Ice Ice Baby

Finally, this morning we got the final upgrade to our kitchen. Previously, I wrote about how the ice maker quit working on our refrigerator, and we had a few choices to make about how to live with no ice. Here's what went down. Of course, we all know that Black Friday sales are taking place this week and it's a great time to buy something you've been shopping for and finally the price comes down. Well, we knew back in October that we finally needed to get a fridge because the icemaker died. We decided against craigslist because of the uncertainty of the the remaining life of the appliance, so that left buying it new. We researched the features we wanted - my sister made me swear to get black handles on the stainless finish because they get fingerprints if you don't. We also have our fridge tucked into a corner so the only visible side is the front, so we opted for the frugal option to just get stainless steel doors, with black metal sides.

 

To complement the rest of our appliances we stuck with Kenmore by Sears, and ended up getting this model for $749 during the past Friends & Family sale. It is regularly priced at $1249. Currently its going for $1062, but on Black Friday it will be $699. We decided to go ahead and pay the $50 more to get it delivered when we'll be home this week, rather than have to try to arrange delivery around work. The real factor in pushing us to get the fridge now was the fact that we're home for delivery this week, and we want to start cranking out ice for our next vacation in early December at the condo in Naples.

 

So, I know you're wondering what we're going to do with the old white fridge. If you're a couponer, you know how wonderful it would be to have a stockpile fridge for all those milk, cheese and creamer deals. Well, you guessed it, the old fridge is going to be my stockpile fridge. I convinced DH to get rid of our small college dorm size beverage fridge, and we'll unplug the small extra freezer too, so really I'm unplugging two small appliances to keep the big one. Hope it works out like that. If I fill both full size refrigerators, then I'm in trouble.

$5 off $30 Publix coupon

Today's USF Oracle has a $5 off $30 Publix coupon, valid thru 11/22/10. HERE is the online version, coupon is page 7.

Today's St Pete Times Coupons

Today, Wednesday 11/17/10, there are two good coupons you'll want to get from your St Pete Times newspaper. The Target flyer in the middle of the ads has a peelie for 2 FREE green giant vegetables wyb $25 of product (This is a TQ that expires 11/20/10).

There is also an ad for GFS Marketplace that has a store coupon for $5 off $50, valid 11/17-24.

Publix Advantage Buy Flyers

Publix Yellow Advantage Buy: November 20th thru December 10th, 2010

Publix coupons expiring 12/10/2010:
$2.00 gallon of milk WYB any Kraft natural cheese chunk or Kraft deli deluxe 16 oz.
Free any Green Giant frozen vegetables 14 oz. or larger, Just for One, Create a Meal or Corn on the Cob 12 ear WYB 1
$2.00 3 Cascadian Farm organic frozen vegetables, potatoes, and fruit
$1.00 Silk PureAlmond or Soy Milk 64 oz.
55¢ any Jif item 17.3 - 28 oz.
$1.00 Betty Crocker cupcake icing 8.4 oz. or Easy Flow decorating icing 6.4 oz.
Free bag of fresh cranberries WYB any 5 Simply refrigerated juices or drinks
Free Kozy Shack pudding WYB 2 (buy 2, get 1 free)
$1.00 4 Totino's Party Pizza 9.8 - 10.9 oz.
Free Renuzit Adjustables 7.5 oz WYB 3 (buy 3, get 1 free)
$1.00 any Pledge item

 

Publix Health & Beauty Green Advantage Buy: November 27th thru December 17th, 2010

