11/30 Expressions

We did not shop on Black Friday - but I heard on the news sales were better than last year? We had a nice Thanksgiving meal with family - froze left-overs, packed the car and headed for our beach condo. We took care of minor maintenance issues (used the Home Depot Gift cards I purchased earlier for the free movie tickets), took the "inventory" items in and had fun. We used 2 of the three $25 Restaurant.Com gift certificates we had - one manager stated he quit taking the certificate last month. So, I will need to call about that. We did shop at the outlet mall on Saturday - got some great bargains, but also contended with crowds and stormy weather. Tomorrow, I will be mailing off one book I sold on half.com; mailing in a rebate for a $20 grocery store gift card; and mailing in a rebate for $10 for buying the Home Depot gift cards. Oh, we saw gas prices as low as $1.59/gal. We stopped at Aldi on our way home for our groceries this week.

11/26 Expressions

I received an e-mail - in part with the following comment. We don't have a BJ's Warehouse around here - but if you do - here is a link for a 1 day pass.

I saw from your page that you're a parent on a budget and I thought the following information might be interesting to you and your readers – especially with money being tight this year - on toys for under $30, under $20 and even under $10 for the holidays.



I work with BJ’s Wholesale Club and they offer a wide assortment of toys for kids of all ages for every budget at everyday low prices. For a free shopping pass, you can go to http://www.bjs.com/join/one_day_pass.shtml

11/23 Expressions

I went in Costsco for the first time today. Wow - lots of sample stations and the food stand had excellent prices. We were tempted to buy - but walked out with a large wheel of Brie for $5.99. My name went into the "pot" for a drawing later this evening for gift cards of various values. I also stopped by and picked up a lamp and some artificial plants from a freecycler. My daughter has been wanting the lamp - right lamp wrong color - so - we will be painting it. Speaking of freecycle - I was able to fill a want for a person. I met them in a public parking lot. It felt great get rid of stuff that was going to be put to good use. Also, I received 2 refund forms. One for $15 off a turkey or ham - and I purchased our turkey today at Publix (with the $1 off coupon they gave me last week) for $15.XX. So, our turkey this year, will be free after rebate. I also received a form for $10 rebate with the purchase of a $25 gift card - which I did earlier at Home Depot. Then, I found a rebate form for a $20 Grocery Store Gift Card with a $150 purchase of groceries - I should be able to have enough receipts to equal that this month - and it will be nice to get $20 back. Then I found a form to get $2 back on a purchase of meat or seafood. So, if you are in the grocery store, keep your eyes open for refund forms and fill them out and mail them in if you are planning to buy the stuff any way. Most of these forms are sponsored by beer/wine companies. Many do not require that you buy their products.

11/21 Expressions

Frugal plans for the weekend. I am planning to use my last $5 off coupon for a one hour massage at the local massage college. Full price is $25 - this is my second visit - and the first one was wonderful. I made a charitable contribution at work. The local Costco is allowing free admission this weekend to those who contributed. Suppose to be door prizes and give aways. I have never been in one - but I have read about them, looked at their website. So, I may get some holiday items - if they are priced right.

11/18 Expressions

I have been on the receiving end of several useful items through freecycle.org. This afternoon, I was able to donate pantry items and dog food we no longer needed. We met in a public spot - and all went smoothly. Since we were meeting the freecycler outside of Sally's Beauty supply, we went in and used the $5 coupon we got last month. My daughter was able to get a $6.99 brush for $1.07 after coupon and discount. Then we walked into to Wal-mart. I was able to get 2 small purse size Tabu colognes for .98 after the $5 coupon I had. I also printed out several of the Goody's Ouchless $2 coupons and we got several packs of ponytail ties for .12 after coupon. I also got 2 bags of Streamfresh veggies free after coupon. Then we stopped at Publix. Tonight was their "Party" night. Lots of samples - enough to count as a meal. They also gave out coupons and had a local musical group playing.

11/16 Expressions

I have mapped out a shopping spree for my husband and daughter. First, Home Depot to buy 4 $25 Gift Cards because they are suppose to have 2 Fandango codes in each card. A great way for the two to go to movies more often without denting up the wallet much. Also, we can use the cards to get the stuff we would normally buy there - or give them as gifts. Then on to the mall. My daughter can use a few sweater or warmer tops. J C Penney sent me a postcard with 30% off anything after 3 PM today. I also have 2 $10 giftcards from participating in the Publix/Kraft rebate several months ago. Then, my daughter will run into Victoria's Secret for a free pair of cotton panties - very nice of them to send me that. Then into Bath & Body works for a $1 giftbag - and use the coupon for a free room fragrance spray for free. On their way home, they will stop at Publix to round out groceries - I don't need much since I went Walgreens yesterday to use the $5/$20 coupon again. But, a wonderful friend sent me a rebate form to get $10 back when I spend a minimum of $10 on pizza and salty snacks. Of course they have the coupon to get the 1 cent mystery item with a purchase of $10. Of course they will be getting a few other items too. And just to add a bit more frugalness (is that a word :) to my day, I washed and conditioned my hair with free samples and painted my nails with the free polish stick I got from Ulta a couple of months ago.

11/15 Expressions

Check your catalogs. Today, I received a Coldwater Creek catalog with a coupon for $20 off my next purchase. No minimum purchase - now, that is generous. So, I searched for a free shipping code - and found one. Then I went through mypoints, and went to the outlet. I found a very nice work jacket, after all codes, I charged $11.xx on my airline miles card (I pay my card off every month). I have noticed more and more coupons from stores and higher values at that.