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Here's a glimpse at what I scooped up at Harris Teeter this morning during the first day of Triple Coupons.

I purchased $55.89 worth of groceries and paid $1.32. Thirty-six cents of that was tax.

That figures out to be a 98 percent savings.

Even though I've been couponing for decades, I'm always amazed at how much those little slips of paper can save a family.

I used 20 coupons: four printables, one that came to me by mail with a free sample and the rest from the Sunday News & Observer inserts. All of them tripled without a beep.

I'll go back later in the week to do a full shop for my week's worth of groceries but knew if I didn't get my freebies and cheapies on the first day they might be gone.

I'm hoping to get a couple more packages of turkey hot dogs for summer grilling and a couple jugs of Xtra laundry detergent for my younger son who is setting up housekeeping in Winston Salem in the fall.

Also on my list: Earthbound Farm organic salad with the printable coupons I posted about HERE and Pampers wipes for my grandson, also using printable coupons available on coupons.com.

I've got my fingers crossed that Harris Teeter will keep the shelves stocked.

How did you do at Triples? Don't forget to leave a comment on my giveaway post over HERE and you'll be entered to win a $25 Harris Teeter gift card.

Here's your chance to tell us how you did at Harris Teeter's Triples event. Go ahead and brag!

Your comment could be worth a $25 Harris Teeter gift card. Just think of the deals you could score with that in your wallet.

I'll choose one winner at random on Wednesday, May 23.

So let's hear it. Tell us how much you saved, how many coupons you used or perhaps a funny story from the aisles or at the cash register.

Did you see a lot of fellow couponers? Or was your store empty?

Or, leave me a question or post a deal you found.

Good luck, everyone.

If you haven't yet hit the aisles, click HERE to see my long list of freebies and super good deals you can score with triple coupons.

                         

Two McDonald's restaurants in the Triangle are hosting coupon swaps this week.

It's a great opportunity to bolster your supply of coupons for Harris Teeter's ongoing Triple Coupon event.

The swaps are at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 17, at the following McDonald's:

• 3508 Millbrook Road in Raleigh
• 1830 Walnut Street in Cary

Put your unwanted clipped coupons in an envelope and bring them to swap with fellow couponers.

If you've never attended a coupon swap, I highly recommend it. It's a great way to gather extra coupons for the products your family regularly uses.

The big grocery store news this week, of course, is Triples at Harris Teeter. Click HERE to read my incredibly long list of good deals, including more than a dozen freebies and more than 30 other items under $1.

Beyond Triples, you can score some nice produce deals at Lowes Foods, Food Lion and Aldi. Food Lion also has a great deal on whole chicken fryers for just 79 cents a pound. With the help of coupons, Lowes Foods has a great deal on Pepsi 12 packs and Lance Crackers.

For easier price comparisons, I've also added the Kroger deals from Sunday to the bottom of the list.

At Lowes Foods:

Fresh Rewards e-offer:
Lance Snack Crackers (8 pack): $1.77
.55/1 (5/13 Smart Source)
= 67 cents. Limit 2.

Ice cream promo: Buy 4 select Edy's, Nestle Drumstick, Haagen-Dazs or Skinny Cow, Get a coupon for $4 off your next order.
$1/2 Nestle Drumstick (4/29 Smart Source)
$1/2 Edy's Fruit Bars (4/1 Smart Source)

Buy 2 Hallmark graduation cards, Get 1 Free with in-ad coupon. (Up to $3.49)

Eggo Waffles: $2
.75/2 (5/6 Red Plum)
= $1.25 each.

Pepsi brand 12 packs or 6 packs: 5/$12 or $2.40 each
$1/1 printable coupons on CommonKindness.com
= $1.40.

Doritos: BOGO for $4.29
$1/2 Doritos Jacked printable coupon on CommonKindness.com
= $1.65 each.

All laundry detergent (50 oz.): $3.99
$1/1 (4/1 Red Plum)
= $2.99.

Deals without coupons:

Limes: 33 cents each.

Tomatoes: 97 cents per pound.

Vidalia onions: 97 cents per pound.

Snap green beans: 97 cents per pound.

Bell peppers: 97 cents per pound.

Assorted pork chops: $1.99 per pound.

Carolina Pride smoked ham portion: $1.19 per pound.

Utz potato chips: BOGO or $2.15 each.

Thomas N.Y. Style bagels: BOGO or $2.25 each.

Rice A Roni: $1.

Lowes Foods ketchup (24 oz.): 88 cents.

