Navigating the Prepaid Wireless Cell Phone Smart Phone Landmines

Phone pile

It's been 11 years since I've seriously investigated cell phone options. I've tried to navigate through the plans in the past and ended up throwing my hands up. It has taken way too much time to search online for plans, phones, coverage, and fees. One would think the quagmire would not be so great. I believe the majority of the trouble comes into play because there are too many carriers and options.

Do I buy online or go to a store? Do I really need smart phone "surfing" capability or just talk? How do all those cards work that are displayed at the Grocery Store, Sears, Kmart, Sams, Walmart, Best Buy, and nearly on ever street corner? When one goes into a store and sees the vast racks of companies and the monthly fees they are bartering, boasting unlimited this and that, it can lead to a mental overload. It all seemed like a big fat hassle to me.

It may not be straight forward but financially it might be worth shopping around, especially if you have not done so in the last 5 years. If my 80 year old mother and father-in law can figure out the monthly flip phone reload, how difficult can it be? Well, let's just say they are much smarter than I. During my quest to convert, I decided sharing a few tips might help guide others through the landmines.

My series of phones over the years

"Plans" that are conveniently set up by the major wireless players will cost you. It certainly was costing me! For 11 years I got great support, coverage, and service but I overpaid in comparison to buying a phone and reload card off the store shelf. My major hindrance was the fact that I had to go into a store each month and buy a reload card. That's how my mother does it. I thought to myself - what a PAIN. It was worth it to me to stay put if I had to do this every month.

For 3 months I had been unsuccessful at wandering around Walmart's and Best Buy's to get the lowdown. I also had been researching online for which carriers to choose in order to get good coverage in my area. Very few of my questions were answered until I got lucky last week and spoke to a very competent employee at the Cville Walmart. It absolutely does matter who you speak to. Terry (a female) explained the cell phone quagmire effortlessly and was so helpful. She explained that you initially buy a card but that you can set up auto-pay with the wireless carrier so you never have to buy another card from a store (YAY). My biggest barrier was conquered.

After researching online I decided that Straight Talk, Verizon, US Cellular, and Boost were 4 carriers that would work well in Charlottesville. I can vouch for US Cellular as that was my carrier for 11 years while living in Southwest and Central Virginia. You can set up different levels of minutes based on the monthly prepaid card options (you will see them listed in big letters over top of phones and cards beside each wireless carrier's logo).

The next step is to choose a phone. If you choose to go directly to a wireless carrier and set up through them, you will most likely be charged all sorts of hidden fees. When US Cellular advertised 6G for $40.00 I was giddy until I talked to them (4 separate times) about upgrading my account from 2 dumb phones to 1 smart phone and 1 dumb phone (talk / text only). This actually is what sent me over the edge. I do no appreciate false advertising and US Cellular is not the only carrier guilty of adding fees into their advertised plans. The advertised $40.00 a month plan zoomed up to $85.00! There was a $18.00 phone purchase fee even though it was advertised as costing a penny.  There was another monthly something or another fee and there are always taxes.  In order to avoid any hidden fees you generally have to choose a prepaid card at the store (NOTE: you will be charged a .50 911 fee in addition to the amount on the store card but nothing more, no taxes, no hidden fees).

If you want to pay for what is advertised, you will have to go into a store and buy it off the shelf. Prior to purchase I recommend that you look online at the store cell phone options and reviews. I didn't want to break the bank for a cell phone so I ended up getting a smart phone for $40.00 that had good online reviews. There were some slightly cheaper monthly plans through other wireless carriers but I could not get an inexpensive good phone. I ended up paying a little more a month on the prepaid card for the smart phone and a little less on the dumb phone to make it all balance out.

Steps to success:

