Coffee and Hair Salons

I don't typically put coffee and hair salons in the same sentence. I am putting together a post that includes both because as I was taking a walk this morning I was trying to rank the things in life that just blow my mind, price wise. Number one and number two on my list (still undecided on the order) is coffee and hair salons.

I should confess, I am a recovering Starbucks addict. I'll never be cured, and still slip in to the drive thru line a couple of times a month. I do actually find the coffee at Starbucks a little too strong, but there is something about that franchise that pulls me in. A few years ago I was in Portland for work and I spent my Saturday driving to Seattle just to step foot inside the original Starbucks...yep, an addict.

I should also confess that come sandal season, I will be making my way to the spa for a pedicure. I can't, and I won't, do it myself...ick.

So here is what blows my mind...$3 for a small latte, nearly $4 for a medium, and I have no idea what crazy amount you pay for a large. Add soy or other goodies and it's even more. Not to pick on S-bucks, this is the case at any coffeehouse you may find. On the other hand, darn good coffee via the McDonalds drive thru can be had for less than $1, less than $2 for a biggie cup. Head over to a gas station and if you find the right one you can have a 12 oz. cup of coffee for free if you get some gas too. This isn't to judge taste, quality, fair trade, or fancy cups and coffee cozies...remember, I LOVE a pricey coffee. What puzzles me is how the price range can be so extreme.

Hair Salons are an entirely different animal. I have had my hair cut in New York City for over $200, I've had my hair cut in my hometown for $6.99, and I have had my fair share of haircuts for costs in between. I fully acknowledge that the stylist at the $200+ salon spent over an hour with me and treated my head like it was an artist's canvas. I acknowledge that the $6.99 haircut takes about 25 minutes, does not include a wash, and only sometimes includes a 20 second blow dry. But one thing that is constant is that by day 2 of ANY hair cut I have ever received, I have it totally messed up and not looking like anything I was given by the professional. So why would I pay $38 when I seriously can get the same long term results for 7 bucks?

I know many would say: this is what I splurge on. And to that I say: rock on. Everyone needs to splurge on whatever does it for them. Until then, I'll head over to McD's and Great Clips for my coffee and style tips.

Oh, and when you can get a free newspaper w/ your Monday coffee at McD's...don't even get me started...love it!

Join The Club

Have you ever stopped to consider the difference between paying for something each time you use it vs. a membership? I took my son to the Children's Museum today. Cost for a day pass: $5/per person. That's $5 for over 1 year old through adult. No 1 year old goes anywhere alone, so a day pass is going to run a family at least $10.

Cost for a membership: $65/per year. That membership gets 4 people in to the museum any/every day of membership ($20 per visit value), a few free parking passes (parking runs about $2), a family day pass to share with someone (another $20 value), some additional goodies, and the feel good feeling of supporting the local Children's Museum. No question, the membership is the way to go.

Another example is membership at a health club. As I page through the current classes at the local YMCA, swimming lessons cost double for non members, birthday parties are double the cost, teen activities cost 50-100% more for non members, adult classes for the most part are double. Granted, members incur a monthly membership fee, but using the facility and taking a few classes at the member rates easily makes membership a better deal. If you have children, a gym that offers 2 hours of free child care per visit makes membership crazy reasonable. AND, many times working at a gym, even part time, yields a free membership.

Do your homework, weigh the costs, and consider that sometimes spending more results in saving more in the long run.

There's Just Something About FREE

I don't know what it is, but stuff tastes better when it's free. So here is my list of freebies for the week:

20lb bag of birdseed using the $10 Ace True Value Gift Card I was handed just for showing up the day Bill from the Apprentice was there in his Ace Bus (www.dreamacehardware.com)

Arm and Hammer Toothpaste (http://webmd.ahtoothpaste.com/)

1lb of grapes at the grocery store (first pound is free this week)

Cup of coffee at Starbucks - one of my favorite days of the year! (www.starbucks.com)

Total saved on stuff I would have been willing to pay for regardless: just over $12

Household Coupons Available

Below are household related coupons. Email me at moneysavingmama@gmail if interested in these or any other coupons currently available.

