Since we have a lot of new readers, I thought I would re-post this. Then, you will all know how deals and freebies work and a few other things about Freebies2Deals and what types of things you will see here.
I’ve been writing this deal blog for a little over 3 years now and I realize that as the blog has gotten bigger, the less you have been able to hear about me, why I do what I do, why I pick the deals I post, and basically the method behind the madness. So, if you aren’t a longtime Freebies2Deals reader, I thought I would share things you may not know about me and the Freebies2Deals blog:
- I started couponing to help our family make ends meet. We went from two incomes to one almost overnight when I decided to be a stay at home mommy. It was an important decision for me. Scary to do.. but definitely worth it. I’m so glad I took the leap of faith. I was so amazed at the deals, coupons and freebies out there that I started sharing them with others and Freebies2Deals was created.
- Couponing and saving money is something I am passionate about and could honestly talk about for hours without getting bored! Ridiculous, I know!
- I don’t post every free sample deal that pops up online. I purposefully pass on some of the free sample deals I don’t find creditable enough, that have weird looking website pages, or seem like they may be fake. Definitely don’t want any of us to enter in our information to a phishing website or have people steal our info!
- I also don’t post freebies from companies that won’t last long. So when companies offer a freebie to the first 1,000 or so, I usually pass. There are over 80,000 of you and the rest of the frugal hunters from other blogs all competing against each other to get 500 or 1,000 freebies. They go in a matter of mili-seconds and it isn’t worth the headache for you to try to get one. So, I usually don’t post them. I try to only post the freebies that will give you guys some actual time to try and grab.
- I’ve always wanted Freebies2Deals to be a very Family-Friendly blog. That means, I don’t post about things that are inappropriate, am conscious about pictures that are posted and like to keep them modest (like posting Victoria’s Secret logos instead of skimpy clothed models), and just try to make the website a place that if your kids happened to see you on it- you wouldn’t need to be worried about what pictures or information was posted.
- I’m a very religious person. I go to church each week and take off Sundays to do so- and to spend time with my family. I’m a big believer in keeping the Sabath Day Holy. So I don’t work on Sundays because of that. I also realized that as much as I love posting deals and sharing them with all of you, my family will always and should always come first. So, you won’t find me online on Saturdays either. I try to use my time wisely, and schedule deals that aren’t time sensitive and post as much as I can. But, I want to be a good Mom and spend time offline with my little girl, newborn baby and with my hubby when he gets home. You might not find as much content on my site as another deal blogging site, but I decided awhile ago that that wasn’t who I was as a person and trying to be like that made our family suffer. So, that is why I only focus on posting only the best deals. 🙂
- I get and read just about all of your comments! You might think that I don’t, but I usually see just about all of them. Many of you reply and answer questions and that REALLY helps me out since I can’t reply to all of them that I get. But, if anything needs to be addressed and isn’t answered, I’m there! (FYI- any comment that has a URL in it usually gets automatically sent to a spam folder and doesn’t get posted. So, I do usually miss those since they don’t get posted.)
- I don’t coupon as much as I used to. Since building up my stockpile/food storage, I have found that I don’t have to go shopping as much as I used to when I first started couponing. And, it has honestly been a blessing because once more of you starting visiting Freebies2Deals on a regular basis, I started to run out of time to share deals and find my own deals and shop in-store. But, that is something I am doing more of now that the baby has been born. So, be watching for that in a few months!
- My sincere hope is that all of you can become deal/coupon masters on your own! I hope to give you the tools that you need to be successful and then once you get the hang of it to venture out on your own and find your own deals and matchups. I’ll always be here, but something about finding deals on your own makes you feel so good! And, it is fun to brag about too!
- I love to see the deals you find and email to me that I can share with the rest of the F2D Readers. All of them may not be a good fit for the majority of us, so I do sometimes have to pass or don’t get the email in time for the deal to work.
- Anytime a deal either expires, or a freebie runs out, I will update the post in RED letting you all know and crossing out the deal. HOT Deals or Free Samples go fast and if you don’t request it fast enough, you won’t get it. If you only get Freebies2Deals daily email updates, and something changes on the site after 1pm MST, you will get an older version of the post. So, it is really important for you to check Freebies2Deals.com directly if you want to see updates on a post. For example, coupon codes could stop working, or change, or there may be other clues that have been added in to help you get the deal to work. I NEVER want to leave you guys hanging. So as soon as I learn that something has changed, I will update is ASAP or clarify it in a way to help you guys get it. It doesn’t make any sense for me to post something and have it not work. So, if you are having issues with a deal, check the website directly.
