Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sunday Coupon Preview

December 5 RedPlum Coupon Preview


Posted: 29 Nov 2010 02:00 PM PST
12-5 RedPlum Coupon Preview Sunday coupon preview Regional coupon inserts & value differences are to be expected! (x) before coupon = multiple of same coupon ETS = excludes trial sizes RedPlum Coupon Insert Alka-Seltzer or Alka-Seltzer Plus product 10 count or larger Save $1.00/1 (1/31/11) Alka-Seltzer Plus Fast Powder Packs product Save $2.00/1 (1/31/11) All [...]

 "Let's save some money"

Sunday, November 21, 2010

On the Count Down to Black Friday...less than 24 hours to go!

                                                     ''HAPPY THANKSGIVING''

My turkey is in the oven.  My fifteen year old granddaughter, Jazz, will be here soon.  Jazz is in charge of making dessets for our dinner this year.  It's her first time cooking for thanksgiving.  She is sooooo excited, and I am enjoying guiding her through the baking process. We will be baking a chocolate cake and making a fresh fruit tart today.  She already made a beautiful pineapple upside down cake. I hope you are having fun while you are cooking.

Here is my cooking tip to make your cooking experience more fun:  Clean your pots and pans as you prepare; so when you finish your project you are really finished.

Enjoy your day!

You can get a preview of most of the Black Friday Sales happening  at most of the  major stores this Friday at At A Full Cup.Com. Click on the icon below to access the site.  Black  Friday is just 99.5 hours away....Yippee!!!  
Get your  game plan in hand and head out early to get the best deals. Visit my post from November 5, 2010, "Hot New Black Friday News and Tips.  There is 17 ways to prepare for Black Friday Sales included in that blog. 
I was in Sam's yesterday and noticed they have a Tom Tom GPS for $89.99 among their electronic deals. A great price! I love my Tom Tom, it get's me to the store in time.
Remember to take your Sam's Club card with you.  Check retailmenot.com and Couponcodes4u.com if you plan to shop on line. 
Ebates.com and Shopathome.com will also save you a lot of money.

 Sign up for Ebates.com and, when you do, you’ll get a $15 bonus ($5 more than the normal Ebates offer) after spending $50 at one of your favorite online retailers. Which means you could get paid to do your Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday shopping this year. And for the record we’re talkin’ awesome retailers like The Home Depot, Barnes & Noble and Target which you’d be using this holiday season anyway!
A search for sites on swagbucks.com will win you bucks that can be redeemed for gift cards at Amazon.com or gifts at the site.



Black Friday help from All You.com
Survival Guide

Be ready to nab the best deals (and maintain your sanity) with our smart shopping strategies, insider savings tips and top sales picks.
Start with where to find the greatest savings!

Use the survival guide to:
*
Get bigger discounts
* Shop more sales
* Survive the crowds
* Stay on budget 




Click on A Full Cup's  logo below to find a list and tips from all the major retailers "Black Friday Sales and Specials" 
Don't miss their forum...people just like you and I with great helps. 

Friday, November 12, 2010

Black Friday Count Down....15 days left!

Fifteen day left until "BLACK FRIDAY"
Planning is the key to getting the very best buys this year.  BlackFriday.net sent me this email of the major stores with early ads.  Search the ads and compare the prices so that you make the best deals.

I wish you joyful shopping.  



Here is the 12-page Meijer Black Friday ad and all of the items have been added to this site
along with a scan of the ad. 
This year Meijer will be opening at 5:00am on Black Friday and 
offering some great early bird specials. The best deals include: 
 
 
 
* Sony Blu-ray Disc Player for $99.00. 
 
* Nintendo Wii Mario Game Console Bundle with a $50 Meijer Custom Coupon for 
$199.99. 
 
* Apple 32GB iPod Touch with a $50 Meijer Custom Coupon for $295.00. 
 
 
 View the Meijer Black Friday ad: 
 
http://www.black-friday.net/bf/meijer-black-friday.html 
 
Amazon.com's Countdown to Black Friday sale continues with today's products 
focusing around the "Watch" theme. Over the last couple of weeks, the Amazon.com 
early Black Friday sales have been incredibly popular and products sell out 
almost instantly. We suggest you keep an eye on the Amazon.com Gold Box to check 
for when new products will appear. Some of the confirmed deals for today include 
a Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G25 42" 1080p Plasma HDTV plus a Panasonic SC-HTB500 
2.1-Channel SoundBar Speaker System for $799.99 and a Panasonic DMP-BD45 Blu-ray 
Disc Player for $79.99. Also, Best Buy is having another early Black Friday sale 
that is going on right now. Finally, Walmart has recently refreshed the products 
in their Amazing Online Specials sale and they are now offering free shipping on 
almost every order! 
 
