Thursday, April 22, 2010
So my Aldi Store FINALLY opened today! Halleluiah! My Mom, Emily and I have been planning to check it out for months now, and we were so excited to see what it was like!
Well, Aldi is everything they claim to be – low prices on the things that you buy regularly. The store was clean, organized, and very well run. The store employees were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
We both pay very close attention to what we pay for the items that we purchase regularly, and the quantity that we purchase them in. We found that Aldi had extremely competitive prices on nearly every item we purchased. If we did not find the price to be LOWER than the prices at Wal-Mart or a similar grocery store, we found that the price was the SAME as the prices we pay at similar grocery stores. The produce was fresh, attractive-looking, and huge in quantity.
A couple of items that I found to be insanely great prices:
1. 64 oz. Apple Juice - $1.19
2. Boxed dog biscuits - $.99
3. Cellulose Sponges - 6 pack - $.99
4. Boxes of fresh strawberries - $.99
5. Varied spices - $1.09 each
6. 32 oz. tub of vanilla yogurt - $1.59
7. One dozen eggs - $.89
See?! I told ya!
All in all, every item that we bought was purchased with excitement as we saved significantly.
At the cash register, we were excited to see that as they totaled our purchases, they then offered us a $5 coupon on top of the savings we already received. BONUS!
I am definitely going to add Aldi to my shopping rounds. I can now reduce my grocery budget every month and spend that money elsewhere.
There are a couple of things that you should know before shopping at Aldi:
1. Aldi charges 25 cents to borrow a shopping cart. You get your quarter back when you return the cart.
2. Aldi does not bag your groceries. You must come prepared with shopping bags, or they offer them for purchase ($1.99) at the register.
3. Aldi is a one-directional grocery store. If you realize you forgot to grab something and have to go back, your best bet is to leave your cart behind and sneak back to the forgotten item. People were very understanding as we had this happen numerous times.
Visit Aldi.com to find the store nearest you! Your wallet will be SO grateful!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Suck it up!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
As I was cleaning today, I was reminded of something very close to my heart: my vacuum cleaner! Next to my family and my label maker, she is my favorite appliance! Don’t worry – I’m not a psycho Kirby vacuum saleswoman, I have a Simplicity Vacuum!
When we decided to install laminate flooring throughout the living spaces in our house, I knew it was time to upgrade our vacuum. I have spent years spending $150 here and $150 there trying to find the vacuum that would get the job done. I wanted my floors to stay clean and shiny, so I knew I was going to have to upgrade our vacuum.
For years, I have been envious of my Mom’s Simplicity vacuum and it’s durability. She has had her Simplicity vacuum for over 12 years and counting. My Simplicity is three years old, has survived two chocolate labs, a baby and a messy husband and she hasn’t let me down yet!
Simplicity vacuums aren’t exactly an inexpensive purchase at around $500, but they are an excellent investment versus spending $150 on a cheap vacuum every year.
My Simplicity vacuum is from All-Vac located in Plano, Texas at Parker Rd. and Independence Rd. Purchasing a Simplicity vacuum is akin to purchasing a new car. Colors, styles, gadgets, extensions, and features are among the things you must choose while selecting your vacuum.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’? You bet! Want them to throw in some extensions and tools? A belt? How about a year’s worth of vacuum bags? What about some fragrance tablets to toss into your vacuum bag? Just ask! All-Vac is excellent about customer satisfaction and helping you select the best vacuum for you.
Of course, a test drive is also part of the selection process! They will sprinkle some dirt, synthetic pet hair, cheerios, crumbs, etc. down on the floor for you to vacuum over and see the result of each vacuum. One vacuum I tested seemed to blow the synthetic pet hair around. I knew immediately that this was not the vacuum for my furry friends! The vacuum that I purchased did not blow dust, dirt, or dander around, but sucked up the dirt with ease.
Allow Simplicity to let you in on their secret! You will be more than satisfied with your purchase.
As I was cleaning today, I was reminded of something very close to my heart: my vacuum cleaner! Next to my family and my label maker, she is my favorite appliance! Don’t worry – I’m not a psycho Kirby vacuum saleswoman, I have a Simplicity Vacuum!