Publix coupons expiring 12/17/2010:
$5.00 any 2: Bufferin, Excedrin, Comtrex, 4-Way nasal spray, Theraflu, or Triaminic$1.00 Tylenol Precise 2.5 oz. cream or patch 3 ct.
$1.00 Listerine mouthwash 1 - 1.5 L or Whitening Rinse 16 - 32 oz.
Free Stayfree ultra thin or maxi pads 14 - 24 ct. WYB 1
$3.00 Motrin PM 40 ct. or larger
$10.00 Oral-B Professional Care 1000 toothbrush
$1.00 Oral-B CrossAction Power or Pro-Health battery toothbrust 1 ct. or Oral-B Pulsar twinpack
$5.00 Crest Whitestrips
$1.50 Cover Girl or Queen Color Collection item
$2.50 Nice 'N Easy base or Rooth Touch-Up Hair Color product (excludes NNE Perfect 10)
$2.00 Olay Age Defying, Complete or Active Hydrating facial moisturizer (excludes facial cleansers)
Free Pampers Wipes tub 60 - 72 ct. WYB any 2 Pampers Jumbo diapers or training pants 19 - 50 ct. bags
Free Beech-Nut cereal WYB any 2 Similac 1 QT Ready-to-Feed
$3.00 any 2 Pedialyte brand products
$3.00 any 2 PediaSure SideKicks products
$6.00 Libman Freeman! spray mop
$1.00 Village Therapy bath products
$3.00 Sundown Naturals Vitamins 120 ct. or larger or Osteo Bi-Flex 120 ct. or larger
$5.00 any DVD $11.99 & up
$5.00 Net 10 phone

Thanks to daydr3am at Slickdeals Publix Thread

 

Publix Sneak Peek 11/18-11/24

BOGOs:
Publix Deli Tea, Assorted Flavors, 1 Gallon Bottle, BOGO $2.39

Del Monte Fresh Cut Vegetables, Assorted Varieties, 11-15.25 ounce can, Excluding Specialty Varieties and Asparagus, BOGO $1.29

Medium Shrimp Ring, Medium Cooked Shrimp & Cocktail Sauce, Shrimp 12 oz, Sauce 6 oz, BOGO $11.99

Diner's Choice Mashed Potatoes, Original, Sweet, Sour Cream & Chives, Country Style or Garlic, 32 ounce package, BOGO $3.99

Rondele Cheese Spread, Garlic and Herb, Regular or Lite, Garden Vegetable, 8 ounce package, BOGO $4.29

Cranberries, 12 ounce package, Produce, BOGO $2.99

Celery, Produce, BOGO $1.69

Publix Baby Carrots, 2 lb bag, Produce, BOGO Surprisingly Low Price

Fresh Express Salad Blend, or Greens, Assorted Varieties, 4.5 - 12 ounce bag, BOGO $3.99

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Spread 15 ounce or 2 pack, 7.5 ounce tub, 16 ounce bottle or 10 ounce bottle or spray 8 ounce bottle, BOGO $2.49

Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough or Mix or Ultimate Cookie Dough, Assorted Varieties, 16 or 16.5 ounce package, BOGO $2.95

New York Style Bagel Crisps or Garlic Pita Chips, Assorted Varieties, BOGO $2.69

Swanson Broth, Assorted Varieties, 14.5 ounce can, BOGO $1.05

Cool Whip Whipped Topping, Assorted Varieties, 8 ounce Bowl, BOGO $1.49

Breyers Ice Cream, Assorted Varieties, 48 Ounce Carton, BOGO $4.99

Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash Potatoes, Assorted Varieties, 24 ounce package, BOGO $3.99

Ocean Spray Juice Cocktail or Juice Drink or Juice Drink Blend, Assorted Varieties, 64 ounce bottle, BOGO $2.99

Lipton Tea Bags, 100 count box, BOGO $3.95

Betty Crocker Potatoes, Assorted Varieties, 4.5 - 6.6 ounce box, BOGO $1.59

Mt. Olive Pickles, Selected Varieties, 16-46 ounce jar or pickle or jalapeño pepper slices pack, 4 pack, 3.7 ounce container, BOGO $2.79

Betty Crocker Premium Muffin Mix, Assorted Varieties, 15.2 - 18.25 ounce box, BOGO $2.59

