So how did this come about? There's a killer sale at Shaws this week and I mean a sale like I haven't seen in a long time. One of the best things about this sale is that there is a HUGE cross section of product lines involved and many of the deals are profitable. Do you remember my post from my last food bank trip? And how I vowed to make a difference? Well, when I saw this opportunity I was really excited. I knew that I could help stock the food bank without spending any money. So I called my Shaws and pre-ordered a hell of a lot of paper towels. 125 rolls to be exact. I got to the store at the crack of dawn and picked up my towels. I also got one of each set of deals that I was interested in. All of which would be well received donations.
When I got home I was alerted to the fact that someone from my town who also coupons slandered me on a competitor's website. She said some false, crappy things that were baseless. She also accused me in the comment section of another post for clearing out Walgreens which is another fallacy. Matter of fact, I haven't been to Walgreens in weeks. I too have had problems finding what I need at that store and have been too busy with other deals to be bothered.
So back to the sale at hand for a moment, yesterday I went to 8 different Shaws to get the deals I wanted. I did that so I would'nt deplete any one store's stock. I drove around from 7am til 8pm to gather enough products to make a sizable donation to the food bank. I will post on Wednesday of next week my trip to the foodbank to illustrate what I've done.
I don't coupon to sell things at flea markets. I do this to help my family and many other families. I'm not perfect. I have faults in many other areas, but in this one thing I stand beyond reproach. If this is the one small thing I can do to make a difference in someone else's life I'm going to keep on doing it. Case in point, I'd like you to look at the faces below. These are the guys I support. I won't let one person intimidate me to stop creating smiles on the faces you see in these pictures.
This will be the last blogpost I ever write to defend my character. I will also no longer approve comments that are mean spirited. I will post all comments that I believe are fair and worthy of reading as I always have. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I know my way of doing things seems over the top, but I always strive to use my skills to teach and supply other people with what they need to be successful.
The Coupon Goddess
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38 comments:
I think part of the problem is that more and more people are getting into "serious" couponing. That means that if every person takes just a few of the good deals, the shelves will still get cleared out pronto.
I live in a town with one store that has great deals, so if you see me buy 20 of one product, I bought it at one store. But there are others who live in bigger towns that can go to five stores and buy four things at each.
Also, just because someone takes the last item on the shelf, doesn't make them a shelf cleaner- just the last person to buy the stuff.
Thanks for sharing all of your great deals with us. It just makes me want them to build a Shaw's near me!
When I see the faces of those brave men across the pond, you should never have to defend yourself. They have sworn by solemn oath to do it for you. You do your deals and let help them do theirs. You, just as they -Sine Pari
you go girl stand up for your self. wtg.
Don't let anyone get you down. She's just jealous!! You're blog has been an inspiration to me! I've been able to save $4,000 this year and have started donating to my own local food shelter. You have payed it forward to many, many people. That's what counts. You know what they say about Karma!
No need to defend yourself against the jealous haters of the world. The same deal is going on at Jewel and the shelves have been cleared yes, but I am reading that the warehouse doesn't have enough stock for the volume of people wanting to buy the products.
I wouldn't worry about it. Your a great person! Wish you lived in Chicago so we could clear the shelves together. JUST KIDDING people! I haven't even been to Jewel to take advantage of this sale. And Mel does it right, she pre-orders.
Have a great day!
Caroline
Jeesh. Well, I love your site and you are a huge help to me and helping me save money for my family. Don't know why people have to go negative.
I have to agree with the other posters. Keep up the good work. Not only do I think that you are taking care of your family but also the troops and the food bank.
I too was in Shaws bright and early yesterday morning and was bummed out that I missed you. I saw the cases of paper towels and one of the workers were saying it's for the coupon. I had to run home because I forgot some of my coupons but when I returned you had already came and gone. I thought that I was going to bump into you and introduce myself. There will always be another time.
Again, keep up the great work.
You shouldn't have to defend yourself. I go to the same stores you do, and when the shelves are cleared, I think "oh well," and move on. (That's usually only an issue for me at CVS/Walgreens, however, rather than Shaw's.) People forget what the whole point of couponing is in the first place- to make sure your family is fed without breaking the bank, and if you can give back to the community, more power to you.
And I think it's been a while since I've gone to do a Catalina deal and I wasn't able to get something I wanted. I go to different stores too, but mostly to avoid drawing attention to myself (like I'm doing something wrong?!?) but the shelves are very rarely bare, at least of the things that I'm shopping for.
