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Decorative Tip
Since I love bargain shopping, I do not mind “digging” around discount stores to search for a great deal. I have been looking for decorative shelves for my room, and I found two 24” ones that I liked in TJ Maxx in the clearance area. The were scratched pretty heavily, but only cost $4 apiece. With the white paint I already had at home, I repainted them and now they look as good as new, if not better. Lesson learned: don’t discount an item that’s not in immaculate condition. Ask the store for an extra discount and then try to repair or improve it yourself.
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Sunday Circulars
A quick FYI tip for everyone-Kroger has Lean Cuisines on sale again! I bought 10 of them at $1.49 apiece, and my favorites are the Sesame Chicken, Chicken Carbonara, and Chicken Primavera.
Last week at Walgreens, I bought a 24-pack of Zantac for the sale price of $8.99. I used a $1 off coupon I clipped from the paper, and in return, I received $9 in Register Rewards to use on my next purchase. Later that week I realized I needed facial moisturizers. Walgreens had L’Oreal products on sale-buy one get one free. I bought L’Oreal Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($19.99) and received Skin Genesis Deep Action Night Complex ($19.99) for free. I used the $9 Register Rewards and a $1 off coupon I clipped from The Daily Reflector on Sunday so I only had to pay $9.99 plus tax for $40 worth of facial products.
For both Kroger and Walgreens, I read the Sunday circulars found in The Daily Reflector and discovered these great deals!
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Decorating for Halloween
I love Halloween and this year I decided to throw a party since it’s on a Saturday. In preparing for a house full of costume-clad friends, I began decorating the first weekend in October. I know this seems a bit excessive, but doing it all in the two weeks before the party didn’t seem like a good plan. First I decided on a theme and color scheme and then Ventured out to the local Halloween stores. I was looking for spiders of all sizes and a skeleton. First was Hancock Fabrics, which offers a wide variety of reasonably priced seasonal fabrics — all of which were on sale for 40% off. I purchased several yards of spider web fabric to cover tables and my entertainment center. Draping these inexpensive fabrics around the room instantly transformed it. I wanted a very large, hairy spider for the corner of the living room. I priced these at the local Halloween Stores, which ran about $30 for the biggest ugliest spider. I had seen faux fur at the fabric store too and thought perhaps I could make my own spider for a fraction of the cost. One yard of black hairy spider fur in hand, which cost about $7, I set about making a spider. It was a fun project and while the spider isn’t the prettiest in the world, but that was kind of the point.
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No Name Lesson to Learn
I really, really enjoy shopping, and while some people don’t enjoy taking the time to search for a great bargain, I love it! I went shopping on Sunday in hopes of finding a few stand-out pieces to add to my closet. At Charlotte Russe, I found a great tulip skirt for $18.99 and an emerald green satin top with lace at the top that’s great to dress up or down for only $8.98. I’m not sure if it is still going on, but their clearance was marked down an extra 50%. I also got a pair of fabulous purple oversized shades at Ross for $4.99.
Finally, I had been looking for a sexy yet sophisticated black dress that I could wear to after-work functions, fundraisers, etc. so I could look chic but appropriate for the occasion. I found it … at Wal-Mart for $16! My boss thought for sure I paid at least three times that. It’s a two-toned dress with a cream satin top and a heavier knit black bottom. It fit perfect, just a few minutes to hem it, and it doesn’t look cheap like many of the other dresses in similar styles. Many fashion magazines often feature clothing by lower-priced stores so try to be open about where you can score a great bargain.
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Healthy on a Budget
Trying to live healthy on a small budget is tough work (another reason I clip so many coupons)! I am not a nutritionist, but I know portion size is a big factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle or trying to lose unwanted pounds. I’m also pretty busy with my career, friends, volunteer work and making healthy meals everyday sometimes seems like a part time job. So right now, I am relying on my loyal buddy, frozen dinners. Perfectly portioned, and honestly, better tasting than they’ve ever been, they work for me. Kroger is currently having a sale where you if you buy 10 Lean Cuisine frozen meals, they only cost $1.49 apiece, and it includes their entire product line-one dish favorites, cafe and comfort classics, spa cuisine, casual eating and dinner selects. Toss in some extra steamed veggies (3/$5 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers at Food Lion) or side salad (99 cents at Wendy’s) to help fill you up a little more. And there you have healthy on a budget.
