Frugal Finds

Daily Reflector staffers and thrifty consumers Kelley Kirk and Brooke Banson share saving tips on all things shopping, from groceries, clothes and accessories to entertainment, items for the home and more.

Recent Entries

  • Always be prepared
    By Brooke Banson | Monday, February 22, 2010 - 16:22

     I carry a coupon organizer. Everyday.
    When I am packing my purse to go out with friends, I make sure to take it out. Why? Because everyone seems to tease me when they see it!  Once it accidently fell out of my purse leaving Chico's, and all the guys in our dinner group seemed to think it made me appear ... "frugal."  I'm okay with that because frugal in my world means more money for travel, bills, shopping and extras like going to dinner at Chico's.
    Last week, I went to Rite Aid to buy L'Oreal Genesis night and day moisturizers, non-sale price of $19.99 each.  They were on sale for $12.99 apiece, and I had a $3 coupon.  Savings=$17!  
    While comparison shopping in that aisle, I also found Oil of Olay products on clearance.  I bought two Oil of Olay Age-Defying Moisturizing Body Washes for $1.79 apiece.  Regular price $7.99. Clearance price $2.79. My price $1.79. Why?  My coupon organizer. I had a few $1 off coupons. Savings=$6.20 each bottle
    Always be prepared ... you know never know what kind of bargain you can find!  And I may not carry my coupon organizer with me when I'm out for my social life, I can guarantee you there are a still a food restaurant and clothing store coupons in my wallet! 

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  • My Sister's Closet
    By Brooke Banson | Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 14:21

    My Sister's Closet is an upscale consignment store that benefits the Center for Family Violence Prevention (formerly the Family Violence Program) that relies on new and gently used donations from the community and local businesses. It is located at 329 E. Arlington Blvd., between Boulevard Bagel and Mi Cabana. Recently my friend Leah excitedly called to tell me about some great things she bought from there so I asked her to tell me everything she purchased, which included Black Tod's (designer) leather loafters and genuine leather knee boots, both $4 apiece; an Eddie Bauer wool turtleneck sweater and a Banana Republic angora blend sweater, both $4 apiece; and a $5 gray fiited wool blazer. She also told me to mention all the great jewelry and purses that were there too and praised the sweater selection.  There are several other consignment shops in Greenville so I encourage you to visit those also to find a vintage piece, tailored classics or a unique item maybe for a special occasion or theme party.

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  • Tis the season
    By Bobby Burns | Monday, January 11, 2010 - 12:14

    Tis the season for celebrations, family, overindulgence, traffic and incredible deals!

    Just a few quick tips for our readers that I have been using myself!

    1.  Never discount the Dollar Tree.  I just bought several got2b products including anti-frizz spray, curl creme and hair serum (normal price between $5 and $10 apiece) at the one between Staple's and Michael's. 

    2. Turn a cheap bottle of wine from the grocery store into a cute host/hostess gift by wrapping it in lots of colorful tissue paper and putting a big bow on it. I like the sparkly wide ribbon with wire in it (many people use this ribbon on their Christmas trees) so you can create a pretty bow easily. Again, the Dollar Tree is the way to go to grab a few wrapping essentials, at least until the after-holidays sales offer huge discounts on these.

    3. Parties, parties, parties. As I've mentioned before (and I'll say again, I'm sure), buy one get one free deals and clipping coupons is a huge money saver. I clipped several 50 cents off coupons for Tony's frozen pizza and $1.50 Farm Fresh appetizers out of The Daily Reflector on Sunday and went to Harris Teeter, where they double coupons up to 99 cents daily. Tony's frozen pizzas were on sale for $1 apiece which meant that the six I bought were FREE, and I got two 1.4lb. bags of yummy Farm Fresh mozzarella bites for $3.50. I'm going to bake the pizzas, cut them into bite size pizzas and serve
    them with the mozzarella bites to create a yummy "Italian" themed platter at my cocktail party. Include a ramekin of mariana sauce in the center and ta-da!  Sure beats chips and salsa!

     

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  • frugal find test
    By Bobby Burns | Monday, January 11, 2010 - 12:00

    test for frugal finds

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