The Lemon that started it all…
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!
Collin, well said! Your blog is one of the few bright spots in my life right now. I smile and giggle along with you (and your camera person 🙂 Thank you so much for all the hard work you do and reaching out to all of us.
I can’t believe people had such a fit about a stinking lemon! Honestly! Its a lemon! Anyway, the price of a couple lemon wedges is definitely made up for in the price of your meal! I do this all the time and have never had any complaints about in from the restaurants. Its a great way to save a buck or two. Thanks for all your great tips and please don’t stop making your videos! They’re too cute and really helpful and practical!
LOVE LOVE your site!
Just so you know, I’m having water, lemons, and sugar (Collin’s lemonade!) the next time I go out to eat in your honor!!! It’s a great tip and yes, drinks at restaurants costs so much money!!!
keep up they great work! I just did a couponing presentation for our Moms’ Group and listed your site as the number 1 place to go! 😉
collin, I hope you ignore the rude people that are out there they are just being mean some people are like that , I come to your blog every time I get on the computer which is just about everyday, you helped me save so much last year with your deal senerios i could not have done it alone ,I saved over $2000.00 dollars last year using coupons & rebates,and learning now to do it mostly from your web site. Learning to budget over the last 2&1/2 years,and using coupons & rebates,and with gods blessings my husband & I started the new year 2010 totally debt free, now with that said keep up the good work .I like your videos too,sometimes they make me laugh, you can be so funny but in a good way.
I love your Follow me Monday videos and I think you have the funnest personality! Please keep it up and don’t get discouraged by a few negative comments.
When other people offend me I try to remember the wise words of Eleanor Roosevelt:
No one can insult you without your consent!
Collin, I didn’t read all of todays comments on this subject but I did see that there are over 600! 600 people that love you and appreciate what you do. That is a heck of a lot of support.
There are a LOT of jerks, a-holes, and naysayers in the world. Don’t let those people have any of your time, thoughts, or energy. You know that you are other helping people, helping yourself, and helping your family. Remember that is why you do this. There will ALWAYS be negative, angry, disgruntled, and hateful people looking to spread their poison. Most of them were probably not even trying to be vicious – maybe just venting. Still, this was not the right forum to do it in!
You dedicate so much of your time to this blog and it really does impact the world. How many people can say that they positively impact so many people daily? You are very special Collin. Sorry this was so long, I just felt that this really needed to be said to you.
You do this site as a service to people who need help with stretching their dollars and someone was mean to you? You do a wonderful job using your gifts to help other people. I think your little videos are fabulous–informative and fun to watch.
Just remember a lot of people are on mood enhancers out there, and some of their prescriptions may not be quite worked out yet. Most of them have computers. Just food for thought.
I never thought to do that with lemon water but that is a great tip ,next time I’ll order the lemon water and make my own lemonade, soda is so expensive,see we learn something new everyday if you know where to look or where to blog.THANK YOU COLLIN.
Oh my God! The people who wrote you negative comments about the “lemons” (of which, I did not read because I will not waste my time on them!) are just jealous, nasty, miserable people. I actually feel sorry for these people as their life really has to be absolutely miserable. Do not waste your energy on them; you have a beautiful life, career (as the Hip couponer), and husband.
I love your site and your Follow me Mondays, even my kids (10 and 4) LOVE them. Do not change a thing and do not give up your videos because of these negative people. I rarely write comments on your blogs, but I was so upset I just had to. SO, keep up your hard work! We all love you!
I didn’t read any of the comments on your video, but I am sorry people were being jerks. I really can’t believe someone who comes here and gets all the benefits from your site would have the nerve to say something rude to you. I wish there was some sort of way you could block them so they would miss out on the great deals from now on 😉 Your site is great and you are great and ignore anyone else out there who says or implies otherwise.
Dang. People are getting crazy! Thanks for all you do! I can only wish I had the time to troll through people’s helpful blogs and look for something to complain about instead of being grateful for their time and dedication. Sheesh. You keep up the good work Collin!
