Skimping on the Porcelain God

How to save a bit of dinero with your tushy

I have learned to live on a pretty skimpy dime in my time. We grew up very lower middle class (maybe poor, if we hadn’t had people like my grandmother to live with now and then) and we knew how to stretch things to begin with. I had privileged friends gawk at my ability to live on a meal a day—“My children would never go hungry! They are too resourceful!” are the words she used that I’ll never forget and always recall with contempt—not understanding that it was simply a way of living that you do when you are broke, that you are already used to it. When there are bills to pay, you know they come first; now that I have a child, it is she that is priority number one. I can sacrifice just like my parents did before me.

But there are other ways to save money besides going hungry. One of my favorite ways to save money is a trick that I learned while living in Spain, where hot water was more costly than cold, where you had to pay for everything. I learned to use a free bathroom every time I came across one!

You have to understand that many restrooms in Europe are off-limits if you do not buy something (food, clothing, whatever), and that many restrooms actually charge you a few cents to use them, though you can learn how to wiggle yourself beneath the door into the stall without popping in the coins, especially with a friendly spotter…!

So you find the ones that are free—like the ones on the campus that I attended—and you use them whenever you can. The one in my dorm was only one floor down, so I used it almost every time I needed to go to the bathroom. Not only did I rarely have to buy toilet paper—I cut the water bill down quite a bit.

Today I still try to use this tactic as much as I can—especially with a family of four. I don’t make sure we use the potty before we leave; I make sure it’s the first thing we do once we are there! Every restaurant, every store—I used to be scared to use them (you can think scary films for that) but now, even though I still get a little creeped out, I never fail to. I don’t know how much we’re saving, but I know that my bill is smaller than my neighbor’s—so maybe it does help!

And if not, well, it’s still less energy and toilet paper that we’re using.

Free Ultra-Lift-2-in-1 Wrinkle Reducer

Potentially slow your skin's aging process with this free sample


Garnier is offering customers a free sample of their Ultra-Lift-2-in-1 Wrinkle Reducer. This product is not only a serum, but also a moisturizer. If you are a fan of trying products out to see if they actually work before you purchase them, then you’ll want to take advantage of this offer.

First, you’ll have to head to Target’s free sample page, as that is where the request form is. Simply click on the image of the Ultra-Lift-2-in-1 Wrinkle Reducer. This will bring up a five-question survey that you will need to fill out. The survey is easy and painless, and simply asks about your experience with other types of serums.

Next, you’ll be asked to fill out your mailing address (which must match the records from the post office) and your full name. Providing that information is crucial or your sample won’t make it to your mailbox. At the bottom of the form you will see a box that you can check if you want to receive e-mails from Target. Your e-mail address is optional. Click “Next” when you are finished.

Finally, you must answer one last question. This question is a random math question that notifies the computers that you are a real human and not a robot. My question was “What is six plus one?” Click the submit button when you are finished. Target promises to deliver your sample within eight to ten weeks. Feel free to go back to the Target sample page and request more samples if any of the other offers appeal to you.

Free Gevalia coffee sample

Target offers free samples for coffee lovers


I am always on the lookout for a great tasting coffee. I tried Gevalia several years back when they were offering a free coffee pot. I can vouch that the coffee is rich and desirable. Instead of a free coffee pot, Gevalia is now offering a free sample of their ground coffee.

In order to get your free Gevalia coffee sample, you must head to Target’s free sample page and click on the Gevalia coffee image. Next, you’ll have to answer an eight-question survey, which I found to be easy and quick. These questions are just basically listed to find out whether you have any experience with Gevalia, and what types of coffee you currently drink.

After the survey, you will be required to fill out your full name and mailing address. This information is needed to send you the free sample. There is also a space for your e-mail address, but this is not required in order to get the free sample. Finally, you’ll want to un-check the box to receive future e-mail updates if you don’t plan on sharing your e-mail address. Click “Next” and you will have a chance to confirm that you are a real person by completing the math question that pops up.

Once you submit your Gevalia free sample request form, you will see a message that states your sample will arrive within eight to 10 weeks. This is about two weeks longer than most samples, but you can’t rush free! Since I already own a Gevalia coffee pot, I can’t wait to get my free sample and enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee.

