There are some items that I just DON'T buy the off brand! Hershey's chocolate syrup is a must - the others just don't taste as good (in my opinion). Hidden Valley Ranch is the best. I used to be a Blue-Plate Mayo only girl, but they don't sell it up here - so Duke's is a close 2nd - but no store brand! There are some things when you really can tell a difference. I do understand that in a lot of cases, it is a matter of preference - but in some cases it is an issue of quality. Well, just recently I decided to really scrub my tile floors. I mop frequently, but it just doesn't get the grout clean. So, I decided to try the Magic Eraser since I had recently gotten several for free through various deals - but I wanted a cleaner that had some bleach in it. So, I looked through my stock-pile and the only cleaner that I had with bleach in it - was the Up and Up All-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach; in case you're not aware - this is the Target brand. I generally don't buy off-brand anymore because I typically get brand name items for cheaper - with sales and coupons. But, I bought it several months ago when Target had a coupon on their site for $1 off any of their cleaners. I think I got this bottle for about 35¢ (so normally around $1.35 - I think) - but I just hadn't used it because I was skeptical as to whether it would really work well! Well, the Magic Eraser is a great cleaning tool, but not so great on grout; it just shreds. But the Up and Up cleaner worked amazingly well! Cleaning grout is not a fun job - no matter what cleaner you use, but this one was certainly helpful! I then decided to use it on my bathroom shower curtain. Mildew on the shower curtain liner is something that drives me absolutely nuts; it's just so gross. I normally just throw the liner in the washing machine about every other month and that takes care of it. Well much to my dismay, only 2 weeks after washing it I started noticing mildew spots! I'm not sure if it's because the weather is getting warmer and there is so much more humidity, or what. So, I just sprayed down the liner with the All-purpose cleaner (with bleach) after taking a shower, didn't scrub it one bit, and the next time I got in the shower it was ALL GONE! $1.35 isn't a bad price for cleaner, but if you're like me - buying anything without a coupon feels just wasteful! So, next time you see a coupon for cleaner at Target, give this one a try!
Jun 7, 2011
Sometimes Off-Brand is Just as Good!
There are some items that I just DON'T buy the off brand! Hershey's chocolate syrup is a must - the others just don't taste as good (in my opinion). Hidden Valley Ranch is the best. I used to be a Blue-Plate Mayo only girl, but they don't sell it up here - so Duke's is a close 2nd - but no store brand! There are some things when you really can tell a difference. I do understand that in a lot of cases, it is a matter of preference - but in some cases it is an issue of quality. Well, just recently I decided to really scrub my tile floors. I mop frequently, but it just doesn't get the grout clean. So, I decided to try the Magic Eraser since I had recently gotten several for free through various deals - but I wanted a cleaner that had some bleach in it. So, I looked through my stock-pile and the only cleaner that I had with bleach in it - was the Up and Up All-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach; in case you're not aware - this is the Target brand. I generally don't buy off-brand anymore because I typically get brand name items for cheaper - with sales and coupons. But, I bought it several months ago when Target had a coupon on their site for $1 off any of their cleaners. I think I got this bottle for about 35¢ (so normally around $1.35 - I think) - but I just hadn't used it because I was skeptical as to whether it would really work well! Well, the Magic Eraser is a great cleaning tool, but not so great on grout; it just shreds. But the Up and Up cleaner worked amazingly well! Cleaning grout is not a fun job - no matter what cleaner you use, but this one was certainly helpful! I then decided to use it on my bathroom shower curtain. Mildew on the shower curtain liner is something that drives me absolutely nuts; it's just so gross. I normally just throw the liner in the washing machine about every other month and that takes care of it. Well much to my dismay, only 2 weeks after washing it I started noticing mildew spots! I'm not sure if it's because the weather is getting warmer and there is so much more humidity, or what. So, I just sprayed down the liner with the All-purpose cleaner (with bleach) after taking a shower, didn't scrub it one bit, and the next time I got in the shower it was ALL GONE! $1.35 isn't a bad price for cleaner, but if you're like me - buying anything without a coupon feels just wasteful! So, next time you see a coupon for cleaner at Target, give this one a try!
