tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59911604442509509562024-03-13T04:39:21.153-07:00Stretching Pennies, Clipping Coupons, and Shrinking WaistlinesSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-47849898734941223562015-10-29T15:17:00.004-07:002018-08-29T16:12:22.881-07:00Creative Thinking & Free TherapyOne year ago I bought a townhouse to live in with my two children. Ending a ten year relationship was incredibly difficult, but I have been blessed with a wonderful man who made sure that I was best prepared to start this next chapter of my life. Being a single parent again has taken some adjusting, and sometimes we need to be a little more creative when it comes to unexpected costs. Here is the baseline for this post. The washer and dryer in my townhouse work....but they don't work great. To dry one load of laundry takes approximately 90-120 minutes. Sometimes that doesn't even work! Strata rules keep me from hanging laundry outside and I can see my hydro bills climbing from the extended periods (non-energy star) of running. Often my stairwell looks like a mini laundromat, but it has worked for the temporary time being.<br />
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I have made the decision to replace the machines which not only increases the value of my home, but should reduce my monthly utility bills by installing energy efficient appliances. The only downside is finding the money to replace them. Insert creative thinking!!<br />
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<b><u>First Idea</u></b><br />
I have been labelled in the past as a "mini hoarder". I'm not terrible, but I do hold onto some things a little longer than necessary. Clothes that I hope will one day fit again, clothes that I may end up gaining weight and need again, shoes I may need even though I am physically unable to wear high heels (doctor orders). You know the drill. I cleared out my clothes and posted them all on a local buy and sell site. The response was fantastic! I had priced it all inexpensive as I kept the thought in mind that I wanted it out of my house. I started a jar and put any money earned into the jar.<br />
<b><u>Second Idea</u></b><br />
I love baking. I find it theraputic and relaxing. It's a great way to relieve stress. I like thinking up new concoctions and what the end result will be. With a lot of prompting from my family, I offered my gingersnap cookies for sale at $5/dozen. Word got out and within two weeks I had made and sold 42 dozen cookies!<br />
<b><u>Third Idea</u></b><br />
This one is a continuation of the second idea. The cookies were such a hit that I was approached by a few people for cakes and cupcakes. It's been a lot of fun trying out new tastes and techniques, especially at a time when so many people have a wide range of dietary restrictions. I've baked sugar free, dairy free, gluten free, and sometimes at midnight.....sanity free!<br />
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As of last count, I have saved $1500.00. I can't wait until the day I walk in and pay cash for my new appliances. I don't care that I have to count out all of those $5 and $10 bills, I get to walk out of there with no more debt than when I walked in. The plan is to paint the walls as well as replace shelving above the appliances. I found a shelving unit that I felt would be perfect, and my extremely talented father has already completed building it. As soon as a good sale is on for the appliances, the renovation will commence. Stay tuned for the before and after pictures!<br />
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This post was simply to tell you to think "outside of the box". We all have different talents...the trick is to find out what yours is and sharing it with someone whose talents differ from yours. Need some electrical work done? Perhaps you know of a guy who is one but you can't really afford to hire him. Maybe he likes home baking? Maybe he needs his house cleaned? Maybe he would like family photos taken? In older times, people traded for time and products. Find something you love and use it to get the things you need. Little by little you will achieve your goals. Just be patient and keep the faith.<br />
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Until next time....Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-73610699633737327462015-10-29T14:57:00.000-07:002015-10-29T14:57:19.036-07:00BzzAgent Product Review - Covergirl LashBlast Fusion MascaraI don't wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis. Actually, all that I do wear is eyeliner and mascara. I think is is mainly because I am a <i>slug </i>in the morning and don't have enough time or energy for anything more! In addition, I have very sensitive skin and tend to react to a lot of different products. That being said, as I only purchase two different items, I tend to choose higher end "better quality" products. When I was notified that I had been selected to review Covergirl's new LashBlast line of mascara, I was intrigued but not very optimistic that it would meet or exceed my current brand of mascara.<br />
There are four different types of mascara in the new LashBlast line. This means "a blast for every lash!" I chose Covergirl's LashBlast Fusion mascara to review. This mascara claims to make your eyelashes look fuller and longer, maximizing the lashes you were born with. I was happily surprised when I received my package and the handy $2 off coupons for me to share with others.<br />
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The next morning I carefully set aside my current mascara and opened up my Covergirl LashBlast Fusion mascara. The container fits comfortably in the hand and opens with ease. The bristles on the wand were different from other mascaras I have tried in the past. These bristles were quite short but there were way more bristles than others. With just a few strokes I had ample mascara on my lashes, making it economical and fast. I reviewed my results in the mirror and saw this....<br />
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I was born with fairly dark lashes but I have <i>never </i>had such great results! It felt like each and every lash was successfully covered and lengthened to it's maximum. With just one application I had achieved better results than my other, more expensive, boutique mascara. I figured that there would be no way this mascara would last all day.</div>
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I was wrong! This mascara provided all day coverage with zero flaking, running or other messes. There was no need for touch ups or re-applying. I have continued using this product and can open and honestly tell you that I have had steady, continued success. This mascara also easily transforms your look from day to night with an additional swipe of the wand.</div>
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This mascara has now taken the place of my boutique mascara. It delivers the same or better results at a fraction of the cost. I have yet to try the other three types in the Covergirl LashBlast line (Volume, Clump Crusher, Full Lash Bloom) but intend to try them all in the future. Easily available at many retailers (I personally found them in Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Walmart, and Save On Foods), this product retails for approximately $9.99. I also appreciate that the Covergirl brand regularly goes on sale or offers coupons to their consumers. This makes it an economical choice for a wide range of consumers.</div>
