Confessions of a Frugal Shopper

[Mr.HappySilp]

For those who have to buy groceries what's the best way to save? Other than buying no name brand, getting what's on sale, buy large packs. Any tricks?

[Presto]

Buy bulk (Costco), if possible. It can be impractical if you're not buying for a family, though. Plan your week's meal in advance based on things that are on sale.

For me and wife, the regular plan is a combination of Save-On-Foods and the farm market (ie Kin's). We'll hit Costco for buying meat in bulk. We prep the meat before we freeze it. Buy (and stock up) the stuff on sale at Save-On's, and get the veggies we need for the week from Kin's. Getting the produce at farm market will save you, at least, 50% vs buying from the grocery store.

[m3thods]

Originally Posted by Presto

Buy bulk (Costco), if possible. It can be impractical if you're not buying for a family, though. Plan your week's meal in advance based on things that are on sale.

For me and wife, the regular plan is a combination of Save-On-Foods and the farm market (ie Kin's). We'll hit Costco for buying meat in bulk. We prep the meat before we freeze it. Buy (and stock up) the stuff on sale at Save-On's, and get the veggies we need for the week from Kin's. Getting the produce at farm market will save you, at least, 50% vs buying from the grocery store.

Basically this. I'm a firm believer of buying your produce when you need it. I find that if you buy produce in advance there's a higher chance of wasting it either by forgetting about it, or not going through with an earlier plan (i.e. you need to take out, you decide to make something else, etc etc).

I was gifted a vacuum sealer. At the time I never would have purchased one myself. But now that I have it I use it a lot after Costco runs to portion protein. Sometimes I'll pre-season some protein so my wife can throw it into the sous vide/defrost and put in the oven. Most of the time though it's sealed as is and I just defrost it and prep it on the day.

That said, I live in a condo with a million places to buy food/produce from. If you have to do groceries once a week, obviously the comment about buying produce when you need it is tougher to abide by.

[Presto]

Sous-vide has changed our lives. Meat goes from freezer direct to the bath. It's a stupid-easy procedure since we add marinade to the meat before we freeze it. My wife tosses whatever protein into the bath, and all I have to do is give it a quick sear when I get home from the office.

EDIT: Another tip is to know the highs and lows for things you will buy. I don't care that something is on sale if the discount isn't significant. I have "Buy-it-Now" thresholds where something will hit a low enough price that I will stock up, if I need it, because the price isn't going to get any lower.

[MG1]

Originally Posted by Mr.HappySilp

For those who have to buy groceries what's the best way to save? Other than buying no name brand, getting what's on sale, buy large packs. Any tricks?

I cannot believe an Asian is actually asking this question. It should come naturally.........





Coupons, No Frills, Superstore and a really good rewards card(s). Oh, then there's little places like Banana Grove, Kim's Mart, Chong Lee, etc. Scan flyers for weekly deals and price match when shit sells out because of screamin' good deals. That's just the "tip" of the iceberg, but I cannot spend the time to post everything, because it's all so complicated and intertwined. I mean, I have a calendar of when shit will go on sale from previous months, years, etc............. anyway.

[Mr.HappySilp]

Originally Posted by Presto

Buy bulk (Costco), if possible. It can be impractical if you're not buying for a family, though. Plan your week's meal in advance based on things that are on sale.

For me and wife, the regular plan is a combination of Save-On-Foods and the farm market (ie Kin's). We'll hit Costco for buying meat in bulk. We prep the meat before we freeze it. Buy (and stock up) the stuff on sale at Save-On's, and get the veggies we need for the week from Kin's. Getting the produce at farm market will save you, at least, 50% vs buying from the grocery store.

I agree on getting bulk from Costco but might be tough for an apartment. I bought those giant toilet paper and tissue packs. My god it took like 1/3 of my closet space...... I am thinking of getting veggies from Farm market when I can(there is one that's 5mins away from work so I can just go there after work). Meat I am not sure yet..... I always though Superstore was the cheapest.

Originally Posted by m3thods

Basically this. I'm a firm believer of buying your produce when you need it. I find that if you buy produce in advance there's a higher chance of wasting it either by forgetting about it, or not going through with an earlier plan (i.e. you need to take out, you decide to make something else, etc etc).