• Research websites of local stores that sell phones and prepaid cards and write down the online cost of the phones of interest (my flip phone was $3.00 cheaper online than in the store and the store matched this price).
• Look for switching coupons. Many carriers will pay you to switch from say US Cellular to Verizon, even if you go from a direct wireless carrier plan to a prepaid card.  I was paid $75.00 to make this switch. I was credited this by calling the wireless carrier after I purchased my phones and prepaid card at the store. This covered my cost of purchasing the phones!
• Go into the store and decided what plan works for you. Do you only need a phone for emergencies and very light calling? You may only need the $15.00 a month / 300 minute plan and an inexpensive flip phone. Are you planning on searching the Internet with your phone? You may want to go with a 3 GB - 6 GB plan just to be sure you will not use up all your minutes quickly. If you are going to play games and watch movies - be sure you get a unlimited card, the higher the GB the better. Most plans offer 2 GB - 5 GB and some unlimited. Apparently there is a limit to the response time of 1 GB, 2 GB, etc but you still can get unlimited searching, it will just be slower after the specified GB is used up. If you have a wireless provider at your house (like Comcast) then you can save your GB's by setting up your phone to use that service when in the house. That will save a ton of GB each month.  
• Write down all the costs, the cost of the phone, the monthly prepaid card rate and the details of what your card provides.
• Before you take the plunge, call you current carrier and tell them that you want to close your account and go with another carrier. Often they will quote you a better rate to try and keep you. I probably would have stayed with my carrier if I would have been offered a good plan early on. After I had switched everything, I spoke to the department that intervenes when you are getting ready to pull the plug. My carrier reduced their rate from $108.00 down to $68.00. They still could not beat what I was paying via a prepaid card so I did not accept their offer.
• Also ask your current carrier if you are locked into a contract. My contract expired many years ago since I did not take them up on their offers to get a new phone every 2 years which renews you into a contract. To get out of a 2-year contract, it will cost you money so wait until it has expired and then cut the tie.
• If you decide to transfer to a different wireless carrier and want to keep you current phone number, do NOT close your current (old) account until your new carrier makes the switch and your new phone is up and running. You do not have to contact your old carrier, the new carrier will take care of this for you - but you need to talk to a representative with your new prepaid plan to keep your existing phone number. Do not activate your new phone or load prepaid minutes until you talk to a live person. After your new phones are up and running, you can call your old carrier and make sure all ends are tied just to ensure you won't be billed any longer.

I hope this helps you in your quest.

-Rebecca

Cutting Corners with USPS Shipping

A good day of sales for Forsythia Hill Vintage. 

One thing I have learned about shipping with the USPS - there are always changes. From postage stamp increases to Priority Insurance there is a LOT to keep up with.

In 2012 I paid nearly $700.00 in shipping fees operating my two online Vintage Shops. There was a big jump in international shipping rates early in 2013 which put a serious dent in my international sales. I can only hope the exchange rate is in the favor of non-US countries to help ease the burden of higher shipping fees. The biggest increase was to Canadian customers - the rates nearly doubled.

It hasn't been all doom and gloom. First Class within the US is the cheapest route if your package weighs up to 13 ounces. For heavier packages, Parcel Select is often the best shipping option for me but I've figured out that sometimes you can ship Priority for less. It's all automated through Paypal and Etsy. If you don't ship commercially, you can still print labels at home for your personal packages and I've found that online rates are always less expensive than the Post Office and tracking is included. The quick link to creating your package label is paypal.com/shipnow. There are several steps before printing so you can view how much each option costs before you buy. After you finalize your shipping method, print a label on paper and completely cover it with clear shipping tape, adhering it to your package and you are done. No need to buy expensive stick labels.

Bigger mailbox finally installed - still not big enough!

The USPS just included insurance up to $50.00 with Priority Mail and tracking also is included. But beware, the maximum shipping time of 3 days is not guaranteed - it can take longer. I often pick the lower shipping rate and only buy insurance if it's something breakable. In three years of shipping hundreds of items, within the US and internationally, I've never had a package lost.  In the end, that's what is most important to me.

If you are a commercial seller, you can get super inexpensive shipping insurance through shipsaver. I've had one breakage and they covered it so it actually works!

I recently discovered Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes that can save you half of shipping Priority in a box. Padded costs a little more so go for the unpadded and wrap your item in bubble wrap. You can order the envelops online and they will be delivered to your house, free of charge. The postage amount is set and you pay when you ship so you always know how much it's going to cost. I would ship in an envelop if the item is heavy and non-breakable.

4 Bushel Baskets - my heaviest and largest item!

I just shipped my largest and heaviest item from my front doorstep. It was nearly 17 lbs and I had to combine two boxes to make it tall enough. I found detailed instructions on how to do this correctly and I also added inexpensive insurance through shipsaver, just in case.

Get to know your mail carrier, often they will just pick up a package straight from your mail box or front step. I leave a note in the box if my items won't all fit - that my packages need to be picked up from my front porch. I love my mail carrier! I've saved hundreds of dollars on gas from not having to drive to the post office, not to mention TIME.

