Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Guess what is super cheap right now!?!

SUMMER SHOES!!!!

I went to DSW last week and got some super cute (dressier-no rubber) flip flops!  Both were pretty high ticket designers.  One pair was $5 and the other was $4.  Originally they were $79.99 and $69.99.
Now is the perfect time to buy them.  Why? Because retailers will be getting this year's in a fairly short time.

Checking around online, I found some cute ones at Piperlime, tons around $19.97 and ShopatHome has a 12% rebate (plus if you haven't signed up yet-go through my link or the picture below and get an additional $5 off).

DSW has some cute (and some comfy looking ones too) starting at $9.94 with free shipping over $35.   The rebate for ShopatHome is 8%.

6pm has some Roxy, Reef, and Volcom flip flops starting at $6.64!!  The ShopatHome rebate for them is 6%.  If you aren't familiar with 6pm, get familiar with them!  They are the outlet for Zappos.  I have bought tons of shoes from them and had zero problems!

And lastly, this is my favorite little tid-bit of information!  Did you know that Nordstrom Rack is now online!  I know!  I'm so excited!  The rebate for ShopatHome is also 6%, go through the regular Nordstrom link then click Department, go to Sale and then click on the Nordstrom Rack picture then Shop Nordstrom Rack online.   

ShopAtHome Banner

But ladies, you have to make me a promise!  When that first nice weather hits and you're going to wear those cute sandals-please make sure your feet look summer ready!  You can use the money you saved on a pedicure or use some coupons and get a pumice stone and some great lotion for those feet that have been stuck inside shoes for months!  It will make those shoes that much cuter!!!!!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Check your Sunday Oregonian!

Be sure to lookout for a $10 off $50 coupon on page A7 of Sunday's Oregonian (1/9).  I noticed a comment on Frugal Living NW mentioning it.

PLUS there are double your value coupons for Albertson's.

Stock up before our snow!!

Monday, December 20, 2010

A couple easy cookie recipes...

I'm baking away here!  Here are some of my favorite recipes (and most of them include items from my stockpile-thank you couponing!!!)

Peppermint Bark
You'll laugh at the prices they charge for this when you find out just how easy it is to make!!!

1 Package White Chocolate chips
1tsp (more if you like a stronger flavor) Peppermint extract
4 crushed candy canes (about 1/2 cup)

Melt chips in a double boiler (or if you don't have one, place a smaller saucepan into a slightly larger one that it filled 1/3 of the way with water), stirring near constantly.  Once melted add extract and stir. 
Lay a piece of parchment on a cookie sheet and spread your melted mixture evenly.  Sprinkle the candy canes over the melted chocolate and gently press (I use the back of a spatula and try to not actually touch the chocolate itself).  Let cool and then refrigerate.  Break into smaller pieces and store in an airtight container.

Super Easy Toffee (from allrecipes.com)
So, the key to this is to be patient and cook it on a fairly low temperature.  Don't be tempted to crank up the heat in hopes of hurrying it!!  And stir it-A LOT!!!  Especially near the end!
2 cups butter (use the real stuff only!  Tillamook is on sale 2 for $5 at Market of Choice)
2 cups white sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed almonds (I buy the small package of sliced almonds and bash them with a meat tenderizer, then use about 1/2 the package)

In large heavy bottom saucepan, melt the butter on low to med heat.  Add the sugar and salt and whisk until well combined.  The mixture will come to a boil and allow to remain at a slow boil until it becomes a dark amber color and has reach 285 degrees on a candy thermometer.  (This usually takes about 20 to 30 mins).

Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Spread the mixture evenly onto the parchment.  Sprinkle the chocolate chips onto the toffee and allow to melt for about 2 minutes.  Using a spatula and light hand, spread the chocolate chips over the toffee.  Sprinkle with the almonds (you can also press them lightly into the chocolate).  Allow to cool then place in refrigerator until set.  Break into pieces and store in airtight container.