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I highly recommend going out and trying this product. I was one of those "high end" makeup consumers and I can honestly say that I prefer this mascara over the others. Thank you BzzAgent for choosing me to review the Covergirl LashBlast Fusion mascara and discovering this hidden gem!</div>
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I received this product and coupons from BzzAgent and Covergirl for purpose of review #GotitFree</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-21533115999045752982015-09-01T14:47:00.004-07:002015-09-01T14:49:24.727-07:00Well that was ten minutes of my life well spent!I've been a little MIA lately and I've made a promise to myself to be a little more consistent with my posts. After all, there are so many great savings, creative projects, and delicious recipes that are waiting to be shared! Case in point - Clairol Nice n Easy Root Touch up.<br />
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I've been lucky enough to be a "BzzAgent' for the past few years. Based on your profile, demographics, and lifestyle, there are various "campaigns" that you qualify for. This means that they will send you new products to sample, review, and provide your honest feedback. Seems simple right? It is! Betcha you are wondering why you haven't signed up yet, right? Me too!<br />
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Clairol Nice n Easy Root Touch up addresses a common problem for many people that colour their hair. It feels so good when you have your hair coloured and is such a boost to your confidence. Unfortunately, after a few weeks you start to notice your roots beginning to show.....especially if they are grey! There's no way you have the time or the budget to go back to the salon so soon, but those grey roots make you want to wear a toque....in the summer. ;)<br />
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The Clairol Root Touch up kit contains everything you will need, from disposable gloves to mixing bowl. Instructions are easy to follow and the mess is minimum. I appreciated the fact that the scent wasn't overpowering. As a long time sufferer of sensitive skin, I find that strong scented hair colours tend to make my skin react in rash. The Clairol kits are available in 21 different shades which makes it much simpler to match with your current hair colour.<br />
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Now, the best part. The colour has to sit and soak for ten minutes! Ten! That's it! That's less time between commercial breaks on your favorite reality tv show! Like many other people out there, this single mom never seems to have enough time to do ANYTHING. Clairol Nice n Easy Root Touch up eliminates all of your excuses. They state that the colour will last approximately three weeks and will gradually fade/wash out.<br />
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I found the product to be very user friendly and the result was super shiny, smooth grey-free hair. The colour blended nicely with my natural colour and I received lots of compliments on how shiny and healthy my hair looked. As a consumer, I like the fact that the Clairol line of products are reasonably priced and regularly go on sale or provide coupons. BzzAgent provided me with a handful of $2 off coupons with my touch up kit and I happily shared them with friends and family.<br />
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Overall, I enjoyed my experience with Clairol Nice n Easy Root Touch up and I thank BzzAgent for providing me with the opportunity to test. Please note that I was given a sample and coupons from BzzAgent for purpose of reviewing. #GotItFree #Clairol #BzzAgent<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-68698229659680559522015-04-03T17:09:00.002-07:002015-04-03T17:09:22.452-07:00Advanced Screening Passes to Disneynature Monkey Kingdom<a href="http://jennieyuen.blogspot.ca/2015/03/disneynatures-monkey-kingdom.html" style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #22229c; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" target="_blank"><img alt="Name: image004.jpg
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Size: 48.2 KB" /><br /><br />Disneynature's "Monkey Kingdom" Advanced Screening Passes Giveaway</a><br style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">heck out this great opportunity through a fellow blogger. Please check out her site and take your chances at passes to what looks like another top quality Disney movie. At 20yrs old, my daughter will STILL cuddle up beside me on the couch to watch a Disney movie.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ONE (1) lucky winner (Canada only) will receive 2 passes for the prescreening in Vancouver/Burnaby area on</span><b style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Saturday, April 11<sup style="font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em;">th</sup> at 10:00am, SilverCity Metropolis in Burnaby. </b><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Contest ends April 7th, 2015 at 11:59pm EST. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. Enter to win using the form below. Good luck!</span><b style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /><br /><a href="http://jennieyuen.blogspot.ca/2015/03/disneynatures-monkey-kingdom.html" style="color: #22229c;" target="_blank">http://jennieyuen.blogspot.ca/2015/0...y-kingdom.html</a></b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-76308965075644343042015-03-16T10:43:00.002-07:002015-03-16T10:43:52.073-07:00Thank Heaven for 711 - Making Fridays Extra Special!For me, Fridays are already pretty great. Not only is it the last day of my work week, but it's also the one day a week we are able to wear jeans to work (casual Fridays). Nothing makes for a comfortable work day like stretch jeans and moccasins! Recently I discovered one more way to make Fridays even better........enter the 711 smartphone app!<br />
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711 has started a new marketing tool that appeals to the new technical revolution and draw more customers through their doors. Consumers are invited to download the app for free and a variety of special deals and promotions become available for purchase. Here is an example of what it looks like:<br />
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A variety of ever changing options are available......from reduced prices of hot coffee to super sizing your slurpee for a fraction of the cost. It's a great incentive to bring people through it's doors. There is a barcode on the home page of the app that the cashier will scan with your purchase. Once the cashier hits the subtotal, the cash register will automatically deduct any sales or specials currently available on your smartphone app.</div>
