Black Friday!

I have some exciting news to share! I set a goal for myself on Halloween. The goal was to have my holiday shopping complete by Black Friday (today). And guess what? I'm finished!! Amazingly, I have done most of my shopping online. It has been stress-free!

So, with this post I wanted to share some of my FAVORITE web sites/companies, some fabulous deals, AND tips on how to get additional discounts on your purchases...

WWW.FRAGRANCENET.COM
It seems that everyone buys cologne or perfume at some point throughout the year, either as a gift or for yourself. I recently purchased a large bottle of Burberry for $49.19 (retail price $68), and a Kenneth Cole R.S.V.P. Gift Set for $41.19 (retail price $105). I searched the internet for a coupon code, and found one at The Coupon Cabin for 15% off... So, I ended up saving about 58% off of the retail price with the coupon and the free shipping that I received!



WWW.ELIGHTERS.COM
Now, don't let the name fool you! This website has a variety of different things: lighters, money clips, cigar cutters, cigarette and cigar cases, humidors, flasks, etc. Some items can be personalized with engraving, which is free! I purchased 2 collectible Zippo lighters, both engraved with the recipients initials and the date (12-25-09). The retail price was $24.95 each, but I got both of them for $30 and received free personalization. I saved 40% off of the retail price on this purchase!


WWW.QVC.COM
Okay, so I am not a big QVC shopper. As a matter of fact, this is the first purchase that I have ever made from QVC. It was such a great deal that I just couldn't pass it up! I purchased a Pocket Camcorder made by Sylvania for $29.68. They have the retail price listed as $143, but I believe that price is a bit inflated. The "bundle" included 3 pieces of software, as well as longer USB cables to link the camcorder to your computer. I think that this is a STEAL! Most of the "pocket camcorders" that I have looked at are at least $100, so I jumped at the chance to get one at less than 1/3 of that price. This product was the "Today's Special Value" and sold out almost immediately! The only drawback? It does not have an internal memory, so you must purchase an SD card (not included). The good news? Wal-Mart sells 2GB SD cards for only $9!

WWW.SEARS.COM
Okay, so it's not like you've never heard of Sears. BUT, I just have to tell you about the AMAZING deal I scored from Sears! We have been looking for a pressure washer to add to Jeff's tool collection, but we were looking for that "awesome" deal. Well, we finally found it! We purchased a Snapper 3100 MAX PSI/2.5 MAX GPM Pressure Washer. Sears had it on sale for $312.50 (retail $624.99). I also found a coupon at RetailMeNot.com for $25 off a purchase of $300 or more at Sears, PLUS got free shipping by using Site to Store instead of having it shipped to our house. We ended up saving almost 54% on this purchase!

WWW.OVERSTOCK.COM
This is my FAVORITE website to shop for any type of bedding! I have ordered quilts, duvets, down comforters, and sheets from Overstock many times and I have NEVER been disappointed. On my most recent visit, I purchased a king-sized duvet set and down comforter. The duvet set was made by Anthology, which is a brand that is also carried by Kohl's. I only paid $49.99 for the duvet set, but would have easily paid $100 for it! It's very high quality, and luxurious! The 500 thread count king-sized down comforter had a retail value of $412.94, but I only paid $53.99! Again, the retail price sounds a bit inflated to me.


Thirty-One
This company sells purses, totes, lunch bags, key chains, stationary, etc, and most of their products can be personalized. Thirty-One products are offered by individual sales consultants, much like Premier Jewelry and Pampered Chef. I went to a party a few months ago, and decided to have one of my own. I invited everyone I could think of, and collected outside orders from those who couldn't make it. I ended up having about $780 in sales. Based on my sales, I received 4 half-price items, $114 in free merchandise, and 10% off the retail price of any additional items, and I didn't have to pay any shipping/handling charges. I bought 2 items for myself, and the rest as gifts. The total retail price on my purchases was $455.50, BUT I only paid $119!!! Basically, that's like getting 75% off! Of course, there is the additional expense of hosting a party- food, drinks, etc, but I believe that it was well worth it!!

Happy Shopping!!!!!!