No bake Peanut Butter/Cornflake cookies
OK, not really a Christmas cookie but my kids go wild for them!!!

1 cup sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
2 cups peanut butter (the original recipe calls for 1 but I like mine VERY peanut buttery)
1 tsp vanilla
6 cups cornflakes

Bring sugar and syrup in a large saucepan to a boil (on medium heat).  Add peanut butter and stir until melted then add vanilla.   Add cornflakes (I pour the mixture gradually over the cornflakes that are in a large bowl) and gently mix until fully incorporated.  Place small spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool.

Pecan pie bars
I just made this up today-so if you have suggestions-let me know!

1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust

filling-
1 cup sugar
1 cup plus 2 Tbs Honey
3 eggs
3 Tbs flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbs melted butter
5 cups pecan halves

Press the dough into a greased/floured jelly roll pan, using a fork to splice the two rolls of dough together.  Gently pierce the bottom and side with a fork.
Cook at 450 for 10 mins.  Turn off oven to allow to cool down for next step.

Combined all the filling ingredients until well blended.   Spread pecan mixture over dough. 
Cook at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes (just after it stops bubbling and the liquid portion is a caramel color).
Allow to cool completely and cut into small bars (they're very rich-so you only want a little one).

I place a bit of each on some Christmas plates I bought the day after Christmas last year and give to my neighbors, mail carrier, UPS guy, FEDEX lady-great gifts for all of them!!!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Black Friday, should I really brave it?!?

Well, I have a biased opinion to that-it's YES!!!  This coming from someone who has worked retail on that day and for the last about 10 years has shopped it.

Look through the ads.  AFullCup has a complete list.  Look under Forum and then Hot Threads.  Is there something there you want/need?

Look through that list that you made from my first post.  What specific items are you looking for?

If you go out on Black Friday without a plan, it is guaranteed that you will come home with tons of junk you didn't need.  But if you go out with a plan (and stick to it!) you can save tons of money.  Yes, the deals are that good!

Go with a partner!  Scope out your deals ahead of time.  Have one of you wait in line and the other shop.  Or divide and conquer, one of you head to the toy department and the other to the electronics.

Go early but not too early!  The majority of the screaming deals are the Early Bird specials.  Now, I'm crazy for Black Friday but I'm also a little sneaky!  I go exactly (or 5 minutes before) the store opens.  Why wait outside and freeze to just get there a few minutes earlier?

Only shop at stores that are well stocked!  One year I waited in line at Toys R Us for an item for my daughter for 2 hours (I violated my rule and waited in line REALLY early!).  Once I got in the store I found out that they only had 5 of the advertised item for the whole store!  Then I left Toys R Us and went to Radio Shack (they opened an hour later-so again out in the cold) and found out that the store I went to was too small for the item I wanted to get.  Talk to your stores this week.  I went in to Target and was assured that there would be tons of stock of the TV that my husband and I really want.  Historically, Target has a great stock so I'm heading there for sure!!  Read the fine print.  If it says 10 items per store and you're not camping out, it's unlikely you're going to get that item.

Go with a great attitude!  People will be tired and grumpy, ignore them.  Caffeine yourself up, stop for some little snacks and laugh off the grumps.  Wear comfy shoes and warm layers (it gets hotter in the mall so prepare to peel your layers). 

Most importantly, if you don't get that item you wanted-It's OK!  You've live your life thus far without it, you'll be just fine!

(In case you can't read the words on the comic above it says, You didn't tell me you were going camping this weekend.....Where are you going this time?  Best Buy.)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

How to really save in Christmas shopping

'Tis the season to shop away...and save money?  Absolutely!
Trust me I KNOW Christmas shopping!  I have tons of people to shop for!
This is going to be a several part series aimed at helping you get this done and have a stress free wonderful Christmas season!

