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Posts Tagged ‘sales’

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The Friday Round Up-Weekend Warm Up

In Friday Round Up on April 26, 2013 at 4:06 pm

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After another round of snow I’m happy to say we have some warm weather headed this way for the weekend. Lots of things to do outside and maybe I’ll squeeze in an hour to sit and read a book before the forecasted rain heads in.

There’s never a shortage of budget related articles on the Web and here are a few I found this week plus some recipes that sound delicious and budget friendly-

Many years ago I wrote an article about when it’s okay to splurge. Sometimes items seem expensive but they’re usually products where a little goes a long way-

http://shine.yahoo.com/in-the-pantry/pantry-splurge-pantry-staples-193100786.html

Quinoa is the in grain right now and you can find it just about anywhere and it doesn’t take long to cook-
http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/dinner-8212-done-easy-cheesy-quinoa-cakes-144700786.html

Similar to the when to splurge article. I say it’s a bargain if you love it and never waste it-
http://shopping.yahoo.com/blogs/fashionate/drugstore-beauty-products-worth-more-pay-part-one-210516372.html

And this sounded a simple to make recipe which I’m going to give a try-
http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/brown-rice-bean-ginger-chile-salsa-192700657.html

I didn’t find any bargains this week but I did hear about a company in the UK who was selling a black maxi dress for 99 pence and needless to say they sold out quickly.

We’re heading into May next week and a whole month of new savings. Look out for anything BBQ and picnic related, also graduation items will start to go on sale. And there’s probably still time to grab a few winter leftover bargains too.

Next week I have a special Meatless Monday feature with two recipes that I think you’re like.

Have a good weekend, and happy saving.

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April Savings

In Georgine Saves Blogs on April 10, 2013 at 1:49 pm

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Here are Georgine’s tips for saving in April-

April means spring is really here. It is a new beginning and spring cleaning is in full force so if you are clearing out some of the old, look for sales on items that will refresh your home such as paint, wallpaper, and organization and storage devices.

Check your winter wardrobe for older clothing that you can donate and replace with the bargains you will find in the stores. You will be thankful next year when you remember your purchases. Athletic shoes will start getting reduced around tax time so if you are entitled to a refund you may want to earmark some it for new sneakers.

Don’t forget summer activities and celebrations means now is a good time start preparing to capture those memories with a digital camera that will be going on sale. Get yours before graduation, a wedding, or another big day. This way you will be ready and have practiced your photography skills with your new camera.

In the grocery store combine your coupons will sales on cake mixes, frosting, and pie crusts. This is the beginning of party season. Also, look for after Easter sales. Many stores have décor items that you can save for next year. Most especially, look for solid-color paper goods that can be used during the entire year.

If you can combine a sale, a coupon, and a mail-in rebate that is called a “Triple Play”. This is one way to get grocery items for free or nearly free. Keep your eyes open for such offers advertised in store circulars, on the grocery shelves, and on the package (always look inside the package as some manufacturers are sneaky and hide their offer!). Keep track of your rebates. Write down the requirements, when you mailed it, when the offer expires, the mailing address, and what you are to receive back. If possible make a copy of your submission before mailing.
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The Friday Round-Up-Goodies for Easter

In Friday Round Up on March 29, 2013 at 5:58 pm

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It’s the last Friday in March and also Easter Weekend. Be sure to check out next week’s sales, including chocolate and candy. I keep both on hand for baking. Also pastel colored items usually go on sale and yes, Easter baskets and other non-perishable items are perfect for storing until next year.

Spring isn’t just about cleaning but remodeling and make-overs too. Last weekend while I was washing in the inside of all the kitchen cabinets I decided that once the weather’s warmer and I can open some windows, I’m going to give the cabinet doors a makeover with some paint and new handles. Seems other people must have the same idea because I found a couple of articles with tips on similar topics-

http://homes.yahoo.com/news/kitchen-remodeling-on-the-cheap-093724435.html

And this one has some tips on projects that can add value to your home-

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/6-lazy-%E2%80%93-but-valuable-%E2%80%93-home-improvement-projects-141059288.html

And what would Easter be without some goodies to make-

Me and my grandmother always used to make something called Easter bonnets, shortbread cookies, topped with some jam to secure a marshmallow to it, and then coated with icing and decorated like you would a real Easter bonnet. I couldn’t find the exact recipe but did find this one that’s similar-

http://spoonful.com/recipes/easter-bonnet-cookies

I had every good intention of making a batch hot cross buns but just go too busy, but here’s a recipe if you want to give them a try-

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/hot_cross_buns/

And my number one Easter temptation is the Cadbury Crème Eggs but so far this year, I’ve been good. One of my favorite sites on the Web is Instructables and I found this recipe for making your own…looks like a whole lot of fun.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Cadbury-Creme-Eggs/

Happy Easter to All.

