The Frugal Fishtank

Galerie Clearance Center

2011-11-09T17:50:00.000-08:00

Visit Galerie for to purchase unique items at discounted prices. Toys and gifts are often marked at 80% below retail prices, and bulk candy can be purchased for $1.25 per pound.

The store is located at 3380 Langley Drive in Hebron, KY. Look for a large white building which faces North Bend Road.

Store Hours:

Summer Hours (Easter - September 30): Tues-Sat 10am-5:30pm

Winter Hours (October 1- Easter): Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm

Sunday before Christmas, Easter, and Valentine's Day: 12am-5pm

Phone: 859-538-8080

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How to Make Green Cleaning Supplies

2011-09-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

Commercial cleaning products contain toxic chemicals which are not healthy for humans or the environment. Natural alternatives are economical and safe, and they can be easily created from common household products. Multiple products are made from just a few ingredients, which reduces packaging and saves storage space... Click here for full article.

Twenty Mile Tourist

2011-09-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Twenty Mile Tourist offers free self guided historic driving tours throughout Northern Kentucky. All tours on this website are no longer than twenty miles, and each one begins and ends at a freeway exit. You can take a tour from beginning to end in less than an hour, or you may want to pack a lunch and come out for the day.

The website also features a list of local freebies.

Getting Started as a Mystery Shopper

2011-03-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

What you will need:

A computer with internet access and an e-mail account
A PayPal account - many companies prefer to issue payments directly to you via PayPal instead of sending a check.
A printer (to print guidelines and other forms)
A scanner (to scan receipts and other documents you may receive)
A digital watch (accurate timekeeping is required)
A digital camera is helpful but not required for all shops

Later on you may choose to purchase a small recording device, or even a hidden camera. This is not a requirement, but it could make a complicated job easier. There are some shops which require the use of a hidden video camera.

How to get started:

Step 1: Visit a Mystery Shopping company’s website and fill out an application. This is a full application, which is no different from what you would fill out if you were to apply for a position at any company. They will ask for work history, references, and loads of personal information, including a Social Security number. Be cautious when you provide this information. Next week’s article will go into greater detail on pre-screening and finding legitimate companies. Important: you should never have to pay a fee to apply.

Step 2: Once your application is accepted, you will be notified and given a password. Most companies have job boards, you can log into the job board and see a listing of available assignments. Many companies will also inform you by e-mail if an assignment in your area becomes available.

Step 3: If you see an assignment that interests you, read the guidelines carefully. If you apply for an assignment, you are making a commitment that you will complete it if it is assigned to you. Make sure you truly want to complete it, and make sure that the location works for you. Assignments have specific time frames in which they need to be completed, make sure that works for you as well. Don’t apply for an assignment unless you are sure you would be willing to complete it. If you choose to proceed, you can apply for the assignment on the company’s website.

Step 4: You will be notified if the assignment has been assigned to you. Review the guidelines again, and make note of all the information that you will need to collect. Go do your shop.

Step 5: Get back on the website and file your report. This usually needs to be done before a specified due date. Reports that are submitted past the deadline might not be accepted.

Step 6: Keep up the good work! Payment will be sent to you by PayPal or direct mail, depending on the company's policy.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Mystery Shopping

2011-03-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

Some reasons to try Mystery Shopping:

You can work at your convenience. You do not have to accept assignments for locations you do not want to visit or for times that do not work with your schedule. You do not have to accept assignments that do not interest you.
This is an opportunity to work from home without having to sell anything or having to recruit others to sell.
You can earn money without having to pay for child care. You will be able to bring children with you on some of your assignments. Other assignments can be completed during school hours or at a time when it would be convenient for another family member to watch the children.
The start up costs are minimal and you can start right away without any special training.
Sometimes you can get paid to do things you were going to do anyway - like go to the bank, buy groceries, eat out, or get an oil change.
Mystery shopping provides an opportunity to Interact with others in a variety of situations. It builds confidence, social skills, and observational skills.

A few things to consider first:

This is not a full time job, and certainly not a way to earn a full time income. You will not have assignments every day, or possibly even every week.
There is little room for growth. Experienced shoppers don’t necessarily get paid more than beginners.
Your time is valuable, and Mystery Shopping can be time consuming. Before accepting a shop, evaluate the time, effort, and fuel expense that is involved. Make sure it is worth your while and doesn't take you away from other responsibilities.
Shoppers are often required to spend money in advance and then seek repayment. Some companies will send payments within 1-2 weeks. Others can take a month or two to send payment. If you spent money to complete the shop, you will have to wait for reimbursement. If the company does not accept your report, they are not required to pay you or reimburse you for your expenses.

An Introduction to Mystery Shopping

2011-03-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

What is it?