Jun 6, 2011
Coupon Clippers, Target Gift Cards, and CVS Deals
So, yesterday was a really busy day for me. Yesterday afternoon I attended my very first Coupon Clippers Meeting - and it was so much fun! It was relatively small yesterday (with only 4 of us), but I think that was perfect! It's so simple, yet so smart! We all brought the un-clipped coupon inserts that we didn't want/need. Everyone brought their own scissors and we just visited and clipped coupons - passing on each pile when we were finished. I was able to get 3 extra John Freida Shampoo/Conditioner coupons - that helped me to score an amazing deal at Target today (I'll tell you all about that later). I was also able to get an extra Gillette Fusion Proglide Razor coupon that I'll use tomorrow at Walgreen's! One lady was looking for Iambs Pet Coupons, and another lady wanted Smart Balance Milk and everyone knew I had a baby, so they gave me all the diaper/wipe coupons!We all just worked together and looked out for the coupons that we knew each other needed! So fun!
So, armed with multiples of my favorite coupons, I was able to go to CVS last night and get the following:
1 L'Oreal Revitalize Moisturizer on sale for $11.99 (normally $17.89)
1 Huggies Snug and Dry Jumbo Pack - $8.99
1 Huggies Nature Care Wipes - $3.29
1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush - $2.79
1 Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste - $2.79
2 Ivory Soap 3-packs - $.99 each
2 Schick Hydro 5 Razors - $9.99
Total: $54.60 (after tax)
*Total Out of Pocket Expense: $4.14
*After B1G1 sale, CVS coupons, MF Coupons, and ECB's
Target is having quite a few good sales this week that give you $5 Gift Cards when you meet their minimum purchase requirements. One of them is for John Freida shampoo/conditioner. When you buy 3 products, you get a $5 GC. So, I did two transactions, with all the shampoo/conditioner in the first so I could use the gift cards on the rest of my items.
Here is what I got:
4 John Freida Root Awakening Shampoo/Condition - $4.99 each
2 John Freida Full Repair Shampoo/Conditioner - $5.99 each
Nivea Body Wash - $3.04
Sally Hansen Foot File - $4.99
2 Nexcare Children's Bandages - $1.70 each
3 Penn Tennis Balls - $2.19 each**
2 Morningstar Veggie Burgers - $2.99 each
Total: $58.97 (with tax)
*Total Out of Pocket Expense: $14.26
*After sales, Target Coupons, MF Coupons, and Gift Cards
** The tennis balls were not on sale & I had no coupons - I just needed them. If you take them out of the equation, I would have spent about $7.26 on all the other stuff!!!
Between CVS and Target I got $113.57 worth of products for a total out of pocket expense of $18.40! It was a little work, but because I had all of my coupons organized in my handy-dandy binder, it really only took me about 15 minutes to get everything from my shopping list to my coupons pulled together and put in an envelope and ready to walk out the door! Organization is HUGE time-saver! Happy Shopping everyone!!!
So, armed with multiples of my favorite coupons, I was able to go to CVS last night and get the following:
1 L'Oreal Revitalize Moisturizer on sale for $11.99 (normally $17.89)
1 Huggies Snug and Dry Jumbo Pack - $8.99
1 Huggies Nature Care Wipes - $3.29
1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush - $2.79
1 Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste - $2.79
2 Ivory Soap 3-packs - $.99 each
2 Schick Hydro 5 Razors - $9.99
Total: $54.60 (after tax)
*Total Out of Pocket Expense: $4.14
*After B1G1 sale, CVS coupons, MF Coupons, and ECB's
Target is having quite a few good sales this week that give you $5 Gift Cards when you meet their minimum purchase requirements. One of them is for John Freida shampoo/conditioner. When you buy 3 products, you get a $5 GC. So, I did two transactions, with all the shampoo/conditioner in the first so I could use the gift cards on the rest of my items.
Here is what I got:
4 John Freida Root Awakening Shampoo/Condition - $4.99 each
2 John Freida Full Repair Shampoo/Conditioner - $5.99 each
Nivea Body Wash - $3.04
Sally Hansen Foot File - $4.99
2 Nexcare Children's Bandages - $1.70 each
3 Penn Tennis Balls - $2.19 each**
2 Morningstar Veggie Burgers - $2.99 each
Total: $58.97 (with tax)
*Total Out of Pocket Expense: $14.26
*After sales, Target Coupons, MF Coupons, and Gift Cards
** The tennis balls were not on sale & I had no coupons - I just needed them. If you take them out of the equation, I would have spent about $7.26 on all the other stuff!!!