Don’t worry about the negative comments. There are so many of us who loves you and your blog. We need you with the lovely video. You take all your precious time to make a video for the benefit of others. You are a Great!!!!! Keep Going……
Collin,
You are awesome! Don’t let a few people spoil what you are doing. I have been a server before and now as a customer, I ALWAYS order water. Ordering soft drinks is the biggest scam ever! Plus, they are horrible for your health. I still give a tip as if I ordered a drink, but I’m not spending all that money.
Keep up the amazing work. I absolutely love your blog and I love your videos. There aren’t a lot of guys on here, but I’m one that gets great advice from you.
Holy Cow!!
I sure have missed something here, I saw the video, which was great btw. All I can do is confirm what others are saying, LOVE your videos, LOVE your site …too many haters in the world who have nothing better to do but take pot-shots at others.
Keep your chin up…and stand tall ( no pun intended…LOL) You do a great job of making my deal searching life easier, I appreciate and thank you for that. :O)
I love your lemon idea and anyone with a negitive comment is just uptight and worring what people at the next table think. Oh well I had a coupon for crystal lite travel packs the lil’ ones and i carry them in my purse free water plus crystal lite = a great drink with our meals and just like you, we get a feeling of pride that we didnt waste our money and we stuck to our budget. My sister in law told me of your site and it is a little over whelming at first but I’m learning and trial size stuff is so cute and when its free well I just get soooooooo excited.
I hope this situation doesn’t make you tiptoe around what you do and say on your videos and website. Please keep everything the same.
Collin,
I LOVE your blog, and always look forward to your videos, not only are they helpful, but always make me giggle at your fun personality. I’m sorry on behalf of your readers, that obviously some of us are jerks…don’t let the bad lemons spoil the bunch!
A short time ago, I read a quote by Dr. Seuss – Do what you feel, because those that care don’t matter and those that matter don’t care. I think this is a great example .
Oh puh-lease people! Collin don’t let those idiots get you down when the people who love you obviously out number them!
(but I served in a very nice steakhouse for 4 years —- and we never washed our lemons — just took them right out of the box they came in and sliced them up —- so be careful 😉 )
KEEP IT UP! I think you are hilarious and your videos are so entertaining! I laughed at the lemonade because I have a friend who does the same thing!
Collin, when I seen the part about lemons and making lemonade, I got all psyched, because that’s what my hubby and I have done for a long time now!! …and who’s to get all grumpy about something sooo trivial?? You are doing a FANTASTIC job at your videos, but i do understand that negativity towards something you do can really put a hurtin’ on ya! Please keep them coming! I love watching them! Your last one was great!
I agree with your husband… What lemons???? When my whole family goes out to eat (only with coupons of course!) my dad and sister both get extra lemons to eat (yes they eat lemons.. peeling and all!!)…And I do the same thing at the Olive Garden… That place is so darn expensive that my family always shares plates, uses coupons, and stuffs ourselves on the multi-bowls of salad and bread sticks we get…….. And I am a bottle of water sneaker at the movies…I do not drink soda, and I am defiantly NOT going to pay $3 or $4 for a measly bottle of water.. so I always stick one in my purse
Wow, I just read through the whole Carrie thing. Somehow I missed any comments about a coupon for your house and an expensive car? That’s pretty low. It’s really not anyone’s right to judge why we coupon, what possessions we have or what we order for dinner. I coupon so that I CAN have a big house actually. People see what we have and think it’s crazy that we coupon, but that’s why we have the things we have. Anyway, I am getting off the subject, I just think it’s crazy that someone actually made comments about your possessions. Great that your hubby made the point that he defends idiots like that to make their ridiculous comments. Too bad it really falls upon deaf ears 🙁 People like that do not understand your families great sacrifice. There is no appreciation.
It seems that there are only two or three people making rude comments compared to the thousands that read your blog. It’s important to keep perspective on that percentage. It’s very small. And, I would just delete Carrie’s comments. She doesn’t deserve to have a voice if it’s going to be nasty and none of us want to hear it.
Collin requested a bowl of lemons (a suggestion from a reader) for her party while dining at Olive Garden to squeeze her own lemonade and some people commented that they would never do that. Apparantely all of the readers are up in arms over the ‘lemon’ incident.
