In case you haven't heard of it before, I will tell you about Ebates. Ebates is a company that acts as a middle man between you and online stores. The stores such as Old Navy, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Children's Place (essentially all the main stores you could think of) pay Ebates to direct customers their way, and Ebates shares the profits with you! There is no gimmick. I have been paid several times just for shopping as I normally would. I even got 21% back on a magazine subscription.
Simply use this link to sign up, and shop as you normally would, and earn $5 right off the bat. Earn up to 26% cash back on your purchases! They have soo many stores to choose from, and they also list coupon codes to save extra money. This one is a no-brainer! Try it out today!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monogrammed Wall Hanging Tutorial
Here's what I'm working on this week: a monogrammed plaque for my new nephew's nursery. This is how I made it.
I started by painting a large wooden plaque that I purchased at Michael's.
I then cut out a large letter using my Cricut machine. You could also cut it by hand. I adhered it using simple Elmer's glue.
I painted the beveled edge of the plaque a chartreuse green to coordinate with the pattern on the letter.
I then nailed on a picture hanger (available at any hardware store, or Walmart).
Hang it up!
Hopefully my brother and his wife will enjoy this little addition for their little addition!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Buying Coupons?
I never thought I'd be one to do it, but today I officially bought my first coupons online. Here's the deal, and why I caved. I was referred to this site by my friend, Wendy, who swears by it, and I was pleasantly surprised. The coupons were $.05 each, including shipping, and I could pick and choose the ones I needed, and the quantity. They even ship out same day or next day on Sundays. This is cheaper than buying an extra paper! I will be able to get lots of free stuff at the Kroger sale now (Kroger doubles up to and including 50 cents everyday). So here's the site: www.manufacturerscoupons.net. You can check it out for yourself, and let me know what you think. I know I am a huge fan.
Rite Aid: My Favorite Place to Shop
After three different trips to Rite Aids in the area in one day, even my three year old son has begun to understand my love affair with Rite Aid. A Rite Aid commercial comes on the tv, and he says, "There's your favorite store, Mama." And he's right. Who wouldn't love a place where I can save so much, and even MAKE money on some trips.
I have to admit, I started out a toal skeptic. When Jen told me how much I could be saving, I thought that it would be difficult, or take a lot of time. What I've grown to find is that is simple once you catch on, and the time is well worth the money in savings! As pathetic as it sounds, shopping at Walgreens and Rite Aid has become a hobby of sorts for me. To show you the basics, I have outlined the main ways to save at Rite Aid.
1. Coupons
If you don't get the Sunday paper delivered to your house you are missing out. Mine is delivered for $.99. You can't beat that. I clip about 20 times worth that amount in coupons each week, usually more. In the paper you will get the Rite Aid (and other) flyers which will enable you to match coupons to sales. If you don't have to be brand specific about items, you will be saving the big bucks in no time. Even if there is not a sale, clip every coupon there is even a remote chance of using, and save it for the future. Chances are there will be an upcoming sale or rebate to match that coupon.
2. Rite Aid Rebates (Single Check Rebates)
Each month Rite Aid puts out a flyer that lists all of the rebates they are offering. When you purchase qualifying items, you simply enter the information from your receipt on their website, and Rite Aid keeps track of your rebates, and will send you a check when you request it.
3.Video Values
This program is on Rite Aid's website, and consists of you watching short videos about products. After watching them, you are able to print out valuable coupons that are combinable with manufacturer's coupons. For instance, a video value coupon is $2, and you have a $2 coupon from the paper = $4 off that product. After earning 20 credits by watching videos, you are able to print off a $5 off $25 coupon. These coupons are invaluable! I simply take a trip to Rite Aid and try to hit the $25 mark. With sales, coupons and rebates, I am often able to check out owing pennies, and expecting a rebate check in the mail!
4. +UP Rewards
Rite Aid just started a program where the purchase of certain items will cause coupons to print out at the end of your purchase. These can be used like cash on your next purchase toward ANY item.
5. www.iheartriteaid.com
This website will lay out how to get the deals at Rite Aid, and even has sneak previews of next week's flyer so you can strategize when to use coupons. There are even printable coupons on the side to help you save extra money. She usually has links to more $5 off coupons, so you can stock up for those multiple trips.
6. Combining All of the Above!
The above five strategies can be combined to save you a bunch of $$!!
You may still be doubting if this is worth the trouble. While I doubted at first, too, I have been completely won over, and save hundreds each month. Jen stockpiled a bunch of free items she had purchased, and sold them at her yard sale, making around $200!! It is worth your time. There are items that are especially easy to get cheap, such as name brand diapers, toiletries, and household goods, and matching up the above ways to save will save you tons! There are links on Rite Aid's website to access all these deals.
Here are a couple of examples of freebies from this week's sales flyer:
I have to admit, I started out a toal skeptic. When Jen told me how much I could be saving, I thought that it would be difficult, or take a lot of time. What I've grown to find is that is simple once you catch on, and the time is well worth the money in savings! As pathetic as it sounds, shopping at Walgreens and Rite Aid has become a hobby of sorts for me. To show you the basics, I have outlined the main ways to save at Rite Aid.
