Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Dirty Black Friday Secrets and Naughty, Naughty Stores!
This is really ironic. My husband and I were just talking about how we would rather spend $100 extra on a TV in December, than get up and wait with a crowd at 5am on Black Friday. And, as we joked, our luck would be if we waited in line at 5am, the guy in front of us would be the one getting the last TV anyway.
This is not far off from what reality is. Many stores only get 3 and 4 of each major sales item in at the stores......especially for the money-maker items like TVs and large appliances. Check out this article from CNN "Dirty Secrets from Black Friday" and then go and look at the fine print on the ads you get in the paper. It's really sad.
I have been providing info on Black Friday for weeks, but I must admit, McFrugal does not participate. You will never see me at 5am anywhere, let alone waiting in a line! (even if Jon Hamm was giving away free back massages and $500 Gap gift cards in my back yard.....I'd still probably roll over at 4:45 am and hit snooze. When I am laying in bed with more time ahead of me to sleep, it is hard to convince me that anything is worth getting up for.)
But, more power to you is you are a bargain hunter and want to get up before the sun to save a few bucks. But, PLEASE read your ads. Be prepared and be sure that you are saving money AND that the product is a quality product. Many items on sale on Black Friday are lesser versions of the product you think they are. It may be a Sony 37" HDTV, but it may have half the features of the one you expect to be buying.
Know your products before you buy. And read reviews online from others who have bought the item you are after. Target.com, Wal-Mart.com and many other retailers offer great review sections....all written by you and me. You can't get more honest than that.
Shop smart.....and if you are like me and cannot function before 7am........there is always Cyber Monday!!
This is not far off from what reality is. Many stores only get 3 and 4 of each major sales item in at the stores......especially for the money-maker items like TVs and large appliances. Check out this article from CNN "Dirty Secrets from Black Friday" and then go and look at the fine print on the ads you get in the paper. It's really sad.
I have been providing info on Black Friday for weeks, but I must admit, McFrugal does not participate. You will never see me at 5am anywhere, let alone waiting in a line! (even if Jon Hamm was giving away free back massages and $500 Gap gift cards in my back yard.....I'd still probably roll over at 4:45 am and hit snooze. When I am laying in bed with more time ahead of me to sleep, it is hard to convince me that anything is worth getting up for.)
But, more power to you is you are a bargain hunter and want to get up before the sun to save a few bucks. But, PLEASE read your ads. Be prepared and be sure that you are saving money AND that the product is a quality product. Many items on sale on Black Friday are lesser versions of the product you think they are. It may be a Sony 37" HDTV, but it may have half the features of the one you expect to be buying.
Know your products before you buy. And read reviews online from others who have bought the item you are after. Target.com, Wal-Mart.com and many other retailers offer great review sections....all written by you and me. You can't get more honest than that.
Shop smart.....and if you are like me and cannot function before 7am........there is always Cyber Monday!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Gap and Old Navy....practically giving it all away, again!
So, now thought 11/24 at Old Navy and 11/22 at The Gap you can get up to 25% off most item deals! (I tried to buy a kids toy at gap.com with the code and it did not work, but it worked on any clothing item or accessory.)
Use "gift123" at gap.com (creative code, right?) and "ONSAVE15" at Old Navy. Now, the Old Navy code is tiered.....order $75 worth and save 15% and order $100 worth and save 25%. Also, you can get free shipping on $50 at Old Navy.....and if you have a GAP SILVER card, you get free shipping anytime with "silver" at checkout.
This is really a great deal....especially with free shipping! Shop smart!
Use "gift123" at gap.com (creative code, right?) and "ONSAVE15" at Old Navy. Now, the Old Navy code is tiered.....order $75 worth and save 15% and order $100 worth and save 25%. Also, you can get free shipping on $50 at Old Navy.....and if you have a GAP SILVER card, you get free shipping anytime with "silver" at checkout.
This is really a great deal....especially with free shipping! Shop smart!
More Black Friday info!