I didn’t read the comments either but I wanted to chime in to say I love your videos and I love this site, finding it (right before the holidays) was such a blessing. Anyone that left nasty comments must be either a troll or a very jealous, sad little person. Forget them, your fans adore you and we far outnumber any losers that would try to bring you down.
I watched the video and didn’t think anything of the lemons…I guess I didn’t read the comments either. All I know is that you are doing a fabulous job with your site, and your videos! I don’t even understand the big deal behind the lemons, but I guess people decided to be mean. Keep doing what you’re doing, you have inspired me and helped us save so much money! So don’t be discouraged, you are doing your best, and if people want to be negative, that’s their problem!
Just one more positive to hit it home. You have literally helped me continue to put food on my table in these very hard times. One two occasions things have been bad enough that I almost had to use a food bank. You have been and continue to be one of only a few highlights in my life. Keep up the very important work you are doing.
Thanks, Raydell
You’re great…your website has saved me a lot of money and ya know….people suck sometimes…everybody’s a critic…I hope these people regret making you feel badly about yourself…I too was a server and I am not sure what the incident was but I do know if you are feeling badly about something you did to your waitress, then she probably doesn’t even remember b.c you erased it with a big tip…being particular is NOT a fault…its simply knowing what you want…oh well…right?
I want to comment if nothing else, to add to the sheer number of your supporters, Collin! I tell all my friends and family about my favorite blog-site-Hip2save! Don’t let the negative comments get you down. It reminds me though of the scene in Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts tells Richard Gere, “The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that?” I love that movie, in the end she does believe in the good stuff!
I think it’s amazing that hip’s hubby defended her on the site and btw it would have been awesome if he would have said she had a coupon to buy her house 🙂
Wow, maybe this is why the site wouldn’t load for me last night!
I have been ordering water for years to save money. I do not make lemonade, but I do like lemon in my water. I did hear recently about lemons not being clean in restaurants. Seems they are often not washed and carry salmonella. Now I carry TruLemon in my purse. It tastes great, does not cost much, doesn’t cost the restaurant anything, and is safe. There are coupons out there for this product also.
It makes me so mad that you even had to write this post. I cannot believe that you had even one negative response about your last video. I don’t understand why people had any problems, but if they did, I have NO clue why they felt the need to make a negative comment about it. To me, that just screams “insecure”, and also “small person”. Why they felt the need to be rude at all is beyond me, but I want you to know that is NOT the way the rest of us feel. I feel like I know you from watching these videos, and love your fun, spunky personality. Whoever said negative things is not worth one second thought from you. Thanks for doing such a great job every single day for us!
Collin,
I absolutely LOVE your site! Thank You for all the time you pout into it! I never leave comments so this is a FIRST! Please don’t be affected by what others say or think about you, it is something we can’t control.. and worry and concern about their comments won’t add a day to your life..only stress wrinkles..:-) he he
My husband and I have been making our own “lemonade” at restaurants for years! It is one of the few ways we can budget to actually have a date night..and every little bit helps! Besides..if restaurants were so bummed about us making our own lemonade..they’d start charging for the water and lemons..but they need your food purchase as bad as we need that date night! That’s the life and economy we are in!
Don’t let it get you down..I love your site and your video’s!
Have a great day and we ALL look forward to your latest tips and sales!
Thanks so much!
Collin, I agree with so many of the others. Your doing a good thing and helping so many of us. Don’t let those negative people bring you down. I think there are a lot more here that support you and love what you do than those few sour grapes, lemons in this case.
Hi Collin…
I loved your lemon story yesterday!! I went to lunch and ordered water with lemons. I was disappointed however that their was only one measly lemon in my glass. I wanted a bowl of them, or at least a small bowl!! … serious!! I liked your idea so much that I bought a bag of lemons after lunch (on sale… for .99Cents) to have on hand at home.. for my lemon water. Not only is it inexpenive…. it’s great for our bodies and our skin too right..? I love everything about your site and I love watching your “‘follow me Monday”. Thanks for all you do.