I was gifted a vacuum sealer. At the time I never would have purchased one myself. But now that I have it I use it a lot after Costco runs to portion protein. Sometimes I'll pre-season some protein so my wife can throw it into the sous vide/defrost and put in the oven. Most of the time though it's sealed as is and I just defrost it and prep it on the day.

That said, I live in a condo with a million places to buy food/produce from. If you have to do groceries once a week, obviously the comment about buying produce when you need it is tougher to abide by.

Not sure I should get a vacuum sealer. Due the apartments limited space and I think my mom always use Ziploc bags for meats. Just prep the meat put it in the Ziploc bag and just freeze it. She also re-use the bags(not sure if you should but I guess is cheaper this way). I am thinking of maybe Ziploc bag is good enough for me for now.

I won't be doing groceries once a week. Most like 2 to 3 times? Maybe more if I need to buy bigger items. Since I skytrain to and from work I think I will most likely pick up the stuff on my way home. Saves time.

Originally Posted by Presto

Sous-vide has changed our lives. Meat goes from freezer direct to the bath. It's a stupid-easy procedure since we add marinade to the meat before we freeze it. My wife tosses whatever protein into the bath, and all I have to do is give it a quick sear when I get home from the office.

EDIT: Another tip is to know the highs and lows for things you will buy. I don't care that something is on sale if the discount isn't significant. I have "Buy-it-Now" thresholds where something will hit a low enough price that I will stock up, if I need it, because the price isn't going to get any lower.

Just look at a few videos on Sous-vide cooking. So it seems like you prepare the meat (steak, chikcen wings, pork etc etc) and then add the Sous-vide to a tab or a pot of water to cook it? Since the Sous-vide have a set temperature it will cook it I guess...... Do you have to use a vacuum sealer with it or no?

Originally Posted by MG1

I cannot believe an Asian is actually asking this question. It should come naturally.........





Coupons, No Frills, Superstore and a really good rewards card(s). Oh, then there's little places like Banana Grove, Kim's Mart, Chong Lee, etc. Scan flyers for weekly deals and price match when shit sells out because of screamin' good deals. That's just the "tip" of the iceberg, but I cannot spend the time to post everything, because it's all so complicated and intertwined. I mean, I have a calendar of when shit will go on sale from previous months, years, etc............. anyway.

I guess when I purchase things before(mostly fruits and snacks) I just look at the on sale sign vs the regular price sign. If the sale is good I will just get it. My mom always shop at Superstore or Crystal mall since is close and price are OK. For bulk stuff is always Costco.

[MG1]

Go shopping with your mom.......... mothers know best. Unless you don't get along with mom. Oh, never go shopping with dad. Asian dads don't do that kind of shit. Unless your dad happens to be MG1, gulolol.

[Inaii]

If anyone likes Krispy Kreme doughnuts:

Buy 1 dozen, get the 2nd for $0.80 It's for their 80th birthday

http://www.krispykreme.ca/get-ready-to-celebrate/

[MG1]

O-Kay........... I'm gonna drive from ultra safe North Burnaby to ultra scary Surrey to get two dozen doughnuts?

Hells yeah............. it's not Richmond. Now that, my friends, is only for the brave, Gulolol.

Only if driving a Pershing tank, would I go into Richmond for a dozen Krispy Kreme.

[m3thods]

Originally Posted by Mr.HappySilp

Just look at a few videos on Sous-vide cooking. So it seems like you prepare the meat (steak, chikcen wings, pork etc etc) and then add the Sous-vide to a tab or a pot of water to cook it? Since the Sous-vide have a set temperature it will cook it I guess...... Do you have to use a vacuum sealer with it or no?

You don't need a vacuum sealer as a ziploc will do (using water displacement technique). I find a vacuum sealer does do better at keeping proteins in the freezer, but that's personal preference.

The thing to remember about sous vide is that you're keeping a food item at a specific temperature for a specific amount of time. Depending on the combination, you can kill bacteria (essentially via pasteurization) while your meat looks raw. I wouldn't suggest going for the raw look, but for things that are tough to cook like Costco chicken breasts or a nice tenderloin you can ensure that it's cooked while keeping your desired "doneness" in the middle.