Crisco Oil, Assorted Varieties, 48 ounce bottle, BOGO $3.89

Del Monte Tomatoes, Assorted Varieties, 14.5 ounce can, BOGO $1.39

Musselman's Apple Sauce, Home Style, Natural Unsweetened or Chunky, or Original or Cinnamon Apple, 6 pack, 4 ounce cup, BOGO $2.33

Mueller's Pasta, Assorted Varieties, 12 to 16 ounce box, Excluding Lasagna, Jumbo Shells and Egg Noodles, BOGO $1.29

General Mills Chex Cereal, Assorted Varieties, 12.8 - 14 ounce box, BOGO $3.49

Hellmann's Mayonnaise, Assorted Varieties, 30 ounce jar, BOGO $4.93

Wish Bone Dressing, Assorted Varieties, 16 ounce Bottle, BOGO $2.65

A.1. Steak Sauce, Assorted Varieties, 10 ounce bottle, BOGO $4.24

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix, Assorted Varieties, 8 or 10 count box (Excluding No Sugar Added, Pick Me Up, Great Start, Sensible Sweets and Marshmallow Madness) BOGO $1.99

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix, Assorted Varieties, 16.76 - 18 ounce Box, BOGO $2.59

Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Cake Mix or Cupcake, Assorted Varieties, 18.25 ounce box (Excluding Angel Food and Decadent Line) BOGO $1.75

Kellogg's Cereal, Assorted Varieties, Frosted Flakes, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, or Fruit Loops, 17-17.5 ounce box, BOGO $3.99

Uncle Ben's Long Grain & Wild Rice or Brown & Wild or Whole Grain White, Assorted Varieties, 4.4-6.7 ounce box, BOGO $1.99

Post Cereal, Assorted Varieties, Selects or Great Grains. 13-16 ounce box or Trail Mix Crunch, BOGO $3.99

Dove Chocolate Promises, Assorted Varieties, 7.94-9.5 ounce bag, BOGO $4.29

Thomas' English Muffins, Assorted Varieties, 11-13 ounce package, BOGO $3.49

Entenmann's Little Bites, Assorted Varieties, 6.6-8.8 ounce box, BOGO $4.29

Nature's Own Bread, Assorted Varieties, 100% Natural or All Natural, 24 ounce Loaf, BOGO $3.49

Nabisco Crackers, or What Thins Sticks, Assorted Varieties, 5.5 - 10 ounce box, BOGO $2.99

Lay's Potato Chips, Assorted Varieties, 10.5-11ounce bag (Excluding Kettle Cooked, Baked!, Light and Natural) BOGO $3.99

Planters Regular Mixed Nuts, or Cashews Halves, or Seasoned Mixed Nuts, Assorted Varieties, 9.25-11.5 ounce can, BOGO $4.29

Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn, Assorted Varieties, 12-19.8 ounce box or 30 ounce jar, BOGO $4.89

Nabisco Ritz Crackers, or Munchables Pretzels, Assorted Varieties. 12.25-16 ounce box, or Fudge Covered Ritz, 7.5 ounce box, BOGO $3.09

Keebler Club Crackers, Assorted Varieties, 11-16 ounce box, BOGO $3.69

All Small & Mighty Laundry Detergent, Assorted Varieties, 3x Concentrate, 32 ounce bottle or All 2 x Ultra, 50 ounce bottle, BOGO $5.99

Fantastik Cleaner, Assorted Varieties, 26 or 32 ounce bottle, BOGO $2.79

Dixie Plates or Bowls, Selected Varieties, 20-48 count package, BOGO $2.99

Ricola Cough Suppressant, Assorted Varieties, 19-24 count bag, BOGO $1.79

Bic Multi-Purpose Utility Lighter, Each, BOGO $3.49

Crosse & Blackwell Seafood Cocktail or Shrimp Sauce, 12 ounce package, BOGO, No Price Listed

