Open Mic is a post every Thursday that is a mini-version of a discussion board. You can leave a comment with whatever coupon, money-saving or debt reduction tips or questions you have and other readers chime in and answer.
When you leave a comment you’ll be able to choose whether you’d like to be emailed follow-up comments or not. Getting comments via email is a great way to stay connected without having to visit the site a bazillion times (although I don’t mind if you come a bazillion times).
As always, I look forward to hearing the voice of the Pocket Your Dollars community. Read through the Open Mic archives here.
Your turn: Leave a comment with your money-saving, coupon or debt reduction question, thought or suggestion.
Two tips: 1) If you are reading this via email or an RSS feed, click on the title “Open Mic” to come back to the site and leave a comment and 2) If you are concerned about your privacy, just reference yourself by your initials and know that I will not share your email address with anyone else.
Has anyone checked out the Snyders stores with close-out prices? I’m wondering if it’s worth the drive (about 20 minutes).
I did go to the Snyder’s in Shakopee a few times to get some deals. The best deals were the hair color (with coupons of course!), the Fisher snacks and I did get some free trial size shampoos. Also got some ramen which I can never find coupons for, so 20 cents a pack was a good deal to me. The Snyder’s in Shakopee is now closed. Was hoping to go back one more time, but alas, too late!
Hi all, I have to buy 2 Itunes gift cards for for my niece’s birthdays, I ‘m wondering if anyone knows of any deals going on right now for them? Thanks.
I believe Costco offers them at discounted prices, but I don’t know what denominations/options they have. Obviously this will not work unless you are a member or know a member.
I’ve gotten them at Office Max before. They were not at discounted prices, however I was able to use the in-store credit points I had earned from recycling empty ink cartridges.
This is something I’m real excited about…. I’ve gotten really tired of using my Visa to make $2.47, $4.32, $9.61, etc charges at various stores throughout the month. (Thanks, Carrie!!!) So, to ease my head during bank/Visa reconciliation time, I’ve purchased gift cards for myself. I now have a gift card for CVS, Walgreens, and Rainbow. After the initial purchase, I can just swipe the correct card, and voilla! no itty bitty charges coming through on my Visa!
Perhaps this will help someone else, I know I am looking forward to this making my life easier!!!!
It will also save my cash from dwindling when I have to pay out 67 cents for one transaction, and 42 cents for another!
Can you tell I’m excited?
Anne~ Thanks for the great tip! I get cash back with my credit card so use it for just about everything, but often feel silly putting a $3 transaction on the card. So, I could use my credit card to buy the gift card, and still get the cash back, but not have 100s of small charges on my credit card bill. Fabulous idea! :)
I like this idea, too. I check my online banking all the time, but I am always afraid if someone got a hold of my number, it wouldn’t take long for charges to slip through the cracks. If I did this, I’d be able to keep my charges cleaner and be able to catch issues before they become too big…
Otherwise, just start using cash. Take out a certain amount of cash for “groceries” weekly or monthly or whatever makes sense to you. This will help you spend less money in the long run too because it’s harder to buy something when you have to shell out the cash!
If you know a child attending a private school, see if their school participates in the SCRIP program. You can purchase gift cards for just about anywhere, and the school earns a percentage of the card value. You only pay face value for the cards, so it’s win-win!
Attention skiers! Welch Village is offering a great deal on ski passes for NEXT season. If you buy before March 31st they are only $99!! The normal price is around $350!
Thanks for this heads-up!!
That is awesome! Thanks Kathy!
Wallgreens offering a free 8-10 photo just today. Checkout code FREEPHOTO.
rewards codes from Pampers diapers. I won’t be buying more and won’t use these codes.
7HD9CXHHJJYW4Y6
KXJ9HDX9NKG7T7H
7Y4DGTJFC9CHDTC
THANK YOU SO MUCH Suz…. you just earned me over 100 points. I appreciate you sharing.
Quite welcome Becca. Glad someone could use them.
Has anyone found any good deals on frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts… I found out my freezer is empty and we eat chicken a lot, so I need to stock up.
Thanks!