When we decided to install laminate flooring throughout the living spaces in our house, I knew it was time to upgrade our vacuum. I have spent years spending $150 here and $150 there trying to find the vacuum that would get the job done. I wanted my floors to stay clean and shiny, so I knew I was going to have to upgrade our vacuum.
For years, I have been envious of my Mom’s Simplicity vacuum and it’s durability. She has had her Simplicity vacuum for over 12 years and counting. My Simplicity is three years old, has survived two chocolate labs, a baby and a messy husband and she hasn’t let me down yet!
Simplicity vacuums aren’t exactly an inexpensive purchase at around $500, but they are an excellent investment versus spending $150 on a cheap vacuum every year.
My Simplicity vacuum is from All-Vac located in Plano, Texas at Parker Rd. and Independence Rd. Purchasing a Simplicity vacuum is akin to purchasing a new car. Colors, styles, gadgets, extensions, and features are among the things you must choose while selecting your vacuum.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’? You bet! Want them to throw in some extensions and tools? A belt? How about a year’s worth of vacuum bags? What about some fragrance tablets to toss into your vacuum bag? Just ask! All-Vac is excellent about customer satisfaction and helping you select the best vacuum for you.
Of course, a test drive is also part of the selection process! They will sprinkle some dirt, synthetic pet hair, cheerios, crumbs, etc. down on the floor for you to vacuum over and see the result of each vacuum. One vacuum I tested seemed to blow the synthetic pet hair around. I knew immediately that this was not the vacuum for my furry friends! The vacuum that I purchased did not blow dust, dirt, or dander around, but sucked up the dirt with ease.
Allow Simplicity to let you in on their secret! You will be more than satisfied with your purchase.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Smelly!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Just a quick update for you:
From now until Sunday, shop online or in stores at Bath and Body Works and purchase three of their Signature Selection Body Care products and receive THREE FREE! Six items for the price of three is an awesome deal. Ends Sunday, so hurry up!
Just a quick update for you:
From now until Sunday, shop online or in stores at Bath and Body Works and purchase three of their Signature Selection Body Care products and receive THREE FREE! Six items for the price of three is an awesome deal. Ends Sunday, so hurry up!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
NEVER Keep Your Opinion To Yourself!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
I really hope that you have already signed up for Kohl’s email and mailing distribution lists. They have sent me TWO postcards this week with $10 FREE! No purchase is required. I intend to spend $20 or $25 at Kohl’s next week and spend $0 or $5 of my own personal money! How delicious is that?!
I also received an interesting email from Target this week. They have introduced a new program of printable coupons via email. I viewed THIRTEEN PAGES of printable coupons, many of which I would likely take advantage of. You simply click the box within the coupons you are interested in printing, and Target.com compiles those coupons for you. You can then print ONLY the coupons you are interested in utilizing. Click HERE to see what I mean!
I am at Target at LEAST once per week, and I intend to utilize all of the savings techniques that they offer. Many of the coupons are for household and grocery items, but some of them are for items that are exclusively Target’s. For example: 10% off of patio furniture, $10 off a Kodak camera, and $5 off the ottoman of your choice. These are great deals that I am highly likely to take advantage of!
One more thing that I have begun taking advantage of is customer surveys. Many of the stores that we patronize offer discounts, or sweepstakes-like incentives as a reward for giving them feedback about your experience while shopping in their stores. Old Navy has offered 10% off your next purchase for filling out a short online survey for quite a while. Target offered me the chance to win $3,000 after taking part in a short online survey. Walgreens offered me the opportunity to be placed in a drawing for a $500 shopping spree after participating in their online survey about my experience. I have yet to win anything, but I will continue to take 5 minutes of my time to share my opinion (which is never lacking) and who knows?! I could be the next winner and so could you!
I really hope that you have already signed up for Kohl’s email and mailing distribution lists. They have sent me TWO postcards this week with $10 FREE! No purchase is required. I intend to spend $20 or $25 at Kohl’s next week and spend $0 or $5 of my own personal money! How delicious is that?!
