Monday, December 29, 2008

Lifestyle Tip- Ellie Kay New Book Release!

Hello All-

Ellie Kay (one of my favorite authors) has just released a new book and my blog authorship entitled me to a free advance copy, which I am enjoying! Please click on book cover link at the bottom of my blog page to visit her website.

THANK YOU SO MUCH ELLIE KAY & STAFF FOR THIS COPY! IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

I encourage you to pick up this book at your local bookseller or on-line today, it has great information in it that will help you save, share and life a more fulfilling life while using strategies to save your family money and sanity! I have almost finished reading the book and have enjoyed the new tips I have learned, extra education on topics I am new at and her ideas for the "Cha-Ching Factor" ways to save big bucks this year!


Ellie's Summary:
You really can be rich in every way, every day. So you want to own the home you love, make memories on wonderful vacations with family or friends, finance college educations, and help others too?
You can—starting here and now.
With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, Living Rich for Less helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams. Ellie Kay’s entertaining and enlightening examples show you simple steps to save, spend, and give smart, and her three main principles are undergirded by dozens of effective rules and hundreds of Cha-Ching Factor™ tips that keep or put money in your pocket.
Ellie knows what it’s like to be financially-strapped or struggling, wanting to be the Joneses but feeling as poor in spirit as in pocketbook. She went, within two and a half years, from being a new wife and mom with $40,000 in consumer debt and seven children (and college educations) to support, to being completely debt-free and within fifteen years able to pay cash for eleven different cars, give away three of those cars, buy two five-bedroom houses (moving from one to the other) and nicely furnish each, take wonderful vacations, dress her family in fine fashion; and support more than thirty non-profit organizations in more than a dozen different countries, giving away more than $100,000.
Isn’t that the kind of transformation to a rich life that you want?
Living Rich for Less helps anyone get there in our taxed-out, maxed-out times. Because financial security doesn’t mean just genuine prosperity, but being able to live luxuriously, give generously, and care for yourself as well as the others around you.
Why keep up with the Joneses when you can be them?


To Buy:
You can find it on-line at:
www.amazon.com (remember to order $25 worth of products (maybe some more Ellie books?) to get free shipping!
www.ChristianBook.com (check for special shipping
www.FamilyChristian.com

Also, if you are Borders Rewards member, you could check the store and use your coupon from email or use an Entertainment Book coupon.

Please consider picking up some of Ellie Kay's previous books at Smith Family Bookstore, Powell's Books or Paperbackswap.com.

These are great books to give as gifts too! Everyone I have shared with them loves them!

Happy Reading & Saving!

Summer H.

Blog Update-Vacation

Hello Loyal Readers!

I will be on vacation Dec. 31-Jan. 6 so I won't be posting any new tips, but I hope you still find some out there!

The sales are great this year!

Also, I will be back with some great tips on how to save money on vacations especially in the San Diego area when I return!

Happy Day!

Summer H.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Deal-Buy One Get One Free Dinner (Hometown Buffet)

Hello All-

If you want a free meal and who doesn't? sign up for the e-club at Hometown Buffet and get a free dinner with the purchase of one!

The link to the eclub is:

http://buffets.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=23622321066

Just copy this into your browser! You will give theme some basic information and they will email you the coupon and more savings coupons in the future!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Steal-Sundance Catalog Outlet + Holiday (Promo Code)

Hello All-

If you are a consistent blog reader you know I have mentioned Sundance Catalog for their unique high quality goods! Check out: www.sundancecatalog.com

However, I have NEVER seen them run some of the specials they currently are running! Right now anything on sale or in the outlet section entitles you to an extra 10% off by using code "EXTRA".

They have incredible discounts on their holiday seasonal decorations and tons of items in their $30 and under bin!

My pick: Austrian Snowglobe, beautiful! For $9.99 (before discount), originally $59!! It is beautiful and I got one for my daughter, I hate to say I spent $29, so I have picked up a few extras for gifts next year. Think Tree of Joy for needy people, this is the perfect gift to tuck away or for a child gift exchange, this is a quality piece!

I recommend you pool an order with a friend if possible, as their shipping charges are a bit higher than other e-tailers, they use FedEx so it costs a bit more.

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Steal-Jerry's Home Improvement Christmas Decorations!

Hello All-

I love Jerry's Home Improvement for all their awesome holiday decorations, I especially love them when they are 50% off or more. At the time of this post, they are 50% off, but will go all the way up to 80% off. This is a great deal!

