This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Nan Lara. Congrats!

I can count the number of times I’ve been to the grocery store with both children on one hand.  I know it sounds a bit wimpy, but I try to avoid grocery shopping with both kids.  It’s honestly not enjoyable for any of us.  Inevitably, the baby wants to nurse or get out of the baby carrier (she’s very active now) and my toddler won’t sit long in a grocery cart.  Chasing after him at the market is exhausting and stressful.

When my husband gets off at a decent time, I’ll send him to the store (which he just loves).  Or I’ll tote the baby with me while my son is at preschool.  Our last resort is a family trip with both kids, and my least favorite option because it takes double the amount of time.  My mother and I have had numerous conversations about Home Grocery Delivery, but I’ve never thought much about it.  I assumed it was too expensive or difficult to find the items I need for my family.

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to experience Safeway’s Home Grocery Delivery Program. Grocery shopping…at home…in my pjs…without meltdowns…sign. me up!  I do a majority of my regular shopping online anyway, so why not groceries!  The Safeway brand includes stores like Vons, Pavilions, and Dominick’s.  Because we live in Southern California, Vons is the most convenient grocery store for us.

Earlier this week, I set up a free account, entered my Vons Club Card, and started shopping.  You can “browse aisles,” just like you can at a physical grocery store location or search by the specific product you’re looking for.  It’s actually quite easy to navigate, considering the sheer number of items available.

Next, click on the category of food you’re looking for to search for your specific item.

You can even create and save an Express List for future orders.

You can also browse by Vons Club Card Specials (there are over 5,000 specials per day), Buy One, Get One Free Specials, and Promotion Code Deals.  I was a little disappointed to find out that I couldn’t use my own coupons, however, you can find a TON of coupons that can be used on Shortcuts.com, Cellfire, and P&G eSAVER.   It’s actually greener to use e coupons (something I hadn’t thought about until my experience with home grocery delivery).  I should also mention that offers will pop up based on what you’re shopping for. For example, I was shopping for cereal and this coupon showed up:

The prices were comparable and I didn’t have much trouble finding the products we buy and use on a regular basis.  I actually find their Eating Right and O Organics brands to be quite affordable and healthy.

Once I finished “shopping,”  I scheduled the delivery date and time (same day delivery orders must be placed before 3 am for 10 am to 3 pm deliveries and 8:30 am for 4 pm to 9 pm deliveries).  Someone must be available to receive the groceries as the market will not leave the items unattended.  This is actually a good thing because it means that your eggs and milk won’t spoil.  Depending on your store and location, a fuel surcharge may also be applied to the order.  The actual cost of delivery ranges from $6.95 to $12.95 (depending on the time of day you’d like the delivery to arrive, your store and location) but there are offers on the site that may help lower the cost.

The following morning, my groceries arrived, in grocery bags…cold items…cold!  I had paid beforehand online (at present, gift cards are not accepted) so there was nothing left for me to do except enjoy the fact that I didn’t have to go to the grocery store with 2 small children this week.  Overall, I was quite pleased with the program.  The only deterrent for us as a family would be the delivery charge.  I have to say that I would definitely do this again, particularly for those times when my husband is away.

Right now you’ll get free delivery and save $7.00 off your first order by using the code “ROCKIN.”  (It’s a GREAT deal, if you ask me!).  For more information about the program, or to find a participating location near you, just visit their website.

Win It! One of you will win a $100 gift card to Safeway (which cannot be used online but can be used in Safeway, Vons, Pavilions stores).  Simply leave me a comment with something you liked or learned on their Home Grocery Delivery website.  Comments will close on July 31, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

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No compensation was received for this post.  I purchased the groceries on my own and received a gift card as reimbursement for trying out the program and writing about my experience.