Large companies can’t monitor every employee’s performance all the time. In order to ensure that their standards are being met, they hire third party service providers. These companies then hire Mystery Shoppers. Mystery shoppers are then sent to business locations to interact with employees and provide reports on the experience.

The reports are often quite detailed, and Mystery Shoppers are given specific guidelines they must follow. The shoppers file reports online and are paid for their time.

What can I earn?

A shopper's income depends on the number of assignments he or she completes each month. Shops pay anywhere from $10, for a simple assignment that can be completed in 30 minutes or less, to a few hundred dollars for something much more complicated. Most shops fall in the $10-$20 range. Sometimes shoppers will receive a combination of pay plus reimbursement for required purchases, and sometimes shoppers will be expected to return the purchased items later.

What do the companies expect of shoppers?

If you begin mystery shopping, you will be expected to honor all commitments. If you accept an assignment, you should make every effort to complete it in the required time frame. In the event that you find is truly impossible for you to complete an assignment, contact the scheduler as soon as possible.

You will be expected to submit all reports in a timely manner. Reports should be accurate, honest, and unbiased. Write in complete sentences, use correct grammar, and check spelling. If a report is late, or inaccurate, you might not get paid!

It is important to maintain confidentiality. Do not reveal to employees that you are a mystery shopper unless shop guidelines require you to do so. Do not discuss details of your assignments with anyone.

Deals at Burt's Bees Online Store

2011-02-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

Update: The Grab Bag is still available but the Overnight Bee-uty Bag is sold out.

This Overnight Bee-uty Bag is on sale at Burt's Bees. It is marked down to $6 from $15 and contains the following items:

Beeswax Lip Balm (.15 oz)
Replenishing Pomegranate Lip Balm (.15 oz)
Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Lotion (2 fl. oz)
Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub (.53 oz)
Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme (.30 oz)

You can also purchase the Burt's Bees Grab Bag for $25. It contains 12 or more items, for a total value of $50. The bags contain a combination of full size and trial size products. Contents vary, so you won't know what your are getting until it arrives. This could be a great way to stock up for gifts, or just get some new products to try.

Sign up for The Hive Newsletter, and you will receive a coupon for $5 off your first $25 purchase. Free shipping is offered for purchases over $49.

Free Sample - Ocean Spray Sparkling Juice Drinks

2011-02-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

SOLD OUT!!!

Visit Ocean Spray on Facebook today, and you can fill out a form to request a free sample of Ocean Spray's new Sparkling Juice Drinks. Samples will be sent by mail in 6-8 weeks.

Using What You Have - Recipe Search

2011-02-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

What's for dinner? When it seems like the kitchen is full of food, but there's nothing to eat, check out this handy little tool.

Just key in the ingredients that you do have on hand. The Internet will be searched for you, and you will be given recipes that you can make tonight. If you don't like what you see, you can narrow it down further by adding or excluding additional ingredients.

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New 20% coupon for Gap Outlet Stores Valid 2/15-2/21

2011-02-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

The Gap Outlet has offered a new coupon. Go here and you can save 20% off a purchase of $75 or more. This discount is valid 2/15 - 2/21.

Saint Patrick's Day

2011-02-15T21:22:00.000-08:00

The Gap Outlet in Hebron has a new selection of Saint Patrick's day goodies. You can find T-shirts, boxers, kids clothes, and gift items. Prices range from $.49 to $1.99.

If you would like to learn more about why we celebrate Saint Patrick's day, you might want to put down that green beer and pick up a book. How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill is a great read. This colorful book tells the story about how Saint Patrick brought Christianity to the Irish, and the impact that his actions had on life in Europe. You can get a copy of this book from your local library, or pick it up on Amazon.com for one penny. (Plus shipping.)

Love Celtic music? Visit the Celtic MP3 Music Magazine for free Irish Music Downloads.

My Coke Rewards

2011-02-15T13:41:00.000-08:00

I love Diet Coke. I drink way too much of the stuff, but at least now I can get a reward for it.

Next time you buy Coke, Sprite, Dasani, (or other participating products), check for a small code printed on the inside of your package or bottle lid. Then go here and enter it in. You will earn points for each code which you can use to redeem rewards when you have enough.

I prefer to redeem my rewards for magazine subscriptions. You get 3 points per bottle and 8 points per 12 pack. Magazine subscriptions start at 133 points.

Canon Loyalty Program

2011-02-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

Having a problem with your digital camera? Has the warranty period ended? If you bought it from Canon, you may be in luck. Call 1-800-OK-CANON and see if you are eligible for Canon's Loyalty program.

If you are eligible, you can return that old camera and purchase a refurbished unit at a discounted price. You do not have to buy the same model that you had before, so this might be a nice opportunity to upgrade. Once you have placed your order, the new unit is shipped to you on the next business day via 2nd day Fed Ex. There is no charge for shipping. You also receive a pre-paid shipping label to use when you return the old camera.

