Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Free Sample

Did I mention how much I love free samples? Here is a new one I found today. If you have dogs it might be a good one to check out:
Rachel Ray Just 6 Sample

This week I have already received free dog food, free cereal,  and free diapers. And it's only Wednesday.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Ebay Sales

This weeks eBay sales were OK. I had my highs and lows.


Highs - These little guys have to be my high. Just in case you don't know what they are (especially from the horrible picture) they are called Battle Beasts. They are 2 inch tall figures from 1986-1987. I bought 9 of them at Savers for $2.00. Final bid was $36.00. Woohoo! They are now on their way to San Diego. When I saw them I had no idea what they were. But I thought "for $2 I will take a risk". I do have the eBay app on my phone but they were all wrapped up in a bag so I couldn't read the markings on it. This time my instincts paid off.

Lows - I had several items close with no bids. But I only try to buy things I could use if I don't end up selling them so it isn't too bad. I also sold a child's dress BIN for $34.99. But when I went to mail it off I noticed that the top button was missing. I inspected the dress before listing it but the collar was open and I didn't notice it should have a top button. Not good. I offered the buyer to refund the money or a discount on the purchase. She took the discount. I only paid $2.00 for the dress so it isn't entirely a low. I think I was just upset I didn't look the item over better. Live and learn.

How are your eBay sales this week?

Free Sample

There is a great Kashi free sample still available. I received mine a couple weeks ago and my princess loved it. Hurry and get yours.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Yard Sale Treasures


This weekend's yard sales (or year-d sales as my niece would say) were not very good. I think I'm giving up on the annual neighborhood yard sales. The last few I've gone to have not been good. I only had a couple hours to hit the yard sales because we were going to the Oakland Zoo later that day so I thought a community one would be my best bet. I think I hit 10 yard sales but only bought something at two.

The above picture is of 3 Mattel Liddle Kiddle dolls (sorry for the horrible picture). I bought all 3 for $2.00. I'm going to list them on eBay later this week. The completed auctions look pretty good. Especially for a $2.00 investment.

I also found a Little Mermaid Flounder costume. I couldn't find any completed auctions for the one that I bought. It only cost me $3.00 so I'm willing to take the risk. If it doesn't sell my princess will have a new dress up outfit.

How did your yard sale hunting go?

Friday, August 26, 2011

Sometimes It's OK To Splurge

I am all about saving money any way possible. Buy once a month I splurge on myself and get a pedicure. I know it's an overindulgence but really it's one of the few times I spend money on myself. So I do it guilt free.

I think that sometimes as moms we forget that we are women too not just mom or mommy or momma. But if we don't take the time to take care of ourselves every once in a while who else will? Take some time to refuel. Or in my case a chance to sit back, relax, let someone else take care of me, and forget about the mortgage and bills and diapers and everything else for a half an hour. Then I get up from the pedicure chair and become Mom again.

For those of you wondering where my princess is at while I get my toes all pretty, my wonderful sister and I have a deal. I take her daughter, my niece, with me and gets pretty nails too and she watches my princess. Isn't family great?!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

There's no such thing as a free lunch

Or so the saying goes. But apparently there is such a thing as a free steak dinner because last night Outback Steakhouse was giving away 1,000,000 (yes that is one million) free steak dinners. And within 4-6 weeks I should have my coupon to redeem my steak in our wonderful Salinas Outback. Combined with my $25 gift card I haven't used since Christmas this should make for a good time!

I never realized how many free things are out there. All you have to do is ask. Or sign-up. This week alone I have received 4 free diapers, a free shout wipe, 2 samples of Prilosec, and a 7 day sample starter kit of Align Digestive Care. And the week isn't over yet.

You are probably wondering where can you find out about all these great freebies. AllYou Magazine has a list of daily free samples. That's my first stop each morning. Then I go over to MoneySavingMom. Not only do I find out about samples but I also find all the coupon match ups for my local stores and what new coupons are available on this website. Love it! Of course there are tons of wonderful websites out there to find this info but these are the two I follow.

Because most companies ask for your email address in order to send you free samples I set up a separate email account to use just for my freebies. This might be something to consider. Remember it's all about saving a buck wherever you can.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

MY DVR is ruining my life

So maybe it's not actually ruining my life. But it's putting way too many ideas into my head. I know what you're thinking "why do you record them?" I will let you know when I figure that out.

Extreme Couponing made me think I could get everything for free. Where do these people live that they get such deals?! But I'm going to throw my hat in the ring. I will let you know how my stockpile goes.

And then you have Storage Wars and Auction Hunters and a half dozen other shows that find hidden treasure in just about every nook and cranny. I don't think I'm going to run out and buy a unit but you never know.

All these shows are make me see zero dollar grocery bills and million dollar finds around every corner. I will have to see how reality lives up to it all.