Of course, selection begins to wain once they hit the 70-75% off point, so for best selection shop now.

I have to say this year they carried more higher end looking goods...they have some fabulous wooden candy canes and star decorations that look like they would be in a higher end boutique! These would be great to save for gifts for friends or to decorate your own home.

My husband told me that the Eugene Jerry's had WAY more trees/ornaments than Springfield. I haven't gotten out there yet...so if you are in this part of town check it out!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Steals-Post Christmas Decorations

Hello All-

I am always saying to save the most you have to plan ahead! This is really the case post seasonal festivities.

Most stores have already marked down Christmas merchandise 50%, but many will go higher and faster with discounts this year as so much stock remains on shelves so take advantage of this!

I know it is hard, but think ahead for seasonal items you might want/need next year as this will be the primo time to scoop them up at major savings to you! All you need is a bit of extra cash and a place to store items!

These kinds of things might include holiday decorations, wrap/bows, etc, seasonal food items, containers, etc.

Great deals will be out there this year with the economic forecast so if you aren't impacted, consider taking a quick tally of your paper inventory or what you might need for an advent calendar and buy while things are on sale!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Lifestyle-Dipped Pretzel Rods

Hello All-

Since I would call this blog a Lifestyle Blog, I am going to try to incorporate more tips for fun along with savings. Hopefully you can combine both of these for extra financial savings in your home!

The gift of time with your kids is invaluable, but this tip is a fun one even if you do it by yourself!

I have a daughter who absolutely adores Sprinkles and trust me I am always on the look out for unique ones and foods/crafts that incorporate them!

My latest find is Dipped Pretzel Rods. I will let you find a recipe or search for one on google, but here are some tips for this fun food activity.

1) These can be used for a party, fun dessert or just for fun! You can use a variety of chocolate chips, vanilla melts or other things for the color/flavor and this allows it to be versatile for any holiday/occassion. You can also name them different things such as Fairy Wands for a girl party or Reindeer Treats for Christmas, etc!

2) Do your dipping by pouring your melted product into a small narrow cup, this allows the pretzel rod to be turned easily and for good coverage.

3) Lay the rods for sprinkling on a cookie sheet or dish with shallow sides (to catch wild sprinkles!) with wax paper layed down (makes clean up much easier!)

4) Wilton (cake/candy manufacturer) has a new product that I just picked up and can't live without! It is a Chocolate Melter Deluxe ($19.96 at Walmart) and worth every penny! I always struggle with getting the perfect melt in the microwave and then rushing to get everything dipped or poured before it hardens up again. This system allows you to melt or warm, so you can take your time and enjoy the activity vs. getting tense with those who find the artistic need to sprinkle away! This made the activity fun and relaxes and gave me versatility in allowing current sprinkled product to dry and transfer to serving dish before the next round! I love this product! Also, these may go on 50% after Christmas, so check it out...this would be a great gift for a friend who likes to make food goods!

5) Dipped Pretzel Rods are a great gift! Package them in a fun box or other food container and share with a friend. They will enjoy it and you will save money!

Happy Fun & Saving!

Summer H.

FREE- Photo at Walgreen's + Gift Idea

Hello All-

Walgreen's has a FREE deal on an 8x10 photo. Through 12/20, enter FREEGIFT and get a free 8x10!

This is a great way to score an inexpensive gift for someone on your list. If you haven't had time to shop because of the crazy weather, this is an easy idea and has some great meaning!

Just get the free photo and then either pick up a frame from your gift closet or use the 40% off Michael's coupon for 1 item, don't have it? Visit www.spoofee.com for a printable coupon, dig through last week's Sunday classifieds, wait for this weeks Michael's ad or visit Pottery Barn stores (they have frames on sale right now!)-I suggest the Wood Gallery frames at a current sale price. These are very classic and have VERY nice mats built in!

You can put a very thoughtful and inexpensive gift together using this idea or if your budget allows, buy a bit nicer frame!

Hint: I got my free photo and frame from Pottery Barn and am going to use this frame as part of my seasonal decorations with a fun photo, my photo pic? A picture of my husband and daughter posing with our Christmas tree in the woods....it really adds a personal touch to my home decor!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Savings Tip-Free Savings Class

Hello All-

I get asked all the time to host/give presentations on my savings tips. I was able a few weeks ago to do a run through with my book club and they were pleased (thanks for being my guinea pigs)!

