Sunday, March 29, 2009

Deal-Costco Build a Bear Gift Cards Available Again!

Hello All-

If you ever shop at Build a Bear or might or need a gift, read this post!

Costco is offering a $50 gift card for $39.99, you get one gift card with a $50 value on it. This is a 20% discount!

If you belong to the Build a Bear Stuff for Stuff Club chances are you get coupons or rebates on purchases, so pair these together for even more savings.

These gift cards don't expire, so it is a good deal if you will be shopping there. Last time these sold out quickly and haven't been back for over 6 months, so plan ahead! They are available in near the HUGE orange waterslide toy that is in the seasonal section.

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Caution/Savings Tip-Macy's Information

Hello All-

I am seeing too many changes in coupons and how sales are applied at a variety of stores and I learned a valuable lesson this weekend at Macy's that I want to share.

I am a past Macy's employee and it is not my intention to speak ill of them, but I just want you to be a savvy shopper, so here is my savings tip/caution!

They offer some great coupons, but half the time they exclude all types of items, if you don't see the exclusion clearly listed, ask to see a manager, often they will honor the discount if it isn't spelled out on the coupon, but they also use generic language like "designer" which encompasses MANY items...these coupons are a bit difficult to use. If you are a Macy's card holder you will get more coupons with fewer exclusions and this is a nice perk!

This weekend I was looking for a new bedding set for my daughter, I found a Tommy Hilfiger set that I liked, but they didn't have it at my local store (found out from a phone call), but some one had returned the throw pillows to the store, so I could check out the print there and buy the rest of the pieces on-line through Macy's. I got to the store and purchased the pillows. I thought the price seemed higher than on-line, but I thought I was confused, so I went home to check. Sure enough, the price on-line was MUCH cheaper than in the store....aaaah!!! So, I called the store and they were happy to price match if I brought the print-out from the website into the store, but I had to do it within 1 day because the sale was ending, so I have opted to just return these to the store and I purchased the other pillows on-line. I was advised by the store I would be looking at shipping charges, which is true, but it was free shipping this weekend, so I did save money shopping on-line. Before you make a major purchase at Macy's either check the price and print out the item before you go to the store because if it is cheaper on-line they will match it or at least check a purchase when you get home and if it is cheaper go back for a price adjustment!

Also, the bedding that goes with the TH set I was looking at I found at Overstock.com for $100 less than Macy's was charging!!! This is a great reminder that it is good to do a search for a product to see who is selling it for cheaper! I got a $550 set for $89, a great savings!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Steals-Fred Meyer Toy Deals

Hello All-

Check this week's Fred Meyer ad for some great deals on toys...many Buy 1 Get 1 Free and some outstanding clearance deals too!

Don't forget to use the 10% additional off toys coupon that is on the toys ad page for extra savings too! Plus, scan that Fred Meyers rewards cards for even more savings! Don't have a rewards card, get one FREE at any register!

If you have Leapfrog coupons for TAG or other products, use them at Freddy's now! They are Buy 1 Get 1 Free and you can apply coupons to the full price item!

Happy Savings!

Summer H.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Steal-Robeez 0-2Y, Nordstrom.com +Free Ship

Hello All-

I always debate sharing deals when I am partaking in them because I don't want people to think I am cheap when they receive a gift I have wrote about on my blog, but then I am budget restricted, so with that said I have to share this deal!

Nordstrom.com which normally offers $8 flat rate shipping on all orders, is offering a special promotion right now where if you buy 1 pair of shoes with an order, they ship your whole order for free! Use promo code "SHOES" in the promo field.

Right now they have Robeez for ages 0-2 years for 40% off! This is about 5-6 different styles and I doubt this will last long (missed out on the crocs deal a few weeks ago) so don't delay if interested.

Do a search for Robeez and then click on "sale first" tab to have those pop up first, they are adorable styles for boys and girls. I have stocked up for upcoming baby showers. They are a versatile gift and at around $15, are right in my gift budget, down from $28 which is typically over my budget, so this is a great option! Pair it with promo code above and you get free shipping too, even if you buy more things too!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Deal-REI Outlet + Free Ship To Store!

Hello All-

I always forget about this great discount resource, so before I forget again, I want to share it with you!

REI.com has a tab on their homepage for outlet items, typically items from last year they are closing out. However, the savings are fabulous!

I love to save up gifts for the holidays and pace my buying throughout the year. This year I am being very strict on dollar amounts, so this site is allowing me to get great deals within budget!

They also offer free "ship to store", where you can have the items shipped directly to the closest REI or to the one of your choice for free! They send you an email when your order has arrived in store and you can pick it up, great service!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Deal-PetSmart Printable Coupon!

Hello All-

If you have pets, this is the coupon to use! It has been a LONG time since they offered this, so take advantage of this short notice offer, good through Sunday 3/29!