Wanted to share this great link to all the items that will be discounted at Wal-Mart on Black Friday....supplied by McFrugal fan Jonathon! Thanks, Jonathon!!
http://www.blackfriday.info/sales/wal-mart-black-friday-ad.html
Check it out! It has every item with the price and links for most so you can see what the look like and get detailed info on them. The Blackfriday.info site also has valuable info on other stores as well.
Still less info on what will be offered online on Friday OR on Cyber Monday.
Most of the sites I go to for info are only showing everyday online deals. Here is one to check CyberMonday.com.
Wal-Mart also has a link to BUNDLES they are offering for Christmas....like laptops with accessories, whole dining sets, Nitendo DS sets and Home theater sets. These are pretty good deals. Click bundles, above, for the link.
Something else I have been reading, and hearing incessantly from my husband, is that there will be a price war on SMALLER TVS. That people have bought their large, living room TVs already and are now looking to replace the TVs in other rooms (kitchen and spare room TVs, for example.) I've read and heard that these will be where the real deals are.....and the Best Buy might have the best deals of all! You can check out their Black Friday offering's HERE.
Keep me posted if you go shopping on Black Friday......I'll be laying in bed with my coffee and laptop, thinking of you all!! :)
http://www.blackfriday.info/sales/wal-mart-black-friday-ad.html
Check it out! It has every item with the price and links for most so you can see what the look like and get detailed info on them. The Blackfriday.info site also has valuable info on other stores as well.
Still less info on what will be offered online on Friday OR on Cyber Monday.
Most of the sites I go to for info are only showing everyday online deals. Here is one to check CyberMonday.com.
Wal-Mart also has a link to BUNDLES they are offering for Christmas....like laptops with accessories, whole dining sets, Nitendo DS sets and Home theater sets. These are pretty good deals. Click bundles, above, for the link.
Something else I have been reading, and hearing incessantly from my husband, is that there will be a price war on SMALLER TVS. That people have bought their large, living room TVs already and are now looking to replace the TVs in other rooms (kitchen and spare room TVs, for example.) I've read and heard that these will be where the real deals are.....and the Best Buy might have the best deals of all! You can check out their Black Friday offering's HERE.
Keep me posted if you go shopping on Black Friday......I'll be laying in bed with my coffee and laptop, thinking of you all!! :)
Friday, November 13, 2009
20% off any single item at Victorias Secret.com
You can get 20% off any item at Victoria's Secret, now through Monday....with some exceptions.
Use code SAVE20 at checkout. But, this is not valid on their brand new Miraculous bra that they have been highly advertising. Instead try, this code FA919381 which will give you $10 off bras (and a free basic VS cotton panty in white, nude or black- put it in your cart like you are going to buy it and the price will be $0 at the checkout!) and it works on the new bra.
Use code SAVE20 at checkout. But, this is not valid on their brand new Miraculous bra that they have been highly advertising. Instead try, this code FA919381 which will give you $10 off bras (and a free basic VS cotton panty in white, nude or black- put it in your cart like you are going to buy it and the price will be $0 at the checkout!) and it works on the new bra.
$3 coffeemakers? Target is ready for Black Friday!
Apparently Target has "leaked" it's Black Friday ad......yeah, um, it's not really called a "leak" when you do it on purpose.
Although a $3 coffeemaker is intriguing, since mine just broke......I think sleeping in past 5am on The Friday after Thanksgiving is MORE intriguing! No word is any of these deals are available online, but I might just get up early and check from the comfort of my comfy bed!
You can sign up online here to get the first glimpse of the Black Friday ad......but you are really just signing up for ALL upcoming ads in your area.
Keep up with the postings of all Black Friday ads at BlackFriday.fm. And be sure to let me know if you hit any of these Black Friday sales!
Although a $3 coffeemaker is intriguing, since mine just broke......I think sleeping in past 5am on The Friday after Thanksgiving is MORE intriguing! No word is any of these deals are available online, but I might just get up early and check from the comfort of my comfy bed!
