Monday, January 2, 2012

My newest addiction....

One way to make and save money is to buy used and sell stuff when you no longer have a need for it. Social media is now in on this!  Facebook has groups that are very similar to craigslist. In my opinion things move a lot faster and for some reason seeing a first and last name along with a picture makes it feel somewhat safer and no spam.

Beaver County Area FB Kids Flea Market-This site is for buying and selling kids items, must be willing to travel to Beaver county. There is a Pittsburgh one but I like the Beaver county one better!
Beaver County Area Misc. FB Flea Market-This one is for everything else but kid stuff!

By selling things on the sites listed above I have easily made over $200....which went to my kid's Christmas :) I also scored some amazing deals and met some great people! Double bonus!

It's time to start Christmas shopping!

YES!!! I said it's time to start Christmas shopping!  It will be here before you know it :)

This time of the year is the best time to take advantage of the clearance at all your local stores, maybe buy some stocking stuffers, stuff to make goodie bags for your child's class, decorations....the list goes on and on!

Target has a bunch of things still in their clearance sections.  I was there today and scored tubs of sprinkles for 30 cents each. I got a new wreath for my door for about $7. Tissue paper for 60 cents. Starbucks instant holiday blend coffee for $2.99 (this is pretty yummy btw)!

At Walmart today a lot of things are still just 50% off but some stuff like candy is 75% off.  I managed to get a Hello Kitty bubble bath decanter for $3.75....originally $15.  I also got my 11 yr old a stocking stuffer of perfume and a teddy bear for $1.25. They had hot chocolate gift boxes with mugs, graham crackers, hot chocolate mix and marshmallows for $2!

Also, I am sure I will be posting more on this at a later date but keep your eye out for Target's HUGE toy clearance!  At Monaca's Target they have moved all the toys to one aisle but they are only 30% off....I will wait until they are 75% before I start my shopping for my girls.

One idea is to make a list of who you have to buy for and what their age will be when you need a present.  Think Easter baskets, birthday presents, Christmas and any other time where a toy is appropriate! Since I shop year round and buy things on clearance I am able to spoil my girls without totally breaking the bank. 


So far for next Christmas I have tissue paper, wrapping paper, sprinkles for my baking, things for goodie bags for my daughter's class (Morgan will be in kindergarten! eeek!) stocking stuffers, a present for my daughter, paper plates, and I am sure there is some things I am forgetting!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!!!!

I know I have been MIA for awhile, but I am hoping to help you save money in 2012! Every year one of my resolutions is to find ways to save my family money. Hopefully, we can come up with some creative ways that my family won't notice!

Stay tuned, more to come!

*If you haven't already, go to Target and stock up on wrapping paper and supplies for next Christmas, most stores are at least 70% off!*

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Target Toy Clearance!

I absolutely love Target! It is my weakness, which is why I try not to go there too often.  Even with the best of intentions, a list, my coupons paired up, I almost always find more things I can't live without when I go there.

Twice a year, Target has a spectacular toy clearance....I mean it guys it's AWESOME! You already missed the first one of the year (or maybe you didn't, if so post your good deals!) but the second one for the year should be happening any time now!!!

Currently most stores have a lot of toys marked 30% off, these will go down to 50% off and then down to 75% off....and maybe a few to 90% but that's pushing it!

I have little girls so I do not pay much attention to boy toys but I know they usually have a bunch of things for both! Last year I got a Leap Frog alphabet ball for like $6, a TAG reader for around $10, Fisher Price little mommy set (retails $50 regularly) for $12. My basement has Christmas presents ready for my niece, and all 3 of my daughters. Now, don't get me wrong I still have to buy them other things!

Some of you may be saying, "Lori I can't think that far ahead" or "How do I know what my kid's will like at Christmastime" well you have a point.  It is far ahead but seriously Christmas will be here before we know it....and while you may not know what the hottest toy on the market will be in December, you generally know if your child likes Polly Pockets, Zhu Zhu's (which will probably be like $2) Barbies, Lego's, or whatever.  For example, my youngest is only 15 months...she really doesn't have any interests at the moment. Unless you count opening my kitchen cupboards and chewing on sponges! So I plan to buy her toys that a general 2 year old girl will like.  Dolls, blocks, puzzles....those kinds of things.  But in my head I will plan on buying her maybe 2 more items closer to Christmas.  This way I won't overspend but still have scored some amazing deals!  (Yes I plan to score awesome deals on the 1 yr old's presents since I have a feeling the 10 yr old and 4 yr old will be breaking the bank with their wants this year!!)

I will keep you posted when I see that it is hitting the Pittsburgh area...plan to go the day that happens to have a good selection!  People fill up several carts during this time, be prepared....and BE NICE!

Keep your eye on Totally Target's website since I am sure she will be more in the know than me!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Deals beginning July 7th

My coupon binder is out in my car, but here is the deals I am spotting.

Giant Eagle
Best Life Buttery Spread is on sale for $1.50 (I know there is a coupon that will either make it free or 50 cents, I just need to double check)

Honestly not much else pops out at me.  I will be checking my yogurt coupons with the sales, but I am pretty stocked on yogurt!

Shop N Save (Cranberry, Ambridge, Zelienople, and East Rochester)
Chicken breasts 4/$20
Ragu 0.99 (We have a boat load of this from a Giant Eagle sale awhile back, but I think it's a good price)
Ground Chuck $1.98/lb
Eckrich Meat Franks Buy One get 2 FREE.  (If you can use 3 coupons this will rock!)
Maxwell House 34.5oz can $6.99 (my favorite coffee, woohoo!)

Foodland
Iceberg Lettuce $1
Short Cut Carrots $1


Hmm, not really anything that wows me! Hope you find something that excites you! 

Monday, June 27, 2011

Check out your library!

A free thing to do as a family is to head to the library! Check out books and dvd's, enjoy story hour and my own personal fave....sift through the coupon exchange box!  I am not sure if all libraries have these, but the Chippewa one in Beaver county does. Last year when I was on maternity leave, the girls and I would head there for an afternoon activity.  They would play with the puppets and look for books, and I would sit and look through coupons!  I found a ton of useful coupons there and also brought in ones I wouldn't be using. 

Next time you are at the library check and see if they have one, or if they would consider having one! Can't hurt to ask!

SaveMore.com

I am doing my daily check in with my favorite blogs. My most recent favorite is A Few ShortCuts. Today she had a link to SaveMore dot com and if you sign up you get a $10 credit.  Today they have 2 pack of snap bracelet watches......which is cheap stocking stuffers for my girls!  Yay!  My 10 year old will love this and the extra one I can either give to my 4 year old, or save for a birthday party! I always love to attach something small to give with a gift card!

One way to save money is to buy items when you spot a good deal, but also with a certain occasion in mind.  Currently in my basement I have a few Christmas presents for my girls, plus gifts I can use if we're invited to a party for another little girl.

*Keep your eye on Target, usually in July they will mark down a ton of toys and you can start doing your Christmas shopping! (They also do a huge clearance in January!)*