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November Savings

In Georgine Saves Blogs on November 8, 2012 at 5:04 pm

Georgine has some great tips and reminders about the savings you can take advantage of in November. And starting this month she’ll also be focusing on coupons too. www.georginesaves.com

November means the holidays are around the corner. Look for special sales on stereos, camcorders, GPS devices, and TVs that will enhance your entertaining or for gifts.

Believe it or not, now is a great time to shop for a wedding gown. The shops and boutiques are empty due to shoppers concentrating on the holidays. So you will get a great price plus added attention.

In the grocery store you’ll find sales on all the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner: turkeys, butter, cheese, flour, sugar, yeast, chocolate chips, baking chocolate, condensed milk, cooking oil, pie crusts, ready- made dough, dinner rolls, frozen pies, cake mixes, cake frosting, pie filling, spices, nuts, dried fruits, oatmeal, soup, and broth. Many supermarkets will have special holiday offer incentives such as a free turkey or other dinner staple when you spend a certain amount over a specific time period. Even if you don’t need a turkey, it can always be donated to a shelter or church. Remember, take anything that is free because you can always find someone happy to receive it. Keep in mind Christmas cooking and baking and stock up on the supplies now because some of these sale prices will be higher as the end of the year nears. Be sure to clip coupons for added savings. Don’t forget to look for Halloween candy clearances too! Lots of candy can be used in baking and once the wrapper is removed no one will know. Look for Halloween décor and paper goods at half-price that can be saved for next year’s celebrations.

Black Friday is approaching. If you plan on hitting the malls use this strategy: make a list, if you are on a budget you will tend to spend less if you pay with cash, a few days before hand visit your store(s) and get familiar with the layout, find out what the special shopping hours will be, and if returns are allowed you can buy a style that is not the right size and exchange it the following week when stock is replenished (always check for store policies).

If you’d rather not have the hassle of fighting the crowds, you can shop in your PJs in the comfort of your home on Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) online. There are some offers that are only good on store websites that are even better than those in the stores. Check my website: GeorgineSaves.com as I will post and update all the best offers.

Being Coupon Savvy

 Since this is my first column about coupons I thought I would start with the basics. Everyone knows that the Sunday newspaper carries coupon inserts. The best way to score extra Sunday coupon inserts is to ask your friends, neighbors, and family to save theirs for you that they are not using. There are LOTS of other sources to find coupons too. Magazines most always have a few coupons (the best magazine source is All You sold at exclusively at Walmart stores or by subscription). In supermarkets there are free-standing displays with coupon pads on them and red blinky machines on the shelves that dispense coupons.

Don’t forget on-package peel-offs (always peel them yourself and give to the cashier so there is no forgetting), and of course, printed (sometimes inside) packages and cans. On occasions there are demonstrations in grocery stores; this is another source to collect coupons and samples. Don’t forget at the cash register, coupons are dispensed too! Recycling center may let you pick through their newspapers for coupons (always get permission and leave the site as neat as it was when you started).

Of course there is the Internet The best sources for printable manufacturer’s coupons that can be good at all stores are: Coupons.com, RedPlum, CoolSavings, Smart Source, CouponNetwork, and Coupon Surfer. SavingStar it is the only nationwide paperless grocery coupon service (redeemable at over 100 chains (over 24,000 stores). Sign up for FREE. Then enter your zip code to see what stores in your area participate (there are lots of national stores). Then select all the stores you shop in. This includes grocery and drug stores.  Enter your loyalty card numbers (you do this only once at registration). You can enter all of your cards at the same time. You will then be able to select the coupons you want. When you go to that store and buy the product using your loyalty card you will be given credit for the coupon. When you reach $5.00 you have a choice of the coupon value added to your bank account, your PayPal account, as an Amazon gift card, or American Forests gift card. You can still use traditional coupons on your selected items and other products in your order. This is a win win situation because you can save twice on one product. The coupon offerings are great. I think this is a good opportunity to get additional coupons without any hassle. I’m sure you will love it.

