellomom.blogspot.com/2010/07/cost-of-food.html.

I spent a whole two hours at Ralphs this evening, one day my kids will be old enough and they'll have the patience to come out with me and be my second, third, and fourth purchase for me. Until then it's multiple trips to the market for me.

These are all waiting patiently on the counter to be put away. The kids will be thrilled to have Life cereal in the morning. Just wait until they see I also bought ice cream for dessert!

Ralphs is Doubling Coupons again!

For the past few years most grocery stores have done away with their double coupon programs. Ralphs and Vons changed their policy to only double up to $1 value total. Now Ralphs has brought back the true double coupon! $1 coupons are worth $2! 75 cent coupons are worth $1.50! This is a couponers dream come true. Get the extra savings while you can!

Please see my Updated post for Ralph's double coupon policy:
http://montebellomom.blogspot.com/2010/11/ralphs-double-coupon-update.html

RALPHS
2230 S Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Store: (323) 721-3367

RALPHS
9320 Slauson Ave
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Store: (562) 948-4519

Meet Lisa Leslie at the Citadel: Sunday 11/14

I was at the Citadel today checking out the new stores. I ran across this sign. For any WNBA/Sparks fans this would be awesome!

Sunday, November 14 @ 2pm
Join us for a Q&A session and autographed prize raffle with former WNBA star and four time Olympic Gold Medalist Lisa Leslie

Nike Factory Store
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90040

Toys R Us Express: Montebello Mall, Atlantic Square, & Citadel

I've noticed three Toys R Us Express locations pop up in time for Christmas. I checked out the one in the mall that is over in the old KB Toys location. I asked the cashier if the Express locations carried everything that is in the weekly ad and she said that since the store is so small they carry less than half of the items in the ads. The Express locations carry the basics only and don't stock many of the new toys on the market. The Citadel location says "Outlet" and is bigger than the mall location. If you are in the neighborhood, visit the stores yourself for a look-see.

Toys R Us Express, Shops @ Montebello, 2nd Floor, southeast corner.

Toys R Us Outlet, The Citadel, Suite 313,Commerce

Toys R Us Express, Atlantic Square, 2022 S. Atlantic Ave, Monterey Park

Sea World Promotional Coupon Code for Annual Pass with AAA

This following Sea World promotion is valid only with a AAA membership ($68).  Sign up for AAA here.

The special offer is $62 for admission per person (ages 3+) and includes admission until 12/31/2011. Blockout dates are May 29, July 3-4, and September 4. Parking ($12) not included. No discounts on food, merchandise, or guest tickets. Use this link and enter the promotional code: SWCAAAFC2011 at the top of the page.

 

If you plan to visit Sea World more than 5 times after the initial visit then consider upgrading one pass to a "1 year Silver Annual Pass" which includes parking, discounts on food, merchandise, and guest tickets for $110.

My friend, Dena from Torrance has annual passes for her family. I asked her how she manages the long trip with young kids and she responded with this:

"We've had passes for 3 years now. We go down about 4 times a year - usually to coincide with the different holiday events they do. Normally we leave around 10am. That gets us there around noon. I pack a lunch which we eat in the car before we go in. Depending on the day, we either eat dinner there or at a local restaurant. Kids put their pajamas on for the drive home and are asleep for most of the ride. It makes for a long day, but it's completely do-able."

TEACHERS: You can get a free pass to Sea World that is good until the end of 2011. You need to show school ID, paystub, and California ID. Click here to order. Thanks to Ruben from Pico Rivera for sharing this link on Facebook!

Marie Callender's Montebello: Thanksgiving Pie Orders

Has Marie Callender's been open since the Town Center opened? It seems that they've been around forever but I always forget that it's there since it's part of the mall. I called and looked online to compare their Thanksgiving pie prices to Polly's Pies and this is what I found.

Orders can be taken in person, over the phone, or online. When reserving in person or by phone no payment is required. Online orders require payment. Marie's has over 25 pies on it's menu with prices ranging from $11.49 to $15.99, cheesecakes are $35.99. There is an 80 cent refundable charge for the pie tin.

Pumpkin $11.99
Apple $11.49
Cherry $12.79
Pecan $15.99
Whipped Cream ring add $2.00
Whipped Cream whole pie add $3.00

Pie Pick-Up hours on Thanksgiving day are 6am-11am. Pies can be purchased on a walk-in basis on Thanksgiving morning but all pies are not guaranteed.

