Saturday, April 26, 2008

Hallmark Store-Oakway Center, Closing! Good Deals!

Hello All-

I am sad to report that the Hallmark location at Oakway Center is closing May 27. I heard an employee saying they will reopen that branch at a later time once they find a different location, I will keep you posted.

However, in the meantime that means a store closing sale! Lots of items are 30-60% off throughout the store. Excluded are the main card selection at this point. They have pulled out seasonal merchandise (and it appears all seasons are represented) at 50% off. Lots of items throughout the last year have been put back out on sale. I found some items I had hoped to get after Christmas that they must have tucked back! I know have them! They have some great items at 30% that are part of the current collection or are not seasonal.

Also, this weekend spend $10 on non-sale items in the store and get a free Webkinz from a selected group!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Free- Food & Family Magazine Offer!

Hello All-

Do you receive the Food & Family quarterly mailer from Kraft Foods? If you don't, I suggest you sign up for it today!

Visit: www.kraftfoods.com/share or click on my link at the bottom of my blog.

This is a free publication that comes out 4 times a year, usually 1 a season. It highlights recipe ideas that are seasonally appropriate, great snack ideas, new products Kraft is introducing, etc.

The best part is it is FREE, yes FREE!!! All you have to do is sign up to receive it. I have been getting this magazine for about a year and am very pleased with the ideas/content. Of course, Kraft is counting on you using their products, but you don't have to and the publication is worth a look for the great ideas presented!

Sign up today, I think you will really enjoy it!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Friday, April 25, 2008

Kashi-Free Granola Sample

Hello All-

Interested in a free sample of Kashi's new granola? Visit www.kashi.com or use my link at the bottom of my blog to go directly to the free sample link.

Enjoy health!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Ben Franklin Offer- Free Webkinz with $10 Purchase!

Hello All-

I'm telling you the free offers just keep coming so check back often as I will post new specials as I find them. Thanks to one of my savvy friends for spying this special!

At Ben Franklin (April 25-27) make a $10 purchase in the store and get to pick from a select group of Webkinz absolutely free! The Webkinz retails from $8.99-$11.99.

On my visit Friday you had your choice of white kitty, white poodle, lion, reindeer. Each day selection may change.

If you enjoy crafts, home decor or scrapbooking it is a great weekend to make a purchase and get the free Webkinz, tuck it away for a gift in your gift closet!

Side Note: Apparently it is Webkinz weekend so stores that carry this product may be offering similar incentives. Check it out!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Gottschalk's Specials- Free Webkinz with Purchase!

Hello All-

It seems to be the weekend of great retail promos! Take advantage of these loss leader promos by sticking to a set list, the most minimal to get the freebie and you won't be lured into spending the money you had hoped to save!

Gottschalk's this weekend (April 25-27) is having several promos that are blog worthy! It is "Discount Days" so you get 15% off fashion purchases and 10% off all home purchases. If you carry a Gottschalk's card, you get an additional discount too.

They are also having a free Webkinz promotion with any purchase in home of $25 or more. That is an incredible deal! These web-based plush animals retail for $12.99! They have an excellent selection as of Friday, so check it out. They also have some great items in the home as loss leaders. Anolon fry pan w/ lid $29.99, Crock-Pot w/ bonus dipper pot $25.99, etc! Plus you get the 10% off for discount days too! It really is a great sale if you are needing any items for you home.

Hint: These Webkinz make great gifts! They are a fun stuffed animal that you get to bring to life on-line using the code on the animal. The on-line code is good for 1 year of access. These are popular from young kids to tweens, so get your houseware item and tuck this away for a gift! Better yet, have a gift you need to buy for an upcoming wedding or party? Consider a housewares gift (get a gift receipt, just in case) and claim your free Webkinz for a future gift for your gift closet!

These are the type of promos you should watch due to the value of what you are going to be getting. I went in and purchased the Analon pan featured in the ad for a gift and got a Webkinz too! The gift will be given later in the year, but I don't mind holding it for the freebies I got!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Fresh Body Market- Employee Discount Customer Sale!

Hello All-

Have you ever tried Fresh Body Market products? I got hooked on them when they were carried at a store at the 5th Street Public Market.

All of their products are natural/ organic, many vegan and they smell great!

Right now they are having their best sale that they run a couple of times a year. It is the "employee discount" sale for customers. You save 31% on products. Each month they typically run some type of special, but this is typically the most discounted sale!