My 1st lesson to pack WELL - Cast Iron actually damaged!

The last tip is how to package against damage without making the package heavy. I am a big believer in 1) saving money 2) treading lightly. I have never purchased any packing materials for the exception of small mailing envelopes and tape. Free boxes and packing materials can all be had on freecycle or through local businesses. It's good for the environment and your wallet!

When wrapping breakables I bubble wrap first then stuff with plain white packing paper leaving 2" between the item and the box for movement. I often start with a 1" layer of recycled packing peanuts in the bottom of the box. Light clothing gets pretty tissue paper and is inserted into a mailing envelop.

Just a few tricks of the trade. Happy shipping!

-Rebecca

New Year / Reflection on 2012

Monticello trail pond and Canada Geese.

It's time to reflect back onto what worked and didn't in 2012 (a more positive analogy than good vs. bad).  As the end of 2012 approached I decided my 2013 New Year Resolution was to surround myself with positive thoughts and deliver a positive message in my online writings and photos.  There is way to much  "anger pollution" on the Internet and TV and I choose to not participate and spread more gloom and doom.  If I can provide a moments relief to someone stressing from daily pressures our society invariably produces, then I've participated positively on a global level.

I can not wait until SPRING!

Somehow my tumblr photography blog has amassed 45,000 followers!  I'm not vain enough to think that that many people are actually checking in each day but there is exponentially more activity which makes me want to inspire others rather than be defeatist.

ForsythiaHill Limoges Tea Cups / Saucers 

What began as an experiment to see if I could figure out global Internet selling has blossomed into a full-fledged business.  I now operate two Etsy Vintage Shops and have items on Bonanza and Storenvy.  In 2012, I doubled my sales over 2011 and hope to continue on the upswing by taking Ebay more seriously.  I'm not thrilled about their convoluted fee structure and it is tedious compared to other online stores but one can not ignore the volume of goods moved and customers shopping.  I've focused on selling my family collected treasures but it's hard to not stop at a good old Yard Sale.  It is recommended that you not buy what you like... I now know why, you end up keeping things!  I mean how can I give up my found Rooster Lamp, signed Menaboni Bird Book, or Deco Hand Carved Cat!

The Maymont Trophy for $ saved.

Now that couponing is part of my psyche, I've seem to write less about it.  I continue to mainly focus on Grocery Store deals because that is where we spend most of our income.  In 2012 I saved over $2,600.00 by wisely shopping and couponing.  This does not take into account the numerous items I've found on Freecycle - Book Shelves, Packaging Materials, and even a very expensive Solar Pool Cover with Reel (my top freebie of 2012).  I feel like the really good coupon deals have been reigned in by stores that have figured out how some customers have taken total advantage of the term "discount".  There are still plenty of savings to be found, you just have to know where to look online.  I continue to post my favorite deals on my twitter feed.

My husband grew working up on roofs - not for the timid.

Typically we have an active home improvement project.  This year hopefully my husband will become inspired to paint the "Man Cave", Trellis, and Shed.  My top project is to replace the Kitchen Floor.  It's hard to believe that behind us is the Deck staining, Chimney Liner install, and Kitchen Sink replacement projects that came about in 2012.

No matter what happened in 2012, it has come to an end and you can start anew in 2013.

I wonder if I'll actually make room today for that Yoga session I promised myself... hum... sounds like a good way to step into the New Year.

-Rebecca

Why I Love Harris Teeter

Harris Teeter Double coupon week is in full swing.  I had just left the store with my savings of $50.00 and was strolling down the Barracks Road parking lot "hill" and I completely forgot about the 12 pack of LaCroix Grapefruit Sparkling Water in the bottom of my cart. 

Because of the slope of the parking lot, the entire box shot out of my cart and cans exploded and rolled down the hill in all sorts of directions.  Shoppers began chasing my cans and politely asked if I wanted the exploding cans thrown away.  Very soon a Teeter manager ran down the lot in the 98 degree heat and told me to just keep what was left and he would grab me a new box.

He quickly trotted inside and did just that.  I ended up with a new box and was able to give a few of the "intact" cans to some of the remaining kids that had helped.

I love my Teeter and now even more!  Great deals, tidy store, nice staff and managers.

THANKS TEETER for making my day... and Thanks to the kind shoppers for helping.

-Rebecca

Great Gardener Deal

Osmocote is an easy and good plant fertilizer that works.  Check out their $10.00 rebate!

