Shop Cheap

Dear Shoppers,

Shop Cheap is on hiatus but that doesn't mean you are without her shopping tips. Remember what we taught you back in the day when Shop Cheap first started scanning the sales just for you.

The Top 5

1. Never pay more than $2 for a loaf of bread - even the high quality brands.

2. Never pay more than $3.99 for a case of drinking water. You are wasting money if you do.

3. BOGO is good. Buy one, get one (free) is a deal but make sure you do the math. Sometimes stores increase the price of one item so that getting 2 isn't worth it.

4. Always make a list and when you are making your list do it by department. For example, if you always start in produce and end up in the deli/bakery, that's the way to list your items.

5. Those $10 off your next trip coupons are a good value. Just make sure you get as close to the $75 minimum as possible.

And finally, don't forget to bring your own shopping bags. Aisle be seeing you.

Everyone seems to have a full plate these days - and we aren't talking food. To make things easier for all the shoppers out there, Shop Cheap is here to highlight the best buys at the three big supermarket chains in the region: Raley's, Safeway and Save Mart. We also like to give a shout out to Sprouts because of their great produce prices.

Here's what we like this week:

Raley's has a good deal on Honeycrisp apples from Washington State. Only $1.89lb, compared to $2.99lb at Safeway. Also, 2lbs of strawberries are $3.99; peaches are $1.49lb and a bag of their Tesoro tomatoes is $2.99. Cantaloupe is 97 cents each; broccoli is 99-cents a pound and a 5lb. bag of potatoes is only 99-cents.

Quaker cereal and chewy granola bars are only $1.69 a box and a dozen eggs is $1.68. A case of Crystal Geyser water is $3.49.

Whole Foster Farms chickens are 89-cents a pound; pork spareibs are BOGO. In the deli, chicken strips are $4.99 and grab & go sandwiches are buy 2, get 1 free. If you like hummus, the Sabra brand is BOGO. Raley's fresh salsa is $2.

If you clip, Lay's Kettle chips are $1.79; Hillshire Farm deli meats are $2.49; Jif is $2.49 and Sunnyside Farms OJ is $2.50.

Save Mart has a 10lb. bag of potatoes for 97 cents and fresh salmon fillets for $3.99lb Friday-Sunday. Get a free case of Sunny Select water when you buy 4 boxes of Kellogs Special K for $10. Other free stuff: a pack of Sunny Select fish sticks with coupon and $25 purchase; and TopCare hand sanitizer with coupon and $10 purchase.

Other stuff we like: yellow onions for 15-cents a pound; Bartlett pears for 29-cents a pound; red bell pepper 3/99-cents; seedless grapes for $1.67lb; radishes and green onions 2/$1 and BOGO raspberries. Limes and baby lemons are 6/96-cents; Haas avocados are $1 each and oranges are 99-cents a pound. Gala apples are $1.29lb.

Yoplait yogurt is 10/$5; Bayview Farms OJ is $1.99; Sunnyside Farms large eggs are $1.50 a dozen. The "our brands" challenge includes Nutri-Grain bars; Nabisco saltines and Colgate Plus toothbrush.

A single serving of Sunnyside Farms cottage cheese is 78-cents; Lindsay sliced olives are 99-cents; Sunny Select diced chilis are 78-cents and whole olives are 99-cents. Mustard is 99-cents; diced tomatoes are 65 cents and mushrooms are BOGO. Tomato sauce is 4/$1.

Bohemian Hearth bread is $1.99 a loaf and Nutella Spread is $2.99.

 Safeway has cornered the market on coupons this week and you can either clip or click to get the savings. For example: Best Foods mayo is $2.49; Post Cereal is $1.99; popchips are $1.88; Sargento string cheese is $2.99; Campbell's soups are $1.25; Wishbone dressing is $1.29; and Nathan's beef franks are $2.99. Lucerne large eggs are $1.69 a dozen; Pilsbury Grands! biscuits are 99-cents; Smucker's preserves are $2.49.

If you'd rather click than clip, fresh mushrooms are $1.49; deli counter meats and cheeses are $4.99lb; Golden Grain pasta is 67-cents; Safeway coffee is $6.99; Open Nature sandwich bread is $1.99 and Quaker chewy granola bars are $1.75.

In produce, grapes, broccoli and Roma tomatoes are all 99-cents a pound.

Refreshe water is $3.34 a case; Pepsi or 7-UP is 99-cents for a 2-liter jug.