Amazon also sells refurbished Canon cameras, but the prices offered under the Loyalty Program are lower than Amazon's. Refurbished products come with a 90 day warranty. Canon Printers and Scanners are also covered under this program.

Free Pocket Constitution

2011-02-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

Celebrate America! Free pocket sized copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are available here.

Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Valentine's Day at Galerie

2011-02-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again: time to treat your tots and snuggle with your sweetie. Galerie is a clearance center located 3380 Langley Drive (facing North Bend Road) in Hebron. They sell candy in unique packaging for reduced prices in the clearance center.

Right now, there is a great selection of Valentine's day treats. Some things I like are small tins of Hershey's kisses for $.50, cellophane roses filled with hard candy for $1, and cute stuffed animals holding bags of candy for $1.75. For your sweetheart, you can buy a pretty box filled with sweet "dusting powder." (Use your imagination...) If you really love Valentine's day, you can pick up a 26 pound box of conversation hearts for $5. That's a lot of conversation!

New Spring items are also starting to appear in the store, so be sure to come back for your Easter basket goodies.

Little Treasures Kids Consignment Sale

2011-02-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

Northern Kentucky Residents: If you have baby/child items that you no longer need, you may want to sell some of them. One option to consider is the Little Treasures Kids Consignment sale. This event happens twice a year, in the spring and fall.

The cost to participate is $10. You set the prices and you keep 70% of what you sell. All items must be in good condition. The last day of the sale will be "half price day."

Sephora - Be a Beauty Insider

2011-02-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are not familiar with Sephora, it is an on-line and retail store that offers a huge selection of cosmetics and beauty products. A new store is opening up in Crestview Hills Towne Center.

The best part is that you can sign up on-line to be a Beauty Insider. Once you are a Beauty Insider, you will then be eligible for discounts and samples throughout the year, and you will receive a gift on your birthday.

Selling Used Books

2011-02-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

Do you have a bookshelf that is starting to overflow? Is your CD or DVD collection taking on a life of it’s own? If so, it is time to sell some books!

First, let’s see if they are worth anything. One place where you can sell used books is on half.com. Just grab a book, go to the website and type the book’s ISBN number into the search bar. The ISBN number is a small number printed on the back of the book just above the bar code, all newer books will have this. CDs, DVDs and Video games don’t have ISBN codes but you can search for them using their serial numbers.

The website will search for your item and then show you a list of all sellers who have a copy of that item for sale. It will show what price other sellers are asking for that item. If you like what you see, you may want to sell your copy.

If you want to sell, first open a seller account. It does not cost anything to do this. You will need to provide a bank account number, because payments will be deposited directly into your bank account.

Then start listing your items. Make sure that you describe the condition of each item as accurately as possible, and explain any damage or wear that the item may have. If you would like, you may offer an expedited shipping option. Price your items competitively and they will sell faster. Remember, Half.com will deduct a 15% commission for each item sold.

You will receive an e-mail when someone has purchased your item. Half.com will collect money from the buyer for the purchase price of the item plus shipping. The amount they will collect varies based on the type of book and the shipping method chosen by the buyer. Shipping charges are listed here. Be cautious when listing heavy or oversized books for sale because the amount you will receive for shipping might not cover your expenses.

Place the item in a padded envelope. These can be purchased on Ebay or from stores like Sam’s Club. Then either print a shipping label on-line or take your package to the post office. On-line shipping is easier, but you will need a Paypal account, a printer, and an accurate scale.

You will receive feedback from buyers and have an opportunity to leave feedback for them. Half.com will deposit money into your bank account twice a month for your sales.

Happy selling!

Cooking on the Cheap - Roasted Red Peppers

2011-02-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Red peppers can be expensive, but I found some on the clearance rack at Meijer this afternoon. They were marked down to $2.33 for six. Well they look delicious, but it isn't a good deal if they go bad before they get eaten, is it? So I am making my favorite healthy treats: Chipotle-Red Pepper Sauce.

This recipe is from Weber's Real Grilling: Over 200 Original Recipes. Whenever I find red peppers on sale, I make a large batch to freeze.

First, I roast the peppers on my gas stove, turning them frequently. They are ready when the skins turn black and start peeling off. This step takes some time and stinks up the kitchen, but the end result is worth it.

Once the peppers have cooled enough to touch, I remove the peeling, stems, and seed. Then I toss them in the food processor with garlic, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt and pepper. After that the secret ingredient goes in - one canned chipotle chile pepper for every two red peppers. The red pepper adds sweetness and the chipotle adds a spicy/smoky taste.

