Shop Cheap

As we flip the calendar from May to June, it's beginning to feel a lot more like summer. Area grocery stores are getting into the season with lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Safeway has begun labeling its produce as "California grown." Raley's and Save Mart have been doing the "locally grown" gig for a while now.

Starting at Safeway, here's what we like this week. Produce is at the top of the heap with Lodi cherries for $2.99lb; BOGO strawberries from Watsonville and 'chokes from Castroville. Red seedless grapes are $1.99lb; brococoli is 99-cents a pound and leaf lettuce is 99-cents a bunch. Corn on the cob comes in at 4/$2 and bell peppers are 99-cents each.

If you live for the BOGO, here's what you can look forward to this week: Fritos or cheetos; Chips Ahoy! or Newtons; Farmer John sliced bacon; Foster Farms grilled chicken strips; and a whole lot of other stuff from BBQ sauce to cranberry juice cocktail, Golden Grain pasta and Green Giant canned veggies. Safeway Kitchen bread, Lucerne mozarella, Guerrero tortillas and Safeway brown rice all all BOGO. Add to that Bumble Bee solid white tuna. The 4-day sale adds Oroweat sliced bread and Oscar Mayer products....all buy one, get one.

Sargento cheeses are 2/$4; refreshe water is $3.33 a case. If you're clippin', General Mills cereals and Nutri-Grain bars are $1.99 a box; Skippy Peanut butter is $2.49 a jar; Rosarita refries are 89-cents and Safeway ice cream cups are 59-cents each.

On $5 Friday, you can pick up pizza; cooked shrimp; muffins and cookies; and a large container of blueberries and raspberries. The Friday-Monday, 4-day sale features deli counter turkey breast for $5.99lb; chicken tenders for $5.99 and salmon fillets for $4.99.

And best of all...spend $75 or more and get a $10 rewards coupon.

If you're celebrating a graduation or other cake-related activity, Raley's is the place to go. Order a sheet cake - any size - and get a free container of Sunnyside ice cream. And if you haven't tried their new artisan breads, grab a sample then grab a loaf for $2.99. You won't be disappointed.

In the produce aisle, cantaloupe is GOBO; bags of baby potatoes are 2/$5 and Fresh express salad is 99-cents. Strawberries are BOGO; oranges are 99-cents a pound and blueberries are $3.99 for a pint.

Coupons worth clipping include Gatorade for $3.99; Gallo salame for $4.99; 2-liter Cokes for 99-cents and Sobe, Lifewater or Lipton drinks for 88-cents.

Snackwells are $1.99 a box. Kellogg's raisin bran or miniwheats are $1.99 a box when you buy 4. Arrowhead and Nestle water is $3.99 a case.

In the deli, Volpi lunchmeat is BOGO.

Save Mart has the BOGO going on all berries. Large cherries are $3.97lb; cantaloupe is $2.50; tomatoes and leaf lettuce are 97-cents. Red bell peppers are just 25-cents each. Spend $25 or more and get a bag of baby carrots - with coupon.

Cross rib BBQ steaks are $2.49lb; fresh shrimpmeat is $3.99lb and boneless, skinless chicken breasts are $1.99lb. Quaker Life or Cap'n'Crunch cereal is $1.69 a box.

Graduation cakes are available at Save Mart, too. But the ice cream is extra. $14.99 for a quarter sheet and $2.88 for the ice cream. On Friday, you can get a dozen cupcakes for $5.

A case of Sunny Select drinking water is $2.50; tortilla chips are $1.79; Nabisco saltines are $1.99 and a big jug of Minute Maid punch is $2.88. The buy theirs, get ours free promotion includes Quaker Quakes and Aunt Sue's honey.

A dozen eggs is $1.99 and Bayview Farms OJ is $3.99. Sun Burst liquid detergent is free with coupon and $25 spent on groceries.

Sunflower Markets will be sprouting where Sprouts markets currently exist. The deal to merge the two "Farmers Market" type stores was finalized on Tuesday. Both have great prices on produce. This week Sunflower has blackberries for 77-cents. Bell pepper, celery and broccoli for 88-cents. Keeping with the 88-cents theme, red seedless grapes and apricots are 88-cents a pound at Sprouts. Cilantro, radishes and green onions are 4/$1; red bells and white corn are 3/$1.

Until next week....

The celebration season is upon us. It starts with Memorial Day and continues through June with graduations, Father's Day and a wedding or two. Next thing you know, we'll be planning for the 4th of July. To make this holiday weekend special, let Shop Cheap help with the shopping. Guarantee you'll save money.

Need a case of water for your BBQ or picnic? Safeway has its refreshe brand for $2.99. While you're there, here's what else we like at Safeway. Avocado for $1; BOGO baby watermelon; berries $2.99 a carton; green onions and radishes for 50-cents and tomatoes on the vine for $1.99. Oscar Mayer franks are buy1, get 2 free; Lay's chips are BOGO and Pringles are 3/$5.

