The Lemon that started it all…

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First, I don’t NEED to justify the “lemon” situation in my Follow Me Monday video (maybe the container of lemon wedges was actually for the WHOLE table? Ya think? …AND maybe I only needed 2 Lemon wedges to make the kind of lemonade I like… and maybe I gave the server a HUGE tip because she put up with us… and maybe I was a server for a few years, so I UNDERSTAND… ).

Anyway, the point of this post is to express how I feel. I am not one of those people that can bottle stuff up inside. That’s just not me. I put myself out there on these videos and it’s scary. I also work very hard every week getting these videos made for all of you. I felt the response this week (I actually had to delete some of the comments) was not too positive. I want to continue making videos, but if I feel like this every Monday, it’s definitely not going to work.

Just please try to remember that I have feelings…

Oh and when I talked to my hubby about the whole lemon ordeal he said, “What lemons? When did we have lemons?” Him saying that made me feel so much better… made me realize once again, that this whole lemon crisis is NOT a big deal!

…And one more thing—it is just a stinkin’ lemon!

Join The Discussion

Comments 821

  1. Laura

    Collin – you are known in my house as my savings Guru! You have opened my eyes to so many things so keep doing what you’re doing, especially the videos – they are unique and any mistakes you make in them are just adorable and endearing!!

    Honestly almost everyone I know (especially women) around here always order water with lemon for their drink everywhere. And it’s not about being cheap, it’s actually about trying to be healthy and lay off the soda.

  2. Jen

    There are mean and judgemental people out there! Delete their posts and move on. I have been surprised at how you post about a candy and 50 people say the candy isn’t good. If they don’t want the deal you’re telling us about then MOVE ON! It’s easier when their focus is chocolate, harder when it’s you! I love your videos, you are so cute and when you are whispering in an aisle I feel like you’re sharing a secret with me. I like that you make mistakes, you’re human! Keep the videos coming!

  3. Sharon

    You can’t please everyone. Ignore the nasty people and concentrate on the nice ones.
    I always order water with lemon because I can’t stand how sweet the lemonade usually is – sugar water with a lemon dragged through it. I love diet soda, but it’s too expensive in a restaurant.
    And I’ve had servers get irritated because I used a coupon – I’ve been treated like riffraff because they saw the coupon laying there.

  4. Jill

    Collin, You have taught me so much. Please do not be discouraged by negetive comment. I pray you will be blessed as you are a blessing to others. It is not our money we are saving but Gods money that we just manage. Thank you for teaching us how to manage Gods money more effectively so we can give to others in need.

  5. Theresa

    You know what Collin. You will never be able to satisfy everybody so don’t even try. I haven’t even read all the negatives comments. I usually don’t. Why waste my time on those type of people. I have for your years only ordered water when I go out to eat because of the outrageous price they charge for drinks and Europe is even worse because they don’t give free refills. Besides for me I always need to be drinking more water and this is a good way to add a little more. Collin I love your Follow Me Videos so please don’t let a few sour apples ruin it for the rest of your many loyal fans.

    • Theresa

      I should have said a few sour LEMONS!!!!

    • momwhocares

      I completely agree – especially about needing more water. Restaurants want people to order sodas etc…. because they make so much money off of them. It only costs them about .10 a cup and they charge about $1.50 for one with refills. The thing is, those restaurants do not care about the obesity problem in America and what it does to the health of children and adults and how much it costs everyone to go home and lose that weight, or pay for those darn medical bills when Americans weight issues start causing serious health issues.

      Nope, those restaurants do not care about what it costs their patrons to choose soda or teas etc… instead of water. They are more worried about making more money and it seems to work. All those people hating on Collin for ordering water and making lemonade and thinking she should have ordered a beverage (mostly what is not healthy for anyone).