The $5 Friday specials are plentiful this week. There's whole roasted chicken; a gallon of Odwalla OJ; the All-American sub sandwich; Star olive oil; Quilted Northern or Angel Soft bath tissue and Brawny towels. There's also 12-packs of 7-UP or A&W at 2/$5 and Tostitos chips and salsa also 2/$5.

Pillsbury cake and brownie mixes are $1. Powdered sugar is $2 and Gold Medal flour is $3.

And, lastly, Sprouts has seedless grapes for 77-cents a pound; avocados 2/$1; red bell pepper 3/$1 and Granny Smith or Gala apples 99-cents a pound. Radishes, cilantro and green onions are 3/$1 and whole seedless water melon is 3lbs/$1.

Aisle be seeing you!.  

This weekend, it's Mexican Independence Day and that's reason enough for Raley's www.raleys.com and Save Mart www.savemart.com to offer savings from South of the Border.

Without saying what they are celebrating, Save Mart has a 3-day sale on avocado - 3/99-cents; ground beef - $1.99lb; sour cream - 99 cents and jumbo prawns - $5.99lb. They also have Mission tortilla chips for $2.89; salas for $1.50 and green onions 2/$1. Their free coupons include Mission tortillas and tropical mango.

There's whole seedless watermelon for $3.97; BOGO raspberries, organic salads and Taylor Farms salad kits. Fuji apples are $1.27lb; Roma tomatoes are 99-cents a pound and corn on the cob is 3/99-cents. Seedless grapes are 97-cents a pound.

Boneless chicken breasts are $1.99; boneles pork chops are $1.99lb and NY steaks are $4.99lb. Fresh cooked shrimp meat is $4.99lb.

Kraft mac&cheese is 88-cents a box; Golden Grain pasta is $1.10 a box and Del Monte sauce is $1.08. Ground Italian sausage is 2/$5 and Rosina meatballs are $6.99 for a 32oz. package.

The hot and fresh meal deal at Save Mart is convenient on a busy night. For $9.99 you get 8-piece fried chicken; a side salad and bread.

Over at Raleys' where they really are promoting "Fiesta Time," all the ingredients are on sale. Fresh pork shoulder roast is $1.99lb; limes are 6.96-cents; Nob Hill pico de gallo is $2; jalapeno peppers are 49-cents a pound and cilantro is 50-cents a bunch. Their Tres Leches cake is $15.99 in the bakery. Jalapeno cheese focaccia bread is $3.99.

If you're clippin', Tostitos chips are $1.99; La Mexicana salsa is $1.49; Mother's cookies are $1.99 and Gatorade is 89-cents.

Fage yogurt cups are $1 each; Kellogg's cereal is $1.99 a box when you buy 4 and a case of R Everyday water is $3.48.

Raley's new Top-N-Bake pizzas are buy 2, get 1 free. Cross rib roast or steak is $2.99lb and 8-piece chicken is $5.99.

In produce, large tomatoes are 79-cents a pound; seedless grapes are $1.49lb.

Golden Grain pasta is 99-cents a box. Kozy Shak pudding is 2/$5. 2-liter jugs of Pepsi, 7-UP and Dr. Pepper are 99-cents.

Their 2-day weekend sale offers personal size watermelon for $1.49 each; Fresh Express garden salad for 79-cents and fresh ground beef patties for $1.99lb.

Safeway www.saveway.com is have an "our brands" sale with reduced prices on all things "Safeway" and "Pantry Essentials" - their other brand. Pudding cups are $1 each; pasta is 99-cents a box and condensed soups are 89-cents a can. Safeway spices are buy 2, get 1 free; mayo is $1.99 and preserves are $2.49. Safeway mac&cheese is 69-cents a box.

In produce, raspberries are buy 1 container, get 2 free; cantaloupe and grape tomatoes are BOGO. Corn on the cob is 6/$2 and Cara Mia marinated artichoke hearts are BOGO, too.

Arrowhead water is $3.50 a case; Coke 6-and-8 packs are $3 each. Lots of BOGO buys: Annie's organic products - mac&cheese; fruit snacks; cookies and crackers. Also, Nabisco cookies and saltines; Foster Farms ground turkey and Thomas' English muffins.

Bush's beans and Rosarita refries are both $1 a can. But if you buy 4 cans of Rosarita refries, you get a pack of tortillas for free..

The $5 Friday offerings are expansive (that's expansive, not expensive!) this week. And, if you load them on your card, you get the Friday prices all weekend long. For example: Lobster tails; NY strip steak in the value pack; deli ham and hot pepper jack; Boston cream cakes; Signature Cafe turkey pot roast; Simply OJ in an 89-oz jug; Stouffer's and Buitoni meals and 20-packs of Coke.

