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It takes some work, but if you Shop Cheap, clip coupons and check out the weekly specials, you will save on your grocery bill. This week, it's all about coupons and specials.

You've got to check out the coupons at Raley's where a box of Post cereal is $1.49; Kraft mayo or Miracle Whip is $1.99 and 2-liter Coke is 98 cents.

The fresh produce specials this week at Raley's include large artichokes for 88-cents each and the return of personal size watermelon for $2.99. Tomatoes on the vine are $1.47lb; apples are 89-cents a pound and a 5lb bag of potatoes is $2.49.

Boneless chuck steak or roast is back under 2 bucks a pound ($1.88lb) and Raley's includes a recipe for "Barbecued Pepper Steak." If you are adding dessert to the menu, Angel Food cake in the bakery is $2.99. You can top it off with fresh blackberries (2/$4). Also in the bakery, a twin pack of French bread for $1.49.

Although I've never heard of Aquarius Spring!  water, a 32-pack is $3.98. If you are planning a graduation, birthday or Father's Day celebration, Raley's has good prices on party platters, fruit trays, grourmet wraps and cakes.

Safeway has a 72-hour sale this weekend, including frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $1.69lb; fresh Pacific snapper for $3.99lb; Signature Cafe chicken tenders for $3.99lb; Doritos for $1.77 a bag and sandwich breads for 99-cents a loaf. They have another great offer if you're not in the mood to cook: a Signature Cafe roasted chicken; two side dishes plus a bag of rolls for $9.99. Toss a salad or heat up some veggies and you've got dinner for $12.

Safeway also has a pretty good cereal deal, but you must buy 5 boxes. Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Honey Nut Cherios will cost you $1.50 each (if you buy 5). Gushers and Corn Flakes are $1; Special K and Honey Bunches of Oats are $2 per box.

Sweet deals in produce include the first California cherries of the season at $3.88lb and BOGO organic strawberries. white corn is 5/$2; tomatoes on the vine are $1.88lb and fresh zucchini is 99-cents a pound.

Safeway coupons include $2 off PrimoTaglio sliced meat or cheese and $5 off deli party trays. Household coupons include Clorox bleach for $1.69; Hefty bags for $1.99 and Lyson cleaners for $1.99.

The 3-day sale in the deli includes Signature Cafe pizza for $3.99; meal-size soups for $2.50 each and garden salads for $4.99.

Lucerne yogurt is 10/$5; Eating Right frozen meals are $2 each; Lucerne natural slices cheese is $2.99 and a case of Safeway Refreshe water is $3.49. (Arrowhead is $3.99). 2-liter Pepsi or 7-UP is 88 cents and Barilla pasta is $1 a box.

Save Mart has the best bread deal in town with their Bohemian Hearth varities for $1.89. A carton of Sunnyside Farms eggs (18-count) is $2. The 72-hour sale here includes tomatoes on the vine for 79-cents a pound; Sunnyside Farms buns for 88-cents a bag and bath tissue for $5.59.

In meat and seafood, fresh ground sirloin is $2.99lb; fresh cooked shrimp meat is $3.59lb. 

Avacados are 99-cents each; fresh strawberries are $3.99 for a 2-lb container; corn is 50-cents an ear; and fresh squash is 77-cents a pound.

In the bakery, party cakes are $4.99 and Bundt cakes are $4.69. A dozen rolls are $1.99 a bag and fresh cornbread is $2.69.

O'Brien's has Foster Farms fryer packs on sale for $1.27/lb and Kraft BBQ sauce for $.79...sounds like a barbecue is in order!

Down the break aisle - Orowheat bread and Roman Meal in selected varieties is a good deal at 2 for $4.  Old Home hot dog buns are $1.18 for an 8-pack.

Not into hot dogs this weekend?  Check out the ground beef at $1.99/lb. or BBQ steak for $2.49/lb.

The produce aisle has Fuji apples for $.79/lb, Ruby Red Grapefruit 2 for $.88 and fresh bunches of spinach for $.99.

Don't forget to check out the wine and cheese deals from O'Briens. The wine of the week is Hatcher Estate Zin for $21.99 and the cheese of the week is Cypress Gove Truffle Tremor.

Pam Dinsmore is the Community Affairs Director for the Sacramento Bee.  Read more of her blogs at www.sacmomsclub.com.