      I actually told my MIL I felt bad about ordered water when I go out to eat and use coupons. She looked at me like I was crazy and asked me, WHY? I told her – they waiter will think I am cheap and probably not going to tip him well and give me bad service. She told me that I shouldn’t feel that way as I do it to be healthier and that the waiter is wrong to push that on any customer. She also said that is just another point of marketing schemes to push up your total bill to get a better tip, even if given lousy service. As the common rule is 15%-20% of the bill should be the tip. She said that is only if the service is worth it and a suggestion. Which is true, I have had bills that only amounted to about $12 and still paid about $7 tip. So, My MIL was right, don’t let people make you think that ordering water is a bad thing. Lastly, if you told all those restaurants if they gave free lemons that they would have more customers each day (even ones with coupons). I bet they would offer free lemons – I mean come on, many of these places offer FREE KIDS MEALS just to get you in the door, which costs more than a freaking Lemon!

      I am strong on ethics as I am sure Collin knows, but I also am not ignorant to politics of business either and that is where I think many of Collins “Ethics” readers are confused.

      Think of the Ethics behind couponing for manufacturers – they push their coupons to increase their sales to move higher up on the stock market making it look like consumers are still paying the high prices for things like those expensive razors (Gillette fusion for example) and they turn around and pay out those coupons and write them off as a tax exemption and still make money. So, they stock markets reflect one thing and the truth is sadly another! Or do these ethics readers not watch CNN and the report on the stock market.

      Either way, a few lemons to increase sales in any business is NOT a lOSS – especially when their waiters make good tips and stay working for them, which decreases the employee turnover rate; which BTW cost a lot of money to hire and train new employees. And a restaurant business needs waiters to run a business! Think big picture people, not small lemons!

  6. sara b

    Collin,
    I say you have to remember there are always going to be negative people who feel the need to state their opinion. Just remember you know in your heart you are doing good, not evil. You are helpful to so many people and I would hate for them to “win” by you not doing your follow me mondays. I LOVE them. You are so real in the video and it really connects you to your “followers” 🙂 WE LOVE YOU COLLIN!!

  7. Christa

    Collin,

    I did not take the time to read any of the comments. However, I can only imagine what people might of said if it required to state that your feelings were hurt. I just want to apologize for anyone that might have the ignorance to say something rude. I believe if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

    On that note, let me just tell you that I think you are doing a fabulout job!!! I don’t know what I would do without your blogs. Not only are your suggestions and ideas fabulous, but I refer you to people I know and meet every day. Every time I go to a store and save a bundle – they ask me how I do it. I always give hip2save all the credit. I’ve never blogged before, b/c I was too busy saving money, but I think it’s important that you know that you have readers that think you are smart, whitty, and talented. When your blog went down, are entire neighborhood started calling each other lost. We didn’t know what we would do without your blog.

    Just remember. Do not let a few bad apples spoil the bunch. Keep up the good work.

    Thanks Again.

  8. Andrea

    Collin, I am sorry to hear that some people left rude comments on your previous posts. Those people are jealous of you. You’re amazing. I love to look at your videos even though I am deaf. I don’t understand anything you’re saying but I love to see you. You’re always happy and that’s what keep me going with the coupons. Thank you Collin. 🙂

  9. ellen

    It’s really a shame when people are coming to this website to use what they want, but then feel they can justify making rude comments about the wonderful lady that is enabling them to get all these great deals…as a side note, I didn’t get to watch the video yet, but I saw the picture with the lemons in your glass, Collin, and laughed to myself, ” looks like somebody else uses lemons, too..” only I put Splenda in with mine, free lemonade..keep up the GREAT work, PLEASE!

  10. Kerstin

    We love your videos!!! Thanks for being so personable and real. It is so much more inspiring than some other websites that just put out the “facts” of couponing.
    God bless you!
    Kerstin

  11. Toni

    Collin, that’s the reason I love you and your blog – you don’t pretend to be someone your not. I too, order water with lemon when we eat out. This started because the tap water in our area tastes awful. If people think I’m cheap, let them. Maybe some people took your meaning of lemonade wrong. I’m sure most of the nasty comments didn’t come from your regular readers and they don’t know the real you that you know.

    • Toni

      That should be the real you that we know (not that you know). That’s what happens when I try to talk on the phone and type too.

  12. Michele

    Collin –

    Please don’t stop making the videos. I loved it and I love your blog! You give me such great ideas and my husband is so proud of what I’ve done and you are the reason I was able to save so much money for our family. thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

    Please don’t let a few mean-spirited comments deter you from the great work you do!