For the clippers, Nabisco crackers are $1.99; Prego sauce is $1.49; cream cheese is $1.29 and Kleenex is 99-cents.

If you want some of the best produce prices around, head to Sprouts Farmers Market. Most berries are 2/$3; cantaloupe is 99 cents each; oranges are 99-cents a pound. Cauliflower, cabbage and peppers are 2/$1; avocados are 77-cents each and leaf lettuce is 88-cents a head. .

It's September and by now most kids are back in school and we're heading into fall. Thankfully, we still have plenty of fresh fruit and veggies and weather nice enough to keep the BBQ going for at least another month.

Like they did last year, Raley's www.raleys.com is remembering 9/11 with an offer of free coffee to members of the military, police, firefighters and paramedics on Saturday and Sunday. It's a nice touch. And if you're a Raley's shopper, check out the prices on red or green bell pepper 2/$1; broccoli for 99-cents a pound and boneless, skinless chicken for $1.99lb. Seedless watermelon is $2.79 each and bananas are 68-cents a pound.

Oroweat is introducing "Dutch Country" 100% wheat bread and it's only $1.69 a loaf. Raley's is advertising a new cook-at-home pizza offer that includes different toppings. They are called "Top-N-Bake" pizzas where you buy a 16'' or 12'' pie and get a topping for free. The 16" pizza is $10 and the 12" is $8. They also have "Take & Bake" breadsticks for 99-cents when you purchase a pizza.

And if you get a pizza, you should also pick up some fresh basil for only 99-cents a bunch. That's the best topper of all!

Lots of items for $1 this week: Dennison's chili; Hunt's tomatoes and pasta sauce; Rosarita refries; and Rice or Pasta Roni. Sunnyside Farms has Greek-style yogurt for $1 a cup and a gallon of Crystal Geyser spring water is 98-cents.

Buy 10 or more General Mills products and each one is $1.50. Ten sounds like a lot but General Mills is more than just cereal. There's Progresso soups, Old El Paso taco shells and Betty Crocker cookie mix...in addition to Total cereal and Cheerios.

Coupons worth clipping include Sunnyside Farms ice cream for $2.99; Raley's sparkling water for 50-cents; Precious string cheese for $2.99 and Maruchan Ramen, 8/$1.

Moving on to Save Mart, www.savemart.com where they continue with their new ad format, produce is king. Heriloom tomatoes are $1.99lb; personal size watermelon is $1.47; nectarines are 97-cents a pound and raspberries are buy one, get 2 free. Seedless grapes are $1.67lb; red and green bell peppers are 2/$1; avocados are $1 each and white corn is 3/99-cents.

Beef back ribs in the Max Pak are 99-cents a pound. You can mix and match beef, chicken and pork, buy one - get one free. The "our brands challenge" includes Snyder's pretzels; Jolly Time popcorn; Vitamin water and Old Spice, Dove and Olay body wash. Buy the national brand, get the local brand for free.

Bohemian Hearth bread is $1.98 a loaf; Ronzoni pasta is $1 a box and a large tin of Yuban or Maxwell House coffee is $7.99. A case of Crystal Geyser water is $2.99; a gallon is 88-cents.

In the deli, fresh sliced roast beef is $7.99lb; Buffalo wings are $3.99lb on Mondays. In the bakery, fresh cornbread is 2/$5 on Fridays and fresh baked cookies are $2.99.

Safeway www.safeway.com has avocado for $1 each; Pistachios are BOGO; baby carrots are 99-cents a bag and hot-house tomatoes are $1.99lb.

Single serving Yoplait or Tilamook yogurt is 10/$5. Greek-style Fage or Dannon is $1 each. Buy 4 Betty Crocker or General Mills products and you'll save $4. Fruit snacks are 99-cents; cereal is $1.99.

There are lots of coupons that you can either clip or add to your Club Card. Highlights: C&H sugar for $2.49; Mission tortilla chips for $1.99; 8-packs of Pepsi bottles for $2.99 and Hefty bags or Reynolds Wrap foil for $2.49. A carton of eggs is $2.49.

The $5 Friday only specials include a pound of Primo Taglio ham, turkey or Provolone; Bertoli dinner for 2; Signature Cafe pizza or chicken wings; 20-packs of Coke and Tide Detergent.

That's it for this week. 

It's not going to take a lot of labor to come up with a shopping list this week. Just sit back and let Shop Cheap tell you what's on sale and how to get the best bargains. The rest - cooking and eating - is up to you.

