Sunday, August 31, 2008

Steal-Free Disney Character Enchanted Phone Call!

Hello All-

Want to surprise your child with a Disney character call?

You can and for free!

Just join Disney Movie Rewards (its free...great perks too!),
visit: http://disney.go.com/disneymovierewards/
and sign up for an account, on the special perks tab you should see an offer for a free enchanted phone call. They will email you the code, enter it as a promo code and it will allow you to complete the check-out without having to enter a payment method. This is a limited time offer, so don't delay!

They have over 10 characters to choose from as well as various messages for certain occasions! The free call needs to be ordered within 90 days and used within 1 year.

You can set the date and time for the call, working for when you want to receive it! A reminder service is also in place so you don't forget!

Additional calls are just $2.49...I think this is a really fun idea!

Hint: They offer the first day of school phone call, this is a great idea for that first morning back to school. This was what I picked and Ariel will be calling my daughter the first day of school....I can't wait to see what she thinks!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Deal-Car Buying Negotiations Tips!

Hello All-

Buying a used vehicle just got a little more tricky in this tight economy. High demand vehicles are priced a bit higher than they were in the past and may be a bit difficult to acquire, dealerships may also be a little bit more challenging to negotiate with.

Here is a tip that worked for me recently when assisting my husband in the negotiations for a used Toyota Tacoma. These vehicles have become a higher demand truck as they are a bit easier on the gas, but serve many purposes of a larger truck, people are hanging on to these and getting top dollar for used.

We found a truck we wanted on a lot, but the dealership was only willing to come down $100 off asking price, ridiculous in my mind. After working with them for over a week and having them tell us the truck had been on the lot for 35 days, we thought negotiations were in our favor, but alas they weren't willing to budge. We knew after looking at several trucks, this was the best pick for us, but we also wanted to get it at the price we wanted.

This truck was at a non-Toyota lot. Usually when a branded vehicle is not on its branded lot you can negotiate a bit more, but this wasn't the case for this deal so we got creative with what we decided to negotiate for. The lot was a Jeep/Volvo/VW dealership and my vehicle is a VW so we were able to bargain in some free upcoming maintenance services for my vehicle at the lot as part of our deal. We ended up shaving a $100 off the asking price (paltry), but we were able to save about $300 in maintenance services on my car...not bad when you consider that this wasn't something my husband would have considered even going for. It worked for me and you might consider trying this too next time you are in negotiations for a vehicle and the dealership refuses to negotiate price.

Dealerships may have a bottom line for their vehicles and as part of the accounting process they may not be willing to budge as much when it comes to the sticker price for some high demand used vehicles, but consider a partial credit back in maintenance or other services that they have some wiggle room on...it never hurts to ask and gives you an opportunity to add some perks into your offer!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Deal- Disney Movies & Gift Sets + Free Gift!

Hello All-

Wal-Mart has an exclusive offer on just released and soon to be released Disney movie gift sets, plus they have the cheapest price I have found!

Available Now- Little Mermaid-Ariel's Beginning with Vanity Set (brush/comb/tiara) for $19.96, same price as DVD only, so pick up the gift set...it is cute!

10/7-Release of Sleeping Beauty
10/28-Release of Tinkerbell

All 3 sets have some type of gift set that will be offered, but this is a Wal-Mart exclusive so you have to buy them there. Also, if you buy all 3 gift sets, save the insert inside the cases with the Disney Movie Rewards information and you can get a free Tinkerbell gift set box when you purchase all 3 dvd sets at Wal-Mart!

This is a great way of getting a bit of extra bang for your bucks!
Hint: save these gift sets for birthdays/Christmas, they do make classic gifts for kids and adults of all ages!

Happy Saving!
Summer H.

Deal- Barbie $50 Visa Gift Card with Purchase

Hello All-

Mattel is offering a $50 Barbie style Visa Gift Card (to be used anywhere Visa is accepted) with a $100 purchase of select Barbie products!

Hint: purchase Barbie gifts for upcoming Christmas or birthdays and use the $50 gift card to finish off your shopping list!

Visit: www.barbie.com for all the offer details.

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Steal-Bed, Bath and Beyond Coupon Info!

Hello All-

Per the Eugene, OR Bed Bath and Beyond Store if you need to order an item from the website (either for a bridal registry or an item that the store doesn't carry, but the web does) make a trip to the store.

You can use the coupon this way! They will process the coupon for you and run the web order at the same time! This cuts into the savings, but offsets the shipping charge a bit so that is helpful!

Also, I was told you can use up to 5 coupons (1 per item) on a single transaction! Here I was sending other people through the line with my coupons when they will accept multiple in one transaction...gotta love it!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Happening-Cupcake Carrier, Awesome!