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Detective time
One of the best ways I end up saving money is to check out the clearance sections of stores. This past weekend, while looking at spray paint, I came across a quart of a one-coat high quality paint that perfectly matched my bathroom decor. It was marked as a miss tint, but for me it was just the right shade. The best part was that the paint was half the price than if I’d had it mixed myself! So if you’re working on your home decor, it’s worth it to stroll by the miss tinted paints in the clearance sections of Home Depot, Lowe’s and even Walmart, which is where I found mine. Another money saving home decor tip deals with upholstered sofas, loveseats and chairs. I recently decided to re-upholster my sofa and loveseat. I have a sewing machine and reasonable skills on the machine, so I hit the local fabric store to check out the remnant fabric. There I found a fabric I LOVE for less than $5 a yard since it was on sale. I had priced out how much having new cushion covers would cost, and it was close to $60 per set. I need five sets, which is far too much money for me to spend. I’ve yet to sew my new cushions, but even with my time, it will still be far less expensive and I’ll have custom-designed living room that no one else will have.
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Selecting a cell phone plan
If you’re in the market for a new cell plan check out the following site:
www.myrateplan.com
It asks for your zip code and then shows you all the major carriers and all their plans so you can compared what each offers and the price.
It’s a great tool for deciding what’s the best choice for your needs.
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My secret hobby
I love to grocery shop. Seriously. When I was a little girl, I wanted to compete on the game show “Supermarket Sweep” more than anything. Once, I even got into a major argument with my ex-fiancee at a grocery store because he wanted to just zoom through the aisles and throw anything he wanted into our cart; I, on the other hand, was prepared with a calculator, lists, coupons and several circulars from other stores. I compare prices across stores and between brands. I like to figure out how to get the best deal. Needless to say, unless it’s for a few items, I now buy my groceries alone. It’s my secret hobby because I truly enjoy it.
I am partial to Food Lion and Harris Teeter mainly because they are the most convenient to where I live. Every Wednesday, The Daily Reflector carries circulars from the grocery stores, and I plan my shopping for the next week. Harris Teeter and Kroger double coupons with a face value of up to 99 cents everyday, but yesterday, Harris Teeter advertised Super Double Coupons, where they will double a coupon with a face value of up to $1.98 (limit 20 coupons per customer, per day).
Super Double Coupons means it’s time to break out my coupon organizer! That coupon I have for $1.50 off of an Oil of Olay product means I’ll save $3 now. That’s a meal from Wendy’s Value Menu! You really can save a lot of money by clipping coupons from The Daily Reflector. This Sunday’s paper that cost you $1.25 will have $69.90 in coupon savings. And that in itself, is probably the best tip this Frugal Finder can give you.
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Feeling clean
I recently moved. A totally horrendous task, but one that had to be done. I had been renting a place that included a washer and dryer. But my new home only had a washer and dryer hook-up, no appliances for cleaning my clothes. So, I managed to set aside a little bit of money — a max of $250 — to purchase a used washer and dryer. There were criteria that I wanted to fill: not too old, good brand name, multi-cycle, preferably white and, if possible, front loading. It became apparent very quickly that for the money I was willing to spend, I wasn’t going to get a front loader. None the less, after scouring the classifieds and a few Web sites, I managed to locate a washer and dryer that was local, within my budget and fit all my criteria — with the exception of them being front loading. And while a friend and I removed and transported the GE appliances to my new place, some sellers are willing to delivery their used washer and dryer for a small fee or even for free. You can purchase a used set for $150-$300 that are clean, functional and modern. Certainly there are ones that are more expensive, but that was the range I was at which I was seeking. So, if you’re on a limited budget and can’t purchase large appliances new, have a look in the classifieds before your throw the (dirty) towel.