- Couponing and deal hunting helped our family get out of debt! It took time. But sticking with it really paid off (literally) in the long run and I couldn’t be more thankful that I was able to stumble on to learning all about it!
There you have it! Just some fun tidbits about me and Freebies2Deals!
Brittanie P
This is a great post Melea! I have to say I have been couponing and finding deals for years but I got so much better at it after following your blog! You have been such a great inspiration to me, so much that I have started my own blog in hopes to help others like you have helped me! It has all changed my life and made it easier on my family since I am a stay at home mom myself and my husband is the only one working! Thank you for all you do!
Katherine
Just want to drop a quick note and let you know how much I enjoy and appreciate all your posts. Thank you for what you do! I consider this a blessing to get such a wonderful FREE service from you too!!! Good luck with the rest of the pregnancy and take it easy!!! It’s always fun to see/grab those deals while/if I could! THANK YOU!!!
Rhonda
I love your blog. You have steered me in the direction of many great deals. I wish I was a couponer, but I’m not very patient with it. LOL Maybe someday I can, as I would like to be able to stay home with my girls. But for now, I work and just keep watching F2D for great freebies and deals! Thank you for the time you take to share with us.
Best wishes for the remainder of your pregnancy, and God bless!
Rhonda
Laurie Ann
I love your blog and all the help you’ve given to me and my family. You are really such a blessing to those of us who are stay at home mommies trying to make it all work on a tight budget.
Penny
Love, love, love your blog! I have been reading everyday for over a year now! Thank you so much for all your hard work. It is appreciated!
Margaret
Melea, I think you have one of the most uplifting deal blogs ever. I always feel better when you post. Thanks for sharing such wonderful information about who you are. I think it puts the human element back to these deals and this blog. I love your blog!
Melea Johnson
Oh thanks Margaret! That was the nicest comment! I really appreciate it!
Emily D.
Thank you for sharing. I love knowing about the people who blog….makes them ‘real’ instead of just nobodies. 😀
Marie
Thanks for sticking to your values! You are a great example of balance and I value and appreciate that!
carrie
Thank you for all your hard work to help all of us out!!! I appreciate it a lot!!! I love your blog!!
Janie Sabin
I started couponing about a year and half ago and I have followed you from the start and I love your blog. Keep up the good work.
Kristi
Thank you for all you do. I have always used coupons so I could also be a stay home Mom, but I have learned so much and gotten better because of your tips. I love all the freebies too. Thanks!!
NK
Melea, you have helped so many of us save money. Even though I don’t use as many of your tips as I’d like to (and will, eventually!), I’m already amazed at how much money I’m saving at the grocery store. That’s awesome that you’ve found your passion in sharing your love of couponing, and kudos to you for still being able to put your growing family first, even with all that you do for us.
Melea Johnson
Thanks NK! I realize I’m different than other bloggers. But you have to do what works for you and your family right?? 🙂
Lori Lind
Mostly because of your blog, I started couponing and deal-seeking. I love it, and with your help I’ve saved so much money! I appreciate you sharing your life–it almost feels like I’m following a friend’s blog! I especially love that you post lots of local deals here in Salt Lake and Utah County. I also admire your willingess to share your faith and values! We need more people like you in the world! THANK YOU! 🙂
Melea Johnson
Aw thanks Lori! That was sweet of you to say.
Shannon E.
I LOVE your website and looking at all the great freebies and deals every day!!! Your info. has gotten me lots of great things for free and cheap. I also just started the couponing process because of your site and I am excited to save even more money at the grocery store. It definitely helps to make ends meet especially going from two incomes to one, like you also have done. Thank you for the time you put in to finding such good deals for us:)
Melea Johnson
Thanks Shannon! So glad the site can help out a bit. 🙂
Melea Johnson
Thanks everyone for your sweet comments! It made my day!
Tammy
Thanks for taking the time to share these deals with us! I think it’s great you made the decision to be a SAHM. I made that same decision 20 yrs ago and have loved every minute. My baby graduates on Saturday and leaves for college in August. Times goes by so quickly…
Kassidy
thanks so much for all you do!!! I have gotten so many wonderful things from my family thanks to your website! I am so glad you do what you do!
Joni
Thanks for all you do. I love that you put family first, your kids will grow up so fast, enjoy them while they are little, and thanks for never posting inappropriate pictures on here, love that!
Rachel S.
I love that you don’t post the deals that go too fast. It usually just causes frustration for people. I love your website. Keep up the good work!