  13. Sarah

    Collin, I am sorry you have to read any bad comments. Please, please know that you are doing good, great work on this site and I would definetly feel lost without your site or your videos every monday. And P.S. people have been ordering water and lemon for years there is nothing wrong with that. God people get over yourselves.

    Great Job Collin. Three cheers for you!!!! Hip-Hip Horray, Hip-Hip Horray, Hip-Hip Horray.

  14. Julie

    Love your videos!!!! Some people are just mean. Your blog has been a blessing in my life, something I look forward to everyday. 🙂

  15. crystal

    I love your follow me mondays, i tell all my new coupon friends to check them out so they can really get how it all works. So please keep them coming besides I’m still waiting on another commisary one lol 🙂

  16. Courtbey

    Wow! My daughter and husband both love lemon in there water and tea so we get a decent ammount when we go anywhere! It’s just a lemon! Not like you asked for a block of cheese or something expensive a lemon cost on average .25 cents! Don’t let people like that bother you! I love you videos an your math cracks me up. Hahaha!!

  17. Jenn

    Collin – I must say this weeks Follow Me Monday video was one of my favorites! I can’t believe anyone would nit pick on a few lemons and over look all of the hard work you do putting these videos out there and keeping this web site up to date with the latest deals. Your website is by far the best deal finding website I’ve found, and I would hate to have a few sour grapes (lemons) ruin it for the rest of us. Please keep up the wonderful and and fun work!

  18. megan

    Oh no! I didn’t read the comments either. Nor did I notice the lemons. Sorry people were rude and critical. Keep doing what you do. Maybe an assistant moderator would be a good idea? Then you don’t have to deal with it and they can clean up some of the GARBAGE some of your readers spew.

  19. megan

    I’m pretty sure a lemon should appear in every episode from now on. Screw ’em! hahahah

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      that would be hilarious! start the tradtional follow me and lemon mondays!! hahaha

      • Melissa

        I agree, I think you should have a lemon in every video from now on. That would be a good laugh. The people that complained, will always complain, that is just their nature. I enjoy you and am very thankful you do what you do. You have helped my family of 6 in so many ways! Thanks for the tips and the good deals! I love your site!

    • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

      LOL! I AGREE! ;P too funny!

  20. Rdogx78

    I was a server for several years while going to college. It was a bummer when a 4 top wouldn’t order drinks, but I’m not going to make a big deal over it. Oh well one table who cares. I don’t think server’s should be running their mouth crying about having to cut extra lemons, if they work at a decent restaurant they should have a lemon cutter that cuts wedges in one motion. Anywho, keep ordering the lemons! Servers, stop crying about it!

  21. corrine

    this is actually the first “follow me monday” clip that i watched, and it was because i read the comments and wanted to find out how you made this lemonaid!! people here are right, you can’t please everyone, and for those few bad seeds, you have quadruple the amount of good ones!! keep up the good work! i saved 70.00 at the grocery store this weekend, and couldn’t have done it without your help!! i’ve actually even got my husband excited about using coupons and saving money…..and you have no idea how long i have been trying to get that to happen. you rock collin, and don’t you let anyone bring you down!!

  22. ALMA

    Collin, please don’t leave us all for the few that don’t deserve to have you anyway!!
    Thank you for all that u do, ur the best!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

  23. Jessica

    Collin,
    You are amazing! I can’t believe the work that you put into this blog so others can enjoy all the amazing deals you find. How easy it would be for you to keep all the savings to yourself, but instead you decided to help all of us during these tough times. I love you blog! My mom and I love the deals you find us because our budgets are so tight, but your deals allow us to still have fun shopping. I’m sorry that some people have nothing better to do then go through life and criticize. Perhaps they should criticize themselves so we can have better people on this earth to be around. Anyway, you rock! And I kind-of liked how you hunched over because it made me feel like you were talking right to me. 🙂 Keep up the great work you do. 🙂

  24. Tracy

    COLLIN I HOPE ALL THESE POSTS HAVE SHOWN HOW MUCH WE REALLY DO APPRECIATE YOU!!!

  25. Tammy

    Collin I think you are just too stinking cute!!! Please do not let those “Negative Nancys” upset you! There are always people who just want to cause trouble or make others unhappy – – please ignore them! You are a wonderful person and have taught me lots! I love your helpfullness on your blog. You just keep up what you are doing and having fun with it!
    I don’t even know what was said but personally I only order water when I go out and always ask for lemon in it! Thanks for being so sweet and for being you!!