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Skin Deep
Just a quick tip!
The Dollar Tree beside Sam’s Club on Hwy 11 has Hawaiian Tropic spray sunscreen in 30 SPF. It comes in a really fun, colorful bottle and is rub free and waterproof.
If you have a CVS Rewards card, you can receive $5 in register rewards when you buy $15 of Garnier products this week. I bought the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage Daily Moisture Lion with SPF 28, which I think is a great product. I have noticed less freckles and a healthier glow this summer, and with the SPF, I am protecting my face more than I did in the past.
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Not my first rodeo…
Target is the store where I go in with the best intentions to just buy the lotion being advertised on sale and end up spending at least $40. I blame it on my mom-it is almost impossible for me not to check out the various clearance areas around the store. It’s just how she raised me. And of course, I usually find great deals.
Yesterday was no exception. I went in for Maybelline Colassal Lash Mascara for $5.49. There was a $1.00 coupon on the packaging. Then I noticed more makeup with the bright orange clearance stickers and found a Maybelline Superstay Lipcolor in a pretty, natural soft pink for $5.76 (typically priced between $9 and $10)and a L’Oreal bronzer with two shades to transition from summer to fall for $2.48 (usually around $8).
Kashi has really healthy frozen meals and they usually are about $4.99 in the grocery stores so I was really excited to find their Chicken Pasta Pomodore for only $1.72. I bought four.
Target has really cute clothes, and I could buy lots of things from there, but I’m trying to really ask myself “do I need it?” and “does it make me look great?” before getting it. I found a cute pair of khaki drawstring shorts perfect for the beach or running errands for $3.48, and my best deal of the day-an adorable tank dress with a solid tan upper portion, a scoop neckline, 2” high elastic waistband and a chocolate brown linen-type bottom. I’m wearing it right now with a cardigan for work. Originally $24.99, I paid $6.24 for it!
My total bill for a dress, shorts, mascara, lipstick, bronzer and four frozen dinners was $29.94. Not bad, not bad.
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Tax Free weekend
Here’s a complete list of the items you can purchase this weekend tax free.
From the North Carolina Department of Revenue
http://www.dornc.com/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html
North Carolina’s tax free weekend will be held from to the following items of tangible personal property that are sold between 12:01 A.M. on the first Friday of August and 11:59 P.M. the following Sunday:
1. Clothing with a sales price of one hundred dollars ($100.00) or less per item.
“Clothing” is defined as all human wearing apparel suitable for general use including coats, jackets, hats, hosiery, scarves, and shoes. The items listed below are included in the term and are therefore exempt from tax during the sales tax holiday period if the sales price of the item is $100 or less. This list is not all-inclusive.
Aprons, household and shop Athletic supporters Baby receiving blankets Bandannas Bathing suits and caps; beach capes and coats Belts and suspenders Boots; overshoes Coats, jackets, capes, and wraps Costumes (does not include costume masks sold separately) Diapers (children and adults, including disposables) Earmuffs; gloves and mittens for general use; hats and caps; hosiery; scarves Formal wear (does not include rentals) Garters and garter belts; girdles; leotards and tights; panty hose; socks; stockings and footlets; underwear Insoles for shoes Jogging suits Lab coats Neckties Rainwear Rubber pants Sandals; shoes and shoelaces; slippers; sneakers; steel-toed shoes Uniforms (athletic and nonathletic uniforms when purchased for nonbusiness use) Wedding apparel (does not include rentals)
2. Sport or recreational equipment with a sales price of fifty dollars ($50.00) or less per item.
“Sport or recreational equipment” is defined as items designed for human use and worn in conjunction with an athletic or recreational activity that are not suitable for general use. The items listed below are included in the term and are therefore exempt from tax during the holiday period if the sales price of the item is $50 or less. This list is not all-inclusive.