Hello All-

Those of you who know me, know that I love to make cupcakes...ALOT!

So, finding the perfect cupcake carrier hasn't been easy until now!

My recommendation is the cupcake courier, which holds up to 3 dozen cupcakes! This is the largest capacity I have seen and deeper slots to hold those cupcakes, plus you can removed the trays to haul a cake or other odd shaped items!

Eat your heart out Martha! (note of caution: I did buy the Martha Stewart cupcake holder/carrier at Macy's and have been disappointed with the toppled cupcakes on arrival).

This one should be much better! $29.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond and don't forget the 20% off 1 item coupon if you want it, watch your mailbox or ask a friend, they send these out constantly!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Happenings-Carpool Kid Kit, Are You Ready?

Hello All-

School is starting back up soon and you may be shuttling kids around more often!

This tip comes from Parents Magazine!

Carpool Tool Kit Items:
Sanitary Hand Spray/Lotion/Wipes
Granola Bars
Adhesive Bandages and Antibiotic Ointment
Pad/Pen for notes for teacher or notes to keep your sanity (I added last part!)
Single dollar bills
Plastic grocery bag for trash, etc.

Throw this kit in your trunk and you will be prepared!

Happy Saving & Sanity!

Summer H.

Steal- Walgreen's Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste Free!

Hello All-

If you get a national Sunday paper and got the P&G coupons, clip the Crest 75 cents off coupon on the back page. Take it to your local Walgreen's and buy a tube of Crest Pro-Health. Pick up the Sept. Easy Saver and fill out on-line or mail in rebate.

This item is free this month and you get 75 cents as well! Its like they are paying you to buy this item! Take advantage of this!

Hint: If you don't like or use this brand, consider donating it to a local shelter. They are always in need of toiletry type items and you do a good deed! I always encourage people to buy the monthly free items and donate them! You do have to front the money, but you will get the rebate back and if you do it online you don't have to pay for postage! Better yet, apply your rebate to a Walgreen's gift card and get a 10% bonus added to the card!


Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Deal- Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese Crayola Offer!

Hello All-

I love gifts with purchase!

Right now if you purchase 3 bags of 10 oz. or larger of Frigo Brand Cheese Heads string cheese you will see information on how to obtain a special box of 64 Crayola Crayons including the new kids choice colors (Bear Hug, Giving Tree, Best Friends, etc.).

The cost for s&h is $2. Just send in UPC's and a bit of information and they will be on the way!

See specially marked packages for offer details or email me for information.

Hint: If you have a child who takes snacks to school for the class you can buy this item and store for upcoming months. Cheese has a fairly extended fridge life.

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Happenings- Crater Lake National Park Tips!

Hello-

I had the opportunity to visit Crater Lake this summer, it is a short drive from the Eugene/Springfield area, about 2.5 hours and well worth it!

It is Oregon's only National Park and with a variety of accommodations it is worth the trip for a stay of at least 2-4 days. More than that if you have a family that REALLY enjoys outdoor activities.

Accommodations: Crater Lake Lodge, prices start at $150+/night, it is worth the upgraded cost to stay on the 3rd floor (this level has the best views-ask for lake view!). If you enjoy camping you can stay at Lost Creek Campground (16 sites) or Mazama Village (200+ sites). I prefer Lost Creek as it is more remote/less people. Also, Mazama Village has a motor cabin lodge option with about 40 rooms. Planning ahead for hotel/cabin lodging is imperative, up to 1 year in advance.

I will keep information coming, please check back!

Summer

Thursday, August 21, 2008

$5 off Walgreen's $20 Purchase! Friday, Aug 22

Hello All-

Walgreen's is offering a coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase! You can use this with other coupons from manufacturer's and the store to really save some good money!

If you don't have the coupon, e-mail me and I will send it to you!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Red Robin- eClub Exclusive Savings!

Hello-

If you have kids (or even if you don't!) a great family restaurant is Red Robin. They don't typically offer a lot of coupons/incentives, but I have noticed that lately they are incorporating more savings to their e-club members!

If you haven't yet sign up for Red Robin's e-club at http://apps.fishbowl.com/a/redrobin/eclub/agegate.aspx or click on the link at the bottom of my blog to sign-up, it's free!

You will get perks for you and your family on their birthdays and various coupons throughout the year!

Just got one today, so it is worth signing up if you eat there!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

McDonald's-Free Chicken Biscuit or Chicken Sandwich

Hello All-

I just love the freebies that are floating around these days!

