The Bargainista

I just ordered my 71st $5 Amazon gift card! This means I've earned $355 in Amazon money since I signed up with Swagbucks last fall. And it has all been earned by doing just what I would normally do everyday anyway - using the Internet and using a search engine.

You can earn Swagbucks too! Just go sign up here and start using their search engine as a means to get to where you're going. Sign up before 11:59 pm on Monday, Feb 28th and you'll get a bonus 50 Swagbucks by entering promotional code 3rdBirthday96 during the sign-up process.

Use the search engine for when you're trying to find something out, but also use it just to get to a website that you already know. For instance, when I'm going to go to Amazon, I just type "Amazon.com" in the search box, instead of typing it in the url spot. I have probably won most of my Swagbucks this way!

You can read some more tips here:

http://thebargainistablog.blogspot.com/2009/09/swagbucks.html

A few new things since that September post:

1. You can install a plug-in for your browser so that Swagbucks will show up as an available search engine in your search bar (to the right of your URL bar). You can get that by clicking on the "Toolbars" button once you've signed up.

2. You can often earn Swagbucks when you purchase the Groupon, Living Social, Mamapedia deals of the day, so be sure to check out the "Trial Pay" wall under Special Offers section before buying!

3. There are other Special Offers that do not require you to purchase anything, just signing up to receive a newsletter or something. You can use a junk email address when you do this so you won't get a bunch of spam in your main email inbox. But the junk email has to be a real address you have access to because sometimes you have to confirm the subscription by clicking on something in one of the emails they send to you.

If you have any questions about Swagbucks, please let me know - I am happy to help!

Now go sign up and start earning some goodies of your own!

The Bargainista

Get 5 Blockbuster Express (like Redbox) movies for just $2!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:51:00 +0000

GROUPON is offering a HOT deal today in the Atlanta market! You can get FIVE Blockbuster Express movie rentals for just $2! (retail value $5) There is a limit of one per person, but you may give more as gifts! These deals are limited time offers and once they sell a set amount, it will be gone, so make sure you jump on it!

Here's how you can take advantage of this deal:

1. Log into your Groupon account (or create one here if you don't have one already)

2. At the top where it says "Get the Daily Deal for..." choose Atlanta (may have to choose "G" for Georgia first)

3. Click on the green "buy" button and then complete the check-out process.

4. The information for this deal will show up under the "My Groupons" tab on your account.

Limit 1 per person. Expires 5/1/2013. Valid only at any Blockbuster Express kiosks and for online reservation for pickup at kiosks. Not valid on Blu-ray or Hot List titles.

NOTE: If you have Swagbucks, click on "Special Offers" and then the "Trialpay" wall first and you'll get 315 Swagbucks!! If you don't have Swagbucks yet, what are you waiting for?!? 315 Swagbucks = about $3.50 in Amazon money so you're really making money on this deal! Here's how...

1. Click here to sign up for Swagbucks!

2. Then go to the "Earn" drop down menu and choose "Special Offers".

3. Click on the Trial Pay tab.

4. Find the one for Groupon (doesn't matter what Groupon deal it is) and click on the button on the right that says "315 Swagbucks". This will take you to the Groupon website and you can then complete the deal following the instructions above.

Note: Omaha does have several of these kiosks. I don't believe Lincoln has any. Click here to find a kiosk near you!

The Bargainista

PARENTS magazine only $1 for 1 year!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Mamapedia is offering a subscription to Parents Magazine for only $5 today. But there are 2 coupon codes out that will bring that total down to only $1.00!! Here's how:

1. Sign up &/or buy the magazine all in one step by clicking here to get to the Mamapedia site.

2. Click the "Buy" button on the left side of the page and fill in all of your info.

3. In the "coupon code" spot, use one of the following, depending on if you are new to Mamapedia or not:
*New to Mamapedia, use COUPONCAB4 or PARENTS1YR.
*Existing Mamapedia users, use FATWALLET4.

4. Your total should now be only $1.00, just finishing completing checkout!

Please note, if you already have a Parents Magazine subscription, your subscription will be extended! If you prefer, you can also get a 2-year subscription for only $4.00 after codes!

Fine print: Valid for new subscriptions and renewals. Limit (1) per household. May purchase as gifts. Offer valid Jan 27-Feb 1, 2011 only. Will automatically receive subscription in 4-6 weeks after order placed.

The Bargainista

FREE photo paper at Staples this week!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Through January 29th, you can score FREE Photo paper at Staples! Here’s how…

Buy Staples Photo Supreme 8.5′” X 11″ paper (50 sheets) $14.99
Use the 15% off coupon found here
Pay $12.74
Submit for the $13.99 Easy Rebate
Final cost – better than FREE Photo paper!

Keep in mind – Staples Easy Rebates are just that, easy! Go on over here to read more about them. Basically you’ll be able to submit all your info online. You won’t even have to mail anything in– the best part in my opinion! You’ll receive your rebate/rebates within 4-6 weeks after submitting them.

**You can also score 6 FREE Office Supply products at Staples this week (after you factor in the 100% you will get back in Staples rewards)! Just head on over here and check out the first page of the ad to see the 6 different office supply items you can snag for FREE.