Ballet and tap shoes
Cleated or spiked athletic shoes
Gloves (baseball, bowling, boxing,
hockey, golf, and other sports)
Goggles
Hand and elbow guards
Helmets (bicycle, skating, baseball, and
other sports)
Life preservers and vests
Mouth guards
Roller and ice skates
Shin guards
Shoulder pads
Ski boots
Waders, wetsuits, and fins
3. Computers with a sales price of three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500) or less per item.
A “computer” is an electronic device that accepts information in digital or similar form and manipulates it for a result based on a sequence of instructions. For purposes of the exemption during the sales tax holiday, a computer includes a central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers since these items are deemed to be necessary in the operation of the computer. The separate sale of a monitor, keyboard, mouse, or speakers is subject to the applicable tax when the item is not sold in conjunction with a central processing unit. Peripherals are not considered part of a computer and are subject to the applicable tax notwithstanding that they may be sold with the computer as a package. Peripherals must be separately stated on the invoice and the appropriate tax charged on those items.
4. Computer supplies with a sales price of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) or less per item.
A “computer supply” is an item commonly used by a student in a course of study in which a computer is used. The items listed below are included in the term and are therefore exempt from tax during the holiday period if the sales price of the item is $250 or less. This list is all-inclusive.
Computer storage media, including diskettes and compact disks Handheld electronic schedulers, except devices that are cellular phones Personal digital assistants, except devices that are cellular phones Computer printers Printer supplies for computers, including printer paper and printer ink
5. School supplies with a sales price of one hundred dollars ($100.00) or less per item.
A “school supply” is an item commonly used by a student in a course of study; the term includes school art supplies and school instructional materials. The items listed below are included in the term and are therefore exempt from tax during the holiday period if the sales price of the item is $100 or less. This list is all-inclusive.
Binders
Blackboard chalk
Book bags
Calculators
Cellophane tape
Clay and glazes
Compasses
Composition books
Crayons
Erasers
Folders (expandable, pocket, plastic, and
manila)
Glue, paste, and paste sticks
Highlighters
Index card boxes
Index cards
Legal pads
Lunch boxes
Markers
Notebooks
Paintbrushes for artwork
Paints (acrylic, tempora, and oil)
Paper (loose leaf ruled notebook paper,
copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper,
manila paper, colored paper, poster
board, and construction paper)
Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
Pencil sharpeners
Pencils
Pens
Protractors
Rulers
Scissors
Sketch and drawing pads
Watercolors
Writing tablets
6. School instructional materials with a sales price of three hundred dollars ($300.00) or less per item.
“School instructional material” is written material commonly used by a student in a course of study as a reference and to learn the subject being taught. The term is mutually exclusive of the terms “school supply” and “computer supply.” The items listed below are included in the term and are therefore exempt from tax during the holiday period if the sales price of the item is $300 or less per item. (Prior to the 2008 holiday, these items were categorized as “school supplies” and were exempt during the holiday period if the sales price of the item was $100 or less per item.) This list is all-inclusive.
Reference books Reference maps and globes Textbooks Workbooks
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It’s the little things that count
and they add up to big savings! Here are a few great ways to save extra money this weekend!
Express
20% off your ENTIRE purchase on August 7 and 8 in addition to the tax free holiday. They are also offering additional a military discount now.
Charlotte Russe:
I was in there yesterday browsing their great 2 for $8 accessories and noticed signs around the store promoting a 10% student and military discount.
Shoe Crate:
They are having their annual anniversary sale starting on August 7 with women and children’s shoes 40-50% off. I have the cutest and most comfortable pair of zebra print flip flops with a pirate skull and cross bone on them. Great local store!
Jenni K:
August means Jenni K’s annual half priced sale, and this year it is August 8-29.
