Classy and Opinionated Lifestyle Mom Blog
Last weekend I was complaining to my teenage daughter about all of the dryer lint being left on the laundry shelf, the floor, and other areas throughout my laundry room. I get really tired of going in there with a bag and cleaning up all …
I finally ventured out over the weekend for some after Christmas bargain hunting. I don’t go out immediately after the holiday as the stores are just too crowded for me and right now…I like to AVOID the crowds. Over the weekend I headed into Dollar …
Have you seen the prices for food while shopping at your big chain grocery stores? Oh my gosh, how are people able to feed their families? Inflation and the price for food is totally out of control. I never thought I would see the day (in my lifetime) when a dozen of eggs cost $7.00, a gallon of milk $6.50, bacon $9.00 per pack, etc. Awful.
Last week I decided to visit a Grocery Outlet Store that is located about 10 minutes from my home. I had been in there before but it had been a few years. It was time to pay them a visit to see if I could save some money. They don’t take coupons because all groceries are already discounted.
So….here’s what I got.
1 Bag Domino Granulated Sugar
1 Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad
1 Box of Quart Size Zipper Storage Bags
1 Bag Ballpark Hot Dog Rolls
1 Bag Ballpack Hamburger Rolls
1 Box (12 packs) Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn
1 Box (12 k-cups) Breakfast Blend Cofee
1 large bag UTZ Party Mix
1 pkg. Thomas English Muffins – Cinnamon Raisin
3 snack bags Wheat Thins Veggie Chips
1 Box (contains 8) Honey Buns (for my grandchildren)
Take a guess what I paid? Just under $18.00 for all of that stuff! Yay!!! That grocery outlet doesn’t sell damaged goods. You won’t find dented cans, ripped up boxes, crushed bakery products, etc. Nope…nothing had damage at all.
They had a small refrigerated section that had white and chocolate milk, iced teas, fruit juices, bacon, lunch meats, eggs (sold out), cheese, and a few other things. They had an entire aisle of snack foods (chips, pretzels, crackers, snack mixes, granola bars, etc.), a half-aisle of breakfast cereals, an entire aisle of bakery goods, some canned goods, pasta, a small amount of paper goods, etc.
The store had more than a convenience store but less goods than a full-size grocery store. With that said, I’m very pleased with the savings. That box of Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn contains 12 full-size packs! At the grocery store I normally shop that would of cost me clost to $8.00 just for that! The 12-pack of coffee K-cups was only $1.99 which was a great deal too.
Point of my post…try to do some research to see if there are any grocery outlets, bakery outlets, etc. located near you. Even if you have to drive 20 minutes or so to get to one it may be worth your time and effort. I spoke to the store manager and he said their inventory at the one I shopped at changes every 10-14 days, so I’m going to go back next week to see what they have.
Shopping at Farmer’s Markets is a great way to support local small businesses while picking up some great bargains for your family. We like to visit several in our area to shop for fresh produce, handmade items for ourselves or to use as gifts. These …
Have you checked out the prices lately on buying new curtains, drapes, valances, sheers, etc. for your windows? Oh my gosh, the prices have skyrocketed! In some cases, buying them at a local retail store can be as much as custom-made window treatments! No thank …
When shopping, it is easy to get lost in the moment and forget to use a coupon or promo code. However, if you want to shop smarter and save money, you should use these coupon codes whenever possible.
You may want to consider using a code from a website that offers a wide variety of coupons, like BrokeScholar, for everything from clothing to food to travel. At times you can get a 20 percent off code if you sign up for the email list. Or there are often online coupons that help you get free shipping or 10 percent off your entire purchase. However, not every website has strict rules against using codes on their page, which means that you may find some discount codes on the website.
If you come across such a code or coupon, like this Crowd Cow Coupon, it only takes a moment to use it and save money on your purchase. Here are ten tips for using coupon codes in the best possible way.
Look for Sites Offering Coupons
According to statistics, around 80 percent of consumers are more likely to shop from a new brand if a discount coupon is offered.
Make sure you are shopping at a site that offers coupons. Not all places do, so it is essential to check before you start shopping. When you are at the site, look for a box that says “Coupon Code” or “Promo Code.” You can also use coupon search engines to find codes for your favorite stores.
Check the Final Price
Make sure you do not pay the total price if a coupon code is available. Specific sites may charge shipping fees even with promo codes, but many online retailers offer free shipping on orders over $25 or $50. Your discount should automatically be applied when the item is in the shopping cart. If not, make sure that there is another place where you need to enter a code.
Save Codes for Later Use
Once you have decided on a code, copy it. It is always a good idea to have a few codes saved on your computer or phone in case you need them.
Check the Expiration Date of Coupons
Check the expiration date before you use a code. Most codes are valid for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, but some may be good for only one use.
Think Before You Use
Do not buy something just because there is a coupon code available for that particular purchase. The goal of coupons is to save more money, not spend more than you need to.
Compare Prices
Compare prices before using a code. Just because you have a coupon does not mean getting the best deal possible. In some cases, the item may be cheaper without the code.
Use Maximum Codes
You can use more than one code at a time. Sometimes, certain items will count toward the discount of another thing or be discounted more than once. However, this can vary depending on the store and the code itself.
Check for Code Validity
Double-check that you are using a promo code for your favorite store before shopping. There have been countless times when you would have typed in a promotional code at one site only to realize later that it was not valid there. You do not want to miss out on a great deal because you were not paying attention.
Look for Easy Returns
Ask about extended returns if your delivery date is too close to the purchase date. Most online retailers offer an extended return period after Christmas, so you have time to get everything set up without worrying about a break or someone forgetting where they placed a gift.
Ask For Refunds
Ask about a possible refund if you have to pay for shipping. You will have to order several items to qualify for a free or discounted shipping offer in most shopping cases. However, specific sites will offer a full refund of your purchase price if you are not satisfied with their service after completing the transaction.
When using coupon codes, it is essential to remember a few simple tips to save some money. Just read the terms and conditions of each code carefully before using it. Some codes may not be valid on sale items or particular brands.
Winter is here and its time to get out all of your snow removal gear. That includes snow shovels, brooms, ice scrapers, salt, snow blowers, etc. All equipment should be inspected and prep before the season gets started. Anything that isn’t in good working order …
We love vintage holiday decorations that remind us of our childhood. They bring back so many memories for us. It doesn’t matter if it’s Easter, one of the Patriotic Holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas…we love to decorate with vintage items. A friend of our’s was …