Shop Cheap

Think if we do the shopping, they'll do the cooking? Or maybe the cleaning? Or maybe they just won't leave their stuff all over the house! I'll be happy with 1-out-of-3.

That said, let's shop like someone else is cooking for us this week.

With Moms in mind, we're stopping first at Safeway. Our "For Her" list includes: A bouquet of roses for $9.99; fresh strawberries for $2.97; Angel food cake for $1.99; boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $2.29lb; a 35-pack of Crystal Geyser water for $3.99; and a 12oz package of Seattle's Best coffee for $6.99.

For the rest of the family: Kellogg's Frosted Flakes or Fruity Pebbles for $1.88; Doritos or Lays chips, buy 2, get 2 free; 2-liter Pepsi or 7-UP for 88-cents and - DUH - Mother's cookies for $2.49.

In produce, jumbo 'chokes are 2/$5; fresh pineapple is $2.99; and large tomatoes are $1.99lb. Ruby Red grapefruit is 3/$1; white corn on the cob is 3/$1, too.

If you're ordering a deli tray for Mother's Day or your favorite graduate, check out the coupon for $5 off. If you want to make things really simple - and cheap - buy the $5 Friday only specials and save them until Sunday. There's nothing like cold fried chicken and strawberry cheese cake!

And if you're still considering a Cinco Celebration, Safeway has pork shoulder for $1.49lb; La Tortilla Factory tortillas for $1.49; Rosarita refries for 88-cents a can; Daisy sour cream and Lucerne shredded cheese for $1.88 and mangos for 3/$1. The Cinco specials are Wednesday and Thursday only.

Raley's is taking care of Mom, too. Here, you can pick up dinner and a gift at the same store . A dozen roses are $9.98; a simple bouquet is $9.99 and a box (4 total) of chocolate dipped strawberries is $10. Raley's is also advertising "Hand Dipped Chocolate Caramel Apples." (Note to Dads and kids...don't get Mom the apples. She will much prefer the strawberries!)

Raley's is also advertising a "Treat Mom to a Movie" deal. It says you can "get a free Movie Voucher when you buy 4 boxes of Kellogg's cereal, pop tarts or bars." Can't tell from the ad if it's one voucher or two. You could just send mom to the movies alone or buy 8 boxes of cereal and get dinner and a movie!

Other stuff we like at Raley's: tri tip for $2.97lb; rotisserie chicken - $4.98 each when you buy 2 or more; and baby back ribs for $3.47lb.

Yoplait yogurt is 50-cents a cup; cantaloupe is 2/$4; berries are 2/$5 and asparagus is $1.97lb. In the bakery, strawberry shortcake - regular or chocolate - is $10.99. And, finally, if you just want to relax, order the Mom's meals at Raley's. Brunch - ham and omelets - for $49.99 or Dinner - chicken ravioli - for $59.99. Place your order online and save $5.

Save Mart is the place to go for Driscoll's strawberries - buy 1 pound, get 2 pounds free. And head on over on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and get a personal size seedless watermelon for $1.66; and an 8-piece fried chicken meal for $5.99 Minute Maid OJ is $2.99 for an 89oz. jug.

Get free Santitas chips when you buy a 24-pack of Pepsi. Tostitos chips are BOGO and Sun Chips are $2.50 a bag.

In produce, sweet yellow Sunburst tomatoes are BOGO; leaf lettuce is 79-cents a head; Earthbound Farm organic salad is BOGO and bell peppers or cucumbers are 69-cents each. Blackberries are BOGO and fresh pineapple is $2.97. A 5lb-bag of Fuji apples is $2.99.

Martinelli's sparkling cider is $2 a bottle; Sunnyside Farms large eggs are $2.50 for 18; and a large box of Eggo waffles is $3.99.

Back page coupons worth clippin' include: Ore-Ida potatoes for $2.50; a family pack of El Monterey burritos for $2.49; Kern's nectar for $1.99 and a free pack of Tree Top apple sauce when you buy 2 jugs of Tree Top apple juice.

Be sure to come back on Thursday. Shop Cheap will help you create the perfect Mother's Day brunch.