Sous Vide Safety: Salmonella and Bacteria - Amazing Food Made Easy


Of course, this is assuming you have the hour++ to prep your proteins (longer from the freezer). If you're looking for a quick ribeye sear in 6 minutes then sous vide is not for you. It's biggest asset is that it takes the guesswork out of ensuring your food is cooked correctly. I used to be a snob and avoid using my Anova for steak, but I've come around and think that sous-vide+quick sear on the grill has a better texture to me. Plus you can convince your friends that are scared of bacteria in raw meat with some science. Also, I use it to poach eggs and I will never ever go back to doing them one by one in a pot.

[Spoon]

Free medium fries with purchases over $0.50 at McDonalds.

Check/download your McDonalds App

[Hehe]

Originally Posted by Inaii

If anyone likes Krispy Kreme doughnuts:

Buy 1 dozen, get the 2nd for $0.80 It's for their 80th birthday

Friday July 14th help us celebrate the 80th birthday of the Original Glazed! - Krispy Kreme Canada

Fuck fuck fuck... I'm on a carb-free diet but this is so tempting!!!

[ImportPsycho]

Saw this line while picking up my lunch at Richmond centre

http://i.imgur.com/qFflkIC.jpg

People lined up for free ice tea or something at starbucks...

[Mr.HappySilp]

^^ yea no thanks. I rather pay regular price than to line up.... my time are worth more than a few dollars.

[MG1]

I was just at the location on Cordova and Dundas/Powell Street. No line up.

All your base are belong to us.

[Rallydrv]

$5 off $25 fuel purchase ( statement credit) from Amex. If you sign up for speed pass app.
Tried it today.. It's awesome , added discount card, aeroplan, and cc to the app. No need to carry cards. Check ur mailboxes if you have Amex

+ @ 3x30lt purchase in 90 days. Get another discount card free

[FerrariEnzo]

lol all asians.. surprise surprise

[MG1]

Asian checking in............. half off large slurp tomorrow at 7-Eleven. Must have app, of course.

The 7-Eleven app is like a must have tool in your, frugal asian, arsenal, Gulolol.

[valent|n0]

where to get at least 3 meter long fabric for cheap? Any info are appreciated
thank you. I need fabric to cover an area of 3m x 2.5m for some art project

Thank you

[lilaznviper]

Originally Posted by MG1

Asian checking in............. half off large slurp tomorrow at 7-Eleven. Must have app, of course.

The 7-Eleven app is like a must have tool in your, frugal asian, arsenal, Gulolol.

nice and hot tomorrow so a slurpie is a must

[MG1]

Originally Posted by valent|n0

where to get at least 3 meter long fabric for cheap? Any info are appreciated
thank you. I need fabric to cover an area of 3m x 2.5m for some art project

Thank you

Fabricland

Choose your Region

or any fabric store along Fraser Street around the 49th Ave area.

Sunset: Diverse clientele keeps fabric shop on its toes

[dboy]

Originally Posted by MG1

Asian checking in............. half off large slurp tomorrow at 7-Eleven. Must have app, of course.

The 7-Eleven app is like a must have tool in your, frugal asian, arsenal, Gulolol.

I don't see this in my app. I see a large for the price of a medium slurpee but no 50% off.

[MG1]

Not in app for me but I got e-mail.

Edit: It is in my app, but on scan page. I slid to next screen to the right of BC Lion ticket promo and there it was.

Oh, free chocolate bar this Friday. I should check the app more carefully, lol.

[MG1]

Fucking hell......... reading comprehension fail.

It starts on the 7th of August and goes till the 29th. One alert per week between those dates. In other words, you can only redeem once a week. The app keeps track.

As for the free chocolate bar, go early tomorrow, as in before noon. I wAnder if the 7-Eleven gas station on Lougheed at Bainbridge has the chocolate bars.

[impulseX]

Originally Posted by MG1

Fucking hell......... reading comprehension fail.

It starts on the 7th of August and goes till the 29th. One alert per week between those dates. In other words, you can only redeem once a week. The app keeps track.

As for the free chocolate bar, go early tomorrow, as in before noon. I wAnder if the 7-Eleven gas station on Lougheed at Bainbridge has the chocolate bars.

i'm assuming only the royal oak/kingsway location, but its $1 large slurpees there today