They have a limited product line, but I highly recommend the bubble baths. They come in fun milk jug style containers in 3 flavors, our favorite is the strawberry and chocolate milk baths. A little product goes a long way, yes it is more pricey than your drugstore selection, but these are high quality ingredients. Also, we love the Strawberry Slush, it is like cleaning your body with a strawberry yogurt smoothie. The smell is amazing and the little strawberry seeds gently exfoliate your skin.

Just released is a new VIP club for discounts/updates on new products. I joined and can't say much about the club yet as a new member, but I do know that sometimes these VIP clubs are limited to how many can enroll so I would say if you are interested enroll today.

Visit: www.freshbodymarket.com or click on my link for retail websites on my blog!

Happy Saving!

Summer

GAP- Toddler Sleepwear Sale!

Hello All-

When it comes to kids clothes, I follow the motto shop when it's on sale and stock 'em away! I have some products that are true staples in Chaya's wardrobe. One of those is the Gap 2 piece sleepwear sets. These are cozy, wash well and hold up well!

These typically retail for $22 (oh how I miss Gap Kids at VRC), because you could usually get them for as low as $8.99, but with the on-line store you can still get some bargains.

Right now they have quite a good selection and I have been watching the prices slowly dropping the last couple of weeks. They have several sets at $12.99 now. Sets include long sleeve shirts/pants and short sleeve shirts/shorts. I like both sets for various seasons and I like to buy the other sets to save for upcoming seasons.

This is my recommendation. If you are in need of pj's buy what you want.need. Gap has a 14 day refund policy if the price drops. I will buy mine at 12.99 and get free shipping using my Gap Silver Visa. Gap offers various free shipping offers for cardholders and non-cardholders with certain $ purchases, allowing for more savings! Then, I will watch the site daily for the next few weeks to see if the price drops. If it does (and it will!), I will email customer service for my price difference refund. The perk on this if you purchase now you can get what you want, but you can also get the refund later when the price drops. You just have to watch the site carefully because if stock runs out (and it usually does when it drops around $9.99 you have to see the posted price to report the change to customer service).

A side note on Gap....if you are in a retail store, the final markdown price ends in .97 cents. If you are finding an item with that price, it is the lowest it will go in the store before it leaves....pick up this bargain!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Original Roadhouse- Grill Masters Club

Hello All-

If you eat at Original Roadhouse (Gateway Mall-Springfield) then sign up for the Grillmasters Club!

Visit: www.originalroadhousegrill.com or click on my link on my blog near the bottom of my page to go directly to the site to enter your information.

They give you special discounts on your birthday and throughout the year. I highly recommend signing up for this money saving coupon service!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Review of Book Website- Paperback Swap

Hello All-

Are you a reader? Enjoy books? If you haven't signed up to join the best book trading site on the web, you need to!

Visit: www.paperbackswap.com for all the information.

This is a great site to swap books with people with the only cost to you being mailing your book out. With convenient features like USPS label printing and book wish lists they have some wonderful services.

To start you simply enter books into your "bookshelf" and you will earn trading credits good for future book orders.

You can trade kids books, adult books, paperbacks, hardcovers, almost any type of book! This is a great way to save money on your books!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Albertson's Movie Bonus + Dollars Off!

Hello All-

I will admit, I am a pretty loyal Winco shopper because I hate to pay more for my food than I need to, but sometimes the larger grocery stores offer items that are pretty good and hard to pass up....especially if the perks apply to you!

This week at Albertson's they are running a couple of promotional offers on Kellogg's & Dr. Pepper/Mars/Kraft/Nestle products. You can check out your Wed. grocery flyer in the RG if you want to see all the products.

If you buy $25 worth of select Kellogg's products you get 2 movie tickets. If you buy $25 worth of the Dr. P/Mars/Kraft/Nestle products you also get 2 movie tickets. These are stand alone offers, but if you decide to take advantage of both offers, you will also receive a $10 shopping pass to use on a future visit. A movie voucher is issued to you at the check-out and you print your tickets at home, saying value of $58 if you take advantage of both offers....this is probably pretty accurate as spendy as movies are these days.

Many of the items included in the current promotion seem to be on promo pricing right now too, so pick up some better pricing on these and the extra promos being offered.

Hint: If you have been coupon clipping and want to take advantage of these promos, you might be able to get the cost down even more. Coupons apply after the item has been rung and you have met the $25 total, so if you have coupons for items included in the promotion you would spend even less!