Tip: Order the pies in person and purchase a $25 Marie Callender's gift card and get a $5 card free to use in January. When you pick up your pies use the $25 gift card for payment.

Marie Callender's
1852 Montebello Town Center Drive
Montebello, CA 90640
323-722-7437
http://www.mariecallenders.com/

TIP: Compare Marie Calender's with Pollys Pies here http://montebellomom.blogspot.com/2010/11/pollys-pies-montebello-thanksgiving.html

Polly's Pies Montebello: Thanksgiving Pies

Polly's has been in Montebello well over a year and it looks like they are here to stay. Last month my family won coupons for 4 free slices of pie and 1 free cinnamon roll at Montebello's Fall Festival and yesterday we decided to have a quasi-Lunch at Polly's and redeem the coupons. We had a plate of chicken strips, fries, and Kona chips (like Kettle Chips) with Ranch dressing for an appetizer. The order was plenty for all five of us to share and we had the pies and cinnamon roll for dessert.

My daughter ordered the Pumpkin, my husband asked for his favorite Apple, my son wanted the Chocolate Cream because of abundance of whipped cream and sprinkles, and the baby and I went for Polly's specialty Banberry (banana/strawberry). We all took a bite of each other's pies and agreed they were all fabulous! I was pleasantly surprised with the Banberry, I'm not too fond of banana but with the strawberry it was a great combination and my son kept asking for more from the layers of bananas on the bottom. The cinnamon roll was served warm from the oven, measured at least 6 inches across, and smothered in sweet icing. We couldn't possibly finish it all (a slice is 1/5 of a pie), so we brought it home to continue dessert at a later time.

Polly's is currently taking orders for Thanksgiving pies. Orders must be pre-paid and orders can be taken in person or over the phone. Polly's has 16 pies on it's menu and prices range from $9.99-13.99 and cheesecakes are $16.99. There is a 50 cent refundable charge for the pie tin.

Pumpkin $9.99
Apple $9.99
Cherry $9.99
Pecan $10.99
Banberry $13.99
Whipped Cream ring add $1.49
Whipped Cream whole pie add $2.49

Pie Pick-Up hours on Thanksgiving day are 8am-11am. Pies can be purchased on a walk-in basis on Thanksgiving morning but all pies are not guaranteed.

Polly's Pies
1322 W. Beverly Blvd.
Montebello, CA 90640
(323)722-6324
http://www.pollyspies.com/

TIP: Compare with Polly's with Marie Calender's here http://montebellomom.blogspot.com/2010/11/marie-callendars-montebello.html

Target Red Card 5% Savings

The new Target ad pictured above is what prompted me to write today. It promotes a 5% savings on all purchases made with the Target Red Card. As a thrifty spender this is huge! Target has three version of the Red Card,

• Target debit card is linked directly to a bank account, usually has the lowest credit limit but even people with poor credit scores are getting accepted.
• Target store credit card, APR of 21%
• Target Visa card, highest credit limit, APR 21%

You can look up information for the Target Red Card here.

The fine print in the LA Times ad reads, "5% discount applies to eligible purchases minus any other discounts and the value of any promotional Target gift cards received in the transaction." This means 5% off after coupons and free Target gift cards.

A school can be designated to receive 1% of all card purchases and I've heard that Target Card holders get store coupons in the mail that can be combined with manufacturer coupons for extra savings.

A mail-in application is available online but it's easiest to apply for the Red Card in-store. Sometimes the cashiers get bonuses for credit applications, so pick a cashier that looks like they need a pick-me-up. The extra money in his/her paycheck just may make her day.

UPDATE 12/2: I caved and got the Target card. I needed to get comforters for all the kid's beds, I had a coupon for a free $15 gift card w/ $150 purchase and I went for it. The application process was pretty easy, I handed the cashier my driver's license and entered my social security number on the keypad. The only thing I didn't like was I had to give my phone number and agree to recorded telephone messages from Target, there was no way to say no on the screen. An extra bonus was that after I charged my purchase to my new Target card a $5 off any purchase coupon printed with my receipt.

LA Times for $9.88, $20 off of Dish Network, all with one phone call!