Elaine
I totaly respect your views. Some people seem to be on-line all the time. I know you have a life. I really enjoy following you and have gotten many good deals and have learned alot.
Kav
Hi,
Thanks soo much for sharing that. I REALLY respect that you put family first. I wish more people nowadays would do exactly that. Thanks for taking the time out and sharing the deals with us Moms who don’t have the time (especially us working mothers). God bless u and your family! K
Jade
And we Thank you!
Ilka
You are awesome! I lover your blog very much and look at it several times each day! 🙂
Carolyn
I am so glad I found your blog through facebook. You are amazing. Thank you SO MUCH for all the wonderful deals you share with us every day.
Denise G.
That’s a great idea to tell us about yourself. It’s always interesting to hear people’s stories.
Bree
If you live in Utah I have found the best way to outfit and supply everything you could imagine for my little ones at the Hilltop Methodist Church’s children and maternity consignment sale held twice annually. I won’t put the website since you said that would make the post into spam, but I’m sure you could find it if you looked. 🙂 It’s fabulous.
Rosemarie
Thanks for sharing! I like that you have made your site very personal.
*LyndiLou*
I’ve always wanted to get into using coupons more, but the other sites are so messy, quickly outdated, or confusing that I don’t go back. Your blog is warm and welcoming. It’s easy to read, understand and follow. You don’t get spammy and impersonal… and that really appeals to me. I still need to get on making a coupon binder, but I’ve already saved a lot on online deals through you. Thank you for all your hard work. I’m a HUGE fan! 😀
Melea Johnson
Oh good!! That is so glad to hear. I really try to make it as easy as possible!
Shannon
You are awesome! Thanks so much for your blog! I have learned and keep learning so much. I am always amazed at what I can get with coupons when I check your store shopping lists! Thanks so much!
rose
I am addicted to your site, a new follower for about 2 weeks…thanks for sharing all the deals I love it..also love the app. I had 2 questions
I know you can share a deal from the website with the email, fb, etc buttons but can you share from the app as well?
Also are the deals on the site the same as the app? I saw one posted last night on my app but dont see it on my computer today when I look at older deals is there a search button that would help me find it on the website? I cant print from my smartphone thats why
thanks again, you rock
Anni Puciloski
Thank you for all you do … And thanks to your family for sharing you when you have time!
Everything you post is always appreciated by me and love the app !!!
Michele
Thanks for sharing, Melea. A few questions: How did you know when your stock pile or food storage was enough to not shop so often?
Also, do you or any other reader know how long milk can be used if it’s been frozen and it’s past expiration date when you take it out of the freezer?
Janelle
Melea, you are one amazing lady. I appreciate your time and love for helping others save money. I have saved alot since since joining. So THANK YOU!
Janelle
Iris Garcia
Thanks Melea!!! you are a bless in our lives!
Jeni
I wish I was organized enough to do all of this. I am a newbie here and have enjoyed some of your posted deals. I am getting better tho and that is a good thing.
Jo
You help so many of us smile big!
Hilary
I have been following you on Facebook for a while now, and just recently started reading your blog. It’s fantastic. Thank you for all you do. I will be checking in daily from now on!
martha sharp
Thanks for all you do,it helps alot of people !!! It;s also good to know family comes first as it should be more people should put their family first. Keep up the great work. I ( we) really appreciate it.
Denise
You quickly went from someone I “didn’t know” to my absolute favorite site in less than a week! I love the deals you offer and hey! who doesn’t love a site with their own phone app? I can get the deals right on my phone when I’m away from the computer. It gets me excited to read the posts! Thank you for all that you do. I know it’s not an easy job but I really appreciate everything!
Melea Johnson
oh, Thanks Denise!!
Steph
I just want to say thank you for all you do. It was great to read that post and fin out more about you and your awesome website. Thank you again
Tonya Adams
I love your blog and I’m so thankful for the time (which has to be significant) you spend posting such great deals! You saved us SO much money this last Christmas and I really appreciate it. THANK YOU and keep it up!! I wish I still lived in Utah so I could take advantage of all the great Utah deals. Still, love the site and everything you post!!!!!
Brittany
Thanks for this. I have been on this site for awhile now and just re-read the post about getting to know you. I just wanted to say thank you for not being silent about your values and for being religious. It is nice to know that there are people like you who are willing to share their beliefs and stick with them. It’s nice to know that there are others like me who are willing to make religion a part of their lives. You probably get negative emails from people but as soon as I read this post, I knew I needed to let you know how I felt. Thanks again.