Guys: Your wives do NOT want flowers for Valentine’s day
True Deal Mommy Confessions: I don’t want flowers for Valentine’s day. Sure, I love flowers, but I don’t drag Deal Dad through mountains of guilt until a pimply faced delivery boy shows up with a genetically-enhanced bouquet of overpriced blooms. After 21 years, you either got it or you don’t.
My unscientific polling tells me that most Moms are in the same camp: flowers, ugh, who needs em? Pretty, but dead in a week and HOW MUCH DID HE SPEND?
Unfortunately, no one told the daily deal sites. Just as Travel Summary blew the lid off credit card links, I’ll share a secret: I’ve been BOMBARDED with “deals” on flowers from pretty much every source you can imagine, some with bonus incentives, and I’m not posting a single one.
I’ll do a separate post with some great ideas you can buy from your sofa, but if you MUST go the floral route, use this flyertalk forum to track the best miles back deals.
One final note: if you have in mind any gift for your Valentine that ends with the word “gram”, just DON’T.
PSA for Kids: The Best Mother’s Day Gift Idea of All
I broke the news to your Dad on Valentine’s Day, and now it’s your turn. Mother’s Day is coming up and you’re seeing a whole bunch of ads with Mother’s Day gift ideas. They say that we want flowers, candy, restaurant meals, and don’t EVEN get me started about anything ending in -gram.
They are wrong.
Let me start by saying that we love you. We really really love you so much. However, cute though the handprint clay (um, vase?) you made last year was, though we LOVED the pancakes in bed (even though we were the ones who washed the maple syrup off of the sheets) what we really want is time alone.
Here’s what you do: get your Dad to book your Mom a hotel room, and tell her to get out. Period. That way she doesn’t have to plan a thing! Bonus points if you’ve charged her kindle and thrown a bag together.
Want to go fancy? If you’re an AMEX Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, check out their programs for nearby hotels. I often see some deals on there with room credit that make the room almost free, and the stay comes with breakfast and an upgrade.
Just want it to be the best last minute price? Priceline it.
Any way you do it, she’ll enjoy 24 hours of silent bliss. She’ll have a second glass of wine with dinner at the hotel bar, shower without worrying who’s about to kill who, enjoy a Housewives marathon sans bedtime drama, and sleep late (after waking up WAY too early since she’s set for dawn reverie). And every minute, she’ll be thanking you for it.
When she does re-enter the chaos, which will erupt the second she returns, she’ll have her reserves topped up and be better able to handle whatever screaming, vomiting, or meltdown comes her way.
And maybe, just maybe, the next time you hit your sister/give the dog your peas/forget to do your homework, she’ll cut you some slack because you gave her the most awesome Mother’s Day gift ever.
So everyone wins!
Am I the Only One Totally Over Black Friday?
I’ve mentioned before that I’ve stopped shopping on Black Friday because I could either price match, shop online, or just live without the deals offered. But this year it’s different- I’m just OVER Black Friday. Over hearing about which stores are making employees work on Thursday, over who’s released their ads early, over who’s getting in line where, over even knowing what’s on sale.
This year I’m not even excited about the travel deals. In years past 90% here or there had me at the laptop hitting refresh at 11:59AM. This year? Nah.
Maybe it’s because the Deal Kids seem to be over Christmas gifts. Neither has taken more than a cursory look at the ToysRUs, Walmart, or Target gift guides. Even the lure of Grandparent and Santa gifts merits a yawn. In years past they marked up the guides like crazy.
Or maybe because Deal Dad and I have a policy not to exchange gifts- or rather my gift is the ability to travel solo every other year. Two weeks every two years to breathe is worth more than every trinket you could imagine!
But mostly I think it’s because the Deal Kids finally- at almost 11 and 14- have figured out they have everything they could possibly need. Deal Girl first gave signs four years ago when she asked for a trip for her Birthday. In fact this year I’m repeating the experience with a surprise trip as her birthday gift. (I’m not revealing where as she’s now old enough to read the blog.)
I’d like to give credit to all the travel, especially to Asia. Vietnam in particular gave the kids a perspective on how others lived. I’m not romanticizing poverty but I’m quite sure viewing such a different way of life gives them pause before asking for another Nintendo Switch game.