Lipton Tea and Honey Sample


Lipton, one of my favorite tea brands, is currently offering a free sample to anyone who has a Facebook account. The sample is for Lipton’s new Tea and Honey product line, which comes in powder form. Each instant packet is added to a glass of water, and is only a total of 5 calories.

In order to get the free sample you must go to Lipton’s Tea Mixes Facebook page. Click the “Like” button for more information to appear on your computer screen. You’ll see a list of all of the Lipton Tea and Honey varieties, although the free sample is just for the mango pineapple flavor. Other flavors include Blackberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Acai, Black Current Raspberry, Peach Apricot, and Lemon. In addition to the Blueberry Pomegranate, I’d love to try the Strawberry Acai.

Next, you’ll have to click on the picture of the Lipton Tea and Honey packet to access the free sample form. Your name, mailing address, email address, and birthdate are required. There are three boxes pertaining to the company sending you more offers and information. I left them all unchecked, but if you want Lipton to send you information from time to time, then by all means check the box. The last step is to type in the verification code. This can be a pain in the neck. Sometimes I have to use the audio feature to figure out what the letters are. Anyway, just click the “Submit” button and your sample will be on its way.

Free Crespo Olives

Crespo is a brand that has been family owned for over 50 years. They consider themselves to be olive experts. Amazingly, Crespo has over 120 different olive products on the market. I didn’t even know that was possible and I have always loved olives. Currently, the olives are sold in a total of 40 different countries. If you have never tried Crespo brand olives, now is your chance. The company is currently offering a free sample of their olives to previous, current, and future Crespo olive eaters. Since my children and I are such big fans of both green and black olives, I had to take advantage of this free offer.

In order to receive your free olive sample, you’ll need to complete a short survey. Crespo wants to know where you currently purchase their brand of olives. If you haven’t bought them in the past, just check the box that states you want to give them a try. Click “Continue” when you’re done. The next screen shows three different flavor options. You must pick two of the three. Flavors include green with chili peppers, green with herb and garlic, and mixed cocktail olives.

The rest of the form simply asks for your full name and mailing address so that the company can ship out your free samples. The form also asks for a telephone number and an email address. Once complete, click on the button that says “Submit Sample Request.” Crespo will then inform you that the sample will reach your mailbox within 3 to 5 weeks. The standard wait time for samples is 4 to 6 weeks, so this is a week sooner.
 

The Adventure of Deals

This may be main stream knowledge and what not, but I thought I would share with those new to the idea of internet shopping of a few hot tips.

First off, the season for hot buys goes all year so why not take a look every once and a while?

When you are bored or if you have an idea that you want to buy something, why not check a few places.  Craigslist is one of the few places that you can find dirt cheap prices for slightly used items.  Yes, the products are used for the most part but if you don't mind, then by all means check this place out.  It can be quite a process but it is definitely an adventure to search through those thousands of posts for that perfect selection.  But once you find that product, you will be the happiest.  However, be wary, for people on the internet or in general can be shifty and may try to sell you something that doesn't work.  Those few that are complicating things can make it a little murky to search but you just have to consider who you are buying from and what you are buying.  It is all about being safe.

Next is the ever awesome Ebay.  If you are searching for a deal then look no further.  Ebay is helpful when you are looking to find something cheap and also enjoy working with auction type circumstances.  The process can be tedious because you have to wait for auctions to end but it is worth the wait.  Or if you aren't into auctions, you can always check out the deals of the day.  This is a new area that I just personally found the other day which lists a whole bunch of products for great deals.  Now doesn't that sound great.

Anyway, if you are looking for great deals, there are quite a few places to search for them but just remember that purchasing things from others can get iffy so be safe and cautious when dealing with prices that might be "too good to be true."  Good luck finding that perfect item!

A Guide To Great Buys

When it comes to buying on a budget, the word is research.

You probably know this but I must harp on it some more because some people are quite trigger happy when it comes to buying things anywhere.  Hence the items at the register to add to ticket sales.

If shopping for something relatively high priced, we must first make sure that we find the item that has the best reviews.  This is a high priority because no one wants something that just won't work after a few months of use.  This is an unusual thing to think about but believe it or not, it is essential or you will waste money replacing items.

Next, if you have it pinned down to a single item, we must then go test it out for ourselves.  Go somewhere and see if they have a demonstration or if they will let you hold it.  This may seem like nonsense but many people will choose differently if given an item to hold and play with before hand.  However don't let the sales people sway you.  Go in with a stone persona.  Don't budge,  you've done the research before coming in.

