Get the real deal!

Have y'all checked out Groupon yet? It's my favourite 'deal' site ever! All the others I've seen offer discounts on ski jackets or designer bags or spa days... I reckon those are nice enough for people who will actually use them. But I just can't see forking over what would buy a month's groceries for a purse with somebody else's name on it.

Groupon, on the other hand, comes up with what I consider relevant offers. So far, I've treated Duller to a couple of really nice lunches within reasonable distance from his office. We even got a half-price deal for our favourite local healthy-eats coop! Boy, did I ever get excited over that one! AND we have tickets to the museum. Not your ordinary be-quiet-walk-through-look-at-the-walls kinda museum. This one is all outdoorsy, with a natural habitat zoo and historical buildings. I've always loved this place, but hardly ever get to visit. Now we're all going for half price!

I'll never forget our first visit. There were chickens and such wandering around and we happened upon two roosters in the midst of a little spat. A guinea hen was running around them, trying her best to get them to talk it out like reasonable adults. Finally, she just jumped in between them and broke it up. That was over 20 years ago and we still laugh about it. And I still lament my lack of a video camera! 8-}

Anyhow, why not see what they have in your area? Haven't you always wanted to jump out of a plane? How about for less than half price? Yes, Groupon has a few of those not-for-everybody deals, as well. But check back tomorrow and they're likely to have just what you've been looking for.

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Soap dish - tossing it

Has anybody else out there stopped using soap? I've long since given up antiperspirant, coz those chemicals soak right into your bloodstream through your pores, donchaknow?! Oh, don't worry, I still use Tom's deodorant. I've also been using Tom's non-fluoride toothpaste, but am switching to just baking soda.

Next out the door was/is shampoo. I just did my first shampooless hair wash a few days ago and... I have to confess... I didn't think I was doing a good job and added just a tiny bit of shampoo. I figured it'd be easier if I started out with clean hair. 8-} Since then, I've been checking out borax. There are so many opinions out there, both pro and con. What to believe? Personally, I think most people are kinda scared to change the status quo. And we've all grown up with the FDA-approval mentality. I reckon a lot of the 'it's dangerous' notions come from lack of knowledge. Many of the comments I've read mention not getting it in your eyes. Well, branded shampoos burn, right? Didn't they used to issue similar warnings? Anyhow, I'm still hovering over the fence on this one.

My next steps are throwing out the laundry detergent and body wash. A nice baking soda shower, follwed by an apple cider vinegar rinse should do quite nicely. I've read some encouraging reports from others who have already espoused this method. Any other rebels reading this? I'd love to know how it's working out for y'all.

I've been wondering how it would work to hit the beach for a nice soak, then just rinse out the salt and sand. Hey, it could work! 8-]

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Habits, good and bad

It's incredible how quickly I got OUT of the puter habit... which I thought would be more painful than cutting caffeine cold turkey. I re-discovered the real world out there and just can't seem to sit still at this desk as long as I used to.

Anyhow... not that I'm obsessed with coupons or anything... check out this done deal! I used to think that kinda thing would never work for me, but I'm getting deals just like that every week now! It's downright inspiring! I have a short end-of-sale list tomorrow that should be, if there are any tearpad coupons left, 75-100% off the already rock bottom sale price!

Right now, I'm all about the savings. Debt-free in three (except the mortgage, which will take a while longer) is my goal. After years of coasting and squeaking by and always struggling to get that belt just one notch tighter, I'm becoming ruthless. Some people, whose names I'll not mention, have a habit of turning on lights all over the house and forgetting the switch goes down, as well. No more of that! You're not reading or cooking, so the one lamp is sufficient. Sleeping in front of the tv? Turn that watt wolfer OFF! I'm even trying to get in the habit of unplugging things that aren't in use. And handing over the Publix list to someone who's going to be in that area, anyway. Much as I enjoy doing it, it's silly to drive 40-50 miles when Duller drives right past the store every day. Once in a while, I just have to do it, coz gas is - so far - still cheaper than a rubber room. KnowwhutImeanVern?

So, what are your best money-saving tips? What little things do you do that add up to big benefits?

Have a JESUS-filled day!

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Deal of the Day

If you enjoy a really good bargain, check out Groupon!

From WJLA News:
Here's how it works: Sign up at the Web site and every day Groupon will send an e-mail with the daily discount. For example, half off tickets to the Newseum, or perhaps a play. Another offer: $20 worth of pizzas for $10. There are even discounts on high-priced pampering...

The only catch -- and this is where the group discount comes in -- a certain number of people must agree to buy the discounted item via credit card before a midnight deadline.

Read the rest of this news story here.
Right now, they're only in 35 cities, including Tampa. Let's help them grow!

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Chicken for a BAWK?!

If you haven't heard, Boston Market has a super coupon deal going on this week. You get a quarter white or three pieces of dark with mashed potatoes (here, they let you choose a different side) and cornbread for a buck. This one expires on 1 November. There are other coupons here, as well. You might want to get there early in the day. Duller tried around noon and after work and both times there were unbelievable crowds waiting in line. He said about 60 people in front of him and by the time he got to the counter, as many behind and more coming. Just as he got up to second in line, they announced they were out of dark meat, cornbread and most sides. Wonder if it's that way all over.

