This is an interview with Coupon Keri, a blogging mom here in Florence, SC. She has the “Coupon Keri” website, please visit her.
When/How did you get started as Coupon Keri?

A: I started using coupons when I had my son 4 ½ years ago and decided to be a Stay At Home Mom. I quickly caught on and started saving lots of money. It became an addicting and wonderful hobby. I started to stockpile and watched my weekly grocery bill drop dramatically. About a year ago I started my blog “Coupon Keri” because I had friends and family asking me “How do you do it” and “Share your knowledge”. Earlier this year I was asked to teach a coupon class. I decided to try it out and it felt wonderful to help others save money! Now I teach several classes a month and travel throughout the Pee Dee teaching coupon classes.

What all do you do as Coupon Keri?

A: I write a blog that has sales ads posted with coupon matchups. I do this to help save others time when deciding what they are shopping for. I also find and post “hot” in-store and online deals and printable coupons. I do spend a lot of time shopping and scoping out the deals in town and adding to my stockpile. In an effort to help others, I donate some of my stockpile to the local food bank and the local free clinic. Having this blog and learning to stockpile has given me the tools to reach out to those in need.

What is the most you ever saved at the grocery store?

A: My most recent success story is from the Super Doubles event at Harris Teeter. I purchased $435.64 worth of groceries for only $33.96! You can view the entire list of items I got here. Even after several years of couponing, I still get giddy at the register when my total goes below $1 for a cart full of groceries! I do the happy dance all the way to my car!

Do you do classes for groups? How much do they cost? Can anyone plan one?
A: Yes, I offer classes for large or small groups, businesses and even in-home classes. The class costs $10 per person. Those attending receive a booklet and a chance at winning a “Coupon Keri Starter Kit” worth $20! Anyone can plan a class with a minimum of 20 registrants. The class is 3 hours long and includes a lot of great information. If interested in hosting a coupon class or having me speak at an event, please contact me at couponkeri@gmail.com.

What is your motivation?

A: Being able to stay at home and raise my son is my number one motivation. Helping others save money and make ends meet is a huge motivation for me also.

What is your favorite Florence landmark (Place, place to eat, park, etc)

A: I love Redbone Alley! They have the best Shrimp & Grits I have ever had! I also love the atmosphere and the play area. The ice cream truck is perfect for my 4 year old!

What is the best thing that has happened to you as a result of your website?

A: Wow, so much has happened since I started my website. I would have never thought that I would ever be teaching coupon classes. Amazingly, it has come naturally without hardly any effort. It all fell into place and so far has been an amazing journey! It makes my day when one of my “students” approaches me at the grocery store and tells me all about the money that they are saving!

“Do you have any tips for shoppers on Black Friday?”

A: Absolutely!

1. Know what you want to get ahead of time and compare prices to make sure that you are going after the best possible priced item. I have put together a Price Comparison Sheet on my blog that lists all of the major electronics in order by price. If the item is available online, there is a direct link to it so you can compare the regular price and the item specifics and add it to your cart. This has been a huge help to me in the past so I am sure that this list will benefit everyone wanting to shop on BF!
2. Make a plan. Know the times the stores open and plan to be at each store before the doors open. Depending on how important the item is and how good the deal is, you may want to plan to get to the store several hours early. I have put together a list of opening times for all of the stores in order to help you map out your trip on my blog.
3. Be sure to take a foldable chair, blanket, hat, gloves, extra blankets, snacks, drinks and even a buddy to take turns sitting in the car if you plan on spending time in line. If you are planning on shopping at Wal-Mart, then plan on getting there several hours early. Pick one “Doorbuster” item you want from there (more than one if you have someone with you). Each “Doorbuster” item will have its own line and the items will be located throughout the store. If you cannot find your line, find a manager on the floor and they can direct you were to go. The items will be brought out close to opening time and each person will be allowed to get their items in the order that they are in line. Do not spend time going to other lines or looking for other deals after you have your “Doorbuster” item. You want to make your way to the checkout as quickly as possible. One of the worst parts of BF at Wal-Mart is the checkout line! I found that some items like movies and clothes were brought out early so I was able to leave my chair in my spot in line , grab those items and already have them in my cart!
4. If you are waiting in line outside a store, when the doors open and you make your way into the store, it is best to stay out of the isles and make your way through the racks to get to the item on your list. The quicker you get to your item, the quicker you get to checkout and the quicker you get to the next store. Before Black Friday, make a trip to the store and know exactly where the item is that you want to purchase to make it a fast trip in and out. Do not spend time looking around at the deals and chatting with others. Your goal is to get to the register before the long line forms.
5. Be patient. A lot of shoppers will be tired and cranky and possibly upset because they did not get the item that they were shopping for. Do not let that affect you. Enjoy the time spent in line by chatting with others and have fun with it.
6. Have a backup plan in case the store runs out of the item you wanted. Before going out shopping, know the next best price and be prepared to head to that store to try to get it. If the price is not much higher and the store opens earlier, go there first.
7. A lot of stores are opening on Thanksgiving and offering their Black Friday prices then. A few stores that you should make a trip out to are CVS, Walgreen’s, Rite Aid and Old Navy.
8. Check online. Most of the Black Friday deals will be available online before the stores open. My advice is to try to purchase them online first before going out to shop. If the store opens before the sale starts online, then put the item in your shopping cart and come back later that morning to purchase it if you find the store sold out. If you have a Smartphone, then try to purchase using your phone while you are waiting in line. Some stores will have all of their Black Friday items available for purchase as early as 2 a.m. on Thanksgiving Morning!
9. Most important, HAVE FUN! This happens once a year so take it in and enjoy it. Remember to take a nap on Thanksgiving before you head out and plan on sleeping all day on Friday after you get home.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