These are the types of promos I try to take advantage of and it does require stocking up on items you might not need in the immediate future. Depending on your use check expiration dates to make sure you will use products before they expire! If you have a pantry or other area to store items that are being "stocked" it makes sense to take advantage of these promos as they become available.

Happy Saving!

Summer

Mary Kay- Beautiful You Spring Bonus!

Hello All-

For the month of May you are entitled to some fun pampering and an added bonus as being one of my special Blog readers! Mary Kay has recently introduced a great new mineral make-up line. If you are a fan of Bare Escentuals or similar products, you need to check out MK's new line-up!

What You Get: A free facial & a free $25 Gift Certificate just for scheduling a one on one appointment with MK Consultant Kelly Smith-Koets in the month of May!

How You Get It: Call Kelly to schedule your appointment. She can schedule you for a time that fits your schedule at your home! It doesn't get more convenient than that, or if you want a break from home for a bit you can see Kelly at her home. Call Kelly today at 543-6464. Mention "Summer's Steals & Deals" blog for this special offer!

I want to support and help women in my life who help me and inspire me! Kelly has been such a help to me through the death of my parents. She has filled a void in my life that I can't thank her enough for! I ask you to support Kelly as she works on building her Mary Kay business.

Happy Savings!

Summer

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Fancy Nancy-Party Ideas!

Hello All-

If you have a daughter who is taken with Fancy Nancy books (check them out at the library or bookstore if you haven't seen them yet). Great for 4+ in my opinion, then check out the link at the bottom of my blog (Fancy Nancy-Party Plans).

Nancy is a very posh & fancy young girl who has fun adventures and incorporates some french and fun BIG words that are fancy! She is a fun character your daughter will be sure to love!

If you are looking for a fun party and need a theme, consider our sweet Nancy girl. I have included a link that I found on amazon to the bottom of my blog so you could print out the materials. It is in pdf format so most people can open it. Enjoy!

Happy Saving!

Summer

LL Bean- Kids Clothing Review + $10 Gift Certificate & Free Shipping!

Hello All-

When you think of LL Bean you may not think of kids clothing, but I recommend you take a look at what they have to offer.

With quality that rivals Gymboree and other medium-to higher end retailers, they are worth a look! They have quality basics that you can't find anywhere (trust me I've looked!)

Visit: www.llbean.com

They have incredible basic items that you need every day, but the quality and price are the best combination. The items are fairly priced for the high quality and with a great reputation and 100% satisfaction guarantee you can't go wrong. They have even introduced some eco-friendly clothing such as the Organic Cotton Tee with fun screenprints (item #AQ56261) starting at a size 4 all the way up to 18 for $16.50. This is the best price on organic clothing I have found! Also, check out item #AQ52517 the Fitness Fleece Pullover for girls & boys in prints/solids starting at $17.95. This item has been a staple in Chaya's wardrobe the last couple of years and I am glad to see they brought it back. It is the most versatile all season pullover I have ever seen for that price! Very fun color combos too this year! I wish they made them in mommy sizes (hey, maybe they do I haven't checked yet!). Oh goodie, they do, I just checked for $19.95!!!

Anyway, if you are considering a purchase, make it by April 28! A $50 purchase earns you a $10 gift card. Hey, maybe you could use it to kick back in one of their awesome Adirondack chairs, hopefully one will make an appearance in my yard this year!

So to recap, place a $50 order- get a $10 gift card for future redemption. Want your order shipped for free? Try code 2373230 in the promotions field for free shipping. It will take 7-10 business days, but for free....I'm willing to wait!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Footloose Massage- Foot Treatment Discount!

Hello All-

Footloose is doing it again! A wonderful discount on any foot treatment. 10% for 1 treatment, 15% off when 2 or more people come together.

With Spring I think around the corner, a great time to treat your tootsies to a fun treatment!

Call for your appointment today at 686-4461!

I would be happy to recommend a therapist if you want my opinion, just ask!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Macy's Friends & Family- April 30-May 5

Hello All-

Macy's Friends & Family sale is coming up soon! April 30-May 5. This is a special time extended to cardholders/friends/employee contacts, etc. If you are a cardholder you probably got or will be getting your 20% coupon soon.

If you want to be a Macy's Friend, then email me! The first person to contact me will get my "Friends" coupon. The coupon is good for 20% off almost everything in the store, additional savings on sale/clearance. Many items typically excluded including the higher end brands are included in this coupon, so it is a good one to use!

Happy Savings!

Summer

FREE-Pentel Oil Pastel Set (12 Pieces)

Hello All-

It doesn't get any better than FREE! Thanks to my friend who finds great deals such as this and the free bowling!

