Thursday, December 30, 2010

So, You Wanna Pay Me To Shop? Well, OK!

I learned about this one about a month ago and I still can't believe it actually works, but I promise it does. Ebates is an internet rebate service that gives you cash back for shopping online! In fact, I just got $10 credited to my account today for a gift basket I bought online a few days ago!

I just started doing this in late November and already have over $21 in my account. $21 in a month might not be exciting to everyone, but lately I have been LIVING at Target buying household things for the apartment and $21 buys a LOT of picture hangers, facecloths, air fresheners, and chocolate. What? Yes, chocolate is definitely a household item AND a necessity. If you don't believe me, come live with me for a day when there is none in the apartment.


That was actually the day we ran out of hot chocolate too, I remember it well. Anyway, back to Ebates. When you sign up, they will deposit $5 in your account to start you off. Then you can search through the stores to see if the one you were planning on buying something from is on the list. I bet you it is. Ebates will tell you how much cash back they are offering and if there are any other deals or coupon codes, they will display those as well. Then you buy your item(s) and wait for the email from Ebates telling you that they've credited your account! Once you make at least $10, they will start sending you checks every 3 months. There is a little bit more about that here because I'm lazy and don't want to type it all.

One word of advice: Make sure that you click the link to shop through Ebates instead of opening a new window or tab, or even leaving the site. I guess that's more than one word, but seriously, you won't get the cash back if you don't go to Ebates first and then click the link to shop through the website that you want. They will open up a "ticket" and once you make a purchase, they will usually send you an email within a day or two letting you know that the money has been credited to your account. It's like getting paid to shop! What could be better?! Actually, there is one thing....

Monday, December 27, 2010

Batteries Not Included

Remember when you got that new Gameboy for Christmas and you opened it up and couldn't wait to play Dr. Mario? But then you noticed three words on the box that set off a tantrum so big that you were REALLY thankful it was after Christmas and not before so that Santa couldn't see what a brat you were.

BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED.

Well Staples is giving you FREE batteries so that you can stock up and not have to worry about this happening to you ever again. If you are a Staples Rewards member, you can get 100% cash back on Duracell AA and AAA 20-packs this week. 100%. Like all of it. Every penny. If you're not a Rewards member, it's free to sign up. 

The deal is on the cover of the flier this week if you want to read more about it. Then you can go stock up on batteries and not have to steal them out of all your remotes.


Thursday, December 23, 2010

Does Anyone Know What Fandango Actually Means??

More free movies! If you're planning on going to the movies between now and Sunday (Jewish Christmas anyone?) head to Fandango to buy one ticket and get one free! Here is the link for details and instructions. Basically you just need to chose your movie, select 2 (or more) tickets, and then enter the promo code "SAMSUNGTAB" to get one free for every ticket you purchase!

My boyfriend and I might go to a movie Christmas night. If we do, I think I'm going to curl my hair and wear my new green sweater. What do you think?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Free Little Fockers!

Today on LivingSocial you can sign up and get a free $5 credit towards the purchase of any deal. I just did this with an alternate email (because I already had an account with my main email), got the $5 credit, and then bought a movie ticket for The Little Fockers for FREE. The ticket is listed only in select cities and it's selling out fast, so if you want this one, you should do it soon!



Here's what to do:
1) Click the link above and enter your email
2) When you get to the main page, you must create an account using the link in the top right corner. This is how you will get your $5 credit.
3) If you want to check to make sure the credit was applied, click on "my account" and then "deal bucks".
4) For the movie ticket deal, click on "more deals" on the left and chose Los Angeles as the city. This deal was also in Kansas City, but has since sold out, so I purchased it from the LA site.
5) Click on the "buy" tab and it should show you owing $0.00 for your movie ticket! Unfortunately you will still have to fill out the credit card section, but nothing will be charged.

Monday, December 20, 2010

The 12 Saves of Christmas

So in honor of Christmas, and of the fact that I finally have 10 minutes of free time right now, I'm going to make up a list of 12 different ways to save some money and get some free stuff this week!! Here we go!

12 Shoppers Saving - "Like" the CVS Facebook page and then click on the "Holiday Pass" tab to get a 20% off certificate good until Thursday! *You will need to enter your ExtraCare card #.

11 Drinkers Drinking -  Click on the link to get a coupon for $1 off a 14, 16, or 20oz. Diet Coke. Depending on where you shop, this could get you a free soda, or else one for pennies!

10 Gums a-Chewing - Again, click "Like" on the Stride gum Facebook page, click on the "Oomph" tab, and get a free pack of gum!

9 Batteries Charging - If you get the Sunday coupon inserts AND if you saved last weeks, there is a $1 off Energizer batteries coupon in it. Target has Eveready batteries in their dollar bins right now. Don't see the connection? Eveready is an Energizer brand and these coupons will work on both!