Between CVS and Target I got $113.57 worth of products for a total out of pocket expense of $18.40! It was a little work, but because I had all of my coupons organized in my handy-dandy binder, it really only took me about 15 minutes to get everything from my shopping list to my coupons pulled together and put in an envelope and ready to walk out the door! Organization is HUGE time-saver! Happy Shopping everyone!!!
Jun 4, 2011
REI; Too good to be true? Apparently NOT!!!!
The REI store is relatively new to me. We didn't have it in Louisiana where I grew up, but it is certainly a well-known out-doors store here in Charlotte...and now I know why! One of the things that makes REI unique is that it is a co-op and gives its members a 10% *dividend on their purchases each March! If you want to spend it as soon as you get it, you'll have to spend it in-store. But, if you hang on to it until July, you can cash it in for CASH! You may be thinking: "Yeah, but what does it take to be a member?" Well - according to their website, all you have to do is pay a $20 Lifetime Membership fee and you're in! So, it's not an annual fee! In order to get the dividend each year you do have to stay "active" - and that means you have to purchase at least $10 worth of products annually. So, that's pretty cool in and of itself. For being a member, they also send you coupons on products, give you special discounts (like right now you can get free shipping online for any purchase more than $25; normally it is a $75 minimum), and they also have gear rental equipment (skis, kayaks, etc) and shop services that they give member discounts on.
*Excludes a few things like sale/clearance items, gift cards, rental equipment, etc. You'll need to read the fine print to make sure you understand it fully!
According to member/reader Jean, they are an industry leader in customer service. Jean has been member at REI for years and just recently told me about an amazing experience she had there! Several years ago she bought a pair of sports sunglasses, but over the years through general wear and tear, the nose pieces dry-rotted. Since she didn't still have her receipt, she took them in and asked the customer service rep if they would help her contact the manufacturer to see if they would replace the nose pieces. Much to her surprise, the customer service rep informed her that she could pick out ANY pair of sunglasses they had in stock to replace the ones she brought in! The new sunglasses Jean got retailed for $139; hers absolutely free! They have a Lifetime Warranty on everything in the store when you buy through your membership - and you can bring them back no matter what, no questions asked - if you are in any way, whatsoever, dissatisfied! She said there was another person in line with a broken, beaten up, old-ragged back-pack; turned it in and picked out a brand new one! REI wants their customers to be so confident in their purchases that they won't look anywhere else when in need of an outdoor item - so they've structured their return policies to support their claim that they have the highest quality available!
So, invest the $20 for the membership, look forward to the annual 10% dividend return, and be confident knowing that if anything you ever buy there breaks or becomes less than what you want/expected - you can return it and pick something else out! Pretty cool, in my opinion!
*Excludes a few things like sale/clearance items, gift cards, rental equipment, etc. You'll need to read the fine print to make sure you understand it fully!
According to member/reader Jean, they are an industry leader in customer service. Jean has been member at REI for years and just recently told me about an amazing experience she had there! Several years ago she bought a pair of sports sunglasses, but over the years through general wear and tear, the nose pieces dry-rotted. Since she didn't still have her receipt, she took them in and asked the customer service rep if they would help her contact the manufacturer to see if they would replace the nose pieces. Much to her surprise, the customer service rep informed her that she could pick out ANY pair of sunglasses they had in stock to replace the ones she brought in! The new sunglasses Jean got retailed for $139; hers absolutely free! They have a Lifetime Warranty on everything in the store when you buy through your membership - and you can bring them back no matter what, no questions asked - if you are in any way, whatsoever, dissatisfied! She said there was another person in line with a broken, beaten up, old-ragged back-pack; turned it in and picked out a brand new one! REI wants their customers to be so confident in their purchases that they won't look anywhere else when in need of an outdoor item - so they've structured their return policies to support their claim that they have the highest quality available!
So, invest the $20 for the membership, look forward to the annual 10% dividend return, and be confident knowing that if anything you ever buy there breaks or becomes less than what you want/expected - you can return it and pick something else out! Pretty cool, in my opinion!
Friday Freebie: And the winner is...
Hollie A.
Congratulations to Hollie A. - winner of the June Friday Freebie! Thanks so much for entering the drawing and subscribing to this blog! Hollie, your mystery prize is an... iSlice! It should be arriving at your house in 2-5 business days! Here is a description of what you'll be getting:
iSlice is the most useful tool you'll ever own! Safely clip, cut and open thousands of items. The ergonomically shaped iSlice features a built-in magnet and recessed high tech zirconium-oxide ceramic blade that resists wear and never rusts or dulls.