Becca,
I use a lot of chicken as well. I got a Sams club card for that reason, and buy it there. Its about $20 for 20 Lbs of 5oz portions.
Does anyone know of a good local resource for organically grown, grass fed beef? Chicken? Pork? I just watched the movie Food Inc. and it was eye opening…
I know it’s a little off-topic for PYD, but I’m willing to pay top dollar for high quality meats and don’t know where to look.
Abby ~ Just last weekend I saw an advertisement for beef on a farm on the road that goes by the Buffalo High School (not sure of the road number, but it is the North/South road between Buffalo & Albertville). Sorry, I didn’t write down the number as I intended to, but maybe someone else on PYD knows of this farm? I am going to be heading to the Humane Society in Buffalo in the next couple of weeks (to drop off my donations I have accumulated thanks to couponing!) and plan on going by there to get the number since I forgot to get it when I drove by 4 times last weekend!!! : o )
Abby- Yes, local sustainable meat is one thing our family buys wo coupons, too. A little more $, but we find it worthwhile for many reasons. We get all of ours at the st Paul farmers mkt, which is open all winter (sat 9-1) and has tons of local meat, eggs, etc.
Abby,
We order meat and eggs through Whole Farm Coop (wholefarmcoop.com) once per month. It’s through local farms and although not all the items are organic, the farmers actually take care of their animals. You order each month and then it gets dropped off at a church (they have a list of drop-off sites on their website). It is more expensive but totally worth it.
If you live in the west metro, Gale Woods Farm sells all the things you’re looking for. They are run by Three Rivers Park District if you want to check out their website.
Thanks for the info! I’ll definitely check into these!
Hi Abby–
We buy all of our pork from Hidden Stream Farm near Plainview, MN. hiddenstreamfarm.com, I *think*. They have been very helpful about arranging a place where we can pick up from them in the Cities. Here are some other links: Neumann Farms in Princeton (www.neumannFarmsMN.com) and Ridgeroll Farm in Buffalo. ridgeroll@hotmail.com
The meat costs significantly more than grocery store meat but all are small family farms and you can visit to SEE how the animals are raised and know that it is processed carefully. Worth every penny to me!
Also–visit your local Farmers Market this summer! Many have meat from local farmers.
We bought organic beef through Batalden Farms. They are in southern MN, but I know they do deliver to the cities many weekends. Very friendly, and helpful. Good prices for organic beef.
Sorry for the repeat post. A couple of other good resources are the Minnesota Grown program (google it–not sure of the address!) and Localharvest.com. Good luck!
tHE PAMPERS CODES DO NOT WORK ANY LONGER. THANKS ANYWAY.
The pampers codes are only good for one time use and they are already taken.
carrie wrote on facebbok that she was going to do a write up about being debt free and just buying a car with cash. Has she posted this somewhere and I missed it? any help would be great.
Can anyone tell me how to get a good deal on HP ink cartridges?
I buy mine at cartridge world. Easily 1/2 price of new ones and carry all brands.Very good pricing same ink cartridges they just refill them. They have a money back guarentee as well. Their website is cartridgeworldusa.com.
Do you get a deal if you bring in used cartridges? Like do they fill the ones you bring in?
Erin – I like Carrot Ink and posted about them here: http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/2010/02/carrot-ink-10-off-and-free-shipping-on-toner-and-printer-ink/
Abby- the st Paul farmers mkt is open all winter (sat 9-1) and has tons of local meat, eggs, etc.
Has anyone worked with the Direct Buy warehouse in Bloomington? We’re looking to move and will be needing more furniture later this year, but don’t know if it really makes financial sense.
I have a Direct Buy membership (2002). The membership fee is very steep so it doesn’t make sense for everybody. If you’re looking for high-end furniture or appliances, it may pay off. Direct Buy doesn’t carry every mfg etc and it isn’t a furniture store (so you don’t get to see/touch). I think some things are cheaper at a regular retail store (like small applicances and most electronics) They’ll tell you they don’t make any money off of your purchases, but most items you purchase through DB is subject to about an 8% “Handling Fee” (not appliances). Plus you typically pay freight to the DB warehouse — you then have to go there to pick up your stuff. And you pay an annual fee too. ($99 for me). I do feel I recouped my costs so far, however. (Surprisingly :-) ) I typically buy my appliances thru DB because they are usually less expensive than any sale I’ve encountered. Let me know if you want more info — I’d be happy to talk to you in more detail about my experience.