Printable coupons for PetSmart, 3 to choose from, best being $15 off $50 purchase, others being less discount with less of a purchase.

Great time to stock up on all your pet foods or essentials!

For the link (courtesy of www.spoofee.com), visit:
http://petsmart-mail.com/p/12%5C754/coupon1.jpg

Enjoy!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Deal-Clinique GWP (Macy's)

Hello All-

Clinique is running their gift with purchase at Macy's stores from March 31-April 19.

This is a great gift this year featuring moisturizers, lipstick, cream blush and mascara and you get to pick neutral or pinks!

You get this set free with any $21.50 purchase at the Clinique counter. They ran out last time on choices, so early in best selection!

Hint: Macy's has started doing pre-sales for their card customers. If you have a Macy's card, you can go to the store before the promotion, pick your items and they will hold them for you until the first day of the sale when you can go pick them up. This can save you time (you won't have to wait in line) and you will be guaranteed to get your free gift no matter when you make it in to pick it up!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Deal-Gymbucks at Gymboree Outlet

Hello All!

Good News! You can now earn Gymbucks at Gymboree Outlet stores (for my Oregon readers that would be at Woodburn Company Stores, Woodburn-Outlets).

You can earn $25 for every $50 purchased in store and the great thing is that the outlet always has GREAT prices, typically lines repeated from the year before, so if you or your child really loved something you might be able to snag it for an additional run.

The only catch is you can't spend the Gymbucks in the Outlet stores, only in regular retail stores at this point. They may change this in the future, but for right now that is the deal.

Hint: AAA members, pick up your Preferred Shopping Discount Coupon Guide at Customer Service and save 10% on purchases over $75 at Gymboree Outlet.

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Lifestyle Tip-Create a Reading Nook

Hello All!

From time to time I like to inspire you to use your savings to do fun things around your home or in your life. Her is a recent lifestyle tip for you to enjoy!

If you have a child who is 4+, creating a reading nook is an excellent idea to help them establish this wonderful hobby!

This weekend I was inspired with some of my proceeds from my craigslist sales to finally create a reading nook for my daughter. I rearranged some of her toy storage area, creating a cozy (perfect for a young child) area where she can plop down and enjoy reading or other quite activities.

It is super easy and inexpensive to create a special space. I incorporated a bean bag (we already had) with a metal TV tray (already had) as the table that holds a table lamp (already had) and I placed a basket under the table (already had) that holds books for reading. The nook is right under a window for good natural light, but the table lamp incorporates a cozy feel to the area. I did purchase a fantastic rug at HomeGoods to pull the corner together. I was able to pull together 4 items I already had that didn't really have a home or were being stored in my garage to put together a fun new element in my home and it cost $60 (for the rug) which I had from selling old clothes on craigslist!

I hope I have inspired you to look at what you have in your home to change things or make it feel like you have added some new-ness to your home even if you don't spend any money!

Happy Living!

Summer H.

Lifestyle Tip-Declutter and Make $

Hello All-

As you work to save money, you may realize (maybe you already do) that living on less and living simply tend to go hand in hand. When you work hard to save money, you really watch what you spend your money on.

As you go through various phases in your life you may need to clear out the clutter of a previous chapter. If you have a growing child, clothes get too small, toys become less played with, a hobby starts or ends. All these things can leave residual clutter around your house that keep your atmosphere or home from being the kind of place you wish to reside.

Consider donating your items to local charities, many take items of all kinds or to a friend who has kids smaller than yours. Also, consider selling your unused, but still worthy items on Craigslist or eBay. I have enjoyed working on this project this week and have made several hundred dollars removing items from my home that are clutter at this point, but very usable to other people. Right now many people are on the green theme of buying used and trying to save some money so they will be on eBay and Craigslist more!

Happy Living!

Summer H.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Help Others, Support Mr. THS & My Contestant!

Hello All-

I know if you are reading this post, you care! Many of us do! I also know that times are tight with money right now, but I have never forgotten the need to share my blessings with others be it financial, time, etc.

I am asking for my blog readers to lend support to a great cause that touches close to my heart. I have been involved with Mr. THS and various Children's Miracle Network activities for over 15 years. My daughter was a preemie and little did I know that 15 years ago, my work to help establish Mr. THS would benefit my family so closely.

My daughter spent 3 weeks in the NICU at Sacred Heart and even after 5 years, those memories bring tears to my eyes as I recount what a challenging and scary time this was for my family. It was intense to be a first time parent and have to see your tiny baby living in a hospital, a place I dreaded being. The staff were incredible and I am raising a very healthy and happy 5 year old.