I was busy with the family one weekend and didn't check my email. Come Monday I was pretty upset one day to find that I had missed a Groupon opportunity to get a year subscription to the Sunday LA Times for $10. After I calmed down, I did the only rational thing I could think of; I called 1-800-LA-TIMES. I explained what happened and they made a better offer of $9.88 for the year! I asked for two subscriptions at this price and it was not a problem. We went from paying over $20 a month for one subscription to less than $20 for two subscriptions for the whole year! My sister in law called earlier this week and asked for the $9.88 offer and the LA Times happily obliged.

I was so happy with my success I tried my luck with Dish Network. Luckily our contract with them had expired, I had Direct TV's ad in front of me and a calculator handy and told them we weren't happy with paying $70+ a month when we could switch companies and pay only $30. The customer service rep told me about a special HD for Life program where we'd save $10 a month. Then they offered $5 to keep our business. I told them I wasn't happy with only a savings of $15 so I was transferred to someone else and the new representative offered $10 off per month to keep our business. I did some quick calculations that involved Direct TVs fine print to find that this discount with the HD for life discount was equivalent to Direct TVs offer and said, "Deal!".

I wasn't so lucky with our car insurance. I had a copy of our car insurance terms and called 3 competitors. All had quotes $100 more than our current rate. So we're stuck with that one, but you can be sure I'll try again next time.

Now think about all the recurring bills you get every month. Call a competing company for a quote. Call your current service provider and tell them about a solicitation that came in the mail or say you think you are paying too much and are looking for a way to save. Give it a try, companies will do a lot to keep our business and in the end we’re the ones to save a bundle! Now get out there and save, save, save!

Free Dominos Pizza $5 Gift Card

Domino's used to have a really cool Pizza Points program where you can order online and earn points for every dollar spent. We order pizza once every couple of weeks as a treat and would earn a free pizza after 4-5 orders which was great! Since then, Domino's discontinued the program and we've been getting Costco pizza. I didn't want to turn on the oven in this heat, and the Commerce Costco food court was closing so we decided to go with Domino's again. At the end of my online order it had this link:

http://more.dominos.com/behindthepizza/#/home

It'll take you to a Behind the Pizza game where you find out about the origins of the ingredients to make the pizza, watch some short videos, and play games to earn points for free stuff. You can get a free cinnamon treat with just one point, a chocolate treat for 50 points, and a coupon for a buy one get one free large pizza coupon, or you can choose to continue playing and try for a $5 gift card. The $5 gift card game is a memory type game and you can chose to redeem it immediately at dominos.com or you can have it emailed.

My son and I spent about 15 minutes going through the whole process. If you have some spare time it's an easy way to save $5 or have your kid navigate the process, it's pretty easy.

If you haven't ordered online from Domino's before it's actually really fun. You see the ingredients being piled on your pizza as you're placing the order, and the pizza tracker tells you the status of your order. I love it when it says, "Jesus is delivering your pizza." It's like our pizza has been blessed by the Lord.

Free Pennysaver Greeting for Veteran's Day!

If you have a loved one that has served in the Armed Forces you can honor them with a special Veteran's Day Pennysaver greeting.

You have 15 words including title for free! You can call in your greeting to 800-995-3333, fax it to 760-599-1505, or tweet your message to #pennyshout with the zip code where the ad should run and your message. 2 free ads per household.

The ad will appear in print on the first couple of pages of the Pennysaver under "Messages" the week of Novmber 10th. At my house the PennySaver gets delivered on Wednesdays.

Deadline is Thursday October 21 @4pm. Call, fax, or tweet your greeting ASAP!

Montebello Albertson's Kid Club Coupon Card! Free Giveaway!

I received three more Albertson's Healthy Eaters Cards from Albertson's Corporate to give away!

Albertson's has a new "Healthy Eaters Kids Club" card program. Everytime you visit Albertson's, your child can pick up an apple, banana, string cheese, or fresh bagel for free! I have extra cards to give away for fans of Montebello Mom.

If you'd like one email me at montebellomom@gmail.com or "like" Montebllo Mom on facebook and I'll pick three lucky winners!

Disney Store Event at Montebello Mall: Tangled! November 20

The Disney store is having an event to celebrate their new movie, Tangled. Here is the information from the flyer:

Join us for a hair-raising craft experience!
Create a personalized lantern to celebrate the upcoming release of Tangled.
Saturday
November 20th, 10:00am & 11:30am.
Minimum age for participation is 6 years. Event limited to a maximum of 50 children per session. No lineups prior to 30 minutes before event begins.