From hip2save

The Bargainista

$10 CVS giftcard for only $4 !!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:42:00 +0000

Here's a great deal for all you drugstore shoppers!

From Hip2Save below

Wowza! Here’s an exclusive deal for all you awesome Hip2Save readers! For a limited time, WeShop.com is offering Hip2Save readers a $10 CVS gift certificate for only $5! Use discount code FRIEND20ZT5KXDEC to receive an additional $1 off the price and your total will be only $4! This gift certificate can be used in-store only. With all the great savings at CVS that are already available on a weekly basis, this gift certificate is like icing on the cake!!

Here’s what you need to do to snatch yours up…

* Head over here and click on the “Buy this Deal” button
* Head to checkout and follow the directions
* You will be emailed a gift card code and link. You then choose to print an in-store CVS/pharmacy gift certificate. You will receive your gift certificate code and link within 1-2 business days but usually immediately.

**Fine Print: Limit 1 per person; Excludes alcohol, gift cards, lottery, money orders, prescriptions, postage stamps, pre-paid cards, tobacco products or items reimbursed by a government program; CVS/pharmacy gift certificates CANNOT be used for any other retailer’s gift card or prepaid card that CVS may carry.

UPDATE: Use the coupon code FRIEND20ZT5KXDEC at checkout to save $1 to snag this $10 gift certificate for ONLY $4! (Thanks, Tory!)

SECOND UPDATE: We Shop just contacted us to let us know that the gift certificate can ONLY be used in-store and NOT online. If you have any questions, please contact We Shop directly.

The Bargainista

Free pass to Sam's Club

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:00:00 +0000

Sam's Club is offering a free on day pass. This pass can be used in store and online. The cool thing about this is that there is usually an upcharge % when you use a one-day pass, but with this deal there isn't one! You get the same price as a regular member! This promotion runs through January 25th, 2011.

You can read about it here on Sam's Club website.

The Bargainista

FREE Cookbook from My Coke Rewards

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:47:00 +0000

You can snag a FREE cookbook right now from My Coke Rewards if you have a few spare Coke codes lying around. Here's the details...

Get a free Black History cookbook --> Go to the mycokerewards website and click on the free cookbook offer on the front page (it's #3 of the ones that scroll through). It will bring up the details screen and there is a "click here" button on the top right hand side.

First, you enter in the promotional code which is BLACKHISTORY and that will unlock the offer. You enter this promotional code in the same field that you enter in coke codes. You then need to enter in 3 product codes to qualify for the cookbook. After you enter the 3rd code, you will see on the left hand side of the page that you qualified for the offer and you should click to confirm you want it and then continue following the on screen directions to verify shipping. This offer is while supplies last so collect you codes quickly! The cookbook offer is completely FREE (0 points) and the codes you enter will add to your regular account.

I just ordered mine and it says it will be here in 8-10 weeks.

The Bargainista

Cheap Magazines!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:08:00 +0000

You can get FIVE great magazines today for a really inexpensive price, or even FREE! Here's where and how...

Barnes & Noble is offering Parents Magazine: One year subscription for $1 after entering coupon code K9B9J4H at checkout.

Get a FREE subscription to BabyTalk, just fill out the form here!

Discount Mags is also offering couple of great magazine subscriptions for the family.

Family Fun - $3 a year, up to 3 years with code 3592
Family Circle - $3 a year, up to 4 years with code 8308

If you're going to buy through Discount Mags, you should sign up for Shop At Home (similiar to ebates) and click through their link so you will get 17% back on your purchase!

Tanga is offering Wine Enthusiast Magazine Subscription [13 Issues & up to 4 Years] for only $2.99 with code WINE.

The Bargainista

Beauty & the Beast for $2.99!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

EXCELLENT deal on Beauty & the Beast for local readers (Omaha) (and Kansas City, too!). Beauty & The Beast is being released today (Tuesday). Nebraska Furniture Mart has the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack on sale for $12.99, use this $10 coupon to get it for only $2.99! You must register with Disney rewards to get the coupon.

You can also try price-matching it at Walmart/Target if you don't want to drive that far!

The NFM sale expires Saturday, Oct 9th @ midnight, the coupon expires Oct 12, 2010.

The Bargainista

Groupon - shoebuy.com & Swagbucks!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 20:40:00 +0000

Is your daughter dying for Twinkle toes like mine? Todays Groupon for Lincoln is an online promotion and can get you a pair for about $10 (you pay $20 for the Groupon, but you'll end up with almost $10 Amazon giftcards, so $20-$10=$10, and a little bit of credit at shoebuy.com). Even if you don't live in Lincoln!!

The deal is you buy the groupon certificate for $20 and you get $40 off at shoebuy.com. But the deal gets even better when you combine it with Swagbucks! If you buy the groupon through Swagbucks, you should get $160 for that. Then if you go through Swagbucks again for your shoebuy.com purchase you will get 600 swagbucks! that's 760 swagbucks, which is almost $10 in Amazon giftcards!