This is a great deal and only a limited number of rebates available - http://plantersplace.com/rebate.

-Rebecca

Spring Gardening DEAL

Now that is a Cock-a-Doodle-Deal

Great deal right now.  I just printed my gift certificate!  What gardener wouldn't buy $40.00 of gardening goods for $20.00 --- check this deal out!  Good at Snow's in Charlottesville, VA.

Lewis Ginter BOGO

A great winter time deal at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia goes through the end of February.  Yesterday my husband and I enjoyed a day roaming the gardens for half off.

I love gardens no matter what time of year it is.  Lewis Ginter shows off their plantings best features year round.  My husbands favorite plant was a massive Loblolly Pine back in the Dwarf Conifer section.  I went to see the Daffodils.  It was a bit early but there were some early blooming varieties that were quite lovely.  Especially a patch of miniature yellows with a cup no larger than my pinky fingernail.

Also showing interest were multicolored Hellebore's, pink Cherry trees, Witch Hazel, Magnolia, various berried plants and shrubs, Daffodils, and Crocus,   Winter allows visitors to better view a variety of birds not only in the garden but in the ponds and lakes.  There were some beautiful Geese enjoying diving for fish and floating gracefully.  The Conservatory, a relatively new element at Lewis Ginter, is always in full bloom.  Currently showing are lovely displays of spring bulbs and a wing full of incredible Orchids.

There were also two impressive exhibits, one inside and one outside.  In the Library, Seeing Trees: Photographs by Robert Llewellyn (the last day was Sunday) and outside behind the Conservatory the massive,  Diamonds in the Rough stick sculpture by Patrick Dougherty; a Meadowmorphosis.  Children were especially enjoying the outside exhibit.

We had a relaxing day once again at Lewis Ginter.  This Tuesday the discussion will continue in Charlottesville concerning the possible addition of a Botanical Garden to McIntire East.  Let's hope it's a major part of this City owned park land.  Check out my NEW Garden Lovers Calendar on my blog for upcoming Charlottesville gardening related events.

-Rebecca

A Local Healthy Deal

DO IT - DO IT - DO IT - says my Mockingbird.

Last week I decided to finally drop by the new Charlottesville City operated Smith Aquatic and Fitness Center.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover not only a great pool but a gym and exercise class offerings.  I was allowed to look around and was given a few free passes to test the waters - literally!

What I like about the center is that you can sign up for a month at at time, there is an annual pass option but it seems staying with a gym program is never easy so go for the one month initially.  You can also buy a day pass but this is the least cost effective method.

Of course a great deal is what actually got me in gear to go check it out.  There is currently a buy one month get one month free deal.  It's even sweeter if you live in the City of Charlottesville or if you get a friend or family to join with you.  This deal expires on SUNDAY - February 12th so don't procrastinate!

U C H I C K E N ?  cluck cluck - says Little Moltie.

I checked out the 29N ACAC but the pool water was frigid but they did have a jacuzzi (which was wonderful).  That is the only con about the Smith Center - no jacuzzi (darn it) but they have the water temperature set perfectly and it is very clean. 

I really enjoyed the beginners Yoga and they also offer Water Aerobics for various health and experience levels, and Pilates.  I love Pilates using an exercise band - it gives you resistance that you do not get from swimming laps in a pool.  I've been swimming now for 10 years.  It really makes a difference in how you feel!

Get off your can and just GO FOR IT.  If you don't swim, there are plenty of other options - weights and classes.

If you are currently not a member of any local health club, this is a great trial deal.

-Rebecca

Staples Deals

Two really good Staples deals are running this week until Saturday.  You will need to be registered online and have a Staples reward card to take advantage.

Today I went and grabbed 100 FREE business cards.  This deal was perfectly timed because I was nearly out of cards that I use when I ship my Etsy Shop orders.  The selection was very good and I had many options.  The computer system is easy to use and the Rt 29N Staples staff are always great help.  You have to go to the store to get this deal, paying the sale price of $14.99 up front and getting matching rewards points.  Reward cash is mailed once you reach $10.00.

The second deal was a package of 750 Avery address labels which I use to create return address labels for my Etsy Shop orders.  This is a rebate offer, you pay up front the sale price of $9.99 and you go online and get a cash rebate mailed to you or even credited to your paypal account.  Super simple and the end result is that the product is FREE!

Thanks Staples!