Lowes Foods aluminum foil (25 sq. feet): BOGO or 78 cents each.

At Harris Teeter:

If you're looking for Triples deals, click HERE to read my post dedicated to HT Triples freebies and good deals. Keep reading for regular Harris Teeter deals.

Doritos: Buy 2, Get 3 Free (Regular price: $4.29)
$1/2 Doritos Jacked printable coupon on CommonKindness.com
= $1.52 each. Must buy all 5 to get the deal.

Pepsi brand 12 packs: Buy 2, Get 3 Free (Regular price: $6.39)
$1/1 printable coupons on CommonKindness.com
= $2.16 each after using two $1/1 coupons. Must buy all 5 to get the deal.

Purex laundry detergent (150 oz.): BOGO or $7.49 each
.50/1 (5/13 Red Plum)
= $5.99.

Deals without coupons:

London Broil: BOGO

EZ Peel Shrimp (2 lb.): BOGO.

Pork sausage: BOGO.

Kraft shredded or chunk cheese: BOGO or $1.92 each.

Kraft Salad Dressing (16 oz.): BOGO or $1.47.

Ore Ida frozen potatoes: Buy 2, Get 3 Free (Regular price: $3.39)
= $1.36 each. Must buy all 5 to get the deal.

Utz potato chips: Buy 2, Get 3 Free (Regular price: $4.29)
= $1.72. Must buy all 5 to get deal.

Harris Teeter barbecue sauce (18 oz.): $1.

Harris Teeter ketchup (24 oz.): $1.

Harris Teeter garlic bread: $2.

Kraft American Singles (24 count): BOGO or $1.99 each.

Harris Teeter sliced cheese (8 oz.): BOGO or $1.32 each.

Laughing Cow cheese: $2.99.

Flat-Out Wraps or Fold-Its: BOGO or $1.84 each.

Nature's Own Honey Wheat bread: BOGO or $1.74. An OK deal, but you can get it for $1 any day of the week at the Dollar Tree.

At Food Lion:

Turkey Hill tea or lemonade (64 oz.): $1
$1/2 (5/13 Red Plum)
= 50 cents each.

Ball Park buns: $1.75
.55/1 (5/6 Red Plum)
= $1.20.

Ocean Spray cranberry juice (64 oz.): $2
.75/1 Essentials, if included in sale (5/6 Red Plum)
= $1.25.

Luigi's Italian Ice: 2/$4
.75/2 (5/13 Red Plum)
= $1.63 each.

Vlasic Pickle Spears (24 oz.): $2.50
.75/1 (4/1 Smart Source)
= $1.75.

Little Hug fruit drinks (20 pack): $2.98
$1/2 (4/29 Smart Source)
= $2.48 each wyb 2.

Fritos or Cheetos: 2/$6
$1/2 (4/29 Pepsi), expiring 5/19
= $2.50 each.

Doritos: BOGO
$1/2 printable coupon on CommonKindness.com

Ken's Salad Dressings (16 oz.): BOGO
$1/2 (5/6 Smart Source)

Kraft Barbecue Sauce: BOGO
$1/2 (5/6 Smart Source)

Deals without coupons:

Chicken leg quarters: 69 cents per pound wyb 10 pound bag.

Holly Farms whole chicken fryers: 79 cents per pound.

Boston Butt: $1.99 per pound.

Center cut pork chops: $2.99 per pound.

Boneless top sirloin steaks: $3.99 per pound.

Deli turkey breast: $4.99 per pound.

Deli Provolone cheese: $4.99 per pound.

Bulk garlic: 2/$1.

Yellow onions: 75 cents per pound.

Avocados: 79 cents each.

Mangoes: 89 cents each.

Iceberg lettuce: 97 cents each.

Cucumbers: 97 cents each.

Gala apples: 99 cents per pound.

Tomatoes: 99 cents per pound.

Zucchini or yellow squash: $1.29 per pound.

Sliced mushrooms (6 oz.): $1.59.

Coke brand 2 liters: 99 cents each wyb 4.

Coke brand 6 packs: $2.50.

Hunt's Snack Pack Puddings: $1.

My Essentials pasta: $1.05.

White House apple sauce cups (6 pack): $1.67.

Rice A Roni or Pasta Roni: $1.

Kraft Salad Dressing (8 oz.): $1.

Hunt's Pasta Sauce (26-26.5 canned): $1.

My Essentials pizza (6.5 oz.): 69 cents.

At Aldi:

Cucumbers: 29 cents.

Tomatoes: 59 cents for 20 ounces.