It is Merry Marketplace time again! The Jr. League of Florence will present the Merry Marketplace at the Florence Civic Center from October 7-10, 2010.

This is always a great place to get a head start on Christmas shopping. One year I am pretty certain that every gift I gave came from merry marketplace. (Yes, I bought the magic squeegee mop AND that hot chocolate from Nashville.)

Important notes about the event:

Merry Marketplace “Merry Mingle with Tinsel & Tingle” Preview Party:
Thursday, October 7, 6:00-10:00pm
-Tickets: $20, includes 2 cocktails and hors d’oeurves
-This “ladies night out” will feature a fabulous auction, mini massages and makeovers from 6 to 8:30pm. All vendors will be open, so come get a jump start on your shopping, relax, and socialize with friends. We will feature a ‘Diamond Toast’ at 9pm; one lucky lady out of the first 100 will pick a winning glass and take home a diamond pendant designed especially by the Master Jeweler at Galloway and Moseley!

Merry Marketplace Shopping:
Friday, October 8, 9:00am-7:00pm
Saturday, October 9, 9:00am-7:00pm
Sunday, October 10, 1:30-5:00pm

Ticket Information:
-1-day Shopping Tickets: $8
-3-day Weekend Shopping Pass: $18
-Preview Night + 3-day Weekend Shopping Pass: $35

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I have been eying this new shopping center for a while now. A cute looking store was opening and Saturday we finally got the chance to go in. I am so glad we did! The prices are reasonable and the customer service was excellent!

The store is very roomy and full of great gift ideas (for yourself or someone else).

I took my daughter with me, as she is a connoisseur of all things pink. This was her favorite item:

There are gifts for grown ups:

My favorite bags:

Adorable flip flops for little feet (only $12.00 a pop!)

They also have a GREAT selection of children’s clothes. There are some smocked outfits, but also some very trendy outfits for spring that I LOVED.

If you want to mail me something, I suggest this:
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If you are going:
2509 S. Cashua Dr. (beside Creek Ratz)
Florence, SC 29501
662-8135
(If you go, tell them about the Flossip! They don’t know me and I received nothing for this post, but I like to spread the word about the website!)
(I do recommend they get a facebook page or a website!)

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Last week was super busy for the Flossip. A lot of good things happening– to the Flossip and to Florence! So… how many have heard the rumor that a new restaurant is opening where Benton’s used to be at Seven Oaks?

While you are out and about shopping, don’t forget to print out the Flossip holiday deals as well as the Flirt! boutique ad! You don’t have to have a copy– just mention you read about the business on the Flossip and you will get the deal!

Christmas shopping time is running short! Look for a local gift guide to be up by Tuesday! (Setting a deadline for myself!)

