Sunday, August 25, 2013
Updates
This week, I probably won't be doing any new posts. It's kind of depressing because I was so excited to show off a new project, but I really need to update and personalize my blog page. Besides creating a new background, signature, etc., I also have some photographs to edit and baby shower invitations to write and send out. To say the least, I'll be one busy lady. So I just wanted to let my readers know that there will likely be no posts this week, but I should have one up next Monday, September 2nd. Thanks!
Friday, August 23, 2013
10 Places to Bargain Shop, #10
Yay! The final day in this series. We made it! As much as I'd love to say I'm sad it's over, I'm really just not. I'm ready to move on to discussions, tutorials, and projects. You know: the fun stuff.
10.) Coupons: Again, not a place. However, almost every store has coupons that you can use to help you save money. I do not do the whole extreme couponing thing, but I do use coupons whenever possible. Here are a few ways to get coupons:
-Go to the brand's or store's webpage and sign up for email alerts.
-Check the newspaper inserts
-Google it!
-Send the brand an email (you can also get free samples by doing this from some brands)
Some stores send out weekly newsletters with 20-50% off coupons, some offer free shipping coupons, some give you buy one get one free or half price, etc. There's tons of coupons out there if you look around. When I go to a store with a printable % off one item coupon, I always print two out - one for me and one for The Husband. Then we go in and get the product and save money at the register. Win-win situation.
Of course, if you are wanting to try out extreme couponing, there are several webpages out there with help and instructions to help you get started. Honestly, I would probably do it, but we don't have the room to stock-pile. Oh well.
Thanks for reading these last couple of weeks. I really hope I've helped some of you out in saving money. How do some of you save money? Are there certain places you shop to help out? Leave a comment and let the rest of us know! I'd love advice.
10.) Coupons: Again, not a place. However, almost every store has coupons that you can use to help you save money. I do not do the whole extreme couponing thing, but I do use coupons whenever possible. Here are a few ways to get coupons:
-Go to the brand's or store's webpage and sign up for email alerts.
-Check the newspaper inserts
-Google it!
-Send the brand an email (you can also get free samples by doing this from some brands)
Some stores send out weekly newsletters with 20-50% off coupons, some offer free shipping coupons, some give you buy one get one free or half price, etc. There's tons of coupons out there if you look around. When I go to a store with a printable % off one item coupon, I always print two out - one for me and one for The Husband. Then we go in and get the product and save money at the register. Win-win situation.
Of course, if you are wanting to try out extreme couponing, there are several webpages out there with help and instructions to help you get started. Honestly, I would probably do it, but we don't have the room to stock-pile. Oh well.
Thanks for reading these last couple of weeks. I really hope I've helped some of you out in saving money. How do some of you save money? Are there certain places you shop to help out? Leave a comment and let the rest of us know! I'd love advice.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
10 Places to Bargain Shop, #9
Today is day nine. One more day after this and then I can show of a couple of my projects I've been working on. Don't get too excited - they aren't anything big or spectacular. Just a couple of little, simple sewing projects. I'm waiting until I get to stay home until I start working on anything major.
9.) Gift Cards: I know, I know - not a place, right? Bear with me here. Do any of you ever get gift cards that you can't really do a whole lot with? Or those annoying store credit cards when you return something? I do. And it's always to stores I don't care for our I don't live close to.
For instance, my grandmother loves Kmart and always gives us gift cards for this store during the holidays. However, I can never find anything there that tickles my fancy. At least not in our local store. So what do I do with it? Sell it online for cheaper than it's worth? I don't think so. I, also, have a cards with in-store credit for Macy's on it from when I returned some merchandise. Only problem? The closest Macy's store is hours away. So... I shop clearance online. And I get to watch for sales or use coupons. Then I get the option of paying to have the items shipped to my home or free in-store pick up (not all stores offer this though). And if you just DON'T want the card, you can sell it online, but you won't get the full amount it's worth. Also, you can buy gift cards online for more than what you pay if you look in the right places, therefore saving you money.
See? Gift cards can be quite useful if you use them the right way! I used to find them annoying and pointless, but now I LOVE them and even buy them on eBay for Christmas gifts. Thanks for reading; look forward to day ten tomorrow!