Haircuts at Home: Where to Start

My first try at haircutting was years ago when my infant son had a 3 inch tuft on the crown of his head.

One night I couldn't stand it anymore. I grabbed my scrapbook scissors and cut off a 2 inch chunk. Later we'd take him to the barber and he would cry so much it was impossible to get any style with his squirming he'd end up with a buzz cut.

While at Costco one day I saw a hair trimming kit for $25. I figured since all the barber does it use the #2 tool all the way around while he screams I may as well give it a go at home and save the hearing of everyone at the barber shop. It worked out well. He still screamed, and I didn't have to pay a barber $10 and he got a lollipop and bath after.

Last week my husband was in need of a trim and he decided to save the $14 he would have given the barber and give my trimming skills a try. I was a little nervous but it turned out just fine and I'll be doing his hair from now on.

If you want to try cutting your family's hair at home you'll need to invest in a clipper set and a pair of good shears. I didn't see any clipper kits on Costco's website but Sally's Beauty Supply has a variety starting from $27. Shears start at $10. There is a Sally Beauty in Monterey Park in the Atlantic Square shopping center and in Pico Rivera in the Wal-Mart/Lowe's shopping center. Click here to see clipper/trimmer products.

There are lots of websites with tips on cutting hair at home and I'm sure a YouTube search will bring up lots of hits and there will be an occasional article with pictures in a magazine.

Here are my suggestions:

• Start with the kids, they don't complain about style as much and if you mess up with your son a short buzz looks fine on a boy and with daughters, there are always headbands, clips, and ponytail holders you can use until it grows out and you can try again.
• Sit the kid up high either on a counter or on a stool.  
• Cut longer girl's hair right after their bath when it's wet and give them something usual to play with like a make up brush.
• Start with a simple cut, #2 or #3 all the way around for boys and straight across the back for girls. 
• Keep a trash can nearby to dump larger clumps of hair, and a vacuum cleans up the hair really well when you're done.

Although I am getting better at cutting hair, I don't trust my skills for major events such as picture day, weddings, or interviews. For special occasions I send my family to the professionals. Whichever route you chose remember, It's only hair, it will grow back.

Toy Story 3 DVD Coupon

http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/ts3lptw-coupon?cmp=dmov_dmr_nlc_nov10_TS3lptw

If you plan to buy the Toy Story 3 DVD this link will take you to the Disney Movie Rewards website. If you don't have an account, sign up and get a coupon for $8 off the 4 disc DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack. The coupon expires Monday, November 8. DVDs are usually the least expensive the week or two after they are released. After searching through the Sunday papers this is what I found.

----Best Buy has the combo pack for $24.99. They also have a cute 3 pack of stuffed animals from the movie for $12.99 w/ this purchase.

----Target has the combo pack for $24.99.

----Albertson's has the combo pack for 30.95 and get 3 free boxes of Albertson's brand cereal with purchase.

----Toys R Us has this combo pack for $34.99 and get a free Toy Story Wall Clock w/ purchase. Buy $40 of Disney DVDs and also get a $10 gift card.
Spend $30 on Toy Story items and get a free Toy Story 3 popcorn tin. Friday/Saturday only buy Mater's Tall Tales DVD (17.99) and Toy Story 3 Combo Pack and receive $5 off. Combine all the sales: take the Toy Story 3 Combo Pack, Mater's Tall Tales DVD, a popcorn tin, and wall clock to the register. After they scanned everything, ask if the clock and tin are free, then hand them your $8 off coupon and you should be able to pay $39.98 plus tax and get the popcorn tin and clock free and get a $10 gift card in return! OR combine only the free offers and take the Toy Story 3 Combo Pack, clock (free!), and popcorn tin (free!) to the register and pay only $26.99 plus tax.

I bought mine presale a month ago at the Disney Store. I used a $10 coupon I got from a previous purchase to reserve Toy Story 3 and I got another $10 off coupon and one of those lenticular posters that move when you move from side to side. I'm looking forward to picking it up tomorrow and taking my daughter to her "baby class", aka the play area at the mall.

Mattel Toy Store: Pomona, El Segundo, San Bernardino

I bought these toys for 62 cents ($17 retail) .



I bought these toys for $3.20 ($21 retail).