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The best part of this application though (in my opinion), is something they call "Freebie Fridays". Every Friday, 711 will offer a limited quantity of a selected item for <b>FREE</b>. There is a limit of one per customer (in order for more people to enjoy). This "freebie" changes on a weekly basis. I have seen a variety of items from a free coffee to a fresh baked cookie or chocolate bar. This past Friday, it was a free bottle of Jones soda 355ml (any flavour).</div>
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As you can tell, my teenage son thought this was a great deal and it was already half gone before I could snap a photo! I was responsible for the bottle deposit and environmental levy's, but the $2.09 price of the soda was deducted at the till. It's a fun, free way to start the day and to try to guess what it will be each week. My daughter gets a ride to work with me on Fridays and we now refer to the day as "Freebie Friday" and make sure we allow enough time to stop by.<div>
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On a side note, 711 also celebrates holiday spirit with this smartphone app. During December, they offer "Twelve days of Christmas freebies". Each day for twelve consecutive days, they offer a limited quantity of different items for free.</div>
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It seems that this free smartphone app is the gift that keeps giving! I hope this post makes your Fridays just a little bit brighter like it did ours.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-43229150828861348662015-03-12T10:02:00.001-07:002015-03-12T11:18:24.270-07:00Indulging your Sweet Tooth Without Breaking the BankYou should never EVER go to the store when you are hungry. I know this, I live this, and yet there are times when I find myself listening to my inner sugar monster rather than my common sense. This happened last night when I popped into the local Walmart to buy eggs on my way home from work.<br />
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With the greatest of intentions, I made a beeline for the eggs. While I was there, I grabbed a carton of Tropicana orange juice that I had an FPC for (Free Product Coupon). BUT, then I thought I would just take a quick peek at the cleaning supplies because Walmart has been clearing out a bunch of items recently due to discontinue and package change. In the end I'm glad I did because there were some fantastic deals to be had! The down side? I had to walk past a section that just happened to have sour jube jubes in eyesight. Sigh......I really really like sour jube jubes. Before I could think about my expanding waistline, into my buggy they went (In hindsight, I should never have grabbed a buggy to pick up eggs...it gave me far too much carrying space!)<br />
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I almost made it to the till when I saw the Veggie Sticks. My salty monster is almost as bad as my sweet one and I compensate by telling myself I'm eating vegetables rather than just potato chips. This was also the moment I realized I needed to get out of the store and go home for dinner! Here is what I ended up with:<br />
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<u>The Breakdown:</u><br />
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Garden Veggie Straws - $2.97 - $0.50 Zweet (online coupon app) = $2.47</div>
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Sour Jube Jubes - $1.67</div>
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Large Eggs - $2.78</div>
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Finish Quantum Dishwasher Tabs 38 - $3.50 (Regular price $9.97)</div>
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Pledge Floor Cleaner - $2.00 (Regular Price $7.97)</div>
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Windex Touch ups - $1.00 (Regular Price $4.97) PLUS I had a $2.00 coupon making this item a money maker of $1.00!</div>
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Tropicana Orange Juice 2L - $3.47 - $3.47 FPC (Pepsi.ca held a promotion during Superbowl that if you spent $20.00 on their products at one time, they would mail you a coupon booklet worth $30.00. This is one of the coupons from that booklet)</div>
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Total Price with Taxes - $18.67</div>
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Minus Coupons & FPC - $12.70</div>
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Hold on.....it gets better!</div>
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MINUS - $7.00 Snap Saves (online couponing app) with the purchase of ANY Pledge Floor Cleaner (the one I paid $2.00 for which means they PAID me $5.00 to buy it!)</div>
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Grand Total: <b><u>$5.70</u></b></div>
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Granted, if I hadn't bought the treats then my total would have been even better (and healthier) at $1.01 but I'm happy with the numbers I achieved. My kids were happy as well when I arrived home with treats for everyone!</div>
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Just another example of how being in the right place at the right time can pay off (or make you NOT pay!). It can be very beneficial to take a few extra minutes to see what in-store sales and promotions may be on. With five minutes out of my day, I was able to satisfy the sweet & salty monsters, the teenagers (creatures in themselves), and the dust bunnies hiding in the corners of my house.</div>
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I almost forgot to mention the icing on the cake. The kids were so happy with the treats that my amazing daughter offered to give me a gel nail polish manicure! Pampering in the comfort of my home by my favorite girl at the end of a long day.........priceless.</div>
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Until next time!</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-21462505576379213272015-02-27T15:27:00.002-08:002015-02-27T15:27:40.112-08:00The Love Affair Continues......Shoppers Drug MartThe sun was shining and I needed to purchase some stamps for work, so I stopped in at my favorite Shoppers Drug Mart. There's nothing better than being able to score a few great deals at the same time as completing your errands for work. I quick stop at their postal station in the back of the store and I was free to pick up a few things.<div>
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Once again Shoppers had some great deals this week. The deals are even better when you match them up with coupons! I was able to get a few really great deals by using some coupons I had on hand as well as a few of the weekly coupons that are emailed to me by Shoppers.</div>
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Royale Tiger Towels Paper Towels - Regularly retailing for around $5.99, this week they were advertised for $3.99. There is currently a contest running at www.royalepromotions.ca where you have an opportunity to win a variety of products. There is also an "instant win" game you can play. I was lucky enough to "win" during the instant win game and received a $3.00 Royale Tiger Towels coupon that was available to print. You know what that means.......paper towel for $0.99!</div>
