Thrifty Goodness

On our way home from Massachusetts, as we drove through Connecticut, my friend and I decided to stop in a couple of thrift stores. The first was a goodwill store that was overly crowded with piles and piles of items! My friend picked up a Brookstone photo scanner, orginally about $60-70, for only $7! It was brand new, never opened, so she decided to wrap it up and give it to her mother for her birthday. I didn't buy anything at this store, so we were off to the next one.

We finally found another goodwill store and as we were searching I found several things! A dreamcatcher for $1 that I want to try and incorporate in my room some how, because I've always found them to be quite amazing. I mean catching bad dreams? Why would anyone not want to have one hanging over their bed?

Then we came across shelves and shelves of books [my favorite]! We flipped through the books, and of course I found a few that I knew I needed to pick up and read. I found four books, which would have totaled more than $50 at a regular bookstore, but I got them for $3.50 total! My entire purchase came out to be $4.77! Can you believe it? Four books and a dreamcatcher for under $5! I was in heaven.

My friend picked up a few books of her own, and also a brand new Wilton Tennis Racket for $3, and a cute board/key hanger to re-do, which I have to admit came out adorable once she actually did re-do it!

We made it home with a few great items, but I wasn't done yet. The next day, Sal and I went to our local goodwill store and looked around for a few. I ended up finding one more book and unopened, never used easter cookie cutters! I figured why not start collecting them! 

I spent a total of $3.19 this trip and couldn't believe I got everything at the goodwill stores for under $10 total. I have to admit I was afraid of going there at first, afraid I'd be looked at and people would think she doesn't look like she needs to be here, but I think everyone should go to goodwill if they need to, because you will not be judged and you can find some really great stuff there. 

Any good finds at a goodwill? Tell me about them; I'd love to hear!

What's In Your Mailbox?_ 09.13.11

I haven't been able to blog in awhile because my last year in college has begun, and I went to Philly for a conference this weekend, but I'm back! I haven't gotten too many freebies in the mail this past week, but I got a good amount to post about!

Splenda samples! I don't use Splenda, but I'm sure my family will use it. 

Suave samples from Walmart! This has to be my favorite - dry shampoo, lotion, and men's body wash. 

Nescafe samples and coupons for my mother!

Samples galore. Now I'm off to sleep. I think I'll post again this week about my trip to Philly.

What's In Your Mailbox? _ 09.05.11

More free samples, as per usual every week. It's quite fun... I used to write what I signed up for down on paper, but now I don't and I'm surprised every time I open the mailbox. Sometimes I think it's a little silly to blog about receiving samples in the mail, but I think it's unique and amusing. It gives people the chance to see a little more about me as a person - one who loves free things, and maybe influences them to do all they can to save money and get things for free. Ya never know!

I received a package of Ball Classic Pectin [to help make jam] and two free coupons, one for a free slice of Freschetta Pizza, which is a new item in grocery stores, and one for a free box of Garnier HerbaShine Color Creme with Bamboo Extract Haircolor, which will probably be given to someone I know who dyes their hair :)

I also received a small sample package of Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Mint Cleanse. I can only imagine the great smell!

What was in your mailbox this past week?

What's In Your Mailbox? _ 8.30.11

Hurricane Irene came and flooded our whole state. I've heard over 72% of New Jersey is underwater and how could it not be when the river JUST crested this afternoon, to 14.5 feet. Families are devastated because of the destruction caused by the aftermath. My relatives have been evacuated and streets have been closed off. It's horrible when you see army trucks and the coast guard traveling down the road in their military trucks. I've been telling my relatives that I can help in anyway because I'm home, but none have needed it so far. I want to be doing something to help, so I'll just wait until I'm needed.

Anyways, I've still been receiving samples and free items in the mail, even though it's tough to get to my street. Here they are:

Nido, which is a Nestle powdered milk for little children, now I don't have any children, but I plan on giving this to someone who does. I also received a free sample package of pads, tampons, and liners from U by Kotex!

Pictured above is a box of Kashi cereal, with a coupon, and a package of Beneful dog food, with a magazine, filled with coupons! These I was able to get off their websites. You never know what you're going to find online, or in your mailbox! Tell me what have you got this week?

What's In Your Mailbox? _ 8.22.11

I am obsessed with getting free samples mailed to me and always finding free items. I swear if this was a job, I'd love it. Getting mail in general also makes me happy.

This week the free samples that arrived in my mailbox were for Quaker Oatmeal Squares and a Huggies Diaper, with a coupon! Now I know I don't have a baby, nor do any of my friends yet, but my friend's cousin has a baby so I ordered it for him. I love helping people so why not?