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Free Fazoli's

I have a printable coupon good for a free small spaghetti entree w/meat or marinara sauce with purchase of a drink. It's good Monday, the 26th, only. Our Fazoli's closed and has been replaced by a bank. (How ironic is that?!) Nearly all my favourite places have closed in this area, which is just another reason I SO want to move back to a more civilized part of Flarda. OK, but that's beside the point. If anyone wants this coupon, let me know and I'll e you the link.

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Out of touch with reality?

One of my favourite Saturday morning 'activities' is watching America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country. The thing that always amazes me, though, is the how straight-faced they remain while quoting prices on items they compare. Today, for example, they rated cookware and narrowed down to two of each piece. First, a 12" SS skillet... the best was about $135, and the 'affordable' alternative was over $90. (The 'best' saucepan was even more)! Is it just me? Am I stuck in a Jurassic economic era? Who can afford to pay $100+ for ONE frying pan? (It gets worse... I searched for a pic and found ONE 12" SS skillet for $225! OK, if it's gold and I can cash it in after I'm done cooking, maybe....) I love to cook and I'd really love to have the best equipment, but I balk at forking over that much for a whole set! OK, I'm super-cheap and will wait till the item I want goes to deep discount just to save $10. Hey, $10 can feed my family for a day. But really, should I move on into the 21st century or am I not alone in my dismay?

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And the blessings just keep on comin'

Just had to share this!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, all piling up at the same time, this is a really tight budgetary season for us. So literally every penny counts right now. Still glowing from yesterday's goodness, Duller stopped at the local we're-dirt-cheap store to get some half-price-at-the-end-of-the-day goodies from the deli. The computer prints out the price and the clerk writes 1/2 price (or words to that effect) on the sticker. When he went through the checkout, there was a problem of some sort... long story short, he got the deli items gratis! Thanks for the free supper, God! I can't wait to see what You come up woth next! 8-]

Y'all have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Ain't God good?!!

The check I've been waiting for finally arrived, so I headed straight for the big city to buy groceries. And, as if that wasn't blessing enough, I got my MyPoints reward today... a $25 GC for Applebee's. DS volunteered to go with me and we got the 2/$20 deal. What a treat!

After we ate, we decided to go check out HHGregg... to give us a little time to recover before shopping... ever grocery shop right after a big meal? ( * ; * ) Another blessing was about to hit me. We looked at stoves and I found the one I want. Now I need to research, coz if I find a lower price, they'll beat it. As we were leaving the store, I grabbed a sale flyer. Now usually, we'd take off and I'd look at the flyer at home, but I decided to take just a couple minutes there in the parking lot. Hold and below, the pay-as-you-go phones we use (Net10) were on sale for HALF PRICE! (I had run out of time over the weekend and was going to wait till the end of the month to get a new one!) I called Duller right away (it was 5PM by now & he has an HHGregg card) and had him meet us there. We bought the last 4 they had.

DS decided he'd just as soon take off, so Duller went with me to Publix. Between BOGOs and super coupons, we ended up spending $35.xx for about $70 worth of groceries. He was in a REALLY good mood over that. 8-]

OK, I don't do coffee, so Idano if Eight O'clock brand is any good, but Publix has it BOGO right now AND there's a printable coupon for $2 off here, making it $2.99 for 2 bags. That's pretty good for coffee, ain't it? They had several flavours from which to choose.

For more sale/coupon match-ups, check out A Full Cup.

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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Thrifty Thursday, adden-duh

For lots of great sales, deals and coupon links, visit the Coupon Saving Game.

And if you love TGI Fridays, click here for 2 coupons.
One is for a free appetizer with any drink purchase from 4-closing.
You have to order at the bar, but you don't have to order an alcoholic drink.
The other is for a $5 sandwich or salad during lunch hours.
Call first to make sure your local restaurant is a 'participating location'.

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Thrifty Thursday

Times are tough all over and we're all doing our part to fight fiscal frustration.

I NEVER shop at WD here. They have been accused - and I believe it - of taking items out of the dumpster and reshelving them. I have taken back things that had been opened - no phfff when I removed the lid - and later found the same items back on the shelf. UGH! The place is disgusting!

Admittedly, Publix is, as a rule, a bit more expensive. But with a little planning, we can save a ton. The thing I love most about Publix - well, second to its obviously superior environment - is the plethora of BOGO deals. Last week, between the BOGOs and coupons, I paid app. $66 for $111 worth of groceries! (And that was without really thoroughly scouring all the coupon sources available!) Keep your eyes peeled for coupons on those sale items. They had a BOGO offer on Old El Paso dinner kits. I had a coupon for $1 off 3 OEP items AND a coupon for a free OEP taco seasoning package. Bottom line: I got 2 dinner kits and the seasoning pack for under $2. And I later found out I could have gotten a free shopping bag with that purchase. Yep, I'm still learning.

Today's lesson: When you think you've found all the coupons you can use, go back and look again. 8-]

Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^

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