I've not been thrifting but have been thrifty

I haven't been out and about as of late.  I guess it must be a spring time thing for me.

I have been thrifty however:

Changed our trash service; was $103 a quarter and now $42 a quarter.  Happy with the savings and we are now going to get a wheeled 65 gallon recycling container instead of the Rubbermaid tub we've used since the original one they gave us worn out

Been working the deals at the Grocery Store.  For example, last week at Publix, I paid $42.58 for $171.88 worth of "stuff".  It's nice that we haven't had to go to the grocery store in a week.

Couponing at Rite-Aid, CVS and Walgreens too.  We're stocked up on so many necessities now but I have all these UPS, RR, ECBs now that it is a vicious cycle.  When Max comes home for Spring Break, he'll be able to pick up shampoo, body wash, deodorant, razors, toothpaste to last him until the end of the semester.

Have received a couple of good deals through the Daily Deal Sites that I have put away for gifts:  3pc Cuisinart Forged Knife Set for $3.95 shipped and a three piece Bamboo cutting board set (large, med, small) for $4.95 Shipped.

Proctor and Gamble Customer Service

I have had the most WONDERFUL experience with P&G customer service recently.  I had a problem with a refund from one of their partners.  They took the info, said they would investigate, and get back to me.  They did all they promised and then some.  When their partner feigned knowledge of a resolution, P&G made it right even though it wasn't their fault.  It has certainly raised my opinion of such a large company.  Thank you Marilee in Customer Service.  You are awesome.

Clif Bar Deal at Soap.com

I had a $14.50 credit from Soap.com.  I had ordered some detergent at 50% off and it never made it to me because it leaked in transit.  Soap.com refunded my money and gave me a credit for the amount of the discount, very nice of them.

I found a code for $10 off Clif bars (FBCLIF).  My college son likes these for breakfast when he is in a hurry. I got two boxes at a total of $28 minus $10 code minus the $14.50 credit and free shipping... Max will be able to take two boxes back to school and it cost only $4 out of pocket.  What a great deal.

Couponing Works, whadda know...

I have been collecting the Sunday paper coupons for a while and I guess it was my first step into field....
I have been following Hip2Save.Com and Couponmom.Com  and they make it so easy to save MONEY.  I like the combo of both sites.  Couponmom allows you to check the items you want on your list to print something to take to the store and Hip2Save shows you how to "stack" coupons and use the rewards systems to your advantage.

I am sure with time I will get quicker in organizing, it took me about 35 minutes to get ready to go.

I just got back from Rite Aid.  Not everything I bought was something I had a coupon for.  I needed to get some extra stocking stuffers for the boys.  I spent $42 and received $15 for my next visit === $27.
Additionally, I saved with coupons $39.  Not too bad...

For example:
L'Oreal go 360 Clean was buy one get one 50%
Total for two was $10.47
Minus two $1 coupons  = $8.47
Minus $5 rewards when buy two  == $3.47
or $1.75 each or 75% off the normal price

Christmas Presents on the Cheap III

Here is another great deal!  Bath and Body Works sent us a card in the mail but you can find it on-line too (check Hip2Save.com, she may have a link).

Alex wanted to give Gramma some lotion since she liked what he bought her last year.  Anyway, the coupon is weird because you spend $10 and get a $13 product free.

He bought:  Pillow Spray to help you sleep  $10
Got: Lotion to help you sleep $13
and had another coupon for a free hand sanitizer

He spent $10 (plus tax) for $24 of product plus they gave him the bag and ribbon.

A couple of good finds

On our way to our Church's Christmas concert, No. 1 son and I stopped at Goodwill.  I rarely walk down the Christmas aisle as I have too much Christmas stuff already.  The other aisles were crowded, so down the Christmas aisle I went.  Saw this ziplock bag of crystals, very heavy and taped up so I couldn't open.  I figured for a couple of bucks they might look nice on the tree.  I found out this morning they are lead crystal prisms! Yippee and there were 72 in the bag.

The other thing was this ice bucket.  I have no idea if old or not but the label on the bottom does look old and no bar code.  I am preparing for the Prayer Pal brunch at our Church on Sat and I thought this would be nice.

Looking for ideas for the crystals after Christmas.  Any craft ideas out there???

Free Christmas Presents

Walmart is selling these gift packs for $9.00 and they include a free magazine subscription.  You can send the card inside the package back to  Conde Nast and they will send you a check for $9.99

You will have to remove the card prior to giving the gift but the recipient may not notice or you can take it all out of the box and make a gift basket.  

FREE SHIPPING TOO!

There are several sets and a Venus Set too.

I don't know to include a full size picture from their website.

 

The Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Gift Pack includes the perfect group of products to give your hair the moisture it needs. As an added bonus, the Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Gift Pack includes a one year subscription to Allure Magazine or any one of five other publications. Valued at over $23.00.

• Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Herbal Shampoo (12 oz.)
• Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Herbal Conditioner (12 oz.)
• Secret Ooh La La Lavender Body Mist (1.0 oz.)
• Trial version of Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Gel