Most of the condiments you'll need for a BBQ or picnic are BOGO: Vlasic pickles; French's mustard; Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce and LaVictoria salsa to name a few. There's a whole page of coupons. Here are the highlights: Kingsford charcoal for $6.99; Powerade for 59-cents; sugar snap peas for $1.99; family pack of buns for $1.49; a dozen cupcakes for $4.99; fresh salsa for $1.99 and Wishbone dressing for $1.29.

A special 4-day sale includes corn on the cob 10/$2; 12-packs of soda buy 2, get 3 free; BOGO snack crackers; and Chips Ahoy! for $1.99. Ball Park buns are 2/$5 and deli counter salads are $3.99.

At the $5 Friday only sale, you can pick up a S'mores kit; Tony Roma ribs; Signature Cafe chicken wings; Black Forest ham or Provolone and a 24-pack of 7-UP or Pepsi.

Raley's has BOGO berries; whole seedless watermelon for $3.99; and tomatoes on the vine for $1.79. Packs of pork spareribs are BOGO and whole tri tip is $3.49. Coupons worth clippin' include Minute Maid punch for 89-cents; Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce for $1.50; Gatorade for 89-cents and Tostitos for $1.99.

A dozen eggs is $1.68; Martinelli's sparkling lemonade is 2/$3.

If you want to pack a picnic without doing any of the cooking, Raley's will prepare everything for you from fried chicken to salad, cookies, rolls and a thermal bag for just $19.99.

Save Mart has whole Foster Farms chicken for 88-cents a pound and on Friday only boneless, skinless chicken breasts are $1.49lb. Foster Farms ground turkey and chicken sausage are BOGO and Oscar Mayer franks are $1.99 a pack. Lay's chips are BOGO; Pepsi, Dew and The Dr. are 4-12 packs for $11. Sunny Select drinking water is $2.50 a case.

In produce, white corn on the cob is 5/$1; whole seedless watermelon is $3.97 and strawberries are BOGO. Cucumbers are $1 each and Fresh Express bagged salads are BOGO.

Beans amd buns are 99-cents; Golden Grain pasta is $1; Chicken of the Sea tuna is 99-cents and Minute Maid punch is $1. Michelina's entrees are 95-cents; Bohemian Hearth bread is $1.98 a loaf; Sunnyside Farms yogurt is 50-cents a cup and Pepperidge Farms cookies are BOGO.

If you are trying out Sprouts or Sunflower farmers markets this week be sure to check out these items:

At Sprouts: all berries are 4/$5; seedless watermelon is 5lbs/$1; avocado is $1; tomatoes are 99-cents a pound and whole pineapple is $1.50. Celery, cucumbers or green bell peppers are 2/$1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are $1.77lb in the value pack and apple pie is $2.99.

At Sunflower, blueberries are 88-cents for a 4.4oz container. Avocados are 88-cents each; corn, cucumber, bell peppers, cilantro, green onion, radishes and parsley are 2/$1. Tomatoes on the vine are 88-cents a pound. A family pack of chicken breasts is $1.67lb and apple pie is $2.99 at Sunflower, too.

Enjoy the long weekend.

Raley's is introducing new Artisan Breads this week but you can taste before you buy because they are offering free samples on Saturdays and Sundays through June 10.  And ifyou like what you taste, the breads are BOGO. I'm there. How about you?

Once you are there, check out the other BOGO on pork, chicken and beef. There's steak, roast, chops and boneless chicken. It's the perfect time to stock up for the 3-day weekend that's almost upon us.

Other stuff we like: Coupons for Dennison's chili, Ranch Style beans and VanCamps pork and beans, all $1. Kellogg's Special K cereal, crackers or breakfast bars are $1.99 a box when you buy 4 or more. Barilla Pasta is $1 a box; the sauce is $2 a jar.Add a Baguette from the bakery for $1.88 and you have dinner! Get a dozen cupcakes for the price of 6 - Friday only in the bakery.

Cherries are arriving but they're $4.99lb. Tomatoes on the vine are $1.49lb; broccoli crowns are 99-cents a pound and green bell pepper is 2/$1.

Over at Save Mart, you can BOGO your way through the store. London Broil, pork sirloin, chops and turkey breasts are buy one, get one free. Iceberg lettuce is 47-cents a head and white corn on the cob is 4/$1. Foster Farms variety lunch meat is 2/$5 and pastrami in the deli is $6.99lb.

Buy 10 Knorr sides and pay just 69-cents each. Keebler cookies are $1.99; Goldfish are BOGO and Crystal Geyser spring water is $3.33 a case. Birds Eye steamfresh veggies are 98-cents; Breyer's ice cream and Klondike bars are $2.49. Lindsay olives are 99-cents a can and Bull's-Eye or Kraft BBQ sauce is 99-cents, too. Buy a pack of Mardi Gras napkins or Ziploc sandwich bags and get the Sunny Select variety of each free.