To be clear- I’m not judging those of you who brave the crowds for a discounted iPhone. I know for many it’s a family tradition and I’m sure our tree will still bulge with gifts no matter how I feel now. But I do wonder: have your feelings about Black Friday and holiday shopping in general changed as you travel more? Have you found any travel deals worth stalking? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Wholesaling Christmas Gifts for Fun and Profit
Travel hackers share a certain mentality that can spread into other areas in our lives. For some it leads to extreme couponing, to others manufactured spending and to still others reselling. In some cases it can be all three or other methods to maximize time or money that others might find, well, creative. As I prepared another eBay shipment this morning it occurred to me that I might not be the only one wholesaling Christmas gifts this year.
It began with the Disney Pins
When the kids were 4 and 7 we surprised them with a trip to Disney World for Christmas. To amp up the fun factor the “elves” put Disney Pins in their daily advent calendars instead of the usual candy or quarter. If I had any idea then the pins would become a permanent addition to the Deal Family holiday I might have sent the elves away!
At five bucks or more a pin the elves would have quickly gone bankrupt. However, wholesale lots of trading pins go for under 40 cents a pin shipped when you buy 100 or more. The problem is that many of the pins are just plain ugly. Not a problem if your goal is to trade, but it gets hard to sell the 12th Figment pin in a row in Deal Girl’s advent calendar. Since I need 50 (25 days x2) to be presentable, I usually buy 200 to be safe which runs me about $80.
This year I’m taking the pins up a notch
While shopping for my surplus pins this year I came across a number of vendors who sell mystery sets of Disney pins as opposed to totally random pins. They cost more- around $1.50 a pin- but the fun factor goes way up for the kids when they get complete sets. I bought a mystery pack of 100 for $139. It arrived promptly containing sets ranging from 5-7 pins each. One set of 7 I tossed into the random pin bin as I didn’t like the way it looked- even for resale. The rest looked fresh from the Disney parks. I got two Marvel sets, three Star Wars sets, one Cars set, two Princess sets, one Villains and six with various “big five” characters.
Forty of the pins I know the kids will like. The sets of the other 53 I have listed as individual sets. If they net $2.62 a pin, which is likely, then the elves’ gifts will be free this year.
Stocking stuffers for fun and profit
So far I’ve bought lots of items to offset my cost but have yet to actually profit from wholesaling Christmas gifts. This year I may finally profit from a stocking stuffer: Iwako erasers. Deal Girl fell in love with these silly erasers in Japan last year. I found 200 of them for about 32 cents each and they sell on ebay for about 50 cents each net in random lots, $1 each or more if I split them up into sets. Even after taking out 20 for Deal Girl’s stocking I should be able to double my money on this box. I’ll keep you posted.
Now that I’ve shared my wholesaling Christmas gift stories I’m curious: what gifts are you wholesaling? And if any of you happen to be wholesaling an extra Nintendo NES, please let me know. Deal Kid asked for one after the release date so I’m getting desperate!
Yu-Gi-Oh lover in your house? Get 500 cards for $20 shipped!
Deal Kid asked Santa for “a ton of Yugioh cards” for Christmas this year. While not exactly weighing 2000 lbs, this box of 500 assorted cards should do the trick! 4 cents a card is about as low as you can go and I received my box in three days. The cards are nicely packaged and are in new-ish condition. I was concerned about buying “used” for a Santa gift but these totally look like they came from a store, not some random kid’s basement!
Does the World Need Nerf for Girls?
If you’ve gotten the toy catalogs or are a regular watcher of Spongebob (hey, I don’t judge), you’ve probably seen the ads for Nerf Rebelle, the new line of Nerf Guns for Girls who want to kick some booty without mussing up their hair.
I’m all for girls being tough, but here’s the thing: why can’t girls use the yellow and orange Nerf guns boys do? Why is it assumed that toys for girls have to be so, well, girly? Deal Girl was doing just fine dueling her brother to the pain with the regular variety Nerf until she saw these. Now she’s convinced she must have the “girl’s Nerf”.
Great. Another victory for marketing. By putting one under the tree am I setting back feminism? Nah. But I am reminded that we haven’t come as far as we think.
6 Kid Tested Unplugged Road Trip Toys to Keep Them Charger Free
Greetings from Yorktown, VA. I’m on yet another road trip with Deal Girl and a friend and learned something new I wanted to share with you. I’m always hunting for unplugged road trip toys as gadgets tend to keep the kids checked out. That’s fine for a while, but then they miss the best of the drive while battling Pokemon.
This trip 9 year old Deal Girl packed her backpack for the drive and it was bulging with two Perplexus spheres (Perplexii?). I almost sent her back into the house but since it was a car trip figured they would do no harm but largely be ignored- but you know what? Those silly balls kept the kids occupied for over half of the three hour drive each way and doubled as hotel room toys as well.
