Being frugal doesn't mean buying everything on the cheap! Sometimes, the most brilliant move is to spend a little more. Today, we're revealing six home essentials that are worth the investment and sharing tips that will help you save money when you buy them!
Okay. Time for some real talk. We're cheap, but we're NOT cheapskates (yes, there is a difference!). While “cheapskates” will focus only on bottom-line cost, being “cheap” meansfinding a way to get a valuable item you want and need without having to pay full price.
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Some things are worth paying extra for because they not only work better, but they last longer and SAVE you money in the long run! So today, we're sharing some of our favorite “investments” with you, along with tips and hacks that will help you get them for cheaper. Save up, add these items to your Christmas list, just do what you have to do! Remember to use the 3-month budgeting rule and you'll be good to go. However you make it work, here are some of our favorite home essentials “investments” that we think are worth the splurge.
HOME ESSENTIALS SPLURGE #1: A GOOD VACUUM
So, here's the thing. We once “invested” in a $160 vacuum that literally broke in less than a year. #LessonLearned
Do the math. You have two options: spend $160 on a new vacuum every year or spend a little more on a vacuum that will work SO much better and last. No brainer, right?! Here are a few options worth considering:
- Dyson – If you have pets, get yourself a Dyson! We get it. The $500(ish) price tag feels like a tough pill to swallow, but remember what we said about those bargain vacuums? We LOVE this Dyson Ball Animal Upright. It's the best at picking up all the pet hair. (We've got plenty of experience with this!)
- Roomba – Treat yourself, mama! While you're tidying up the kitchen (or reading, or doing something else fun!), set the Roomba free and let it clean for you. Is this a splurge item? Absolutely. Is it worth saving up to buy? We vote “yes!” You can even schedule this bad boy to vacuum while you work or sleep.
Bonus: if you have kids, definitely invest in a car vacuum, too! We got a VOTOR handheld vacuum on Amazon for less than $25. Think of all the money you'll save when you skip those pricey car washes! #WorthIt
HOW TO FIND A VACUUM FOR CHEAPER
Alright, now that you know it's time to pay for a high-quality vacuum, we bet you'd love to save a buck or two. We never pay full price, and these tips have helped us save a ton on vacuum cleaners:
- Use a Coupon – A 20% off Bed Bath and Beyond coupon can save you a TON on small appliances like a vacuum. Don't have a coupon? Google one! Shopping at a store that price matches? Bring their competitor's coupons.
- Buy Refurbished – Did you know Amazon sells used, refurbished items? Yup! We found a Dyson for $80 off once.
- Costco – You guys know how much we love Costco, right? FYI–they sell Dysons, and sometimes they go on sale, so keep an eye out.
- Use Rakuten – Shopping online for that vacuum? Don't forget to use Rakuten! You get cash back, which helps recoup some costs.
- Have Your Vacuum Serviced – Another way to save money on vacuums is to have them serviced. For example, we paid $35 to have our vacuum cleaned and tuned up, and after six years of use, it was working like a brand new vacuum again. So before tossing a vacuum, try to revive it first!
Ready to move on to home essentials item #2?
ADD THESE CLEANING SUPPLIES TO THE TOP OF YOUR HOME ESSENTIALS LIST
Keeping your house clean isn't easy with kids and pets running around, but a home is your most priceless investment of all! So, if you're looking for a few products that will help you keep your home in tip-top shape, these are the four essentials we think are worth the money:
- E-Cloths – Stop throwing money in the trash! That's literally what you're doing when you clean with paper towels. And truth be told, they don't work nearly as well as E-cloths!
- Steam Mop – If you have kids, do yourself a favor and invest in a nice steam mop. Ours cost less than $70. Is it more than an old-school shaggy mop? Yep. Does it make our life easier, though? Also yes!
- Magic Erasers – Don't cheap out and buy the generic version. We learned this the hard way. Magic erasers WORK, and they are worth it! Save yourself the cost of a new paint job.