I hope that my tips on saving money have blessed you and I am asking that if you are able, that you will consider making a small donation to my candidate that I am supporting for Mr. THS this year, his name is Jeff Forrest. All donations are tax deductible and go to a great cause. I would consider any and all support a thank you of sorts for the money that you save using the tips I provide you for free on a daily basis.

Don't feel bad if you can't donate or you have other worthy charities that have your support right now, but if you can, every penny helps! If you are interested, I can mail you a support letter, all money is tax deductible, if you are interested in helping please email me at summerhighfill@yahoo.com and I will get the form mailed out to you!

Thank you readers for your support! The Mr. THS event is April 11, 2009 your participation in watching the show also helps CMN, so I hope to see you there!

Thanks!

Summer H.

Savings Tip-Saving Coupons + Manufacturers Double Coupons

Hello All-

If you clip coupons on Sunday or any other day, don't rush out to spend them right away. It is best to put them away and watch ads for sales on these products. Sometimes ads run concurrent with the current coupons, but many times you will see coupons one week and the item goes on sale the next. You can maximize your savings if you wait a couple of weeks or until coupon is still usable to save additional money. Don't let it expire!

Also, remember that Safeway and Albertson's (this is new) offer "Double Your Manufacturers Coupons" in their ads, clip these and "stack" them with your existing coupons for even more savings. This works really good on loss leader or multiple purchase pricing the giants are currently using to lure people in. If you only buy loss leaders at the giant stores and staple items at the discount grocers you will save LOTS of money!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Savings Tip-Albertson's Policy Change (Coupons)

Hello All-

I am sad to announce that Albertson's is making a huge policy change to their coupons (thanks to 2 loyal blog readers for the update!). They will no longer be accepting competitor coupons as of April 1, this is NO joke! I hate to see what other major chains follow in this trend, I will try to keep you posted.

They feel that they are offering some new savings perks to outweigh the removal of this extra coupon option such as offering (double manufacturer coupons up to $1 in their ads and new gas perks). This saves me nothing, I only buy gas at Costco and many of my manufacturers coupons even doubled do better stand alone at Winco...so for a majority of us, the time savings of shopping 1 or 2 stores vs. 4-5 to snag deals is soon to be a thing of the past...yuck!

With that said, I would definitely clip those double manufacturers coupons and shop their loss leaders products using coupons for even more maximum savings and maybe they will re-evaluate their pricing on items or their coupon policy in the future.

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Deal-Costco Rebates!

Hello All-

If you are a Costco Executive Member, you should have received your rebate in February! Enjoy using it!

Not an executive member? You may want to consider opting up to that option. You get a rebate, into the store earlier and a few additional perks. This might be something where you share a membership with someone and then figure out a kind way to split the rebate!

It does cost more for your membership, but my rebate paid for the upgrade and then some, so for our family it makes sense...check it out!


Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Deal-Gymboree Spring Break Deals + Gymbucks

Hello All-

Gymboree is selling items at discounted "Spring Break Deals" at price points of $10, 15, 20. These are all types of spring items including tees, capris, swim wear, etc.

In and of itself, these aren't smoking deals, but combine that with Gymbucks and that increases the savings opportunities! You will get $25 worth of Gymbucks for every $50 you spend in store.

During redemption period if you have $25 in Gymbucks, spend $50 in store, get $25 off.

If you get Gymbucks, but don't want them or need them, talk to me about how to earn a bit from them!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Happening-Bounce Gymnastics, Review

Hello All!

From time to time, I try to write some reviews of local places to take kids. This week I am writing on Bounce Gymnastics in Eugene, OR.

Bounce was previously a South Eugene gym, but they have relocated to Downtown Eugene, near REI. More parking and a larger gym makes this a much better place to hang out...or bounce in this case!

This gym offers tons of open gyms, classes and half and full day camps during school breaks/summer vacations. The prices are reasonable for offerings and I think the staff focuses on safety and fairness.

They have also started offering Circus Arts for kids 6+ and adults, hmmmm.....might be fun! Trapeze anyone??

Anyway, this is a fun place that kids can run around and burn off some energy, especially on those cabin fever days and they have open gyms almost every day so you are sure to find a session that matches your schedule!

Hint: If you have kids 6 and under, I suggest trying to hit that open gym time vs. the all ages slot your kids might feel more comfortable!

Best Bet: Purchase a Bounce Open Gym Punch Card which costs $20, but gives you 6 sessions, purchased individually this would be 5 sessions, so it saves a bit of money.

Happy Fun!

Summer H.

Happening-Family Drop In Art Classes (Emerald Art Center)

Hello All-

Looking for a fun Saturday activity that is inexpensive? Emerald Art Center in Downtown Springfield (500 Main Street) is offering drop in art classes the 4th Saturday of each month. Classes are for all ages, families and kids welcome. Cost is $5/kid and the class runs from 9-Noon.