DAIRY
Kraft Shredded Cheese, or Cubes, Assorted Varieties, 5.8-8 ounce package 2/$4
Kraft Chunk Cheese, Assorted Varieties, 7-8 ounce package, 2/$4
Kraft Cracker Barrel Cheese, Assorted Varieties, 7-10 ounce package, 2/$6
Sorrento Mozzarella Cheese, Whole Milk or Part Skim, 16 ounce package, 2/46
Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Original or Fat Free or 1/3 Less fat, 8 ounce box, 4/$5
Land O Lakes Sweet Cream Butter, Assorted Varieties, 15 or 16 ounce package, 2/$5
Yoplait Yogurt, Assorted Varieties, 4 or 6 ounce cup, 20/$10
Pillsbury Pie Crusts, 14.1 ounce box, 2/$4
Nestle Coffee Mate Flavored Creamer, Assorted Varieties, 32 ounce bottle, 2/$5
Publix Egg Nog, Grade A, Original or Low Fat, 2% Milk Fat, half gallon bottle, 2/$6
Kraft Velveeta Cheese product, Regular or Made with 2% Milk, 32 ounce box, $4.99
Pillsbury Rolls or Breadsticks, Pizza Crust or Loaf, Assorted Varieties, 8-13.9 ounce can, 3/$5
Breckstone Sour Cream, 16 ounce cup, 2/$2

FROZEN
Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables, Including all Varieties and Sizes, 50% off
Freschetta Pizza or Flatbread, Assorted Varieties, 12.6-28.01 box, 2/$10
Mrs. Smith's Pastry Pie Shell, Deep Dish, 16 ounce package, 2/$4
Sara Lee Desserts, Assorted Varieties, 7-30 ounce package, 50% off
Sister Schubert's Dinner Rolls, 2/$5
Marie Callender's Pies, or Edwards or Mrs. Smith's. 25-46 ounce box, 2/$10

HOUSEHOLD
Bounty Paper Towels, 6 roll package. $6.99
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, 19 ounce can, $3.99
Snuggle Liquid Fabric Softener, 32 ounce bottle, 2/$6
Febreze Noticeables Scented Oil Refills, 2 count package, $7.99
Charmin Bathroom Tissue, 6 or 12 roll package, $6.49
Hefty EZ Foil Classic Crown Roaster Pan, with handles or Super Roaster, $1.99
Vanity Fair Napkins, 40 count or Premium Dinner 40 count or Elegant 100 count, $1.69
Ziploc Bags, 8-25 count package, $2.19
Ziploc Containers with Snap n Seal Lids, 2-4 count package, 2/$5
Florasense Fragranced Candle, 17 ounce package, 2/$8

HEALTH & BEAUTY
Herbal Essences Hair Care Products, Assorted Varieties, $2.39
Fixodent Denture Adhesive Cream, Assorted Varieties, $3.99

PET
Nothing!! Not a single listing!!

PRODUCE
Green Beans, Yellow Squash or Zucchini Squash, .99 lb
Sweet Potatoes. .39 lb
Shelled Pecans, halves or pieces, 16 ounce bag. $8.99
White Mushrooms, 2/$5
Asparagus, $2.79 lb
Premium Tomatoes, 1.69 lb
Green Scallion Onions, 3/$1.29
Idaho Potatoes, 5 lb bag, $1.99
Glory Greens, 16 ounce bag, 2/$4
Vegetable & Dip Party Tray, Large, $11.49
Spice World Spices, 5-8 ounce package, in Produce, 10/$10
Red Seedless Grapes, $1.49 lb
Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice, 59 ounce carton, 2/$5
Del Monte Golden Ripe Pineapple, $2.99 each
Blueberries, 6 ounce package, 2/$5
Pelee Mum, 6.5 inch pot, $7.99
Publix Premium 20 Stem Bouquet, $9.99

SEAFOOD
Snow Crab Clusters, Previously Frozen, $5.99 lb
Publix Haddock Loins, 10 ounce package, $5.99
Extra Large White Shrimp, Previously Frozen, 21-25 per pound, $6.99 lb
Medium Lobster Tails, Previously Frozen, $8.99