You can sign up online here to get the first glimpse of the Black Friday ad......but you are really just signing up for ALL upcoming ads in your area.
Keep up with the postings of all Black Friday ads at BlackFriday.fm. And be sure to let me know if you hit any of these Black Friday sales!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Honestly, are Crayola's cooler when you buy them at The Gap
(Spoiler alert: the answer is "no".)
I ventured to the Gap website today, as I pretty much do every morning since the addiction started. I've been checking sites for signs of pre-Christmas sales. And, I love The Gap (as my closet will attest). But, we are always more critical of the ones we love......
Today, I thought I was going to spit out my coffee all over my laptop. First, the Christmas ad that they released today on their homepage is atrocious! Go look at the video and give me your thoughts! I didn't think something trying so hard to be Uber PC could be so Uber offensive to my ears! I must be a small fringe of their target market, 'cause that does not appeal to me! (Bring back the Sarah Jessica Parker khaki ads and the Jump,Jive and Wail khaki ads....those were my fav!)
But, what REALLY got my attention was that The Gap, God bless 'em, are now selling toys. Now, I honestly and sincerely applaud The Gap for encouraging the basic, honest toys of crayons, activity books and wooden toys. I wish more companies would offer these! (can't you see Don Draper telling The Gap....."you are not selling a toy, you are selling imagination. You are selling honesty and purity....")
BUT, did they have to jack up the price?
I mean, is a Crayola Backpack with art supplies in it any cooler just because you bought it at The Gap? The Gap is charging $14.50 for it. Amazon has it for $13.73 (it's merchants sell it for even less at $7.99!). Even the Crayola STORE has it cheaper at $12.99! What are we paying for? The coolness of buying things at the gap? I already pay for that each month with my credit card statement comes......and I pay even more when Steve asks," did I just see the UPS truck deliver something at the front door AGAIN?"
The Gap is also offering this:
It is the Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Wonder Shop. I love it! It's an all wood little play fruit standy-thing. The Gap is charging $140. Amazon has it for $119.21 (a merchant at Amazon has it for $99.81!) I found it at a hoity-toity toy shop online for $127.99. And this is just the shop with no accessories! You can buy all of them at The Gap, too.
I took about 12 items from the toy section of The Gap and compared the prices and all were cheaper elsewhere. But, still, I applaud The Gap for bringing up some really great toys (that honestly I would not know existed if I had not seen them on their site)! I found a GREAT activity doodle book called "Doodle All Year" (check it out!) that I know one little boy will be getting for Christmas. But, I'll be buying it from Amazon.
The theme with retailers this year will be old, traditional Holiday. A "make due" holiday. The Gap TV ad kinda takes it to a weird, uncomfortable level......but the toys they are offering and the idea behind them are nice. Use stores like The Gap as "idea places" to find new and unique toys and gifts for your kids......but ALWAYS comparison shop! Crayons from The Gap are not cooler because you paid an extra $3 for them......they are cool because Crayons are just cool. Don't buy the hype. (or pay for it, either)
I ventured to the Gap website today, as I pretty much do every morning since the addiction started. I've been checking sites for signs of pre-Christmas sales. And, I love The Gap (as my closet will attest). But, we are always more critical of the ones we love......
Today, I thought I was going to spit out my coffee all over my laptop. First, the Christmas ad that they released today on their homepage is atrocious! Go look at the video and give me your thoughts! I didn't think something trying so hard to be Uber PC could be so Uber offensive to my ears! I must be a small fringe of their target market, 'cause that does not appeal to me! (Bring back the Sarah Jessica Parker khaki ads and the Jump,Jive and Wail khaki ads....those were my fav!)
But, what REALLY got my attention was that The Gap, God bless 'em, are now selling toys. Now, I honestly and sincerely applaud The Gap for encouraging the basic, honest toys of crayons, activity books and wooden toys. I wish more companies would offer these! (can't you see Don Draper telling The Gap....."you are not selling a toy, you are selling imagination. You are selling honesty and purity....")