Anytime I get information on coupons please check the bottom of my blog for the link to the website.

This special is good for 12 oil pastels when you register your information with Pentel. I am happy to give them my information for a free product.

The sign up takes just 1 minute, sign up today!

Copy this link into your web browser or simply click on the link at the bottom of my blog. You will need to enter promo code #SA2008 in the promo box.

http://www.pentelarts.com/offer.php

Happy Savings!

Summer

Free Bowling Coupon! Good in Eugene/Springfield

Hello All-

Thanks to one of my savvy saving momma's who told me about this coupon! Pepsi is sponsoring a coupon to get people out of their houses and off Wii Bowling and into an actual bowling alley!

I have access to a coupon that will give you 1 free game of bowling and I checked the coupon is good at Timber Bowl in Springfield and Emerald Lanes in Eugene.

Bowling has become one of my families favorite activities and if you were considering going this is a great option for some savings!

I am going to try to attach a link to my blog (at the bottom) for a link to the coupon, but until them email me at summerhighfill@yahoo.com and I will email you the link and you can print the coupon!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Free Gift For Mommy Readers of My Blog!

Hello-

I want to thank my readers for all the positive input on my blog!

I am looking for the first 3 readers to send me their name and address and you will receive a year subscription to WonderTime magazine. This magazine is put out by the Disney Corp, but you wouldn't know it necessarily except the quality of the content/issues.

This is a great magazine and I want to treat you to a free year. If you are already a subscriber, we can extend your current subscription.

This is the best free offer yet this year, so email me and the first 3 lucky moms will get this terrific mother's day gift....absolutely free!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Schwan's Home Delivery-Customer Savings Program

Hello All-

If you are a Schwan's customer you probably have been advised about this savings program from your delivery driver.

If you aren't a Schwan's customer it is a great time to check them out with their new savings plan. This special is good through the end of August. I think they are testing this plan out to see how it works and to increase sales.

All you do is go to www.schwans.com and place your order. You do need to enter promo code: MC to receive the discount. The discount gives you 5% off your order. Not a lot, but anything helps!

They have a new option where they can leave your items in a freezer bag if they miss you too, so that is helpful! I love their ice cream, it is great! I usually focus on that when I purchase from them. I also have tried and liked some of the snack/appetizer items, pizza and other ice cream novelty items (Chaya loves the single serve confetti cups).

Happy Savings!

Summer

Banana Republic- Great Sale! Through April 20!

Hello All-

I just got an email about a sale at Banana Republic that ends today (April 20). You can use the coupon in store or on-line and they have a new $6 shipping offer to help save $ on shipping.

The coupon entitles you to $20 off $100, $30 of $150, etc. The coupon code for online orders is SAVEMORE. If you want to use it in-store, email me and I will send you the coupon to print!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Garage Sale Tips!

Hello All-

I wanted to share with you my new advertising secret if you plan to hold a garage sale anytime soon.

I will say most people dread holding garage sales and some dread going to garage sales. I would probably be in both camps to some degree. However, we have points in our lives where we just have to clear out the old and simplify and I have been there the last couple of months.

I typically like to donate my goods to non-profit companies and I applaud this effort, but sometimes you have so much stuff and maybe you want to save up for something special and it makes sense to try to sell the goods you paid good money for!

I had the most successful garage sale I have ever had this past weekend. I want to share with you a few of my secrets that I think allowed my sale to be very successful:

1) Posting the garage sale on Craigslist. It is free! It doesn't get any better than this and it is a great tool for people to see what you have to offer. I would suggest including a general list of your items and maybe a picture of the whole sale just to show people the variety.

2) Consider posting individual items on Craigslist for more exposure and to give people who may not be looking at garage sales, but are looking at listings for specific items a chance to see what you have to offer. Also, this allows you to do some cross-selling when they show up to your sale looking for one thing and buy a few others!

3) Avoid spending the $ on newspaper advertising. I say this because most people look at Craigslist now for their information. The exception to this rule would be if you are off the beaten driving path....it might not hurt to spend the $ and pull in more of the traditional crowd that still uses the paper for their sale listings.

4) If you can, combine with a couple other families and hold the sale at the most prominent house that gets the most traffic. A lot of times you will get people driving by who haven't searched out your sale, but happen to see it and stop in. These are sometimes the best buyers because they are a bit more impulsive and willing to pay a higher price for items.