Kudos from us in NH. And thanks for the photos. They really help put a face on the effort. Looking forward to the Burlington, MA get together!
Mel, NEVER let other people bring you down. Honestly, who cares what is said on another website by someone who doesn't really matter. You are a good person who shares the deals (A+ in my book) and does it with style, grace and a great sense of humor.(A+) Your community and our troops are lucky to have your generosity as alot of personal effort is really put into getting the deals,packing it up and getting it where it needs to go. Although I don't live ANYWHERE close to you(in OH), I read your blog everyday and am truly inspired by you. Many blessings to you and your family.
Amen sista!
You shouldn't have to defend yourself Mel - you do fabulous work, on behalf of the food bank and the troops. I give you a standing O for all that you do, way to go.
I think that some people's anger comes from the shelf clearers - and folks, you know who you are, so don't go shying away from the title that fits - there are many in my town and they ain't donating it to the food bank. I do think they have a touch of the ole' OCD if you know what I mean. They are clearing the shelves in order to hoard it. I am sorry that the person who commented on the other blog threw you into that category.
Keep on keepin' on - you are doing great things by couponing. I always learn something new when I visit your blog and I also know that I need a Shaws near me like nobody's business!!!
That other website has some very mean-spirited posters on it. If I see something gone on a shelf, I come back another day. I enjoy your blog and your posts on AFC. Those other people need to get a life and worry about their own business.
Love you and your blog. I always post anonymously because I'm too lazy to figure out how to post with an identity. However, if I wanted to post mean comments that attacked you personally, I would do that with my true identity. A person that posts mean and hateful things anonymously is a coward and has suspicious motives.
Keep being who you are! The world would be such a nicer place if we all gave even a little bit.
Mel, sorry this happened. With all the great things you do it sucks that something so 6th grade may have effected your day. Keep up doing what you do and teaching others to do so as well. I've learned alot and find ways to give back as well to others, not to the extreme you do since with two under two going to the each store more than once a week is tough. And the one thing everyone needs to remember when that shelf is out of something and you really want the product-- rainchecks! (especially at cvs where they don't expire-- i have formula raincheck from my first child that i kept in case i need it for my infant)
Mel, what you do is beyond admirable!! Don't let anyone tell you different. I read your blog outloud to my husband and then scrolled down to the pictures. My husband got tears in his eyes and said "She's a good kid!!!" (he was choked up so he couldn't come up with anything more literal LOL). He admires so much what you do not just for our brave troops but for the food banks as well.
We admire your generous, genuine heart. This other person has no clue about you or what you do and the wonderful motives behind it. Keep doing what you do and know that so many of us commend you and are behind you 100%.
Mel,
I'm learn so much from reading your blog ~ keep up the good work. And by the way, when I showed at my Shaw's and let's see, Viva, Scott towels, Chex Mix and Betty Crocker potatoes were all sold out by 10:00 am (!), I didn't gripe about it. Just asked the manager "when's the next shipment; I'll be here early!" There's enough to go around for all of us....and thanks for the mention of preordering....just learned something else :-)
You go, girl!
Mel , I am so sorry you had to go thru this.. but I'm sure you know (as we all do ) what a great and generous person you are!! Keep up the great work! Sarah M
Mel, people who slam others on the internet are low class and cowardly. There are so many people that benefit from your posts and information, don't change a thing. I can't believe the drama, some people are rediculous.
I love reading your blog and think that you are an amazing and giving person! I really commend you on all of the wonderful contributions that you make to your community and our country. At the end of the day, you know and I know that you are making a difference. Therefore, it doesn't matter what someone else says about you.
Your blog always puts a smile on me and inspires me to be a better person, wife, and mother. I recently started volunteering more in my community because of what you do.
Cheers and stay positive!
Someone once told me "what other people think of you is none of your business". I often have to remind myself of that. You are doing amazing things and paying it forward. The negative is "on them". Don't let them get you down. I'm in Norwell and hoping to meet you! You do an amazing job! Keep it up! Judy
I hate that there are people like that! I think it's wonderful that you are sending to the troops. My son is in Afghanistan and my guild just packed 116 stocking packages today to send. There were quite a few freebies in the stuff I brought.
Goddess --- A woman of great beauty & grace which is YOU and of course this one for your couponing skills --- A female being of supernatural powers or attributes, believed in and worshiped by others LOL Your amazing the pictures of the troops brought a tear to my eye the young men/little boys so excited to get the goodies you sent. YOU NEVER have to defend your character please don't let this nasty person stop you from bringing joy to those young men who risk their life's for us. keep up the good work.