Household Coupons

$1 off any (1) Cargill Red Out water conditioner pellets - expires 5-11-07
$2 off any (1) Oust Small Space - expires 5-5-07
$.75 off any (1) Oust refill - expires 5-5-07
$2 off any (1) Oust Air Sanitizer (except Oust Mini Air Sanitizer) - expires 5-5-07
$2 off any (1) Glade Scented Oil Candles holder - expires 4-14-07
$3 off any (1) Glade Scented Oil Candles TRIO - expires 4-14-07
$2 off any (2) Glade Scented Oil Candles refill packs - expires 4-14-07
$1 off any (1) Glade Plugins Scented Oil warmer - expires 4-21-07
$2 off any (2) Glade Plugins Scented Oil refills - expires 4-21-07
$1 off any (1) Glade Wisp Scented Oil refill - expires 4-21-07
$3 off any (1) Glade Wisp Scented Oil Fragrancer starter kit - expires 4-21-07
$1 off any (1) Ziploc Brand Big Bags - expires 5-5-07
$.40 off any (1) Ziploc Brand Bags - expires 5-5-07
$1 off any (2) Ziploc Brand Bags - expires 5-5-07
$.75 off any (1) Ziploc Brand Container - expires 5-5-07
$.75 off any (1) fantastik All Purpose Cleaner or Wipes - expires 5-5-07
$.75 off any (1) Glade Plugins holder or (2) refill packs - expires 4-21-07
$.75 off any (1) Glade Carpet and Room Odor Eliminator - expires 4-21-07
$1 off any (2) Glade 4oz Candles or 2 in 1 Candles - expires 4-21-07
$1 off any (1) Glade air infusions spray - expires 4-21-07
12 Issues of Good Housekeeping magazine for $7.97 - expires 10-31-07
I have (4) of these coupons: Free 8x10 and no sitting fee at JCPenney plus additional portrait pkg (email me for details) - expires 10-11-07
$29.95 First Spring Treatment w/ TruGreen - expires 5-31-07
$10 off Additional Services w/ TruGreen - expires 5-31-07
$20 off Natural Nutrient Lawn Care Program w/ TruGreen - expires 5-31-07
$39.95 First Tree & Shrub Treatment w/ TruGreen - expires 5-31-07

Personal/Grocery Coupons Available

I will update the coupon inventory every Monday. Email me at moneysavingmama@gmail.com if you are interested in these or any other coupons available.

Personal/Grocery Coupons

I have (2) of these coupons: $2 off any (1) pack of Pull Ups Training Pants - Pkg size jumbo or larger - expires 6-3-07
I have (2) of these coupons: $1 off any (1) pack of GoodNites Underpants - Pkg size jumbo or larger - expires 5-27-07
$1 off any (1) Vaseline Intensive Care Product (200ml or larger) except Renewal or Glow - expires 5-6-07
$.75 off any (2) Lady Speed Stick or Speed Stick Antiperspirant/Deodorant (except .5oz size) - expires 4-7-07
$1 off any (1) Lady Speed Stick24/7 or Speed Stick 24/7 Antiperspirant/Deodorant (except .5oz size) - expires 4-7-07
$1 off any (1) Irish Spring Body Wash - expires 4-7-07
$.30 off any (1) Irish Spring 3pk or larger - expires 4-7-07
$1 off Cataract Care eye drops - expires 6-30-07
$2 off BIC Comfort 3 (4 or 8 pk) or BIC Comfort Twin (10pk) or BIC Twin Select (10pk) or BIC Silky Touch (10pk) or BIC Twin Plus (10pk) - expires 4-22-07
$1 off any (1) Adidas antiperspirant, deodorant or body spray - plus rebate paperwork to receive the product for FREE - expires 5-15-07
$2 off any (1) Selsun Salon Shampoo - expires 6-11-07
$1 off any (1) Selsun Blue Shampoo - expires 6-11-07
$2.50 off any (1) Vaseline Intensive Rescue Heal & Repair Balm - expires 5-6-07
$1.50 off any (1) Vaseline Intensive Rescue Hand or Foot Cream - expires 5-6-07
I have (2) of this coupon: $1 off any (1) Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Skin Therapy Lotion (except 1oz size) - expires 6-30-07 - expires 6-30-07

Food/Grocery Coupons Available

I will update the coupon inventory every Monday. Email me at moneysavingmama@gmail.com if you are interested are any of the coupons in this, or the next two posts.

Food/Groceries

$1 off any (2) packages of Merkts Cheese Spread - expires 6-30-07
$.50 off any (1) box of Cap'n Crunch Cereal - expires 5-15-07
$.50 off any Franks RedHot Sauce - expires 5-31-07
$.25 off (1) Hunt's Ketchup - expires 3-18-07
$.45 off (3) cans of Hunt's Tomatoes, 11 oz. or larger - expires 3-18-07
$.35 off any variety of Bob Evans frozen sausage - expires 4-1-07
$.55 off any 5 oz or larger sized Fisher Chef's Natural Nut Item - expires 6-17-07
$1 off any (2) bags of 8 O'Clock Coffee, 11.5 oz or larger - expires 6-11-07
$.50 off (1) box of Fiber One Chewy Bars - expires 5-5-07
$.55 off any (1) loaf of Country Hearth Bread - expires 5-5-07
$1 off any (3) General Mills cereals listed (email me for the list) - expires 4-21-07
$.50 off any (2) boxes of Nature Valley Granola Bars - expires 5-5-07
$.50 off any (2) 4.5 oz or larger Chex Mix - expires 5-5-07
$.50 off any 1 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel OR Toaster Scrambles OR Pillsbury Pancakes-exp 5-19 $1 off any (2) V8 Splash Fruit Drinks - expires 4-30-07
$.50 off any (2) 12 oz cans of Carnation Evaporated Milk - expires 4-30-07
$1 off any (2) bags of Easter candy (email me for the list of brands) - expires 4-8-07
$1 off any (1) box of Quaker Granola Bites - expires 4-30-07
$.30 off any (2) Pillsbury Grand Biscuits - expires 5-19-07
$.50 off any Pillsbury Refrigerated Brownie Batter - Expires 5-19-07
$.55 off any (1) Dove Brand Cookies - expires 6-11-07
$4 off any (2) Adult Dinner Entrees at Red Lobster - expires 5-3-07
$3 off any (2) Lunch Entrees at Red Lobster - expires 5-3-07
$1 off any Individual Meal or Carver Combo at Boston Market - expires 4-22-07
$1 off any Individual Meal or Carver Combo at Boston market - expires 4-22-07
$2 off any $10 purchase at Boston Market - expires 4-22-07
$4 off any $20 purchase at Boston market - expires 4-22-07
I have (3) of this coupon: Free Sub w/ purchase of any sub and (2) regular size fountain drinks at Quiznos - all expire 4-4-07
I have (3) of this coupon: Free Chips & Small Fountain Drink w/ purchase of a reg. or lg sub, entree salad, or bread bowl at Quiznos - expires 4-4-07
I have (3) of this coupon: $1 off any small sub or flatbread chopped salad OR $2 off any reg. or lg. sub at Quiznos - expires 4-4-07