 View the Amazon.com early Black Friday sale: 
 
http://www.black-friday.net/follow/3230 
 
 
 
View the Walmart Amazing Online Specials Sale: 
 
http://www.black-friday.net/follow/3808 
 
 
 
View the Best Buy Early Black Friday Sale: 
 
http://www.black-friday.net/follow/4165 
 
 
 
View the JC Penney Black Friday ad: 
 
http://www.black-friday.net/bf/jcpenney-black-friday.html 
 
Here's the roundup of the best Black Friday freebies and deals at CVS and Walgreens.
Note: some 24-hour stores will be staying open on Thanksgiving, so you may have an opportunity to take advantage of some of these deals promptly at 12:01am on Black Friday morning.  Walgreens will likely close some of its less-trafficked neighborhood locations at 6pm at Thanksgiving, so those spots might not be open until 4am or later.
If you're brand-new to drugstore shopping, don't enter those doors without getting a handle on the bounce back programs both chains offer.  Read all about the CVS Extra Bucks card and the Walgreens Register Rewards program before you set your alarm clock for bright and early Black Friday morning.
Best Black Friday freebies and deals at CVS
Best freebie deals in the CVS Black Friday ad -- CVS has a whopping twelve freebie deals for customers who get there before the shelves are wiped clean, including two different brands of free shampoo, candy, Advil (for your post-shopping collapse) and lots more.
Best deals in the CVS Black Friday ad -- CVS is bringing in special assortments of gifts and toys specifically for this weekend; enjoy BOGO deals on things like Zhu Zhu hamsters, Christmas LED lights, perfumes, and more.
Best Black Friday freebies and deals at Walgreens
Best freebie deals in the Walgreens Black Friday ad -- Veteran Wags shoppers know to split their shopping trip in two: the first transaction should be loaded up with these sorts of free after bounce back coupon deals, then you can use all the Jingle Ca$h/Register Rewards you generate to pay for the rest of your purchases.  Find out how to score over $40 worth of toiletries for free on Black Friday morning!
Best deals in the Walgreens Black Friday ad -- Once you've got your fistful of Jingle Ca$h to spend, consider picking up hot BOGO deals on pre-wrapped gift gadgets and inflatable decorations for your Christmas lawn.  Plus name-brand fragrances for up to 75% off!
More ways to save on your Black Friday shopping
Thanks,Jennifer @www.examiner.com San Antonia  
 As always,
"Let's save some money"
Jean 

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Free Stuff on Veteran's Day

Free stuff on Veteran’s Day



Thanks, Freestufftimes.com

Grab a $10 off Coupon for Disney's A Christmas Carol! It releases next week in stores!


.Thanks guys for this deal!
As always,
"Lets save some money"
Jean


A Salute to Our Veterans

To every Veteran, thank you for your service to our country.   We owe our lives to you. Thank you for your sacrifices that we might be free.  We send our prayers for your safety.   

"America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brother-hood, From sea to shining sea!"

You are America to me!
Love to you all,
Jean

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Frugal Christmas Gift Giving Ideas

Starting today through Nov 15th, you can grab 80% off Gift Certificates at Restaurant.com. Just use code GIVE at checkout to get $25 Gift Certificiates for $2.00 and $10 Gift Certificates for around $.80!

But, in my opinion, instead of purchasing a Gift Certificate as a present.... purchase a Gift Card!  The gift card can be given to anyone and then they can get online and purchase the discounted gift certificates to places they want to go.  Plus, you can use your discount code to purchase the Gift Card as a discount. 
Here is an example of how it would work:
  • Purchase a Gift Card. Let's say it is a $25 Gift Card.
  • Use code GIVE to drop the price from $25 down to only $3.00
  • Checkout and you will pay $3.00 for the $25 Gift Card.
They then get online and can redeem the gift card for the restaurant of their choice!

**Please note the difference in when I say Gift Card and Gift Certificate...they are totally different things.  So don't get confused.
      