- Carpet Sweeper – Using a carpet sweeper is a great solution in between vacuums and deep cleans, but not all carpet sweepers are created equal. Spend the extra $15-$20 to get one that works well. We recommend the Bissell Perfect Sweep.
Want to know how we save money on some of our pricer cleaning supplies? We've got a few tips for you!
HOW TO FIND THESE HOME ESSENTIALS FOR CHEAPER:
- Subscribe and Save – If you're an Amazon Prime member, bundle your most used items and save up to 15% through Subscribe and Save. You'll save a ton on things like E-cloths or Magic Erasers!
- Use an Affiliate Code – When your favorite influencers share product recommendations, they often come with discounts, so pay attention! For example, with our code JORDAN, you can save 10% on your E-Cloth purchases. Stack those savings onto one of their discounted bundles to save even more.
- Target App – If you're stocking up on cleaning supplies at Target, make sure to use their app! You can stack coupons and rack up rewards.
Alright, now that we've covered vacuums and cleaning supplies, let's switch gears for a minute! It's time to talk about keeping your clothing in tip-top shape.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND BUY A HANDHELD CLOTHING STEAMER
We bet you've still got the same iron your mom gave you before you left for college. Look, there's nothing wrong with an old-school iron, but once you try a steamer, you'll never want to go back! They're faster, more effective, and easier on your clothes. In our opinion, all signs point to “worth it!” Here are a couple of handheld steamers to consider:
- PAX Steamer – We love that this PAX steamer heats up in just one minute! It's portable, too, which is convenient for travel.
- Conair Extreme Steam – This steamer by Conair also kills germs and busts dust on your bedding, so that's a bonus!
- Heavy-Duty Steamer – This PurSteam is legit! Sure it's a little pricier than the other two, but it's a great staple to have on hand in your laundry room.
Keeping your clothes and linens nice and tidy will help them last so much longer, and that's pretty much money in your pocket! If you're wondering how you can find a handheld steamer for a bit cheaper, we have some tips and tricks to share!
HOW TO FIND A HANDHELD STEAMER FOR CHEAPER:
Before you pay full price for that steamer, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Cash Back Rewards – If you have a rewards credit card like the Amazon Credit Card, you can rack up enough cashback to get a free steamer after just two grocery hauls!
- Buy Used – Scan the Facebook Marketplace before you put that brand new steamer in your cart!
- Shop Amazon Warehouse Deals – You'd be surprised what you can find for up to 70% less in the Amazon Warehouse. They have tons of home essentials!
And don't forget to check deal sites like Groupon, too! They offer discounts for top retailers in addition to local steals and deals.
INVEST IN A GOOD MATTRESS
Alright, if you decide to only splurge on ONE thing for your home, spring for a good mattress! You're going to use it every night, and good sleep is SO important. Saving a few bucks can lead to back problems, poor sleep, and poor health, and in the long run, that will cost you way, WAY more money. Here are two mattresses worth researching:
- Purple Mattress – You guys. Your back will thank you for buying a Purple Mattress! They're so stinking comfy. It's like sleeping on a cloud!
- Sleep Number – If you love a firm mattress and your hubby prefers the feel of memory foam, then the Sleep Number bed might be worth it to keep the peace!
Want to score a sweet deal on that new mattress? We have two quick tips!
HOW TO FIND A MATTRESS FOR CHEAPER
Okay, before you pay full price for that new bed, check out these pointers:
- Shop Semi-Annual Sales – It pays to learn about sales cycles, you guys! Fun fact: September is often the best month to buy mattresses.
- Take Advantage of 0% Financing – Many mattress companies, including Purple, will offer 0% interest payment plans. That means you can get the mattress of your dreams on just about any budget without racking up financing fees.
Need a little help saving up for a new mattress? Try a spending freeze!