Here's how:

1. Sign up with groupon here:
http://www.groupon.com/r/uu5085911

2. Sign up with swagbucks here:
http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/BetsyR

3. Now go to Swagbucks.com. Across the top is a toolbar, hover over "Ways to Earn" and then choose "Special Offers" from that toolbar. Try this link: http://www.swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-special-offers

4. Scroll down to where you see "Offer Wall" below and click on the "Trial Pay" tab.

5. Find the trialpay offer for Groupon, it will be for your current city. Click on it anyway by clicking on the "160 Swag Bucks" button. This will take you to the Groupon site.

6. Once you get to Groupon, log in and change your city to Lincoln by clicking on the "Visit More cities" link and then choose Lincoln.

7. You should see the offer for $20 for $40 at shoebuy.com. Click on the "Buy" button and complete your purchase with Groupon. Click on "My Groupon" to see your purchase and click on "print". You will get a warning popping up to tell you it's not valid until tomorrow, but don't worry, it will work today.

8. Now go back to the Special Offiers - Trial Pay section at Swagbucks and find the offer for 600 Swagbucks for shoebuy.com and click on the "600 Swagbucks" button. Shopping through Swagbucks will also get you 10% off!

9. Complete your purchase at shoebuy.com The certificate is good for anything on the site and can be used over multiple purchases! And most things have FREE shipping! If you enter the promotional code in the "gift certificates" section you will get 10% off your order! (If you enter it as a promotional code, you don't get the 10% off). You will get an error message saying you can't use a promotional code with a gift certificate, but the 10% off should still be there.

The Bargainista

My first (local) CVS trip!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:00:00 +0000

As I mentioned in a previous post, CVS opened in Omaha last weekend! I have been greatly anticipating this for the last couple of years as I used to drive to Lincoln about once a month to shop at CVS and roll my ECBs! You can check out that post for a general overview of CVS.

We got some Grand Opening coupons in the mail with a fabulous $10 off $20 coupon on it, so here is what I did on my first trip:

Purchase:

$9.99 Fusion razor

$3.49 Crest ProHealth Clinical toothpaste

$4.49 (each) 2 Right Guard deodorant (on sale for BOGO)

$1.59 (each) 4 Sobe Lifewater (on sale for BOGO)

$1.99 Coke 2-liter

$2.27 travel CVS ibuprofeum

total purchased = $33.08

Coupons used:

-10.00 CVS $10/20 (mailer)

-1.99 CVS free Coke 2 ltr (mailer)

-2.27 CVS free item up to $3 (mailer)

-4.00 fusion razor (8/1 PG)

-0.75 crest toothpaste (8/1 PG)

-1.59 Sobe BoGo (sobe.com)

-1.50 Right Guard printable

CVS sales that came off after they hit total:

-1.59 Sobe BOGO

-4.49 Right Guard BOGO

Subtotal = -0.51 (yes that's a NEGATIVE amount!)

tax = .70

TOTAL = $0.19

Oops! I didn't even know you could go negative!

I also earned the following ECBs:

$2.50 for Crest

$5.00 for Fusion Razor

I will use those ECB to purchase my next transaction (not done yet, but should be done on a separate day so I can use another $10/20, which I dug out of the trash at the Post Office!) Here it is:

Purchase:

$9.99 Zegerid OTC

$3.49 Crest ProHealth Clinical Toothpaste

$7.99 Blink tears

$1.99 Coke 2-ltr

$0.77 filler (I'll explain this in a minute)

total purchased: $22.24

Coupons:

-10.00 CVS mailer coupon

-1.99 CVS mailer coupon

-3.00 Zegerid

-1.50 Blink

-0.75 Crest

Subtotal: 5.00

Pay with $5 ECB from first transaction and only pay tax!

The $0.77 filler mentioned above is simply so that my subtotal will be $5 so I can use the ECB from my first transaction to pay for this one. Also, I will give the ECB before I give any manufacturer coupon so my taxable amount will be reduced (see this previous Countdown to CVS post about reducing tax).

ECB earned in this transaction:

$2.50 Crest

$7.00 Zegerid

$7.99 Blink

So I've spent less than $1 out of my pocket and now I've got $19.99 in ECB to spend!! Plus I have everything that I "bought" including a $10 razor!

I love CVS!!!

The Bargainista

CHEAP diapers at Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 22:19:00 +0000

Awesome deal on Amazon right now if you can get the right coupons. If you no longer have babies, it's still an awesome deal to buy to give at a baby shower! if you have more than one set of codes, you will need to use separate Amazon accounts for each box you buy.

I will also say that you want to do this ASAP cause they could pull/change the Subscribe & Save discount anytime. In fact, right now on Amazon it says the S&S is 15% off but it actually is discounting it at 30% off.