I will be offering a free savings class in January at BrushFire Pottery in Eugene, OR. Thanks to my friend/owner for lending a site for this! If you want to join us, seating is a bit limited please let me know by emailing me at summerhighfill@yahoo.com, I promise to let you know the date VERY soon!

Also, if you are interested in having me speak to a church group, civic group or other group-please email me for details on what I can offer your group. Depending on people/needs, I may be able to offer class for free or for a small donation to one of my favorite charities "Smile Train".

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Deal-REI Members 20% Off 1 Full Price Item

Hello All-

REI Members, they are offering a 20% discount on 1 full price item. This is a great chance to get items that aren't normally discounted at REI stores.

Check it out and save!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Steal-Sundance Catalog Sale Items (20% Off Everything!)

Hello All-

I love Sundance Catalog Co. (www.sundancecatalog.com), think cool/vintage/film festival goods at pricey prices so I don't shop often.

BUT....when they offer 20% off everything including additional discount on sale goods I have to share it!

My recommendation is to check out their very cool seasonal section with discounts of up to 60% and then the 20% on top of it! They have some great seasonal items and fun gifts for more reasonable prices and chances are their items are unique and you won't find them anywhere else!

I got some of the lovely wool hooked pillows for decorating next year and the Austrian snow globe for my daughter next year (it is so very cool!) and a few gifts for kids this Christmas (snowman making kit-$7.20 after discount, down from $28!!)

The website has been so overloaded that they haven't been able to keep up with sale demand so you may have to call in to order or check back soon as they are working on getting the site back up!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Deal-Sonic Gift Cards

Hello All-

If you haven't tried Sonic, you need to! It is fun and yummy!

If you buy a Sonic Gift Card (say, start with $5) you will get a free Cream Slush when you register your card.

Also, when you reload your card at the $15 level you get regular Tots, regular Onion Rings or a regular Sonic Blast and with a $25 reload you get a Breakfast Burrito, Sonic Burger or a Large Sonic Blast.

Also, visit during 2-4 p.m. for 1/2 off drinks...my current fave is the Cherry Limeade!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Steal-Starbuck's Retail Stores (Whole Beans & Merchandise)

Hello All-

Starbucks is offering 20% off merchandise and whole beans Dec. 9-15 in all retail stores.

This is a great deal, I don't think I have ever had beans at a discount. Want more? You came to the right place!

Use your registered Starbucks Gift Card and if you are a rewards member (see web for details) you will be able to get a free drink with your bag of beans purchase. Plus, buy gift cards at Costco ($100 for $80) and use them for the 20% savings and you save even more!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Congrats-Blog Wins Award!

Hello All-

I am pleased to announce that my blog (and you my readers!) have won a slot on the Ellie Kay Blog Tour that will be taking place in late December.

Ellie Kay is an amazing saver, woman and author and I will bring you more information on her upcoming book in the next few days.

I thank you for reading my blog and keeping the positive feedback coming!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Savings Tip- Email Newsletters

Hello All-

A great tip for first chance at sales or store coupons is to sign up on-line at the retailers you shop on line or in store for. This is one of the easiest ways to have coupons sent directly to you!

Signing up on-line takes a few minutes, but can give you great rewards!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Deal- 20% Discount off Whole Purchase (Victoria's Secret)

Hello All-

Victoria's Secret is offering 20% off your whole in store purchase through Dec. 14. Email me at summerhighfill@yahoo.com for a forward of the coupon!

Many stores are trying to lure you in with offers. If you need things, this is a good deal. If you don't just pass them by, but these are the types of deals I encourage you to plan ahead for. If you might need a new bra in the next few months or you have gifts for people, weddings, etc. this might be a good time to purchase gift.

Many of these stores don't usually offer such wide spread coupons, so take advantage of them if you need them.

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Deal-Shoe-A-Holic Friends & Family Event (Dec 11-14)

Hello All-

It's Shoe-A-Holic (Dowtown Eugene) Friends & Family Event this weekend, Dec. 11-14.

You need to have the coupon to get the deal and I can send it to you!

Email me at summerhighfill@yahoo.com

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Deal-Dept. 56 Snow Village Collections

Hello All-

If you collect Dept. 56 Snow Villages this can be a pricey venture. I have discovered that eBay is truly a site to find all you need to add to your collection.