5) Consider having a "free stuff" box. I did this at my sale. I had a box of items intended for donation as I was going through my items to sell I placed them in this box. I made the box available to customers at my sale and it was completely picked over! It helped because I didn't have to take a trip to donate the items and the customer got some free stuff. It also encourages them to purchase something because they feel weird taking something without paying for something. I only had 1 person take something without a purchase....which is fine too!

6) Consider offering some type of incentive with purchase! For every item you buy you get a raffle ticket for some type of prize. Maybe you buy a $20 gift certificate to a restaurant, movie tickets, etc. Then at the end of the sale you draw one name. You can tell your shoppers you will contact the winner and then post the winner's name on Craigslist when you are done so they know you were honest with your reward!

7) If you don't sell your items, but know they would sell consider posting on eBay or keeping your listing active on Craigslist. Sometimes things sit for awhile and if they are a seasonal item it might be worth holding and listing at the appropriate time. I had a girls bike I had on Craigslist for 6 months that never sold. I put it at my sale for more $ and it sold the 1st day! You never know what might happen! For clothing for adults check out Style Connection on Willamette or Buffalo Exchange on 5th both in Eugene for sale/trade/consignment options. For kids clothes check out several consignment/trade/sell places around town like Bambini, We Bee Three, etc. If you just want to get rid of it and have big items I believe St. Vincent will do home pick-ups. You might consider giving items with minimal blemishes to Brattain House in Springfield. They take all types of things for families with kids in Springfield Public Schools or another agency. Don't forget to ask for your tax receipt!

Happy Saving & Sales!

Summer

Prescription Medications- Savings!

Hello All-

I want to share with you 2 ways you can save on your prescriptions.

1) Wal-Mart and now Fred Meyer are both offering $4 prescriptions on certain medications, so check this option out if you don't have good prescription insurance. I prefer Fred Meyer for their business practices, but don't want to leave other options out.

2) You always see coupons for transer/new prescription options at pharmacies. This is a lucrative business for companies and they want yours! They will offer all types of incentives to get you to check out their pharmacy. Take advantage of it! Obviously sometimes convenience outweighs a desire to save (you have a sick child, need medication and want a drive through...then maybe Target isn't your best option), but if you have some flexibility then take advantage of these teaser coupons! Just this week Target is offering a $10 Gift Card if you bring in a new or transferred prescription. Most stores do some type of in-store gift card, but other promotions are out there. These are the type of coupons you may consider clipping and holding onto as you don't always know when you might need to use them. These are a good value for a little extra work.

Happy Savings!

Summer

March 20- Savings Ideas!

Hello All-

Check out this week's Register Guard for the following savings coupons!

1) The coupon inserts in my opinion have been minimal in terms of good coupons the last few weeks, but this week seems to have some better coupons than I have seen lately. Use Ortega products? The coupon insert has a Free Ortega Mexican Fiesta Cookbook with one 1 UPC and small shipping fee. I like these freebies, they usually are a good value for a minimal cost.

2) Fred Meyer is offering their new Buy 3 Get 1 Free special on the following products: Art & Crafts Supplies for Kids, Pens/Pencils, Binders, Multi-Purpose Paper, Tape/Mailing Supplies. This type of sale they seem to be running lately and the products change each week, but the kids art supplies is a good deal. Hint: Put together a kids arts/crafts basket for a birthday, a fun idea!

3) Walgreen's is always offering some type of photo developing special. I REPEAT don't buy prints at Walgreens unless you are using a coupon code!!! It might mean waiting a week to get prints, but it is worth it as the savings are usually good. This week coupon codes include:
Buy 25 prints get 25 prints free, use code 25FREE
20% off all photo gifts, use code MOMSDAY
To find Walgreen's coupons look in the weekly Sunday insert in the paper, visit the store or go online and click on the photo tab. If you sign up for the photo email you will also get exclusive coupons, just last week the coupon was for 33% off your whole photo order. I saved $24 just using this code on a HUGE photo order, but worth waiting for!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Fun Catalog- Room Service Home

Hello All-

I just have to tell you about my new fave catalog...."Room Service Home"...A Catalog Boutique. You can visit them at www.RoomServiceHome.com

This catalog has a fun mix of gifts, accessories for the home and unique pieces you won't find anywhere....

I especially like their eclectic mix of vintage and fun products including the plaid U.S. passport covers (makes me want to take an international trip VERY soon!) and the fun vintage inspired organizational tools (Life.doc, Valuables.doc, Collision Kit, etc.)