I’ve heard it is best for people who are building their own home or doing major remodel as you will re-coup your money. I haven’t met anyone who just used it to buy new furniture due to the sign-up fee.
We are looking to buy a vacuum cleaner very soon and I was wondering if any of you guys had a good recommendation for a good one that is not going to break the budget? In the past, we have had a few cheapies and they just break fast or do a bad job of cleaning. My hubby is looking at Dyson’s and Oreck’s but holy cow those are spendy! I am wondering if they are really worth the price or if someone has had success with any of the cheaper brands?
All I know, is don’t go with a bagless one! They are such a mess to empty and clean!
RICCAR vacuums are wonderful. You will need to find a dealer in your area. I bought mine in a vacuum store in Forest Lake – Deweys Vacuum. I have had mine for 2 years – no problems whatsoever. It has never lost suction, nothing’s ever broke on it. It is a bag vacuum, has a hepa-filter and they range in price depending on what you like for features. Most store bought vacuums are cheap (plastic parts) and foreign made. RICCAR is 99% made in the USA and is a solid vacuum. Also, if you buy from Dewey’s, the owner makes you a hose for stairs and such. I use the hose all the time for sucking up dust and cleaning my ceiling fans. I have never been happier with any other vacuum than this one.
Becca ~ I have to go with my mother’s wise words spoken so long ago . . . . you get what you pay for. I can truly say that my Kirby vacuum is probably one of the best investments I have ever made! I bought it almost 20 years ago when a salesman came to my house and told me that my baby (at the time) shouldn’t be crawling around on the carpet that was dirty even after I had just vacuumed. He did his demonstration and I was sold (even though I did negotiate the price down and was willing to let him walk out the door if they wouldn’t take what I was willing to pay). I have had to take it in for repairs a couple of times over the years (coincidently due to misuse by that baby I was trying to protect many years ago), but it has been a great vacuum overall and I would recommend Kirby without hesitation!
My husband loves “his” Dyson bagless animal vac that we got as a gift for Christmas. He doesn’t mind the bagless part – you just hold it over the garbage, push a button, and everything falls out. He also loves all the attachments. I’m thrilled because this means that I never have to vacuum! Yes, it was spendy, but we did save money by getting this on Black Friday when it was on sale at Kohl’s plus we had a coupon for 15 or 20% off – and we also got about $70 in Kohls Cash.
Becca,
I would highly suggest taking a look at consumer reports. I got a nice vacuum at Bed Bath and Beyond with a coupon (20% off – I get them in the mail all the time) and it was a consumer report best buy. I think it was about $110 after coupon. I think it’s a Hoover. I will tell you I had the Kirby people at my house to do a demo. Unbelievably expensive but he pratically begged me to buy it. By the time he was done, the price had dropped over $500. Later, I found out my mother-in-law bought one without negotiating a DIME! I almost croaked. They are impressive machines if you can afford the initial investment – the one I had demoed shampooed too (and well I might add). My grandmother had her Kirby for over 40 years and it was still going strong (but weighed 500 punds I swear). I have several friends who own a Dyson and there isn’t one who doesn’t regret the purchase for one reason or another. I can’t speak to that as I don’t own one. My mother bought an Oreck. It was great for her because it was SO lightweight, but I never thought it did a great job picking stuff up off the floor – especially pet hair. I will say, however, that the little hand-held vacuum that they give you as a free gift with your purchase of the big one is my FAVORITE vacuum. That thing WILL pick up bowling balls – I swear. LOVE IT! I know you can buy the small one (doesn’t do whole floors well although it has an attachment to extend the sucker) refurbished at the Oreck stores for about $100. I couldn’t live without mine for kitty litter messes, cracks, crevaces, ceilings, etc.
That’s long, but I hope it helps.
