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 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.

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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

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Posted: May 21st, 2013

Today is 31-cent Iced Coffee Day at the Dunkin’ Donuts in the Millcreek Mall.

One hundred percent of the sales of the small coffees will go to the United Way of Erie County, according to a tweet and Facebook post from the mall.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/millcreekmall#!/photo.php?fbid=561535213890995&set=a.257257567652096.70985.242728105771709&type=1&theater

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 19th, 2013

Jen Salem, coordinator of the gardens at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, will lead a garden tour there today.

The free event will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the front desk at the Ridge Center, 301 Peninsula Drive, organizers said.

Call (814) 833-7424 to learn more.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 18th, 2013

There are certain times of year when you just seem to be buying more greeting cards. This is one of them.

First was Mother’s Day. Father’s Day will be here soon. Toss in high school and college graduations, bridal showers and weddings not to mention the normal birthdays and anniversaries.

CardStore.com is running a promo that helps a little with the cost of cards. If you buy two, you’ll get one free.

For more about the offer, go to www.cardstore.com and click on “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” or simply use the code CCG3516 at checkout. The deal is good through Wednesday and the site lets you personalize many of the cards with the recipient’s name, your own greeting and sometimes even your own photos.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 17th, 2013

Here are four rummage sales that I know about on Saturday in the Erie area:

A sale to benefit Orphan Angels Cat Sanctuary will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5439 West Lake Road and then on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

A sale will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the St. Joseph Catholic Church/Bread of Life Community center at 139 W. 24th St. The sale will continue Sunday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. (814) 923-4793, 455-4714.

The sales I mentioned yesterday at Summit United Methodist Church, 1510 West Townhall Road, and Belle Valley Presbyterian Church, 1694 Norcross Road, Millcreek Township, continue Saturday. The $1 bag sale at Summit is from 9 a.m. to noon.  (814) 864-3271. The $2 bag day at Belle Valley is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (814) 825-4433.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 17th, 2013

Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Hulk and Giant-Man are ready to help you teach your kids about saving and budgeting in a free Marvel’s Avengers comic book titled “Saving the Day.”

You can read the 21-page color comic online or request a copy in the mail from Practical Money Skills for Life.

In the comic, characters battle the villain Mole Man while talking about saving and budgeting. Giant-Man suggests opening a savings account, which pays interest, which he says “is like growing your money.” Black Widow says that setting a budget keeps her from blowing her spy paycheck on impulse purchases like a “lipstick that fires high-powered tranquilizer darts.”

The book also includes definitions of financial terms and a budget form to fill out.

To read the comic or order a copy, go to www.practicalmoneyskills.com/resources/free_materials/index.php

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Posted: May 16th, 2013

Here’s an offer for two free Quest Protein Bars.

You can get one chocolate chip cookie dough and one apple pie. There’s also a code for free shipping if you want to buy a box of bars.

Go to http://www.questproteinbar.com/HungryGirl/?utm_source=HungryGirl2_text&utm_medium=Email+&utm_campaign=HungryGirlFree2

The free-bar offer is only good in the U.S. while supplies last.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 16th, 2013

Reporter Sean McCracken and I have been working this week on a story about garage sales. It was really inspiring to hear about a couple who could afford a very nice house by furnishing it with items purchased for low prices at garage, yard and estate sales.

If you’re ready to join the bargain hunters, here are a couple sites to try on Friday.

A rummage sale will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Summit United Methodist Church, 1510 West Townhall Road, Summit Township. The $1 bag sale is Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Call (814) 864-3271.

A rummage sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Belle Valley Presbyterian Church, 1694 Norcross Road, Millcreek Township. The $2 bag day is Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (814) 825-4433.

Come back to Cheap in Erie tomorrow for details on more weekend rummage sales. And look Friday in the Erie Times-News and GoErie.com for our story all about garage sales, people who shop at them and some of the great bargains they’ve found.

If you know of a rummage, garage, next-to-new or similar sale at a church or nonprofit organization, send the details to me at dana.massing@timesnews.com. Make sure to include the sale dates, hours and address, along with a telephone number or web address where people can get more information.

Posted in: Uncategorized
Posted: May 16th, 2013

Pymatuning State Park will hold a free program Friday on the history of Pymatuning.

The event begins at 6 p.m. in the environmental classroom at Jamestown Marina on Marina Drive in Jamestown. A tour, with a limited amount of walking over rough terrain, will follow.

Call (724) 932-3142 for more information, including directions.

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