The Spa at Merle Norman:
Will hold a Happy Birthday Vera sale Aug. 10-15, featuring all vintage items at 50% off
On Saturday, Aug. 15, as the week of celebration ends, the spa will hold a day of prizes, drawings and sweet treats. Be the one to bring in the oldest pattern of Vera Bradley and win an extra gift from Vera.
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Who knew? Old Navy refunds money on purchases you KEEP
Yes! You read that correctly.
Last night I returned a pair of jeans to Old Navy. I gave the salesperson my receipt (ALWAYS keep your receipts) to do the return. Then she said, “looks like you’re getting a refund on a couple of items you purchased Saturday.” I was SHOCKED. Her response was that Old Navy refunds you the difference if something you purchased goes on sale with 14 days. I received an additional $8!
I checked out the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Piper Lime (they are all owned by the same company) Web site to find out what the refund policy was for Gap and Banana Republic.
Here’s what is on the site:
“All store price adjustments must be made to the brand of original purchase and in the country of original purchase within 7 days for Gap and Banana Republic, and 14 days for Old Navy.”
Pretty cool to know. Instead of getting angry that something you’ve bought at Old Navy, Banana Republic or Gap went on sale days later, you can take your receipt and be refunded the difference.
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For your feet
Like every woman I know, I absolutely LOVE shoes. You’re basically always the same size so there is no major self-esteem issues involved, or they can transform jeans and a T-shirt into a glamorous night out outfit.
OK, you get it. I have a thing for shoes. I usually shop for them at Ross, T.J. Maxx or Marshall’s because I’m somewhat of a shoe snob. While there is nothing wrong with a shoe by someone I’ve never heard of, there is something to be said about wearing Steve Madden, BCBG…and one day, Christian Louboutin. Or Jimmy Choo would do!
Anyway, back to shoe shopping, not shoe fantasies. I found a great a pair of pointy toe, 2.5 inch Nine West black heels, perfect for work.
Regular price was $80 plus. Ross sold them for $39.99 but they were on clearance for $13.99! That’s right, $13.99! You can’t even get one of those no-name shoes for that price!
So I tried them on, and darnit, they were a little tight! What a bummer, right? Nope! I paid for the shoes and on my way to work, dropped them off at Riggan Shoe Shop.
Please remember that name. It’s located on 10th Street across from Food Lion. For $3.95, Mr. Riggan will professionally stretch your shoes, which gave me that little extra half a size I needed for them to be really comfortable.
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Welcome to Frugal Finds!
Frugal, adjective: characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources
Brooke Banson and I are thrifty shoppers. We like good deals and aren’t afraid to say so. We often talk about our recent purchases or sales we saw and decided — in these trying economic times — to share our frugal finds with you.
Our finds may include local sales, money-saving shopping tips and navigating Web sites like eBay.
We also want to hear from you. If you have a frugal find of your own, we want to know about it.
Comment on one of our blogs or send us an e-mail to kkirkswindell@coxnc.com for Kelley or bbanson@coxnc.com for Brooke.
Latest comments
It is an interesting fact that not everytime does or can it happen
... read the full comment by Cheap Groceries | Comment on My secret hobby Read My secret hobby
Speaking of appliances and household items, the ECU OneStop has great bargains where students sell their stuff when they need extra money. I bought an excellent desktop computer, upgraded and barely used for $125, a plush LR sofa (retail at $400) for $60
... read the full comment by Joy | Comment on Feeling clean Read Feeling clean
I didn’t know Harris Teeter doubled coupons! For extra coupons from the sunday paper, just go to coupons.com. There, you can click on only the coupons you want and then print them.
One of my good finds this week was going to the cottonelle
... read the full comment by mom | Comment on My secret hobby Read My secret hobby
I was wondering if you guys could find any “salvage grocery” stores in the area. These grociers usually sell “scratched and dented” items at deep discounts. In my home town there was a grocery store similar to this that bought nearly-out-of-date
... read the full comment by Mark Metcalf | Comment on Healthy on a Budget Read Healthy on a Budget