Depending on the item, some items seem very reasonable, some a bit pricey, but all unique and perfect for gift giving.

Check them out! I think you will enjoy viewing their product line!

Summer

Old Navy- Stuff & Save Time

Hello All-

It is here again! Old Navy Stuff & Save Time until April 24. This is great time to stock up on all your clothing needs at Old Navy. Use your Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic card and save 20% on your whole online order. Use promo code: STUFFSAVE

I believe Old Navy typically sends out plastic shopping bags to customers as well, but mine hasn't arrived in my mailbox. The theory is that anything you can stuff in the bag warrants the discount and they are pretty particular about sticking to this rule.....so if you want more than you can fit into a medium shopping bag, just buy items online as you can place ANY size order at the discounted rate. Check out the bargains tab in each category for rock bottom pricing. I love the basic long sleeve tiny crewneck tee....only $5.99 down from $14.50 + 20% savings! This is a deal!

I want to give kudos to the Gap corporation for there great perks on their credit cards! You can have a card from any store Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and earn perks/rewards at each o these stores. Each store will try to sell you on their specific branded card, but if you only hold one you are able to use and gain perks from any of the retailers and you can use your card at any of the stores. If you are considering a credit card, I would recommend them.

Happy Saving!

Summer

Monday, April 14, 2008

Albertson's Clearance Sale

Hello All-

Albertson's stores (I am sure all of them, but at least the one in Thurston) is having a clearance sale on all types of items.  Some of the items are in the main aisles and some select items are on shelves were the products are normally housed.

Sale Items Include: personal care products (deodorant, shampoos, soaps, etc.), office supplies (posterboard, ink jet cartridges, etc.)  I saw lots of clearance tags throughout the store in other dept. too.

Grab your coupons or go without as the savings are still really good!  I got my favorite Degree deodorant for $1.74, 51% off!  I think most products are probably being discontinued or they are changing products they carry so it's a great time to stock up!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Thursday, April 10, 2008

New Book- Recommendation + Special Offer

Hello All-

I just finished reading "A Tip a Day with Ellie Kay". She has earned the title "America's Family Financial Expert" and she has written many books on saving money.

Her latest is the one mentioned here. It has great money saving tips and what I like about this book is she has some classified as "Advanced" so you can try out strategies if you are a beginner or want to move to the next level. It retails for around $6-10.

Special Offer: In the back of the book she has a coupon for 50% off a book she wrote called "1/2 Price Living". I liked this one too, but since I own it I wanted to pass the coupon offer off to one of my blog readers. If you are interested please email me for coupon! I only have 1 so first come, first served. You just take the coupon into any book seller to redeem. You don't find coupons like that very often, so email me!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Orange Julius Club / The Children's Place / Gymbucks Redemption Time!

Hello All-

A couple of new sales/specials to notify you about!

1) Orange Julius has started a new e-club with special offers. I find myself typically indulging when I visit the mall, so if you do to sign up for this new club! Just for signing up you get a free smoothie with the purchase of one, special deals e-mails, special coupon on your birthday and a special treat on your anniversary with the club. Hint: Multiple e-mail accounts? Sign them all up!

2) The Children's Place at VRC is having a 30% additional mark-downs on all sale items. Great time to stock up if you are in need of clothes. Quality at this store is okay, not the best, but certainly at these prices you can afford to compromise quality. I like this store for basics that I know are more transitional pieces than long-term pieces.

3) It is Gymbucks Redemption Time!!! April 10-20 is the period to redeem and they have quite a few racks of good mark-downs so save extra money by shopping these racks with your Gymbucks. Don't plan on using your Gymbucks? Don't toss them! Sell them! Put them on Craigslist or eBay, they typically fetch close to 50% of face value so make some money if you have them around and aren't planning to use them. Hint: I like to use Gymbucks for the sale items, it gets the prices down really well on this quality line or I also like to place a few newborn items in my gift closet for later gift giving. They do have great markdowns 40%+ on newborn items. I would avoid going on-line this time around (and I usually wouldn't say that), but they have increased the shipping to $8.95+ now and that is an article of clothing at the store! So skip the e-tail site and make a trip to VRC or your local mall to make your purchase. I would recommend calling ahead of time to make sure the item you want is there if you are looking at new lines as they are already getting picked over!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

LL Bean / Children's Place / Sierra Trading Post /Lily Pulitzer Dresses

Hello All-

LL Bean Home is offering a Free $10 Gift Card with a $50 or more purchase through April 28. Visit www.llbean.com for all the details!