Zucchini: 69 cents for three.

Kiwi: 99 cents for 16 ounces.

Red potatoes: $1.29 for 5 pounds.

Valencia oranges: $1.69 for 4 pounds.

Ground beef (80 percent lean): $2.89 per pound.

Frozen chicken breasts: $5.49 for 48 ounces.

Hot dogs (12 oz.): 75 cents.

Fresh chicken breasts: $1.99 per pound.

At Kroger:

USO Support Our Troops promo continues: Get $4 instantly off your order when you buy 10 participating items. For every deal you do, Kroger donates $1 to the USO.

Van Camp's Pork and Beans (15 oz.): 39 cents after USO promo.

Pepsi brand 2 liters: Buy 4, Get 2 Free
= $1 each wyb 6
.55/1 Pepsi Next (4/29 Pepsi)
= 45 cents each.

Pure Protein bars: $1
$1/2 (5/6 Red Plum)
= 50 cents each.

Sargento Cheese (select varieties): $1.99 after USO promo
.50/1 Natural Blends (4/15 Smart Source
= 99 cents, if these varieties are included in sale. A fantastic deal.

General Mills cereals: $1.99 after USO promo
.50/1 Fiber One (4/15 Smart Source)
$1/3 (4/22 Smart Source)
.60/1 Original Cheerios printable coupon
.60/1 Reese's Puffs printable coupon
$1.10/2 printable coupon
= as low as 99 cents (Fiber One).

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers: 99 cents after USO promo.

Kraft Singles (16 count): $1.59 after USO promo. A good deal on these.

Capri Sun 10 packs: $1.89 after USO promo
.75/3 (5/6 Smart Source)
= $1.64 each.

Doritos or Ruffles Ultimate chips: $1.99 after USO promo.

Lay's potato chips: 2/$5
$1/2 (4/29 Pepsi)
= $2 each.

Healthy Choice or Marie Callender's frozen dinners: $1.99 after USO promo.

Freschetta frozen pizzas: $4.09 after USO promo
$1.50/2 (3/4 Smart Source)
= $3.34 each.

Deals without coupons:

Tomatoes: 99 cents per pound.

Avocados: 99 cents per pound.

Yellow or Zucchini squash: 99 cents per pound.

Green beans: 99 cents per pound.

Mini peeled carrots (16 oz. package): 99 cents.

Eggplant: 99 cents per pound.

Pork spare ribs: $1.77 per pound.

Boneless pork loin: $1.99 per pound.

Kroger cheese singles (16 count): $1.50.

Breyers ice cream (48 oz.): $2.50.

Kroger cottage cheese, sour cream or dip (24 oz.): $1.67. A very good price.

Kroger breads and buns: $1.

                                  

Updated again Tuesday evening with unadvertised deals.

Here's an updated list of freebies and good deals for the upcoming Triple Coupon promotion at Harris Teeter, which starts Wednesday, May 16 and runs through May 22.

After doing a little price checking online and walking the aisles of my local Harris Teeter in Apex to verify sale dates, I discovered lots of sales that continue from last week. I've also added deals from the new sales circular. (My thanks to HotCouponWorld.com for posting the ad early.)

In this most recent update, I've also added numerous unadvertised deals.

All in all, it's shaping up to be a pretty generous promotion with plenty of freebies and items for under $1.

Keep in mind my list is specifically tailored to Triangle shoppers, using Triangle store prices and coupons readily available here, either through newspaper inserts, magazines or Internet printing. No sense getting frustrated looking for a deal we can't get here.

(For triple coupon shopping tips and Harris Teeter's rules during Triples, scroll to the bottom of this post.)

FREEBIES:

Tyson chicken nuggets: BOGO or $2.19 each
.75/1 (2/12 Smart Source)
= FREE!

Dole Frozen Fruit single-serve cups: $2 on sale!
.75/1 (4/15 Smart Source 2)
= FREE.

Yoplait Light Yogurt with Granola: $2 on sale
.75/1 (3/25 Smart Source), expires 5/19
= FREE.

Margaret Holmes canned goods (select): 99 cents regular price
.35/1 (5/13 Smart Source)
= FREE.

Helluva Good! Sour Cream Dip (12 oz.): $1.50 on sale
.55/1 (5/13 Smart Source)
= FREE.

Jell-O Temptations: $2.50 (sale continues)
.90/1 printable coupon on coupons.com
= FREE.

Dove candy bars: 49 cents on clearance at some stores
.50/2 printable coupon on coupons.com
= FREE.