In the Parents magazine (Aug & Sept issues), and also Parenting: Early Years magazine (Aug & Sept issues) there is a little orange pullout card that says "20% off diapers" (etc). On the other side of the card is a unique, one-time-use code that starts with either an A, W, X or S (depending on which magazine). You can combine 3 different codes on one box of diapers, each code must start with a different letter. You will sign up for Amazon's "subscribe & save" program for an additional 30% off your order & free shipping. After you receive your first order you can cancel the subscribe & save program. If you want Pampers, you can also find a $1.50 coupon on Amazon to use. So it goes like this:

Start here to click on the $1.50 coupon for Pampers diapers (if you can't see the Pampers coupon, press ctrl-F5 to refresh)
After you click on the coupon, it will take you to the next page which shows you the available products on which you can use the coupon. Pick the diapers you want by clicking on them, do NOT click "add to cart", click on the pic of the diaper box.
On the next page, on the right side is the "subscribe & save" option - choose how often you want them delivered (I chose 6 months to give myself plenty of time to cancel) and click "Subscribe Now".
Go all the way through the checkout process (add CC, shipping address, etc) until you are on the final page before actually submitting the order.
Here is where you add the 20% off codes you got from the magazines. One at a time, input them where it says "Do you have any gift cards or promotional claim codes? (Learn more) Enter them below, one at a time:"
Complete the checkout process
Add a reminder in your email calendar to cancel the S&S program after you get your diapers. :D

If you have all 3 codes, this is what it looks like:

I chose the Pampers Baby Dry size 2, 228-ct for $41.99

Subtotal of Items: $41.99
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
30% off for subscribe & save -$12.60
20% off code -$8.40
20% off code -$8.40
20% off code -$8.40
Your Coupon Savings: -$1.50 ------- Total for this Order: $2.69

The Bargainista

The countdown to CVS

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 20:03:00 +0000

In honor of CVS opening in Omaha, I've hopped back onto the bargain blogging wagon. :) Yes, Omaha, CVS will be opening its first store here in exactly one week, Sunday, August 15th! What's the big deal, you ask? Read more to find out!

What is CVS?
CVS is a nationwide drugstore chain. Inside you will find items similar to what you find in Walgreens. If you like to bargain shop at Walgreens, then you are familiar with their Registar Rewards (RR) program where you earn RRs to spend later on anything you want in the store (with a few exceptions like Rx, alcohol, etc). CVS has a similar program that is called "Extra Care Bucks", or ECBs as those in the bargain world like to call them. (Side note: do not refer to them as ECBs while in the store, the employees will have no idea what you're talking about!) The ECB will print as separate coupons on the bottom of your receipt.

The first thing you want to do at CVS is to sign up for one of their Extra Care Cards. This is similiar to a Bakers card, or other grocery store card. You will need a CVS card in order to get the sale prices and ECBs offered in the weekly advertisement. You can sign up online, but it will take a couple of weeks to get a card that way. Since we're only 1 week from CVS opening, I would suggest you sign up in the store, you'll get a card right on the spot.

The Lowdown on CVS
The general idea at CVS is to use manufacturer coupons and purchase items that generate ECBs. Then use those ECBs (and more coupons) to purchase more items that earn ECBs with as little out-of-pocket (OOP) money as possible. Once you get a few weeks or a month into it, you should have a nice amount of ECB money to use each week/month to purchase the weekly ECB items. Again, the idea is similiar to Walgreens - my husband calls it "playing with the house money" - the "house money" being ECB or RR.

Walgreens VS CVS
While there are similarities between Walgreens & CVS, there are a few key differences between deal shopping at each store.

Walgreens RR deals are unlimited - you can buy as many as you want
CVS ECB deals are limited - the limit for each item/deal will be stated in the weekly ad, and on the bottom of your receipt once you purchase one of the ECB items

Walgreens RRs cannot be used to purchase the same item and earn more RR on that item (for instance, if you earned a RR from purchasing Dove deodorant, you cannot use that RR to purchase more Dove deodorant and earn another RR - you can purchase it, but no RR will be generated)
CVS ECB can be used to purchase anything (exceptions are Rx, alcohol, etc) and it will not affect any ECBs you are trying to earn

Walgreens RR - you can only purchase one RR deal at a time. If you purchase more than one in a single transaction, you will only receive RR for one item/deal.
CVS ECB you can purchase as many as you want, up to the limit stated in the ad. The ECB that is printed will be for the ECB amount X however many you bought

Walgreens RRs are considered manufacturer coupons and do not affect tax (at least in Nebraska).
CVS ECB are considered store coupons and CAN reduce the amount of tax you owe IF you give your coupons/ECB in the right order (more on this later).

Walgreens RRs expire 2 weeks from the day printed
CVS ECB expire 4 weeks from the day printed

Walgreens RR print from a separate Catalina machine (called as such because the company that makes the machine is named Catalina)
CVS ECBs print on the bottom of your receipt - much better than a separate machine b/c you won't ever forget to get them from the cashier

CVS Store Coupons
In addition to using manufacturer coupons and ECBs to pay, you can sometimes get ahold of CVS store coupons to bring your total down even further. CVS store coupons are linked to your card and can only be used by that card. For instance, if I have a store coupon emailed to me, I cannot forward that email to a friend to use, it will only work with my CVS card. There are a few ways to get CVS store coupons:

Register your CVS card online here and receive a $4 off a $20 purchase coupon. This will also register you to receive other coupons via email!
Most stores have a scanner in the store for checking prices on items. Scan your CVS card each time you go and you should receive a coupon or two!
Some regions have occasional CVS store coupons printed in the newspaper. Since we have new stores opening soon, there is a good possibility of finding one in the OWH. If you see one in the OWH, please let me know!