BUT, did they have to jack up the price?
I mean, is a Crayola Backpack with art supplies in it any cooler just because you bought it at The Gap? The Gap is charging $14.50 for it. Amazon has it for $13.73 (it's merchants sell it for even less at $7.99!). Even the Crayola STORE has it cheaper at $12.99! What are we paying for? The coolness of buying things at the gap? I already pay for that each month with my credit card statement comes......and I pay even more when Steve asks," did I just see the UPS truck deliver something at the front door AGAIN?"
The Gap is also offering this:
It is the Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Wonder Shop. I love it! It's an all wood little play fruit standy-thing. The Gap is charging $140. Amazon has it for $119.21 (a merchant at Amazon has it for $99.81!) I found it at a hoity-toity toy shop online for $127.99. And this is just the shop with no accessories! You can buy all of them at The Gap, too.I took about 12 items from the toy section of The Gap and compared the prices and all were cheaper elsewhere. But, still, I applaud The Gap for bringing up some really great toys (that honestly I would not know existed if I had not seen them on their site)! I found a GREAT activity doodle book called "Doodle All Year" (check it out!) that I know one little boy will be getting for Christmas. But, I'll be buying it from Amazon.
The theme with retailers this year will be old, traditional Holiday. A "make due" holiday. The Gap TV ad kinda takes it to a weird, uncomfortable level......but the toys they are offering and the idea behind them are nice. Use stores like The Gap as "idea places" to find new and unique toys and gifts for your kids......but ALWAYS comparison shop! Crayons from The Gap are not cooler because you paid an extra $3 for them......they are cool because Crayons are just cool. Don't buy the hype. (or pay for it, either)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
10 Classic Clothing Items Every Closet Needs..
....and you won't break the bank!!
Found a cute little article by BettyConfidential.com that goes through the
Top Ten Things your Closet Needs. This is a pretty subjective, but I agree with her on many of her suggestions. Most importantly, my McFrugal eye liked that she used realistic and reasonable examples. She was not suggesting items that are totally out of someone's price range......as an article in Vogue might. I would go one step further with her suggestions, though. Target has really outdone itself this year in it's clothing, shoes and accessories......I would have added in an example from Target!
And, a trench has never been a staple to me.....but I may have to reconsider this. Mostly, I avoid them because it is so hard to find a TALL trench that fits right. But, It's definite a classic item!
This list will pretty much take you though the whole year, if you remember to not make the black bag or shoes patent leather (or faux patent or other shiney leather.) While patent seems versatile, it is actual a very seasonal option........a matte leather will take you thought the whole year!
This is a classic list that really is a great basis for a wardrobe.....and won't break the bank. My only suggestion is if you really want to be classic, remember that the word CLASS is in Classic for a reason.
Found a cute little article by BettyConfidential.com that goes through the
Top Ten Things your Closet Needs. This is a pretty subjective, but I agree with her on many of her suggestions. Most importantly, my McFrugal eye liked that she used realistic and reasonable examples. She was not suggesting items that are totally out of someone's price range......as an article in Vogue might. I would go one step further with her suggestions, though. Target has really outdone itself this year in it's clothing, shoes and accessories......I would have added in an example from Target!
And, a trench has never been a staple to me.....but I may have to reconsider this. Mostly, I avoid them because it is so hard to find a TALL trench that fits right. But, It's definite a classic item!
This list will pretty much take you though the whole year, if you remember to not make the black bag or shoes patent leather (or faux patent or other shiney leather.) While patent seems versatile, it is actual a very seasonal option........a matte leather will take you thought the whole year!
This is a classic list that really is a great basis for a wardrobe.....and won't break the bank. My only suggestion is if you really want to be classic, remember that the word CLASS is in Classic for a reason.