In produce, berries are 2/$5; limes and baby lemons are 10/$1; seedless, personal size watermelons are $2.97 each and green onions, radishes and cilantro are 50-cents each. Grape tomatoes are BOGO. Remember, bananas are 39-cents a pound on Monday only.

And the coupon of the week is a free box of Malt-O-Meal frosted flakes when you spend $25 on groceries.

Thank goodness Safeway is promoting its Open Nature breads at $2.50 a loaf because Shop Cheap just doesn't spend $3 on a loaf of bread. That's what you'll pay for Oroweat.

Safeway is big on produce this week. Vine ripe tomatoes are 99-cents a pound; bagged salads and spinach are 99-cents and all that matches their 99-cents or less sale. White corn on the cob is 2/$1; cucumbers and celery are 99-cents each. Kiwi is 3/$1; and oranges are 99-cents a pound. Red or green bell peppers are $1 each. Blueberries and raspberries are still pretty high at $3.99 a container.

Arrowhead water is $3.33 a case. Coupons worth clipping include: Safeway OJ - 128oz. for $3.99; deli counter ham or turkey for $4.99; Bull's-Eye BBQ sauce for 99-cents; Safeway ice cream cups for 59-cents and Lucerne butter for $2.99.

The $5 Friday Only specials include the All-American sub sandwich; 8-piece chicken; Ball Park and Hillshire Farm sausage; Jif peanut butter; cookies and muffins. The 4-day, Friday-Monday sale includes Nabisco snack crackers for $1.99; Ocean Spray cranberry drinks 3/$5 and Lucerne chunk cheese for $2.99.

Safeway buns are $1.50 and their pizza dough is 2/$3.

Also, be sure to check your paper for a Safeway coupon flier. BOGO highlights: Planters peanut butter; Safeway apple juice; whole wheat bread; brown rice and crispy rice cereal. and  Lucerne eggs are 99-cens a dozen.

Come back next week for your Memorial Day shopping list.

Shop Cheap got some fun recipes from the folks at Old London..you know, Melba Toast. These three recipes - from chefs Johnny Iuzzini and Christopher Kostow - all include Melbas and are perfect for a little Mother's Day Brunch. Enjoy!

Melba Toast Quiche by Christopher Kostow

Total Time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

15 Old London Sea Salt Melba Snacks, roughly chopped

8 Eggs, beaten

1/4 cup Light cream

1/3 cup Onion, chopped

1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

1/3 cup Oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, chopped

2/3 cup Feta cheese, crumbled

1 tsp. Salt

1 tbsp. Butter

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Butter a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Combine all ingredients until well mixed and pour into the dish. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes or until the middle is set. Allow to chill slightly. Unmold from baking dish and slice.

Sesame Melba Toast Biscotti by Johnny Iuzzini

Total Time: 1 1/2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/4 cup Old London Sesame Melba Toast, ground

1 1/2 cups Whole almonds, coarsely chopped

1/2 tsp. Baking powder

3 Eggs, large

1 Egg yolk

1 tbsp. Light brown sugar

1 cup Sugar

1 Orange, zested

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

1/2 cup White sesame seeds

Pinch of kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:

Pre-heat the oven to 325° F. Grind the Melba Toast in a food processor until they turn into a fine crumb. Combine ground Melba Toast with almonds and baking powder. Set aside.

Whisk 2 eggs and the yolk together until well combined and even in color. Whisk in the sugars, salt, orange zest, and extract. Beat this mixture until it lightens in color. Combine this mixture with the Melba Toast mixture and mix until thoroughly combined and a dough is formed.

Roll the dough into 2 even logs about 1" in diameter and chill for 1 hour. Place the logs, spaced apart, on parchment paper lined baking tray. Whisk the remaining egg and pinch of salt well with a fork in separate bowl. Brush the top of each log with a pastry brush and evenly sprinkle the sesame seeds. Bake until lightly golden and they begin to crack, approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your oven. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, approximately 1 hour.

Reduce oven temperature to 225° F. Carefully slice the logs on a bias with a serrated knife into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Lay slices back onto the baking sheet and toast until golden brown, approximately 10-15 minutes. Let cool.

The cookies can be drizzled with melted chocolate and put into the refrigerator to set. Store cookies in an airtight container and serve with Coffee, tea or hot cocoa.

Mediterranean Cafe Mocha Bars by Johnny Iuzzini

Total Time: 1 hour

Makes 1 - 8" tray

INGREDIENTS:

1 box Old London Whole Wheat or Sesame Melba Toast

1 pkg. Mini marshmallows

2 oz. 100% baking chocolate, squares or chips

10 oz. Bittersweet baking chocolate, squares or chips

8 oz. Butter

1 tbsp. Instant ground espresso

1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour, sifted

1 tsp. Baking powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

4 Eggs

2 cups Sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

3/4 cup Chocolate chips

Caramel sauce and vanilla Greek frozen yogurt (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 325° F. Melt together 100% baking chocolate, bittersweet baking chocolate, squares or chips, butter and instant ground espresso in a bowl over a pot of gently simmering water.