McDonald's is offering a free a.m. Chicken Biscuit or p.m. Southern Chicken Sandwich via email when you fill out a short form.

If you want some free food, let me know and I will send you the link!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Outlet Shopping Tips (Woodburn Outlet- Oregon Savings!)

Hello All-

Outlet shopping can be fun, but here are a few tips for maximum savings!

The important thing to remember about outlet are that you can find great deals, but also need to make sure that you don't have the mind-set that it is an outlet and so things are going to be priced accordingly! They often are just the same prices as the regular retail stores and sometimes just have lines they make for their outlets that are never in regular retail stores. For example one mid-end kids clothing store that starts with a "G" uses up past season fabric to make items for their outlets. You will typically see the same lines the following year in the outlet as they have remade pieces, savings to some degree, but not always. Also, typically you can't return outlet items to regular retail stores (they may say you can, but call the store to verify) as often this is not the case and if you don't live close to the outlet a return may be next to impossible.

With those cautions, however outlet shopping can be fun and profitable if you have items you are needing or looking for. I recently visited Woodburn Company Stores in Woodburn, Oregon and want to offer up some tips!

Tips for Outlet Shopping:
-visit outlet websites near you to sign up for emails. You will receive coupons on updates on events, plan your visits around these times. If you can get extra savings while outlet shopping even better!
-if you have a AAA card/membership show at the customer service desk for a free "preferred shopping coupon" book good for the whole year and filled with all types of coupons.
-if you don't have a AAA membership consider purchasing the "Shop and Play" package at http://www.shopamericatours.com/oregon_portland_woodburn.cfm
This pass costs $15. I bought it this time to see what you actually got and was it a good value? I think it was if you are shopping at the store where the special incentives are offered. You purchase this package on-line and print out the coupon for redemption at customer service. I received the "female" gift pack. I got a reusable branded shopping tote, charm-jewelry bracelet, preferred shopping booklet (same as you get free with AAA membership), coupon for free coffee/drink, free earrings and misc. items at a jewelry store and a 40% off coupon for Rockport and a couple of other coupons. None of the items had an expiration so they could be used on a return trip if not redeemed the day of purchase and the book for 2008 is good through December 2008 and can be used multiple times, you show the cashier(s) and the book is returned to you. I would consider selling pass on craiglist or the items you didn't need!
-Consider shopping with a group of friends so you can get to the amount needed for coupon savings.

These tips are valid for the Woodburn Oregon outlet, but I am sure other outlets have similar programs, so visit their websites for all the news!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Tires-Costco Critique and Savings!

Hello All-

Always on the prowl for good deals, I purchased my last set of tires from Costco. I saved $60 on a set of 4 high end tires that are excellent quality and beat all the regular retailers in town (I checked!). Right now Costco is offering $80 off a set of 4 through 8/24/08.

Never buy tires at Costco unless they are running a promotion which they do around 4-5 times per year. If you don't need tires, but will soon pre-buy them and then return them for placement on your vehicle when you are ready. It doesn't cost anymore, just your time to return for placement. I did this last time and it worked really well!

The only problem is that Costco is not as highly staffed as a regular tire facility at least my location (Eugene, OR). The staff are great and really efficient, but they are limited to employees so it means longer than average waits. I have found that to get around this go late in the evening approx. 30-45 minutes before closing as there is not usually anyone there and you get in and out faster!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Gymboree-Circle of Friends Discount Time! (30% OFF!)

Hello All-

Gymboree is having their Circle of Friends promotional period now through August 24. For on-line purchases enter: GYMFRIEND, shipping is $6.50 right now, less than it might cost you to drive to the store near you!

This is a great time to stock up on basics (socks, underwear, gifts) if you don't need regular line clothes right now.

Enjoy!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

New Littlest Pet Shop, Wal-Mart Exclusives!

Hello All-

Wal-Mart has introduced (4 I think) new dual packs of Littlest Pet Shop, that are exclusive to Wal-Mart. You would know because they say "only at Wal-Mart" on the package.

Packs sell for around $4.97. These are great gifts for younger girls who enjoy animals!

Happy Saving & New Notifications!

Summer H.

Macy's Coupon-Home Items (Through 8/10)

Hello All-

Macy's is offering a 15% additional discount on Home purchases through Sunday! On-line at check-out enter code: 4HOME for the additional savings on regular, sale and clearance! You don't see additional on-line coupons on clearance very often so this is a good time to buy if you are needing something.

Hint: Check your upcoming wedding lists....a great time to use the promo code to save on wedding gifts, especially if you need to ship an item. Remember-certain types of Macy's cards offer free shipping as one of the perks, so take advantage for optimum savings!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Gymboree Back to School Specials + Coupon Reminder!

