Coupons rule and you need some rules to make them work.

1. Do not use a coupon if the item is something you don’t want or need. If you hate strawberry pop tarts don’t buy ten boxes, if you never bake don’t buy two for one bags of flour, and if you are dieting don’t stock up on chocolate chip cookies.

2. Do use coupons with store discounts for the best price possible.

3. Be careful with perishables. You might be making ten apple pies, eating broccoli every day for a week, or watching cheese turn moldy.

4. Do stock up on non perishables. This is a great way to make sure you have chicken broth, grains, and pasta for the next six months.

5. Loyalty programs bring you coupons and opportunities to save. Pick one and stick with it.

Frugal Divas know that  grocery shopping is so much more than picking up a few things at the store.  We have strategies that help maximize each trip and get the most out of every dollar.  With Fresh & Easy there is the added benefit of using email coupons with the new Friends Program.  On the  F & E program you can convert points to cash anytime after you accumulate 500. I quickly took the time to log in to my Friends account and loaded $15 to use with my $10 off $50 coupon plus I chose items for double points that would be on my shopping list.

I think we can all see where this is going. The Frugal Diva is looking at buying around $50 worth of groceries for $25. The Frugal Dude and I were showing some friends from out of town around Pasadena so as part of the tour we stopped at the 603 S. Lake Street store in Pasadena last Friday afternoon.  The friendliest gentleman was giving out samples at the store entrance. Now who doesn’t like little snack sample of granola scones before embarking on a great saving adventure.

As I tossed things in the basket, I made a mental total so that the coupon would have the most impact on my bottom line. Now my mental total was a little fuzzy when I got to check out. The manager  took the  time to help me and deducted an item that brought the total to $52.56.  Aside from the savings, the staff was super nice and made shopping a pleasure. After my coupon and cash total from my card, the balance was $27.56!

By the way since you are probably feeling sorry for my friends, we also went to the Norton Simon Museum (if you want to save the ticket price, it is free from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM the first Friday of every month) and Old Town Pasadena for dinner.

The Friends Card loyalty program makes you an insider with cash rewards, bonus point coupons, and new product information.  Best of all this fresh new program is easy. Right now get 250 points just for joining!

Disclaimer: Fresh and Easy has sent The Frugal Diva occasional samples, coupons, and gift cards plus her stepson works there as a buyer.

The Frugal Diva loves when stores step up and acknowledge their customers.

On Saturday, October 8th it’s all about you, as Albertsons celebrates Customer Appreciation Day.  That’s right, they are rolling out the red carpet for their guests (that’s us) with great in-store food samplings and activities to tantalize  taste buds and get you excited to shop their stores. Every store in Southern California and Southern Nevada will be participating and creating their own in-store excitement.

Plus, every customer will receive a special one day savings opportunity – a 5% coupon on your purchase of $50 or more.  Why are they giving you the VIP treatment? It’s Albertsons way of saying thank you for being such a loyal customer.

Look for more details in your Oct. 5th Albertsons ad.

Disclaimer: Last spring Albertsons gave me a gift card and samples of their products to try. This did not effect my thoughts about the store however it did prompt me to shop there.

The Frugal Diva felt like a big time athlete when she got a signing bonus for registering on the Albertsons site. They give you a $5 coupon off a purchase of $25 just for supplying your email address and getting a Preferred Savings Card. You can also refer up to five people and get $5 for every friend that registers. That’s quite a nice introduction for first time shoppers.

After being given the grand tour with other bloggers, I learned that they are going the extra mile in terms of local produce and helping you get the best nutrition bang for your buck. Their Nutrition IQ alerts you to better-for-you choices on the spot as you shop. They even give you a shopping list for different conditions. Click on gluten free and check off the items for your next shopping trip. Heidi Diller R.D., who spoke to the group, was impressive both for her clinical knowledge and her passion for bringing this information to the public.

For a long time, Albertsons has been off my radar. Just a little bit further then my usual markets, it seemed like an extra trip. Now the reality was that it was only about five minutes further on my route but one gets into their rut. I was pleasantly surprised to see the abundance of fresh and local produce.  Kale from Oxnard came prewashed in a 10 ounce bag for $2.99.  The prewash makes it so easy to stir fry with garlic and olive oil. In a few seconds, there was a great side dish for dinner.

In order to serve consumers better, they are combining all their private label items into the Everyday Essentials line. This will mean better prices for consumers since packaging will be more uniform. The mushroom pasta sauce compared favorably with more expensive brands and the spaghetti had a good texture. Adding a little ground turkey made this an excellent entree at a great price.

Albertsons is a good addition to your mix of marketing.  It reminded me that in order to get the best deals you need to explore all the options. And don’t forget about that signing bonus for an extra discount on your first trip!