Here are some other toys that have kept the kids entertained at various ages:
Mad Libs: A blast from the past saved the Deal Family from meltdowns this weekend on a road trip gone wrong due to traffic: Mad Libs. Remember Mad Libs, those fill in the blank stories from your childhood? Much hilarity ensued when various forms of the word “fart” got inserted into the narrative, right? Still funny. Even better, as a parent, I realize they’re educational! Forms of grammar are important to learn, and when the parents play you can help expand their vocabulary. Try adding obscure adjectives to the mix. In addition to road trips, I’ve also pulled out Mad Libs at restaurants when the kids finished before the parents. They’re a lifesaver in long lines like the DMV. You can also get Mad Libs via app, but a pencil and paper works just as well and doesn’t require a charger.
Travel Bingo: Did you play travel bingo as a kid? I passed many hours looking for a cow, then a railroad crossing to make a row. I think this set is the same one I had when I was a kid, and my kids loved it.
Travel Hangman: Another game creation that works great for older kids.
Magnetic Poetry Go Games: You’ve probably seen Magentic Poetry at a museum shop or other offbeat gift emporium. They have a line of “go games” that are getting harder to find, but are perfect for travel. I still see a few on Amazon.
Boogie Board: Ok, so this one is technically electronic, but the battery never needs replacing. A Boogie Board is a high-tech version of an etch a sketch. It gives a terrific option for artists who keep dropping their pencils in the back seat.
How is Santa treating you this year?
Mommy Points at Boarding Area has a fun post this week about finding out of stock toys to fill those Santa wishes and how points junkies could profit.
I wish my problem were out of stock toys! My dear Deal Girl has a habit of telling Santa she wants toys that literally don’t exist. She figures that Santa has all of those elves who makes toys, so they can whip something up for her. This year it was a “Moshi Monsters Board Game”. No such item! And two years ago (rookie mistake: I took her to see Santa on the 22nd) she came up with “a flower game” that had me scrambling until 12 Noon Xmas eve.
Please share your Santa scare stories!
Original publish date Dec. 16, 2012
Traveling Kids make Awkward Santa’s Lists, 2016
I talk all the time about the benefits of having traveling kids. There are many, to be sure- tolerance, confidence and self-reliance spring to mind. The best benefit traveling kids get- at least in my opinion- is a wider definition of the possible then their non-traveling friends.
Travel hacking kids have it times two as we show our kids ways and means to see the world that would normally be out of reach. Kids who sleep in castles are more likely to believe that dreams come true.
Which leads me to Santa and the awkward list. (If you’re a humbug feel free to stop here as I won’t have it. We are unapologetically a Santa friendly household- even if 13 year old Deal Kid appears to put air quotes around “Santa”.)
The Deal Kids are notorious for making Santa lists that are just more challenging and/or awkward than your average Target can handle. I’m not talking about Hatchimals level awkward- although Deal Kid is asking for an NES this year.
I’m talking awkward due to sheer randomness.
I blame the travel- more specifically the travel hacking. I’ve shown the Deal Kids that we can fly first class to Asia. That we can see Bastille Day fireworks from a suite higher than the Eiffel tower. That we can commune with Mayan priests, have tea on the Titanic or teach English to Japanese preschoolers. Why wouldn’t Santa be able to do anything? We can, can’t we?
I will say the Internet has made Santa’s job possible- but still not easy. Things like shipping costs and lack of ability to return amp the difficulty up way past your average wish list.
Past Deal Kid requests have included Vinylmation- via Disney World- and very specific types of Manga- a Japanese obsession. The only store Santa can reliably get Tees that pass Deal Kid muster is Uniqlo- also discovered in Tokyo.
Deal Girl is the gold standard of awkward Santa wishes- and she’s so earnest you don’t want to kill the magic. When Deal Girl was 4 she had asked for, I don’t remember, probably something Panda Bear related. That is, until Christmas Eve morning, when she decided upon waking she wanted to change her Santa request to “a flower game”.
“Deal Girl, Do you have a flower game in mind? Have you ever even seen a flower game?”
“No, but Santa can make one for me.”
And Santa did. On Christmas Eve.
This year Deal Girl has two requests of Santa- both directly related to her travels over the past year.