Coupons!

As someone who LOVES coupons, it hurts me to toss out the coupons I won't use. I also hate when I think I am going to use a coupon so I clip it on my fridge, but then the expiration date comes and goes and I usually toss them. So, I have come up with a little plan...

Every Monday, I am going to post an entry of the coupons that I have available to send to whoever wants/needs/could use them. Review the list and then email me at moneysavingmama@gmail.com. I'll confirm that I still have what you want. Then the cost for me to send your coupons to you will be $.75 via paypal. $.75 is the cost of the postage stamp and the charges paypal will charge me for receiving the payment. After fees are taken by paypal, I will have $.39 to cover my stamp. I hope I'm explaining this part of the process clearly.

I have one request/rule: I ask you to promise to use the coupons or pass them on to someone that will use them. Please promise that you will not turn around and sell them.

If a coupon that I have expires, I am going to send them overseas to military families. I have found a site that outlines this process (www.jlyne.com/expired_coupons.html).

I will post my first list of coupons shortly...

Gift Giving Occasions

My son is about to turn 2 years old. He's is just starting to pay attention to opening gifts, and actually giving a crap about what is inside the Elmo wrapping paper. With that in mind, it's time for us to come up with some real birthday gifts!

I am amazed at how commercial we have become. I am just as guilty as many...I worked very hard to find TMX Elmo this past Christmas. I found it at WalMart, and my son has played with it one time...lesson learned! So as we planned what to get our son for his birthday, we tried to adhere to the commercial stuff he likes, without breaking the bank.

I have no idea how Geoffrey The Giraffe (of Toys r Us fame) found out, but every year he calls the house to wish our son a happy birthday. He also sends a birthday card with a $5 off a $25 purchase coupon. Thank goodness. So off we went to Toys over the weekend to seek out a Thomas train set. Holy moley. Not only do trains occupy more than one aisle, they are verrrrry pricey. This area of the toy industry takes a la carte to a new level. There are a ton of trains in the Thomas line, and each one sells for $10-$20 EACH. Then a train track runs from $30 to well over $100. Without much effort, you can easily spend $100 on not much. Here is how we got to mission accomplished without breaking the bank:

We bought a track of a different brand. I see nothing different other than the price. We got a 60 piece set for $49. To put this in perspective, the closest I could find in the Thomas line, price wise, was $53 (on sale) for a 28 piece set. The closer I look at what we bought, it's way more than we needed. My mother bought a very basic set of the same brand for about $20. These sets come with train cars, a wood track, and many other props. It also states right on the packaging that these sets work with all of the Thomas products. And this is true...our son has the same name as one of the cars, so we had to buy that car...I told you I don't always spend wisely!

The other gift we're giving our son is a little rocking chair. It's more because we think it's cute, but I've had my mind set on this since Christmas. Breeze through any kids catalog and you will find you can easily spend over $100 for a painted wood rocking chair. Here is what I did:

I bought an unfinished wood rocking chair at Michael's Crafts. It was $40, but I used a 40% off coupon, which show up almost every week in the mail and/or newspaper, so that saved me $16. I painted the entire chair a golden color...reminiscent of the "old school" Green Bay Packer gold - my husband feels the team colors have changed a bit over time. I had the can of paint from when I painted the letters of my son's bedroom before he was born. So the paint cost me about 8 bucks 2 years ago and got me through two projects. It may have cost me 5 bucks if I used a coupon then, I can't remember. I am using scrap booking letters to put his name across the back, and a scrapbook sticker of a football. The stickers will run me less than $5 because I will get them at JoAnn Fabric and use another 40% off coupon. So this awesome chair came together for about $30.

Our son has us wrapped around his finger, so he would have received these gifts regardless. But to save well over $30 on items we would have bought no matter what sure feels good.

Pass the birthday cake!