Combine the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract in a metal bowl or in the bowl of an electric mixer and heat over simmering water until it is warm to the touch. Whip on high using an electric mixer with whisk attachment until pale (approximately 3-4 minutes). Add melted chocolate to the egg mixture. Fold in sifted flour, baking powder and salt. Finish with chocolate chips.

Place half the brownie mixture into a buttered, floured, and parchment lined 8" cake pan. Lay a layer of Old London Melba Toast across the whole surface in one even layer. Next, scatter a layer of mini marshmallows evenly across the Melba Toast layer. Cover the marshmallows with the rest of the brownie mixture and bake at 325° F for approximately 20-25 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if done.

Once cool, cut into squares and add a scoop of vanilla Greek frozen yogurt or caramel sauce if desired.

It's pretty easy to make Moms happy. Cook, clean up the house, plant a pretty rose bush in the yard or just let us enjoy the day. If you decide to surprise Mom this weekend - or if you are a Mom and need to leave a few hints - let Shop Cheap help you out.

Moms like any meal that they don't have to cook for themselves. So if you really want to treat Mom or someone who's just like your Mom, leave the shopping to us and we will help with breakfast, brunch or dinner. Here goes:

If you are a Raley's shopper - or if someone will drive you to Raley's to shop - here's the best stuff to buy this week.

Breakfast or brunch: Coffee cake is buy 2, get one free. Berries are BOGO and Simply Orange or Simply Cranberry juices are 2/$6. Oscar Mayer bacon is $3.99 with coupon and sliced bread is $1.99 with coupon. Eggs are $2.48 for 18 and fresh pineapple is $2.99.

If you really want to splurge, buy Mom a nice new pan for $25 and get eggs, bacon, muffins and juice for FREE.

Want to cook dinner instead? Sutter sirloin steak or roast is $3.99lb; white corn on the cob is 3/99-cents and tomatoes on the vine are $1.49lb. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are $1.99lb; red potatoes are 69-cents a pound and a veggie tray is $4.99. Fresh salad shrimpmeat is $4.99lb. Living basil plants are 2/$3.

Need some essentials and want to help out with the shopping? Quaker Life cereal and granola bars are 2/$4. a 2-liter bottle of 7-UP is 99 cents and Propel fitness water is 2/$1.Sun Chips are $2.49 a bag when you buy 2. Aquafina water is $3.99 a case.

If you want to treat Mom to a little dessert, single serving sweets are 4/$10. And the thing that Mom likes almost as much as a nice meal - flowers. You can get those at the grocery store, too.

If you are doing your shopping at Save Mart, it's the best place to get strawberries. Buy a 1 pound container and 2 more FREE. The berries go great with pancakes. Krusteaz mix is $1.88; Special K cereal is $1.88 a box when you buy 4 and Dunkin' Donuts coffee is $7.49. Sunny Select apple juice is $1.99 and Bar S bacon is $2.99. If you can get to Save Mart on Wednesday, be sure to pick up a dozen eggs. They are only 69 cents!

Rather do dinner? Tri tip or sirloin steak is $3.88lb; Foster Farms chicken breasts are BOGO and cooked shrimpmeat is $3.99lb. Fresh asparagus is $1.47lb; artichokes are 2/$5 and Roma tomatoes are 97-cents a pound. Earthbound Farm organic salads are BOGO. But if you plan to spend $25 or more on groceries, be sure to clip the coupon for a free head of Iceberg lettuce and free Betty Crocker cake mix and frosting.

A case of Crystal Geyser water is $3.33; Sunnyside ice cream is $2.99 and Kozy Shack pudding is 2/$5.

Safeway is another good place to shop for Mom's meal. All kinds of berries are BOGO and Oroweat bread and Thomas' plain bagels are, too. A carton of fresh baked muffins or croissants and strawberry cream cakes are all $5 each. Hormel pork sausages are 3/$4 and Safeway Kitchens breads are BOGO. Krusteaz muffin mix is $2.50 a box and Martinelli's sparkling cider is $2.50. If you really want to splurge, hand dipped strawberries are $6.99 for 4. And a big jug of OJ is $4.99 - don't forget to clip the coupon. Moms love Skinny Cow ice cream and its on sale this week for $3.49.

If you shop Safeway and have decided to do dinner, here's what we suggest. Buy 2 jars of pasta sauce for $4 - Barilla or Classico - and get 2 boxes of pasta FREE. Open Nature Italian sausage is $3.49 a package (must buy 2) and Rancher's Reserve rib eye steak is $5.99lb.

Bell peppers are $1 each; and bags of baby carrots are $1.50. There's lots of other stuff you could buy for Mom so she doesn't have to go to the store this week. refresh water is $3.33 a case; Cheerios and Lucky Charms are $1.88 a box and little cartons of Fage Greek yogurt are $1.