CVS store coupons used to be generic (not CVS card specific) and were really easy to get ahold of. Now they are much more limited and should be treated like gold. :) There are 2 types of CVS coupons - item specific coupons and $/$$ coupons.

The first is an item specific coupon, such as "Save $0.50 off any Dove deodorant", that coupon is pretty self-explanatory, although it should be noted that you can also use a manufacturer coupon in addition to the CVS coupon.

The other type of CVS coupon is a $/$$ coupon, such as the $4/20 mentioned above. This is a "money off your total purchase" type of coupon. For example, if you have a CVS coupon for $4 off a $20 purchase, your subtotal of items BEFORE tax, manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and ECB must be $20 or more. Give the $4/20 coupon first, then your other coupons/ECB to reduce your total amount due as low as possible.

Reducing your Tax
As mentioned earlier, if you do it right, you can use your ECB to reduce the amount of tax you owe. I'm not sure exactly why this works the way it does, but I've done it before and unless something has changed since the last time I shopped at CVS (which was a couple of years ago!), it works. After the cashier scans all of your items, give your coupons in the following order:

CVS $/$$ coupon
ECB
CVS store coupons
Manufacturer coupons
Cash/debit card/visa/etc

From what I understand, you want to give the manufacturer coupons last because this causes the CVS cash register to switch into "payment" mode. Anything given before the cash register switches into payment mode will cause your taxable amount to be reduced. Let's look at it this way: any CVS coupons or ECB (which are essentially store coupons) will reduce the price of the product, similiar to if the item(s) were on sale. If you have a CVS item specific coupon such as the one above of "Save $0.50 off any Dove deodorant", that coupon is reducing the price of the item. You only pay tax on the reduced price (after store coupons/sale), not the full retail price. In contrast, manufacturer coupons are actually considered a "legal form of tender" by our government, this means it's a form of payment, which is why they don't reduce your taxable amount.

Now, that being said, sometimes it can be hard to figure out exactly how much ECB you are going to use to pay, so people tend to give all other coupons first and then pay with ECB whatever is left over. Just remember that any ECB you have scanned before using your manufacturer coupons will reduce your tax. So if you know for certain that your total after manufacturer coupons is going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $10-12, then try and pay with $10 worth of ECB before you hand over your manufacturer coupons.

Planning your Transactions
I try to plan my transactions out ahead of time so I know exactly how much ECB I will be using to pay. But sometimes the store will be out of stock on something and it messes me all up. When that happens, I switch over to what I call "ledger mode". I get out a piece of paper and at the top I write down how much ECB I want to spend. Under that I have 2 columns, one is for the price of the item, the other is for any coupons (manufacturer or store coupons, excluding ECB I will be spending). I write down the price of each item as I put it in my cart and also any coupons I am using (including CVS $/$$ coupons at the top). I keep a running total of each column. When the difference between the 2 columns equals the amount of ECB I have to spend, I'm done shopping and I know I can hand over my ECB first to pay, then hand over my manufacturer coupons. When the cashier is scanning the items I double check them against what I wrote down to make sure everything is ringing up the correct price and won't mess up my ledger. (Sometimes I also do this at Wags if I'm trying to burn up RR.)

I know that's a lot of information to absorb, but once you get the hang of it you won't have to think twice. If you have any questions, please feel free to post a comment. I will be trying to post upcoming deals for CVS in the weeks to come. To get you started, here is a coupon to print for the first week of Omaha CVS shopping:

Blink Tears priced at $7.99 will generate a $7.99 ECB (limit 1)
Print a $1.50 off any Blink Tears coupon (Firefox link, if you're printing in IE, change the "vg" to "vi" in the link address)

This will make it a $1.50 money maker! See, you're already saving money at CVS! Stay tuned this week for Grand Opening transactions at CVS.

If you are interested in reading more about CVS shopping, here are a couple of good articles:

Helpful Tips for Rookie CVS Shoppers

CVS for Newbies (@ IheartCVS.com)

The Bargainista

SWAGBUCKS: $200 in Amazon giftcards!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:13:00 +0000

Woo Hoo! I just ordered my 40th $5 Amazon gift card! This means I've earned $200 in Amazon money since I signed up with Swagbucks last fall. And it has all been earned by doing just what I would normally do everyday anyway - using the Internet and using a search engine.

You can earn Swagbucks too! Just go sign up here and start using their search engine as a means to get to where you're going. Yes, use the search engine for when you're trying to find something out, but also use it just to get to a website that you already know. For instance, when I'm going to go to Amazon, I just type "Amazon.com" in the search box, instead of typing it in the url spot. I have probably won most of my Swagbucks this way!

You can read some more tips here:

http://thebargainistablog.blogspot.com/2009/09/swagbucks.html

Something new since that September post is that you can install a plug-in for your browser so that Swagbucks will show up as an available search engine in your search bar (to the right of your URL bar). You can get that by clicking on the "Toolbars" button once you've signed up.

If you have any questions about Swagbucks, please let me know - I am happy to help!

Now go sign up and start earning some goodies of your own!