If you don't get the Sunday paper delivered to your house you are missing out. Mine is delivered for $.99. You can't beat that. I clip about 20 times worth that amount in coupons each week, usually more. In the paper you will get the Rite Aid (and other) flyers which will enable you to match coupons to sales. If you don't have to be brand specific about items, you will be saving the big bucks in no time. Even if there is not a sale, clip every coupon there is even a remote chance of using, and save it for the future. Chances are there will be an upcoming sale or rebate to match that coupon.
2. Rite Aid Rebates (Single Check Rebates)
Each month Rite Aid puts out a flyer that lists all of the rebates they are offering. When you purchase qualifying items, you simply enter the information from your receipt on their website, and Rite Aid keeps track of your rebates, and will send you a check when you request it.
3.Video Values
This program is on Rite Aid's website, and consists of you watching short videos about products. After watching them, you are able to print out valuable coupons that are combinable with manufacturer's coupons. For instance, a video value coupon is $2, and you have a $2 coupon from the paper = $4 off that product. After earning 20 credits by watching videos, you are able to print off a $5 off $25 coupon. These coupons are invaluable! I simply take a trip to Rite Aid and try to hit the $25 mark. With sales, coupons and rebates, I am often able to check out owing pennies, and expecting a rebate check in the mail!
4. +UP Rewards
Rite Aid just started a program where the purchase of certain items will cause coupons to print out at the end of your purchase. These can be used like cash on your next purchase toward ANY item.
5. www.iheartriteaid.com
This website will lay out how to get the deals at Rite Aid, and even has sneak previews of next week's flyer so you can strategize when to use coupons. There are even printable coupons on the side to help you save extra money. She usually has links to more $5 off coupons, so you can stock up for those multiple trips.
6. Combining All of the Above!
The above five strategies can be combined to save you a bunch of $$!!
You may still be doubting if this is worth the trouble. While I doubted at first, too, I have been completely won over, and save hundreds each month. Jen stockpiled a bunch of free items she had purchased, and sold them at her yard sale, making around $200!! It is worth your time. There are items that are especially easy to get cheap, such as name brand diapers, toiletries, and household goods, and matching up the above ways to save will save you tons! There are links on Rite Aid's website to access all these deals.
Here are a couple of examples of freebies from this week's sales flyer:
This toothpaste is on sale for $3. After purchase, you will receive a coupon for $3, making it essentially free. Even better, I have a coupon for $1 off, so I will pocket $1 and get a toothpaste.
This offer costs $3.99. Rite Aid is offering a $2.99 rebate, and giving you a $1 coupon when you check out, so it is free. One more example, even though I'm sure you're getting the point.
This body wash is on sale for $1.99. You get a $1 +UP Reward upon purchase, and there is a $1 off coupon in today's paper= +$.01 profit for you!
Give Rite Aid a shot. If you can work the system, you can make out like a bandit!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Dragonfly Papers: Some Shameless Self-Promotion
One thing I would like to do here is promote one of my favorite websites, which is Etsy.com. If you have not checked it out, you really should. It is sort of like Ebay, only everything is handmade. Not only is it a great place to shop or try your hand at selling, it is an awesome place to get inspiration for your own projects. I have a shop on Etsy (Dragonfly Papers), and I figure, what's the point of having a blog if you don't get some promotion for yourself? So here goes.
My shop features all handmade stationery goods, from monogrammed cards to journals, invitations and birth announcements. Here are some pictures.
My shop features all handmade stationery goods, from monogrammed cards to journals, invitations and birth announcements. Here are some pictures.
This journal is made from an old Nancy Drew book. I loved reading these books when I was kid.
These flat cards have been very popular this summer.
These sweet little cards are perfect for a quick thank-you, a gift enclosure, or a note for your child's lunchbox.
These little envelopes give your business card the extra attention it deserves!
Okay, I am finished. Check out the whole shop if you'd like. We Can Do It Girls readers will receive 10% off their entire purchase just by entering "Dragonfly" in the coupon bar.
Stay tuned for other Etsy sellers being featured in the future!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hands Down the Best Photo Website Ever
Today I found one of the best photo printing websites ever! Their prints are super cheap. 4 x 6 prints start at 6 cents, 5 x 7 prints at 12 cents, and 4 wallets are 15 cents. Even 8 x 10s are an amazing 49 cents. But wait, there's more! New customers get credit for 1200 (Yes, you read that right!) FREE prints. That is 600 4 x 6s and 600 5 x 7s. Unbelivable, right? They even give you credits toward purchases if you tell your friends about them on Facebook! They have tons of cool products from photos on canvas, to purses, makeup bags, and netbook covers. So who are they? They are ArtsCow. What are you waiting for? Head on over, and get your free prints!
Allow Us To Introduce Ourselves
We are Jennifer and Mackenzie, and we love to craft and save. This blog will be a how-to on saving, shopping, rebating, crafting, and so much more. I hope you will enjoy the posts, and check back often, as we will always be working on some project, or telling you where to find the steal of the century!
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