The first is a reversible sequin T-shirt like the one we bought over Spring Break in Gran Canaria. Any idea how rare reversible sequin T-shirts are? Pretty much the only company that makes them is Desigual, the store where we bought the shirt. Fortunately, they have an Amazon storefront.
The second are Iwako erasers. If you looked up the term kawaii I’m sure you’d find a picture of Iwako erasers, tiny reproductions of food and animals that also clean up your pencil mistakes. Fortunately Santa found a way to purchase them wholesale. The profits from the erasers just might up for the egregious cost of the Desigual T-shirt!
Deal Mommy Gift Guide: Books You’ll Want to Read to Your Kids
I was inspired to write this post because Deal Girl just had me read The Book with No Pictures for the 1st time and it is THE BEST KIDS’ BOOK EVER. An instant classic and good for ages 3 plus (even the 11 year old was snickering). Fun fact: it’s written by The Office alum B.J. Novak.
Here are some more that have stood the test of time
Click. Clack. Moo. series: I just picked this up for a three-year-old’s birthday party as it was our go-to for both kids. This series also includes “Duck for President” which is an absolute hoot.
The Day the Crayons Quit: a new addition to the list. Highly recommend for the 3-8 set. LOL funny.
Mo Willems’ Pigeon and Elephant and Piggie collections: I’d put the Pigeon series at about 2-5 and Elephant and Piggie at 3-7. Both were in constant rotation.
Mr. Men and Little Miss: You may remember these from your own childhood as I do, and they’re back! In fact, they never went away over the pond. We have at least 30 and go back to them again and again.
Dr. Seuss: I’m sure you’re familiar already, but any list would be remiss without it. Lots of deep cuts that you might not know, though: how about The Sneetches and Other Stories or Oh, Say Can You Say?.
Gregor the Overlander Collection: Books 1-5 : A nomination by Deal Kid. Terrific series by Suzanne Collins (of Hunger Games fame) that skews a tiny bit younger. Nice bridge series to the more Young Adult titles.
Grover’s New Kitten: Grover’s New Kitten was our default “you haven’t picked a book, so we will” title because it is very short and has the most mind-numbing prose you can imagine. It’s a running joke years later.
Packing Mistakes I keep Making…But Won’t Make Again
I wish I could tell you it got easier. But here I am 24 hours from takeoff from our 2nd month long overseas Camp Mom and I’m just as behind as last time. (At least meltdown day has come and gone.) But one lesson I finally HAVE learned from all of my past packing mistakes: Pack an extra bag
I can’t tell you how many trips have been augmented by a visit to a thrift store specifically for a souvenir bag (not a bag as a souvenir, but a bag for souvenirs). Now I love a charity shop as much as the next girl but don’t want to again do the last day frantic search for a cheap suitcase to get all of our stuff home.
One highlight of Camp Mom Europe came on the very last day in London: Primark. We got both kids back to school clothes shopping done for less than 100 pounds- but then had to spend another 10 for a duffel to fit it in! I fully expect we’ll be doing the same back to school shopping in Hong Kong on the way home. However, this time I’ll be prepared!
I got a Tumi packable duffel for Christmas a few years ago and it not only holds a ton of stuff, it’s been through at least a dozen checked-bag situations and has come out on the other end pristine each time. I’ve gotten up to fifty pounds in it with no problem. Best of all, it packs down to take up almost no room in our bags on the way out.
Student Spring Break Packing List for Europe: What to Take, What to Leave Behind
I recently saw a Facebook question asking about a teenager’s first trip to Europe. Instead of answering in Facebook, I thought I’d put together a handy resource that anyone can use for a student spring break packing list.
This list is tailored towards a first time European trip that covers major tourist sites. It assumes you’ll visiting for a week in the Springtime. Of course you can adapt as needed. The list skews female but is appropriate for both men and women.
What you don’t take is just as important as what you do take, and I will address both in this post. Less is more, especially when you are traveling from city-to-city and using public transport. So much of what you think you need will just weigh you down. I also talk about the things most likely to label you as a tourist, and therefore a target for pickpockets and other ne’er-do-wells.
Student Spring Break Packing List: What to Bring
A cross-body bag. You want something hands-free with more than one zippered pocket, preferably one you can face inwards. The AIRBAG pictured above is less than $25 and has a unisex design.
Three bottoms: These can be jeans, pants, bermuda shorts, or skirts. Three pairs are plenty to get you through a week. I personally pack a pair of khakis, a pair of black trousers, and a floral skirt.
Four tops: Fitted T-shirts do well, as do tunics. I go with three solids and one print.
