Daily Deals

Heard of Groupon?

Sites just like it are popping up all over the place. Great marketing tools for small local businesses. These short term limited deals give great offers for people to try out different foods or or activities. Last week, I was excited about the start of Zozi. They were giving away $500,000 worth of free activities. I got a couple of referrals which was super exciting because now I know there are others I can go kayaking with. So here are a few others. Let me know if you get something!

Groupon

The most popular. The recently featured a $25 for $50 worth of merchandise from GAP stores. Looks like major retailers are interested in this marketing tool. Duration: 24 hours. Referrals: $10

Living Social

Apparently this site gets the most number of unique visitors. San Jose isn't up yet, but San Francisco is up and running. Duration: 24 hours. Referrals: refer 3 people to buy the same deal and get it for free.

Daily Dealster

I just got Golfland deal for 4 rounds of golf and 100 tokens. This site provides discounts through packages. Get a discount on 4 car washes, 4 rounds of golf, etc. They sure do like the number four. Duration: 24 hours. Referrals: $10.

Bloomspot

This site has a little bit of everything all at the same time. Hotels, spas, restaurants, etc.
Things tend to be a bit pricier since they seem to go for the luxury crowd.

Plum District

Duration: 24 hours. Location: San Jose & South Bay. Referrals: you get $5.

KGB Deals

This site started off with $4 AMC tickets. They are finally up and running.

FreshGuide
I haven't used this one before but they always have ads on Slickdeals.
Location: San Francisco. Referrals: $10.

Zozi

More focused on local activities. Duration: one week. Referrals: we both get $10.

Bringing color to Kenya

[2? weeks ago]
Last week I was terribly motivated to see how far I could stretch $10-20 amidst back-to-school-sales for Operation Christmas Child (OCC). 

OCC is an event put on every Christmas by Samaritan's Purse. You fill up shoeboxes with little fun gifts for children who probably aren't getting much for Christmas, not because they've been bad, but because their families are unable to afford those types of things. The shoeboxes are shipped all over the world. They're on facebook!

Anyways, 

when I mentioned my plans to BabyJ during book club, her reaction was "You're going to store all that stuff until Christmas?" I don't mind stuffing things into my already bursting closet, but her reaction did get me thinking. Maybe someone else could use those supplies NOW. 

I turned around and there stood Steven talking to someone else about his upcoming missions trip to  Kenya. They are leaving next week. I have not known him that long, but one thing I DO know is that he has a BIG heart for kids. The purpose of the Kenya trip will be to visit one particular slum and lead VBS for the kids. What a perfect opportunity.

FYI, this is how far $15 will get you 

if you shop right now:

10 - 11pk markers
10 - 24pk crayons
4 - Sterilite Bins
Jbear found some pretty cheap scissors too!

Pretty amazing how far certain timing can take you.

Note: Please pray for Kenya and the team.

Steals and Deals

Summer Steals and Deals
Since lent is over and I allowed myself to start signing up for email newsletters again, I'm getting promotions up the wazoo. Last night I went to Walgreens to pick up some expo washable markers and the cashier was shocked that all the coupons and promos could be stacked. His eyes were like O_O and he called me a super saver. I don't see the point in paying full price for most things if you can stock up when it's on sale so figured I'd share some things going on right now.

Note: If you use coupons on something, you will still be charge tax based on the pre-coupon price.
Note*2: Images are from amazon because its convenient. They will link to amazon, click the item link to go to the website.

Beauty/Clothes
Bliss Beauty - 20% off and free shipping (FS) on most items. Ends July 31, 2010. Use Code: AUG20I am a fan of the triple oxygen instant energizing face mask.  I can't tell which is more "energizing", this one or korres wild rose mask. The korres rose one smells good. But this bliss mask has foam that appears and disappears and just feels fun.

Hanes - 20% off and FS on orders $55 or more. Discount applied at checkout.
Turns out 20% off site wide is a pretty common occurrence here. I like their cushy ankle socks and guys always need underwear and undershirts. Walmart tends to have undershirts for pretty cheap ~$8. So if you don't plan on stocking up on a lot and don't qualify for FS, this might not be worth it.

Smashbox - Lets do lunch tuesday and thursdays 9-2pm deals still going on. Free full size something with each purchase. Just pick something out of curtain call clearance. Free shipping and jumbo samples.

School is starting up soon and that means Back to School Sales!
I don't really need crayons or markers (although I saw a lot of really great deals) so I stocked up on pens. Pens tend to disappear out of my purse. Sitting in class or service with an open notebook, brain brimming with things you want to remember, but no pen is a painful experience. Stock up!

Target
Bic cristal 10 pack pens on sale for $0.60. Purchase 2 and use $1 off 2 ($1/2) coupon. 20 pens for $0.20.

Office Depot- $10 off $25 in-store purchase coupon.
Lots of pens on sale. I found a lot of Avery label sheets in the back clearance bin for $3. That's a good deal since the removable ones were originally $13. 3M and Post-it has a $10 rebate off $20 (not through OD) which is great because there are a couple of B1G1 free items. Too bad they are all out of stock around here. If you want something less than $25, fill your purchase with their free-after-rebate items. Including Purell hand sanitizer ($5.99), Nano stapler, and expo pens. Note: Max of five mail-in savings per household and all qualified items must be on one receipt. So you can't go on two different trips and to try to milk it.


Entertainment
Livenation.com - $10 tickets
Do you like American Idol or the Jonas Brothers or Demi Lovato? They are coming to Shoreline.

Next Project:

Someone mentioned it would be a great time to start stocking up on Operation Christmas Child items. What a great idea! My next project is to see how far I can stretch $20 with all these back to school deals.