You can sign up at websites that cater to products you use. Over time they will email you special coupons and offers (set up a separate FREE email account for these so as not to interfere with your normal email).

Libraries often have boxes of coupons where you can exchange those you don’t need for some you do.

The Entertainment Book contains tons of coupons for discounts on shopping, restaurants, amusements, services, and more. It is designed for the area you live in. It does come with a price tag of $35.00 (which can often be reduced by special offers) but it is still well worth the price. My edition always has TWELVE $5.00 off $50.00 purchase coupons for my local supermarket.  These are 3 each good for specific time frames during the year.

Keep your eyes open and your scissors handy and you’ll save.

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Lots of Fall Savings

In Georgine Saves Blogs on September 11, 2012 at 1:32 pm

Georgine has lots of ideas if you’re looking for bargains this fall-

 September means summer clearance. Look for reductions in grills and supplies such as lighter fluid and charcoal (think ahead for tail gate parties). Lawn mowers will also be making way for snow blowers and other winter machines so you’ll be able to cut your grass cheaply for the remainder of the growing season. Look for party supplies too. Remember, solid colors in plates, napkins, and tableware can go along way and span lots of different occasions so if you see those on the reduced rack grab them.

After the back-to-school rush is over you will get great deals on leftover school supplies. These never go bad and can be used in offices or saved for next year.

You may be able to get some left over plants for your garden. If possible, buy perennials, shrubs, and trees. These will bloom when spring comes around and year after year making you happy with your bargain.

Towards the end of the month, shop for a new car during the week (but NOT on weekends!).

In the supermarket combine your coupons with sales on cereal, breakfast bars, peanut butter, jelly, lunch meat, cheese, yogurt, chips, snack cakes, cookies, hot dogs, ground beef, hamburger and hot dog buns,  ketchup, mustard, relish, BBQ sauce, salad dressing, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, frozen pies, soda, and drink boxes. These will be on sale because they are good for school lunches. Stock up on non-perishables they will last you at least until the holidays.

Enjoy the beginning of fall and save!

www.georginesaves.com

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A Whole Lot of Savings In August

In Georgine Saves Blogs on August 8, 2012 at 7:48 pm

This month Georgine has lots of sales to tell us about-

 

August is a great time for saving money. Summer items are on clearance and the stores are filling up on fall fashions, school supplies, and even Halloween decorations. You will find the best deals if you do not need the latest style in sneakers, computers, and MP3 players. Summer clothing, especially bathing suits, shorts, tanks, sundresses, and flip-flops are highly discounted as well as outdoor toys and equipment. Jewelry prices will drop this month too due the fact there are no upcoming holidays that require sparkly baubles! If you are planning a last minute getaway, hotels are slow this month so look for bargain prices. Air conditioners and lawn mowers will be making way for snow and leaf blowers at the hardware store so if yours is on its last leg now would be a good time to replace it. If you are lucky enough to have your child’s school supply list this month you can really stock up on all your stationery needs at low prices, many stores have 1¢ sales, before the mad rush comes on the first day of school. If you don’t have the list yet you can always get staples such as pens and pencils while on sale. It’s also a good time to select your backpack while the selection is good. Dorm furnishings will be popping up toward the end of the month through Labor Day. Camping and outdoor gear will be at their best prices of the season. Firewood is also a good deal now if you can store it. Save even more by requesting “green” wood that is too moist and freshly cut to use now, but it can be “seasoned” by storing in a dry place for about 6 months just in time for winter burning.

In the grocery store be sure to combine your coupons with sales and deals on jelly, lunch meat, American cheese, yogurt, chips, snack cakes, cookies, ice cream, soda, bottled water, iced tea and mixes, and drink boxes. All the lunch box necessities! Stock up on the non-perishables because they get used up very quickly!

Enjoy the last real month of the summer and save.

www.georginesaves.com

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April Savings with Georgine

In Georgine Saves Blogs on April 13, 2012 at 1:33 pm

Here is Georgina’s April post about spring savings. And definitely check out SavingStar. I’ve been using it and it’s nice getting some money back for doing something this easy.

April is here which means there will be showers of savings on cold weather clothing The temperatures are still cool enough that you will be able to wear the bargains you snagged and, best of all, you’ll get a jump on next year’s winter wardrobe. Stores like Macy’s always have huge clearance sales where you can combine coupons and coupon codes for even greater savings. Don’t forget sneakers because this is a big time of the year for sports and outdoor fitness activities. Last season’s styles will be greatly reduced and there will be specials on this season’s new arrivals.