The Bargainista

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:19:00 +0000

A GREAT photo freebie. I love these! It looks like those little strips you get out of the photo booths! Just follow these directions:

Go to "Special Offers" on Shutterfly
look for free photo strip
Click on "try wink" at bottom of page
login in to shutterfly and you will get a free credit for a photostrip
choose template
choose photos
choose effects
click send
add recipient
add message
send at no cost- no shipping!

The Bargainista

FREE Baby Magazines

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Go here to snag a FREE subscription to Babytalk magazine and a FREE 6 month subscription to American Baby magazine! Not only are these magazines great resources for new parents and parents of little ones, but they usually have a couple of money saving coupons inside as well!

The Bargainista

Swagbucks 2nd Birthday TODAY

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:35:00 +0000

Today is Swagbuck's 2nd birthday, and that means lots of swagbucks will be given away today! If you are not yet signed up with Swagbucks today is a GREAT day to join! You can get an additional 3 points by entering this "bonus code" when signing up: MELISSASCODE3 (valid through 3/4/10) and use this link to sign up. Plus you get 3 points just for signing up, so you'll get 6 points total!

If you're not familiar with Swagbucks, you earn "Swagbucks" by searching online and your Swagbucks can then be redeemed for gift cards or other prizes and merchandise. I typically redeem mine for Amazon gift cards. I signed up last January (2009) and have redeemed over $150 in Amazon gift cards just by using their search engine (which is powered by google)!

If you are new to Swagbucks, you will want to check out this post on how to make the most of your Swagbucks account.

If you've been using Swagbucks for awhile, here are some of the changes that are coming: Starting today, you will notice that your Swag Bucks in your account will be multiplied by 10 (as will the prices in the store, so for example, if you had 45 bucks in your account you will now have 450 SB; The Amazon which was 45 SB will now be 450 SB). NO prices are being raised on prizes (it will all be proportional - so have no fear about that), but what this split will allow them to do is to award bucks to users in ways that were not before imaginable (such as being logged into the toolbar, and viewing our special offers). So with that said,the sign up code that is worth 6, it will actually be worth 60 SB. You can find more info on the split here. Here are the other changes:

1) More ways to earn SwagBucks every day: With Swagbucks.com 3.0, users will be able to earn by having their toolbar visible on their browser and also by simply viewing our "No Obligation" special offers. This means that in addition to all the regular ways to earn, the more you are engaged with Swagbucks.com, the more you will earn!

2) New look home page and Swag Store & rewards store: Swagbucks 3.0 will include a revamped, cleaner interface that will provide a better user esperience.

3) Launch of the Swagstakes Portal: As you may know, Swagbucks currently runs about a dozen on-going sweepstakes (called Swagstakes) at any given time. With the launch of 3.0, there will be a brand new, fully stocked Swagstakes portal in which there will be dozens of Swagstakes running at all times! Some contests will be limited entry (meaning a set number of entries will be offered ) so the odds for a user to win are greater. The tentative list of items that will be offered during initial launch should include: $100 Amazon Gift Cards, Sony Bravia 32" TV, Amazon Kindle, Apple iPod Touch, Flip Ultra HD Camera, Panasonic Blu Ray with Remote, Apple iPad, Sopranos Complete Series Box Set, Rachel Ray 10 piece cookware set, Playstation 3 system + games bundle, Canon Powershot Camera, Seinfeld Complete Series DVD box Set, Vizio 22" LDC TV and plenty more!
Have fun Swagging today!

The Bargainista

FREE photo coasters + FREE shipping

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:42:00 +0000

Thanks to Hip2Save for this information!

If you want to get in on this deal, you’ll need to be FAST! Currently, you can score a set of 6 Photo Coasters ($24.99 value) for FREE + FREE Shipping!

Wanna get started?
First, you’ll need to go here and register through this link for a new Snapfish account. Once registered through the link, you’ll have earned a credit for a FREE set of 6 Photo Coasters ($24.99 value)! This credit (along with a few other free credits) will show up when you click on the “Your Account” tab after registering. It will be listed under “Your Credits and Offers”!

After registering (using this link), click on the top tab labeled “Store” and then type “Photo coasters” in the search box located on the upper left hand side. You’ll then be able to click on the first search result link and start personalize your coasters with 6 photos of your choice! After you’ve finished, head to checkout! Once you’ve entered your payment info (do NOT choose Paypal because you will get an error message) and shipping info, you should see a spot to enter a coupon code. In this box type in PRESDAY which will score you FREE shipping ($5.99 value)! Final cost– 6 FREE Photo Coasters with FREE shipping! How sweet is that?!

NOTE: You may want to crop your photos first into a square shape before uploading. Snapfish will not let you crop them square, and when it puts the photo on the coaster it does it from the exact middle of the photo, so if your subject is off center it may not look very good. Speaking from experience. :)

The Bargainista

FREE perfume at Victoria's Secret

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:24:00 +0000

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday 2/9, you can pick up a FREE Life is PINK Deluxe Fragrance Sampler at participating Victoria’s Secret stores. Just print the homepage of Seventeen magazine and present it in the store to claim your freebie! Here are the official rules for all the contests/offers in this issue of Seventeen, including this offer, so print and show this if you have any problems.