I have over 15 family members/friends to buy for not to mention my 3 kids and husband.
First thing first, I set a budget for each person (especially my kids-they're just too fun to buy for!!!) and stick to it!
2nd is I keep a running list to remember all the things I've bought.  This step is important!  Before I did this, I would start assembling and wrapping gifts and realize I had too many gifts for one person.
Have any problems thinking of gifts for the people on your list?  Ask them for ideas, if not specifics generalities are great because it leaves more choices of items to get.

Shopping online?  Wouldn't it be cool if you could shop online and then get a check around January for a percentage of your shopping?  Oh wait, you can!!
Sign up on Shopathome or Ebates (please follow one of the links to sign up-thanks!)  Just start with one of those websites, enter the store you want to shop and a rebate comes a month or so later!  It's seriously that easy!
Shopping online without a promo code is a waste of money!  Most times that I shop online I find a promo code (minimum free shipping).  You'll find some on Shopathome or Ebates, you can just google it or I just heard a commercial on the radio for Promotional Codes.com

Incidentally, Ebates has a contest. If you refer enough people, you can win some REALLY cool prizes!  Post it on your Facebook and get shopping!

Next in the series....how to survive Black Friday!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Philosophy set for only $4.95

Have you heard of Rue La La?  Me neither until this week!

Right now they are giving a $20 credit to new customers!  Go here to get yours! (plus that link give me a credit too!)





I was able to score this Philosphy set for only $4.95!  Because the credit cover shipping too! 
They have a bunch of normally high priced items for really reasonable prices.  Their shipping is a bit much ($9.95) but with that credit you just can't go wrong!

Here are some other items you can get fairly reasonably!

Vincent Longo Lipstick and Pencil only $4.95 shipped!


















   Calvin Klein pants for only $8.95 shipped (there are a bunch more clothes too!!!)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Great Deal to see some movies cheap!

Have you heard of Tippr?  It's a lot like Groupon.

They have a great deal today for Movie Tickets!  For only $20 you get $56 worth of movie tickets to use by Christmastime!  I did this deal a few weeks back and love it!

1. You make your purchase on Tippr, this particular deal is an Atlanta deal but it will work here in Portland!

2. Claim the tickets on Weeklycinema by 12.30.2010 and you can redeem them on Fandango or Movietickets.com within 90 days of claiming them.

3. Go to a movie and not have a heart attack about the price!

My daughter and I are having a girl's day at the movies on Friday and I can't wait to take advantage of this deal!  Be sure to click on the above links please!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Need some flooring? I've got a great local company for you!

As you can tell from the lack of posts, life has been a bit crazy for my family!!

One of the things keeping us busy was the need to 'spiff' up a rental house we own.  The previous occupants lived there for 5 years so there was quite a bit to do!

Besides painting, one of the biggest changes we made to the house was new carpeting through all but one room. 

We had thought we had found the just right carpeting at a non-local retailer but it didn't work out with them.  We are so glad that it didn't!!!  After talking to a friend, we were told that a local family that we knew in passing had a flooring company.

The company? 
David C Bouyer Company
(503) 722-0095
14214 Fir St, Oregon City, OR 97045

The owners are David and Heather.  We had contact with both but mainly worked with Rick.

We could not have been happier!!  We went in at 10 am on Tuesday, Rick was in the house measuring by noon and the carpet began being laid by 9 am on Wednesday!  The price could not be beat and an 8 lb pad was standard-which is super cushy under foot!!  Their excellent service will make us lifetime customers and I just wanted to share it with you.

I have not been compensated what-so-ever to write this review

UPDATE-their website...http://davidcbouyer.brandsource.biz/bsfg.nsf/welcome/davidcbouyer

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Quick Giveaway...winner chosen tomorrow!!!

Thanks to BlogSpark I have a fun giveaway!!!  The best part is EVERYONE is a winner!!!

Enter to Win a "My Sweet Sunday Moment” prize pack

The Pillsbury “My Sweet Sunday Moment” prize pack which includes a Pillsbury Doughboy Giggle Doll, blue silicon spatula, blue silicon pot holder and dishcloths.