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U by Kotex Tampons - I have a picky daughter who will ONLY use this brand of feminine hygiene products. The couponer in me cringes when I see other brands go for better deals, but that just makes my donations to the women's center even better. Regularly priced at $5.99 for the 18pk, this week they were featured for $4.99. One of my weekly emailed coupons was for $3.00 off ANY tampons! I was able to pick up a box for $1.99!!</div>
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Pledge - This handy little cleaner is a pricey one, retailing at $7.49. This week it was a great sale at $3.99 per can. How happy was I to discover that my online couponing app "SnapSaves" had an offer of $4.00 rebate for one can of Pledge (limit of one per transaction)? The put one penny IN my pocket before taxes!</div>
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I was stopped by one of the lovely sales associates as I was shopping to direct my attention to a section in the store of clearance priced items. Wishing I had my coupons with me....I saw some amazing deals that I couldn't pass up! Herbal Essence Shampoo with bonus Dry Shampoo retails for $5.49. Shoppers clearance was $1.25 each when you purchase 2! Honest! $1.25! Herbal Essence Conditioner (the big 500ml bottles) regularly $5.99 was on clearance for $1.12 each when you purchase 2! So I purchased 2 bottles of shampoo, 2 bottles of conditioner, received two bottles of dry shampoo as a bonus, and paid $4.74! Before your jaw hits the ground.....wait....it gets better! Another online couponing app, Checkout 51, currently has an offer for $2.00 rebate when you purchase one bottle of Herbal Essence Shampoo AND one bottle of Herbal Essence Conditioner! There is a limit of one rebate per week.......BUT.....that means I purchased SIX bottles of hair products for a grand total of $2.74 before taxes! That's $0.46 a bottle!</div>
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Last but not least is a regular deal at Shoppers and one I use often. My email coupon was $0.49 for any Campbells soup. Regularly priced at $2.29, I saved $1.80 by using this coupon. I use this soup in lots of recipes or simply with a grilled cheese sandwich. I also bought a bag of Jelly Belly Valentine Jelly Beans (don't judge me, it was lunchtime and I was huuuungry!). These were regularly priced at $4.99 but were on clearance for $1.00. I have a weakness for gourmet jelly beans so in my opinion, it was $1.00 well spent!</div>
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To summarize, if I had bought all of these products at regular price, not taking advantage of sales or coupons, my total would have been $54.28. By taking advantage of sale prices and still not using any coupons or discounts, I would have lowered my costs to an impressive $23.25. With taking advantage of sales, coupons and discounts, my grand total today was <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">$8.73.</u> That is a savings of 84% from regular price, and 62% off the sale price.</div>
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Happy Shopping!</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-53655204501033088862015-02-20T14:19:00.000-08:002015-02-20T14:19:09.910-08:00Shoppers Drug Mart - My loyalty you will forever haveMy love affair with Shoppers Drug Mart began many years ago simply by chance. It was a new store that had opened up in my town and it was convenient to fill my prescriptions there. Due to some major health issues in my family, I tend to be at Shoppers a LOT. On any given week, I will be in Shoppers Drug Mart for one reason or another 2-3 times. <br />
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What I never expected was the amazing customer service each and every time I walk through the doors. I have never felt like a bother or inconvenience. I have had specialty items brought in just for me and I have had phone calls at home to remind me or notify me of something they thought I should know. They know and embrace the fact that I am a couponer......patiently sorting and entering each coupon or opening another till to keep lineups at a minimum. I have had store clerks find me in the store to let me know of an item that may have just been put on clearance that I hadn't noticed! They celebrate my savings and help me find the best ways to keep my family healthy and happy. I cannot tell you enough how lucky I am to be a customer at their store.<br />
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Shortly after they opened, Shoppers Drug Mart introduce their Shoppers Optimum program. With their store card, you receive 10 points for every dollar spent at their store (excluding gift certificates, tobacco, and gambling). You also accumulate points on your prescriptions! Yeehaw! Once you reach various levels of points, you can cash them in for store product (excluding the same restrictions). Points redemption levels are as follows:<br />
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8,000 points = $10<br />
22,000 points = $30<br />
38,000 points = $60<br />
50,000 points = $85<br />
95,000 points = $170<br />
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Those points? You can cash them in on almost anything. Need milk and bread and it's still three days till payday? No problem! Need to buy the family stocking stuffers that seem to add up so quickly? Done! Does your daughter long for a special perfume that is out of your budget but you know exactly how she would react seeing it on her birthday? Do it! Even better, the store holds promotions over the year when they actually give you MORE than your points are normally worth! (ex. at Christmas there will be a "bonus" redemption where your 50,000 points will be worth $100.00 instead of the usual $85.00)<br />
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Shoppers will also host a variety of sales that will give you the opportunity to accumulate your points faster. A regular occurrence is to receive 20x the points when you spend a minimum of $50.00 or more before taxes. If you sign up online to monitor your Shoppers Optimum card, you will also get bonus points simply for signing up!<br />
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You can also opt in to have special offers emailed to you on a weekly basis. These are limited to one per transaction, but you are able to do multiple transactions throughout the week. Just remember to break them up into separate orders. <br />
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I had some great email coupon offers this week and I thought I would show how you can save money with just a little bit of time and only a couple of coupons.<br />
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<b><i><u>Coupon 1 </u>- Get ANY Campbell's Soup and pay $0.49</i></b><br />
I chose a can of Reduced Fat Cream of Chicken Soup as my family uses this all the time in recipes or to have on rainy nights with grilled cheese sandwiches<br />
Regular Price - $2.29<br />
My Price - $0.49<br />
Savings - $1.80<br />
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<b><i><u>Coupon 2 </u>- Pay $1.30 when you buy ANY eggs</i></b><br />
These coupons are great because they don't specify what type of eggs you must buy. Ever wanted to know what free range organic eggs tasted like but couldn't afford it? You can now! This time I chose Burnbrae Large Brown Eggs<br />