This is also the time of the year stores are getting ready for graduations, communions, confirmations, vacations, and of course, weddings. Digital camera sales will be popping up. So be alert to them. Also, in the electronics category, you can get deals on TVs, computers, MP3 and Blu-ray players. At Best Buy you can find something in all of these categories and more.

In the grocery store look for sales in the baking products aisle because the traditional baking holidays are coming to an end and the demand will be less. Always check online sites such as Coupons.com, Coupon Network, Red Plum, Smart Source, and Cool Savings for printable coupons. There is a new type of “coupon” offered from SavingStar that actually allows you to register all of your store’s loyalty cards (you need to do this only once) and then you will be able to select the coupons you want. When you swipe your card at the various stores you registered, the amount of the coupon will be added to your account. When you reach $5.00 you have a choice of depositing the coupon value into your bank account, your PayPal account, or you can purchase an Amazon gift card or an American Forests gift card. You may also let your savings accumulate. The best part of this is that at the time of purchase in your store, you can still use traditional coupons when you pay for your order, which will add up to greater savings.

Enjoy all the Spring sales.

www.georginesaves.com

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It’s Almost Thanksgiving…make the most of this week

In Budget Smart Cook on November 21, 2011 at 7:23 pm

Meatless Monday will return next week.

Most of us think of holidays as being budget drainers but sometimes they can also save you money-

Make Your Own Stock

 

Here’s something I’ve been doing for a couple of months, making my own veggie stock and freezing it. And what better week to get a good supply of vegetable trimmings than Thanksgiving. I use a freezer bag and each time I peel carrots, chop onion, celery, broccoli I put leftover pieces in there. When the bag’s full I put the contents into a large saucepan, add 4-8 cups of water, depending on how many veggie trimmings I have. Throw in some peppercorns and a couple of bay leaves and let it simmer for about an hour.  I strain it and then put it into storage jars that can be used in the freezer or you can use freezer bags or even ice cube trays.

Make Your Own TV Dinners

 

Here’s another thing I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember, making homemade TV dinners. These ones are more healthy than the prepackaged kind and a great way to use leftovers. On Thursday any leftovers you have and yes, if you don’t want to eat the same thing for a week, make some TV dinners. I bought these divided plates many years ago and they’re perfect. I slip them into freezer bags, freeze them and then microwave them for quick meals.

The Sales

I’ve been holding off buying things like make up and some books I’ve been looking for until this Friday or even Cyber Monday. Look for deals a plenty from Friday onwards. Here are some sites I’ve been checking for codes and free shipping details-

www.dealhunting.com

www.retailmenot.com

www.currentcodes.com

www.dealnews.com

Grocery Bargains

And once the week is done lots of Thanksgiving related items will go on sale. It’s the best time of the year to stock up on non-perishiables ready for next year’s festivities. And right now the best time to stock up on baking and canned goods too.

Be sure to check the Budget Smart Girl site for a new section I’ve just added, Current Freebies. Yesterday I added a link for a free Thanksgiving e-book cookbook.

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Mini Newsletter

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on July 21, 2011 at 4:26 pm

Here are some odds and ends, links, info that didn’t find their way into the last newsletter-

Breakfast on a Summer Morning

Don’t know about you but when it’s 80 degrees when you wake up in the morning the last thing you want to make or even think about is breakfast. This summer I’ve been enjoying a homemade fruit smoothie. It’s simple to make and you can even enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon drink too.

1/2 cup milk…I’ve been using 1%

1/4 cup lowfat vanilla or strawberry yogurt

1/2 cup chopped frozen fruit. I like a mix of strawberries, pineapple, peaches and sometimes mango, but one single fruit like blueberry works too

Handful of ice cubes

Put everything in a blender and blend until all the ingredients are mixed together. What really keeps the drink cool is to serve it in a glass that’s been chilled in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

More Cool Ideas

During these heatwaves, ice cubes don’t stick around long in any drink. Ice tea seems to dissolve them quickly even indoors. I’ve been making ice cubes from ice tea and fruit juice. They not only last longer but give some added pizzazz to the drink too. Try lemonade ice cubes with ice tea. And things like peach juice with a lemon lime soda. Another idea is to toss in some chopped mint in the ice cubes too.