GROCERY
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce, 14 ounce can, .89
Pepperidge Farm Stuffing, 12-14 ounce bag, 2/$4
Folgers or Dunkin Donuts Coffee, $6.99
Folgers 100% Columbian or Classic Decaf Coffee, 27.8-33.9 ounce can, $7.99
Quaker Quick Oats, 42 ounce tube, $2.99
Heinz Home Style Gravy, 12 ounce jar, .99
Mueller's Lasagne, or Wide, Extra Wide, Medium or Fine Noodles, 12-16 ounce package, .99
CapriSun Juice Blend Drink, 3/$6
Ragu Pasta Sauce - 16-23.6 ounce jar, excludes organic, 2/$3
Gold Medal Flour, 4.25-5lb bag, $1.49
Coca-Cola, 12 ounce cans, B3G1F aka 4/$12
Deer Park Natural Spring Water, 24 pack, $3.99
Selected Coca Cola Products, 2 liter bottle, 2/$3
Assorted Publix Drinks or Seltzer Water, 2 liter, 2/$1
Arizona Tea, 1 Gallon Bottle, 2/$5
Keebler Deluxe Cookies or Sandies Shortbread 14.5-18 ounce bag, 2/$5
Publix Mustard, 12 ounce bottle, 2/$3
Doritos Tortilla Chips, 11.5-12 ounce bag, 2/$6
Glaceau Smartwater, 6 pack, 20 ounce bottles, $4.99

 

Thanks to jd at Slickdeals Publix thread (check back HERE for coupon matchups)

Publix Sneak Peek 11/11 to 11/17

BOGOs:
Hebrew National Kosher All Beef Franks, Original, Reduced Fat, 97% Fat Free, Jumbo or Knockwurst, 11 or 12 oz pkg, save up to 4.99

Perdue Chicken Nuggets, Breded or Whole Grain, Whole Grain Chicken Tenders, or Breaded Chicken Patties, 28.8 to 32 oz pkg, save up to 5.99

Muffins, 4 ct, Blueberry, Apple Bran, Raisin Bran, Carrot or Corn, 10 oz pkg, save up to 2.99

Bertolli Pasta Sauce, 15 or 24 oz jar (excluding Organic) save up to 2.45

Ronzoni Pasta, 12 to 16 oz, (excluding Healthy Harvest, Lasagna, Jumbo Shells, Manicotti, and Garden Delight), save up to 1.39

General Mills Cheerios Cereal, 10.4 to 14 oz (Honey Nut pictured) or Frosted Cheerios, 17.2 oz, save up to 3.99

Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice, 10 oz, save up to 1.29

Quaker Instant Grits, 12 pk, 12 oz box, save up to 2.79

Quaker Natural Granola, Oats, Honey & Raisins, or Oats & Honey, 28 oz box, save up to 5.29

Campbell's Select Harvest Soup, 18.6 to 18.8 oz can, or 15.3 oz bowl, save up to 2.39

V8 V.Fusion Vegetable & Fruit Juice, 46 oz, save up to 3.99

Hunt's 100% Natural Tomatoes, 14.5 oz can, save up to 0.97

Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 32 oz bottle, save up to 11.99

Hershey's Syrup, Chocolate Flavor: Regular, Special Dark, with Calcium, or Lite; or Strawberry or Caramel Flavor, 18.5 to 24 oz bottle, (excluding Sugar Free), save up to 1.65

Lawry's 30 Minute Marinade, 12 oz, save up to 2.93

Propel Fitness Water, 6 pk, 500 ml bottles, save up to 3.99

Sweet Leaf Tea, 64 oz, save up to 1.50

Emerald Mixed Nuts, or Almonds, or Cashews, 10 or 11 oz canister, save up to 5.79

Tostitos Tortilla Chips, 14.5 or 18 oz bag, surprisingly low price

Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, 8 ct, 12 oz pkg, save up to 2.99