Mags
We also have the Dyson bag less animal vac. I have to say I have never had a problem with it. I totally recommend this vac to anyone. We bought ours about 8 years or so ago and still sucks;) like I bought it yesterday. If you don’t have pets you don’t have to get the pet one. My mom just got one and she loves or bag less Dyson. I actually like the bag less vac. All you have to do it empty it in the garbage by pushing a button. Really easy and not messy at all.
I too bought the Dyson Animal No problems. I love it. I also purchased through Kohl’s when they offered $10 for every $50 you spent plus when they had 15%, 20% or 30% off. If you buy online, it is easy enough to get the 30% off code even if you do not have one in hand. Do a google search and you’ll find it posted somewhere. You also do earn the $10 for every $50 spent when you shop online. They email you the certificate to print out and then you can only use that in-store.
We’ve got a Dyson and it is awesome. Before it, we had a big, gorgeous, expensive ($350 10 yrs ago) Sanitaire (your standard janitor-vac). It worked fine, but we got the Dyson for free. So, the Sanitaire was great, but when we got our Dyson we vacuumed with the Sanitaire like crazy, then plugged in the Dyson and went over the exact same area. It was *frightening* what the Dyson picked up – ICK. I’ve brought it to people’s houses and we’ve done the same thing (I really should start getting a commission I think!) and it is just disturbing what a regular vacuum leaves behind.
We haven’t had any problems with it after 3 years now. We’ve also got the hand-held, I give it to the kids after dinner to do the floor – we don’t have a dog to eat up the crumbs. :)
Good luck in your search!
I also bought a Dyson animal bagless vac and absolutely LOVE it and the fact that I can empty the canister with the touch of a button instead of dealing with changing bags all the time. I know that the first time I used it, I was sucking up 100 year old dust in my 100 year old house! I can tell there is less dust between the times I vacuum now. :) The best deal I found online was at overstock.com. I went through mypoints.com which got me one step closer to another free gc. :) Have any questions, feel free to ask!
~Cherie
Becca -
We were just looking into this for my brother who needs one for his house. For what it’s worth here are consumer reports top rated uprights -
Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary Edition
Kenmore Progressive
Eureka Boss Smart Vac
Eureka Comfort Clean Oh!
We have had a Kenmore Progressive for over 10 years and are still happy with how it’s working.
We have a Kenmore Progressive with Direct Drive and InteliClean. It is a bagless-we just hold the canister over the garbage and slide the thing to open the bottom of it. We do have to clean the filter with water after every few uses, but it is not a big deal. It was a Consumer Reports best buy and I think it was $250. We love it and feel like it does a GREAT job picking up dirt. I would highly recommend this vacuum.
Before you buy anything, stop by Al’s Vacuum (http://www.alsvacuum.com) in Bloomington (MN). They sell and repair many brands. They’ll tell you which models are reliable and what breaks down on other models. They also sell repaired used vacuums.
I have had an Oreck for about 10+ years now ans my mom has hers for probably about 20. I absolutely love it as it is lightweight and has good suction. m Y FIL found one on craigslist for $40 for their cabin and it works beautifully so might be worth searching there.
Becca,
I don’t have any recommendation about where to buy one, but I really love my Panasonic upright. Had the first one for16 years (with no problems) and this one for 20 years and still going strong.
I have a bernina vac and a different bagless vac (one for upstairs, one for down) — I HATE emptying the bagless one. I ALWAYS get a “puff” of gunk float up so I have to take to it the outside garbage and dump it into a paper grocery bag. TOTAL pain
I was just curious — do you guys ONLY BUY coupon items? I get great deals especially on health and beauty items and am very appreciative for all of the discounts and savings I am now getting at the grocery store. But, I still need to buy non-sale items at times to fill out recipes and such – I like to cook and we are not a fan of a lot of processed food – what am I missing?
Jessica I think it depends on when you started shopping with coupons. I have been shopping this way all my life so pretty much ALMOST EVERYTHING I buy is at the very least on sale. I NEVER buy full price unless I HAVE to have it and I rarely have to have it because I plan out my meals that way. If I want to try a new dish and need an ingredient I wait until it goes on sale or most of the items go on sale. I think every person should do what best fits them. I don’t have any problem buying something at full price if I need to. I just don’t prefer to. I think of it as saving on item A so I can afford item B.