9.) Gift Cards: I know, I know - not a place, right? Bear with me here. Do any of you ever get gift cards that you can't really do a whole lot with? Or those annoying store credit cards when you return something? I do. And it's always to stores I don't care for our I don't live close to.
For instance, my grandmother loves Kmart and always gives us gift cards for this store during the holidays. However, I can never find anything there that tickles my fancy. At least not in our local store. So what do I do with it? Sell it online for cheaper than it's worth? I don't think so. I, also, have a cards with in-store credit for Macy's on it from when I returned some merchandise. Only problem? The closest Macy's store is hours away. So... I shop clearance online. And I get to watch for sales or use coupons. Then I get the option of paying to have the items shipped to my home or free in-store pick up (not all stores offer this though). And if you just DON'T want the card, you can sell it online, but you won't get the full amount it's worth. Also, you can buy gift cards online for more than what you pay if you look in the right places, therefore saving you money.
See? Gift cards can be quite useful if you use them the right way! I used to find them annoying and pointless, but now I LOVE them and even buy them on eBay for Christmas gifts. Thanks for reading; look forward to day ten tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
10 Places to Bargain Shop, #8
Day eight. Today is another personal favorite among The Husband and I:
8.) Thrift Stores: Almost every town - big or small - has one of these. Even our small town with a population of under 300 has one. It's not a huge one, but it's big enough to walk into (the building was a small ice-cream shop in the 1950's, if that tells you anything). However,the larger towns around here have big-time thrift stores, which get a bit of business from me and the rest of my family.
The Husband is a little opposed to buying things used by people he doesn't know, but is usually okay after I remind him three things:
1. The amazing concept of washing and sanitizing.
2. The fact that we can buy a new part if it's just one thing he's worried about.
3. The price we would pay if we had to buy the item brand new.
Ah, yes, the power of persuasion. I consider it one of my super powers, personally. My mother would swear I get it from her, which is probably true.
Anyway, when most people think of thrift stores, they think of raggedy clothes, stinky pairs of shoes, mismatched plates, and "old" or "poor" people in a stuffy shop. Why? Because that's the way they are portrayed in movies. I'm not sure why, though. I've never been in one similar to that description. Besides, thrift stores sell a LOT more than just clothes and dishes. Here are some of my favorite thrift stores finds:
-Breast Pump: bottles and shields were still in plastic, had a home and car outlet plug-ins, even had the manual (which proved to be handy when I got home and made sure it worked)-$5.00
-Little Tykes Art Easel: had a chalk board on one side and a dry erease board on the other - $5.00
-Mini Trampoline: $10.00
-VHS/DVD Movies: $1.00 each
-Rolls of Tulle: $0.50 each
-Lots of Wedding Decor Items: $0.50-$3.00 each
Again, I could go on and on about the deals of thrift stores, but I won't. You're welcome. Thanks for reading today's post - look forward to day nine tomorrow!
8.) Thrift Stores: Almost every town - big or small - has one of these. Even our small town with a population of under 300 has one. It's not a huge one, but it's big enough to walk into (the building was a small ice-cream shop in the 1950's, if that tells you anything). However,the larger towns around here have big-time thrift stores, which get a bit of business from me and the rest of my family.
The Husband is a little opposed to buying things used by people he doesn't know, but is usually okay after I remind him three things:
1. The amazing concept of washing and sanitizing.
2. The fact that we can buy a new part if it's just one thing he's worried about.
3. The price we would pay if we had to buy the item brand new.
Ah, yes, the power of persuasion. I consider it one of my super powers, personally. My mother would swear I get it from her, which is probably true.