Now you are ready to buy, but wait where do you buy it?

I'd say you should look online.  This is where you will find the best prices.  And maybe you will get lucky and they will let you purchase it and pick it up in the store.  If not, check the shipping price.  Make sure that the shipping won't make it more than the store version.

Once you have decided, take the dive.  Lots of work, yes, but it will be worth it once you hold that awesome thing in hand.

Free Breakfast on Mondays at IKEA


If you have an IKEA Food and Restaurant near you, you are going to want to take advantage of their free Monday breakfasts. At first I thought there would be a catch to this offer, but so far I have not found one. All you have to do is head to IKEA Monday morning some time before 11 am and order scrambled eggs with potatoes and a side of bacon. You and your entire party will receive the meal completely free of charge.

I should point out that drinks are not included in this deal, but you are welcome to bring your own drinks to the restaurant if you want to. Simply pack a water bottle or a few juice boxes for the kids and head on over to the restaurant. Of course, if you prefer coffee with your breakfast, you can always use one of those thermal mugs to keep your fresh brewed coffee hot until your breakfast is served at IKEA.

Many other good deals exist within each IKEA Food and Restaurant that you may also wish to take advantage of. For example, although adults will have to pay full price for their meals, kids eat free on Tuesdays. Wednesdays offer a discounted BBQ rib meal, and an even better priced chicken meal on Thursdays. Finally, Fridays allow adults and children alike to grab a hot dog and soda for just a buck.

Hopefully, you will have an IKEA near you. My closest IKEA is an hour and a half away. I’m very sad that I won’t be able to take this company up on their most generous offers, but I’m hoping you can go in my place and take advantage of this awesome deal.
 

Free Samples at Vitacost



I visit Vitacost once very couple of months to purchase liquid castile soap for my homemade laundry detergent. Every time I place an order, I do a quick Internet search to locate a coupon code that will give me a discount. This time I discovered that you can actually add free samples to your order.

Vitacost does have a limit of 2 free samples per order. I added the Vitacost Omega-3 Soft Chews and the Kiss My Face Olive and Aloe Soap to my order. Other free samples you can choose from include Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream, MegaFood DailyFoods Blood Builder, NuNaturals NuStevia White Stevia Powder, Rainbow Light Protein Energizer, St. Dalfour Organic Classic Breakfast Tea, and the Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid Sample. There are a few others as well, and I’m sure the company adds new ones every once in a while.

In order to get the free samples you’ll have to head to the free samples page by typing free samples in the search box. Simply click on the button that says, “Add To Cart” and the item will appear in your cart with a price of $0.00. Remember, you can only add two samples to your cart with each order.

Shipping is automatically free so long as you spend over $49. That isn’t hard to do if you wait until you have a few items to purchase. I usually get my kids vitamins, the liquid castile soap, coconut oil, and a few other incidentals that I find to be cheaper on Vitacost than at the grocery store. That easily takes me over the $49 qualification limit for free shipping. Shipping is quick as well. My order was shipped the morning after I placed my order.
 

Get a Free Lens Cloth Plus Cleaner at Wal-mart



My favorite thing about Wal-mart is that they always have some type of free sample offer on their website. Today, however, they have a slightly different type of offer. If you wear glasses, you’ll really appreciate this one. I wear my glasses while at home, but put my contacts in when I go out. I will make use of this free offer.

The free sample offer is for a lens cloth and a bottle of cleaner for the lenses on your glasses. Many of the Wal-marts have their own Vision Centers. I’m sure this is a tactic to gain new customers, but I’m all for it if it saves customers money. This economy stinks, and you need to make cuts in your budget where you can.

To you get your free lens cloth and cleaner, you’ll need to head to the Wal-mart PDF that is accessible through the free sample section of their website. This PDF must be printed out on your home computer and then filled out. You’ll need to include your name and full mailing address. Then you have the option of including your email address and checking the box to sign yourself up for email savings and updates.

Take your paper coupon to the Wal-mart nearest you that has its own Vision Center. When you present the coupon, you’ll be given your free lens cloth and cleaner. You may want to check out the prices of their services while you are there to see if you can save any money on your vision needs in the future.

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