If you are shopping on Friday, the $5 items include a gallon of Odwalla OJ; sliced turkey, ham or provolone in the deli; a whole roasted chicken and even a whipped cream cake.

If you live in Land Park, get ready for the opening of Sunflower Farmers Market next Wednesday, May 16. Although, they will change their name to Sprouts eventually, right now their ads are still different. Sunflower's ad this week will last until next week, so here's a preview of what to expect. Corn on the cob 6/$1; apples 99-cents a pound; tomatoes, celery and avocado for 88-cents and baby carrots for $1.50.

Come back on Thursday and we will dip into the archives for some Mother's Day menu ideas.

Lots of items this week to spice up your menu. We are going to concentrate on all the Cinco de Mayo specials and throw in the usual stuff like cereal and a look at what the Grocery Outlet has to offer this week.

First stop, Save Mart. If you like to make carnitas, pork shoulder roast is 99-cents a pound; tomatoes for fresh salsa are 97-cents a pound; Guerrero tortillas are $2.79 for a pack of 80 and limes are 10/$1. Check out the recipe for Shrimp Ceviche on the inside cover and the fresh cooked shrimpmeat.

Other stuff we like: Quaker cereal and granola bars are $1.77 a box; the 7 days; 7 ways to save specials are the same as last week and the Save Mart brands vs. national brands BOGO include diced chilis; refried beans and La Victoria salsa. No comment on the Gas X!

In produce, white corn on the cob is 4/$1; strawberries and blackberries are BOGO; raspberries are $2.99; mangoes are $1 each and personal size seedless watermelon is $2.97. Taylor Farms fresh salads to go are BOGO; and Grimmway Farms baby peeled carrots are $1.50 a  bag.

Get a free bag of chips when you guy 3 Pepsi products 3/$11. There's a coupon for a free jug of apple juice - with $25 purchase. Bohemian Hearth bread is $1.98 a loaf; El Pato tomato sauce is 2/$1; Herdez salsa is 78-cents. Sunny Select drinking water is $2.88 a case and a container of 18 eggs is $2.

The Cinco sale continues over at Raley's with fresh pork shoulder for $1.79lb; large raw shrimp for $5.99lb; limes at 10/$1 and chips ($1.50) and salsa ($1.69). Mangoes are 2/$1; white corn is 2/$1 and radishes, cilantro or green onions are 2/$1. Roma tomatoes are 79-cents a pound.

Fresh boneless pork loin is $1.99lb. Berries are BOGO; large 'chokes are 2/$3 and yellow onions are 79-cents a pound.

Coupons worth clipping: a case of R Everyday water is $2.99; Lay's chips are $1.99; shredded cheese is $1.99 and Mother's cookies are $1.99.

Loaf cakes are buy 2, get 1 free and a fresh baguette is $1.88. Tostitos are BOGO; La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas are $1.69 and La Victoria salsa is $1.99.

A dozen eggs at Raley's is $1.68; Challenge butter is $2.99.

There is also an invitation to an "Open House Celebration" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Raley's stores. Free samples, free coffee and free stuff.

The Safeway ad boasts 24 coupons inside and another $10 rewards coupon when you spend $75 or more. There's a 4-day Cinco de Mayo sale and a full page of $5 Friday values.

If you are a soda drinker, Pepsi products are buy 2, get 3 free. Pork shoulder roast is $1.69lb; mangos are 2/$1; Mission flour tortillas are $1.99; Signature Cafe salsa is $3.99 and Tres Leche cake in the bakery is $4.99. All items on sale Wednesday-Saturday.

In the cereal aisle, you can save $4 when you buy 4 boxes of selected General Mills, Quaker and Kellogg's items. Prices vary from $1.49 a box to $1.99 a box.

Produce buys we like include white corn 6/$2; seedless watermelon for $3.99; bell pepper for $1 each; roma tomatoes for 99-cents a pound and limes 3/99-cents.

A case of Crystal Geyser is $3.99 and 2-liter Cokes are $1 each when you buy 5.

The $5 Friday specials include Signature Cafe pizza; Primo Taglio deli meats; 20-pack of Coke; 70-oz container of Safeway Select salsa; and Viva paper towels or Cottonelle bath tissue.

A couple more BOGOs worth mentioning: Farmer John sliced bacon; Hillshire Farm smoked sausage; Cholula hot sauce; and Fritos.

If you have a Grocery Outlet close by, it's worth a trip. In produce: Mangoes and avocados 2/$1; pineapple $2.99 and limes 10/$1. Post Honey Bunches of Oats $1.99 a box or Nosh Naturals cereal for $1.99 a box. Folgers country roast coffee in the 34.5oz container is $6.99 with coupon and 32oz creamer is $1.99.

Adios for this week.

Hard to believe that we're about to turn another page on the calendar. Before we mosey into May, we've got one more shopping weekend to fill the cart and shop smart.

Remember to use your $10 rewards coupon if you shopped Safeway last week. That 10 bucks buys two $5 Friday items or 4 boxes of Post cereal or 2 packs of buns and 2 packs of Johnsonville Brats!