Easy to use!
When cutting on a hard surface, such as a countertop of table, always use a protective barrier to avoid scratching surfaces.
iSlice is magnetic so it can be easily stored on metal surfaces such as refrigerators and filing cabinets.
Thousands of Uses:
Easy to use!
- Built-in magnet for easy storage
- Cuts coupons & recipes
- Opens difficult plastic packages and clamshells
- Great for scrapbooking
- Opens new CD packaging
- The uses are limitless!
When cutting on a hard surface, such as a countertop of table, always use a protective barrier to avoid scratching surfaces.
iSlice is magnetic so it can be easily stored on metal surfaces such as refrigerators and filing cabinets.
Thousands of Uses:
- CLIPS: Recipes, coupons, photos, stamping, scrap booking, newspaper & magazine articles
- OPENS: Shrink-wrap, CDs, videos, DVDs, plastic bags, snack bags, cereal bags, safety seals, vacuum packed food
- Cuts: Single sheets of paper, art projects, gift wrap paper, masking tape, cellophane tape and much, much more!
The Friday Freebie for July will be posted sometime next week - so check back soon so you can get in on the drawing!!!!
Jun 3, 2011
Another new deal site = $10 credit just for signing up!
I think this has to be the easiest it has ever been to get a $10 credit to a deal site! Click on this link to SaveMore.com and enter in your email address and zip code for a $10 credit! Today's deal (on the right-hand side of the page) is only $8 for $20 worth of re-usable shopping bags. So, it'll cost you only $3.95 to get $20 worth of bags (because the shipping is not included), and you'll still have $2 credit left over! Pretty cool!
Jun 2, 2011
Last Chance to Enter the Drawing for Friday Freebie!!!
In case you've forgotten, I'll be drawing for the Friday Freebie tomorrow (June 3rd) and there is still time to get in! Speaking of time, it will only take about 2-3 minutes and you'll get the following:
1) Subscription to this blog (how awesome is that????)! :)
2) Deals from at least one of the amazing sites that I've featured (and if you sign up for Modnique, they're offering a free $5 credit!!!). You can certainly sign up for more than one, but one is all it takes to qualify you for entry in the Friday Freebie drawing!
3) A chance to win June's mystery prize!!!
So...sign up now!!!
Here's a link to the original post so you can see all the different choices you have on amazing FREE deal sites to sign up for! And I added a few more on this post!
Every site I featured is 100% free to sign-up, and several of them give credits for free merchandise when you sign up.
Good luck!
Coupon Clippers Club
A few weeks ago while I was shopping at Harris Teeter, a lady and I happened to both be looking at the same thing. Normally I just keep my head down and focus on what I'm doing...because I'm in a rush, or don't want to get distracted, or whatever. But I noticed that we both had the same coupons in our hands and had that "searching" look. You can tell a fellow serious couponer when you see one - and I just knew. Having just converted to a new method of organization, I was curious to see what she was using - and happened to notice that she had the same print out from Southern Savers that I did! So we struck up a conversation and in the end she invited me to come to her Coupon Clippers meeting! I was intrigued - what was this? Something about couponing that I was completely unaware of? Going on in my own city??? Well, she and some other ladies meet on the first Sunday afternoon of the month at a local restaurant and exchange coupons! How cool is that? She sends out an email early the week before to remind everyone and to start a wish-list exchange. That way, when you get to the meeting, you'll already have the coupons pulled that you know the others are looking for! Plus, from the sounds of this group - they are varied in ages and interests - so not everyone is looking for Huggies Diapers or Contact Lens Solution! This Sunday will be my first meeting and I'm SO excited! I think it is such a brilliant idea. I have a friend from where I grew up who hosts a coupon swap online (she has a page on Facebook called Coupon Exchange - anyone can join), so I do that. But I think it is such a neat idea to meet with people in your community and help each other out in this way! It's so simple, yet so brilliant! And we all know how much I love simple! :)
I'll post back on Monday and let you all know how it went! In the meantime - organize one of your own! It couldn't get much easier than this to get the coupons you want/need. No ordering, no waiting for them to come through the mail, no having to pay for them! Have fun!
I'll post back on Monday and let you all know how it went! In the meantime - organize one of your own! It couldn't get much easier than this to get the coupons you want/need. No ordering, no waiting for them to come through the mail, no having to pay for them! Have fun!
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