DON'T SKIMP ON BEDDING
Okay, you've got a new mattress, now what goes on top?! Sure, you could scoop up a $20 comforter at Target, but is that the best way to go? We think it's worth it to invest in a high-quality bedding set that will LAST. Here are a couple of our favorites:
- Beddy's – Save yourself SO much time. Just zip up your Beddy's bedding and go about your day. These comforter sets hold up so well, and they come in the cutest patterns.
- Minky Couture – With the right blankets, you can save a ton on your heating bill! And keeping cozy blankets handy is just one of the most inviting ways to welcome guests. We're obsessed with Minky Couture blankets because they are seriously the softest on the planet! Oh, and they sell super luxurious pillowcases, too.
Want to save a whole bunch on these bedding sets and blankets? Well, lucky for you, we've got some discount codes to share!
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR BEDDING WITH THESE PROMO CODES
Because we love Beddy's and Minky Couture SO much, we worked out some deals for you. Here you go, Freebs:
- Save 20% on Beddy's – Use codeJORDAN for 20% off your favorite Beddy's set. You can feel good about shopping with them because they give back to organizations like Make a Wish!
- Save 45% on Minky Couture – How can you say no to this deal?! Use codePAGE45for 45% off! These soft Minky blankets make great gifts, too, so go ahead and stock up.
Alright, drumroll, please….. We've got one more home essentials investment to share. Can you guess what it is?!
A CARPET CLEANER IS WORTH THE INVESTMENT
Okay, we know we mentioned vacuum cleaners already, but carpet cleaners are in a league of their own! And if you have pets, kids, or both, you should consider investing in one! Why? Well, they help your carpet last so much longer, and they'll save you from spending a ton on commercial carpet cleaning services. And if you're renting, they just might help you get your security deposit back! Here are a few carpet cleaners to consider:
- Bissell 3624 Spot Clean Professional Portable Carpet Cleaner – This portable carpet cleaner basically pays for itself after skipping one professional cleaning!
- Rug Doctor – Rug Doctors are the creme de la creme of carpet cleaners. They're one of the priciest options, but they last!
- Bissell Pet Stain Eraser – If you're looking for a bargain option that's perfect for quick fixes and small spaces, give this portable pet stain eraser a look.
You know what's next, right? Let's talk about a few quick ways to save on carpet cleaners!
HOW TO FIND ONE OF THESE HOME ESSENTIALS FOR CHEAPER
Before you buy full-price, keep these tips in mind:
- Check Zulily – Zulily isn't just for clothes! Keep an eye out for deals on home essentials.
- Use Wedding Registry Fulfillment Incentives – You can add your carpet cleaner to your wedding registry, and if no one buys it, cash in on the registry discount you get within a few weeks of your big event! We've got all the deets in this post about wedding registries.
- Search Yard Sales – Scan the yard sale ads for a carpet cleaner, and don't forget to check thrift shops, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace, too!
And again, you can use credit card rewards to score deals on items like carpet cleaners, too. Don't forget to use Rakuten.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOME ESSENTIALS MUST-HAVES?
Don't worry, we didn't forget about those oh-so-handy kitchen essentials! They're so important that they got a post all on their own. Be sure to check out our list of kitchen essentials you should invest in and how to find them cheaper!
Well, there you have it, Freebs! Those are just a few of the items we think are worth the investment. Sometimes paying a little bit more pays off! Just be sure to stay within your budget when you're shopping.
What's on your home essentials must-haves list? Do you have any tips for saving on those items? Please leave a comment below and let us know!
Looking for a few more shopping tips and tricks?
- Save a ton on your jewelry with these tips!
- Learn how to shop online like a pro.
- Calling all crafters! This Michael's coupon + shopping tips will be your new best friend.
Remember, being frugal and cheap are NOT the same thing! Happy shopping (and saving)!
Sarah Johnsonon July 9, 2015 at 10:38 am
Have you tried DKNY Be Delicious? I absolutely love it and my husband goes nuts when I wear it.