In Eugene, OR I believe the only current retailer is Hiron's (and if you have been in there lately, please hope it doesn't catch on fire!)...whew....lots of stuff in that place. Seriously, it is a fun store, but they have crammed that place full.

I have added several pieces this year to my daughter's heirloom collection such as a fun bowling alley (she discovered bowling this year) and a few other pieces for around $20 + minimal shipping...still far below original retail of the pieces. All the pieces I have acquired were either new or in excellent condition, so check it out if you want some good deals!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Steal-Bath & Body Works

Hello All-

OK, I just can't say enough how many coupons Bath & Body Works gives out! I took a friend shopping there the other day to show her how to maximize her savings with this retailer.

They have just released a FREE Item with an in-store purchase of $10 (value of free item up to $13). This is a great time to stock up on purchases for yourself or get some extra stuff for gifts for the holidays!

To get to this coupon visit this link:
http://f.chtah.com/i/34/528207786/20081124_8536_coupon.html

Or visit www.spoofee.com and click on Sunday Daily Deals...thanks Spoofee contributors!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Deal-Disney Shopping (25% Off Coupon)-In Store & On-Line

Hello All-

Disney is offering a 25% additional discount on all www.disneyshopping.com purchases or in Disney Stores. This coupon is good on sale items too and they have a good deal of Disney apparel for cheap! Use code:FF25

Also, with a purchase of $89 or more get free shipping! Use Code:SHIP89

I love Disney because they let you coupon stack so if you can use both codes above!

Hot Pick: Disney Yard Inflatable, regularly $129.95 with coupon $60! This is adorable!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

FREE/Happening- Holiday Light Show (Eugene)

Hello All-

I promised the light show owner I would spread the news off his show because he so willingly answered my request for his song list (thanks!). However, this is truly a sight to behold and I hope your family gets to enjoy this wonderful production by a truly gracious citizen!

This wonderful light show is best viewed from the comfort of your vehicle on a weekday evening at 5-6 p.m. The show does run from 5-10 all 7 days, but weekends as we get closer to the holidays will be a mad house, so use my guidelines above!

The house is on St. Kitts off of Crescent (near Costco). You can't miss it once you are in the neighborhood. Make sure and tune your radio to 89.3 (I think...check the sign in the yard!). One year we watched it forever and then figured out it was actually going to music...oops! It is best enjoyed with the music playing along!

And...if you want the song list, let me know...happy to forward!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Gift Idea-Science Factory Membership!

Hello All-

Looking for unique gifts just got a bit easier! I like to give gifts that the recipient can enjoy the whole year and here is a great idea for this!

The Science Factory in Eugene, OR is offering 1 year memberships for families starting at $55. You can give a family free admission for a year that allows them to get all types of activities and fun in for 1 whole year! Plus, you can use your membership for Free membership into a variety of other museums/science centers across Oregon and the U.S. This is great too if you have friends out of town that could use a membership for a center near their home!

In Oregon this includes the U of O Natural History Museum, Nature Museum in Sunriver, etc.

To purchase or see what other centers are included, visit:
www.sciencefactory.org

Happy Saving!

Summer

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Deal-Papa's Pizza 20% Gift Certificate Discount!

Hello All-

Papa's Pizza is offering 20% off the face value of gift certificates in December. If you eat at this restaurant, I suggest stocking up on a few for next year!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Steal-Nyquil + Puffs + More Walgreen's!

Hello All-

Walgreen's is offering a $5 off $25 coupon on their site (printable from site) for Monday and Tuesday. Take advantage of this 20% savings!

It's a great time to stock up on Nyquil products on sale at Walgreen's for $5.99 (20 caplet packs-must use this size!). Get the $1.50 off coupon from the RG P& G Saver circular (get another coupon from a friend or duplicate paper if possible!). Then also clip the Buy 2 Vicks products get 1 FREE Puffs coupon next to the $1.50 Nyquil products. Grab the most expensive box of Puffs for $2.39 (you get them for free!). Once at the register you will get a $4 off Register Rewards coupon for your next purchase over $4! This is a great way to work your coupons! If you use all coupons mentioned above you pay $9, get 2 boxes of medicine, 1 box of Puffs and $4 for a future purchase, not a bad return!

Also, browse your existing coupons in your organizer, the weekly circular for Walgreen's the new Dec. Easy Saver Catalog and see what you need and make sure and use the $5 off $25 coupon! It is a great deal!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.