10 pairs of Underwear, 3 Bras and a swimsuit. This is the only thing I overpack. Underwear is small so there’s little harm in having a couple of spares. Ditto for a swimsuit- I might not need it but it’s small enough to throw in just in case.
One medium-weight rain-proof jacket and one pashmina: I like to bring both as you can use the pashmina as a lightweight blanket on the plane. I really like this pashmina as it’s 100% cashmere and less than $40.
Two pairs of comfortable shoes: I can not stress this point highly enough. I always bring two pairs so I can rotate, but no more than two as shoes get heavy in your bag. Don’t forget socks if needed.
An ankle wallet: My single favorite travel security device. You will see many “travel systems” but this simple wallet is under $20 and will hold your passport and credit cards away from prying eyes.
An old tablet or kindle: I specify “old” here as you want something that won’t scream “steal me”. I use mine to carry my guidebooks and reading material in one handy and light-weight package.
Quart and gallon size Ziploc bags: The “3-1-1” rule is universal. You can only place one bag with liquids less than three ounces (100ML) in your carry-on. I like to carry a few spares for checked liquid souvenirs or for dirty laundry.
A hotel-sized shampoo and bar of soap, toothbrush and travel sized toothpaste,lip balm, a sunscreen tube, face wipes, and spray Evian. The liquids here fit in your 3-1-1 bag. The spray Evian is especially great for an instant pick-me-up when you’re feeling jet-lagged.
A washcloth: Many European hotels don’t have them.
A Universal power converter: I like this one because it has both USB and plug-in adapters. Pack your charger cords too. While you’re at it, throw in a backup battery.
An extra suitcase:
You will pick up souvenirs whether you plan on it or not. My shopping trips are a highlight of my wardrobe. I’m obsessed with my Tumi Voyager foldable tote as it’s strong enough to serve as an extra checked bag if needed. It’s worth every penny of the $95 price tag, but if you just want a carry-on any one lying around will do.
Student Spring Break Packing List: What to Leave Behind
Logo or Message T-Shirts: If you want to shout “American tourist!” with your clothing, wear your thoughts on your chest. Ditto for Trucker caps and white sneakers.
Short-shorts and camisoles: If you are visiting any religious sites, you will need to have your knees and shoulders covered. Revealing clothing might also attract unwanted male attention, especially in Italy. Leave the micro-minis and tube tops at home.
Stiletto Heels: Leave the heels at home not only because of the unwanted attention, but because most European cities have uneven or cobblestone sidewalks. Wearing your Manolos is like begging for a sprained ankle.
Large Toiletries: If you are in any major European city, you’ll find a drugstore on every corner with fun new stuff to try. Why waste luggage space with your Clairol hairspray?
A camera: I know that may sound like terrible advice, but hear me out. Chances are you have a phone with a camera you can use for your photos. Carrying an extra camera will become a hassle. Unless you’re a professional, your iPhone will do the trick.
The Joys of Overseas Drug Stores
Greetings from Osaka! We’ve only got a couple of days left in Japan but I will definitely be making another trip to Tokyu Hands, my new favorite store. I have an obsession with overseas drug stores and Tokyu Hands is more like a Target/Ikea/??? but definitely fits the bill.
Deal Dad and the kids have had to drag me out of Tokyu Hands’ cosmetics department as I could easily spend all day just admiring all of the wonderful ways the Japanese have come up with to make themselves more beautiful. And while I’m taking a pass on the placenta cream, here are a few I’m buying by the case:
- Rice Powder papers: This little gem is the secret to why Japanese women never appear to sweat while I’ve been resembling a melted Popsicle. Each paper has just enough powder on it to keep your face fresh and matte- and at 80 cents for 100 you never have to worry about re-applying. Genius.
- Biore pore strips: I know we have Biore in the states but they were invented here and are 1/2 the price. Sold! (BTW, if you’ve never tried, take a look at the firemen in the pic above to get an idea of what they do.)
- Cloth disposable face masks: Just the right individually packaged size for a jet lag refresh or quick pick me up, I’ve seen at least 20 types of these moisturizing beauties from the wonderful to the downright strange (snail? uh, no thanks!). At 50 cents each, I’m stocking up.
Plus Size Stores in Europe: Here are My Favorite Fashion Finds
Shopping is one of my great travel joys, but finding fashionable clothes that fit can be a real challenge overseas. Size 10 is considered plus size in most of Europe, which can be really frustrating. No worries…you’re not stuck with accessories! I’ve got a Deal Mommy Tested list of Plus Size stores in Europe.