Regular Price - $3.99<br />
My Price - $1.30<br />
Saved - $2.69<br />
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I also picked up a package of Chips Ahoy Ice Cream Flavors (Chocolate Chip Mint) cookies that were on sale for $1.99. I snapped a picture of my receipt for my online couponing app "<b><i>Checkout 51</i></b>" that will reimburse me $1.25 for one package of those cookies this week.<br />
Sale Price - $1.99<br />
My Price - $0.74<br />
Savings - $1.25<br />
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The total regular price of those three items had I not used any coupons would have been $8.27. Using my coupons and taking advantage of on online coupon offer, my cost was <b><u>$2.53</u></b>.....saving me a total of $5.74 or 71%<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-55451337081985175102015-02-06T11:44:00.001-08:002015-02-06T11:44:27.192-08:00Feeling Fresh with $0.87 in my Pocket!What a nice way to end my evening last night! A spontaneous shop that actually put money IN my pocket! After I picked my daughter up from work, we swung by Walmart to rent a movie from the Redbox machine. I had a coupon for a free rental from completing a survey for them and with yesterday's announcement that they are pulling out of Canada on Feb 13th, I wanted to make sure it didn't go to waste. We like to wander around Walmart and see what is new and exciting and it was also an opportunity for me to check out some prices before my weekend grocery shop. I'm really glad we did!<br />
For some reason, whether it is discontinued products, new packaging, making room, etc.....there are a lot of different things on clearance right now in my local Walmart. The regular couponer will always suggest you to try to match up these clearance priced items with coupons available and really save yourself some money! Here is what I purchased:<br />
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Now I will quickly explain costs, coupons and savings I managed to get. Here are the prices and what coupons/savings I managed to get:</div>
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<b><u>Dove Body Wash</u></b> - Regular Price $3.47 ($3.88 after taxes) - $2.00 coupon I printed from Smartsource.ca - $2.00 online rebate from Checkout 51. <b>Final Price $(0.12)</b></div>
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<b><u>Clear Men 2-in-1 Shampoo</u></b> - Clearance Price $1.00 ($1.12 after taxes) -$2.00 online rebate Checkout 51. <b>Final Price $(0.88)</b></div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Pantene Heat Shield Shampoo</u> - Clearance Price $1.00 ($1.12 after taxes) - $1.00 Proctor & Gamble coupon (newspaper insert) <b>Final Price $0.12</b></div>
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<b><u>Speed Stick Gear Deoderant</u></b> - Regular Price $4.96 ($5.55 after taxes) - Full Mail-in Rebate Offer from Red Plum newspaper insert (they will reimburse me by cheque for the cost of the deoderant PLUS all taxes) - $5.55 <b>Final Price - FREE</b></div>
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<b>Total Out of Pocket (or I guess in this case, IN my pocket!) - ($.88)</b></div>
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My mom will be thrilled to find out that she gets some more Dove Body Wash! She loves it when I surprise her with items!</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-45602311905131861462015-02-06T10:26:00.001-08:002015-02-06T10:41:29.457-08:00Why I couponThere's a feeling you get when you managed to "score" a great deal. It's like a rush of adrenaline...you against the register...that feeling of victory when it all goes as planned. Now I am not one of those "extreme" couponers like you see on tv. There's a number of reasons that I'm not, yet I truly believe that to each their own. Here are my reasons for not extreme couponing in case you are curious:<br />
1. I don't have the time. I probably spend an hour or two a week sorting through the flyer and seeing if I have access to coupons to match up with them. I don't actively seek out additional coupons (trading, jumping in the recycling bin, etc) but that's just my choice. My extra time is spent with my two kids and two dogs instead.<br />
2. I don't have the room. I have a lovely storage area set up in my basement. There's shelving units and baskets and everything is organized and sorted. This is so I can find it easily and I use it before it expires. My general rule is that I try to make sure I will use it within six months. Anything more than that and there is a strong possibility it will expire and will be wasted.<br />
3. I don't need it. I know that I can track down coupons and get 40 tubes of Polident for free.....but I don't know ANYONE who could use it! When you first start out couponing, the lure of "free" things is very strong and it is hard to resist not getting everything possible. It's taken me couponing for a few years to settle into what I do now and what works best for my family. That being said, if I come across a deal or freebie that I DO know someone will use (either someone I know or a local shelter) I will still pick it up. <br />
I know I don't save as much money as a lot of other people out there and I am okay with that. I track my savings out of curiosity and I can tell you that on average, I save between $4,000.00 - $5,000.00 every year. I am also teaching my children how to shop smart and stretch their pennies without going into too much debt or living on ramen noodles! I know that what I do improves the financial stability of my family as well as helps out additional family and friends. Every year I donate at least once per year to the local women's center, the local SPCA, the Food Bank, and the local Community Christmas Care.<br />
To be honest, one thing that is even better than that feeling of rush when you score a great deal, is the smiles and hugs you get in appreciation for helping others out. Share the knowledge and the freebies, I promise you will feel amazing doing so.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-797402114897123242015-01-27T11:51:00.002-08:002015-02-04T14:37:13.158-08:00BzzAgent Product Review - Secret Ooh-La-La-Lavender Clear GelA great way to learn about new products that come out on the market are through websites. There are a number of different companies that allow consumers to become members and review different products and provide their feedback. This is referred to as "Word of Mouth" campaigns (WOM). It is a great way for companies to know how their products will be received, areas needing improvement, and what works really well. One of these WOM websites that I have been a member of for a number of years and had numerous great review opportunities is BzzAgent. Based on a number of surveys you complete online, there are various review campaigns that are matched with members that fit the criteria they are looking for. Each campaign is different and members are matched based on a number of different variables.<br />
https://www.bzzagent.com/index.jsp<br />