My facebook friend Deidre posted this recipe on my facebook page, it really sounds great. It was published in Taste of Home Magazine in 2006.  Taste of Home is known for great recipes from real everyday cooks.  I think this would make a great gift for someone on your Christmas list with a sweet tooth.
Eggnog Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
  • 1-1/4 cups eggnog
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)

Directions

  • In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggnog, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Pour into pastry shell.
  • Bake at 375° for 60-65 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 6-8 servings.
Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with commercially prepared eggnog.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 piece) equals 285 calories, 12 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 108 mg cholesterol, 221 mg sodium, 40 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 6 g protein.
Eggnog Pumpkin Pie published in Taste of Home October/November 2006, p11 


 Get some great deals at Stein Mart.  Where great deals always abound!

Stein Mart The more cashmere, the merrier! There’s an exclusive sale going on at Stein Mart’s online shop only! Save 20% off your order when you buy 2 or more items (use code: 20OffTwo) OR get free UPS ground shipping (use code: FreeShip). Don’t miss out, offer ends on 11/15 at 10 a.m. EST http://bit.ly/cW9c7G


dealseekingmom.com
Best Deal Magazines has a great deal on Taste of Home this week! Get a one-year subscription to Taste of Home magazine for just $5.

All you, my favorite Magazine, is still giving a free sample everyday.  Today's sample is a free Flat Rate Shipping kit just in time for you to mail off those Christmas gifts.   It's free, don't miss out.

All You magazine Check out today's free sample-- get a free Flat Rate Shipping Kit (just in time for holiday gift mailing). Hurry and request yours while supplies last. http://bit.ly/9TntHz




Toys for the kids.....A Toys R Us near you.   600 express stores opening!

If you order on line, order through ebates.com and "Let's save some money this Christmas.

Our Biggest R Us Rewards Ever!
Now Open Toys''R''Us Express Stores
Over 600 new locations to make holiday shopping easier.



Money-saving tips for the holidays

If you take a little taste of the holidays now, you could be way ahead of the game come Dec. 1.
"The less time you have at the holidays, the more likely you are to spend more, just to get things out of the way," says Gerri Detweiler, author of "The Ultimate Credit Handbook."

1. Make your budget and gift list now.

Since your holiday budget is likely to be similar to what you've spent in years past, Chris Farrell, author of "Right on the Money" says. "You can pretty much come up with your budget."As for gifts, advance planning removes the deadline pressure, but it does require some added consideration. "You really have to be more thoughtful about the gifts you're buying," says Farrell. "And you have to think, 'Will they like this come December?'"

2. Set aside some money.

"Remember that anything you put on credit cards and finance at those convenient monthly (rates) costs more," says Gary Foreman, publisher of The Dollar Stretcher. "Now is the time when, if you're in the habit of going out for lunch every day at work, maybe you bring leftovers once a week and sock away that $6 to $8."
Before you know it, those lunch savings will add up to a tidy sum you can spend on the holidays. Want to make it almost painless? Set up an automatic deposit to a savings account or Christmas club fund.

3. Start shopping now.

Sock away money for presents and you still have to do your shopping later. But salt away actual gifts and you've saved time and money.If you're the type of person who shops estate sales or garage sales you'll have time to find that perfect present, says Foreman.
advertisement
Shopping months ahead means you can make the most of sales and seasonal pricing trends. Spreading out your spending "is a good way to avoid using credit cards," says Farrell. "The reason people use credit cards at Christmas is they are going out and buying a lot of things all at once."
Early shopping also gives you the chance to pick up nonspecific gifts at bargain prices. Good late-summer buys include outdoor entertainment-related items, such as hand-blown imported lanterns, says Rebecca Kolls of Seasons by Rebecca. Stores, she says, "are practically giving that stuff away now."

Money-saving tips for the holidays

If you take a little taste of the holidays now, you could be way ahead of the game come Dec. 1.
"The less time you have at the holidays, the more likely you are to spend more, just to get things out of the way," says Gerri Detweiler, author of "The Ultimate Credit Handbook."

1. Make your budget and gift list now.

Since your holiday budget is likely to be similar to what you've spent in years past, Chris Farrell, author of "Right on the Money" says. "You can pretty much come up with your budget."As for gifts, advance planning removes the deadline pressure, but it does require some added consideration. "You really have to be more thoughtful about the gifts you're buying," says Farrell. "And you have to think, 'Will they like this come December?'"

