Bargain Shopping Updates

As you may have noticed, I'm not hitting the CVS/Walgreens freebies so often lately. First, I'm pretty well stocked from that past year. Second, the deals aren't so grand lately. Walgreens has even changed its program, so there is not so much free or almost-free stuff to be had. And third, I've joined a cooperative buying group of moms here in Austin (and a few others online) that is totally feeding my hunger for a good deal.

Our coop, using volume of numbers and sometimes a resale license of a member, buys at wholesale or special coop pricing from vendors. We've coop-ed bras, slings, shoes, fabric, toys...and more. Each month, we do a group buy of products like bath and household stuff, so I'm getting my deals there. Granted, this is natural/organic stuff, so it is pricier (therefore NOT free) but it is much cheaper than I'd get at a retailer.

There are two brands, though, that do not sell to coops that I must have for my girls and am always on the lookout for a good deal on. California Baby body wash/shampoo is the only soap I've found that keeps Caroline's eczema in check. It is all that has touched Elizabeth's skin and we've not had any problems with her yet (knock wood.) And Badger sunscreen is rated safest by the Cosmetics Database. Both are pricey! I've found that diapers.com has the best prices on California Baby, though, and just discovered that they price match. Since drugstore.com is running Badger on special right now, I emailed diapers.com about their sale, and they honored the sale price on Badger. Therefore, I was able to order California Baby soaps and some Badger sunscreen at sale prices and get free shipping. Remember, if you use my code, AMAN0432, at diapers.com, you can get $10 off your first purchase (and I get a bonus, too!)