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EKMon July 9, 2015 at 11:13 am
We got a vitamix. The price tag still kills me– i looked into getting a refurb, but doing the math it would only save me $15! For some reason, vitamix direct charges $50 extra for brushed stainless, where no one else does. They also charge one billion dollars in shipping. I couldnt bear getting not the color I wanted, having regret, and eventually ending up selling ours at a loss to get what i wanted. Here is how I saved– i ordered it from bloomingdales (after originally getting it at crate and barrel, i returned it) since bloomingdales is out of state, no sales tax, saving about $45!
LOVE my dyson dc59 cordless. Watch out though, bed bath and beyond allows you to use a 20% coupon in addition to a dyson manufacturer’s instant rebate when dyson has one, saved us around 40%
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Alicia M!on July 9, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Ikea also has great and inexpensive cribs. We’ve had the Sundvik ($120) for 2 years and I love it. If I was buying another one from Ikea, I would buy their Stuva crib with drawers.
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jenny parkon July 14, 2015 at 10:23 pm
We have had a wooden Ikea crib for two rowdy kiddos and it is heading to a third and works great. It doesn’t have any bells or whistles but is pretty dang sturdy and the price tag was great. For each kid we just clean, lightly sand and then wipe it down with butcher block oil again and wa-la…brand new and ready to go.
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FunCheapOrFreeon July 15, 2015 at 10:54 am
Awesome!! I haven’t tried the Ikea ones, i’ll have to check it out if we ever need a new crib! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Breannaon July 9, 2015 at 1:17 pm
I have a dyson animal that my mom gave me (she hated it for some reason) when I moved out. It’s 9 years old and still works like the day she bought it. It’s survived two Labradors and now two German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mixes who shed like crazy. I don’t think I could ever not buy a dyson.
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Reneeon July 9, 2015 at 1:45 pm
I totally agree with all of these but the crib. We are foster parents and so our cribs get a lot of use. We have never paid more than $100 for any crib and they are all still in great shape (minus some teeth marks from some baby chewing). They are just real simple black or white Walmart and Target cribs. Maybe we just got really lucky. 7 kids in less than 2 years have slept in them. 🙂
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Paulinaon July 9, 2015 at 3:16 pm
You really nailed it with this post, I still have to work on purchasing a good blender in the future. One thing I would have added on the list, would be footwear. I don’t have excess footwear, but what I have is expensive, otherwise I feel my ankles and back immediately if I don’t buy good footwear. Also very true about the perfume. I am out of my Giorgio Armani Si, so I bought something cheaper. You don’t even notice your wearing it and about every time I wore my SI I received a compliment. Try that one it really knocks it out of the park. Also for my birthday I received the IRobot Roomba vaccum from my hubby. Best gift and invention ever!!
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Breannaon July 9, 2015 at 3:29 pm
The absolute best investment I have ever made was dishing out $130 for a steam mop. Most of my whole house is made of hardwood floors ( and I have two very furry cats) so mopping really isn’t an option for me. I used the swiffer for a very long time and don’t get me wrong it works great but each pad only mops one section of many and I realized that I kept having to buy the replacement pads (it adds up$$) so I started looking into a steam mop and they are a little pricey but totally worth it! I went to Sears and found the mop that I wanted. I researched prices and their website actually had it cheaper than everywhere else and in store ($40-$50 cheaper) and I signed up for an email and waited and I got a coupon (10-20% off) I ended up paying about $130 because I got the more expensive one ($200+). But not only do I not have to buy anything special for it (no sprays, no refills, no pads )all I have to do is use water and it kills 99% of germs and bacteria (and it is amazing on my floors) they have different settings are different temperatures for different floor types. Point being that was something that I couldn’t live without and now it makes mopping not as stressful and is not as tiring, I actually kind of enjoy it now. Thanks for all the helpful tips 🙂 I love this blog!!