I also received an interesting email from Target this week. They have introduced a new program of printable coupons via email. I viewed THIRTEEN PAGES of printable coupons, many of which I would likely take advantage of. You simply click the box within the coupons you are interested in printing, and Target.com compiles those coupons for you. You can then print ONLY the coupons you are interested in utilizing. Click HERE to see what I mean!
I am at Target at LEAST once per week, and I intend to utilize all of the savings techniques that they offer. Many of the coupons are for household and grocery items, but some of them are for items that are exclusively Target’s. For example: 10% off of patio furniture, $10 off a Kodak camera, and $5 off the ottoman of your choice. These are great deals that I am highly likely to take advantage of!
One more thing that I have begun taking advantage of is customer surveys. Many of the stores that we patronize offer discounts, or sweepstakes-like incentives as a reward for giving them feedback about your experience while shopping in their stores. Old Navy has offered 10% off your next purchase for filling out a short online survey for quite a while. Target offered me the chance to win $3,000 after taking part in a short online survey. Walgreens offered me the opportunity to be placed in a drawing for a $500 shopping spree after participating in their online survey about my experience. I have yet to win anything, but I will continue to take 5 minutes of my time to share my opinion (which is never lacking) and who knows?! I could be the next winner and so could you!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Proctor & Gamble
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
I decided to visit Proctor and Gamble’s website, and subscribe to their email distribution list. They have a variety of coupons available to view and receive by mail from their site. I am consistent in purchasing Wal-Mart’s Great Value brand products for nearly everything I buy. However, there are various products that I cannot purchase the “store brand” of, and I am hoping to take advantage of the Proctor and Gamble coupons for these items. If you buy them anyway, why not get a great deal?!
Most of you already know that I’m, well, cheap…but I wear that badge proudly, and I’m cool with it! Proctor and Gamble also offers free samples of products that you may be interested in purchasing. I chose several items off of their somewhat-limited list, and my samples arrived in the mail today!
Although I exclusively purchase Parent’s Choice diapers, why not sample Pampers Cruisers?! That’s three free diapers, and I’ll take whatever I can get!
Another product that I ventured to try is Tide Laundry Detergent. My Mom used Tide when I was a young child, so I wanted to give it a shot. I usually think that it is extremely expensive, and I purchase my liquid laundry detergent at Big Lots. The large “tank” size dispensing bottle of SUN detergent is $6.50. It cleans our clothes, smells fresh and clean, and lasts for a century. So that’s my detergent of choice but I’d love to see if Tide surprises me.
Hit up their website and see if there are any products that you are interested in sampling. Even if you are unlikely to purchase these products after sampling them, FREE IS FREE!
I decided to visit Proctor and Gamble’s website, and subscribe to their email distribution list. They have a variety of coupons available to view and receive by mail from their site. I am consistent in purchasing Wal-Mart’s Great Value brand products for nearly everything I buy. However, there are various products that I cannot purchase the “store brand” of, and I am hoping to take advantage of the Proctor and Gamble coupons for these items. If you buy them anyway, why not get a great deal?!
Most of you already know that I’m, well, cheap…but I wear that badge proudly, and I’m cool with it! Proctor and Gamble also offers free samples of products that you may be interested in purchasing. I chose several items off of their somewhat-limited list, and my samples arrived in the mail today!
Although I exclusively purchase Parent’s Choice diapers, why not sample Pampers Cruisers?! That’s three free diapers, and I’ll take whatever I can get!
Another product that I ventured to try is Tide Laundry Detergent. My Mom used Tide when I was a young child, so I wanted to give it a shot. I usually think that it is extremely expensive, and I purchase my liquid laundry detergent at Big Lots. The large “tank” size dispensing bottle of SUN detergent is $6.50. It cleans our clothes, smells fresh and clean, and lasts for a century. So that’s my detergent of choice but I’d love to see if Tide surprises me.