-Rebecca

Year End Wrap Up

Husband installing the Chimney Liner - not for the timid.

2011 was a year of refining my quest to save dollars while earning a little on the side.  Couponing and deal searching saved me $2,700.00.  It's often hard to keep track of each penny so I can estimate that my savings were probably closer to $3,000.  Toss in several do-it-yourself projects (we installed our own flexible chimney liner and built a Chicken Coop) and we saved $1,000 more.  My Etsy business grew last year and I've gotten the hang of selling.  I sold nearly 100 pairs of vintage eyewear that previously belonged to my father and nearly 50 other vintage items.  This little side business is my way of trying to preserve what little savings I have remaining from years of employment.

Amazing Ginko at the UVA Rotunda.

Last year was also a time to take blogging seriously and I made it through an entire year and 101 posts!  I almost reached 10,000 readers checking out my Forsythia Hill Finds blog!   I also started a separate blog on tumblr to create a visual log of some of my photography.  I have nearly 3,500 followers.

Next year I will continue couponing even though I am finding it a bit harder to get those super deals of early 2011.  Grocery stores have somewhat changed their strategy to make it more difficult to super save.  I'm going to have to do a better job of stocking up - not stockpiling - but stocking up essentials so I don't have to ever pay full price.  I did a good job last year of not buying non-essentials.  My goals are to continue selling items I no longer use and of course to discover and sell vintage.  I'll be seriously clearing out my parents belongings so interesting vintage will pop up in my etsy store.

Pretty sky over Forsythia Hill.

Our biggest expenses are fuel and food.  My mother taught me the Kroger savings trick of buying gift cards for places I shop (like Target) when Krogers offers 4X the fuel points.  This will give you FREE greater fuel savings at the pump. We have a wood stove and chop our own wood to help reduce our electric bill.  I also don't drive the car everyday and combine shopping tasks - always making several stops to save gas.  My husband works from home one day a week which saves a little on fuel.  It's going to be hard to shave the fuel bill down any more.  Hopefully we'll see some food savings this year due to my improved couponing skills - practice really does help concerning nailing down couponing.

Our sweet shy yellow tabby Cesar.

We were relieved to not have any pet deaths in 2011 given the prior year we lost 2 dear pets.  We acquired our six hens that are so fun to have around.  This will be our third Spring on Forsythia Hill and I am eager to transplant some perennial plants now that they have grown a bit and put them in more permanent spots.  There is nothing like a dark cold winter to get your gardening blood moving.  Little Red Kale plants are coming along and by early Spring I'll be harvesting!  Fingers crossed that the Muscadine Grape plant that I purchased this Winter survives.

See you on "the other side" --- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Rebecca

Cyber Monday Deal

Cool shades on ForsythiaHill.etsy.com modeled by Trisha

Tomorrow is Cyber Monday and there are plenty of deals to be had on the internet Wild Wild West. 

One of my favorite places to find deals is on etsy.com.  I have two vintage shops on Etsy.  To search for cyber monday deals on etsy - Enter the search term of what you are looking for + the term cyber monday.   For example, if you are looking for vintage tea cups that have a Cyber Monday deal:  First select Vintage from the drop down search menu and then type: tea cups cyber monday.  Each shop will have a different and unique twist on Cyber Monday.

FREE Eyeglasses Leash on Cyber Monday

The deal I'm running in my shops - ForsythiaHill.etsy.com and DontUWantMe.etsy.com -- Buy any glasses and get a FREE colorful cotton Eyeglasses Leash!  If you buy glasses TODAY, Sunday - tell me on checkout that u read my blog and u can get my Cyber Monday deal TODAY!

Have fun shopping.  I hope u get a little work done on Cyber Monday.

-Rebecca

Pillow Deal

Each Fall I watch the retail store Pillow Wars and wait to strike.  This is the second year that I have purchased pillows at JcPenney.  I don't know about you, but the $3.97 cheopo pillow deals for an uncomfortable lumpy pillow just don't cut it.  This is one area where I do spend a bit more for something that is comfortable and durable.  Do something nice for yourself and get a new pillow every year!

Sealy, comes in different softness levels.

JcPenney is running, Buy one pillow, get another for .99.  Ok, that's a great deal, but the kicker was that in the Friday newspaper they had a Buy $25.00 worth of anything and get $10.00 off.  For comparison, Belk has a Buy $50.00 and get $10.00 - not as good of a deal.  The third kicker is that the paper had 2 coupons.  So not only did I get the pillow deal, I separately purchased a few Christmas gifts and some 80% off tops and shorts, using another $10.00 coupon. 