Hello All-

Gymboree has some Back to School basics specials running right now. Items are $10, 15 and 20 dollars! They do have some great plain basics in the new lines they just brought out. Worth checking into!

Also, none special items listed above are all 20% off through Sunday (hint: hit the clearance racks for outstanding savings through Sunday!).

Also, if you are on Gymboree's mailing list, watch your mail for your 20% off coupon good through August. You can combine with above savings, for some great deals!

Happy Savings!

Summer

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Free School Supplies & Shampoo- Here's How!

Hello All-

I just love to share savings examples. Here is how to get $5 of school supplies and some Pert Plus shampoo free this month!

You will need:
Coupons-Sunday Register Guard 8/3
Specifically: Pert Plus / Sure Coupon, School Supply Rebate Slip, Easy Saver Catalog Walgreen's

What to do:
1. Clip the Pert Plus shampoo coupon for $2 from the RG coupons. Clip the coupon for Sure deodorant or the other Pert Plus coupon.
2. Go to Walgreen's Store (open in Eugene soon!)
3. Purchase $5 worth of Pert Plus or Sure deodorant products. This is before coupons..just make sure the $ amount of your items is $5 or just above (most savings for you!). Make sure to give the cashier your coupons.
4. Once home, visit www.walgreens.com and click on Easy Saver Rebates tab. Enter your receipt information for the Free Pert Plus offer this month. If you use your coupon, you should actually get paid for buying the shampoo! Fill out all the information and ask to put it on a Walgreen's gift card for the 10% bonus!
5. Gather up your receipt, all your school supplies and the rebate form from the RG. This rebate has some specific requirements. You have to follow the 3-4 steps on the form, but it is worth it to save the money! Send in this rebate!

A few steps and you end up saving close to $10 and getting some free stuff...a good deal! Questions-email me at summerhighfill@yahoo.com, happy to answer them!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Build a Bear Workshop-Upcoming Promos + Tips

Hello All-

Build a Bear Workshop at a location near you is going to be offering some upcoming promos!

Sat/Sun- August 16 & 17, spend $15 in store and get a free BABW Messenger Bag..it is cute and a great gift idea for your BABW fan! I called my local store and they said a $15 or more gift card purchase counts towards the bag. I'm there! I will tuck away these items for Christmas or other special gift time for my daughter.

If you ever shop at this store, you have to sign up for the Stuff Fur Stuff Club. It entitles you to store certificates for merchandise after certain dollar amounts purchased in the store. Amounts are cumulative and add up over time, so it is worth it. Plus, you will be added to the coupon mailing lists, which are always helpful!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Old Navy-Stuff & Save Time!, 20% Discount!

Hello All-

Old Navy is having their semi-annual Stuff & Save Sale! If you hold an Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic credit card you are eligible for this offer. Cardholders typically get a mailer on this as well (haven't seen mine yet!). This sale runs August 1-21. By the end of August, I am sure most Fall merchandise will be in. Gap just ran a huge sale over the weekend which was great, but Fall merchandise was a tad limited.

If you get a mailer, they send a bag and everything you want you stuff in the bag and whatever fits in the bag you get 20% off.

However, to get around this go on-line and stuff your endless cart with more possibilities! You still get 20% off your whole order when you use a Gap companies credit card. The promo code is: STUFFSAVE

I believe the discount is only on Old Navy branded merchandise, however this is the first stuff & save with the new combined card option so if you try it and it allows the discount on Gap or BR merchandise, let me know and I will update this post!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

On-Line Retailer Return Caution

Hello All-

Part of saving is easily found on on-line retail sites. I like amazon.com and have just recently started using their 3rd party sellers option they have available on their site.

I found out the hard way about needing to be very careful about certain on-line retailers and their slightly deceiving return policies. You wouldn't save any money and actually may lose money (I did!), if your item doesn't work out for you and the company has stringent return policies.

I recently purchased some shoes from an on-line retailer that was one of amazon's 3rd party sellers. I don't want to mention their name as I believe in the Golden Rule, but basically I purchased my daughter a pair of shoes which did not fit (shoes are helpful to try on and I couldn't get this pair locally). I was told after the fact (no return policy) stated obviously that they were on sales and sale items can't be returned. I shared my frustration with this policy considering the item and the need to actually try it on! I hope they will change their policy in the future.

A word of consumer advice: read your online retailers return policy. My experience shows me that the cheaper an item, the more stringent the return policy may be. Make sure what you are getting into before you purchase an item that you might be stuck with!

Happy Savings & Safety!

Summer H.