Recently I was one of the lucky members chosen to review a new line of clear gel deoderant from Secret. This meant that I was sent a stick of Secret Ooh-La-La Lavender Clear Gel to try for a month and report on how I felt about it. I have been a big fan of Secret deoderants and regularly use that product line. I have however, always been a "solid" type of girl, not interested in anything "gel" or new. I'm not very adventurous when it comes to my deoderant and a solid stick, Baby Powder scent has been found in my bathroom for the past decade! Reading up on what Secret promised with this new gel (<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">With Secret Outlast</span><sup style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 0.857em; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">®</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> Clear Gel all it takes is one twist and two swipes right out of the shower for 48 hour odour protection free of white marks)</span> I was intrigued to see if what they claimed would actually happen.<br />
First....the scent. I'm not big on floral scented armpits so I was fairly leery when I opened up my Lavender scented gel. Pleasantly surprised, I discovered a realistic, light floral scent that was quite nice. I generally find floral scents to be quite strong, overpowering, and artificial scented. This was not the case and I came one step closer to saying goodbye solid!<br />
Second.....application. Secret again delivered on their promise. One quick twist and two swipes under each arm and I was ready to conquer the world! The one slight down side at this step though, was that although Secret promised instant dryness, I found that it took a little longer than "instant" before I was nice and dry. There were a few t-shirts that temporarily were wet. Although I did experience the occasional wet shirt, it did dry completely clear with no white marks.<br />
Third....did it last? To be perfectly honest, I'm a bit of a paranoid person when it comes to potential body odour. This means that I did not feel comfortable testing the full 48hr protection. I can tell you that I only applied the deoderant once each morning and at no point did I feel the need to re-apply or that it was not working. I can confidently say that Secret Clear Gel provides good, 24hr coverage from any embarassing odours.<br />
Overall....Secret once again provides the consumer with a quality product. Retailing at your local Walmart for approximately $2.49 - $3.49, you get good value for your money. Even better, Proctor & Gamble (owners of Secret) also offer regular coupons to stretch those pennies even further! In the end I think it is just a matter of personal preference. Will I give up my solid stick Baby Powder deoderant for the new Lavender Clear Gel? No.....but only because I LIKE the Baby Powder solid stick, not because of any failure of the clear gel. If you haven't tried gel in a number of years like I hadn't, I highly recommend giving this new Secret Clear Gel a try. You will not be disappointed and you will be ready to conquer the world....lavender armpits and all!<br />
<img alt="Secret Outlast<sup>®</sup> Clear Gel" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/us-prod-campaign-images/1657434223/12930564398872676557.png" /><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-53912164738995848212014-12-23T13:19:00.002-08:002014-12-23T13:19:39.231-08:00Hasbro Gaming Night!As fall descends upon us and the nights get darker earlier, I am left with trying to occupy my children and keep them from destroying my house. I love the opportunity to sit down with them and play board games. It reminds me of my own childhood and sitting around the dinner table with my family for a rousing game filled with loud laughter and joy.<br />
I was so excited when I found out that I had been chosen as a lucky recipient of the Hasbro Gaming VoxBox. Courtesy of Influenster, I was sent a copy of Monopoly Junior to review with my family and get their thoughts.<br />
<img alt="Monopoly Junior Game" src="http://www.hasbro.com/common/productimages/en_US/eb700c5450569047f549c3ba86cb916f/EBA764A150569047F59C2DC9CBCBB7EB.png" /><br />
We invited the grandparents over to play as well. After all, our love for board games came from them! I have always enjoyed Monopoly but found that sometimes it was too intricate to keep the attention of the smaller children. I was hopeful for this junior version and how the kids would enjoy it.<br />
Instead of street names, Monopoly Junior is based around being at a Funfair. After rolling the dice, you may land on various squares and purchase fair attractions such as "See the Fireworks" or "Buy Candy Floss". The game is over when one player spends all of their money. The remaining players count up their money and the person with the most money wins.<br />
It's an easy concept and very visual for kids as they imagine the various things they would like to do, see, or eat at the fair. The game lasts an average amount of time which keeps all ages entertained and engaged. We had a wide variety of ages and we all enjoyed trying to outsmart and "pass" family members.<br />
I would highly recommend this game for all families looking to add another quality game to their collection. For fans of Monopoly, Monopoly Junior is the perfect stepping stone for younger members. I found the game on the shelf at my local Walmart (Canadian) for $9.99 on sale. Pop some popcorn, open up your copy of Monopoly Junior, and you have the perfect combination for a fun family evening on a dreary fall night.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes</span></span><br />
<img src="https://d1sca6vi4fbl8x.cloudfront.net/media/campaign/image/Hasbrogaminglogo_4Clrg_b45Z1tE.jpg.342x341_q85_crop.jpg" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-63411438262716069372014-06-04T11:13:00.000-07:002014-06-04T11:13:01.990-07:00 Thank you H-O-T-W-I-R-E Hotwire.comAdmit it, you sang the jingle in your head when you read the title of this post, didn't you? That's alright, I've had it stuck in my head all morning while thinking of this post!<br />
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This past weekend I decided to surprise my kids with a night out of town. There have been some huge personal changes in our lives recently and I felt we were all due for a mini vacation and the mental break. Unfortunately, there's always reality.....bills, mortgages, and responsibilities that hinder the opportunity to whisk away to tropical destinations at a moment's notice. Eliminating Hawaii, Paris and Milan.....I decided on Bellingham Washington. Bellingham is approximately a 2-21/2hr drive from our place. Far enough away to feel like we are "getting away" yet close enough to drive. It offers many different foods and treats that we can't find back home which is fun for the kids. And let's not forget those amazing dairy prices!<br />
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Now....to book a hotel. There were a few parameters that I was looking to fill but at the same time I recognize that it is only for the night and I do not need to sleep at the Ritz (although I'm sure it would feel fantastic!). I needed two beds, close to a mall or something likewise to entertain the kids, easy to find (I'm not the greatest person at directions!), a pool or hot tub, and a continental breakfast included. Going forward I realize that the pool/hot tub is not so required anymore as my kids are getting older and we seldom use the pool once we get there. I'm sure the first time I book one without though.....they will want to go swimming!<br />