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

You will notice a new ad in the sidebar for Flirt! Boutique here in Florence. The Flossette* wrote a review of Flirt! a few months back and loved it. They also have a facebook page with other deals listed.

Best of all, Flossip readers get 15% off just for mentioning their ad on the Flossip! How awesome is that? Check out Flirt Boutique today and finish up some Christmas shopping.

315 Rainbow Dr.
Florence, SC, 29501
(Near Apple Annies)

(This post is written in conjunction with a paid advertisement.)

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I mentioned earlier that there will be a fun Christmas Bazaar at All Saint’s this weekend. I have gotten some emails from merchants that plan to be there and thought you might want to look at some of the fun things they have to offer!

Homemade Gourmet by Julie Williamson

All You Need Scrapbook Kits

Cards by Kooper

Let me know who I missed!

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I received an email from Lee Burris the other day about his custom woodworking. I absolutely love the craftsmanship I see in the photos. He has been working with a local decorator and concentrating on furniture and custom pieces in the past few years. He can build anything from Entertainment Centers to Kids Furniture to Custom Magnetic Chalkboards…. actually anything you can come up with!

AND!!! For holiday orders? Flossip readers get 15% off! That is HUGE! 15% off custom woodworking and furniture? Now is the time to get that bookshelf built!

Been eying a piece in Pottery Barn lately? Forget that, the shipping is outrageous! Give the picture to Lee and let him give you a quote. Wouldn’t you rather keep your money in Florence County? I know that I do!

Call: Lee 206-8192 or Scott 206-2592.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

When I was in college, a professor made select classmates ride the bus.

“The bus??” We were all stunned.

“But… but…”

The professor smiled. “You will ride the bus. You will ride the bus to CLASS. You will figure out the schedule so that you will be in class on Friday.”

We should all be forced to ride the bus sometimes. We complain about the traffic, we complain about the price of gas, and good gracious we complain about the parking at the mall around the holidays.

Yet… we do not ride the bus. My friend in New York rides a bus every morning. She also rides a train. She reads books and answers emails and listens to her ipod. When I tell her how frustrating a commute must be she looks at me like I am crazy. “Are you kidding? Do you know how much I get done?” Plus, she avoids the stress of traffic and crazy drivers.

This holiday season we should all ride the bus at least once. If you do take the bus, and would like to do a guest post please email me or comment here.

Via SC Now:
Snowman Shuttle – Operating from North Florence to both Malls.
Candy Cane Shuttle – Operating from East and South Florence to the Malls.
Sleigh Shuttle – Operating along the South Florence Connector.
The Snowman, and Candy Cane shuttles depart at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; returning at 11:20 a.m., 2:20 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. The new Sleigh Shuttle also departs at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. but returns at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Fares on these three shuttles are $1.50 for a one-way ride. Medicare card holders, senior citizens and persons with disabilities qualify for the half-fare of 75 cents.

PDRTA on the web here for more details.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Are stirrup pants back in? Seriously? I just can not embrace the stirrup.

And another…

Spotted at Sears at Magnolia Mall if you are in the market…

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I remember watching a commercial for the Booty Brothers years ago. I didn’t need any cowboy boots, but I loved their commercial. I can not believe that I have never actually been to their store… until now that is!

I made it out to the Booty Brothers today to check things out. I have wanted a pair of cowboy boots for a while now, and figured I should go to the experts.

They really ARE experts. The owner (one of the Booty Brothers) could not have been more helpful. He was not pushy at all, just told me all about the boots, what kind was good, how they should fit, what worked well and what did not.

He has boots for men, women, and kids. The kids boots ARE SO CUTE. He also has work boots (steel toe).

He has a wide assortment of western wear and leather products.

Boots are not cheap, and he keeps your price range in mind. They have boots there that cost well over a thousand dollars, but he only brought me boots that were in the lower price range that I indicated. I didn’t buy any boots yet– hopefully they will be a Christmas present. I can assure you that they will come from the Booty Brothers. This is a DEFINITE must shop in your “Shop Local” Christmas list!  (Plus, how cool is it to say “I got these from the Booty Brothers!”  These guys are local celebs!)

IF you are going:
Booty Brothers Western Store
4001 E Palmetto St, Florence, SC
(843) 679-0140?
(Next to the Florence Flea Market)

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.