Here’s a small list of my faves, please share yours!
France
Jean Marc Philippe (France): Jean Marc Philippe (JMP) is my single favorite fashion find. I love the store so much that I scheduled a three hour stop in Paris just to visit. JMP clothes make a statement and are not for the meek. I get a compliment every single time I wear a JMP item specifically because they are like none sold in the states. During “soldes” (sale) season prices are 1/2 off. The quality is there- I have six year old items that look new- but their clothes are definitely hand wash and air dry. Deal Dad accidentally shrunk a prized dress just by putting it in the washer.
Naf Naf: Naf Naf is a French brand with stores all over Europe. Their stores kind of remind me of “The Limited” and their style is very “sexy secretary”. Their XL equates to about a 16/18. Terrific sales- I recently got 7 shirts for 70 Euro.
Italy
Elena Miro: A chain of “shapley sizes” (love that!) based in Italy. I found the prices a bit high, but the quality is there. It’s on the same level as Marina Rinaldi but not as well known in the states.
Throughout Europe
OVS: OVS is Italy’s “fast fashion” brand with over 1000 stores, mostly centered around central Europe. The chain is not groundbreaking, having been around since the 1970s. They have recently expanded into the “Curvy” (love that even more than shapley) market up to size 51 (about a 22-24). The quality is H&M ish with an Italian twist: a little more more fitted, a little more embellished. The prices can be jaw-dropping, especially during sale season (August and February). On my most recent August trip I spent 106 Euro. For that 106 Euro I got a fall jacket, a sweater, three pairs of jeans and four tops.
Desigual: Desigual is a Spanish brand, but they have stores all over Europe and one in New York. Not a “Plus Size” brand, but many of their items go up to XXL (18). I’m obsessed with their printed Tees and just picked up a bunch in Rome during the “Saldi” season.
Bonita: They’re in 6 countries, mostly in Central Europe. While not especially “Plus Size”, they go to size 48 (18ish), but more importantly the clothes are cut for a central European…as in not a waif! I found the first long sleeved button down blouse that fit properly in 15 years and have a mock wrap dress that is a staple in my travel wardrobe.
Evans (UK and Ireland): I found Evans when we lived in Dublin and was thrilled to find them now shipping to the US. Highly recommend, especially for lingerie that’s well-fitting without being industrial.
Surkana (Spain): Surkana is a brand (not a store) worth looking for. They’re not specifically plus-size, but go up to XXXL, which is an 18 (!). I bought a mini-dress from a boutique in Tenerife that I wear as a tunic with leggings.
Ulla Popken (Netherlands): Great especially for sizes 20+ and for shoes.
Hacking Omaha Steaks Deals for Fun and Profit
Grilling season is finally here! I’m SO ready to throw some steaks and burgers on the grill. Omaha Steaks is my go-to not so much for steaks, but everyday burgers and hot dogs. With ground beef at $5+ a pound some Omaha Steaks deals are actually pretty competitively priced. I don’t know what voodoo they do to their cows, but WOW are their burgers good!
We’re also fans of the coconut shrimp and fried fish- not things you think of when you think Omaha Steaks, but trust me on this one.
BUT, they are also guilty of hyperbole. Every email Omaha Steaks sends contains THE BEST DEAL EVER. So how are you to know if you’re really doing well? No worries I’m here to help!
Here’s what you do
To get the absolute best deals I just search “free shipping”. Get the cheapest item with free shipping (usually around $60 for the combo) and the rest of your order ships free, no matter what else is in it.
Once you do that, go to checkout and at the top of your screen you’ll get a bunch of pop-ups where you can add items that are the absolute lowest prices they offer. There’s a 3 for $34.99 deal that you can choose more than once and various steak add-ons that change with what they have in stock at the bottom of the checkout page. Then I go straight for the “overstocks” page and select whatever I didn’t see in the 3 for $34.99 from there.
They also have a free rewards program with a referral coupon of $20 off your first $50 purchase after enrolling. Note the coupon isn’t good on everything, but either way you’ll earn points on your purchase that add up quickly towards free stuff. And if you get REALLY lucky, you’ll get a pop up after checkout offering you $5 lobster tails like I did.
I just put in an order and for $162 shipped got enough burgers, franks, and steaks to last us all summer. I also earned enough points for another dozen burgers free with my next order.
Use ebates for cash back or check out http://cashbackmonitor.com to see if any points portals work for you.