Safeway has the BOGOs covered with Ball Park franks, buns, berries and chips. There's fruit pies for $3.99; sodas at buy 2, get 2 free and Tony Roma ribs for $5. Corn on the cob is 6/$1; nectarines are 99-cents a pound and celery is $1 a bunch. Seedless watermelon is $5.99.

If you're clippin' or downloadin', there are plenty of coupons. Dennison's chili is 99-cents; Safeway Select party-size meals (lasagne) are $7.99; Lucerne butter is $2.49; Best foods mayo is $2.49; Kettle chips are $1.88 and Safeway salsa is $1.99.

Other stuff we like: The $5 Friday specials - 8 piece chicken; deli turkey and hot pepper cheese; Tropicana OJ; strawberry or chocolate Boston cream cakes; bath tissue or paper towels and a 20-pack of Coke. The 4-day (Friday-Monday) sale items include Post Cereals for $1.88; large roasted chicken for $7.99 and BOGO Kraft cheeses.

And lastly, spend $75 or more and get a $10 coupon off your next grocery purchase.

Save Mart changed its look this week. Lot's of small icons and one giant hamburger. Each page has a theme and it's really easy to read. Let's see how long it's going to last. Here's what we like: Foster Farms whole fryers for 99-cents a pound; BOGO Ball Park franks and fresh ground turkey for $3.99.

Produce is always a plus at Save Mart. Whole seedless watermelon is $2.97; corn on the cob 6/96-cents; avocados are $1 each; radishes, cilantro and green onions are 50-cents each; bagged salads are BOGO and grape tomatoes are BOGO, too.

Lays chips are BOGO; Pepsi 12-packs are 4/$11; Martinelli's sparkling lemonade is $1.88 and 7-UP 12-packs are 3/$9. A case of Crystal Geyser water is $2.99 or 88-cents for a gallon.

General Mills cereal is $1.77 a box (Friday-Monday); Kellogg's fruit snacks are 99-cents; and the FREE coupons this week include rubbing alcohol and garden salad - go figure!.

Weekend savings at Raley's include corn on the cob for 19-cents each; seedless watermelon for $3.49 and 2lbs of strawberries for $3.99. Tomatoes on the vine are $1.49lb; grapes are $1.99lb and heirloom tomatoes are $2.99lb.

Tri tip roast and marinated pork loin are both $4.99lb; gourmet beef burgers are 2/$5 and premium patties are $2.99lb. If you need condiments, Vlasic pickles are 2/$5; Raley's yellow mustard is 99-cents and Ball Park buns are 2/$5. Tostitos chips are $1.89; Lays are BOGO.

Ball Park franks are 2/$4; apple pie in the bakery is $4.99 and Haagen Dazs is 2/$6. Kellogg's cereal is $1.99 a box when you buy 4 or more. Minute Maid punch or lemonade is $1 for a 59oz container. Nabisco snack crackers are $2 a box and a large can of Bush's Baked beans is $1.50.

Coupons worth clipping include Best Foods mayo for $2.99; Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce for $1.50 and Tillamook sliced cheese for $3.49.

If you're making guac for the long weekend, head over to a Sprouts store where avocado is 3/$1. On the vine tomatoes are 77-cents a pound and cilantro, radishes or green onions are 3/$1. Cantaloupes are 88-cents each; seedless watermelon is 3lbs/$1. Gala apples and Bartlett pears are both 99-cents a pound. Sprouts' Friday-Sunday sale includes a case of spring water for $2.50; corn on the cob 6/$1 and raw shrimp for $3.99lb.

That's it for this week. Enjoy the last long weekend of summer!

School is starting and so are the assignments for parents. New backpacks; snacks; juice. Want ot know where to go for great prices on these items? Try the Grocery Outlet. Shop Cheap has the goods to prove it: Rolling backpack - $9.99; Contigo sports mug - $9.99; Clif Zbar in a box of 12 - $5.49 and Tree Top 100% Apple Pear Juice - 3/$1. Need we say more?

Now, to feed those hungry humans. How about seedless grapes for 99-cents; BOGO sandwich bread $1.49 for General Mills cereal and granola bars (when you buy 4 boxes). That's all at Safeway. The $5 Friday specials are worth a visit for Signature Cafe Pizza or chicken wings; cookies, croissants or muffins; deli ham, turkey and cheese; Frito Lay variety pack and Tide detergent.

Other stuff we like at Safeway: tomatoes for 99-cents a pound; Fresh Express salads for $1; corn on the cob 6/$2 and green onions or radishes for 50-cents each.

For 99-cents or less, shoppers can get a head of Iceberg lettuce; a bakery baguette; paper towels; canned veggies and all kinds of necessities like toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant.

