Wednesday, June 18, 2008

1-800-FREE-411 (Free Directory Phone Assistance)

Hello All-

Stop dialing 411 from your cell! I am guilty and sick of paying this fee!!

Enter, the latest greatest FREE directory service. Simply dial (or better yet program)
1-800-FREE-411 into your phone for easy access to info. the next time you are on the go.

The catch..you have to listen to a 10 second ad, well worth the cost savings over the charge from your cell phone provider. I did try it out and it worked perfectly!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Parents Branded Toys- Target (Perks!)- Recommendation

Hello All-

I am a HUGE fan of Parents Branded toys. These are part of the Parents Magazine, which has a toy line. They are typically carried at Target, but I have also seen them through several mail order catalogs. I recommend Target as they are always cheaper.

Many of the toys, games, etc. run $19.99 or less and Target typically runs them on sale fairly often. Remember with Target within 7 days if the price drops take the item back for a refund of difference.

These toys are for ages birth to 3+ years and they are excellent, high quality items that are great to have in your gift closet for the many kids you buy gifts for!

The best part that comes with each toy (all that I have purchased) is a free year of Parents Magazine! Inside your package is a postcard you can mail off for your free subscription or you can mail it off for someone else! I have saved my postcards in my gift closet for a special gift for parents of newborns. If they already get the magazine, their subscription can be extended.

Happy Saving!

Summer

Monday, June 16, 2008

Regal Cinemas- Free Family Summer Movie Series

Hello All-

If you are a local reader (Eug/Spfld), then visit this link:
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=OR

Otherwise go to www.regalcinemas.com to find information specific to your city.

Regal Cinemas is offering a FREE family movie series this summer starting in late June through August. Admission is FREE and movies run on Tues/Wed at 10 a.m. each week. I missed out on this last year, but we are going to try it out this year...I will report my recommendation after the first movie showing! Sometimes free events are challenging due to the amount of people that attend, but I think this might be worth checking out so watch for my update in a few weeks!

Happy Savings!

Summer

New Shoes Review- Switchflops

Hello All-

I love my flip flops so I was excited to see a new shoe concept make its way onto the retail scene!

These shoes are called "Switchflops", check them out at www.switchflops.com, sorry no stores yet carry them in our area.

They have several styles including traditional flip flops, wedges and kitten heels. Prices start at $37. The cool part is they sell straps that velcro on so that you can change the style of your shoes quickly and easily!

I haven't purchased any yet (the kitten heels) are my favorite....if you know of anyone who has these let me know what they think!

Happy Saving-

Summer

Gap/Old Navy/Banana Rep/Piperlime- NEWS!

Hello All-

Yes, the Gap family of companies finally got smart and has added all their stores to one general shopping site...finally!

What this means to you? You can shop at any of these online stores and place all the items into one shopping bag for 1 shipping price of $7. All returns can go directly to the store or free return for Piperlime as they don't have a brick and mortar location.

This also means that you can use all your coupons, saving certificates and Gap family of credit cards discounts when shopping multiple stores. I shopped for some items from Gap and Old Navy, but was able to get my Gap Visa free shipping discount and use my Gap branded gift card at the same time! This added up to some good savings!

Happy Saving-

Summer

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Entertainment Book 2009 (SPECIAL OFFER!)

Hello All-

I highly recommend the Entertainment book and they are always offering some type of incentive to get you to purchase, don't purchase without an incentive! The trick is to figure out which incentive is better for you!

Right now they are offering the 2008 book for free when you reserve your 2009 copy! If you don't yet have a 2008 book, this might be the best deal for you. If you already have a 2008 book, I suggest you wait as other incentives will come along.

To take advantage of this promotion visit: www.entertainment.com/easy

Supplies are limited!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Coldwater Creek-Sale

Hello All-

Coldwater Creek at Oakway Center in Eugene, OR is having a summer sale that starts June 12 and runs until Aug 10, 2008. Up to 50% off selected merchandise.

Happy Saving!

Summer

Monday, June 9, 2008

FREE-Summer Events Guide

Hello All-

I am all about saving money and looking for things to keep my daughter busy! With summer, means extra downtime and time to do fun things reserved for the summer months (if it would ever arrive!).

I will update and post more information as I find it, but here are some cheap and/or free options for summer fun!

1) Springfield Public Library has just put out their list of summer activities. Events are all free and are on weekdays and weekends. They have many special events this summer that are typically reserved for summer weather. Also, they have a summer reading program that is very fun. You get a free book for signing up and you get various prizes when you turn in your reading log. I encourage you to do this, my daughter really enjoyed it!

2) Borders & Barnes & Noble- these bookstores offer various storytime/special themed reading nights. Check out their websites for upcoming events.

3) Oakway Center Music Nights- Oakway has posted their summer concert series which kicks off June 18. If you have never been before....GO!!! It is free and fun. Kids are running around and it is a very family oriented event. Shows start at 6:30 p.m. and run through the summer. If you haven't been, but want to check it out I recommend the show on June 25 (Steel Magnolias) as they are a very kid based group, with bubbles, fun decorations, etc. Hint: make it family night and enjoy an ice cream at Coldstone (eat it while you listen to music). If you have been clipping coupons Coldstone has been offering good ones (I've seen 2 groups in the last month) that will run you through mid-summer. The best ones have been 2 smoothies/shakes for $5, 2 ice creams for $5 and a family of 4 combo for $9. I am sure they will keep doing them through the summer, so start clipping! These have been in the Register-Guard & Oregonian.

Happy Summer Savings!

Summer

Retail Sales & Happenings- Week of June 8

Hello All-

Hope you are saving! Here are some ideas for saving on upcoming events! Also, some new specials!

Retail Establishments:
Gymboree Retail- it is Gymbucks earning period again for redemption in mid-July (think back to school...sorry, but it will be!). They have quite a few sale racks with good prices and some "camp deals", $8 tanks/shorts, so you can size plan ahead and earn Gymbucks at the same time. I buy the camp deals for next year and tuck them away.

Macy's is having their One Day Sale this Wed/Thurs and it is the best 1 day sale of the season, a perfect time to stock up on wedding gifts you may need for summer weddings. You can see if the recipient is registered on-line and get gifts in store. Also, if you are a Macy's card holder you got the coupon, but if not watch the RG for a $10 off a $25 coupon probably appearing on Wed. I always use this coupon when gift shopping, it is a great one! Also, if you have a Macy's card take advantage of the free gift wrap perk that comes with many of the cards. Just remember when you get home to put a stickie note on it so you remember what it is! I made this mistake and would love for you to avoid it!

Starbucks- is starting up a new rewards program. To start you purchase a gift card and register it at Starbucks. Register by July 14 and get a FREE beverage! Everytime you use your gift card to make a purchase you earn points for free products, etc. Hint: put money on your gift card prior to making a purchase so you can earn your points! You need to register your card and open up an account, but this is a great program! We buy coffee at Starbucks so every time we buy a 1 pound or more using our gift card we get a free drink! They also have an auto reload program so you can make sure your card always has $ on it...check it out at www.starbucks.com

It is worth repeating over and over. Sign up for rewards/discount programs at the places you shop. This is one of the best and easiest (FREE!) ways to receive discounts at places you shop or dine already!

Happy Saving!

Summer