Just in case you haven't heard, you can get as much free shampoo, conditioner, and styling products as you want at Walgreens this week. Or at least as many as you have coupons for! Garnier Fructis products are on sale for $2.99 but there is a $2 off coupon in the monthly booklet and TONS of $1 off manufacturers coupons. The Wags coupon says limit one but it will take $2 off each product you buy.
What I like about this is that you don't even have to pay anything out of pocket! No rebate to mess with either. You just "pay" with coupons! You might want to buy one other small item since technically you are getting 1 cent overage for each product purchased. So start off the year with some free hair products!!
January 7, 2009
There is such a thing as a free lunch...
I'm not sure if these are available in our area or not, but the "Cent"sible Sawyer posted how to get free lunch for you and five friends here. Sounds like a fun idea. You just have to host a lunch before the end of this month and serve these frozen meals (which will be free after rebate).
CPSIA...good news...maybe
The Baby Cheapskate blog is reporting that a reader (concerned MOTC member!) called the CTCP sub committee clerk and was told the CPSIA should not affect third party sales (i.e. garage sales, MOTC sales) But there has been no official announcement on the matter.
She also mentioned an article that said the the CPSC has been flooded with calls and emails! That is awesome! If you haven't already, call or email now to make your voice heard! It will make a difference!
She also mentioned an article that said the the CPSC has been flooded with calls and emails! That is awesome! If you haven't already, call or email now to make your voice heard! It will make a difference!
January 5, 2009
Formula Saving Tips
One of Jerry's co-workers asked me for tips on how to save money on infant formula. I thought I would share my reply here just in case anyone needs the info.
What I didn't say to him, but I'd like to say here is that THE best way to save on formula is to not buy it all! Breastfeeding is the best, and most inexpensive, way to go! Even if you have to buy a quality pump you'll still come out way ahead!
===========================================
The best website I know of for formula (and diaper) deals is Baby Cheapskate.
The best deals are listed weekly. This is a national website though so sometimes deals are listed for stores that we don't have in GB.
Here is a post full of links just about saving on formula.
Consider a store brand formula. Formula is regulated by the FDA so all types meet the minimum requirements. This is the easiest way to save.
If you use a particular brand of formula make sure you sign up with that company (Enfamil, Similac, etc.) to get coupons mailed to you. Have your parents or friends sign up too and they can give you the coupons they get in the mail. There are occasional coupons in the Sunday paper but the best ones come in the mail direct from the company.
Call your favorite formula companies 800 number and ask a question (any question!) and they will usually send you a free can of formula and/or some coupons. And every time you go for a well check ask the pediatrician or nurse for samples.
When you find a good deal stock up on several cans. Paying $44 for two cans on sale seems like a lot, but $22 for each is a better deal than paying $22 for one can when it's on sale and then $27 for the next can bought later. Combining coupons and sales are the best way to save on name brand formula.
Last, ask your pediatrician when you can start whole milk. Start whole milk as soon as your doctor gives the okay.
What I didn't say to him, but I'd like to say here is that THE best way to save on formula is to not buy it all! Breastfeeding is the best, and most inexpensive, way to go! Even if you have to buy a quality pump you'll still come out way ahead!
===========================================
The best website I know of for formula (and diaper) deals is Baby Cheapskate.
The best deals are listed weekly. This is a national website though so sometimes deals are listed for stores that we don't have in GB.
Here is a post full of links just about saving on formula.
Consider a store brand formula. Formula is regulated by the FDA so all types meet the minimum requirements. This is the easiest way to save.
If you use a particular brand of formula make sure you sign up with that company (Enfamil, Similac, etc.) to get coupons mailed to you. Have your parents or friends sign up too and they can give you the coupons they get in the mail. There are occasional coupons in the Sunday paper but the best ones come in the mail direct from the company.
Call your favorite formula companies 800 number and ask a question (any question!) and they will usually send you a free can of formula and/or some coupons. And every time you go for a well check ask the pediatrician or nurse for samples.
When you find a good deal stock up on several cans. Paying $44 for two cans on sale seems like a lot, but $22 for each is a better deal than paying $22 for one can when it's on sale and then $27 for the next can bought later. Combining coupons and sales are the best way to save on name brand formula.
Last, ask your pediatrician when you can start whole milk. Start whole milk as soon as your doctor gives the okay.
January 4, 2009
Bad for Saving Money
THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT
Remember all the recalls last year due to lead in toys? While we were all busy watching election and economic news coverage, Congress quietly passed a law to help protect children by requiring all products to be sold to children under age 12 be tested for lead and phthalates. In their haste to get this bill passed, Congress unfortunately didn't consider the impact this would have on the resale and home business industry.
There is no exemption for resale (which means no GBAMOM or GBACH resales or garage sales for untested items) or "micro" businesses (Etsy, crafters, eBay, etc.). Children's products that don't meet the requirements will be "banned hazardous substances" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and can't be sold...by ANYONE.
If these items can't be sold without determining whether they are compliant, then what is going to happen? Many businesses will close and jobs will be lost, especially bad news during these hard economic times. It is also BAD news for the environment. What is more "green" than re-using and recycling clothing and toys? These un-sellable items will cause TONS of additional piles in the landfills.
We can only hope this was an oversight and that Congress will reconsider and allow some exceptions. Take action!
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
*Write your congresspeople. Find your Representative
Remember all the recalls last year due to lead in toys? While we were all busy watching election and economic news coverage, Congress quietly passed a law to help protect children by requiring all products to be sold to children under age 12 be tested for lead and phthalates. In their haste to get this bill passed, Congress unfortunately didn't consider the impact this would have on the resale and home business industry.