Since we're already talking Safeway, let's just start there. You must buy at least 8 items, but you'll get 50-cents off each on in the Mix & Match sale. Examples: Rosarita refries or Knorr sides for 79-cents; Bertolli pasta sauce for $1.99; Hunt's canned tomatoes for 99-cents and Planters Peanut Butter for $2.49.

In produce, tomatoes on the vine are 99-cents a pound; asparagus is $1.99 a pound; Fresh Express salads are $2 and baby peeled carrots are 99-cents a bag. Kiwi Fruit is 3/$1; pears are 99-cents a pound; white corn is 2/$1 and green onions or radishes are 2/$1.

Want coupons? Florida OJ is $4.99 for an 89-oz jug; Stouffer's or Lean Cuisine meals are $1.99; Ragu pasta sauce is $1.25; DiGiorno parmesan in the deli is $3.99; Quaker Oatmeal Squares cereal is $1.99; Safeway coffee is $7.49 for a huge tin and Powerade is 59 cents.

Other stuff we like: BOGO Arm & Hammer detergent; coupons for Ivory or Dawn dish detergent $2.49. Heinz ketchup is $1.99; Doritos are BOGO; Old El Paso dinner kits are 2/$5; gallons of Crystal Geyser spring water are $1. If you want a case, refreshe water is $3.33.

The soda special this week is buy 2-12 packs and get 2 free plus a package of Chips Ahoy! cookies.

The $5 Friday only offerings are Signature Cafe 8 piece chicken; fresh baked cookies or muffins; Artisan reserve extra virgin olive oil; 3 pounds of strawberries and a rose bouquet.

Over at Save Mart, the 7 Days, 7 Ways to Save specials are "back by popular demand." Our favorites (and they won't change throughout the month of May) are a dozen Sunnyside eggs for 69 cents on Wednesday and bananas for 39-cents a pound on Monday.

Other stuff we like at Save Mart: fresh artichokes 3/99-cents; whole seedless watermelon for $3.97; bell pepper and cucumbers for 69-cents each; BOGO blackberries and roma tomatoes for 97-cents a pound.

The rotisserie chicken meal deal for $9.99 includes the bird; a salad; and bread - enough for a family of 4.

Kellogg's cereal is $1.99 a box when you buy 4; Barilla pasta is 99-cents; Ragu sauce is $1.49 with coupon; and Sunnyside Farms split top bread ins $1.69 a loaf. Other coupon items include Sunny Select light tuna for 69-cents; Gallo salame for $4.99 and Johnsonville Brats or Italian sausage for $3.99. Sunnyside Farms yogurt is 10/$5; butter is $2.50 and frozen veggies are 98-cents. Ruffles chips are BOGO; a case of Sunny Select drinking water is $2.88 and Boston Market entrees are $1.88 in the freezer. A 16-oz tube of Haris Ranch beef is $3.99 and all the fixins' for a taco bar are on sale, too.

Raley's has whole Foster Farms chickens for 89-cents a pound; asparagus for $1.99lb and a 2lb container of strawberries for $3.99. If you like shrimp salad, fresh shrimpmeat from Oregon is $3.99lb. Buy one pack of Raley's dry pasta and get a jar of Ragu for 99-cents (with coupon).

Coffee cake is buy 2, get 1 free; 8-piece fried chicken is $5.99 and Quaker chewy granola bars are $2 a box. A case of Arrowhead or Nestle water is is $3.99; Ruffles are BOGO at Raley's, too; and an 89oz jug of Minute Maid OJ is $3.99. Golden Grain pasta is $1. You can do your pre-Cinco de Mayo stock up with El Paso taco shells for $1; Las Palmas enchilada sauce for $2 and Rosarita refries for $1. Padrinos chips are $2 a bag.

Skippy peanut butter is $2.50 a jar.

In produce, large 'chokes are 99-cents each; personal-size watermelon is $3. Live organic basil plants are $3.99.

You can try Sam's Club free this weekend. Check out the ad in Wednesday's Bee.

BOGOs, coupons, $5 Fridays...so much shopping, so little time.

Let's start at Safeway because we can't stay away from those $10 reward coupons. Here's how Shop Cheap is going to spend the $75 it takes to get $10 off next week's grocery bill.

BOGO berries and melon; Braeburn apples for 79-cents a pound and bell pepper for $1 each. Italian sausage for $3.49; Safeway pasta sauce for $2.49 and BOGO Golden Grain pasta.

For a treat, Klondike bars are $2.99; Breyer's ice cream is $2.99 and eggo waffles are $2.50 a box. Oroweat English muffins and Sara Lee bagels are BOGO.

Coupons worth clipping include Safeway syrup for $2.99; Challenge butter for $2.99; Quaker mini rice cakes for 99-cents; Chex Mix for $1.77; 30% off Kashi products; Jif peanut butter for $2.49; 18 eggs for $2.49 and Kleenex for 99-cents.

