If you scored the free $25 gift certificate from Piperlime when I posted it a few weeks ago (no longer available), today might be a great day to use it!  You can score 20% off your order through midnight tonight (11/29) when you enter code LUCKY20 at checkout.  PLUS if you shop through Ebates, you can score 8% back in your Ebates account. Shipping is always free!

Don’t forget that you can also shop at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta while you are on Piperlime.  If you opt to do this, you can use code CYBER15 to get a 15% discount today only.

Make sure to use your Piperlime gift certificate no later than Decebmer 15, 2010 so it doesn’t expire!

Thanks goes to Natalie for giving me a heads up on this offer!

The Mattel Shop is offering up to 75% off PLUS FREE shipping today (no minimum).  In addition, you can use code TXTA (valid today only) to get an additional 20% off your order!

PLUS get 4% back in your Ebates account when you shop through their link.

I see toys on sale for as low as $1.60 shipped, so I’m sure you could score a sweet deal with all of these discounts!

We are still in NY and my Mom, sister and I continued with our tradition of CVS Black Friday shopping this morning.  (Although we didn’t make a video this year like we did last year!)

We each left the store with quite a haul.  I spent $6.34 out of pocket (including tax) for everything pictured above and still have $19.92 in ECBs to show for it!

Note: The Gillette deodorant deal was a limit of 2 for me. PLUS the candy bar ECB deals were both a limit of 5, not a limit of 1 as I shared earlier!  Check out the rest of the Black Friday ad here.  It’s good through tomorrow, 11/27/10.

Here were my transactions:

Transaction #1:

(2) Listerine Pocket Pacs @ $2.99 ea.
Used $1/2 from SS 8/1
(1) King Size Twix Bar @ $1.59
(2) Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner @ $3.99 ea.
Used $1/2 from PG 10/10
(1) Gillette Deodorant @ $4
Used $2/1 from PG 10/21
Used $15 ECBs from a previous transaction
Total OOP: $2.11
Got $19.55 in ECBs

Transaction #2:

(2) Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste @ $7.98
Used $0.75/1 from ALL YOU October issue
(1) LA Looks Gel @ $2.99
(2) Mars King Size @ $3.18
(1) Carmex Lip Balm
Used $0.30/1 from SS 11/17
(1) Eucerin Lotion @ $6.99
Used $1/1 from RP 11/7
Used $19.55 in ECBs from last transaction
Total OOP: $2.22
Received $22.13 in ECBs

Transaction #3:

(5) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups @ $0.79 ea.
(2) King Sized Mars Bars @ $1.59 ea.
(1) Excedrin @ $0.99
(1) Gillette Deodorant @ $4
(2) Renpure Organics Conditioners @ $4.99 ea.
Used $22.13 in ECBs from previous transaction
Spent $1.69 OOP
Received $22.10 ECBs

Transaction #4:

Buy (2) M&M large bags $3.99 ea. B1G1 FREE
Used $1/2 from RP 11/14
Used $2.99 ECBs from previous transaction
Spent $.32 OOP

How did you do?!

I love this picture by Norman Rockwell.  I love the anticipation for that turkey that is clearly seen on the faces of the family gathered around the table and the sense of gratitude that fills the room.

We made our annual trek home to NY for the holidays.  In a few short hours, we will be gathering around my husband’s family’s table in a similar fashion.  And then, a few short hours after that, we’ll be finishing up the day with dessert at mine.  Let me tell you, I am feeling that same anticipation.

And boy, am I grateful.  We are so blessed.  I look back on this year and see God’s faithful provision written all over it.  I am one very thankful girl.

I am grateful for you all–our readers.  You’ve blessed me so many times with your kind words.  Thank you for making our lives a little richer each day.

May your day be filled with anticipation and gratitude as well.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Now I have some apple pies to bake and Thanksgiving Day parades to watch!

I have some bad news.  If you purchased a Groupon from Weekly Cinema, you will want to read what is on their web-site:

“The future of Weekly Cinema is under review. While this review is being performed, we are not able to process or redeem movie ticket coupons. We are working with our deal site partners to achieve a refund for the unused movie tickets and promo codes in your Weekly Cinema account in an amount not to exceed the price you paid for each of the unused movie ticket coupons.”

On a positive note, I was incredibly impressed with Groupon when I called them to get a refund this morning.  They offered to put the amount back on my card or as a credit in my account.  They get an A+ in my book for their positive attitude in handling a situation that clearly was not their fault.

Email Groupon at support@groupon.com or call 1 (877) 788-7858 (during normal business hours, central time) to ask for your refund.  And remember–this wasn’t their fault!