Hit up their website and see if there are any products that you are interested in sampling. Even if you are unlikely to purchase these products after sampling them, FREE IS FREE!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Trick or Treat?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
I just had a couple of random thoughts as I was going about my day…
Frozen bananas: Now that your baby is older, or you are planning ahead for when your baby can eat a few more solid things, pick up a bundle of fresh bananas. They are extremely inexpensive, around $.49 per pound, and babies think they taste like candy. Mash the bananas with a fork and dump them into the baby food jars/tubs that you have been saving. Pop ‘em into the freezer, and they stay VERY fresh-tasting! I usually thaw them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and most of the banana is thaw, and some of it is frozen. Emily especially likes the frozen part, as it tastes like a popsicle. This is a great trick for teething babies and sore gums.
Other soft foods for growing babies: Where you used to puree all of your baby’s vegetables, they may be at the age where they can handle some solid vegetables. Steam a bag of peas, portion the peas out into the baby food jars/tubs that you’ve been saving, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, pop them into the microwave for around 45 seconds, and sprinkle them onto your baby’s high chair tray. They will love the independence of picking the peas up for themselves, and you might have a few moments to start dinner or rinse some dishes.
Formula popsicles: If your baby is still young enough to drink formula, formula pops are great for a warm day outside, or for those sore gums. Most grocery stores sell popsicle molds very inexpensively, or you could always fill an ice cube tray. Simply measure the amount of liquid that the mold holds, and you will know how much powder to add to the water.
Washable dry mop: I used to use my Swiffer Wet Jet to mop the hard wood floors, and even the tile floors on occasion. The Swiffer Wet Jet pads are pricey, and I was going through about 3 pads a week, so I needed a new box of pads every time I turned around! Instead of continuing on with this, I decided to purchase a mop with a removable microfiber pad. I still purchase the Swiffer Wet Jet spray solution, but I bought a large squirt bottle at Dollar Tree. I empty the solution into my spray bottle, and spray the floors by hand. After I am finished mopping, the microfiber pad gets tossed into the washing machine and is dry by the next day. I don’t have to continue purchasing Wet Jet Pads, and I don’t have to replace the batteries on the Swiffer Wet Jet, which is GREAT because the messes are getting bigger!
I just had a couple of random thoughts as I was going about my day…
Frozen bananas: Now that your baby is older, or you are planning ahead for when your baby can eat a few more solid things, pick up a bundle of fresh bananas. They are extremely inexpensive, around $.49 per pound, and babies think they taste like candy. Mash the bananas with a fork and dump them into the baby food jars/tubs that you have been saving. Pop ‘em into the freezer, and they stay VERY fresh-tasting! I usually thaw them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and most of the banana is thaw, and some of it is frozen. Emily especially likes the frozen part, as it tastes like a popsicle. This is a great trick for teething babies and sore gums.
Other soft foods for growing babies: Where you used to puree all of your baby’s vegetables, they may be at the age where they can handle some solid vegetables. Steam a bag of peas, portion the peas out into the baby food jars/tubs that you’ve been saving, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, pop them into the microwave for around 45 seconds, and sprinkle them onto your baby’s high chair tray. They will love the independence of picking the peas up for themselves, and you might have a few moments to start dinner or rinse some dishes.
Formula popsicles: If your baby is still young enough to drink formula, formula pops are great for a warm day outside, or for those sore gums. Most grocery stores sell popsicle molds very inexpensively, or you could always fill an ice cube tray. Simply measure the amount of liquid that the mold holds, and you will know how much powder to add to the water.
Washable dry mop: I used to use my Swiffer Wet Jet to mop the hard wood floors, and even the tile floors on occasion. The Swiffer Wet Jet pads are pricey, and I was going through about 3 pads a week, so I needed a new box of pads every time I turned around! Instead of continuing on with this, I decided to purchase a mop with a removable microfiber pad. I still purchase the Swiffer Wet Jet spray solution, but I bought a large squirt bottle at Dollar Tree. I empty the solution into my spray bottle, and spray the floors by hand. After I am finished mopping, the microfiber pad gets tossed into the washing machine and is dry by the next day. I don’t have to continue purchasing Wet Jet Pads, and I don’t have to replace the batteries on the Swiffer Wet Jet, which is GREAT because the messes are getting bigger!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Burned Up
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Cleaning the oven, or the glass cook top, can be a source of frustration, an eye sore and take some serious elbow grease! Let me help ease your frustration with some commonly sold products designed to lessen your workload.