Garage Sales

I’d planned to have a garage sale this summer but the weather’s not been cooperating and I’ve just got to busy so looks like fall’s the time. However, one of my neighbors recently held one and she made some great observations that I thought I’d share with you in case you’re thinking of holding one.

First of all she noticed people aren’t buying like they used to. Even people who weren’t the type to haggle have turned into bargain gurus. So mark your items just a little higher than you actually want to leave room for negotiations.

Check out the retail stores and see how much they’re selling the items for. She said she overheard many say, even for something marked 25 cents, that they could get it at so and so store for ten cents.

People are only looking for essentials like pots and pans, flatware etc.

Clothes of all kinds are selling well, not only children’s ones which are usually the favorites at garage sales. However, shoes are not selling well.

Games are favorites too…I’m assuming more people are spending time at home.

One exception to things not selling were items people thought they could use in their gardens. Not necessary garden ornaments but things they would put outside to decorate the yard. She said she sold many items like an old lamp that people told her would be used for their patio.

Leftover Garage Sale Items

You probably know about consignment stores for getting rid of unwanted clothing but I’m seeing a new trend for stores that actually buy your items on the spot. I did try selling some dresses and pants to one the other week but didn’t have much luck because they said they were looking for only designer labels and clothes less than two years old. So if you have anything that fits into those categories and need some cash it’s worth a try.

When You’re the Buyer

And while I was in this store I did do some browsing and thought the prices were actually on the high side. I know some were designer clothes but with stores competiting for your business I think you might be better off investing your money in new items. The only exception was the items that were 50% off. So shopping off season is another good tip even with resell stores.

And here are some articles I thought were worth checking out…still lots of bargain related news circulating which is always good to see-

Household items we overpay for-

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-113154-10374-2-household-items-youre-paying-too-much-for?ywaad=ad0035&ncIf

If you’re watching your pennies meat doesn’t always come out on top-

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/the-1-best-protein-for-your-health-and-the-worst-to-avoid-2512800/

The secrets of one of my favorites, store brands-

http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/644/7-secrets-about-store-brands/

And more chilled goodies-

http://www.organicvalley.coop/recipes/features/chilling-out/

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Ways to Save Money in August

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on August 21, 2009 at 8:32 pm

Each month we get an opportunity to save money on specific items. With that in mind, I thought every month, I’ll post an article about items and sales to look out for. So for August…

Head to the Nearest Farm or Orchard
Head to a nearby farm or orchard where you can pick your own produce. With apple season starting this month, it’s a good time to head to the great outdoors and gather up some apples. An added plus is the whole family can pick fruit together, get some fresh air, and exercise. Check out this site for a farm or orchard near you.
http://www.pickyourown.org/

Make Some Jams and Jellies
With the abundance of produce, August is a great month to start making jams, jellies, and chutneys. I think it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the taste of summer all year long. It’s also a good way to cut down on sugar, and not to mention a great idea for a housewarming, hostess or even inexpensive holiday gift. This Web site will give you some ideas for making jams and jellies.
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can7_jam_jelly.html

Make Some Smoothie Kits
I love to make smoothies, even when the weather turns colder. What I hate is the price of the smoothie kits that seem to be flooding the supermarkets. Take a freezer bag and load it with some strawberries, blueberries…even mangoes and cherries and make your own smoothie mix kit. Just add milk or yogurt and it’s a simple breakfast or an after school snack.

Sidewalk Sales
I haven’t been seeing too many sidewalk sales this year. Maybe it’s because retailers have discounted items all summer long. Either way it’s the ideal time to check your budget and see if there’s some spare cash to buy some new clothes for next summer.

Back to School Sales
For me, back to school sales mean the perfect time to restock my office supplies. Paper, pens, you name it. And if you run your own business, these essentials are also tax deductible.

Patio Furniture
Things like patio furniture, beach toys, swings, etc. all go on sale now, so why not see what you need and buy something at maybe 50-70% ready for next year. Who knows if prices will be this low again?

Vacation Time
If a fall vacation is in your plans, it often means you avoid crowds and can get discounted air fares and hotel accommodation.

Labor Day Sales
And with Labor Day just around the corner, August means it’s the perfect time to stock up on certain foods items like hamburger buns, ground beef, baked beans etc.

Think Ahead
And don’t forget to thin ahead to the holidays. I often found some of the best and inexpensive gifts while I’m shopping summer sales.

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