Free Is Free And Cheap Is Cheap: A Little Of Both

When it comes to shopping satisfaction, there's nothing more satiating than getting great items for pennies on the dollar of their original cost. Unless, of course, you are a bargain ninja and know how to weild your mad bargainista skills to get things for absolutely free. If you want to posess these awesome super powers, continue reading!

Completely Free:
I cannot stress this enough: COUPONS ARE YOUR FRIEND! Now I'm not talking about abusing coupon policies, like the shenanigans of TLC's Extreme Couponing. That show put a damper on couponing for all legitimate coupons. But that's neither here nor there. Anyway, many major clothing retailers such as Kohl's, JC Penney, Target, andVictoria's Secret mail out coupons from time to time that that have a cash value with no minimum purchase, such as $10 off $10 or more, so it's perfectly legitmate to get a $10 for free! I can't tell you how many times I have done this with delightful results! If you are not recieving any fabulous coupons in the mail, inquire in store as to how you can get on their mailing list. You never benefit if you don't ask! Here's a $5 coupon you can score right now! Sign up for Kohls.com sale alerts and you will recieve an email containing a $5 in store coupon and a 10% off online perchace coupon! Sweet. http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/registration/sale_alert_signup.jsp
I recenly used a $15 JCP coupon to get this gorgeous cardigan FOR FREE. The savings keep me warm. :)

Next tip, paper good etailers have LOTS OF FREEBIES! I mentioned in a previous post how I scored 20 free cards from Fujfilm's See Here Publisher and paid only the $1.49 for shipping. Well I may have just topped that! I scored 10 free beautiful personalized photo cards with lined envelopes (with my address already printed on them!) and I didn't even have to pay shipping! Their cards are absolutely gorgeous and you can choose from thousands of designs. Unfortunately this promotion has now ended, but they have another spectacular deal for new members: a free 20 page hardcover photo book! You can select any of your photos and have them bound into a lovely photo book, such a great gift idea!
http://www.mypublisher.com/affiliate/affreepocket?si=DVYAoYpLFfc-Qr.fn5q4mgaGn0aapMoa7g

Goodwill Grabs:
I have long held an overwhelming desire for home decorating, but also had an underwhelming budget (and a recalcitrant husband). But slowly I have been accumulating some great home goods at low prices, with much help from the local Goodwill. Here are my latest finds.
The aforementioned husband once deemed throw pillows "useless," but I beg to differ, and 3 years later I finally got my way, lol. Here are two lovely pillows for only $2 each.

I also purchaced several lovely Liberty of London for Target floral scarves at the incredible price of 5 for $1! Since they have sat in my closet for a few months and never quite made it into my scarf rotation, I decided they should be reincarnated as pillow covers for the hideously dingy pillow on that were on my love seat. Ta da! For 20 cents, brand new pillows! :)





I usually love Target's selection of home goods, but even good ol' Tar-Jay can be a bit much on my budget. So imagine my delight a few years ago when I descovered the Goodwill sells brand new Target goods at a fraction of the price! I got these gorgeous baroque picture frames from Target's RE Style line for only $1 each!

Rarely can I go into thrift shops without getting at least one top, and my most recent trip was no exception. I got this fab Xhilirations tee for $2.95. It makes me happy. :D

Swap Scores:

In the world of swapping, the term "multiswap" is music to the ears! I recently completed a great multiswap for three Physician's Formula cosmetic products that I'd been dying to try for years! I saved over $25 off the in store price! They are: organic wear jumbo lash mascara in ultra black, 100% natural origin foundation in "classic ivory," and shimmer strips in POP for blue eyes. Aren't they gorgeous?!





There's something special, magical even, about putting on a really good nail polish. And, of course, everyone needs a good pink shade. I'm really liking this shade I swapped for: A French Affair by Essie. The swapper I traded with was also kind enough to include a freebie large sample of MAC Brash and Bold Eyeshadow. Yay! 

One of my most luxurious swaps, a BN Avon Almond Blossom Bubble Bath! In fact, as blogging has taken a lot out of me, I think I'll go relax in a hot bath of it right now! Hope you've enjoyed this post; feel free to comment and share your own ideas.