I often buy “non-sale” items as fillers to help me hit my $25 at Rainbow. But only if it is a good price. My “everyday grocery store” is now Aldi. I get everything that is “non-coupon” from there – especially dry goods, cheese, produce. I know Carrie gets most of her produce there. Their prices are great and most items you cannot tell the difference versus the name brand. I have yet to find any meat items that thrilled me though – so I rely on the meat sales at Cub/Rainbow/Festival.
I know I still buy non-coupon items. Before getting into couponing, I discovered Aldi’s and use them for my lowest price non-coupon items (dairy, meats, paper/plastic, canned, some produce). I also like Target and don’t always have coupons for what I buy there. And I love Trader Joe’s for their decent prices and unique selection (it’s the ONLY place I’ve found to carry no-salt tortilla chips). I also love my Rainbow’s produce department and buy my fresh herbs there.
I think that main thing I’ve learned, aside from couponing, is to plan meals around what’s cheapest rather that what I feel like making. I’ve wasted so much money cooking based on emotions and wants. I’m sure I routinely spent $20 a meal (4 adults) that way. Now, I’m aiming for $5 or less with the same great food.
Is anyone else SUPER HAPPY that Aldi’s milk is now hormone-free?!?
Carrie or anyone else -
Know any other site for cartridge ink? Carrot doesn’t carry my replacement
I get my cartridges refilled at Walgreens for about $12 each. I refill each about 3 times before buying a new one unless the refill at Wags failed (they test them at the store before you pay) and if they don’t work at home you can return them.
As I’ve mentioned before. I use:
http://www.megatoners.com/
Very good prices – good quality, no complaints. and buy enough at one time and get free shipping
How about a special “Post -Wednesday Rainbow Shopping Transactions” page for readers who need successful transaction ideas to use for Saturday’s double coupon shopping? I am always in awe of the posted transactions I coulda/woulda done if I had only known how. This will be very instructional to the newbies (I remember a lot of these scenarios when I first visited PYD) and we will all learn by example.
My elderly parents need to purchase a new stand alone microwave with the plate inside that turns. Anyone have any recommendations, as it’s been years since I purchased one?
My sil used to work at GE and we had a discount on our current one, but I’m happy with their Profile series.
Valerie – I have a used one they could have. It is about 5 years old and runs fine, just not using it anymore. Email me – hj_christensen@yahoo.com – if interested. I am located west of the cities about 40 minutes.
Holly, thanks so much, but they live in NJ.
I have a question about price-matching at Target. I just price-matched the Trident Layers gum to Walgreens today and the guest service lady was VERY reluctant to use my 75cents off coupon. She thought it was totally against their policy, but as she couldn’t locate the policy, she did it anyway…grumpily. I have their policy in my purse, but don’t think it mentions price-matching and coupons? I had her price match a couple weeks ago and she was grumpy again when I pulled out my coupons. Any thoughts? Is that against their policy? Should I let the store manager know as now I hate the thought of price matching there?
not sure if you’ll come back to here or not. but targets price matching policy clearly states that they will use cpns when it comes to price matching if its a manuf cpn it’ll be taken AFTER the price match. but target cpns is a diff story.
Here is the policy http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-040400
i found this on the target list!
HTH
I asked last week and no one answered so I will ask again….Any ideas as to where to get the cheapest contact lenses? Thanks.
Thanks Carrie for open mic…you guys come up with some great ideas!
Lisa, I used to do 1800contacts – it was amazing how much cheaper they were than at the Target Optical shop and LensCrafters. Beyond that, I don’t know much – I got Lasik so I haven’t had to shop for them anymore. (BTW, Highly recommend Lasik if you are a candidate, it’s incredible!) Good luck and sorry I can’t be more help!