If toasted raisin bread is on your breakfast list, a loaf of Safeway Kitchens brand is $2. In the coupon category, Safeway OJ is $3.77 for a gallon; Lucerne eggs are $1.89 a dozen and Yoplait yogurt is $3.77 for an 8-pack.

And now through Aug. 28, if you spend $75 or more at the checkout, you earn 30-cents off per gallon at Safeway gas stations.

Moving on to Raley's we find all the ingredients to make mango salsa. Roma tomatoes for 79-cents a pound; mangoes 2/$1; jalapeno peppers for 49-cents a pound and limes 6/96-cents. To make things really easy, go to www.raleys.com for a mango salsa recipe. To go with it, there's a BOGO mix & match sale featuring beef, chicken and pork. There's boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh ground beef patties, baby back ribs and boneless pork chops...all buy one, get one free.

Personal size watermelons are $1.97 each and locally grown pears are $1.29lb.

Garlic-lovers take note of the Nob Hill artisan roasted garlic batard for $3.99. Gallo salame is $4.99; Ronzoni pasta is 99 cents a box and Barilla sauce is $2.50 a jar.

A gallon of Crystal Geyser spring water is 98 cents; a case of R Everyday water is $3.48.

General Mills cereals are $1.99 a box when you buy 4 or more and Home Pride bread is $1.99 a loaf.

Save Mart has a twist on the meat dept. sale. There, shoppers can purchase 5 packages of beef, pork, poultry or seafood for just $25. The pacakges are specially marked but include boneless NY steak; fresh ground beef; Foster Farms chicken and large prawns.

In produce, berries are BOGO; personal watermelon is $1.97 each; tomatoes on the vine are $1.29lb and Hatch chile peppers are 97-cents a pound.

Michelina's Zap'ems frozen entrees are 78-cents each; Eggo waffles are 2/$4 and Breyers ice cream is BOGO. No time to cook? Try the rotisserie chicken meal, which includes a side and bread for less than $10.

This week's brand challenge includes two kinds of tuna and mayo. Remember it's buy the national brand and get the Sunny Select item for free.

Goldfish are $1 a bag; a case of Nestle or Arrowhead water is $3.33 a case;  and a loaf of Bohemian Hearth bread is $1.98. The freebie coupons on the back of the ad this week include Bar-S bologna and Top Care cotton swabs.

If you have a Sprouts in your neighborhood, check out the produce. Seedless grapes are 69-cents a pound; avocados and mangoes are 69-cents each; bell peppers are 3/$1 and leaf lettuce is 88-cents a head. Beefsteak tomatoes are 88-cents a pound.

That's it for this week.

Let's cut to the chase here. If you want to save $10 off your next bag of groceries, shop Raley's this weekend. If you want some pretty decent $5 specials, shop Safeway on Friday. And if you want free stuff, head to Save Mart for free eggs, lettuce and toothpaste (with purchase, of course).

Here's what we like: In the Raley's offer, which is available on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, you can earn a $10 rewards coupon when you spend $75 or more on groceries. Produce is a good buy this week with blueberries for $3.99; heirloom tomatoes for $2.99lb; bell pepers $1 each green chilis from Mexico for 89-cents a pound. White peaches or nectarines are $1.99lb. and red or Yukon gold potatoes are 69-cents a pound.

Pork spareribs are BOGO and chicken thighs, drumsticks or leg quarters are 99-cents a pound. If you're planning a picnic, Claire's Classic potato salad is $1.49lb and chicken strips are $4.99 in the deli. S&W beans are 69-cents a can. Fresh shrimpmeat is $5.99lb and BBQ oysters are 12/$9.

Raley's Take & Bake pizza is BOGO; a case of Aquafina is $3.99 and Oroweat buns are $1.99 a package.

In the bakery, sliced cheesecake is BOGO; fresh baguettes are $1.88 and family pack cookies are $3.99. Kellogg's Special K products and Mother's cookies are $1.99 each when you buy 4. And if you're clippin' Sunnyside ice cream is $2.99; Near East Rice Rilaf or Couscous is $1.49; Frito-Lay variety pack chips are $3.99 and Kleenex or Scott bath tissue is $5.99.

Over at Safeway, the Friday $5 specials include the All-American sub; chicken tenders; Artisan cake slices; a 6-pack of smartwater and 3lbs of Jennie-O lean ground turkey.

In produce, nectarines are 99-cents a pound; a 22oz carton of blueberries is $4.99 and oranges are 99-cents a pound. Cantaloupe is $1.99; white corn is 6/$2 and everything from bagged spinach to baby carrots are BOGO.