Susan
Mel, I wish I could do more sales like you, so I could help others as much as you do. You are one to be admired, never doubt that for a moment. You don't have to defend your actions to anyone.
Rose B
California
Mel, keep up the good work! I know the folks at the food bank love to see you coming and I'm sure the boys/girls serving our country look forward to coming home and thanking you personally. I know you don't clear shelves cuz I shop at the same stores you do!!! I enjoy reading your blog! Keep it up!
Theresa H.
Massachusetts
Ugh. Proof that there are mean people in every facet of life. Karma will catch up, I promise you.
Keep on doing what you're doing. You are a fabulous person making a difference in so many lives.
Melanie,
We think you are awesome. Keep up the good work. Fight the good fight.
Here's a little something for you, to take your mind off of any evil. Trust me. You won't be thinking of anything but "ohmygoodnessgracious".
This will help you use those crescent rolls from a couple of weeks ago....
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Sopapilla-Cheesecake/Detail.aspx
Oh, man, now I'm hungry.
Well said. I'm sorry you had to even write something like that. Remember our conversation, you would expect nothing else from the likes of those mouths.
You do so much and you are continually blessed in all sorts of ways because of it.I'm sure things you can not even see :)
Keep up the good work!
Chin up girlfriend. We love you donw here in Baton Rouge.
I agree, this should be your last post defending yourself. You've been there and done that. You don't have to prove ANYTHING to anybody but yourself.
Thanks for the long post. I LOVED the pictures of the soldiers.
Deb
Donating to our troops is such a great way to give back to our community! Some might be tempted to shove all the goodies in a corner in their house and stock up until there's no room to move (I've been watching that show Hoarders lately haha) - but the fact that you know these items are needed elsewhere and you distrubute them as such, is such a selfless, inspirational way to live your life. Thanks for being awesome! Don't worry about jealous internet naysayers - you have literally an army to back you up :D
I think their just jealous. They see you getting some great stuff and don't care that you share, and, frankly, it's none of their business!!!
Keep up the great work!!!You give us all something to strive for.
What a super bunch of supportive comments you have received! When individuals decide to utilize coupons for their own benefit (family) and manage to stretch their food dollars, it is commendable. When individuals decide to utilize coupons to place food, soap, paper products, etc. in the hands of needy families or our deserving men who serve, then I say 'hat's off' to them and 'keep up the good work'. I don't condemn or condone those who use coupons to stockpile stuff they in turn resell at a garage sale, yard sale, or flea market (or even on ebay). That is not my "style;" but I do commend someone like yourself who chooses to help others. (visit me @ http://www.chatwithvera.blogspot.com)
Honey if someone is hating on you.... you must be doing better than right! Keep up the good work. God does not like ugly so let the Devil's children look on in envy! You do so much good and you are never selfish. Always remember, you are not on the shelves... no one can label you!
You ARE amazing. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. :)
You go girl !!! Keep up the good work and thanks for all you do for OTHERS !!!
You have a heart of gold and don't let one person get to you. ;)
You inspire me and helped me to make it through these tough times, especially when it comes to Groceries.
Keep your head up high and keep on doing what you're doing. You're Awsome and the Troops agree too (as well as the foodbank :)
You go, girl!
Melanie,
Bottom line--You Rock!
(For anyone else reading the above, well-deserved string of encouraging comments, my name is Brian...I'm the commander of the unit in Iraq pictured above...and I'm a big fan.)
I can't tell you how much it means to all of us that you somehow find time and energy to keep us in mind with the multitude of activities you have going on every day. I think about how hectic and crazy my wife's schedule is back home when I'm gone, and I hear echoes of that frenetic pace in your posts. I'm sure it is no small feat to balance everything you do, but you do it with passion, grace and élan.
I have to tell you...when I'm exhausted and up to my eyeballs in the "fluid and dynamic situation" of life as a leader in a combat zone, and I read your witty, high-energy articles, it is both uplifting and inspiring. It is a rare occurrence to come across individuals with such a boundless reserve of energy. It is rarer still to meet people who find it within themselves to harness that energy and channel it in the service of those who could use some assistance.
You have character and integrity, and no one can take that away from you.
Thank you again for your thoughtful gifts. Each one is greatly appreciated.
And thank you for being one of the good ones!
Brian
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