Everything gets blended in the food processor and the job is done. This sauce can put on tacos, used as a dipping sauce for grilled meat, or added to soups and pasta sauces.

I like to line a muffin pan with plastic wrap and then pour some sauce into each cup. Once it has frozen, I use the plastic wrap to remove it from the muffin tin and then store it in a plastic bag in the freezer. Then I have pre-portioned servings of sauce to use whenever I want to give dinner a little burst of spicy flavor.

Sale Items at Remke Markets This week

2011-02-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

They also have Fleischmann's Pizza Crust Yeast on clearance for $.60. You can get that for free, plus possible overage using a $.40 off coupon in the 12/5 Smart Source insert. The clearance rack is in the back of the store by the meat department.

There are some other good deals at Remke this week. I am excited about free canned tomatoes, free breakfast sandwiches, $.29 croutons, and $.29 pizza. The Savings Lifestyle has a full list, but some of the coupons on their list are not available in our inserts.

The Catch of the Day - Skechers at the Gap Outlet

2011-02-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

Do your kids love Skechers as much as mine do? Then head over to the Gap Outlet and pick some up for $14.99. They have Twinkle Toes for girls and Crusades for boys. There are also loads of glittery shoes from Converse and a dozen or so pairs of Stride Rite shoes. All sizes are currently available, but these may go fast!

Shopping at the Gap Outlet

2011-02-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

The Gap Outlet in Hebron is a great place to shop. It is a true outlet-not one of those outlet mall stores. You can find clothing and accessories from the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta, and other brands at deeply discounted prices.

The store gets very busy on weekends, so I recommend going during the week. When shopping at the Gap Outlet, keep in mind that many items sold at the store are damaged. Take your time and inspect each item carefully - all sales are final. Having said that, a shopper with a careful eye and the patience to look through the racks of clothes can acquire a fabulous wardrobe for a reasonable price.

The store frequently receives shipments of closeout items which they sell for very low prices. On a recent visit I found men's button down shirts, tote bags, and lady's T-shirts for $.49. I will be stopping in on a regular basis to let you know what the best deals are, so stay tuned for updates!

Here is a summary of some of their current prices. This list does not include everything in the store, and prices can change at any time, but it can give you an idea of what to look for:

Women's Jeans: Old Navy and Gap: $4.99. Banana Republic: $9.99.
Women's Tops: Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic: $4.99-$6.99. Athleta: $14.99.
Women's Sweaters: Old Navy: $6.99, Gap: $9.99, Banana Republic: $12.99.
Skirts: Old Navy: $4.99, Gap: $6.99, Banana Republic: $9.99, Athleta: $14.99.
Scarves: $3.99-$6.99
Jewelry: $3.99-$9.99. Jewelry used to cost $1.99 per item, but the price has been raised.
Undergarments: $.49-$3.99
Shoes and boots (various brands): $9.99-$49.99
Pajama tops and bottoms: $1.99 per piece
Most kids clothes are priced at $4.99.
Men's Pants: Old Navy and Gap: $6.99, Banana Republic: $9.99.
Men's Jeans: $12.99
Men's Short Sleeve Shirts: $4.99 0 $9.99
Coats range from $19.99 for Old Navy to $49.99 for Banana Republic. Kids coats are $9.99. Coat prices will probably drop at the end of winter.
There is also a large selection of Maternity clothes starting at $9.99 per garment.

The store address is: 2050 Global Way, Hebron KY

The Club at Florence Mall

2011-01-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

If you have a birthday coming up, or even if you don't, you may want to join the Club at Florence Mall.

You can sign up on line or at the mall. If you join, you can get offers for discounts throughout the year. The best thing I have received so far was a $10 American Express gift card on my birthday. I picked it up at the Management Office and no purchase was required.

They did ask me to show valid ID.

Welcome to the Tank

2011-01-29T20:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my little fishtank. Life is simple here, fresh water and a few fish flakes are really all I need. Of course, there comes a time when I want something more. Since I have Koi Pond tastes on a fishbowl budget, I need to find some deals.

I like to shop in the local aquarium. Remke Markets is often overlooked, but they have excellent customer service and can offer some great bargains to a shopper with a sharp eye. I will be telling you all about what I find there, especially when I see unadvertised deals. I also love the GAP Outlet. They sell overstocked items at deep discounts. It requires careful selection as much of it is damaged. They do, however, receive shipments of great products which they sell for great prices. When something new comes in, I will be the first to know. Stay tuned and you will be the second to know!

Maintaining a quality fishtank can be expensive, so I will also be telling you about tried and true ways to earn money while working from your tank. I will also share my tank improvement projects and frugal cooking ideas with you. A little fish like me is by no means an expert, but I am trying out the things I blog about, and I hope you will join me.