Lucky Lightning: Cheap Thrills

So I've began my journey into crazy coupon kingdom, and so far, so good! You can't beat all the freebies that are out there these days. It's crazy how much money you can save when you really look for it. Here are a few things that I've learned to do before purchasing something or going out to eat.

1. Check the website. Whether it's TX Roadhouse or buying something from CVS or another store, there is almost always a reward program or coupons. Almost all Restaurants (especially chains) will have coupons on their website or an email list you can sign up for that you'll get emails for free appetizers, free deserts, etc. This comes in pretty handy! (Also, this is where the email address specifically for shopping comes in handy.) Even Target has a coupon link at the bottom of their homepage (who knew?!)

2. Print and have coupons with me at all times. It seems extreme, but it's totally worth it. I keep a little coupon book in my purse with small coupons for groceries, makeup, personal care items, etc. I have an entire binder at home with food & dining, activities (like museums) and more.

3. Sign up for as many deal sites as possible. Also, seemingly annoying with all the emails, but you're never obligated to purchase anything. And there are sites like www.groupon.com who will post deals that are nationwide, so if there's nothing good in your particular city, there could be a great deal at an online retailer. Also, there are so many companies that give you credit just for signing up! (www.nomorerack.com is one of my favorite sites, such cheap stuff and they give sign up & referral credit.) The local sites are great because you will get chances to do things you wouldn't normally want to spend money on (the zoo, putt putt, etc.)

4. Follow your favorite brands, companies, etc. on Facebook & twitter. SERIOUSLY. I've found out about free hair care products, free makeup, sweepstakes, giveaways, etc. More and more brands are using social media to get the word out, and they're notorious for giving stuff away on facebook! I recommend Covergirl, Tide, Suave hair care, TOMS, and any food brands you like as well!

So since I'm fairly new to all this, you could imagine how excited I get about freebies in the mail. This freebie obsession takes the place of my online shopping addiction! So here's just a preview of what I've gotten in the mail:

A site called Gaggle of Chicks had a sign up credit of $15, and i used this to purchase $15 worth of products from a site called Lets go green. I got a filtered water bottle and this eco friendly cleaner for your fruits and veggies. I've yet to try it out yet, but I'm not overly impressed with the water bottle. Regardless:FREE!

These glasses I was particularly THRILLED with! Coastal Contacts runs promotions where they give away free glasses to the first so many customers, I got lucky and got in on the Texas give away and got both of these pairs of good quality glasses for FREE. I paid $15 shipping on each, one for my sweetie and one pair for me. LOVE THEM. you get a great case, cleaning cloth, and tool to tweak them. I will definitely order from this company in the future!

Here's a few random things. Free tester instant coffee from Nescafe, a free Jiffy cookbook (which I'm excited about trying out..) And a bunch of coupons from Proctor & Gamble. Coupons for glade, swiffer, makeup, and much more. You can only order these quarterly, but it's worth it! You can find the info here. As for the other two, Sweeties Freebies has a link of freebies always available. :)

Free nail polish (very spring!) from TOMS shoes and essie. TOMS facebook page had a giveaway where you sign up and BAM it's in your mail :) love it!

I was especially excited about this one. Target was giving away a free goodie bag filled with makeup and personal care samples, I ordered two! We got a great little makeup mag, Fekkai shampoo & conditioner samples, Neutrogena chapstick, Nivea skin care sample, Pantene shampoo, and a lipstick sample from Revlon. A few of my friends got in on this deal, too!

This freebie I was pretty impressed with! Avon sent this to me and it's an entire skin kit, no trial samples here. It was through their facebook page, and you entered to see if you were one of the lucky selected, and turns out, I was!