The $5 Friday only specials are: whole Signature Cafe roasted chicken; sliced turkey, Black Forest ham and Provolone in the deli; 128oz jug of Minute Maid OJ and Tiramisu cake in the bakery.

This week, there's a 5-day sale, too, Wednesday-Sunday. Lay's kettle chips are BOGO; fruit pies are $2.99 and Nabisco snack crackers are $1.99.

Over at Raley's - where you should have your $10 off coupon from last week - there's BOGO strawberries; personal size watermelon for $2.50; baby potatoes 2 bags/$5 and oranges for 69-cents a pound.

In the meat dept., there's a Mix&Match BOGO sale, including pork, beef, chicken and fish.

If you clip, Raley's hearty bread is $1.79 a loaf; a case of Crystal Geyser water is $2.99 and a family size box of Kellogg's Raisin bran or Mini-wheats is $2.99. Coke is buy 2-12 packs, get 2 free.

In the bakery, muffins are buy 2, get 1 free. And something called Mousse cake is $6.99. Skinny Cow bars are $3.99; Dreyer's fruit bars are $2.99 and Dreyer's ice cream is $3.50.

Save Mart continues to have the best prices on produce. This week, it's corn on the cob 3/99-cents; Romaine hearts, 97 cents a bag; artichokes for 69-cents each; grape tomatoes 2/$3 and BOGO Earthbound Farm organic salads. Fuji or Gala apples are 97-cents a pound.

The daily deals are back at Save Mart: Wednesday=eggs for 69-cents a dozen; Thursday=salmon fillets for $3.99lb; Friday=boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the max pack for $1.49lb; Saturday=Sunny Select soda 2/$1; Sunday=Frito-Lay variety pack for $1.79; Monday=bananas for 39-cents a pound and Tuesday=extra lean ground beef for $1.69lb.

Fresh Foster Farms whole chickens are 88-cents a pound.

Coupons worth clipping include: Barilla pasta for 88-cents; Farmer John ham steaks for $1.49; Sunny Select tomato sauce 5/$1 and Classico pasta sauce for $1.69.

Sunnyside Farms OJ is 2/$4; dog or burger buns are 2/$3; Bayside Farms English muffins are 98-cents and Powerade is 79-cents a bottle.

Got a couple of great produce buys at Sprouts this week. Asparagus is 99-cents a pound; corn, bell peppers or celery are 49-cents each and large tomatoes or avocados are 99-cents each. The first watermelon of the season is coming in and it's 19-cents a pound.

One last tip for the week. Target is giving away 1.5 million reuseable bags on Sunday, which is Earth Day. Better get there early and be sure to check the insert in Sunday's paper to confirm locations!

Time to put the bunny suit away. It's suppose to be Spring, but Shop Cheap  still isn't convinced.

That said, we are starting the weekly hunt for bargains at Save Mart. Top of the list: blackberries, buy 1, get 2 free; tomatoes on the vine, 99-cents a pound; Post cereal for $1.77 a box and Michelina's entrees for 68-cents each. In the meat dept., the pick 5 packs for $25 is back. Choose from beef, pork, poultry or seafood. Fresh cooked shrimp meat is $3.99lb.

In produce, we also like oranges for 69-cents a pound; baby lemons and limes 10/$1; apples for 99-cents a pound and medium artichokes for 69-cents each.

Hunt's items are $1 a can - including diced tomatoes, ketchup and Rosarita refries. Crystal Geyser water is $3.33 a case; Pepsi and Dew are $2.99 for a 6-pack of 24oz bottles. If you clip, check out the coupons for Bumble Bee tuna at 69-cents a can; Bertoli pasta sauce for $1.99; an 8-pack of Gatorade for $3.99 and Langers juice for $1.99.

Want everyday items and lower prices? There's Bohemian Hearth bread for $1.98 a loaf; Eggo waffles for $2 a box; La Italia salami for $4.99; Guerrero tortillas for $1.98 and 126oz jug of Minute Maid OJ for $5.49.

Shop Raley's  on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and earn a $10 off coupon on your next visit. The catch? You need to spend $75 or more and redeem the coupon by April 22. It's easy to spend $75,. Here's Shop Cheap's tips on getting started: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $1.88lb and London Broil for $2.99lb. Tomatoes on the vine; bell peppers and Fresh Express salads are all 99-cents.

Kellogg's Special K cereal is $1.99 a box when you buy 3 or more. California Pizza Kitchen pizza is $2 with coupon. Ben&Jerry's and Starbucks ice cream is $2.49 with coupon.

Daily items worth carting: bananas for 68-cents a pound; Bayview Farms milk is $2.74 a gallon when you buy 2 and Sunnyside Farms butter is $2.98. A case of Aquafina water is $3.99.

Oranges and apples are $1 a pound; berries are 2/$5.

Safeway is all about the BOGO this week. There's so many, you might as well just get 2 of everything. Here's what we like....remember the items listed are buy one, get one free.