Disclaimer: Albertsons gave me a gift card and samples of their products to try. This did not effect my thoughts about the store however it did prompt me to shop there.

When it comes to food, join the club. You may not have gotten into the sorority you wanted, the country club you desired, or the hip night spot. However we can all join Costco, Ralphs, and Vons.

Pay attention to the specials and coupons making them work for you. You don’t make blueberry muffins in the dead of winter when they are $7.00 for a teeny carton, you make them in the summer when there is a bumper crop. Two large cartons for $4.00, means muffins for everyone. Freeze the leftovers and dole them out when school starts.

Everything goes on special at one time or another. If possible stock up everytime your brand of laundry detergent, toothpaste, or pickles become a loss leader.  Swoop, pounce, hunt down the foods you love. Save time and money by  having everything handy for dinners and lunches.  For every ready made frozen dinner where you pay for packaging and advertising instead of real food, you can cook up a home made casserole and divide it into freezer containters.   Be healthy, be happy, and save money. 

Now you don’t have to get fanatical. A rotisserie chicken from the market saves time that might be used for better activities. Paired with a salad, a baked potato, or a cooked vegetable this will save your life when work, kids, and obligations become over whelming. Better to pick a healthy prepared food and dress it up for dinner then to wear yourself out at the end of what is probably a too long day.  And use the leftover chicken, to make a bountiful chicken soup the next day with ready made broth, fresh carrots, fresh celery, and potatoes or pasta. 

Imagination makes for the best recipe. 

Once I forgot to pick up cheese for a cheese cake recipe. Presto, instead of cheesecake it turned into a flan. As long as the ingredients are fresh, you will get something that tastes good.  It may not always be great but even professional cooks have an off night.

Now the one thing that makes for good taste and good nutrition is good produce. The best source that I have found are ethnic markets. You will find greens you never knew existed, small local apples, plums that ooze with juice, bok choy that was picked yesterday, and herbs by the armful at prices that are shockingly low.  Make friends, ask someone next to you for a recipe. Sample the spices that are priced way below supermarket prices. Interesting breads, new brands of yogurt, beans you never saw before, different kinds of rice, exotic teas, prepared foods at a great price-these are just a few of the new experiences open to you. Indian, Cuban, Asian, Russian, Middle Eastern or check out what your city has to offer. They all provide a unique experience and a window into another culture.

These are some of my favorites.

Nijiya Market at 2130 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 for ready made sushi, Japanese snacks, Asian vegetables, and a huge selection of soy sauce and miso.

Elat Market at 8730 W Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90035 has fabulous produce and herbs at unbelievable prices and homemade hummus. Please note they are closed on Friday night and Saturdays and all Jewish holidays.

Grand Central Market at 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 is a food court with produce stands or a produce court with food stands. Buy cheap veggies, authentic Latin spices, or pick up from the various ready to go food stands. They are open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM>

Surfas at 8777 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 for all things gourmet. When you need that one special item that will make a meal outstanding, stop at Surfas for sprinkles for cupcakes, all manner of baking tins, exotic cheeses, infinite varieties of chocolate, or dried herbs. They are decently priced for non imported items however this is not bargain shopping.   

Explore and let me know what you’ve found in these fun markets and your favorites.

Just when I thought that everything had been done in the way of markets in comes a new kid on the block.  A little organic, a little convenience, a little gourmet grocery,  and a whole of savings.  There are so many wonderful Fresh & Easy products.  A bag of  frozen turkey meatballs this week for $5.99.  Add some tomato sauce, serve over pasta (99 cents this week), and open a bag of salad greens. That’s fresh, that’s easy.

Now if you want to get really, really easy and still stay really, really fresh.  We are talking about around $2.49 per person for lasagna with meat sauce to keep in your freezer. Cheaper then fast food and better for you.

Every week there are 98 cent produce packs.  Add a little excitement and use them in your cooking.  One week they had onions and red and green peppers. You can julienne slice them, saute, add some capers and olives. Set aside while you pan fry some tilapia and you have a nicoise style topping for your fish. Pick a pack of pears and pair with an interesting cheese for dessert. 

Yes I did say they are a little gourmet.  Pick up organic teas, fresh juices, fresh baked goods, wine (not at all stores), cheeses, balsamic vinegar along with fresh produce, fish, and meat on your way home.  And they have great sauces – Thai Chili Lime, Smokey Barbecue- and a good selection of spices.  Even pet food for your pooch.  So much good stuff in such a manageable size market.

You can also sign up for the email newsletter where you get weekly updates on specials and coupons. And please remember that all quoted prices are subject to change.

Smaller then a supermarket, more fresh food then a convenience store-this chain is a winner for the Frugal Diva.

Disclaimer: Fresh and Easy occasionally sends The Frugal Diva samples of their products.