I also received a free 5 pack of Tampax Pearl tampons. Yes, a FIVE pack, not just one. It's great, especially when tampons aren't exactly cheap.

I was also able to get two pairs of Victoria's Secret panties for free with two coupons that came in the mail. In the middle of the picture above, is body wash, which I got at CVS because I liked their Minute Clinic page on Facebook and they sent me a coupon to print out! Watch out for those coupons on the business Facebook's, they might really help you out!

Want to find more deals and steals? Check out Money Saving Mom.

What's In Your Mailbox? _ 8.15.11

I have been able to come across quite a few bargains that I'm pretty proud of. It doesn't take quite as long as people think, and I mean if you're on the computer anyways, why not look up a few bargains?

This past week I received two free samples in the mail: Shout Color Catcher & Purex Complete with Zout Triple Enzyme Stain Remover [with a $1.00 off coupon]!

I also recently signed up for 1SaleADay - a website that has about 5 deals a day, ranging from all different percentages off, some for free! I just received my Vibe Earbuds and a USB Car Charger ... for free!

The shipping takes a while, but it's definitely legitimate, as you can tell.

I was also able to get a great deal on a planner from Amazon. Here's the backstory. I'm a Bzz Agent and I received an email saying that the first 250 people who downloaded the Mobilewalla app, which is a search engine for applications, on their Droid [or Iphone] would receive a $10.00 giftcard for Amazon. I was hesitant at first, but did it anyways. I received an email not much later, explaining that I had received the $10.00 and it would be credited to my Amazon account once I redeemed it. So I thought of what better to spend the money on than a planner for the upcoming year!

I found an adorable planner for $11.95, with free shipping. I ended up paying only $1.95!

I couldn't believe it. In my opinion, it's definitely worth it to be aware of all these great websites though.

Finding Myself Unemployed

I haven't had a job since February, and at first I was actually happy. I could focus on school during the week and go out during the weekend. Then I started dipping into my savings account, because I needed to pay for summer courses, or gifts for mother's day, father's day, and birthdays. It was okay for awhile because I'd babysit occasionally and be able to deposit money every so often, but now I'm starting to notice considerable change. If I don't find a job or a way to get money soon, my savings account will be depleted. So, I've been adding things to Craigslist and Ebay, as well as cutting coupons and getting A LOT of items for free, like Luigi's Italian Ice at Shoprite [I paid nothing for it because it was on sale for 99 cents, I had a 50 cents off coupon & it was doubled!] & Tabasco Hot Sauce [I paid nothing for again; it was 99 cents, and I had a 50 cents off coupon, that was doubled]! whether it's free samples or free because of coupons. It's been going well, but not well enough. 

Free Samples! 

Free Items!

I have a wedding coming up in September, and in just a few short weeks, a Bachelorette party. The thing is, it's tough for me to find a job now, because I'll be interning in January. I feel as if no one is going to hire me for a short time, and if I do have a job during my internship, I'll be exhausted and won't be much of a fun person. 

For now I guess I will try and deal with it a bit longer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

What's In Your Mailbox? _ 7.28.11

Lately I've been getting a lot of free samples, and coupons in order to get free things. This is what I've acquired in this past week!

A Soy Joy bar [anyone ever have them - are they good?] and two Charmin toilet holder extenders. It wasn't a lot, but it sure made me happy to get mail! I think it's the favorite time of my day!

I was also able to get these two items for $.99 at Target, saving $5.33! ... they were supposed to be for free because I had coupons from Target & Manufacturer's coupons, but the lady typed the one coupon in wrong. Oh well, next time I'll read the receipt before I walk out.

Don't forget to check out Money Saving Mom for daily deals and steals ;] You won't be disappointed. I know I'm not!

Bargain Finds _ 7.24.11

I haven't been blogging too much, except for the daily recipes I post on Kay's Sweet Obsessions, my baking blog. I've been so busy with this summer course I"m taking [music therapy] that I can't seem to find the time to write my own thoughts down. I will make sure to catch up in the next coming week. For now check out some of the bargains I've been able to get ! From free samples to super scores!

Trip to Target - Spent $1.43, Saved $5.48. I think this was the only time I've ever saved more than I've spent and I think this is going to become a thing that occurs often! With help from coupons from Target to coupons from Bic, I was able to get an unbelievable deal! And it's perfect with school coming up in just a month [ my last year to be exact!]

I've also been able to send out for free items and free samples such as these.

