OhMyVera! Vera Bradley Giveaway

Head on over to OhMyVera! for a chance to win a medium cosmetic in Heather and an anniversary journal.  Heather is one of the Fall 2013 colors that is not yet released.  While you're there, check out OhMyVera!s blog posts for more info about upcoming promotions and product releases! 

http://www.ohmyvera.com/2013/02/ohmyveras-third-blogiversary.html?showComment=1362066320534#c1846369162740459572

Vera Bradley upcoming retirement - September 1st

Everyone who loves Vera Bradley knows that with new color/style releases comes retirements - and SALES!  They usually start the sales off at 25% off original price and then lower the prices from there.  On September 1st, the following will retire (and go on SALE):

Colors: 

Barcelona

Twirly Birds Navy

Hello! Dahlia

Slate Blooms

Styles:

Large hobo

Julia

Angle tote

Opera wallet

Trip kit

Collections:

Summer canvas

*with the color retirements, all styles are included in the sale, and with the style retirements, all colors are included in the sale

Cheap video games at Toys R Us!!!

My brother is a huge video game fanatic, and he never usually gets excited about a good deal, but he was so excited when he looked at the Toys R Us flier and saw this deal.  Think Christmas.....awesome gifts at low prices!  When we got to Toys R Us, there were people loading up their carts with these games.....they had these games for pretty much every system they were made for.  I hope this info helps someone get an awesome gift for an awesome price!  

If you're interested, call ahead if you live a distance to make sure they have what you want before making the trip - my local Toys R Us held my games for me for the hour it took to drive up there!

Band Hero or Guitar Hero sets (includes guitar, game, and band set) - $29.99 

Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, Tony Hawk sets (includes game/guitar, game/turntable, game/skateboard) - $9.99

Some great Vera Bradley finds!

I am a huge Vera Bradley fan!  Vera Bradley stuff can be pricey unless you find a great deal.  Patterns and styles are released and retired four times a year: spring, summer, fall, winter.  New pattern releases mean that older patterns will be retired.  New style releases also mean that old styles will be retired.  Right now, we are in between the fall and winter releases.  Retired patterns and styles means great sale prices!  I usally say a good price on Vera is between 40-60% off the original retail price.

If you visit Vera Bradley, you can find some great prices on some current styles in retired patterns. Here are some of my favorites:

Pleated tote - $32.99 ($78 retail)

Saddle up - $27.99 ($65 retail)

Julia handbag - $26.99 ($52 retail)

On the Go - $26.99 ($63 retail)

Large hobo - $26.99 ($68 retail)

Angle tote - $27.99 ($68 retail)

Emma - $14.99 ($35 retail)

Baby bag - $39.99 ($99 retail)

Bowler - $29.99 ($72 retail)

Tiny Traveler - $12.99 ($36 retail)

Checkbook cover - $7.99 ($19 retail)

Lanyard - $4.99 ($10 retail)

Turn lock wallet - $19.99 ($44 retail)

Euro wallet - $11.99 ($27 retail)

Gallery wallet - $26.99 ($42 retail)

These are just some of the sale items that caught my eye.  It's definitely worth checking out the sale section online.  Remember to go thru Ebates in order to earn 3% cash back!   

Also, if you live near a Borders, be sure to go and check out what they have in-store.  I found tons of Vera Bradley stationary and some small accessories on sale there!

Current/Upcoming Vera Bradley promotions:

Bookbag - $75 (retail $92) thru August 15th

Stadium blanket - $50 September 1st-13th

Vera Bradley bags and accessories hold up really well, plus most of them are machine washable!  When washing, always be sure to remove the base though (if the bag has a removable base).   I also make it a habit to treat my bags with Scotch Guard fabric protectant.   It keeps the bags clean and crisp looking.

Earning cash back with online purchases - Ebates

I recently discovered Ebates.  Ebates is a site in which you can earn cash back in the form of a big fat check or you can choose to receive payment via Paypal.  When you sign up, you will either receive a $5 credit or a $10 gift card to a participating retailer (Target, etc.)  It is totally free to sign up and there are no gimmicks or hidden fees of any sort.  I highly recommend signing up for an Ebates account.  

Here's how it works:
When you are thinking about purchasing something online, go to the Ebates site and sign in.  Then search for the retailer on the Ebates site.  Click the retailer's link on the Ebates site, and then go shopping!  Your purchases from the retailer will be automatically credited to your Ebates account shortly after you complete your purchase.  Ebates payments are paid to you quarterly, and it's always nice to get some unexpected extra money in the mail!

Before finalizing your purchase, I highly recommend visiting RetailMeNot to search for coupon codes - these codes will save you even more money!  I never make an online purchase from a retailer without first checking to see if there are additional money-saving offers that can be applied to my order!