I ended up spending $17.00 for two quality pillows that would have normally cost me $52.00.

-Rebecca 

Great Deals this Week

HURRY, these offers won't last long --

First frost on Forsythia Hill.

Staples is offering 100 free postcards - these can be holiday or whatever.  You print in-store to avoid shipping.  Print coupon details, and take in a zip drive w/your photo on it.

I just printed 40 free photos at Walgreens.  You upload your digital images, enter Coupon Code - DRUGSTORE40 and select to pick up at your local store to avoid shipping.

There is a Target coupon for $3.00 off  sleepwear.  This is a good deal if you can snag something off their sale rack.

Happy Shopping.

-Rebecca

Where has the Week Gone

It's been one of those weeks... and now it is GONE.  At the start, it had so much promise.  I was going to get the basement "vintage" assortment organized and list items in my Etsy shop and on Craigslist.

Pair of Vintage Shades for sale in my Etsy shop, ForsythiaHill.

It turns out that the search for a new pair of eyeglasses is proving to be more difficult than imagined.  Every day I hit a new shop, searching for a frame that looks good on me.  In between eyeglass searching, I did a few more things this week... 

Monday I heard Bob Woodward speak at the lovely historic Miller Center, a.k.a. The Faulkner House, a.k.a The Old Ivy Inn.  I had never been there before and discovered 19 acres of lovely grounds and a beautifully restored mansion.  Mr. Woodward's presentation was very interesting and I put a check mark in my brain to seek out his books at the library.  Later in the week when I stopped by the Recycle Center in Charlottesville and there is this wonderful trailer in the back full of discarded books!  I actually found an old book of Bob Woodward's, The Commanders.  I did the sniff test, no funky old smells and have begun reading it.  So far it is fascinating and it was FREE.

Tuesday I took a trip to Lynchburg to have lunch with the parents and Wednesday I met with my Newcomers Club Saving 101 Group.  Thursday I zipped up the 29N Bypass - yes, there already IS a bypass -- it's called Earlysville Rd - to get my hair cut and pick up some deals at PetSmart.  I had a $15.00 off coupon for $50.00 or more purchase and it really adds up when you buy bagged dog food and joint supplements.  Anyway, I saved over $30.00 with coupons.

We're staying IN - all snugglie and warm.

The week is at end and a friend ordered reserved tickets for the Fall Open House at the Fan Mountain Observatory.  It's going to be cloudy so no sky viewing but the gang wants to go anyway.  Burrr, it's beginning to feel like Winter, I just want to stay in this weekend and stay WARM. 

Off to try and list ONE item on Craigslist... we'll see if that happens.

-Rebecca

Staples Camera Deal

Kodak Easyshare M320

I've been waiting months to pounce on a good camera deal.  My husband purchased a Kodak Easyshare as a gift for me years ago.  It was time for an upgrade.  Back in the day of "film" photography, I had a zoom lens Minolta.  I paid a good penny for it in the early 80's and it weighed a ton.  It was a great camera but not easily replaced for a decent price with today's digital technology, until yesterday. 

I researched online, reading numerous reviews.  There were really no serious negatives so I took the plunge and grabbed a Fujifilm Finepix S3300.  It seemed weight was an issue for some reviewers but compared to my old Minolta this was lightweight.  It actually adds some balance and the point and shoots are so lightweight I fumble with them! 

The deal runs this week at Staples.  The cost is $199.00 and you get a $50.00 gift card, making the deal $150.00.  It's an impressive camera with 14 megapixels, 26X Optical Zoom.  It's fairly easy to use for a versitle camera.  I am so happy to finally once again be able to manually alter aperature and shutter settings.  The lower priced point and shoots rarely, if ever, don't offer both.  My Kodak actually allowed more flexiblity and was a decent 9.2 megapixels (which was pretty good even by today's standards) but maxed out at a 3X Optical Zoom.

FujiFilm S3300

You can see the improvement from the shots taken in the same light minutes apart.  The detail just can not be realized with my Kodak 3X zoom.  Pretty impressive for just pointing and shooting right out of the box.  I have a lot to learn but it was easy to get a few shots without too much fiddling.  There is no other digital camera with such zoom power and good online ratings at this price.  Typical prices for other camera in this category are $500 - $800.00.  If your in the market and will spend $50.00 at Staples over the next several years, grab it before the deal is gone.  The Gift Card has no "expiration".