Karyl from Washington state!!
I loved this post!! It is quite brave to put your life online. Thank you for sharing your tips, I found them quite helpful!! 🙂
I have no idea what some reader told you, but don’t listen to them, they don’t have to view your blog or watch your video’s if there is something that upset them, that’s why God gave us freedom of speech! I greatly appreciate all that you do and I feel every video you’ve made is amazing! You are a smart, beautiful woman, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! In the book of Nehemiah no one believed he could rebuild the walls of Jerusalem but he did! People are going to put you down, but stand up tall and do it anyway! There is a wonderful book called “Jesus Did It Anyway!” And believe it or not I got it at the Dollar Tree! You really should pick up a copy for yourself! What I’m trying to say, is don’t be discouraged! I am a very faithful woman and there is a christian song called “Jesus bring the rain” by mercy me and if this piece of advice helps you at all, you’ll understand what i mean.
Hey Collin! I just wanted to say that I love your site and your videos. I lost my job a year ago, and your tips have really helped us get by much easier on one income! Thanks for everything you do!
Hi Collin,
I am addicted to your site and check it couple times a day. I have two little kids and being a stay at home mom your site comes to my rescue a lot. Keep up the good work. I have been doing the lemon with water for almost 5 years now by choice. Its a good thing because I dont want to add the additional calories from the soda and the store made lemonade drinks. In this way I control the sugar / or no sugar that goes in my drink. Please ignore those who have nothing better to do than find faults with others. Maybe those who have an issue with couponing and freebies should not be reading your site
Also I forgot to say, you darn well don’t owe any of us any explination or excuse. You are already doing so much and those who don’t understand should keep their 2 cents negative opinion to themselves
I really enjoy your “Follow me Monday” videos. As a new stay at home mom of 3, your blog really gives me hope that my situation is going to work out. I am new to the whole couponing/bargain shopping and it is a bit overwhelming but actually seeing how you cut cost in different ways makes it much less scary and surprisingly fun. I really appreciate all that you do and look forward to having you in my home every Monday! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to share.
Your adorable. I love your videos and appreciate you.
Collin,
I’m so proud of you for sticking up for yourself. Its never good to bottle things up inside (as I learned a few weeks ago) its not healthy and it ends up building. I found that there are some people out there with BIG opinions . I have no problem with them stating their opinion..just not raking me over the coals with their opinion. We all (your viewers) need to remember to keep our tongue lashing opinions to ourselves as they are not the views of others..and in most cases..unfounded.
I never read all the comments about the lemons..though I did read a few negative comments and it left me wondering “what? My goodness its only lemons!” And as my daughters boyfriend walked into the room..who actually works at Olive Garden..I asked him if they really do get mad if you ask for a cup of lemon wedges for your table and he looked at me funny like he thought I was kidding. He said “UMM NO???..WHY?” and I explained this situation. He said they have absolutely NO problem with that request. That they are there to make your meal enjoyable and whatever you want..you get. And a request extra lemons is a normal request. That being said from someone who DOES KNOW..not an opinion.
So all I have to say is those with BIG opinions need to work on how to express them. As big opinions usually are not wanted and hurtful towards the ones throats their trying to stuff it down. Just think about it next time before you type.
Don’t let them get to you, Collin. You do a wonderful job and I would of never known about the lemons. I often order lemonade because I try to stay away from pop and thats at least another $2.50-$2.99 extra on my bill where I go. You have taught me how to use what is offered to me at the restaurant to lessen my bill. You have saved me sooo much and I thank you dearly for it. I decided that the person that passed judgment on me a few weeks ago was not worth my anger..and not worth disrupting my life for their opinion which was far from the truth and very much unwanted. I feel better for it not changing who I am because that I thought would make her feel she won. Which she most definetly did not lol. Your way stronger than I Collin, so I know you can look forward..and please don’t let them stop your wonderful Monday videos. That would make me…I mean all of us…very sad 🙁
My Husband is home today so I made him watch the Follow Me Monday video with me and then I showed him your post. He’s so mad, he’s still going on right now even as I’m typing. He said that Resturants wouldn’t give you lemons if it was going to break them. They would charge for water if it was that big of a deal. People are just idiots and learn to keep their mouths shut! We love you and appreciate everything you do, some people just live to be unhappy, and it’s sad, we should just look at the comments and feel sorry for them that they are that miserable that they have to try and make someone else feel just as bad as they do. p.s. I’m a server and you wouldn’t believe how many people ask for a cup of hot water and bring their own tea…I bring them the hot water and some lemons and honey – – for free.
