Thursday, September 26, 2013

Not "Just For The Taste of It"

Forgive the cheesy reference to the old "Just for the taste of it" Diet Coke jingle.  My apologies for slacking on posting lately.  I realized today that it's been over two weeks since I've had a night where I could just go home after work (or even go to the gym and go home). Every night has either been a work event or another event or activity.  It's all been fun stuff, but it is a little exhausting.  

The theme of this post is basically that doing little things can result in big savings.  I love points.  Hotel points, airline miles, give me an opportunity to earn them and I'm there and tracking.  This has resulted in rarely paying for hotel rooms and often avoiding high air fares by using miles.  Those should really be two other posts, but this one is about a less utilized source of points by most people.  Coke Points. My coke rewards, if we're being formal.  

To encourage loyalty, all Coke products have a code in the cap (for bottles) or on the cardboard (for packs of cans).  I got into saving and tracking these in college with my then roommate (who is an amazing deal finder and saver) and still close friend.  In the rewards catalog at that time, there was this red ball gown we joked about saving for.  

While the dress sadly disappeared from the catalog, never to be worn by either of us, we have both gotten a number of great things we would have paid for otherwise.  I've gotten numerous magazine subscriptions - I used to order Oprah's O magazine every year for my mom, and I currently have Real Simple.  I have gotten a $10 livenation.com voucher which I applied towards concert tickets I was already buying.  I have gotten Nike giftcards and free movie tickets.  All just for the limited amount of time it takes to enter those codes.

A lot of people don't think entering codes for things is worth it.  I completely understand that time is valuable.  However, all it takes is a few minutes (often while watching tv) to enter in the pile of codes that have accumulated.  In return I've saved money by getting things for free I would have paid for otherwise.  I encourage you to visit mycokerewards.com and give it a try.  

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Website Wednesday - Retail Me Not

I don't know about you, but my one of my pet peeves is making a purchase online and seeing a promo code or coupon code box and having nothing to input into it, knowing that I'm missing out on a saving opportunity.

Typically in this event,  I'll google "Company X promo code" and see what I can get. One great consolidated resource is Retail Me Not.  This site is the most comprehensive list I've found of current promo codes for a variety of retailers.  You can search by store or just view the top deals of the day (currently 15% off at Kate Spade, 20% off at Old Navy, and 20% off at Bed, Bath, & Beyond just to name a few) or enter the retailer you're looking for in the search field.  They have a list of deal options from a number of stores including the overall success rate by users.

There is a separate section for all free shipping deals, printable in store coupons, and printable grocery coupons that can be searched by category.

Next time you stumble across a promo code box, and have nothing to enter, give Retail Me Not a quick visit and see if you can get in on whatever deal opportunities are out there.


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Pottery Barn Deal- 15% Off

Investing in quality pieces can actually save money in the long run.  Pottery Barn is a great place to do just that.  They currently have a special where you can get 15% off everything online from now through Thursday, September 19 , including sale items, with Promo Code 4WPF-66QV-X8NT.

Here are a few of my dream items:

PEARCE UPHOLSTERED LEFT-ARM 2-PIECE SECTIONAL WITH CHAISE, DOWN-BLEND WRAP CUSHIONS, EVERYDAYSUEDE™  in NUTMEG

A good couch can really make a living room.  I miss my old roommate's sectional, and this one is one is classic and comfortable.

GABRIELLA TIERED PLATTER STAND


This would be great for entertaining.

REED RUG IN STONE

I like how has both a modern and a classic look at the same time.  

I'll likely hold off on purchases this time, but it's still fun to look and get ideas. If you've had your eye on something and planned for it in your budget, this is the time to go for it with the extra 15% off.


Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Redbox Deal and This Is 40


Friday night was a redbox and dinner at home kind of night. Redbox by design is a great source of super low cost entertainment.  $1.20 for a movie instead of spending $12 per person for tickets speaks for itself.  However, the deal gets even better when it's free.

There are a number of promo codes floating around out there.  DVDONME has worked for me in the past for a free rental.  You can use it once per credit/debit card.  Since I've already used it for all of my cards and my boyfriend's cards as well, I did a little hunting for new codes.  I found a large list and tried a few of them with no avail, but then entered the next one DVDNIGHT and it worked like a charm - free movie!



My chosen selection was This Is 40.  I went with my boyfriend's pick for last time, and thought this movie looked hilarious.  He was hesitant because the Rotten Tomatoes rating was so bad, but we figured for free we had nothing to lose.

Overall?  Mixed opinions.  Pros: Great cast, some hilarious one liners, and awesome cameo by the Philadelphia Flyers.  Cons: An uncomfortable amount of tension in the majority of scenes and too many subplots that weren't completely developed.

It was entertaining, and a good movie to just rent (especially for free) instead of seeing in the theatres.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Bargain Beauty Products from e.l.f.

A great source for inexpensive cosmetics is e.l.f. (eyes lips face). Their prices are amazing.  Sure, I have a number of tried and true products that I continue to buy from pricier places, but for basics or trying something different, this is a great place to go.  Some of my favorites from there are:

 
 
 
This is a good classic foundation brush, and priced at $3.  I always go with the studio collection as opposed to their regular brushes.  They are more durable, and a little more expensive, if you can even call $3 expensive:)
 
This is a new find from my last order.  It's great to  use as a finishing touch on top of your makeup or to keep in your bag in the warmer months for a quick fix if you feel like you might get the dreaded shiny look.  It is also priced at $3.
 
Right now in honor of New York Fashion Week, with every $30 purchase you get the special catwalk collection set (a $30 value) included for free with the code CATWALK. 
 
 
Valid through 9/9. 
 
 
There is also free shipping automatically with all orders $35 or more. 

Happy shopping!


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Labor Day Staycation

I hope that everyone had a great Labor Day weekend.  Mine was filled with a nice dinner out (yes, actually with a deal voucher), pool time, grilling, and an adventure with some work friends.  I considered a weekend trip away, but ended up going with the staycation model, and it was great.  There was no travel expense or travel stress, and we were able to relax and treat it like a real vacation, while still doing the normal things (go to the grocery store, go to the gym) that I often feel behind on when I get back from a trip.

This was a great reminder that any weekend  can feel truly relaxing when you get your to-do list done in advance (or most of it at least), and can focus most of the weekend truly enjoying the break with deliberate relaxation with people you want to spend time with.

I considered doing some Labor Day deal shopping, but ended up taking a pass.  The h.h. gregg ad was tempting though.  Their sale is actually extended through September 7 if you're in the market for appliances or electronics.  Updating my kitchen is on my to-do list, but it's such a big expense and overall project that I've been putting it off.  Had I gotten the measure done in advance, I would be jumping all over their prices.  I am going to save the print ad and see how the prices compare to their holiday weekend deals the next few months.

Happy September!