When we moved into our home in 2007, the glass cook top had not been properly taken care of in years. Each time you cook, the splashes, spatters, and cooked-on food can pile up into a huge problem. I went to my local Lowe’s home improvement store for help with the nastiness that was my stove. They carry a product called “Cerama Bryte” that is the consistency of soft scrub, and this product comes with a “scraper” of sorts. You apply the runny paste using a rough sponge (provided with the scrub) in a circular motion all over the top of your stove. Use the scraper for areas that need special attention. Then, using paper towel, wipe the paste off of your stove. Like car wax, the last pass with the paper towel will buff your cook top clean and shiny. This product is SO awesome, and I use it each time I clean the kitchen, and after I cook a particularly messy dinner. Be sure your cook top is completely cool or the runny paste turns into a flaky mess as it “cooks” to your stove!
Ever set a Styrofoam plate or plastic bread bag on top of a burner that you didn’t know was warm?! Me too! Cerama Bryte takes the mess right off.
As for the inside of your oven, Wal-Mart makes a store brand version of Easy Off Bam. This is a fumeless foaming spray designed for Self-Cleaning ovens. BE SURE that the can says “designed for self-cleaning ovens”!
My personal experience, and one that provides the best end result is: 1. Remove your oven racks. 2. Clean your oven using the self-cleaning feature first. Allow yourself 3 hours or so for this process, as it is HOT and STINKY! 3. Use your vacuum hose to suck all of the burned flakes and ash out of your oven. 4. After the oven has cooled, spray Great Value Oven Cleaner all over the inside of your oven and door. Close the door and let the foam sit for an additional 1-2 hours. 5. Once this time has passed, you can wipe your oven clean using paper towel and it will look brand new!
The can of Great Value Oven Cleaner boasts that it is fumeless. This is a half-truth because it does have a chemical/perfume odor. The odor isn’t strong, but it is distinct, that’s for sure.
You will feel so good having your oven completely cleaned and looking great!
Cleaning the oven, or the glass cook top, can be a source of frustration, an eye sore and take some serious elbow grease! Let me help ease your frustration with some commonly sold products designed to lessen your workload.
When we moved into our home in 2007, the glass cook top had not been properly taken care of in years. Each time you cook, the splashes, spatters, and cooked-on food can pile up into a huge problem. I went to my local Lowe’s home improvement store for help with the nastiness that was my stove. They carry a product called “Cerama Bryte” that is the consistency of soft scrub, and this product comes with a “scraper” of sorts. You apply the runny paste using a rough sponge (provided with the scrub) in a circular motion all over the top of your stove. Use the scraper for areas that need special attention. Then, using paper towel, wipe the paste off of your stove. Like car wax, the last pass with the paper towel will buff your cook top clean and shiny. This product is SO awesome, and I use it each time I clean the kitchen, and after I cook a particularly messy dinner. Be sure your cook top is completely cool or the runny paste turns into a flaky mess as it “cooks” to your stove!
Ever set a Styrofoam plate or plastic bread bag on top of a burner that you didn’t know was warm?! Me too! Cerama Bryte takes the mess right off.
As for the inside of your oven, Wal-Mart makes a store brand version of Easy Off Bam. This is a fumeless foaming spray designed for Self-Cleaning ovens. BE SURE that the can says “designed for self-cleaning ovens”!
My personal experience, and one that provides the best end result is: 1. Remove your oven racks. 2. Clean your oven using the self-cleaning feature first. Allow yourself 3 hours or so for this process, as it is HOT and STINKY! 3. Use your vacuum hose to suck all of the burned flakes and ash out of your oven. 4. After the oven has cooled, spray Great Value Oven Cleaner all over the inside of your oven and door. Close the door and let the foam sit for an additional 1-2 hours. 5. Once this time has passed, you can wipe your oven clean using paper towel and it will look brand new!
The can of Great Value Oven Cleaner boasts that it is fumeless. This is a half-truth because it does have a chemical/perfume odor. The odor isn’t strong, but it is distinct, that’s for sure.
You will feel so good having your oven completely cleaned and looking great!
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