2. Set aside some money.

"Remember that anything you put on credit cards and finance at those convenient monthly (rates) costs more," says Gary Foreman, publisher of The Dollar Stretcher. "Now is the time when, if you're in the habit of going out for lunch every day at work, maybe you bring leftovers once a week and sock away that $6 to $8."
Before you know it, those lunch savings will add up to a tidy sum you can spend on the holidays. Want to make it almost painless? Set up an automatic deposit to a savings account or Christmas club fund.

3. Start shopping now.

Sock away money for presents and you still have to do your shopping later. But salt away actual gifts and you've saved time and money.If you're the type of person who shops estate sales or garage sales you'll have time to find that perfect present, says Foreman.
advertisement
Shopping months ahead means you can make the most of sales and seasonal pricing trends. Spreading out your spending "is a good way to avoid using credit cards," says Farrell. "The reason people use credit cards at Christmas is they are going out and buying a lot of things all at once."
Early shopping also gives you the chance to pick up nonspecific gifts at bargain prices. Good late-summer buys include outdoor entertainment-related items, such as hand-blown imported lanterns, says Rebecca Kolls of Seasons by Rebecca. Stores, she says, "are practically giving that stuff away now."

Carol Schroeder, author of "Specialty Shop Retailing," suggests looking for "things like stationery, soap or (nonperishable) holiday foods or decorations. Those are things that anyone can use and give you flexibility to use them as hostess gifts or last-minute gifts."
If you prefer to make gifts instead of buying them, get crafty now. "Who's got time for that Dec. 15?" says Foreman. By starting early you can use evenings and odd moments to actually finish your projects.

4. Order early.

Do you prefer shopping from home instead of maneuvering the malls? Take advantage of the catalogs that are starting to trickle in, says P. Allen Smith of P. Allen Smith Gardens."I've got my holiday bulbs ordered now, so when they arrive Nov. 1, I can just start potting them up," says Smith. "You can also get them started and give them as gifts."
It's a money-saver, too. In the fall, amaryllis bulbs go for $2.50, says Kolls. Buy them as blooming plants two months from now, "and you've already kicked (the price) up $30," she says.
Early mail-order and online shopping also allows you to save on shipping. Buy at the last minute and you pay a premium for shipping. Buy early and use the delivery method that is the most economical, says Foreman.

5. Pick your plastic.

If you plan on charging your holiday purchases, choose the credit card you want to use. "Negotiate a low interest rate on it if you think you'll be carrying a balance," says Detweiler.And if all of your credit cards are maxed out, take control of your debt now rather than during the holiday rush.
"If you're having trouble," says Detweiler. "Now is a good time to talk with a credit counseling agency."
advertisement

6. Check your credit report.

Make sure the credit card you plan to use will be accepted. One out of four credit reports contains an error serious enough to trigger a refusal of credit, according to a 2004 U.S. Public Interest Research Group study. "The interest rate for holiday purchases is definitely affected by your credit report," says Detweiler. If you find a mistake, you'll have time to correct it before the holidays.

7. Preset the holiday table.

"There are so many ways to set a delicious table without spending a lot of money," says Kolls. One of her favorites: Get the makings for a table cloth from the cloth store bargain bin or pick up an on-sale sheet with a cool design. Start ahead and you'll have plenty of time to find something you like.Also buy special groceries gradually. "If you're the kind of family who likes baked goods, now's the time to stock up on ingredients that won't spoil," says Foreman.
And ask yourself what you can cook ahead of the holiday dinner and freeze, says Kolls. She uses this trick to help with Christmas sugar cookies, a tradition with her family.

8. Include the family.

"It's a good time to sit down with kids and establish some guidelines," says Detweiler. Depending on their ages, you can touch on how much they can spend, what they can expect and what they can do to help others, she says. "And maybe even give them extra chores to earn money for holiday spending."Don't forget about the rest of the family. Did last year's spending get out of control? Before the holiday music hits the airwaves, talk with relatives about this year's gift policies, says Foreman. Consider trading names, making charitable donations in honor of each other, simply sending cards or baked goods or organizing a gift-free potluck family dinner.

9. Plan a special moment.

Want to enjoy dinner with your spouse at that superexclusive -- and costly -- restaurant during the holiday season? Or make a holiday weekend of it at that special bed and breakfast? If you make the reservations and start setting aside the money now, "you've planned for it, you're not just putting it on the credit card," Farrell says.