-Rebecca

Free Stuff and Deals

I came home today w/a small load of FREE items and several deals.

Freecycle is a great place to find this or that.  I have found numerous items; two "like new" bookcases, packaging supplies, and now a sawdust "source".  I use sawdust for my deep litter system that I use inside my Chicken Coop.  It's better than paying $5.00 a bale for straw or shavings.

I picked up a bag of used Coffee grounds from the downtown Mudhouse (a $1.00 donation to Habitat for Humanity is recommended) to help fortify my garden. 

The Wonderful Pistachios were on sale and I had a manufacturers coupon for $1.00 off and a $2.00 CVS store coupon.  I also got $1.00 Extracare Bucks back, making the nuts only $1.00.  Now that is a deal.  Suet is on sale this week at Southern States for .89.  I load up (buying a dozen) and freeze it until needed.

Happy dealing this week.  They are out there, you just gotta look.

-Rebecca

Deal at Michaels

Today I stopped by Michaels to get a picture frame and used two coupons that I had clipped from their Sunday news-paper insert.  Often Michaels puts restrictions on their coupons but these were pretty wide open and I was able to use both of them in one transaction.   I spent $7.50 for an 8X10 matted frame, 16 month calendar, recipe cards, and an archival pen.

One of my ForsythiaHill prints for sale on Etsy.

The frame will hold one of my photography prints. At the encouragement of friends and family, I am selling my photos on Etsy.

The retro recipe cards were 75% off costing .30 cents! I received an additional $1.25 discount on the already "on sale" frame using one coupon.  The other coupon I used on the regularly priced acid-free archival pen, saving $1.40.

I noticed they have a section of $1.00 - $3.00 items at 75% off! It's a good week to buy a frame at Michaels, pack of note cards or recipe cards.

Happy shopping.

-Rebecca

Saving your Dollars

Seasonal sales can be so sweet. 

$2.00 for shorts - C R A Z Y

Check out these cute shorts I picked up at Marshalls today.

Billabong Shorts - $2.00, saving $38.00 off Retail.  These Men's Swim Trunks were a steal and are great for sloshing around in the chicken yard. 

Some good deals can be found in the Men's Department for Women.  I routinely buy Men's swim trunks because they fit me well and are lightweight.  I look for the type that does not have the strange webbing inside and with a pocket for my camera or cell phone.

Wow, 2 pairs of shorts for $9.00.

I love these cute navy blue plaid shorts.  They fit me amazingly well and plaid seems to never go out of style, especially in UVA-ville. 

I'm now ready for next summer, spending only $9.00 for both pairs of shorts!

Thanks Marshalls.

-Rebecca     

Saving your Dollars

SAVED 100% in a WEEK

 Harris Teeter Doubles

Store Trip #1 - SPENT $55.00 SAVED $55.00

Until Tuesday, it's SUPER DOUBLES at Harris Teeter. Any coupon up to 1.99 is doubled in value!

>>  Another great deal this week was 300 FREE address labels at Staples.

At Harris Teeter: Presented 17 coupons, all between $.50 - $1.50 in value.

A few of the Harris Teeter Deals and what I paid for each: 

Purina Cat Chow- $1.50, Party Mix Cat Treats- $.50, 

Hunts Ketchup - $.50, Deboles Pasta - .99, Silk Almond Milk - 1.00,

Athenos Feta Cheese - $.50.

FREE - Athenos Greek Yogurt, Goldfish Grahams,

7th Generation Paper Towels.

As you can see, I also purchased lots of healthy fruit and veggies in which coupons are hard to find.  I would love to hear about a deal you found this week - leave a comment!

-Rebecca

Deals this Week

Two good deals out right now:

Pier One Imports is running its "weekly deals campaign" right now.  Today I picked up a really nice kitchen spoon and brush for $1.75, using a $10.00 OFF, $10.00 purchase coupon.  No string attached (none of those "provisions" you typically see on other store deals).  Both items were on sale. 

SAVED: $13.25

Staples has copy paper for .50.  My only problem with the purchase was that it was not made from recycled paper.  You do need to have a staples card and submit a rebate but it is super easy online.

SAVED:  $5.50

My first egg sale is tomorrow, I'm just hoping to defray the expense of the feed! 

CLUCK, CLUCK

-Rebecca