These bargains came from the Mattel Toy Store in the City of Industry, which unfortunately is now closed, big bummer.

Retail prices at the store are only about $1-2 cheaper than Toys-R-Us, but they have great sales. I went this past Saturday and the entire store was 30% off. The time before that all Fisher Price was 25% off. There are weekly specials where certain toys are half price, such as this doll my mom bought for my daughter for $17 ($35 retail).



The store has a birthday club. Sign up your kids and the store will send you a postcard good for $10 off any $10+ purchase. That's how I bought the toys for 12 cents and $3.20. When I went to pay for the toys I picked out I didn't figure in the sale and had to buy the Hot Wheels cars to make the total equal $10.

When making your purchase they will give a flyer with coupons for the next month. On my flyer I have a 60% off a non-sale item, $10 off a $60 purchase, 30% off a Fisher Price item, and 50% off a non-sale item.

There are 3 Mattel Toy stores in the Los Angeles area.

15930 E. Valley Blvd
City of Industry, 91744
(626)855-6850  Closed

2780 S. Reservoir Street
Pomona, CA 91766
(909)628-0522
*Disney Outlet in the same complex*

333 Continental Blvd
El Segundo, CA 90345
(310) 252-3384

1456 E. Harry Sheppard Blvd.
San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909)382-3780

Visit the website http://matteltoystore.com/ choose the store you plan to visit and you can get coupons, see the sales for the week, and download the birthday club form.

"Like" Montebello Mom on FB, get a free Albertson's card!

Albertson's has a new "Healthy Eaters Kids Club" card program. Everytime you visit Albertson's, your child can pick up an apple, banana, string cheese, or fresh bagel for free! I have extra cards to give away for fans of Montebello Mom. The first five people to "like" Montebello Mom and post on my wall will get a card for their kid!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montebello-Mom/128186553902956

I found a Halloween Activity in Montebello!

I visited the Montebello Parks and Recreation Department at Acuna Park and found a notice for a teen dance that's happening tonight, Friday, October 29. No information on the start/end times. It's called "Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree" cost is $5, picture ID (school ID?) is required. The party is at the Cathy Hensel Youth Center,236 George Hensel Drive. 887-4577.

Halloween Day Events & Activities

Besides the YMCA's Halloween Party tonight I don't know of any other Halloween activities in Montebello. Here are three that aren't too far from Montebello: at the LA Zoo, the shopping center Americana at Brand, and the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Zoo and aquarium activities require a ticket or membership, the activity at Brand is free.

----A Scary Good Time----
Sunday, October 31, 2010 from Noon-2pm
It's all fun- no fright- during the Halloween Kids Club at The Americana at Brand. Wear your favorite costume and take home ghostly candy and enjoy spook-tacular entertainment (by Melissa Green)! Face Painters, Balloon Artists, Costume Parade, Treats for all in costume. Off Brand Boulevard in Glendale. 818-637-8982

----"Spooktacular" Kids Activity Morning----
Saturday, October 30, 7:00-9:00am
Come to the Aquarium for fun in your Halloween Costume. Enjoy "Kiddle Karoo and Her Krazy Krew" Halloween Adventure puppet show. Watch the Aquarium animals eat their breakfast. Have your face painted with a spooky bat or kitty cat! Each child will take home a special surprise (while supplies last)! Enjoy a special breakfast in Cafe Scuba(~$4)! RSVP Required: (562)437-FISH (3474)

----Join Us for Boo at the L.A. Zoo!----
Saturday October 30 & Sunday October 31, 2010 - 10am - 4pm
Have a safe and spooky Halloween at Boo at the L.A. Zoo! Eucalyptus Grove will become a giant Pumpkin Patch with jack-o-lantern carving, photo opportunities, and eerie crafts. The Creepy Creature Encounter at the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo will feature trick-or-treating, a chance to get up close with some creepy creatures, and Halloween entertainment. All activities are free to GLAZA members and with paid Zoo admission.

Free Pampers Potty Training Kit: Free Sample & Coupons + Huggies DVD

http://www.pampers.com/en_US/potty-kit-request/

Use the link above to get a Dora or Diego themed potty training kit from Pampers Easy Ups. You can hit the back button after you submit your information and send the kit to friends and family too!

UPDATE 12/2: Here is an offer for a Potty Training DVD from Huggies. Click here to order.