10. Book your holiday travel.

If you're opting for a high-traffic destination, a cruise or an international jaunt, book those tickets and hotel rooms early, says Edward Hasbrouck, author of "The Practical Nomad." When it comes to international or popular options, "you save money by doing it now," he says.

11. Stock up on supplies.

What's the one thing (other than cash) that you never have too much of at the holidays? Time. Buy candles, glass or crystal items, ribbon, faux greens, wreath forms, and other items now when you see a good price, says Smith. Then in a few months when it's time to deck the halls, decorating will be quick and easy.The selection is better earlier. Plus, having time to search for those supplies also gives you the chance to stretch your imagination. Start looking at inexpensive store merchandise with an eye toward the holidays, says Smith. One example: Chinese lanterns or paper umbrellas look Christmasy in yuletide red.
"The bottom line is: Be creative," he says.

12. Give back to your community.

While food banks typically get half their donations in November and December, in the fall, the Salvation Army is helping kids with back-to-school clothes and supplies. With their year-round schedule of serving people through youth programs, care for the sick and elderly, substance abuse counseling and providing shelter or education, the opportunities for donating throughout the year can still count as holiday gifts, says Melissa Temme, public relations director for the Salvation Army."If you're looking for a way to give back but can't afford to do it all at once, give monthly gifts of financial donations, volunteer or in-kind support in the name of a friend or family member and surprise them at Christmastime with the total support you've given to the community in their name during the year," Temme says. "Many charities have a way to help you package this kind of gift."
Your holiday-inspired generosity also might pay you back a bit in the form of a tax deduction for your donations. While the tax savings won't show up until you file your return next year, you can set aside the money then for next Christmas.
What a great article!


























As always."Let's save some money"
Jean

Monday, November 8, 2010

Kodak EasyShare Digital Zoom HD Camera $59.98 & Free Shipping!

This is  great little camera.  I bought it for my vacation this past summer.  I fits great in my purse and the pictures were beautiful and crisp.  I enjoy using it.  What a great price!  It's today only.
Today only (and while supplies last) Tanga.com is offering this 12MP Kodak Easyshare camera for $59.98 Including shipping.

Thanks, wisebread 

As always,
"Let's save some money"

Jean


Friday, November 5, 2010

Hot New Black Friday News and Tips

I received this email from BlackFriday.info in my email box this morning:

Today has been a busy day for new Black Friday ads and early Black Friday sales. 
We are sending you yet another email to let you know that we have just received 
a copy of the 48-page Sears Black Friday ad. This year they will be opening 
their doors at 4:00am and the main doorbuster deals in the circular include a 
Zenith 42" 720p Plasma HDTV for $399.99, a Samsung 40" 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV for 
$497.99, and a Kenmore 4.0 Cu. Ft. Washer and Kenmore 7.3 Cu. Ft. Dryer for Hot
$599.98. 
 
Kohl's Black Friday Deals
This is an email alert to let you know that we've just received the Kohl's Black 
Friday ad and have added all of the items to the site along with a scan of the 
ad. This year Kohl's will be opening at 3:00am on Black Friday while offering 
over 400+ early bird specials. This 64-page ad features general deals on 
clothing, jewelry, kitchen appliances, and more. 
 
 

Women's Ankle Boots from $15 (Up to 75% off)
It's a great day for boots! 6pm.com is offering up to 75% off their inventory of boots. Prices start around $15 and they have a huge selection. The "Mallie" boots (pictured) are $23.60.
Now through November 8th you can take advantage of the 70% off sale at Restaurant.com. Enter the code "MEAL" at checkout. You'll get the $25 gift certificates for $3 and if you buy 5 you get one free.
Log In
Become a Member

 


Here is an article worth reading if you are planning to shop on "Black Friday" November 26, 2010










17 Ways to Prepare for Black Friday Sales

Submitted by: Kira @ Tip Hero  
Ahh, Black Friday. Time to camp out in front of stores at four in the morning, even though you're still full to bursting with turkey. Time to get those elbows ready to shove people who are in between you and the hottest deals. Time to drink that coffee and put your game face on, because those deals certainly won't last.

The biggest shopping day of the year (this year, November 27th, the Friday after Thanksgiving) can be a great opportunity to score some wonderful deals. However, it can also be a very overwhelming day, especially if you're unprepared. So, to make sure Black Friday doesn't leave you trampled to death without anything to show for it, I've provided a guide for you to follow. Here's what you can do before and during Black Friday to increase your chances of success on America's favorite shopping day.