Blogspark and Pillsbury were kind enough to give me one and my kids are in love with the Doughboy!!
Leave up to 3 comments if...
You are a follower of this blog, if not go here
You like me on Facebook, if not go here
Let me know your famly's Sweet Sunday Traditions (or really anytime you love to have Sweet moments with your family).

In an effort to recapture Sunday mornings as the ideal occasion to reconnect with family and loved ones, Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls is teaming up with Melissa Joan Hart, star of the new ABC Family sitcom “Melissa & Joey,” for the My Sweet Sunday Moment contest, where you and your family have a chance to win a seven-day “week of Sundays” vacation to California, including a visit to area theme parks and Melissa Joan Hart’s sweet shop, SweetHarts! Enter today by visiting Pillsbury.com/SweetSunday and telling Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls why your family loves Sunday and why you want more of them for a chance to win.

So how is EVERYONE a winner?  Go to Pillsbury.com/SweetSunday and get a coupon!!!
Treat your family to a “sweet Sunday moment” with the mouth-watering aroma and delicious taste of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls. Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls are a quick and easy addition to any breakfast that the whole family will love – just place and bake!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Garage Sale!!!

Multi Family Yard Sale in West Linn

In the cul de sac near 2329 Athena Road, WL

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Fabulous Groupon for Gap

Groupon has a great deal today!


Do you know about Groupon?  They have great deals, super cheap!  The one catch is they are only good for that day!  Follow any of the highlighted links above to get yours!!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Great Deal at Body Shop!

Using the code SCHOLAR you can get $5 off any order PLUS free shipping for any order of $15 (after coupon).

PLUS if you go through Shopathome, you earn an additional 10%

This is what I got for $15.66 (I'm shopping now for those little gifts needed at Christmas!)
Fruit Body Butter Trio and the Vanilla Skin Trio!  I also saw a great set for the feet Peppermint Foot Beach Ready Feet, I might go back and get that too!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Great Deal at Aeropostale!

Aeropostale Friends & Family - Take 30% Off Your Purchase With Code FFAUGPSP.S. from Aeropostale Friends & Family - Take 30% Off Your Purchase With Code FFAUGPSAéropostale and P.S. from Aéropostale's Additional 30% Friends and Family Sale starts Thursday, 8/12 and ends Sunday, 8/15.



Details...
Take an additional 30% off your order for our Friends & Family Event at Aéropostale and P.S. from Aéropostale. Enter Promo Code FFAUG or FFAUGPS at check-out for discount to be applied. Discount will be applied prior to any tax and shipping charges. May not be combined with any other discounts. Excludes gift cards, online gift certificates and previous purchases. Not valid on bulk purchases. Offer ends 11:59 PM EST on 8/15/10.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Been thinking of signing up for Swagbucks?

Search & Win
If you haven't signed up for Swagbucks there is a new promo to earn 70 Swag (by clicking on the above banner or anywhere the word Swagbucks is highlighted)  then enter the code BackToSchool (it is case sensitive)
What are Swagbucks?  They are like frequent flyer miles for searching on the internet.  It really is a no strings attached kind of thing!  When you earn 450 Swagbucks you can trade them for a $5 gift card to Amazon.com!!!  If Amazon isn't your thing, trade them in for sweepstakes, Target giftcards, Itunes card, and many more.  The one and only catch is that you have to remember to search-but you'll get into a routine in no time.

Once you sign up, you can then refer others and earn their first 1000 right along with them! 

It's powered by Google-so just like googling only you get rewarded!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Awesome week to shop at Safeway!!!

This is a great week to shop at Safeway!!!

Rold Gold Pretzels are FREE!!!  They are $1.49 and there is a $1.50 off coupon right next to the pretzels.

Plus the Fuel for School promo is awesome!

Go here to see The Krazy Coupon Lady post about Safeway, I'll give more info later.