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Jessicaon July 9, 2015 at 6:08 pm
Ditto on DKNY’s Be Delicious. It smells great and I always get compliments on it. You should check it out.
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Jenniferon July 9, 2015 at 10:44 pm
Costco has the classic Blendtec $50 off right now, so it’s $250 for a NEW one!
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EKMon July 9, 2015 at 11:24 pm
I already commented earlier 🙂 but i just thought of something im a huge believer in
do. not. buy. an entire knife set. Unless you *know* you will use every knife. You can save so much money making small, quality purchases! chances are you wont use and do not need a meat cleaver, boning knife, slicing knife. I totally thought you just had to get a whole set, and was very much intimidated by the 1000+ price tag, until i learned knife sets are rarely a good investment. I once read that the a paring knife, chefs knife, and bread knife (i think most could get by without the latter, but its commonly classified as an essential) is like your steering wheel and tires– you have to have them. Other knives (say a boning knife) are like AC. it makes it easier, but you can get by just fine without it!
Some sets are exceptions, when you really have a need for every knife (this is typically your 5-6 knife small set). Some are musts (i bought a global brand chef knife + paring knife for the price of the chefs knife. the real price, not inflated– thats what you pay everywhere. so my paring knife was free!
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Joieeon July 9, 2015 at 11:35 pm
My uncles theory is invest in good shoes and a good bed because you’re usually in one of them!:) I love my Ninja blender I bought at Costco..have been very impressed and love the food processor u can also make dough in! Also good sheets! I got the best Ralph Lauren ones 80% off at Kohls for 40$ they are the best!! My girls are all really hard on their shoes and I found that buying them a good pair ( usually from Nordstrom Rack) is better than buying them a couple of cheap pairs that fall apart. Paint! Its not worth it to buy cheap paint (I love Behr):) We have found that its best to do research before buying anything and be patient for a good deal to come along..
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melissaon July 10, 2015 at 5:31 am
Great post Jordan, I will definitely keep these tips in mind when making new purchases!
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Downstairs and in Debton July 10, 2015 at 5:56 am
Try Romance by Ralph Lauren 🙂 it’s my go-to everyday perfume and I have Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel for when I’m feeling fancy schmancy 🙂
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[emailprotected]on July 10, 2015 at 6:31 am
I recommend buying an quality backpack. We bought a swissgear for my son when he was in the first grade and he still uses it 7 years later. We not only use it for school, but to carry our laptops on trips. I am sure if we would have bought a cheaper backpack it would have never lasted this long.
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Allison Bodinon July 10, 2015 at 8:40 am
Great post! I completely agree with the hair straightener! I’ve had a chi since I was 15…. It’s going on 9 years now, and I’ve never had any problems with it at all. I got it for Christmas, and my dad got it through our hair lady so we used a couple of your tips there. 🙂
I’ve been wanting a nice vacuum, so thanks for giving me an excuse to go for it (with research and discounts, of course)!!
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Christyon July 10, 2015 at 10:11 am
Pots and pans. We’ve gone through so many types and brands and found ceramic ones seem to be the best easiest to clean types.
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Lauraon July 10, 2015 at 1:33 pm
Good post, girlie!
We bought a highly discounted mattress when we first got married. Big mistake. Only 8 years into marriage, and we bit the bullet and bought the nice one we should’ve gotten in the first place. 🙂
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Amberon July 10, 2015 at 9:35 pm
Totally agree about the Dyson!! I asked my then-fiancee for the animal rollerball (DC41) for Christmas, and he thought I was crazy. 2 1/2 years later with 2 cats and my long, crazy shedding hair, it still works great! My mom even asks me to bring it to her house so she can vacuum with it. 😀
As for perfume, I love my Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue. Smells like summer, a little citrusy and beachy! Lace is another really good one you can find at Cavenders and similar stores. The best way I can describe it is like a deep, sweet leather. I wore it on my wedding day- brings back such sweet memories.