The Bargainista

It's Consignment Sale Season! Spring 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:38:00 +0000

It's almost spring! Well, maybe not according to the thermometer outside (or the groundhog!), but it's on its way! And with spring comes consignment sales (and then garage sales - YAY!) I love to shop at consignment sales, but I also love to get rid of some stuff as well. I usually end up spending around the same amount as what I sell, it's basically like trading in stuff I don't want for stuff I do want.

Below is a rundown on the local consignment sales.

(You may also want to check out a previous post I wrote last fall - The Secret to Consignment Sale Shopping.)

Take 2 Kids Sale
The Take 2 Kids Sale will be March 17-21. This is one of my favorite sales, they always have plenty of stuff that I just "have to have". Everything you need for a baby can be found at this sale: strollers, carseats, cribs, toys, books, clothes (including season items), shoes, outdoor playsets, nursery furniture, the list goes on and on! If you consign for Take2, please tell them you were referred by me (Betsy Rubendall)!

Location:
90th & Maple, on the northwest side next to Dollar Tree (old Hancock Fabrics bldg)

Pre-Shopping Hours:
Mon March 15: 3:00pm Volunteers shop
Mon March 15: 5:00pm Consignors shop
Tues March 16: 5:00pm "Early Shoppers" passholders shop (click that link to sign up for pass!)
Sun March 21: 9:00am 1/2 Price Volunteers shop
Sun March 21: 9:30am 1/2 Price Consignors shop

Regular Shopping Hours:
Wed March 17: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Thur March 18: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Fri March 19: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Sat March 20: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Sun March 21: 10:00am - 3:00pm (1/2 price sale!)

Cost/Payment:
$12 consignors fee (you pay this when you sign up)
70/30 split - customer gets 70% of the items sell price, Take2 gets 30%
-OR-
75/25 split - if you volunteer at least 4 hours
Check is mailed to you about 2-3 days after the sale ends.

Volunteering:
Volunteer at least 4 hours to raise your split percentage to 75/25. Volunteers also get first shot at the goods, they get to shop a full 2 hours before anyone else is let in the door and they also get first pick of the 1/2 price items! If you don't want to consign, but you do want to volunteer, you can do that as well. Contact Julie (owner of Take2) at Julie@Take2.com, then send a $25 check to Julie and when you volunteer she will return the check to you. If you don't volunteer, she cashes your check (non consignor), or your percentage changes to 50/50 (consignor)

Unsold Items
This is where Take2 is different than the other consignment sales. You can pick up your items at the end of the sale (Sunday, March 21). OR if you choose to not pick up your unsold items, they will go on to 2 more sales (Lincoln & Des Moines) before they are donated to a worthy cause. If your items sell in one of the subsequent sales, you will receive 50% of the selling price. You do NOT need to do anything special (volunteer or otherwise) in order to be able to pick up your unsold items.

KidzShoppe Omaha
KidzShoppe Omaha is my other favorite sale. They have the same types of items as Take2, but generally they have a little bit more inventory. NOTE: Open for registration and dates have been updated below!!!

Location:
In The Centre (indoor soccer fields) on Giles Road, in between 144th & 156th Streets

Pre-Shopping Hours:
Tue April 20 2:30pm-9:00pm Volunteers shop
Tue April 20 4:00pm-9:00pm Consignors shop
Tue April 20 7:00pm-9:00pm First Time moms / homeschoolers / foster families / daycare workers shop
Fri April 23 7:00pm-9:00pm 1/2 Price Volunteers shop
Fri April 23 7:30pm-9:00pm 1/2 Price Consignors shop

Regular Shopping Hours:
Wed April 21 9:30am - 7:00pm
Thur April 22 9:30am - 7:00pm
Fri April 23 9:30am - 7:00pm
Sat April 24 9:30am - 4:00pm 1/2 Price Sale!

Cost/Payment:
$12 consignors fee (this fee will be deducted from your check)
70/30 split - customer gets 70% of the items sell price, KidzShoppe gets 30%
Iif you volunteer at least 8 hours, your consignor fee is waived
You pick up your check when you pick up your unsold items.

Volunteering:
Volunteer at least 8 hours to get your consignor fee waived.. Volunteers also get first shot at the goods, they get to shop for 1.5 hours before anyone else is let in the door and they also get first pick of the 1/2 price items! If you don't want to consign, but you do want to volunteer, you can do that as well.

Unsold Items
You can pick up your unsold items on Sunday, the day after the sale ends. You will also receive your check when you pick up your items. You do NOT need to do anything special (volunteer or otherwise) in order to be able to pick up your unsold items. If you don't pick up your check on Sunday, it will be mailed to you the following Monday.

Munchkin Junction
Munchkin Junction is another sale I like to shop at, but I have never volunteered or consigned there. I always find a few things to buy though!

Location:
Chance Ridge Event Center, 506 Skyline Road, Elkhorn

Pre-Shopping Hours:
Consignor presale: Tue March 16: 3:00-9:00pm
Volunteer presale: Info unavailable at this time

Regular Shopping Hours:
Wed March 17: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Thur March 18: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Fri March 19: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Sat March 20: 9:00am - 12:00pm - 1/2 Price Day!