It may depend on what type of contact you are using but when I searched around for my acuvue oasis lenses, my local eye dr was only a couple dollars more a box than 1800contacts who I have been using for the last 10 years. ~Cherie
It does really depend on what brand and type of contact you use. When my daughter needed to switch to a different brand of contacts I found out that many places that you would consider to be discount were actually higher than normal. I tried costco, Walmart – which takes you to the 1 800 contact site, etc. I actually found hers the cheapest online at contact lense king. Put your type of contact in a search engine to see what sites come up and then compare the prices. It is often just as cheap now to go through your eye doctor verus some of the so called stores that claim to have low prices. Maybe some of the more popular lense sell at a discount at these type of stores. As usual you really need to do your homework and I don’t believe there to be one best answer.
I wear daily disposable contacts (major dry eye issues). I used to get them through 1800contacts but switched to Costco. I save almost 50% by getting them at Costco. I’m sure it can depend on what contacts your getting, prescription, etc. Just thought I’d put in my 2 cents worth!
It’s been a while since I wore contacts, but I always found Sam’s Club to be the best deal.
I get mine at Costco. You don’t have to be a member to use their optical center, and you don’t have to have your prescription through them to be able to get contacts or glasses
I had ordered from lens.com in the past, but Costco was a bit cheaper after the rebate they had. I went in and ordered them and they called for me to pick them up in two days.
I am also going to get new lenses for my glasses there too.
Lisa – we had every intention of getting our son’s contact lenses at Costco because they have good prices, and they were having a coupon deal at the time. I mentioned it to the Target staff (he was seeing the optomistrist at Target), and said I wanted to be very upfront that we needed to get them for as little as possible, thus the Costco decision. I was simply letting them know, but they were so quick to let me know they would match the Costco price. One of them even called Costco to get the correct price on the exact contacts. So, we got a year’s worth of them for the same price as Costco, plus we ended up with a pretty significant mail-in rebate that I’m not sure we would have had through Costco. I love the Costco optical dept and was so happy to get my bi-focals there; but I just wanted to let you know you might want to consider talking to Target. Hope that helps!
I hope this is not too “off topic” for PYD but this is such a resourceful group I am hoping you can help….Does any one have tips for cleaning pergo floors? I HATE HATE HATE cleaning my pergo kitchen floors and I feel as though I am constantly buying the cleaner (and constantly needing to clean them since they show every single drop of water/spot).
I currently use the spray bottle of AquaShine that I get a Menards. I spray it in small sections on the floor and then use towels in each hand and wipe it off on my hands and knees. What do others do? Any tips/tricks would be greatly appreciated. Does anyone use a homemade/cheaper cleaner?
My Mom has Pergo flooring in her kitchen and family room. She uses a Shark steam mop and loves it! I know it would cost more up front, but it doesn’t need any cleaners and uses machine washable pads.
If you go with a steamer my hubby just got a great deal at Costco (if you are a member or know one). It is a Wagner with lots of attachments (squegee, floor mop, floor brush, wall paper remover…). Right now you get an instant $15 rebate so it’s only $55.
OMG!! THANK YOU for posting this! I have wanted that steamer ( I’m guessing it is the Wagner Power Steamer, Model 305 or 905? (Something like that).) for a couple of years now, but have been too frugal to pay the $100 it normally sells for. Which Costco did you buy it at? I know not all Costco’s carry the same merchandise.
He bought it at the EP Costco. It is the 905 On-Demand Power Steamer.
We received this steamer as a Christmas present and it’s awesome! This isn’t something that was on our wish list but my Grandfather buys random gifts … we weren’t excited about it until we used it. I can’t believe how powerful and well made this is … and how great it works!!!! It cleaned our laminate floor better than anything else we’ve tried … with no chemicals :)
jamie,
I’ve had a Pergo floor in my walk-through kitchen for over ten years (two kids, a 115 lab and 2 cats) and have never once used a cleaner on them. Warm water and a soft washcloth, either by hand or with a tool. I’ve used a standard sponge mop, too. Pergo isn’t supposed to need a cleaner – it leaves a residue- I thought. My floors look nearly new after 12 years. My husband is a contractor and installed them.