8 Magazines a-Mailing - If you click the link, add ESPN magazine to your cart, and then use the code "ESPN" at checkout, the magazine subscription should be $2.99...for the YEAR! The face value on this one is $103.74, so this is a HUGE deal! Last minute Xmas idea for the sports-lover on your list??

7 Candles a-Burning - Click the link to print a coupon for Buy 2 Get 2 Free Large, Medium, or Small jar candles from Yankee Candle and also get a FREE tote bag! There are a few other YC coupons on this page as well. 


6 Make-up Kits....a-Make-upping? - Sephora is offering Stila travel kits that include 4 eye shadows and dual cheek/lip cream in a mirrored palette for only $10! These regularly go for $65! Plus if you chose UPS 2-day shipping and enter the code "UPS2DAY" you will get FREE shipping also AND get to pick some free samples at checkout!

5 Yuuuummmmmyyyy Cookieeees - Pillsbury  Holiday cookies are on sale for $1 at Target right now. Buy 2 and use the $1 off coupon attached to this link (you will have to check the box and print it out) and it's like getting one FREE!


4 Lip Glosses - Click the link to print a coupon for a FREE lip item at Bath & Body Works with any purchase.

3 Email Deals - Sign up for Eversave (it's like Groupon) before December 31st and get a FREE $5 credit to use towards any future deal. I've bought several deals from this site, it's a good one! And those credits come in handy! 


2 Car Check-ups - Print this coupon for a free Winter Prep service for your car from Pep Boys. They will check your lights, wipers, battery, coolant system, and more!


And a Coffee in a Bookstore - Print the coupon for a free coffee or tea at Borders. I love to sit at Borders and read a magazine and watch people! *You have to be a Borders Rewards member for this one, but it's free to sign up!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Don't Forget!!

Just a quick reminder that today is Free Shipping Day! Over 1000 stores are doing free shipping on ALL orders regardless of the amount you spend, and you will still have your packages by Christmas Eve. Another 700 stores require you to spend a certain amount before you get the free shipping, so check the fine print!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Happy Birthday to You!!

Last night I went out to eat with some girlfriends at Not Your Average Joe's to celebrate 2 of my friend's birthdays. Another friend and I did not bring gifts, as we had planned to split the cost of meals and drinks for the birthday girls. Well, Joe made us look bad when he decided to give both girls a free meal AND a free dessert! Did you know that if you sign up for their email club, you will get a coupon for a FREE entree and dessert on your birthday? Yeah, neither did we.


Not only that, but the coupon is good for about 10 days, so you don't actually have to use it ON your birthday. The entrees there are about $10-15, and the desserts are around $7, so this is a pretty good gift! You also get a 15% off coupon just for signing up.

So, since I like food ("and the Understatement of the Year award goes to....") and I think it tastes even better when it's free, I decided to see what other businesses want to give me gifts. This is a pretty good list of all the restaurants and even some retail stores that send you a little (or a big) something on your birthday. I think I just might sign up for all of them and see just how much free cake and ice cream I can eat in one day!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Free Trip!!! Well, Sort Of....

Starting today Megabus is giving away 200,000 FREE tickets!! It's part of a "green" promotion to keep people from doing holiday travel in their cars, and also a way to help families get together for the holidays. Awww, how nice of them huh? You will still have to pay the 50 cent booking fee, but you can probably dig around in your couch cushions or in your car for that.


The free tickets also depend on how many people book for the same specific bus and location, so if someone else has already grabbed the ticket you want, try changing the departure time or the date and you should still be able to get one. Hurry though! These are expected to be gone by the end of the day!!

I plan on getting one to do a day trip to NYC maybe. We did this last January and LOVED the megabus! It left right from the Back Bay T Station and you can park your car in the garage there, or get street parking if you're lucky. The buses themselves are actually pretty nice - free wifi, plenty of outlets, comfy chairs, and enough room to nap.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Does a Color-Blind Person Use Red Box or Green Box?

Use Red Box much? Then go here to get a Groupon for 3 one-night rentals for only $1. You don't have to watch them all in one night - I made sure because I can only handle about 30 minutes of movies at a time before my undiagnosed ADHD kicks in and I have to go do something else.


Red Box also posts coupon codes for FREE rentals quite often, so make sure to check this list after your Groupon runs out!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Free and Almost Free Stuff

If you drop everything you're doing and go here quickly, you can get a coupon for a FREE Yoplait Yogurt. It's only the original kind, which kinda stinks since I'd prefer the light kind just so I can look at where it says "light" on the front of the cup and not feel so "unlight" after. But it's free, and it's healthy still, so maybe I will just make a smoothie out of it.