There is no exemption for resale (which means no GBAMOM or GBACH resales or garage sales for untested items) or "micro" businesses (Etsy, crafters, eBay, etc.). Children's products that don't meet the requirements will be "banned hazardous substances" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and can't be sold...by ANYONE.
If these items can't be sold without determining whether they are compliant, then what is going to happen? Many businesses will close and jobs will be lost, especially bad news during these hard economic times. It is also BAD news for the environment. What is more "green" than re-using and recycling clothing and toys? These un-sellable items will cause TONS of additional piles in the landfills.
We can only hope this was an oversight and that Congress will reconsider and allow some exceptions. Take action!
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
*Write your congresspeople. Find your Representative
and your Senator at these sites.
*Contact the CPSC , send an email directly or contact chairperson Nancy Nord at 301-504-7923
*Contact the CPSC , send an email directly or contact chairperson Nancy Nord at 301-504-7923
*Post your concerns on your blog, on Facebook, or on MySpace.
For more information:
Read the CPSIA website or google CPSIA)
===============================================================For more information:
Read the CPSIA website or google CPSIA)
Here is the contact info for our area:
US Senator Herb Kohl (202) 224-5653 or email
US Senator Russ Feingold (202) 224-5323 or email
US Representative Steve Kagen (202) 225-5665 or email
US Representative Tammy Baldwin (from WI) was on the committee that passed the bill.
Her contact information is: (202) 225-2906 or email
January 1, 2009
Ringing in '09
Looks like there will be reason to celebrate this weekend. LOTS of coupons in the Sunday paper. Clean out all your expired coupons and get ready. (Keep any recently expired coupons if you think you might use them at Cub Foods...they take expired coupons!) Vivian, go ahead and get two papers this week...I don't think you'll regret it! :) Here's a preview...
December 26, 2008
Deals at Steve and Barry's
Steve and Barry's is going out of business and has lots of great deals. I didn't know that they had smaller size children's clothes. Jerry was able to get several shirts for our gang for less then $3 an item. They had some really nice stuff. Sizes range from infant to adult. No exchanges or refunds.
December 13, 2008
Prepare Now--CVS is doing it again!
Just a quick heads up...looks like CVS will be giving us a little early Christmas present. Here is a sneak peek!
And I just "spent" a bunch of ECBs because I didn't want them to expire! Ugh!
And I just "spent" a bunch of ECBs because I didn't want them to expire! Ugh!
December 11, 2008
Rebate Troubles
It appears one of the larger companies who process rebates has filed bankruptcy. Here is a link that lists some known companies. The list however is not complete, as I had a rebate check (in the amount of $1.79) for a product called Fresh Sacks (not listed) that was affected.
The most important thing is: if you get a rebate check PLEASE verify it is not from this company BEFORE you cash the check! Associated Bank charged me an $8 fee for cashing a bad check. I called the company right away and they said they would issue me a check for the rebate amount plus my bank fee. This was about 2 weeks ago and I have yet to receive anything.
I am a bit irritated as they must have known the bankruptcy was coming and they still issued these checks. And I hope this isn't a sign of things to come and that this doesn't prevent companies from issuing rebates in the future. What strange times we are living in!
The most important thing is: if you get a rebate check PLEASE verify it is not from this company BEFORE you cash the check! Associated Bank charged me an $8 fee for cashing a bad check. I called the company right away and they said they would issue me a check for the rebate amount plus my bank fee. This was about 2 weeks ago and I have yet to receive anything.
I am a bit irritated as they must have known the bankruptcy was coming and they still issued these checks. And I hope this isn't a sign of things to come and that this doesn't prevent companies from issuing rebates in the future. What strange times we are living in!
December 3, 2008
Free Music from Amazon
Amazon.com is giving away a free song download each day from the 1st through the 25th of December. Looks like it will be a fun way to make a Christmas music CD. If you missed the previous songs you can still download them for free as well.
Speaking of Amazon.com, if you shop there do me a favor and click through the Amazon box on this blog or my blog. Jerry (my dh) signed up to be an Amazon Associate and gets a (very) small percentage of each purchase made through that link. It is for any product they sell, new or used. Thanks!
Speaking of Amazon.com, if you shop there do me a favor and click through the Amazon box on this blog or my blog. Jerry (my dh) signed up to be an Amazon Associate and gets a (very) small percentage of each purchase made through that link. It is for any product they sell, new or used. Thanks!
Walgreens spend $25 get $5
I just saw this... I haven't see Walgreens do this before. It's not a coupon. You get a $5 register reward when you spend $25. This deal ends Saturday December 6th.
Register rewards expire in 2 weeks, not one month like ECBs, so be sure and spend them before they expire!
Speaking of register rewards, they changed the wording on register rewards again so you can only use one per transaction. So if you have more than one register reward to spend, break up your order into however many transactions you need to be able to use them. If you happen to get a survey at the end of your receipt go online and fill it out and be sure to mention how inconvenient that is for both you, the customer, and the cashier.
Register rewards expire in 2 weeks, not one month like ECBs, so be sure and spend them before they expire!
Speaking of register rewards, they changed the wording on register rewards again so you can only use one per transaction. So if you have more than one register reward to spend, break up your order into however many transactions you need to be able to use them. If you happen to get a survey at the end of your receipt go online and fill it out and be sure to mention how inconvenient that is for both you, the customer, and the cashier.
December 1, 2008
Good News
Piggly Wiggly (at least the one in DP) is now accepting internet printable coupons up to $2 in value. I haven't tried it myself yet so I'm not sure how picky they are about it. :)
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