Anyway, when most people think of thrift stores, they think of raggedy clothes, stinky pairs of shoes, mismatched plates, and "old" or "poor" people in a stuffy shop. Why? Because that's the way they are portrayed in movies. I'm not sure why, though. I've never been in one similar to that description. Besides, thrift stores sell a LOT more than just clothes and dishes. Here are some of my favorite thrift stores finds:
-Breast Pump: bottles and shields were still in plastic, had a home and car outlet plug-ins, even had the manual (which proved to be handy when I got home and made sure it worked)-$5.00
-Little Tykes Art Easel: had a chalk board on one side and a dry erease board on the other - $5.00
-Mini Trampoline: $10.00
-VHS/DVD Movies: $1.00 each
-Rolls of Tulle: $0.50 each
-Lots of Wedding Decor Items: $0.50-$3.00 each
Again, I could go on and on about the deals of thrift stores, but I won't. You're welcome. Thanks for reading today's post - look forward to day nine tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
10 Places to Bargain Shop, #7
Day seven. Only three more days to go after today. Congratulations, ladies and gentlemen, we are officially on the downhill slope! No words - today's post is a short one.
7.) Newspapers - More especially: the Classifieds section. You never really know what will be listed. Anything from pets to musical instruments to houses are for sale. In fact, we bought a large, black dog kennel for $25.00 from a listing in our local classified section. We, also, bought our couch and loveseat from an older couple for $500.00. It was kind of expensive, but had no stains or rips, was the exact color/size we wanted, came with extra throw pillows, and has some beautiful, intricate carvings in the wood along the bottom and arms. I would guess they paid at least a grand per piece.
In all honesty, we usually only check the Classified section when we are in need of a bigger item and don't want tov pay full retail price. For example: The Husband and I would LOVE to have a side-by-side refrigerator instead of the top freezer one because there is more space. We have budgeted aside $250.00 for one, but don't really want to pay over $150.00-$200.00. In stores, they cost over a thousand. No way, José, are we paying that! So, we arepatiently watching the local classified ads for one in our price range. Luckily, since it's a want and not a need, we don't have to be in any hurry to buy one and have the option to wait for a cheap one. Good reason to pre-plan, hint hint.
See? Not so bad today. Tomorrow won't be so bad, either; so, look forward to it! Thanks for
reading.
7.) Newspapers - More especially: the Classifieds section. You never really know what will be listed. Anything from pets to musical instruments to houses are for sale. In fact, we bought a large, black dog kennel for $25.00 from a listing in our local classified section. We, also, bought our couch and loveseat from an older couple for $500.00. It was kind of expensive, but had no stains or rips, was the exact color/size we wanted, came with extra throw pillows, and has some beautiful, intricate carvings in the wood along the bottom and arms. I would guess they paid at least a grand per piece.
In all honesty, we usually only check the Classified section when we are in need of a bigger item and don't want tov pay full retail price. For example: The Husband and I would LOVE to have a side-by-side refrigerator instead of the top freezer one because there is more space. We have budgeted aside $250.00 for one, but don't really want to pay over $150.00-$200.00. In stores, they cost over a thousand. No way, José, are we paying that! So, we arepatiently watching the local classified ads for one in our price range. Luckily, since it's a want and not a need, we don't have to be in any hurry to buy one and have the option to wait for a cheap one. Good reason to pre-plan, hint hint.
See? Not so bad today. Tomorrow won't be so bad, either; so, look forward to it! Thanks for
reading.
Monday, August 19, 2013
10 Places to Bargain Shop, #6
Good afternoon! Welcome to day six of our list of ten places to bargain shop. We are finally on the down-hill slope! Thanks to everybody who has stuck with me this long; I promise it will be worth it once you start saving money when you shop.
6.) Online - A super easy way to bargain shop is to shop online. No, not just any site will help save you money. Sometimes, you have to really do some searching to find the best deals. Here are three of my most visited online places:
-Nature's Fabrics: When making baby items, especially things that are in direct contact with sensitive skin, I try to use organic fabric as much as possible. This site is cheaper than the others I have found and are of amazing quality. The owner usually has sales goingon, which you can find by signing up for emails and by following the site's Facebook page. Also, there are multiple options of payment, including: sending checks, PayPal, and credit cards.