Safeway is advertising fresh Yellowfin tuna steaks for $6.99lb; Italian sausage for $3.49 and the chicken drumstick, thigh or leg quarters for 99-cents a pound.

Golden Grain pasta is $1 a box; Rosarita refries are $1 a can and Pillsbury Grand! biscuits are $1.50. If you're still clippin' like Shop Cheap, check out the coupons for Skippy, $2.49; Folgers coffee for $7.99; Safeway OJ for $4.49; Drumsticks for $2.49 and Lucerne sliced cheese for $1.99.

To get the free stuff at Save Mart, you do have to buy stuff. To get a free dozen eggs, you must purchase 5 items from ConAgra, which includes Hunt's; Rosarita; Banquet and Egg Beaters! To get the free head of lettuce, clip the coupon on the back of the ad and spend at least $15. Want free toothpaste, clip the coupon above the lettuce and spend $25.

Save Mart has boneless chicken breasts or thighs for $1.99lb and is also advertising a boneless steak sale. Fresh cooked shrimpmeat for salads is $4.99lb and Harris Ranch fresh ground sirloin is $3.99lb.

In produce, 2lbs of blueberries is $4.97; corn on the cob is 3/99-cents; red bell pepper is 3/99-cents and organic heirloom tomatoes are $2.97lb. If you like capese salad, fresh mozarella is $3.99; fresh basil is 99-cents and vine ripened tomatoes are 47-cents a pound.

Other stuff we like, Quaker Life cereal for $1.88 a box; Golden Grain pasta for $1 a box; Arrowhead or Nestle water for $3.33 a case; Rainbo buns for $1.99 and Minute Maid OJ for $2.50.

Sunflower Farmers Market on Harding Blvd. in Roseville is continuing its closing sale with 40% off all inventory. The store will close on Aug. 25 because of its merger with Sprouts Farmers Market, which has a location nearby on Five Star Blvd. and Stanford Ranch Road.

That's it for this week...

It's going to be really hot (again) this week. Good time to have breakfast for dinner, don't you think? Here's how:

Safeway has what they are calling "Rise & Shine Savings." General Mills cereals are $1.49 a box (must buy 4 or more) and Quaker cereals are $1.88 a box. Tropicana OJ is $2.88; Open Nature breads are 2/$5; Lucerne large eggs (18 count) are $2.59 with coupon and Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are $1.69 with coupon. Blueberry muffins and butter croissants are $5 in the bakery and canteloupe is 2/$3. And don't forget your $10 off coupon from last week!

Other stuff we like: The coupons! Klondike bars for $2.49; $5 off when you spend $15 on any frozen food items; 6-pack of Gatorade for $2.50; salsa for $1.49 and Nature Valley granola bars for $1.79.

And although we are in the early days of August, it's getting to be "back to school" time for lots of parents and kids. For that reason, sandwich bread is on sale for $1.99; Capri Sun drinks are $1.99 and Hunt's snack pack pudding cups are buy 2, get 2 free.

The $5 Friday only specials include Signature Cafe whole roasted chicken; deli ham, turkey or Swiss cheese; Strawberry Boston cream cake; 32oz. Chobani Greek yogurt and The Snack Artist Buffalo Chicken Wing Buckets.

Ragu or Rinaldi pasta sauces; Best Foods mayo; Bulls-Eye BBQ sauce; Ballpark franks and Safeway Ketchup are all BOGO. Refreshe water is $3.33 a case.

In produce, seedless grapes are 79-cents a pound; broccoli is 99-cents a pound; Roma tomatoes are 99-cents a pound and baby carrots are $1.50 a bag.

And if you are craving Red Vines, a large container is only $6.99.

Raley's is going to really help you eat your fruit and veggies this week. On Saturday and Sunday only, strawberries are $1.29lb; vine-ripe tomatoes are 79-cents a pound and Fresh Express garden salad is 79-cents a bag.

Cherries are $2.99lb; seedless grapes are $1.49lb and whole seedless watermelon is $3.49 each. Amaize white corn is 2/88-cents.

In the BOGO category, there's Nob Hill Trading Co. cheeses in the deli; Raley's Take & Bake pizza and Tostitos.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are $1.99lb; fresh ground beef patties are $2.99lb and large cooked shrimp are $6.98lb.

If you are a lover of Peet's coffee, a 12oz. bag of whole bean or ground is $6.99.

A case of Crystal Geyser Spring water is $3.49.