  26. Leesa

    Collin, we love you! I looked forward to Mondays now just for your Follow Me Monday videos! Don’t let a few people bring you down when SO many of us love you. Keep up the great work! You have saved my family hundreds and hundreds of dollars, compound that to all of the families you help. One word, amazing!

  27. Christina

    Hey you do a great job. I admire you and what you do to help others. You could just be keeping all this good information and deals to yourself. Stay positive. DO NOT LET A BUNCH OF SOUR LEMONS try to discourage you!!!

  28. Nakeisha

    I just got done reading your post this morning and I would like to say keep up the good work. I’ve been couponing for 2 weeks now and your site is my favorite by far.
    P.S.
    I’ve done the lemon, water and sugar deal too. I didn’t want to pay for soda (it does add up when it’s a family of four buying drinks)! And for your critics, they’re upset, because you found I way to save money and they are mad they didn’t find out first! God Bless You and Your Family!!!

  29. Heather

    Collin, you ROCK!! I don’t know what I would do without your website and your videos. You have helped me so much about couponing and saving money. Some people just need to be negative about others to make themselves feel better! Keep up all your hard work and THANKS!!

  30. Kellie

    I cherish your blog and have found it is the first thing I do in the mornings. You have helped me save so much money and have made me laugh at the same time:) Thank you for all you do!

  31. Jaden

    I think you are doing an amazing job, and I would be SO bummed if you stopped the videos because of a few negative nellies…. Please don’t let it get to you Collin! You have many loyal fans who think you are incredible… And seriously, over a lemon?! People just need to chillax… 😉 lol

  32. Collin (Mrs. Hip)

    To the people who feel they need to leave negative comments-go find a new site to complain too! Its the haters in the world like that, that make it hard to continue to smile and act appropriate. OMG! Collin, you rock and everything you do is so appreciated! You make people who you don’t even know smile and pray for you for all the wonderful things you have showed us.

  33. Barbi

    Collin: I am a grandmother that coupons with my daughter–it’s kind of like a competition who can do better…anyway…This is my very favorite blog-site. I enjoy Mondays because there will be that incredible video that you entertain us with. One of life’s 45 lessons that I really try to live by, “What other people think of you is none of your business.” Just keep doing what you are doing. It just proved the addage, “One rotten apple will spoil the barrel”….but only if you let it. By the response posted here you must be doing something right.

  34. Jill

    Thanks so much for your videos! You are so sweet and I look forward to your Follow Me Monday series, keep up the good work! Don’t let people who have too much time on their hands get you down.

  35. Sara Newton

    Collin, I just wanted to say thank you for all that you do to help others save money. In reality, you could just save money for yourself instead of sharing all your tips. As a matter of fact, last night after I listened to your video, my husband and I had a talk about how to save money on dates. That’s one area that we’ve always wondered how to save money at. We always just get water, but we never even thought about the lemons–and for the record, I think it’s a good idea. They OFFER them…so why not use them if you want to? Anyway, thank you for all that you do, I have saved so much because of what I’ve learned from you.

  36. Jamie

    Honestly, people are jealous! You’re beautiful, full of great ideas, a successful website and loving family. Don’t let a couple bad eggs ruin the experience for you! We’d be lost without you! And I love your videos!

  37. Wendy

    I LOVE this site!! I about went crazy when it was down 🙂

    I’ve noticed that SOME people talk a whole lotta Smack, sh**, whatever, when they have the cloak of anonymity and no real fear of retribution. What a bunch of COWARDS!!!!! Collin, you keep doing what you do and the REST of us will keep loving you and thanking you for all you do!!!!

  38. Anon

    As a so called ‘lemon hater or sour puss’ by your other readers I wanted to respond and let you all know that I am not upset with Collin over making the lemonade at the table. Personally I would not do it, but to each his own. The reason I commented originally (the deleted post that was SO negative) was to express my opinion that I thought it was over the top. I am sorry to all of you who may have been offended. The comment was not intended to cause such a stir, it was merely an opinion and was not rude or disrespectful in any way to Collin.