Children's Place- you may have gotten the mailing with the 15% off purchase coupon, but I got an extra one so if you want a coupon (email me and I will send out to you!). I only have 1 coupon available, but happy to share!

Sierra Trading Post- Visit www.sierratradingpost.com before you make a purchase on-line just to check if they have your item. This is an excellent website for many brands and the prices are incredible. I can't say enough about the merits of this company! Check them out!

Lily Pulitzer Dresses at Costco- Thanks to a friend for the info! These dresses are just under $20, usually go for @ $80 at higher end/boutique type stores. They have toddler sizing from what I saw.

Happy Savings!

Summer

Babystyle-Online Outlet Sale / REI Coupon / KMTR Local For Less

Hello All-

Here are some updated coupon specials for you!

1) Babystyle is offering 30% off their outlet items. Visit www.babystyle.com to check out the outlet items, use the outlet tab to access the outlet section. Use code "Allout30" to save! I love this company. They have fun products that have held up well. I especially like shopping in their outlet section. Hint: This is a great site for fun/unique baby gifts and if they have what you want in the outlet section scoop it up!

2) Visit www.rei.com and sign up for their email list. You will receive a 15% coupon with a few restrictions, but well worth the discount if you plan to buy a high ticket item! Hint: Wait to do this until you are going to do your big ticket shopping as it does expire.

3) I can't say enough about the Local 4 Less tab on www.kmtr.com If you haven't visited this link yet.....check it out! They have retailers in Eugene/Springfield that sell gift certificates for 50% off. Yes, 50% off! You would be challenged to find this type of savings anywhere especially with these retailers. The hitch is that they only offer a limited quantity and when they run out they are gone. New additions include the Divinity Salon in Springfield (Spring pedicure?) for $25, you pay $12.50. They do charge a $3.25 shipping fee which is modest and you will need to sign for the mail package for extra security, but these gift certificates are excellent for gifts or for items you already shop for! Items are added constantly so make sure and visit this site often, you just might be surprised at what you will find!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Scholastic Video Series/ Little Golden Books/ Nancy Drew- Costco Deal

Costco is currently offering some wonderful sets of kids videos/books and I wanted to tell you about it! These items typically go VERY quickly in my previous experience so if you are interested don't delay and be disappointed!

The first is the Scholastic Video Series (16 DVD's for $59.98) with over 100 stories. These are awesome if you haven't seen them before I highly recommend them! They take classic stories (some really well known and some not so well known, but still excellent) and create movies around them. The set includes over 100 stories on film. This set comes in a storage box, but you could break the set if you wanted as each DVD is individually wrapped. Hint: A great gift to put in your gift closet for when you need a DVD for a present. Consider buying one of the books on the DVD and pair with the book for a special treat for a child!

The next set are books from the classic Little Golden Books series (yes the ones you had as a kid). They have a Set #1 & #2 for Girls and a Set #1 and #2 for Boys. Each set has 10 books for $18.49. These are in a package together, but again you could split out for books to give away if you wanted. The story lines contain the vintage titles you probably read in your youth mixed in with some fun Disney classic story tales as well. Hint: These are the types of sets that I love to buy and trade on paperbackswap.com where these are highly sought after titles and I get to trade them for adult books that would have cost me much more! The cost for these is $1.85 each!

Costco is also offering their Nancy Drew Mystery Series sets in groups of 4. Sorry I don't have the current price on this set, but it is a steal! I am a collector of the series and think it has great value for the tween readers among us. If you have a young girl or even boy in your life who likes mysteries then you might consider this set as it is cheaper to buy the 4 pack set than individually!

Happy Saving!

Summer

Slide Conversion/Old Media Conversion

Hot Tip: Visit Costco for all your photo/media conversion needs. They have EXCELLENT pricing! Also, you can earn $ towards your Executive or AMEX rebate by using their services!


Many of you know I enjoy organizational projects. It seems these days that there are MANY choices and options these days for organization. We are encouraged to contain and conquer the clutter that impacts our lives, but if we just examined what we have then maybe our lives would truly be easier if we could limit and simplify what we hold on to.

I am learning this lesson as I work through the items I brought from my mom's house when we cleared it out. What lessons I have learned!

The biggest lesson that I am learning right now is the importance of preserving family memories in an appropriate manner. I have made a vow this year that I will start cataloging Chaya's childhood memories in an effective manner. For me this means taking photos and upon receiving the prints back filling them into a photo album the same day I get them.