Blue Bird Donuts, Frosted or Powdered, 10 or 11.5 oz bag, save up to 2.79

Nestle Fun Size Bars, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger or Crunch; or Baby Ruth or Butterfinger Miniatures, or Snackerz Bite-Size Candies, 9.2 to 12.5 oz bag, save up to 3.59

Thomas' Bagels, 6 ct, 20 oz, save up to 3.99

Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dip, French Onion, Bodacious Onion, Bacon Horseradish or Jalapeno Cheddar, 12 oz tub, save up to 2.00

Pepperidge Farm Three Layer Cake, 19 or 19.6 oz box, save up to 3.99

Birds Eye Voila! Meal, 21 to 23 oz bag, save up to 4.99

Scotch Magic Tape, Matte finish, save up to 2.19

Glade Candle, 4 oz jar or Scented Oil Refills, 4 ct, or Glade PlugIns or Relaxing Moments Refills 1 ct, save up to 3.49

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, 56 or 80 ct canister, save up to 4.99

Beech-Nut Stage 2 Baby Food, 4 oz jar, save up to 0.55

Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mix, 18 to 19.5 oz box or Betty Crocker Frosting, 12 to 16 oz tub (excluding Angel Food and Pound Cake), save up to 1.79

Smart Balance Spread, 13 or 15 oz or 2 pk, 7.5 oz tub or Spray, 8 oz bottle (excluding Organic), save up to 2.59

Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix or Decadent Cake Mix or Dessert Bar Mix, 12.9 to 21.5 oz box, save up to 2.69

Nestle Toll House Morsels, 11 or 12 oz bag, save up to 2.93

Thanks to tn-native at Slickdeals,net (check HERE later for coupon matchups)

The Stuff That Sells

So we participated in our first yard sale this past Saturday. It was one of those community ones where a bunch of houses in a development put their stuff in the yard and signs in the road. Then a bunch of sloppy jalopy's roll down the street and holler out at ya - Hey you got a TV? Hey, you got a space heater? Seriously, it was about 41F and windy on Saturday morning - not exactly great outdoor shopping weather. A few days earlier it was 68F in the morning and we were hoping it wouldn't be too hot.

 

Anyway, we brought two truckloads of stuff to our friends house in this neighborhood at eight in the morning. We had hardly got out of the truck and people are looking it to see what we got. I had boxes and boxes of stockpile stuff to sell - razors, candles, thermacare, visine, deodorant, toothpaste, scrubbing bubbles, glade refills, airwick air fresheners, Halloween candy, pledge wipes, Bayer aspirin, BBQ sauce and of course lots of vitamin D. I lined the boxes up on the makeshift table made out of an old bathroom door and a couple saw horses. People swarmed at the "drugstore" all day and as soon as they had a couple items, I handed them a bag to keep filling up. The product was mostly priced at 0.50 and 1.00, with a few things at 2.50 like the Hydro Edge razors and the Febreze candles and Thermacare.

 

Everyone ignored all the stuff we had that cost more than about $5. We had some good "man stuff" like toolboxes, and a chainsaw and other yard tools. And we had some golf clubs and other sporting goods for boating, diving and other games. We did sell most of the Nerf footballs that I got from the Ford House Party. And of course no one looked twice at the electronic items - the ipod, fax machine, scanner, CD player, telephone. I think they all were priced too high for garage sales, so they will have to go on craigslist and ebay.

 

Anyway, one of the most fun things to standing out in the cold blustery outdoors was talking to all these nice people. Everyone has a story. The one guy who happened to buy the highest price item that sold that day ($15 for a spare trailer tire) was telling us how he fell out of a tree 6 years ago while trimming it and he broke a bunch of bones and was laying on the ground in his yard, and the only reason he was found and didn't die is because the neighbor noticed blood running under the fence. He just has his last surgery a year ago, but he looked like he could have used more because he was walking with an altered gait, and seemed hobbled. (kind of like Scott does now). 