IDEA #1 Okay I know a lot of people have been “swapping” coupons etc through the posts on here. I am wondering if anyone on here would want to attend a “coupon party” like a tupperwear party but you just bring your “unwanted” coupons and take ones you want. if you are intersted either post here or email me! kierstienafetzek at gmail dot com
IDEA #2 I have been wanting to do a clothing swap for a long time and am getting more and more eager to do this in the lakeville area (at a church hopefully for no cost) just wondering if anyone would be interested in this as well. email me at kierstienafetzek at gmail dot com
When last purchased contact lenses, I googled “compare contact prices” and discovered there were several price comparison sites for contacts. I honestly don’t remember which one I used. But, these sites let you select the type of contacts you wear, and then they will show the prices at many online retailers along with giving you coupon codes to use.
Does anyone have any recommendations on good deals for bulk dry beans? I am thinking of black beans and garbanzo beans in particular. I have just been buying small packages of dry beans at Rainbow or Cub but it feels like they “could” be a better deal purchased in a larger quantity somewhere. We’re not members at Sam’s or Costco, but when I have been to Sam’s with friends in the past I can’t remember seeing them there anyway.
There’s a Lakewinds Natural Food store near us in Chanhassen that has a great bulk section with all kind of grains, pastas and beans. I’m sure most natural stores or co-ops would have something similar if there’s one near you.
Kirsten, I’d be interested to know what you find as the best deal, so I hope you post it! Trader Joe’s has great prices on stuff like that, I just can’t remember if they carry just plain dry black beans and garbanzos. They have the best deal ever on the wonderful 17 bean and barley mixture, and I use it all the time. You might want to check there. Otherwise, they have about the best deal on a regular basis on canned black beans and garbanzo. These are a staple of our diet – must more than meats – so I like to find good prices for a good quality. We do buy the big pack of canned black beans at Costco but our Costco has quit carrying canned garbanzo beans.
Did anyone take advantage of the sale on Up & Up diapers from Target about a month ago? My entire order was canceled because of insufficient product inventory. I am a bit upset about this because I ordered 100 dollars worth of diapers. Anyone else have this happen to them?
Sara – I still haven’t gotten my diapers that I ordered, but it said that they should ship with an estimated arrival between Feb 19 – March 9. Did you get a separate e-mail that said this, or did you look up your order? Now I am beginning to wonder if my order will be cancelled. Did anyone who took advantage of this deal receive their diapers yet? Target is a reputable company, so I’m sure I’ll either get my $$ back or get my diapers, but it sure does seem to be taking a long time to fill an order that I placed almost a month ago.
Target emailed me yesterday and said that they needed me to approve a delay in my order. They want me to wait until mid-end of April!! (i ordered diapers end of Jan) I think they don’t want to canel my order knowing that I will may have to cancel my order knowing that babies grow out of sizes so quickly that after 3 months of waiting my baby won’t fit into the size i ordered. Needless to say im dissapointed and still thinking of how to handle this. I hate to think that a company can do this to me or anyone for that matter.
received another email today. order shipped and I had not responded to their first email. I have ordered several other items from target.com and could it be possible they looked at that before just canceling my order?
I received the same email that I needed to reply and they were going to delay the order until April. My diapers have all been delivered – this week. Once box was in a size too small now so I exchanged them yesterday in the store. HTH
Has anyone had success with dryer balls? I’m trying to make towels softer and have less static cling in my clothing. Vinegar doesn’t really help with the static.
Sara,
I had it happen to me. Part of my order was cancelled early this month and another part was cancelled today, I am sure the third part is not far behind. I am upset as well. My sisters and I ordered them as a baby gift for one of the sisters. We were all so excited to give them to her. I called Target customer service and expressed my disappointment and they gave me a credit to use online. Just an idea but it won’t replace the diapers deal. After all of this I am done shopping at Target.com.
Mary,
The static is caused by over drying. I was told this a couple of months ago and it has changed my life. I no longer need to use fabric softener and have static free cloths. Hope that helps.
Yeah that is exactly what happened to mine also. Thanks for the tip, i’ll give them a call.
We are looking for a treadmill. Anyone have any ideas where to get the best overall deal or recommendations on treadmills? We are making fitness a priority to get back in shape and need assistance. We have a very limited budget!
My folks have a decent one they may be getting rid of. They just got an elliptical because my mom has bad knees. Would you consider a used one?