Wow…I can’t believe people left bad comments about…lemons?? seriously?
Collin I love your site! It is by far my favorite deal site and I think it looks great with the makeover. And I think your videos are fun! I am def. one of those people who order the lemons and water. Also FYI a friend let me know about “tru lemon” which are packets of flavoring…they also have lime and I believe orange now. They are small packets you can take in your purse anywhere to flavor your water.
I sure hope the negative people out there don’t ruin a great site for the rest of us!
Keep up the great work Collin!! Your hard work is appreciated by many!!
Collin, I am not sure what is going on and I will not go back and read any of these comments because obviously there are many not worth reading, but I want to say this, I have never posted a comment before, but concluded from your comments that it was about time I said THANK YOU for all you have given me and my family!! I have learned so much from you and during these tough financial times have been able to supply my family with food and other items needed without any worry! MAY GOD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILY ABUNDANTLY! Thanks for ALL you do!!!
COLLIN!YOU ARE A GREAT PERSON FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO HELP PEOPLE.DONT LET BAD THINGS GET IN THE WAY OF THE BLESSING THE LORD GIVES YOU TO SHARE WITH OTHERS.I HAVE BEEN DOING COUPONS FOR ALMOST A YEAR.NOW IAM SHOWING MY 13 AND 17YEAR OLD KIDS.THESE RUDE PEOPLE TOLD YOU SOMETHING BAD. IAM SORRY THAT HAPPEN TO YOU.BUT THEY DO HAVE THESE TYPE OF PEOPLE.BUT JUST THINK THEY CAME ON YOUR BLOG FOR WHAT/TO FIND OUT HOW TO SAVE MONEY.SO IF THEY DONT LIKE TO SAVE MONEY THEY DONT HAVE TO COME BACK.BUT ALL OF US WILL.GOD HAS BLESS YOU WITH A GIFT OF SHARING AND BEING KIND TO OTHERS.THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!
Wow! is all I can say. All this over lemons. Now while I can see the controversy here and I myself thought maybe that it wasn’t right. I’d have to say it is up to each person’s individual conscience as to whether or not that bothers you. I always order water and here in the NW it is pretty good without anything added, but I know plenty of people that don’t like water but have no other options, so they like to add just a tinge of flavor. Collin also said that it was a tip from a reader, that she herself liked and uses. She was passing on the information. You can use it or not. But to harp on Collin who goes out of her way to help us, I think that is the worst.
To Collin: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I appreciate ALL the tips you pass on to us, whether I use them for myself or not. Please do not stop with the videos. They are what has helped me the most (I am a very visual student).
Oh and here’s another tip that my husband’s grandfather did when he had no food in the house. He’d go to the local coffee shop (shari’s style) and order a cup of hot water, add ketchup and salt from the table until it was thick enough and tada- Tomato Soup. He then used the saltine cracker packs that they used to leave on the table to eat with it. What little money he had was the tip. (time line approx 1940-1950)
I’m so sorry about those who don’t see all the wonderful things you do! I enjoy watching your videos every week. I can imagine how scary it would be to make to make those videos. More often then not when I go out to eat I order water with a slice of lemon. When I saw you order extra lemons I thought it was a great idea!! Please don’t be discouraged. The people who appreciate what you do far out weigh those who don’t. Again, I’m sorry you were treated with such disrespect.
I didn’t get to finish the video due to my 1 year old son, so I’m apparently missed the tragic lemon bit. However, if someone thinks Collin is so rude, then just stay away from her blog so those of us that do enjoy it can continue to do so.
Who cares if she used lemons or sugar at a restaurant….that’s what it’s there for!!!