Monday, November 9, 2009
"Deal of the Day"
More and more website are doing a "Deal of the Day" offer. Spiegel literally sends me lunch time offers every day......and I have not bought from them in over a year! I get emails now from The Disney Store with their online deal of the day......today's was $5 kids PJ's! (Which is a $11.50 savings!) And they actually had more options for boys than for girls (which is rare anywhere!) This was a great deal! To get this deal, you just need to sign up for the email list. These deals are to get you to the site to buy more.....but, if you have will power, you can just buy the sale item.
And Target does a deal of the day, but you have to go to their site to find it. CHECK HERE. These deals are usually more expensive items that have a large reduction.......I musts admit, I have yet to see anything on the Target deals that I have wanted. I think these are more to introduce the shoppers to the fact that Target is caring bigger ticket items now.
Still, the most original, and oldest, deal of the day is Amazon's golden box. There are really some great deals here, mostly electronic and home deals. But, worth looking at each day. And Amazon also has "Amazon Recommends" where, although now actually a "Deal", you can find things that might be right up your alley, that you never knew existed. Amazon is looking for repeat business here. They know they own this market, for now, and just want to pull you back for more.
Be aware of the motivation behind daily deals.....but also, be on the lookout for them. Especially as we get closer to the holidays. Stores are going to fight even harder for your dollar this year! Spend wisely and be savvy!
And remember, Disney Store and Target are Upromise Partners! Get your % back!!
And Target does a deal of the day, but you have to go to their site to find it. CHECK HERE. These deals are usually more expensive items that have a large reduction.......I musts admit, I have yet to see anything on the Target deals that I have wanted. I think these are more to introduce the shoppers to the fact that Target is caring bigger ticket items now.
Still, the most original, and oldest, deal of the day is Amazon's golden box. There are really some great deals here, mostly electronic and home deals. But, worth looking at each day. And Amazon also has "Amazon Recommends" where, although now actually a "Deal", you can find things that might be right up your alley, that you never knew existed. Amazon is looking for repeat business here. They know they own this market, for now, and just want to pull you back for more.
Be aware of the motivation behind daily deals.....but also, be on the lookout for them. Especially as we get closer to the holidays. Stores are going to fight even harder for your dollar this year! Spend wisely and be savvy!
And remember, Disney Store and Target are Upromise Partners! Get your % back!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Gap's Give & Get Promotion
From November 12-15, you can get 30% off your purchase at any Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic factory Store, or Old Navy store AND 5% of your purchase will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! It's Gap's annual Give and Get promotion! It's only in store and ONLY with the coupon at this link:
http://www.gapinc.com/giveandget/lls/
Please be sure to participate!!
http://www.gapinc.com/giveandget/lls/
Please be sure to participate!!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The New Target Toy Catalog - Sneaky!
You know that I scrutinize each and every catalog and coupon flyer that comes to my house. Yesterday, I got the Target Holiday Christmas catalog. It's is really, really neat.......we are such a spoiled society! We have too many toy selections for our kids......(I'm not really making a commentary, I am just jealous of the new My Little Pony's Styling Pony on page 19. I would have killed to have had when I was a kid........but, I digress!)
I will say there are some great deals in here. But, what I was most impressed with are the loads and loads of coupons (that you actually need to USE to make the prices in the catalog valid!) The coupons, and this may be the first time I have seen this, can be used online!!! Yes, and with MOST orders on Target.com over $50 coming with free shipping and all the extra sales codes floating around out there, you could really save a bundle. Let alone, you don't have to waste time in the lines or worry about your local store being out of a product.
But, HERE is the catch that I noticed. You think that these coupons are great, and they are, but you think that you have until Christmas to use them since it's a Holiday catalog? "Not so fast, my friend," to quote the great Lee Corso. These coupons expire.....wait for it......the day before Thanksgiving. Two days before Black Friday. Which means.....wait for it......all of these prices could easily be CHEAPER after Black Friday!
Decisions, decisions! Do you buy the items now and get the good price? Or take a gamble (I love a good shopping gamble) and see if they go down and are, more importantly, still in stock after Black Friday? ......hmmm.