Save Mart continues with the reasonable prices for produce. White corn on the cob is 5/$1; seedless grapes are 97-cents a pound and Iceberg lettuce is 47-cents a head. Campari tomatoes are 97-cents for a container and red bell pepers are 4/$1. Bartlett pears and red or black plums are 79-cents a pound; cantaloupe is $2. Heirloom tomatoes are $2.99lb and broccoli is 97-cents a pound.

The FREE coupons on the back of the ad - both have minimum purchase of $25 - are Jif To Go cups and Johnsonville brats or Italian sausage.

The brand challenge this week - buy the national brand, get the store brand free - include Sue Bee honey; Quaker Quakes and Pantene shampoo. It't probably the wrong week to advertise Progresso recipe sou starters, but it will get cool agan and they are BOGO this week.

The best daily shopping deals are Bayview Farms sandwich bread - 59 cents on Thursday; Sunny Select drinking water - $1.68 a case on Sunday; and bananas - 39 cents a pound on Monday.

And if you want to try something cute, check out the cupcakes that look like little pies - 6 for $4.99.

Colleague Mark Glover reported on Tuesday that Sprouts Farmers Market announced it was closing the Sunflower Farmers Market - at Douglas and Harding in Roseville Square - not later than Aug. 25. When Sprouts purchased Sunflower earlier this year, they ended up with 2 stores in Roseville.

Beginning Wednesday, shoppers at Sunflower will receive 30% off their groceries. The discount will be given at checkout.

If you are a Sprouts shopper, there is a 72-hour sale this weekend that features corn on the cob, 10/$2; baby back ribs for $2.99lb; Arrowhead Spring water for $2.99 a case; sliced roast beef for $4.99 and raw almonds for $2.99lb.

Produce worth noting: blueberries 2 pints for $3; seedless watermelon, 3lbs/$1; avocado and cantaloupe 77-cents each; red and green bell pepper 3/$1; peaches and nectarines for 99-cents a pound and the radish, cilantro or green onion trio 3/$1.

That's it for this week, shoppers. Remember when the temperature hits 100, the coolest place in town is the frozen foods aisle!

If grocery shopping was an Olympic sport, Shop Cheap would be swimming laps around Michael Phelps. But it's not so here we sit going for gold medal savings instead.

Here's what's good this week. Spend $75 at Safeway and get a $10 reward coupon to use on your next visit. How you going to spend $75? A few suggestions: Kellogg's Frosted Flakes and Raisin Bran are $1.88 a box; nectarines and pears are 99-cents a pound; corn is 8/$2; seedless watermelon and cantaloupe are both $2.50 -  each.

There are plenty of coupons to clip - yes, I'm still clippin' and not using the app but they are wearing me down. Minute Maid pure squeezed OJ is $2.88; Kraft shredded cheese is $3.99; Palmolive dish soap is $1.99 and cleaning supplies are BOGO again this week.

Aquafina or Dasani water is $3.99 a case; Safeway apple juice is 3/$5; Arizona Tea is $1 a bottle. Filippo Berio olive oil is BOGO.

The $5 Friday specials include Signature Cafe roasted turkey breast; Primo Taglio ham, turkey and swiss cheese; jumbo cookies and Nabisco variety pack. The 4-day sale (Friday-Monday) includes General Mills cereals for $1.99; BOGO Hillshire Farm lunchmeat and Precious string cheese.

And after not finding the advertised Artisan bar cakes in the bakery on $5 Friday, it seems Safeway now has them on special for $6.99.

Save Mart has great prices on produce and this week is no different. Bartlett pears for 39-cents a pound; red bell pepper 5/$1; Bing cherries for $1.97lb; cantaloupe for 97 cents (each) and radishes, cilantro or green onions 4/$1. Green peppers or cucumbers are 2/$1; heirloom tomatoes are $2.99lb and bananas are 39-cents a pound on Mondays.

The other great week-day deals are Bayview Farms breat for 59-cents on Thursday; and Sunny Select drinking water for $1.68 a case on Sunday. (Minimum purchase is $5).

Whole Foster Farms chickens are 88-cents a pound and fresh cooked shrimp meat is $3.99lb. Max packs of Foster Farms chicken breasts are BOGO.

In the bakery, strawberry Boston cakes are $5 (Friday only).

Post Honey Bunches of Oats or Raisin Bran cereal is $1.98 a box; Planters peanut butter is $1.99; Yoplait yogurt is 10/$5 and 18 eggs are $2. Classico pasta sauce is $1.88 a jar; and Michelina's frozen entrees are $1 each.

Coupons on the back page: spend $25 and get either Old Spice or Ivory body wash for free; spend $15 and get a free pound of Grimway Farms baby carrots.