-Facebook: Again, living in a tri-state area really has its perks. I currently follow eight Facebook pages/groups that other local people sell personal items on for CHEAP! In the last few weeks, I have bought
-a like-new white changing table for $10.00
-a bag of baby clothes (I think there were close to thirty pieces total) for $10.00 - some still had tags
-like-new Playtex Ventaire bottles (15 of them) for $7.00 - we decided on these bottles a few weeks ago and have been trying to buy them little by little because the best come at a big price)
Of course, there are many, many other items that go up for sale every hour. I just buy things we need so I save money in the long run and don't waste money on "junk" as my husband calls it.
-eBay: Who doesn't love eBay? They have just about everything on there for good prices. I don't buy from here too often, but I get the majority of my non-fabric sewing supplies here because it's cheaper than buying in-store. I do do a lot of my Christmas shopping on eBay for my husband, though, because he's the type of guy that will buy things for himself from the local stores. Quite annoying, if you ask me.
Well, that's all for today. Look forward to day seven tomorrow!
6.) Online - A super easy way to bargain shop is to shop online. No, not just any site will help save you money. Sometimes, you have to really do some searching to find the best deals. Here are three of my most visited online places:
-Nature's Fabrics: When making baby items, especially things that are in direct contact with sensitive skin, I try to use organic fabric as much as possible. This site is cheaper than the others I have found and are of amazing quality. The owner usually has sales goingon, which you can find by signing up for emails and by following the site's Facebook page. Also, there are multiple options of payment, including: sending checks, PayPal, and credit cards.
-Facebook: Again, living in a tri-state area really has its perks. I currently follow eight Facebook pages/groups that other local people sell personal items on for CHEAP! In the last few weeks, I have bought
-a like-new white changing table for $10.00
-a bag of baby clothes (I think there were close to thirty pieces total) for $10.00 - some still had tags
-like-new Playtex Ventaire bottles (15 of them) for $7.00 - we decided on these bottles a few weeks ago and have been trying to buy them little by little because the best come at a big price)
Of course, there are many, many other items that go up for sale every hour. I just buy things we need so I save money in the long run and don't waste money on "junk" as my husband calls it.
-eBay: Who doesn't love eBay? They have just about everything on there for good prices. I don't buy from here too often, but I get the majority of my non-fabric sewing supplies here because it's cheaper than buying in-store. I do do a lot of my Christmas shopping on eBay for my husband, though, because he's the type of guy that will buy things for himself from the local stores. Quite annoying, if you ask me.
Well, that's all for today. Look forward to day seven tomorrow!
Friday, August 2, 2013
10 Places to Bargain Shop, #5
Day five. The halfway point! Yay! For those of you just tuning in, I am going over the top 10 places I save money by bargain shopping. So far, I've said:
1.) Garage Sales
2.) Clearance Racks
3.) Wal-Mart
4.) Craigslist
And now...
5.) Flea Markets - *Sigh* Ah, how I love flea markets. We have only one in this area - and even it's a small one an hour away that is only open a few weekends out of each year. Sucks, right? Just not very convenient. In Texas, we lived about 20 minutes away from First Monday in Canton. If you've never heard of it, look it up. Flea market galore!
At flea markets, you usually find handmade goods, jewelry, and fried foods. You never ready know what fun things you'll find in each individual shop. One shop at our local flea market had all handmade girls' accessories. Bright, adorable, colorful pillowcase dresses, tutus, hair bows, flip-flops, headbands, etc. My mother found a little bitty tent that made custom jewelry AND purses. Hog Heaven for her. Great advantage? They are online, too! Among all of the deliciously fattening foods sold, you can sometimes find fresh baked goods like pies, breads, cookies, and pastries. The Amish have a store in our flea market and have the best ever homemade bread. Yum yum!
Flea markets house great, affordable gift ideas for family members that make you look like you either doesn't a lot of money or a lot of time on the gift. Plus, they are unique gifts that you can't find in any store. Just something to think about...
Thanks for reading today's post; look forward to day six on Monday!
1.) Garage Sales
2.) Clearance Racks
3.) Wal-Mart
4.) Craigslist
And now...
5.) Flea Markets - *Sigh* Ah, how I love flea markets. We have only one in this area - and even it's a small one an hour away that is only open a few weekends out of each year. Sucks, right? Just not very convenient. In Texas, we lived about 20 minutes away from First Monday in Canton. If you've never heard of it, look it up. Flea market galore!