    ATTN Collin: I am sorry you felt the need to edit the site and remove my comment. I have been a loyal reader for months now and do appreciate the tips for coupons, deals, etc. It was not my intent to ruffle feathers.

  39. Gwen

    I think your videos r awesome!! I have not read the other posts but PLEASE don’t stop making the video’s……U do such a wonderful job! I love this site because of your “real-life” videos…..the video’s r “raw” just like your lemons….lol!!!!! And if some ppl don’t like it , well i say “tuff-toodles”…..U r an inspiration, and I feel so blessed that u have chosen to share this information with so many ppl!!!! Good job and God BLess! ;o)

  40. Shirley

    We call those negative people the 20 percenters. 20 percent of a group will be negative and not like something- who cares! 80 percent love ya!

  41. Collin (Mrs. Hip)

    I’m sorry so many people made such a big stink about lemons, I thought it was a clever idea! Ignore the idiots and remember all of us who love and appreciate all that you do for us!

  42. kim

    Collin,
    I love your site. I was lost for the few days your site was down, while you were shifting to your new blog site. Don’t be deterred. You help save tons of $$ for my family and I. You give your time and effort to create this blog. And I truly love reading it and watching your videos. Your videos are wonderful. You manage to always come off as unpretentious, fun, and as someone most of us would call a friend. Please don’t be discouraged. SO MANY LOVE YOU!!! Take care, relax have a warm bath and forget any negativity. You are enhancing my life as well as a lot of others. Keep trucking!!

  43. Christine

    Hey Collin. I don’t normally read comments since I view blogs through Google Reader but for some reason last night I clicked to your site to read the comments. I couldn’t believe what people were saying. I seriously think they have too much time on their hands really. So don’t worry about it (although I know it is hard not too…I’m like that too)

    On a side note, I love your blog and it is very helpful. And I thought you said that you live in Jacksonville on your video. I live in Orange Park (Fleming Island), so small world.

    Good luck to you!

  44. Noelle

    Oh Please! All this controversy over a lemon! Some people need to find other things to worry about. I love your Follow Me Monday videos, I laugh through them all (and learn something, go figure!) Not only is water cheaper, it’s better from you than the sugary sodas/teas that restaurants serve. I always order an ice water, WITH a lemon! I love your blog and check it many times a day!

  45. Mo Keaton

    I thought the making lemonade was funny, because that’s exactly what I do when I order out. Plus, we have an abundance of lemons at our table, because most of my family drinks water with a slice of lemon. So I take everyone’s extras and add sugar and make lemonade too. I guess I missed the bad comments about using lemons to make lemonade. It costs those restaurants about 5 cents to give you a good sized pop. They in turn charge you $2 or more. A few lemon wedges isn’t going to make the restaurant go broke. I hope you keep doing the follow me Monday videos, they have been so helpful. Keep up the good work Collin. 🙂

  46. AngelaG

    PLEASE don’t be discouraged!!!! You are inspiring to me!!! I log onto your blog first thing every morning….and several more times during the day:) I’ve learned so much from you and LOVE your thrifty tips!!!!! Your videos are awesome! You are adorable on camera!!! Know that you are appreciated!!!!

  47. Heather

    I love your site and just wish people would zip their lids! If you do not like what she has to say don’t look at this website. And as far as that being insulting to the server, she did not ask the server to mix it or anything, just asked for a large side of lemons. I have been a server for six years and last time I checked that was part of my job description!

  48. Amy

    We love you Collin and appreciate everything you do. I am sorry you had some people being nasty. There are morons everywhere, but thousands of people are indebted to you for how much money you’ve saved them. Blessings!

  49. Collin (Mrs. Hip)

    You rock Collin!!!! I can’t imagine anyone providing you negative comments on that video. I order lemons all the time too. Keep up the good work, you do a fantastic job!!!!

  50. Sarah

    HI Collin,
    just wanted to tell you that your site is wonderful and it’s the first thing I check when i turn on my computer. thanks for taking your time to find us all those great deals, I don’t even know how much money I have saved since I started reading your blog. your follow me monday videos are great and don’t let some negitive nellie stop you from doing them, there are still many of us who look forward to them. thanks again

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