Pregame

If you're planning on taking advantage of Black Friday sales, the best time to prepare is now. Here are some ways you can make sure you're ready for the big day.

  1. Buy a Newspaper: check out the advertisements of local sales taking place on Black Friday. That way, you can get an idea of where you want to go and reduce that panicky, overwhelmed feeling. Also make sure to bring any ads with you to avoid arguments (especially before some of the disgruntled employees have had their morning coffee).
  2. Make a List, Check it Twice: make sure you have a list of the people you are shopping for, and also an idea of what you'd like to get them. Stick to this list as much as you can. It is your lifeline. It is the one thing you can hold on to in order to prevent a nasty bout of impulse shopping.
  3. Check Your Face(Book): many Black Friday-themed Facebook pages feature giveaways to fans. For example, the Black Friday page is planning a giveaway when it reaches 20,000 fans. Also, BFAds is offering $150 to the winner of their contest.
  4. Tweet Tweet: the most current information about Black Friday 2010 is on Twitter. Check out feeds like Blackfriday and Blackfriday_fm. You can also check out individual store feeds, like SearsDeals and BestBuy.
  5. Online Coupons: you can find these any day, but chances are that most retailers will release special coupons for Black Friday specifically. Search for coupons from your favorite retailers before you brave the crowds.
  6. Check Out Black Friday Pages: take a peek at sites specifically devoted to showcasing Black Friday deals. Here are just a few: Slick Deals, BlackFriday.info, and Black Friday @ GottaDeal.com.
  7. There's an App for That: if you've got a smart phone, it can easily come to your aid on Black Friday. On the iPhone, you can download free apps like TGI Black Friday or ShopSavvy. On Android, there's also a free app called Black Friday Survival Guide that brings Black Friday news and sales right to your phone.
  8. Familiarize Yourself With Store Policies: read up on store policies on price guarantees, returns, refunds and price matching. You'll want to be aware if price matching, for example, is applicable on Black Friday prices.
  9. Night Owl Discounts: try shopping online in the pre-dawn hours of Black Friday. You can often times find "web only" deals as early as Thanksgiving Eve. Also, About.com says that "[m]any of the aggressive outlet malls and factory stores will be opening Thursday at midnight, with early bird promotions in hopes of capturing your dollars before the competition has opened."



Game Day

So you've done your research and have your ads in hand. Now what? Here are some tips for the big day:

  1. Leave the Credit and Debit Cards at Home: bring cash to make it impossible to deviate from your intended budget. (Of course, some would advise you to use credit cards and just be sure that you're using the right ones to maximize cash back opportunities and rewards.)
  2. Dress for Success: if you're going to be standing in line at 5am, make sure to dress comfortably and warmly. Layers are key, because once you get in the store, chances are all that bargain hunting will have you working up a sweat. Also be sure to wear shoes that you'll be comfortable standing in all day.
  3. Sustenance: bring a few snacks and drinks to keep your blood-sugar levels up and to stay hydrated. This way, you'll prevent yourself from popping over to the food court.
  4. Create a Game Plan: use all of your research to determine which stores you'd most like to hit. Which stores require you to be in line the earliest? Which stores feature deals all day and not just until 11am? Use all of this information to create your own Black Friday map that you can refer to throughout the day.
  5. Enlist a Friend: two people can typically hunt down bargains better than one. And if one of you needs a bathroom break while you're waiting in those horrific lines, you'll have a ready-made place holder.
  6. Shop Online: check to see if your favorite stores will make their Black Friday prices available online. Why beat back the crowds if you can get the same deals while you sip a hot beverage in your PJs at home?
  7. Look for "Hidden" Items: Not Made of Money has some amusing advice:
    I know it sounds crazy but people like to "hide" items ahead of time to ensure they will snag what they want come Black Friday. I've found the same thing to be true during Target's clearance times. The most popular hiding places are in the bedding, housewares, and furniture departments. I once found an Oneida stainless steel flatware set (that had gone on clearance to 75% off) hidden between the boxes of bookshelves in the furniture department.
  8. Ask for Gift Receipts: you'll want to have proof of purchase for the items you buy, especially if they are for someone else. If the recipient doesn't want the gift, a gift receipt will help ensure a hassle-free return experience.



What are your best tips for braving the crowds on Black Friday? Will you be heading out to take advantage of the sales, or will you be sitting this one out? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below, and thanks for being a Tip Hero!

