Shop Cheap

Got the list, got the pen, got the menu in mind. Then the ads arrive and POOF! We are seriously underwhelmed by the grocery ads this week. Maybe the Grinch stole the bargains. Maybe they are saving the good stuff until next week. Maybe we'll just shop for presents instead.

Shop Cheap usually doesn't have a problem getting excited over the sales but this just isn't working for a serious shopper like SC...and we're not talking Santa Claus.

Sure there's the spiral ham at Raley's for $1.67lb and BOGO berries, too. There's pineapple for $2 and lemons for 20-cents. But we keep asking...is that all there is? It's same old same old.

OK we did find Volpi rotola - mozarella and proscuitto for $4.99 and Sutter sirloin roast for $3.99lb and Martinelli's sparkling cider for $2. Even a case of duraflame logs is less than $20.

2-liter 7-UP is 99-cents and a case of Arrowhead is $3.99. Sunnyside Farms egg nog is $2.99. There's a free container of Cool Whip when you buy 2 or more Sara Lee pies for $3.99 each. Fritos or Cheetos are BOGO and General Mills Cereal is $1.50 a box when you buy 4 or more.

Raley's has all kinds of prepared holiday meals - but you must order ahead. There's the tamale dinner; maple glazed ham; rack of lamb and turkey. Prices range from $59.99 to $109.99. Order online and you get $5 off.

Save Mart has the spiral ham for $1.77lb and a coupon for $3 off a Butterball turkey. Cooked prawns are $4.99lb and Dungeness crabs are $4.99lb. Frozen turkeys are 69-cents a pound and master cut premium turkey breasts are $1.99lb.

Clip the coupons for Martinelli's sparkling cider - $1.88; StarKist albacore tuna - $1; Folgers coffee $1 off.

In produce, bell peppers and cucumbers are 4/$1. Fresh Express salad blends are BOGO and tomatoes on the vine are 97-cents a pound. Sweet pineapple is $2.97; bananas are 79-cents a pound; cherry tomatoes and blackberries are BOGO. Avocados are 79-cents each.

Oroweat sliced bread is BOGO; 7-UP is 79 cents for a 2-liter jug and Sunnyside Farms butter is $2.50.

The big news at Safeway is the Friday-Sunday reward coupon. Spend $75 or more and get $10 off your next visit.  They are also advertising "Holiday Daily Deals." Today, it's ham and pineapple; Thursday is's sugar, chocolate and coffee; Friday, chips and cookies. You get the idea.

Here's a few other items that are worth the list: Sara Lee frozen pies are BOGO; Cool Whip is 99-cents when you buy 3 and Safeway Select or Open Nature ice cream is $2.99.

Drinks are a pretty good deal with a case of refreshe water for $2.99; 7-UP for 79-cents and Tropicana OJ for $2.49. A Mix & Match sale is even better. You'll save 50 cents off each item when you buy any combination of 8: They include: Ocean Spray cranberry drinks; Martinelli's sparkling cider; San Pellegrino; refreshe Flavored Sparkling Water and 2-liter Pepsi products.

Clip-worthy coupons include: Tide or Gain for $5.99; Safeway frozen waffles for $1.99 and Bridgford rolls for $1.99.

In produce, GreenLine green beans are BOGO. Pears are 99-cents a pound and broccoli is 99-cents a pound.

$5 Friday has whole roasted chicken; Hillshire Farm Lit'l Smokies; 20oz pistachios and Holiday bistro cake in the bakery. The 3-day sale (Friday-Sunday) has Dungeness crab for $4.99lb; Post cereals for $1.88 and C&H brown or powdered sugar for $1.50.

If you like making your own pizza, pick up a couple Safeway Select dough balls. They make great crust.

And if for no other reason, head over to Sprouts for their chocolate chip cookies. Got to leave something for Santa!. While you're there, pick up a dozen large eggs for $1.50 and a whole pineapple for 99-cents.