Frank's Redhot Sauce (12 oz.): $2 (sale continues)
.75/1 (5/13 Smart Source)
= FREE.

Gain dish liquid (9-11 oz.): $1.19 regular price
.50/1 (5/13 P&G)
= FREE.
Note: You may not be able to find this item; it appears to have been pulled from the shelves.

Texas Pete Hot Sauces (6 oz.): $1.15 regular price
.40/1 (5/6 Smart Source)
= FREE.

Vlasic relish (10 oz.): $1.99 regular price
.75/1 (4/1 Smart Source)
= FREE!

Mentos (15 count): $1.50
.55/1 (3/25 Smart Source)
= FREE.

Quaker Real Medleys: $1.99 regular price
.50/1 (4/29 Red Plum)
.50/1 HT digital coupon, if you received it
= FREE (first one only). After that, 49 cents each.

GOOD DEALS:

YoCrunch multi-pack: $2.27 (sale continues)
.75/1 (2/5 Smart Source)
= 2 cents.

Cool Whip (8 oz.): $1.59 regular price
.50/1 printable coupon from the Cool Whip Facebook page
= 9 cents.

Carefree pantiliners (20 count): $1.59 regular price
.50/1 (5/6 Smart Source)
= 9 cents.

Ortega Taco seasoning mix: 80 cents on sale
.50/2 (4/15 Smart Source 2)
= 10 cents each.

SuperPretzel soft pretzels: BOGO or $1.64 each
.50/1 (5/13 Red Plum)
= 14 cents.

Vlasic Pickle Dill Chips (16 oz.): $2.39
.75/1 (4/1 Smart Source)
= 14 cents.

Tabasco (2 oz.): $1.95 regular price
.60/1 (4/29 Red Plum)
= 15 cents.

Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Crisps: $2.50 on sale
.75/1 (5/6 Smart Source)
= 25 cents.

Grande Tortilla Chips: $2.50 (sale continues)
.75/1 (4/15 Smart Source)
= 25 cents.
(Look for peelie coupons for $1.50 off Ground Beef wyb two bags of chips)

Colgate Total Advanced (4 oz.): $2.50 (sale continues)
.75/1 (5/13 Smart Source)
= 25 cents.

Yoplait Greek Yogurt (6 oz.): $1.29
.50/2 (3/25 Smart Source), expiring 5/19
.50/2 HT digital coupon, if you received this
= 29 cents each.

Mardi Gras napkins (250 count): $1.99 (sale continues)
.55/1 (3/18 Red Plum)
= 34 cents.

Ball Park buns: $1.99 (sale continues)
.55/1 (5/6 Red Plum)
= 34 cents.

Morton Season-All Season Salt: $1.99 (sale continues)
.55/1 (4/29 Red Plum)
= 34 cents.

Ball Park Franks: BOGO for $2.99
.75/2 (5/6 Red Plum)
= 37 cents each!

Buddig Original (2 oz.): 99 cents regular price
.75/4 (4/22 Smart Source)
= 43 cents each.

Glass Plus: BOGO or $1.49 each on sale
.35/1 (3/18 Smart Source), expiring 5/18
= 44 cents.

Texas Toast Croutons: $1.99 regular price
.50/1 (April All You magazine)
= 49 cents.

Dole Fruit Crisps: $2 (sale continues)
.50/1 (3/25 Smart Source)
= 50 cents.

French's Honey Mustard dipping sauce: $2 (sale continues)
.50/1 (3/25 or 5/13 Smart Source)
= 50 cents.

French's Classic Yellow Mustard (8 oz.): $1.45 regular price
.30/1 (3/25 or 5/13 Smart Source)
= 55 cents.

Pampers Wipes (72 count): $2.89 (sale continues)
.75/1 printable coupon on coupons.com
= 64 cents.

Schick Hydro Gel: $2.89 (sale continues)
.75/1 (4/22 Smart Source)
= 64 cents.

Eggo Waffles: $1.79 on sale
.75/2 (5/6 Red Plum)
= 65 cents each.

Sister Schubert's Yeast Rolls - Parker House (11 oz.): $2.19 on sale
.50/1 (4/1 Smart Source)
= 69 cents.

Dole Fruit Naturals: $2.99 regular price
.75/1 (May All You magazine)
= 74 cents.

Yoplait Greek Yogurt with Granola: $2.99 regular price
.75/1 (3/25 Smart Source), expiring 5/19
= 74 cents.