 

So at the end of the day, we pocketed about $220 which mostly was from stockpile product, and we packed up the trucks midafternoon. Now at least all the junk stuff is boxed up ready for the next sale in January. I really had no idea that stockpile product would be such a hot seller. I've been giving away my stockpile to friends and neighbors and charities all year which has been a good thing, but I like the idea of earning cash for it too. So now, I'll start watching the sales with an eye for reselling at yard sales. But don't all you couponers worry, I'm not going to become a smash and grabber - I still only have 10 inserts of coupons each week.

 

I think I'm ready to start the next year at a higher level yet of couponing - bringing in the use of rain checks more to capitalize on sale prices when the sale has already passed and then a coupon comes out. Then the stores have the item restocked and getting a higher quantity isn't hard to do, and also doesn't clear out the stock. My goal this year was to spend less than $1000 this year on food and household supplies and I might make it, since I've spent $922 so far and only have a month and a half left to go. It would be awesome to be able to recoup most of that expense by reselling product at yard sales, so the net expense for the year would be really low. I'm sure there's people who do that, but that would be a lot of work.

Follow Us Monday Morning

Question of the Week: When was the last time you had a yard sale?  How often do you have yard sales?

The last and first time I ever had a garage sale was this past Saturday. It was 41F in Tampa and only the brave dared get up and out that early. Check back when I tell you all about it.

How to Write a Helpful Product Review

Usually when I'm shopping for a specific item there is a process I go through before purchasing. These steps help me understand what's available out there and how it's working out for others who have purchased the same item. For this reason, as a courtesy to future shoppers and to the vendor of course, I like to write product reviews. I'm not talking about blog reviews and giveaways, since they are compensated with free product, and incentives. I generally do not follow review and giveaway blogs, nor do I participate because I don't really believe they are accurate representations of the users thoughts on the product.

My preference is to read and consider reviews where no compensation is provided to the writer. Like the kind on Amazon, or Trip Advisor or merchant websites. I also like to give reviews whenever I purchase a product. Reading uncompensated user reviews is one of my first steps to a purchase. Then I research specifications and make sure the item will work in my situation, and then I search around with google, forums and deals sites to find the best vendor to buy it from - considering my experiences, the vendor reputation, shipping cost and speed, returns and availability. I also prefer to shop Amazon first because they excel in all categories, plus my Swagbucks can be exchanged for gift cards there.

Anyway, when writing a review with the objective of informing other consumers (not impressing the product manufacturer) it is important to state some main points:

- Why you were looking for this item

- What other choices did you consider

- What is the specific application for the item

- What difficulties did you encounter in your first use of the item, or upon setup - and how were they resolved. Also point out if you think it would affect other consumers too, and what you think is the cause of these problems.

- If you did not have any problems, explain why this item is so great, what is new and improved over your old one, etc

- Lead the reader to other sources of information about this item, for example install videos on another site, or a forum where users have experience with the item

- Its also helpful to note how much you paid, if it was a seasonal sale or discount, or if there is a rebate or other deal you used too.

- Make your statements specific and accurate, don't generalize and write plain unhelpful comments without backing them up with details.

So the next time you buy something online, take a few minutes and provide some feedback in the form of a helpful product review. It really helps others.

Garage Sale Jitters

The week is winding down and I'm still rummaging through closets and storage areas finding stuff for my very first upcoming yard sale on Saturday, that I first mentioned HERE. It seems like the more you look, the more junk is revealed. I am seriously wanting to minimize and get rid of almost everything. There are some great blogs out there about being minimalist (like http://www.everydayminimalist.com/) and it sure seems like life would be easier to just get rid of crap you don't use.

 

So, that's my hope. To get rid of crap. In case you're interested in seeing the type of crap I'm trying to sell, check out my Picasa photos HERE. I posted a bunch of them for sale in the local craigslist encouraging people to stop by the sale to get this stuff. I have two trucks full of stuff and product. My big fear is that no one will want to get out on a chilly Saturday morning and find our little corner of the world to buy this stuff. And I'll have to take it home and find another place for it. I don't want to bring it home, so some great bargaining will be had.