A big "thank you" goes out to the following sources: eHow, US News, Not Made of Money, Couponing @ About.com

Photo credit: vegascheaply.ly

Thanks, Kara and Tip Hero

As always, "Let's save some money"
Jean           

 




















Posted by Rinchen on November 05, 2010 9:20 AM
.................................



.................................















 
 
Women's Ankle Boots from $15 (Up to 75% off)
It's a great day for boots! 6pm.com is offering up to 75% off their inventory of boots. Prices start around $15 and they have a huge selection. The "Mallie" boots (pictured) are $23.60.
Now through November 8th you can take advantage of the 70% off sale at Restaurant.com. Enter the code "MEAL" at checkout. You'll get the $25 gift certificates for $3 and if you buy 5 you get one free.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Better Face Book Has Come

The Queen has spoken, Kim Komamdo, the queen of everything technical has found yet another great download to enhance our face book experience; and it's free, there is nothing better in the frugal world than free!




Better Facebook  has come! 
Kim said this about the program:
It's an extension for most major Web browsers. It lets you customize Facebook to your heart's content.
For example, you can make a tabbed news feed. Put your game notifications front and center. You can also filter your news feed with advanced options. Block certain posts from certain friends.
That's just the beginning. You can make the font a more readable size. Highlight new comments, make the top menu static or see detailed friend activity. You can even see who has unfriended you. That's only a handful of what it can do. Check it out now!
Cost: Free
Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OSX

Click Here to Download Now >>

Thanks, Kim Komando
As always,
"Let's save some Money"
Jean

Free Flu Shots in Hamilton County and Pre Black Friday Specials

Limited amount of flu shots for anyone 6 months and older, by appointment only

HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO Hamilton County Public Health (HCPH) is working with local communities to provide free seasonal flu vaccine on Saturday, November 6. For the last few years, Hamilton County Public Health has been working with local cities, villages and townships to develop a plan that would utilize familiar local places as Points of Dispensing should the need for mass medication or vaccine distribution arise during a public health emergency. By utilizing several Points of Dispensing, called PODs, travel and wait time will be minimal. This flu shot distribution is a simulation of how a POD would operate during a real emergency.

Flu vaccine is free and open to anyone 6 months and older, regardless of residency. Individuals must pre-register by calling 513-946-7800 between October 20 and November 3. Name, phone number, number in household seeking vaccine and number of children younger than 35 months will need to be provided for pre-registration. Only the flu shot version of the seasonal flu vaccine will be available.

All locations will operate on Saturday, November 6 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Deer Park High School
8351 Plainfield Rd
Deer Park 45236

LifeSpring Christian Church
1373 W. Galbraith Rd.
North College Hill 45231

Mt. Notre Dame High School
711 E. Columbia Ave.
Reading 45215

Wyoming Public Safety Building
600 Grove Ave.
Wyoming 45215

Fairfax (R.G. Cribbets)
Recreation Center
5903 Hawthorne St.
Fairfax 45227

St. Thomas Episcopal Church
100 Miami Ave
Terrace Park 45174

Crosby Twp. Senior Center
8910 Willey Rd,
Crosby Township 45030



Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Getting a flu shot is the single best way to avoid getting the flu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. 
There are many different flu viruses and the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common this season, including H1N1.
In addition to being vaccinated, everyone can help stop the spread of illness by washing hands thoroughly and often; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth; staying away from sick people; covering mouths when sneezing or coughing; and staying home from work or school if sick.


Megan Hummel
Public Affairs Specialist
Hamilton County Public Health
513-946-7808

Thanks,Marion and Miriam


Pre - Black Friday Sale

Best Buy has announced their own pre-Black Friday sale that will take place tomorrow and Saturday (Nov 5th-6th),
a full day earlier than the Walmart sale. This year, they are featuring one 
laptop deal along with discounts on video games and electronics. The laptop is a 
Gateway/eMachines 15.6" eME442-V133 Laptop w/AMD V-Series Processor, Windows 7, 
2GB Memory, and a 250GB Hard Drive for $279.99. For almost all of the products 
in this early sale, Best Buy says that there will be a minimum of two of each 
item per store and a limit of one item per person. Since it does not appear that 
the stores will be fully stocked. Shop online at BestBuy.com for 
a better shot at getting the deals tomorrow.  
 
View the Best Buy Early Black Friday Sale Info: 
 
http://www.black-friday.net/follow/4165 
As always,
"Let's save some Money"
Jean