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I digress....While searching online for a hotel, I found that the price ranged from approximately $129 - $169cdn before taxes. Although I was prepared to grimace and pay, I suddenly remembered one of my co-workers talking about an online hotel booking site called Hotwire.com. It's a site where you type in your parameters of what you are looking for, and then a list of available hotels pops up. You are not told the name of the hotel or the exact location until you book the room. It is a way for large hotel chains to fill empty rooms. I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised to see rooms listed from $65-$95 per night. I read the reviews and settled on one listed at $75. After entering my credit card information, I was notified that we were booked in at the Best Western Heritage Inn. After taxes were added, my final cost was $90.63cdn. Out of curiosity, I went to the actual hotel website and tried to book the same room to compare costs. After taxes it was $184.68!! I saved 49% on my room! <br />
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We arrived at the hotel to discover a beverage station complete with cookies to welcome you to the hotel. They offered a heated outdoor pool and indoor hot tub and sauna. It is an older hotel but they have recently invested in numerous upgrades, including new linens and an enhanced continental breakfast. It is conveniently located right across the highway from a large mall which was perfect for teenagers. Breakfast the next morning was more than substantial.....everything from eggs and sausages to cereal and made-to-order waffles (in original or blueberry!). Not having to purchase breakfast was an additional savings for us.<br />
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Other highlights to our mini vacation included: $2 energy drinks (something I NEVER let me kids have), a $1 massage in the mall (in one of those leather recliners), and novelty cereal to bring back home with us. I stocked up on some yogurt and cheese before we left and we arrived back home just after dinner on Sunday night.<br />
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The best part of this mini vacation was the opportunity to spend some quality time with my kids. We went with no timeline or schedule which allowed us the freedom to explore to our heart's content. My heart melted when the kids each took me aside Sunday night to thank me for the trip and to tell me how much fun they had. It doesn't always have to cost a lot to make an impact.<br />
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Happy travelsSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-55438338739212340882014-05-30T11:17:00.000-07:002014-05-30T11:17:33.884-07:00Coupons? There's an App for that!Nowadays, technology runs our world and being separated from our cell phones brings that momentary sense of panic. Our the years we have seen house phones move to cell phones, vacuum cleaners move to "Roombas", and yes....clipped coupons move to smart phone coupon applications. <br />
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Although coupons can still be found in the regular tear pads, magazines, and online places......there has been a new movement of online coupons. These programs reward you will cyber discounts that accumulate in your account until you reach $20 or more and then reimburse you by cheque. Instead of having your discount right at the till, you participate in a type of "forced savings" and receive a payout once you have accumulated the minimum requirements. The cheque will arrive approximately two weeks after requesting. This is a great idea if you want to save for something special or extra like a vacation.<br />
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There are a variety of programs that you can download for free onto your smartphone. Right now I currently have four programs on my Iphone. They are: Checkout 51, SnapSaves, Zweet, and Cart Smart. I have used the first three quite regularly but am still on the fence with CartSmart as I have not really found the featured items relevant to my family.<br />
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<u>How it Works: </u><br />
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Each week a new list of featured items and the coupon amount will be published. Once you have purchased the featured item in the correct time frame, you simply take a photo of your entire receipt and "tag" the featured items you want to claim. Within 48hrs you will receive a confirmation email whether or not your receipt has been approved and the money added to your account. Some items will have a limited amount available, so I suggest you submit your receipts as quickly as possible after purchasing. One of the features that I really like about these apps is that you regularly see fruits and vegetables featured. As regular coupons are rare for these types of items, it's nice to be reimbursed for eating healthy. Another bonus is that you can use a coupon (tearpad, magazine, etc) while purchasing the items in store and still claim your smart phone online coupon afterwards....essentially "double couponing". This can result in free or even credits (money paid to you!) on certain items.<br />
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Noting my weekly featured items, I went to my local grocery store yesterday for a few items. I won't list everything I purchased, but here is an example of how the online apps work and what the end result can be.<br />
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Radishes - $0.69/bunch = $0.69 - $0.25 SnapSaves Coupon = $.44 Out of Pocket<br />
Bean Sprouts - 0.070kg @ $3.29/kg = $0.23 - $0.25 SnapSaves Coupon = ($0.02) In my Pocket!<br />
Carrots - 0.310kg @ $1.50/kg = $0.46 - $0.50 Zweet Coupon = ($0.04) In my Pocket!<br />
Yams - 0.325kg @ $2.84/kg = $0.92 - $0.25 SnapSaves Coupon = $0.67 Out of Pocket<br />
Organic Bananas - 0.450kg @ $2.40/kg = $1.08 - $0.50 Zweet Coupon = $0.58 Out of Pocket<br />
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Total: $3.38<br />
Savings: $1.75<br />
Final Cost: $1.63<br />
48% Savings<br />
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I was happy saving 50% on my fruits and vegetables as I seldom see savings on these items. Had I bought non-organic bananas, my total would have probably been even less!<br />
Happy Shopping!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What can you buy for $1.63?</td></tr>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-63842585133782047892014-05-27T09:22:00.000-07:002014-05-27T09:22:56.598-07:00A Night Out Without Breaking the BankWith a new budget in place, there's not a lot of room left for the "extras". This means I have to get more creative than I was before. We decided that this month's indulgence would be dinner and a movie. There was a new film out that we all wanted to see and we felt it was worthy our May choice. <br />
Weekends are prime movie nights which means prime movie costs. We decided to go on Monday night and watch an earlier show time to make sure we weren't home too late for work and school in the morning. By choosing a weekday and an earlier show time, we saved and average of $3 per ticket.<br />