Jif To Go- I got them with a free coupon that was sent to me; Swiffer was a free sample; and No Longer a Slumdog was sent to me for free [try this website still]

Honey Nut Cheerios free sample & coupon inside; Suave Professionals Captivating Curls received due to a free coupon. [*Not Shown - Free Rachel Ray's Dog Food Sample]

I was able to get all of this because I researched on the internet ! My favorite website for deals has to be Money Saving Mom ... hey even if I'm not a mom, the freebies and samples come in handy! You'll see!

Bargain Finds

I received two coupons for free items over the past week, one for Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes Tub and the other for Natural Instincts Hair Color by Clairol! I cannot tell you how excited I am to go out buy these items, swipe the coupons and bring them home for free. I love receiving free items and I think it's great to help others as w, which is why I always post free samples and tell my followers about these freebies.

Sign up for free sample daily emails - here.

I also went to Borders the other day because I had a 40% off coupon AND $5.00 Borders Bucks. At first I was going to buy Water for Elephants, but I'm not quite sure I'm going to like it. So I ended up buying P.S I love you. I've seen the movie and fell in love with it, so I'm pretty sure the book can only be better. It was originally $14.99 - with my 40% off coupon I brought the price down to $8.99, and then with my additional $5 off, I spent $4.27 [including tax]. I saved a total of $11.00. I never go anywhere without coupons now. They are my savior, especially when I am currently unemployed, I need to save all the money I can!

Bargain Finds _ 03.28.11

Monday morning I was sitting in class, Medical Terminology to be quite precise, with my friend. When we split into pairs, we started talking about our weekends. She told me that on Friday she had gone to Borders in Garden State Plaza because they were having a huge blowout sale! 40%-60% off of everything! I'm guessing that they had to close down another store... last year I went to one in Livingston because it had been closing and was having the same exact sale. 

So that afternoon Sal and I went to check it out. We were in there for over an hour looking at the books. I just couldn't pick a few, but eventually I picked 4 and Sal bought a DVD. 

Certain Girls: Jennifer Weiner - $7.50 [Orig. $15.00]

There's Cake in My Future: Kim Gruenenfelder - $7.49 [Orig. $14.99]

Who Loves You Best: Tess Stimson - $7.50 [Orig. $15.00]

Notes Left Behind: Brooke & Keith Desserich - $7.49 [Orig. $14.99]

& Sal's DVD - 1st Blood $5.99 [Orig. $9.99]

We spent $38.49 & saved $34.00! I think that's a pretty good bargain. 

I have way too many book unread right now, so I hope that's all the books I'll be buying this year. But hey ya never know when the next great bargain is going to come up !

Bargain Finds _ 03.23.11

I went to Target yesterday with my brother and his girlfriend. I wasn't looking for anything particular, but I went along with them anyways. No matter what time or day it is when I go to Target, I ALWAYS make sure I stop in the $1 section. I absolutely love it and always find such a cute bargain. Well yesterday I found one amazing bargain.


Look how cute these post-its are!

Guess how much I got them for? I originally thought they were $1.00 each, but it turns out they were TWO for $1.00! So cute and great for the organized person, like myself!

Bargain Finds _ 10.04.10

When I was away in Pennsylvania last weekend, my family and I stopped by a local flea market at an old drive in movie theater. I always focus on books, cookbooks, kitchen appliances, etc. I just love it! I was able to luck out and found a $.50 book!


Twenty Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak

The book is regularly sold at 13.99 at B&N or Borders. I was lucky enough to get it for $.50 cents! I love building up my library with these amazing books!

Cannot wait to start reading them.

Bargain Finds

So, I was searching Craig's List the other day when I came across a listing from my local library. It stated that they were collecting donations of books, in which they would sell for $1.00 for a hardcover & $.50 for paperback. It was on Saturday and Sunday [18th & 19th]. I missed Saturday's sale, so I went to Sunday's sale. My friend also works there, so that was a plus! When I arrived they told me I could fill a ShopRite plastic bag with books and get them ALL for ONLY $3.00! I was shocked, but super excited. At first I thought I wouldn't find any books, but boy did I find some great page turners!

Grill It Right - Better Homes & Gardens

5 Ingredient Grilling - Better Homes & Gardens

Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

Belong to Me - Marisa de los Santos

The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd

The Girls from Ames - Jeffery Zaslow

Marley & Me - John Grogan

The Girl Most Likely To... - Susan Donovan

Yes, I got all of these books for $3.00! Two cookbooks for my daddy, and six books for myself! EIGHT BOOKS FOR THREE DOLLARS! I still cannot believe it because some of these books go for approximately $25.00 each.


You better bet that I will be writing reviews for all of these books... as soon as I can get started reading these books!