The upcoming classes are:
March 28, Play with Paint (this looks pretty young kid friendly!)_
April 25, Salt Water Painting

No reservations are required, I haven't been to a class yet so I can't give a qualified opinion, but I hope to go in March so I will report back. If you have been, link a comment for our readers to the post!

Happy Fun!

Summer H.

Free-Roastburger at Arby's w/ Drink Purchase

Hello All!

Visit www.spoofee.com and look at Daily Deals 3/17 for a printable coupon for a free roastburger at Arby's with the purchase of a drink.

Then visit spoofee each day for all types of freebies and cheapies!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Deal-Free Bowling (Firs Bowl)-Register Guard

Hello All-

Did you know that each day the Register Guard has a Deal of the Day Coupon? Did you know on Sunday they have a Deal of the Week coupon?

If you didn't, time to start checking!

In Sunday (4/15) the Deal of the Week is a free game of bowling at Firs Bowl on River Road in Eugene. One coupon per person, but you can use multiple coupons if you have a family...so check with friends/family to score some coupons if they aren't using them!

My family went today for $1.75! We each had a free bowling coupon and Paul and I have our own shoes* (see story below), so just my daughter had to get shoes, a cheap fun family time!

*Bonus Savings Story: If your family participates in activities on a regular basis (ice skating, bowling, etc. and your feet are done growing) I suggest purchasing shoes for that activity. They will pay for themselves very quickly! I purchased some really cool vintage bowling shoes for my husband and myself for $19.99 a pair (they are brand new!) on eBay. If we go bowling 11 times (which we will do in one year), we will then start saving money on shoes! We like to ice skate too, so we visited Play it Again Sports after our bowling excursion and my husband scored a pair of Bauer Hockey Skates for $20, regularly $100 (if purchased new). Skate rental is around $4/session, so in 5 trips he will have paid for them!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Happening-Hungry Caterpillar Party (Borders)

Hello All-

I am trying to make a good effort to start including free/cheap events for families around town! I hope that if you have your own ideas or things you have found you will email me or comment to posts so that we can spread the word!

This weekend, March 21 at Borders Bookstore at 2:00 p.m. is the 40th Anniversary party of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. This event is family oriented and FREE!

Happy Times!

Summer H.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Steal-$1 Store Easter Basket Specials

Hello All-

I am finding the joys in $1 store shopping! I am really working on being careful of what I spend my money on and living only on what I truly need. It has been a fun journey the last few weeks to really analyze all that I purchase/truly need.

The Dollar Tree (Mohawk Rd-Springfield) has a great selection of fun goodies for Easter baskets. My favorite is the carrot shaped plastic holders you could put a variety of things in! They will look really fun in a basket this year. They also have egg dyes and all types of fun goodies. Check it out!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Deal- 99 cent Tacorito Tuesday (El Torito)

Hello All-

Looking for a cheap date night or night out with the girls? El Torito offers 99 cent tacos in the Cantina each Tuesday from 4-10 p.m.

This is a good deal, so if you are looking for a cheap night out, you got it!

Consider pairing Tacos with a cheap seat movie for a fun time out! This is a total $10 and under date!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Deal-Pinocchio DVD + Sun-Maid Raisins

Hello All-

If you are planning on purchasing Disney's Pinocchio on DVD this week, then make sure and pick up a package of Sun-Maid raisins too! With the purchase of both of these items you can get $4 off by mail in rebate!

Also, once you purchase the DVD make sure and visit www.disneyrewards.com (it's free) and enter your movie code for free disney rewards points to redeem for fun merchandise!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Deal-Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic-Promo Code (March 12-15)

Hello All-

Gap companies is doing the Give and Get promotion again for 30% off your purchases March 12-15. I can give the code to a few friends, so lucky blog readers if you want the special code email me and I will forward it onto you!

My special charity (5% of all sales goes to them) is Teach for America.

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Thank You-Blog Readers & Savings Class Attendees!

Hello All-

A big thank you to all my blog readers who attended my savings class this weekend! I appreciate the feedback I have received and hope you will start saving money every day!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Rebate Offer-Caregivers Marketplace!

Hello All-

If you take care of kids, parent or other person who requires your care visit www.caregiversmarketplace.com

You can get rebates for common care brands (diapers, personal care items, etc.). You buy these items at whatever store you normally do and then mail in your receipts and they give you back a rebate on the items you have purchased.

This is an awesome way to receive some additional savings, so save up those receipts!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.

Steal-Clearance Shoes Macy's (40% + 50% Additional)

Hello All-

I happened to be at Macy's today and they have a good selection of clearance shoes marked down 40% with an additional 50% off current marked price.

I picked up a pair of Coach shoes that had been $168, down to $50. My coupon didn't work on these, but some of their coupons will so take in a coupon and maybe you will get lucky!

Happy Saving!

Summer H.