The other nice thing I noticed are these Target Giftcoins. I love this. (Note to family: if you get one of these, look surprised!) You buy a group of $5 coins for 25$ that are literally mini gift cards. They are too cute and perfect for little ones, too! But, $2 from each purchase goes to St. Jude Children's Hospital. I am a sucker for buying and giving at the same time!
The little remote control mouse in a car gift card is cute, too! Mattie could really annoy our dogs with that one.
I bet, you didn't think anyone could over-think an ad this much. Well, in a former life, I was paid to do just that......and with a more critical eye. So, save a TON at Target.....but be aware of those expiration dates! Shop smart.....gamble a little.......and snap up those Giftcoins before I buy them all!!
P.S. How about this nice photo of a little infant playing next to a toy gun that would NO WAY be in his age range. And how about the REAL puppy in the box next to the toys (cause kids would kinda bypass any toys in this ad for the REAL dog!)......there are all sorts of things wrong with this picture from MY marketing standpoint....but, who am I to question Target?
"Private Sale" at Ralph Lauren/ Bath & Body Works
I'm not sure what qualifies a sale to be "Private", but I am pretty sure it is not sending emails to announce it. RL is having a 40% off sale online....PLUS you can get an extra 15% off until Monday with the online code NOV0509. That's not too shabby!
Remember 2 things about Polo.com: 1) always get it gift boxed and 2) it's a Upromise partner!!
Bath and Body Works (who will literally have a sale a week until the week before Christmas) as an online offer for only "certain shoppers." (Certain shoppers= everyone). YOU can get $10 off a $30 purchase as well as $3 shipping (why is it not free?) Use code tenthirthy.
B&BW is not a Upromise partner......oh, the $ I could have earned off those purchases if they were.
Remember 2 things about Polo.com: 1) always get it gift boxed and 2) it's a Upromise partner!!
Bath and Body Works (who will literally have a sale a week until the week before Christmas) as an online offer for only "certain shoppers." (Certain shoppers= everyone). YOU can get $10 off a $30 purchase as well as $3 shipping (why is it not free?) Use code tenthirthy.
B&BW is not a Upromise partner......oh, the $ I could have earned off those purchases if they were.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
How NOT to be McFrugal- $47K dinner bill!
This is a $47k restaurant tab, apparently from a Russian Billionaire's evening out in New York. Take a look at it.........what in the world? The entrees are normal cost....looks like the alcohol and speciality appetisers and desserts did him in. This is the price of a luxury new car.......for dinner. Crazy!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Cyber Monday Tips
I've spoken to a few people who are not aware of Cyber Monday. This is a fairly new concept, started in 2005. Retailers realized that people are doing more and more shopping online and started having a special, pre-Christmas online sales event the Monday after Thanksgiving. (or the Monday after Black Friday.)
Since it's inception, stores have put out special sales fliers, codes and ads just to bring people to their online sales. The deals have been really great so far! And, to some, sitting in your home at your computer on Monday may sound easier that shopping Black Friday (it does to me.) But, you still need to be alert. Be aware of store return policies and sales restrictions.
Here "Cyber Monday" is a short article with a run-down of the event and things to keep in mind! Shopping smart in your jammies in front of your computer.....that's my kinda sale!
Since it's inception, stores have put out special sales fliers, codes and ads just to bring people to their online sales. The deals have been really great so far! And, to some, sitting in your home at your computer on Monday may sound easier that shopping Black Friday (it does to me.) But, you still need to be alert. Be aware of store return policies and sales restrictions.
Here "Cyber Monday" is a short article with a run-down of the event and things to keep in mind! Shopping smart in your jammies in front of your computer.....that's my kinda sale!
Last day of The Container Store Sale!
Today is the last day to save 20% off your entire purchase at the ContainerStore.com! Use the code savenow at checkout. And remember, The Container Store is a Upromise partner. You get 3% of your purchase back! Savings was never so easy!
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