Spend $100 on Barbie products (*listed on the site), and you can get a $50 Barbie pre-paid Visa card.

Just print the certificate, shop online or at a retail store, save receipt and upc, complete certificate and send it all in. Expires 12/31/2008. Available only in the US.  Details here.

Buy a $25 gift certificate and receive another $5 off which may come as another gift card good immediately or next visit. Deals may vary slightly.

Applebee’s, Denny’s, Uno, O’Charley’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Stake N Shake, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Red Robin, Taco Cabana, Texas Roadhouse, IHOP

Now I haven’t confirmed all these deals, it’s just internet buzz. You might want to call before you go. Also, check to see if there is an expiration date.  It would be a great idea to start asking at every restaurant you frequent.  These deals are always on.

DMB5387A 40% off any book
DML5388Y 30% off any item (#1)
RMA1116Z 30% off any item (#2)
BRR5489A 30% off any item (#3)
RMX1116Y 30% off any item (#4)

Coupons take discounts off “list price”. Borders never offers free shipping codes, but shipping is free if you have it shipped to a store near you. Great offer, but I would suggest you still check Amazon.

Hey, couple this deal with the current Coinstar deal and you’ll get an extra $10 gift certificate! Just trade in your coins for a Borders gift certificate. Check the Coinstar website though. Not all machines give out Borders gift certificates.

Here is an example (Skippy peanut butter) of how items may still appear the same, but after a close inspection, you will see how we’re still paying the same price, but receiving less product.  Doesn’t that just irritate you?

Starkist is another offender - downsized their 6oz. can to a 5oz. can.

Apple Jacks cereal has gone from an 11oz. box down to an 8.7 oz. box, but the box is actually the same size.

Tropicana OJ has gone from 96oz. to 89oz., and the bottle is still as tall as it was before.

Sparkle paper towels have a Big Roll (90 sheets) and a new Giant Roll (84 sheets).  Since when is Big bigger than Giant?

Breyers ice cream still has the same package size, but instead of getting the old 1.75 quarts, we’re now getting 1.5 quarts.

Tubs of Country Crock still look the same, but they’ve gone from 3lbs. to 2lbs., 13oz.

Bars of Dial Soap for Men have gone from 4.5oz. to 4 oz.

Okay, if this doesn’t chap your hide (no pun intended) nothing will.  Scott brand toilet paper is still 1000 sheets, but the sheet size has changed!  That’s right.  instead of a sheet being 4 inches long, it is now 3.7 inches long.

And don’t even get me started on products which are getting watered down (like the larger size Act mouth wash, packages of cooked ham/pork, etc.).  Who wants to pay for water?

Not all manufacturers are guilty, but the list of examples is far more extensive than what I’ve listed.  Yes, it’s all legal and up to the shopper to realize.  Yes, people will still pay for that which they want, but I’ve got to tell you…it’s irritating!

Sites like mouseprint.org help us remain savvy, frugal shoppers.

That’s enough of my Saturday morning, non-PMSing rant.  You may join in with a comment if you’d like.

Cities served: Grand Prairie, Ft. Worth, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Lewisville, Irving, Plano, Mesquite

When you look at the ads online, you don’t get pictures.  I’ve gotten great fruit and meat discounts, and have scored some hygiene freebies when coupled with coupons.  Don’t overlook this weekly sale ad.

Albertsons deals can be found here.
Kroger deals can be found here. My favorite this week.
Tom Thumb/Safeway deals can be found here.