Cost/Payment:
$14 consignors fee (this fee will be deducted from your check)
75/25 split - customer gets 70% of the items sell price, KidzShoppe gets 30%
80/20 split - if you volunteer (contact Munchkin Junction for details)
You pick up your check when you pick up your unsold items.

Volunteering:
See Munchkin Junction Volunteering page for details. (Too complicated to post here!)

Unsold Items
You can pick up your unsold items on Sunday, the day after the sale ends. You will also receive your check when you pick up your items. You do NOT need to do anything special (volunteer or otherwise) in order to be able to pick up your unsold items. If you don't pick up your unsold items by 4pm they will be donated to charity.

Happy Bargain Hunting!

The Bargainista

YOU DATA - earn a little cash each week!

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:28:00 +0000

Most of my “Christmas cash” this year was due in large part to what I’ve done throughout the year. What do I mean by that? There are just so many different things you can do to earn a bit of extra money (cash) here and there. While I do enjoy surveys, I haven’t done as many the last few months because I just haven’t had the extra time. But there’s one program that I consistently use each and every week that does NOT take a lot of time….YOU DATA!

START NOW FOR NEXT CHRISTMAS – If you spend as little as 2-3 minutes per week over the next year, and ignore the money accumulating in a PayPal account (like I have), you can have “Christmas cash” for next year. Cash that you can either transfer to your checking account or use to buy items online.

The concept is simple…..Advertisers will pay you to view text ads (and visit the homepage of their website). What I love about YouData is that you can fill out a profile about yourself and give as little information as you want……that you are a mom in TX, for example. Hardly any information is required. Log into your YouData account whenever you want and they will tell you if advertisers are willing to pay you to look at a text ad….this includes companies you’d recognize, small companies and organizations too. I have found some great new companies this way too, especially smaller boutiques. They pay you to look at an text ad – doesn’t take but a minute or so. You earn cash. CASH.

Every Friday, YouData deposits the money in your PayPal account for your activity that week. Safe and consistent. Every Friday. They won’t send you emails or reminders….you just visit them whenever you want. I like that. I try to remind everyone to visit YouData each Friday before “paytime”, because they won’t email you.

How do you Get Started?

CELLPHONE: You’ll need a cell phone number (only for sign-up). They do this in order to make sure you are a live person and aren’t trying to set up multiple accounts. They will text you an activation code…..and that’s it. I’ve never received anything else from them.

PAYPAL account: You’ll need to open a PayPal account if you don’t already have one. Many popular retailers like Robeez and others let you order online and pay using PayPal. I love PayPal because I can transfer the money easily into my checking account.

MeFile: Fill out your MeFile (profile) and tell them as much or as little about you as you are comfortable with….what kind of music you like, etc. This will help them get the right ads to you. They don’t want to offer you children’s clothing ads to watch if you have no children.

Sign up your Spouse: You can have 2 active accounts per household….you’ll need separate email addresses and cellphone numbers though so they know you aren’t trying to double dip.

Visit once a week: Remember, what I love most about YouData is that you won’t get emails from them reminding you to visit. If you don’t visit and log-in, you won’t get any $$$, it’s as simple as that. I try to visit each Thursday (right before they send out payments for the week). It takes me no more than 2-3 minutes to view my weekly text ads. Some weeks there may be no ads for your particular demographic….they may be targeting women or men of a certain age that week. There have been weeks where I’ve earned up to $6.00 and some where I earned 20 cents, but little by little you’ll save up that money. Just forget it’s there in your PayPal account til next year!

PAYDAY: Every Friday, usually in the afternoons for me, you’ll receive a notification from PayPal that YouData has sent money to your account for your activity that week.

The Bargainista

FREE scholastic book from Pampers

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:23:00 +0000

Pampers has a new mail in offer available. You can get a free Scholastic book when you mail in a UPC code from a Pampers Easy Ups or Kandoo products, along with your name, daytime phone number, email address and complete mailing address to the following:

Pampers Book Offer,
557 Broadway,
P.O. Box 711,
New York, NY 10012

This offer begins January 28th and ends when 2,500 books have been given away or May 31st. If you are thinking of taking advantage of this offer make sure to send it soon to increase your chances of getting one. You may also want to pick up a free potty training kit. It comes with coupons, stickers and coloring pages.

The Bargainista

FREE OREOS on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:39:00 +0000

Become a fan of Oreos on Facebook! In about 20 minutes they will be giving away 150,000 oreos (until supplies last or 11:59pm est 1/25/10). Check back to the fan page right at 2pm CST to get your free Oreos!

The Bargainista

FREE skein of yarn on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (The Bargainista) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:17:00 +0000

For my SIL, a new knitter...

FREE Skein of of Yarn on Facebook!

Caron International is offering up a FREE Full-sized Skein of Yarn for Facebook fans! You’ll even get to choose between country (wool) or spa (bamboo) yarn! Just go to the fan page for Caron International and click on the link provided to request this great freebie! Allow 3-6 weeks for delivery.

The Bargainista