Ok, next thing. My friend Hillary sent me an email this morning letting me know that Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear is on sale at CVS for $1.99, BUT the display has $1 off coupons next to it, making it only 99 cents! I think Xtreme Wear means it will stay on even if you do extreme sports, like cliff-diving, snowboarding, or even extreme ironing...


Speaking of Hillary, can you please vote for her picture on this website (4th one down). If she wins, her picture will be on the cover of the 2011 Salem Guide! I really want to have famous friends, so please help me...err, help Hillary out, ok? Thanks :)

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Moooooooo!!

I have no idea why this site is called ArtsCow, but I really don't care because I have gotten so much free stuff from this site it's ridiculous. I forgot how I originally found out about ArtsCow, but I made a free photo calendar on it as a Christmas gift for my Gramma (pretty sure she doesn't read this...). I didn't have to pay anything but shipping (it's still the thought that counts, right?) and it came out good. I mean, there are even dates on it and everything! Ha, I'm just kidding, it came out awesome! I hope she likes it!

I liked it so much that I logged back in to make some more stuff, and it was like I was at some kind of barnyard casino and ArtsCow credits kept adding themselves to my account. Hundreds of them!

I now have credits for coin purses, towels, photo prints, magnets, buttons, watches, ornaments, a leather digital camera case, keychains, tote bags, coasters, letter openers, and more. All FREE except for shipping. There are also promo codes for FREE shipping, and a custom watch or mouse pad for $5.88 and $6.88 with free shipping. It's like they don't actually want you to pay for anything at all!

I think you should create an account and "milk it" for all it's worth (pun real obviously intended)!!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

So, You Will Bring Me Gas AND Help Me Buy Shoes?!

Since I've started this blog, I notice a bunch of my friends have started sending me emails and texts with deals whenever they find them. I love this - keep them coming!! This one is from my friend Lizz, who writes really well so I should probably just let her post this herself.  =P

She sent me a text to let me know that you can get 20% off at Payless for the month of December using your AAA membership card. Payless always seems to have a sale going on, and if you hold out a little longer, maybe they will do their Buy One Get One 1/2 off sale again soon! 20% off of that could get you a whole bunch of shoes for cheap! I feel like I need to insert a little personal message to my boyfriend in here reassuring him that I won't be buying any new shoes until I know they will fit in our new apartment. I can just see him panicking that he's coming home to this:

I always seem to forget that you can use your AAA membership card for more than just Roadside Assistance, but believe me, I use it for that too. I lock myself out of my car several times a year, sometimes with it still running. I need a car with keyless entry - I'm adding that to my Christmas list.

Anyway, you can use your AAA card for a whole boatload of stuff (even if you don't own a boat). Here is a list. There are 40 pages here!!! You can also print this little pocket guide if you're like me and forget that AAA will save you money along with saving you from a flat tire and running out of gas (yes, I've used it for those too...).

Happy shopping! Just don't run out of gas on the way to the mall!!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Gift Card Granny

How cute is this picture?


Does this not look just like your Grandma? It looks just like mine, except mine doesn't wear a cape.And maybe she doesn't quite move fast enough for there to be flames coming out of her walker. But she's cute!

This is the Gift Card Granny. If you go to her website, you can buy gift cards for discounted prices. Sometimes they are REALLY good discounts too.On the home page they list the top deals for the day. For example, right now you can get an AMC Gift Card worth $42 for $33.60. This will get you into 4 movies for $8.50 each instead of $10.50. If you prefer clothes, there are several Macy's gift cards as well that will save you at least 10%. These are just 2 examples though. They have gift cards to EVERYWHERE on here.

Just one tip - Don't get too excited when you see one for a 60% discount or something. This is most likely because it's being sold on ebay and the auction still has several days left, so while it looks like a good deal right now for $10, you can bet the price will go up before it's sold. That being said, you can still score some killer deals on here. Especially if you know you're going to be spending money in a particular store. I know I could easily spend $100 at New York & Company, so I would definitely be interested in the $100 gift card up there right now for $90. I save 10 bucks before I even start shopping!

The people who run this site are so nice and generous that some stores even list coupon codes as well. This NY & Company page (scroll down a bit) lists one for $40 off $100, so that $100 gift card I just bought for $90 is going to get me so much more than $100 worth of clothes. I basically saved $50 just from coming to this website! Isn't shopping from your couch fun?!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Using eBay as a Coupon ATM

The other day I got that TV that I blogged about at Target, and I was able to use a coupon that got me a $15 gift card when I spent $150 (the TV was $198). We took that gift card and went right back in the store to buy some shelves for the apartment that were basically free, and I of course did my usual "I just scored a super good deal" dance that looks a little like this:

Well now we are also looking to buy a PlayStation and I was thinking how I would LOVE to get my hands on another one of those "Get a $15 Target gift card when you spend $150" coupons. So I turned to eBay because, let's be serious, you can buy ANYTHING on eBay. Here's proof. Long story short: I found a coupon and got it for $4.37. Finding one for free would have been nice, but I'm still excited about this because it works out to be an extra $10.63 to be put towards some new stuff  once we buy the PlayStation.