At flea markets, you usually find handmade goods, jewelry, and fried foods. You never ready know what fun things you'll find in each individual shop. One shop at our local flea market had all handmade girls' accessories. Bright, adorable, colorful pillowcase dresses, tutus, hair bows, flip-flops, headbands, etc. My mother found a little bitty tent that made custom jewelry AND purses. Hog Heaven for her. Great advantage? They are online, too! Among all of the deliciously fattening foods sold, you can sometimes find fresh baked goods like pies, breads, cookies, and pastries. The Amish have a store in our flea market and have the best ever homemade bread. Yum yum!
Flea markets house great, affordable gift ideas for family members that make you look like you either doesn't a lot of money or a lot of time on the gift. Plus, they are unique gifts that you can't find in any store. Just something to think about...
Thanks for reading today's post; look forward to day six on Monday!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
10 Places to Bargain Shop, #4
Welcome to day four of my ten places to shop to help you save money. Today is another online place. I don't use this one as often as I should, but there are always great things at great prices here.
4.) Craigslist - We live in a Tri-State area, which is awesome when it comes to Craigslist because we get to look through THREE different regional pages. Hooray! Here's a few great things about this site:
-Free: Yes, they have a "Free" page under the "For Sale" category. I've seen changing tables, cribs, beds, clothes, appliances, couches, tables, and animals go under this page. You have to check often, though, because a lot of the posts will say something like "will be on the curb for two days, then I'm throwing it out." If possible, message the poster to see if they still have the item available before wasting your gas.
-Arts & Crafts: This page is geared more towards scrapbookers and artists than anything. However, you can usually find sewing machines for great prices on here. Currently there is a New In Box (NIB) fabric cutter for $75.00 and a NIB Cricut Diecut machine for $100.00 posted on one of our local pages. Both are great deals considering what you'd pay in-store.
-Baby/Kids: As an expecting mother and mother to a 5 year old who is trying to save as much money as possible, I follow this page quite a bit. I recently bought a "Baby Boy Clothing Lot" (20+ outfits) for only $7.00. Can't beat that! I will admit that finding clothes for The Diva is getting harder the older she gets. But, there's also a "Clothing & Accessories" page I have some success with for her on occasion.
Of course, there are many other categories and pages to look through. Also, if you want something specific, you can search for it or post an ad under the "Wanted" page.
Note: Beware of scams! Craigslist has tips to help you avoid them. You'll find them more in the "Services" category than the ones I listed, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Thanks for reading today's post; look forward to the fifth place tomorrow!
4.) Craigslist - We live in a Tri-State area, which is awesome when it comes to Craigslist because we get to look through THREE different regional pages. Hooray! Here's a few great things about this site:
-Free: Yes, they have a "Free" page under the "For Sale" category. I've seen changing tables, cribs, beds, clothes, appliances, couches, tables, and animals go under this page. You have to check often, though, because a lot of the posts will say something like "will be on the curb for two days, then I'm throwing it out." If possible, message the poster to see if they still have the item available before wasting your gas.
-Arts & Crafts: This page is geared more towards scrapbookers and artists than anything. However, you can usually find sewing machines for great prices on here. Currently there is a New In Box (NIB) fabric cutter for $75.00 and a NIB Cricut Diecut machine for $100.00 posted on one of our local pages. Both are great deals considering what you'd pay in-store.
-Baby/Kids: As an expecting mother and mother to a 5 year old who is trying to save as much money as possible, I follow this page quite a bit. I recently bought a "Baby Boy Clothing Lot" (20+ outfits) for only $7.00. Can't beat that! I will admit that finding clothes for The Diva is getting harder the older she gets. But, there's also a "Clothing & Accessories" page I have some success with for her on occasion.
Of course, there are many other categories and pages to look through. Also, if you want something specific, you can search for it or post an ad under the "Wanted" page.
Note: Beware of scams! Craigslist has tips to help you avoid them. You'll find them more in the "Services" category than the ones I listed, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Thanks for reading today's post; look forward to the fifth place tomorrow!