Cheap in Erie
By Dana Massing Erie Times-News staff blogger
I am a grandchild of the Great Depression and a survivor of more recent recessions. Through my grandparents and parents, I've learned to spend wisely and to save while still being able to live life well. I want to share my discoveries with you and hear yours.   Read more about this blog.
 Phone: 814-870-1729
Posted: May 23rd, 2013

Millcreek Mall is hosting a Party on the Promenade on Friday.

For you, that means music, games, wine tasting, food samples, giveaways and more, according to the mall’s website.

The free outdoor event will take place Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the promenade parking lot.

To learn more, visit www.millcreekmall.net/events

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Posted: May 23rd, 2013

Pymatuning State Park staff members are waiting to take you on a free full moon kayak paddle.

The event will begin Saturday at 7 p.m. at the park’s Beach 2. A limited number of kayaks are available from the park for people to use, organizers said.

Registration is required for both the program and to use a kayak. Call (724) 932-3142.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 23rd, 2013

Memorial Day is almost here and that means the popular free pontoon boat tours are about to resume in the lagoons at Presque Isle State Park.

The one-hour tours will begin Friday and continue through June 30 on Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. from the launch near the East Boat Livery.

Only 16 seats are available for each tour and sign up begins in person each day at 10 a.m. I’ve been there at 10:30 and seen the seats for all three tours already claimed so don’t wait too long if you want to get on the boat.

Starting Wednesday, 90-minute evening tours will be offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. The night tours also are free and fill up quickly. To save a seat on an evening ride, you have to call the park office on Monday beginning at 10 a.m. The number is (814) 833-7424.

Learn more at http://www.trecpi.org/documents/mayprograms.pdf

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 22nd, 2013

Bausch & Lomb is giving out free samples of Biotrue contact lens solution.

You can request one per household at www.biotruechallenge.com/solution/tryit.

I have to admit that I didn’t go through with this request because I don’t wear contacts and didn’t want to take a sample from someone who could really use it. So I’m not sure of all the details.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 22nd, 2013

Earlier today, I wrote about a chance to win free cat food. Here’s an opportunity to get a coupon for free cat food.

Go to http://www.friskies.com/feedthesenses?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social%2Bmedia&utm_content=cat-friskies&sf12925238=1. You have to watch, rate and then Tweet or post on Facebook about at least one of the three videos.

Once you do that, you’ll unlock a “free coupon” for Friskies cat food. It appears as if the coupon is for a free can worth up to 59 cents.

You’ll get the coupon in the mail in six to eight weeks, the site says.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 22nd, 2013

Ladies, U by Kotex is giving away sample packs and what is cool about this offer is you have six options to choose from.

Each sample pack comes with a different combination of tampons, liners or pads. You’ll get a total of four products plus a coupon.

To request a sample pack, go to www.ubykotex.com/get-a-sample.

Unfortunately, if you live in Canada you can’t get the samples but you are still eligible for the coupon.

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Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 22nd, 2013

Hill’s is giving away 200 2-pound bags of its new Ideal Balance Grain Free adult cat food.

Winners will be selected in a random drawing after the sweepstakes ends on May 31. To enter, go to www.facebook.com/hillspetus and click on “Hill’s Giveaway.”

Although Teddy is sleeping here, one of his other favorite things to do is eat.

Although Teddy is sleeping here, one of his other favorite things to do is eat.

Marlene doesn't eat quite as much as Teddy.

Marlene doesn’t eat quite as much as Teddy.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 22nd, 2013

Sandy is offering a free sample of its extra strength multipurpose wipes that can be used on glass, wood, granite, ceramic, porcelain, marble, laminate, stainless steel, chrome and other surfaces.

The free pack contains six wipes and will arrive in four to six weeks. You can only request one per person/household in the U.S., according to the sample terms.

The offer is good until July 1 or while supplies last. Go to http://www.sandywipes.com/offers/promotions/sample/

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 21st, 2013

I did manage to get my free tube of toothpaste at Dollar Tree with the $1 off coupon I wrote about last week.

In case you missed that post, go to http://www.goerieblogs.com/cheapinerie/2013/05/coupon-could-lead-to-more-free-toothpaste/

So looks like I’ll still be brushing my teeth for free for awhile yet. But I am starting to get low on the free shampoo that I’ve been using to wash my hair. Hopefully some samples will arrive in the mail soon. If you hear of any offers, let me know at dana.massing@timesnews.com so I can get them and share the details with everyone else.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 21st, 2013

Origins is giving away 100,000 one-day samples of its new GinZing energy-boosting moisturizer.

To request one, go to http://www.origins.com/_efb/GinZing_Sample/na

Posted in: Uncategorized

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