My mom didn't take the time to file pictures into a system. What I know have is a box of slides (over 2000!), 8 mm film rolls (unlabeled!) and boxes and boxes of pictures in random order! What a headache! Taking the time to deal with your media in whichever format you prefer is better as you receive it vs. having to deal with it in a huge lump! I know many of us hope to get to our picture projects....take my advice. Stop delaying and figure out what system works for you and use it consistently!

So with that I share with you what I have learned this week!

Slide Conversion: PRICEY! This medium of photo exposure popular in the 70's and 80's has come to haunt those of us in more modern times. A few calls to local photo shops netted me a near heart attack. They want around $1.60 per slide to scan to a CD. If I had 500 or more they would drop it to a $1 and reprints would be 20 cents if I bought 500. If I just wanted the slides printed out in reprints it would be $1.20 each. Do the math....yikes! I then visited my local Costco store. They will scan my slides to CD for 29 cents each! Yes, that is a savings of 71 cents per slide! I might actually feel like paying $150 vs. over $500 to have my slides converted. Quality may be a slight issue, you might get slightly higher quality at a film shop, but the price to me outweighs the slide quality difference.

VHS/8mm/Hi8, Etc.- Costco is now offering DVD conversion for these old media formats as well. $19.99 nets you 2 copies of your medium (pricing varies slightly due to length). However, this is the cheapest option I have found for this type of conversion service.

I hope that once I make it through all the old media memories, I am able to find some treasures that I haven't seen in a long time (maybe ever!) and I can walk away knowing that I have saved a bundle by shopping around for better rates!

Walgreen's Photo Special! Kleenex Tissue Special!

Hello All!

Walgreen's is offering a One Day Only Sale on film processing this week! One day only, Wednesday April 9! They did this type of thing last week with the ink cartridge refills. This is truly a great deal so take advantage of it!

All you need is the coupon (from the Walgreen's flyer). Comes in the Register Guard or pick it up at the store! Take your single roll of film (or single use camera) into Walgreen's on Wednesday, April 9 for free 1 hour developing!

Hint: Have a couple of rolls floating around? Take your coupons to different Walgreen's stores and get them all done for free! I am so excited because I just found 2 rolls of film in my mom's things I was sorting through. I am going to get them both done for free and hope to find some fun memories on them!

Also, Walgreen's is offering a Kleenex tissue stock-up sale which is a great time to combine with the Kleenex tissue found in the coupon inserts of the Register Guard (Sunday). The coupon for Walgreen's is 89 cents for up to 3 boxes. Combine this with the manufacturers coupon for 50 cents off 3 boxes. Take your 3 boxes up to the counter with both of your coupons and pay $2.17 for 3 boxes of tissue. While you are in the store make sure and pick up the April savings book filled with many free items via rebate and other special promotional items!
Hint: I have heard that Wal-Mart will take competitor's coupons and I know Walgreen's is only in Springfield at this time (I believe), so take your coupons for Walgreen's to Wal-Mart for coupon matching!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Mary Kay Special Offer (For My Blog Readers Only!)

Mary Kay Cosmetics Offer for Summer's Steals and Deals Readers!

Here is your chance to check-out all the new products from Mary Kay at a special spring rate! Did you know that Mary Kay has just introduced a whole new mineral make-up line? They did! For all product information call Kelly Smith-Koets at 541-543-6464.

Summer's Steals & Deals Reader Offer:

- Buy 1 Item at Regular Retail, Get 1 Product 50% Off!
- Clearance Items: 50% off! This includes lip gloss, lipstick, blushes, eyeshadows, and various miscellaneous products. This is first come first serve so don't delay!

Just mention this blog special when you call Kelly!

Winco Cereal Deals & Cuthbert Ampitheater Summer Season!

Hello All-

Winco is offering extensive savings on a select grouping of Post and General Mills cereals at $1.98 and $2.98. Of course the sugary varieties are in there, but Cheerios and Raisin Bran are also included. Sugary varieties include Cookie Crisp (free cereal bowl offer with 2 purchases), Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruity Peebles, Honeycomb, etc. Time to pull out the coupons and save some money! Cereal has a decent shelf life and hold the life longer with opened cereal with Tupperware cereal storage or other similar brand cereal savers.

Cuthbert Ampitheater has announced their summer line-up. Tickets go on sale on April 18. Visit www.thecuthbert.com for all your event/tix information.

All for today, bringing you event information and daily savings to keep you up-to-date!

Summer