Raley's has a good produce section this week. Amaize white corn is 3/99-cents; heirloom tomatoes are $2.99lb; blueberries are $3.99 for an 18oz. container and cantaloupe is 99-cents each.

If you love fresh basil in the kitchen, a 6-inch plant is $3.99. Nob Hill artisan ciabatta is $2.99 a loaf in the bakery.

A case of Arrowhead water is $3.99; Gatorade or Propel water is 79-cents each and Crystal Geyser sparkling mineral water is 89-cents a bottle.

It's a bit warm to be talking soup, but Raley's has a new container of premium, slow roasted soups for only $1.98. Flavors are Tomato Basil; Tortilla and Black Bean.

Back page coupons include Tillamook cheese for $2.49; Ore-Ida potatoes for $2.69 and Rainbo or Sara Lee sandwich bread for $1.99.

That's it for this week.

It's kind of a ho-hum shopping week. Looks like the BOGO is the highlight.

Shop Cheap gets asked a lot about the BOGO. What's it mean, readers ask. The BOGO is the buy one, get one (free). But's it's also buyer beware. Just because you are getting one free, doesn't mean it's the best deal. Always check the price before you BOGO. For example, pasta sauce is BOGO at Safeway this week. Two jars for $2.99 is a good deal. Sometimes it's not. Like Raley's dessert for two costs $6.99 and it's BOGO. That's $3.50 for a piece of cake.

Enough with the lessons, let's start shopping.

First stop, Safeway where they are trying again to wean us off the newspaper coupons and get us to use the app to download coupons. Tried it; don't like it. I'm stickin' with clippin' and there's a lot to clip this week. Examples: Kleenex for 79 cents; General Mills cereal for $1.99; Barilla pasta for 88-cents; Kraft sliced cheese for $2.49; Keebler crackers for $1.99; 18 eggs for $1.99; Eggo waffles for $1.99 and Safeway OJ for $3.99. Also, Kingsford charcoal for $6.99.

As for the BOGOs, there's Classico or Barilla pasta sauce; Safeway Kitchens bread or buns; Oscar Mayer bacon on dogs; Ritz crackers or Newtons; Oroweat breads, thins or English muffins; Dole canned fruit; Lucerne whipped cream and Green Giant steamers. Cleaning products are also BOGO.

The $5 Friday specials are: 8-piece chicken; Black Forest ham, turkey and cheddar cheese; 40 oz jar of Skippy; Raspberry/Almond bistro cake and Northern bath tissue and Brawny towels.

Other stuff; London broil is $2.99lb; Arrowhead water is $3.50 a case; Gatorade is 69-cents; Lucerne yogurt is 10/$4.50. In produce, seedless grapes are 99-cents a pound; tomatoes are 99-cents a pound; bagged salads are 99-cents and cantaloupe is 2/$3.

Heading over to Save Mart, there's BOGO berries; watermelon for $3.97 and tomatoes for 97-cents a pound. Bell Peppers are 3/99-cents; avocados are 2/$1; white corn is 4/$1 and bananas are 39-cents a pound on Monday only.

Buy a pack of Gurrero tortillas and get a free bag of shredded cheese. Sunny Select brands are a good deal at Save Mart. Sandwich bread is $1.69; buns are $1.29; eggs are $2. Buy a jar of Jif and get Sunny Select peanut butter for free; buy a jar of Smucker's and get Sunny Select jam for free.

Eggo waffles are on sale at Save Mart, too. $1.99 per box. Arrowhead or Nestle water is $3.33. Buy 6 boxes of Kellogg's products and it works out to $1.88 a box.

Raley's has a few good coupons: Jif peanut butter is $1.99; 2-liter Coke is 89-cents; Hillshire Farm sausage is $2.49 and Smart Ones frozen dinners are $1.89. Nature Sweet tomatoes are BOGO. Buy 4 boxes of Kellogg's cereal (4/$10) and get free milk. Oroweat bread is $1.99 a loaf; Chobani Greek yogurt cups are $1 each and Keebler cookies are $2 a pack.

A case of R Everyday water is $3.48; Raley's large eggs are $1.68 a dozen. 8-piece roasted chicken is $4.99; lean ground beef patties are $2.99lb. Split chicken breasts are 99-cents a pound.

In produce, Bartlett pears are 49-cents a pound; cherries are $2.49lb and "Amaize" corn is 3/99-cents. Mann's veggie medley or stir fry is $1 a bag.

If you shop Sprouts, they have corn on the cob 10/$2; cherries for $1.49lb; cantaloupe 2/$1 and bell pepper 3/$1.

Until next week....