Nature sweet cherub tomatoes; jumbo artichokes; Oroweat breads; Kraft cheese; Langer's cranberry cocktail; Vitaminwater; Golden Grain pasta; Mezetta and Ragu pasta sauce; Nathan's beef franks; and Oscar Mayer fresh lunchmeat.

The BOGO bonanza includes the meat dept. where chicken breasts, London broil, boneless pork chops and learn ground beef are all buy one, get one free.

In the grocery category, there's Arm&Hammer detergent, bath tissue; Colgate toothpaste and Dial hand soap.

The $5 Friday specials include a 5lb bag of apples; a 40oz jar of Skippy peanut butter; Gatorade; Macaroni Grill meals and baby back ribs in the deli.

The Friday-Monday offerings: chicken tenders for $5.99; seedless grapes for $1.49lb; Seattle's Best coffee for $5.99 and Bay scallops for $5.99lb.

A case of Aquafina or Dasani water is $3.99.

Produce items at either $1 each or $1 a pound include Iceberg lettuce; roma tomatoes; organic cucumbers; pears and potatoes.

That's enough to fill the cart this week.

Shop Cheap has decided to take it easy for Easter. If you want complicated, you won't find it here. We are going to scan the ads, tell you what's on sale and call it a day. Here goes:

If you shopped Safeway last week and spent $75 or more, you have a coupon for $10 off this week's groceries. Already, we're ahead of the game. If you're thinking ham, whole or half is 99-cents a pound. Packaged GreenLine green beans are BOGO; yams are 99-cents a pound and gourmet apple pie is $9.99 in the bakery. BOGO buys include Nabisco snack crackers and Lay's chips. Milanos and Cool Whip are BOGO, too.

In produce, strawberries are 2lbs for $3.99; blackberries are BOGO and hot house tomatoes are $1.99lb. Pineapple is $1.99 each.

Don't want to send anyone to the store on Easter, but if you go, double layer decorated cakes are $5.99 and Lucerne ice cream is $2.28.  Other bakery goodies include fresh fruit tart for $12.99 and bagels or donuts 2/$1.

For $5 on Friday, you can get a pound of deli turkey, Black Forest ham or provolone; a big pack of Lil Smokies; Signature Cafe 5-piece fish; and a 20-pack of Coke. The Wednesday-Sunday specials include: a 4-pack of muffins for $1.99; Gatorade for 88-cents; sour cream for $1.99; and Campbell's Cream of Chicken or Mushroom soup for 75-cents.

Coupons worth clipping: Eggo waffles for $1.99; Philly cream cheese for $1.99 and Simply Lemonade for $2.49.

Fage Greek yogurt is $5.99 for 32 ounces; Pillsbury holiday cookie dough or crescent rolls are 2/$4 and Safeway Kitchens sliced bread is $1.50 a loaf.

If you want to go upscale for your Easter ham, try Raley's spiral sliced for $1.99lb; their bone-in half ham is 99-cents a pound. Fresh asparagus is $1.99lb; dinner rolls are buy 2, get 1 free and fresh fruit tarts are $14.99.

Other stuff w like at Raley's: Del Monte pineapple for $1.99; BOGO berries and yams or Russet potatoes for 79-cents a pound.

If you just don't have time to prepare your Easter meal, Raley's has 2 options: Glazed maple ham with fresh sides and dessert for $59.99 or rack of lamb dinner for $89.99.

Martinelli's sparkling cider is $2 a bottle; Lay's chips are BOGO and get a free dozen eggs when you purchase 2 packs of Johnsonville sausage links or patties.

Gallo salami or pepperoni is $3.99; Lindsay olives are $1 a can and Oroweat Italian bread is $2.50 a loaf.

Kelloggs cereals are $1.99 a box when you buy 4 or more.

In the bakery, a dozen spring cupcakes or single layer cakes are $5.99.

Save Mart has smoked ham for 88-cents a pound; asparagus for $1.27lb and fresh coconut cakes decorated for Easter at $5.99. Cooked shrimp meat is $4.99lb. And what's Easter without colored eggs. Get 18, large from Sunnyside Farms for $1.79.

In produce, Roma tomatoes are 69-cents a pound; cucumbers are 79-cents each and red or white potatoes are 69-cents a pound.

Rainbow sandwich bread and Sara Lee bagels are BOGO; Pepperidge Farm and Nestle Toll House cookies are BOGO, too. Nabisco crackers are $1.99; Daisy sour cream is 2/$3; Danish creamery or Challenge butter is $2.50.

If you clip, Dole pineapple chunks are 99-cents a can; Quaker Oatmeal Squares cereal is $1.88 and Farmer John's lilnks are 99-cents.

marinelli's sparkling lemonade is $1.88 and Sunny Select olives are 98-cents a can.

At Save Mart's weekend only sale, strawberries are $2.97 for a 2lb container and Tropicana OJ is $2.88 a jug.

Now, hop to it and have a Happy Easter!