Before we left to head up to Whistler for our dinner and movie, I stopped in at one of the local Dollar Stores and bought some boxed candy to take along with us. For $3.36 total I picked up treats for all of us. I checked out the prices at the movie theatre to compare prices and candy was $3.95 each plus tax. I know that many people are against bringing food into a movie theatre, but we paid admission and bought some popcorn to share so I felt we still supported them.<br />
Dinner. My daughter had eaten at the Mongolie Grill before and asked if we could go there. It was very convenient in that it is located right next to the theatre. This is a very entertaining stir fry restaurant where you select the ingredients and sauces and then watch the chefs cook your dinner in front of you with finesse and flair. How they don't drop their flippers, I will never know! Waiting for you when you return to your table is your choice of white or brown rice. We were thrilled when our waiter told us that they were celebrating locals this week and that all meals were half price with the purchase of a drink. For our dinner of three with one "adult" drink and two specialty drinks was approximately $40 and we were stuffed beyond belief.<br />
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I know that there are ways to save even more money on dinner and a movie (which I have done before), but I wanted to show you that even with a little effort, you can save money. Here is a breakdown of our approximate savings last night:<br />
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Dinner: $40 (Regular cost $80, locals special half price)<br />
Movie: $11.25 (Regular price $12.75 per person, weekday matinee $9 each)<br />
Snacks: $9.90 (Dollar Store Candy $3.36, Theatre Candy $13.26)<br />
Total Savings: <b><u>$61.15</u></b><br />
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We had a fantastic evening filled with laughter and quality time. We each crawled under our covers with a smile on our faces. We are all looking forward to where our next adventure takes us.<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-29662649675687144092014-05-22T13:46:00.000-07:002014-05-22T13:46:28.918-07:00Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on ManicureI am a somewhat new member to an online social site called Influenster. It is a place to go and post reviews of various products from restaurants to running shoes. It's great to look up a product you are considering trying and see what other people have to say about it. From time to time they offer products to a selection of their members to try and give their honest feedback. I was one of the lucky people selected to review the ImPress Manicure by Broadway Nails.<div>
I was cautiously optimistic as I waited for the product to arrive. To be honest, I haven't used "press-on" nails since I was in highschool which was a loooong time ago! I'm also fairly busy and don't have the time and patience to spend a long time on my nails. I figured I would give it a whirl with the thought of nails "popping" off all evening long.</div>
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I was impressed that I was sent two different sets of nails to sample. Very generous. The pink was a bright, vibrant colour with a slight metallic shade. It was very pretty. The silver and black metallic nails I set aside for my next night out. I sat down with my pink set and prepared for a long and frustrating night of application.</div>
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Prep work is very easy and straightforward. You simply match the nail sizes along with yours, choosing an ImPress nail that is slightly smaller than the surface of your nail. This ensures a better seal. There is ample sizes included to make sure the fit is right for all nail shapes and sizes. Clean off the surface of your nails with the prep pad included in the package. Each nail in the package has a sticky underside that you simply peel off the backing and adhere to your nail. Hold it in place for a few seconds and voila! I'm not kidding when I tell you that this whole process took approximately ten minutes!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick application with Great Results</td></tr>
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With the thought of nails popping off still in my head, I continued through my days as usual. I wanted to really test out the strength of the seal. I work full time in an office and type on a keyboard all day. Add to that the regular day to day chores like dishes, etc and I was sure to be missing half of the nails within 24hrs and finding pink nails in the strangest locations. I was wrong! </div>
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After four days of continual wearing, the nails were all still firmly adhered to my nails. I was very impressed with the product. When I decided that the time had come to remove them, I simply peeled the nail off from one side. All adhesive product came off with the nail and my natural nails were left smooth and clear.</div>
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To summarize, I think this product is great for women like me. The Broadway ImPress Manicure can be found at local drugstores and mass merchants at a reasonable price. If you want to "dress" up your nails or "impress" someone with a detailed manicure without the time and mess (or cost of the salon), this is the product for you. Simple to use, easy to apply and long lasting.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Blooming" excited with my ImPress Manicure!</td></tr>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5991160444250950956.post-27324722975730926952014-05-21T10:25:00.000-07:002014-05-21T10:25:19.646-07:00As any journey must begin, I am taking my first stepI have never, and I do mean never, thought about starting a blog. To be perfectly honest, I just don't think I'm that entertaining! I have been a regular coupon clipper for a few years now and people often ask me how I do it and if it's actually worth it.<br />
The past few weeks have put me in a place where I feel like great things could happen. The only reason I say "could" instead of "will" is because those choices are up to me. I have had some huge lifestyle changes and it is up to me whether I take this time to find out who and what I can be, or crawl back under the covers and hide away from the world.<br />
So I'm taking my first step. I'm starting my journey. My foot is a little shaky and I have no idea where this will lead....but I find that thought a little exciting.<br />
My plan is to share some of the ways I stretch my pennies without sacrificing taste, quality, or opportunities. There are so many different ways to save money and get the best deals. Whether you have a little or a lot of time....you can save money. Today I also begin my journey to better health. When I come across a great recipe that is both tasty and foolproof, I will happily share my discoveries.<br />
I suppose that although I start this journey for myself, my hopes are that on my journey I will meet other people feeling the same way that will walk beside me and make the journey even better!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889421607471974013noreply@blogger.com0