Really enjoyed this post! Keep ’em coming!Reply
Lorion July 11, 2015 at 12:03 am
The tricky thing about perfume is it smells different on every person based on their individual body chemistry. A few of my favorites are FlowerBomb by Viktor&Rolf, Victoria’s Secret Bombshell, the CLEAN fragrance line, Jimmy Choo Flash, and Bobbi Brown Beach. Can you tell I like perfume? Haha I highly recommend checking out Sephora, they are really good at finding a scent you’ll like. Since I love fragrance, every once in awhile I’ll find a “retired” bottle in the back of the cabinet that is selling for more on eBay than I paid. Fortunately I store them well, so they last awhile 🙂
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Lindaon July 11, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Never tried a Dyson, but after much research I purchased a Miele canister vacuum. One of the best investments I ever made. I will never switch. I also agree that a steamer mop is a tremendous investment. I’ve had mine for about 6 years and would never be without it either. I also vote for Be Delicious. It’s a wonderful fragrance and it lasts really well.
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jenny parkon July 14, 2015 at 10:30 pm
Totally agree with your 1-4 choices. We bought our Blendtec at Costco and it broke after 2 years of super high green smoothie usage but since it was Costco we were able to get it replaced for a new one which has been dreamy for the last 5 years. Also we have the slim Dyson (pink one) from Costco also when it had a coupon on sale. That way if anything goes kaput with it we are covered. My hubby was also a Cutco sales rep (woop woop). We had two knives when we first got married and have added some as we saved. One time the knife blade just broke off the handle. We mailed it backed (wrapped up well) and for $5+shipping they sent us a brand new one. Also we had a Wustoff knife from good old Bed BAth and Beyond that broke and they also replaced it brand new with our year old receipt. So Where you buy from counts!
I would make #5 my Bosch because it is super pricey BUT I make bread every week with it (and cookies, buns, rolls, pizza dough, everything with flour you can think of). And it is fabulous! Costco sells them sometimes but also the Bosch Kitchen Store gets deals sometimes. Once my plastic bowl warped in our crappy dishwasher and they replaced it for free. Plus there is 2 year warranty on the cookie paddles if you break one.
Geesh it sounds like we break everything huh?!?! haha!
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FunCheapOrFreeon July 15, 2015 at 10:54 am
Love the feedback, and I’ve heard Bosch’s are the best! I’m no baker so I haven’t needed one, but maybe someday! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Anisaon April 25, 2016 at 9:31 am
Way late to the party, but daisy by Marc Jacobs is amazing! Usually runs $90 but overstock had it for $40 on sale.
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Melanieon April 25, 2016 at 11:07 am
We got a deal on a Dyson at Costco and would never buy one again or recommend it to anyone else. It’s the highest maintenance vacuum I’ve ever had in my life. We have to completely take it apart (tiny parts with tiny screws) and clean it out every time we use it. When we don’t, we have to have the entire head replaced because pieces melt and stop working. It’s obnoxious and I hate it. Still looking for a great vacuum – no matter what is costs. But I completely agree on the Blendtec. We LOVE ours!
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FunCheapOrFreeon April 25, 2016 at 10:16 pm
No way!! You’re kidding! We’ve had ours for almost 10 years and have only ever had to get it cleaned one time, it’s been super low-maintenance for us. Great to know, thanks so much for sharing!
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Ashleyon April 25, 2016 at 8:21 pm
For perfume I have two scents that I have been wearing for 10+ years (high school ?), J’dore and Micheal by Micheal Kors. I have found the best time to buy is usually around Mither’s Day!
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Krista Sidhuon February 24, 2018 at 4:50 pm
I got my kitchen aid mixer refurbished and 8 years later still works great!! Totally worth looking into refurbished!
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Jayon July 22, 2022 at 1:29 pm
Hi,
Please put me on your email list. Thanks.
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Fun Cheap or Freeon August 5, 2022 at 3:52 pm
You’ve been added! Thanks!
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