Today I was reading Kathy Spencer's book "How to Shop For Free" and she talked about buying multiple coupons on eBay. Sure enough I searched for "Kohl's coupons" and found a loooooong list of auctions selling $5 off a $5 Kohl's purchase coupons. I ended up buying 10 of them for only $2. That's $50 worth of coupons and free stuff for only $2!! My boyfriend and I went over to Kohl's tonight and used 3 of them (in 3 separate transactions) to get 2 hand towels, 3 pairs of socks, and a greeting card for about $1 after using the coupons. I still have 7 of them left to go back and look for more free stuff tomorrow! I pretty much looked like this on the way out of the mall:
So to sum things up - if you're in the market for a ghost, check eBay. And also, go to eBay and search for coupons to your favorite stores or restaurants and you can probably score a bunch of them! I just read about  woman who bought 50 FREE McDonald's coffee coupons for just a couple dollars and used them on her way to work to get free coffee for months! I'd be so excited about that deal I wouldn't even need the caffeine high ;o)

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Battleship, Make-up, and Books...Oh My!

I was going to post a deal that I got today, but the deal was good today ONLY. I'm still going to post it (because I'm just that excited about it) but since I am posting wayyyy later in the day than I expected to, I'm gonna throw in a few more deals to make it up to you. I hope we can still be friends, just like these guys:

Anyway, today I went to Toys R Us and got a game for FREE. The sale was a special deal for today only that included Hasbro's U-Build Battleship. It's marked down from $19.99 to only $7.99 today! If you got today's paper with the coupon inserts, there is a $5 off coupon for this game in the Smart Source insert. That brings it down to $2.99, and there is currently a mail-in rebate offer for $3. Which means they are paying YOU a penny to buy this game. I'm going to let my boyfriend keep the penny because I will probably beat him (again) at this game anyway. Tee hee.

I know it's 4:30 and you're busy with dinner and don't intend to rush out to Toys R Us right now to go buy this (and by "buy" I mean "basically steal"), but even if you're not interested, it might be a good Toys for Tots donation. Definitely check out the rebate offer if you plan on buying ANY games at Toys R Us in the near future - there are a bunch of good ones on there!

Ok, so to make up for posting that one so late that it's pretty much not helpful whatsoever, I'm going to share one more store deal. Target just lowered the price on some Rimmel eyeshadows, making them $2.24.


If you go to their Facebook page and "like" it, you will get a coupon for $2 off (it's for mascara, but below it it says "or any product"). I just did this and went to Target and got the silvery one for 24 cents. Now I just need someone to come over and teach me how to do the smoky eye thing without looking like a robot who got in a fight.

Since it's the holidays and I'm supposed to be in the spirit of giving (which is hard after a day at the mall, let me tell you!) here is one final awesome deal. My friend Kellye showed me this one this morning. Kellye is awesome. Not just because she sent me this, but because she likes to eat ice cream for dinner like me and then complain about how gross we are over a bowl of macaroni and cheese.

She sent me a link to this website, Hay House, where a bunch of books have been marked down to only $1. There are some really cute gift ideas on here too! I like the one called "Women Who Do Too Much". They must have met my mom.


That's not my mom. My mom doesn't like cats or have red hair.

Happy Shopping!! :)

Friday, December 3, 2010

It's Not Black Friday, It's Not Cyber Monday, It's.... Free Shipping Day!!

I'm really excited about this one but I'm having trouble waiting for it to happen. December 17th is the 3rd annual National Free Shipping Day! There are so many things recently that I went to buy online and got frustrated because I can get it for such a good deal but then I have to pay 3 arms, 2 legs, and my firstborn child for shipping. I don't have any children, so you can see where this becomes a problem.

Supposedly everything you order online from the sites listed on this day will be delivered to you for free by Xmas Eve. Which probably means this guy is doing ALL his shopping that way this year.


p.s. I don't have 3 arms either. Although I could certainly use them sometimes.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

$10 off $10 = Freeeeeeeee!

Today only - if you go to JCPenney's website and buy something, you can enter the code GIVEJOY at checkout to get $10 off any $10 purchase! And if you chose the "ship to store" option, you will also get FREE shipping (you just obviously have to go pick it up, but that's just like shopping anyway).



There are plenty of things in the outlet section for under $10. I used to think "outlet" was just another word for "$#!@ no one wants", but there's actually some decent shirts, gloves, and bedroom things on here.