Ban deodorant: $2.99 regular price
.75/1 (4/15 Smart Source)
= 74 cents.

Kraft Fresh Takes: $2.99 regular price
.75/1 printable coupon on coupons.com
= 74 cents.

Earthbound Farms Romaine Hearts: $2.99 on sale
.75/1 printable coupons released over last several weeks (Read my post about this special program HERE)
= 74 cents!

Earthbound Farms Cherry Tomatoes: $3 on sale
.75/1 printable coupons released over last several weeks (Read my post about this special program HERE)
= 75 cents!

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars or Yogurt Granola Bars: $2 (sale continues)
.75/2 (4/29 Pepsi) DND-5
= 88 cents each, if the cashier allows it to double.

Coffee Mate liquid creamer (16 oz.): $2.39 regular price
.50/1 (4/29 Smart Source)
= 89 cents.

Welch's Grape Jelly (22 oz. squeezable): $2.45 regular price
.55/1 (2/12 Red Plum)
= 80 cents.

Rhodes frozen dinner rolls (12 count): $2.49 regular price
.55/1 (3/25 Red Plum)
= 84 cents.

French's Dijon Mustard (12 oz.): $3.19 regular price
.75/1 (3/18 Smart Source)
= 94 cents.

Truvia sweetener (40 count): $3.29 (sale continues)
.75/1 (1/8 Red Plum)
= $1.04.

Welch's 64 oz. Essentials Juice: $3.29 (sale continues)
.75/1 (5/6 Red Plum)
= $1.04.

Smart Balance Cooking Spray: $3.29 regular price
.75/1 (4/1 Smart Source), expiring Wednesday, May 16
= $1.04.

Dole Frozen Fruit: $3.33 on sale
.75/1 (4/15 Smart Source 2)
= $1.08.

French's Classic Yellow Mustard (20 oz.): $2 (sale continues)
.30/1 (3/25 or 5/13 Smart Source)
= $1.10.

Xtra laundry detergent: BOGO for $4.49 (sale continues)
.75/2 (5/6 Smart Source)
= $1.12!

Bisquick (20 oz.): $2.65 regular price
.50/1 (3/25 Smart Source), expiring 5/19
= $1.15.

Reynold's Wrap Foil (75 sq. feet): $3.50 on sale
.75/1 (5/13, 3/25 Smart Source)
= $1.25.

Honey Bunches of Oats cereal: $3.65 regular price
.80/1 printable coupon from CouponNetwork.com
= $1.25.

Betty Crocker fruit snacks: $2 on sale
.50/2 printable coupon on smartsource.com
= $1.25 each.

Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage Patties or Links: $3.89 regular price
.85/1 (3/25 Smart Source)
= $1.34.

Immaculate Baking Cookie Dough: $2.97 (sale continues)
.50/1 printable coupon from CommonKindness.com
= $1.47.

Gorton's frozen seafood: BOGO or $3 each (sale continues)
.50/1 (3/18 Smart Source)
= $1.50.

Lance Sandwich Crackers (8 count): $3.35 regular price
.55/1 (5/13 Smart Source)
= $1.70.

Earthbound Farms salads: $3.99 regular price
.75/1 printable coupons released over last several weeks (Read my post about this special program HERE)
= $1.74!

Chock Full o' Nuts coffee (11 oz.): $3.99 (sale continues)
.75/1 (5/13 Smart Source)
= $1.74.

Harris Teeter's Triple Coupon policy:

You may triple up to 20 coupons per day per household. No more than three identical coupons. No more than two identical Internet coupons. Coupons with a face value of up to 99 cents will triple, which means a 75-cent coupon is worth $2.25. A $1.25 coupon is still worth $1.25.

A few tips for a more successful Triples shop:

If you want to score the best deals, I recommend arriving at your store about 6:30 a.m. That will give you a half hour to shop and you'll be ready to check out at 7 a.m. when the promotion officially begins.

Don't expect your "DO NOT Double/Triple" coupons to triple. Harris Teeter's policy states the chain won't triple them. If one happens to triple, consider it a bonus.

Don't forget to load your digital coupons onto your Harris Teeter loyalty card because Harris Teeter welcomes the combined use of digital and paper coupons and that means extra savings. You'll find the link on your E-Vic customer email. Note: While the vast majority of digital coupon offers are the same, not everyone gets the identical set.

                           

McDonald's has a new frozen drink on its menu. And today only, you can try the Cherry Berry Chiller for just 49 cents.

The deal is good 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, May 15, at any McDonald's restaurant in the Triangle.