Who still does House Party?

[Shmily1]

(Budget related because you get free stuff and coupons)

House Party use to be a good way to try new stuff and share with your friends. It wasn't as difficult to get accepted to one "back in the day" but now it's like jumping through hoops. Not just 975 questions any more but post here and there, beg, give them your first kid, etc.

 

[HM]

I never got accepted for one and then they stopped even contacting me. So, nope, not me.

 

[hearts8701]

I did it about 6 years ago at first it was great easy applications I had a few great parties I did what was asked to have more parties but the last 2 years it's been crazy I don't even try I think as word got out and there are just too many people now

 

[Clawdya]

I used to get accepted for game night parties but then for the last 2 years, I didn't get anything. Just recently, I applied to the illy Single-Serve Coffee & Espresso House Party and that's all I did. I didn't bother doing the extra activities to get accepted because I didn't expect to be picked. But they did pick me and I am now set to have my party tomorrow. I'm still in shock that they even selected me, especially since it included an expensive machine (valued at $399). I have always applied for the Keurig ones but never get those. I used to think the activities counted and it had to do with how much social media power you had but now after they chose me, I'm really confused as to how they choose.

 

[marthachick]

I have had several parties. I was most recently accepted for a McCormick cooking sauce. But the prize packets aren't nearly as good as they used to be. (Unless you get a coffee machine or something like that.) Most now are 1 or 2 packages of the product, some reusable grocery bags, recipe cards and $1 coupons that you can find most anywhere.

ETA: and I don't do any of the extras either.

 

[BCV2003]

This was a good reminder for me to go and check my statuses. Glad I did. I was just picked for the McCormick Skillet Sauces House Party! The last one that I got was about a year ago for Tabasco.

 

[DawnM]

COOL, what machine was it?

I used to get accepted for game night parties but then for the last 2 years, I didn't get anything. Just recently, I applied to the illy Single-Serve Coffee & Espresso House Party and that's all I did. I didn't bother doing the extra activities to get accepted because I didn't expect to be picked. But they did pick me and I am now set to have my party tomorrow. I'm still in shock that they even selected me, especially since it included an expensive machine (valued at $399). I have always applied for the Keurig ones but never get those. I used to think the activities counted and it had to do with how much social media power you had but now after they chose me, I'm really confused as to how they choose.

 

[Clawdya]

COOL, what machine was it?

The illy Francis Francis Y5 Milk, Espresso & Coffee Machine. I attached a picture, hopefully you can see it (first time attaching a pic).

 

[DawnM]

Very cool. Do you still use it? How much are the pods. I have not liked pods due to cost and also because one pod is NOT enough espresso! I need a min. of two.

The illy Francis Francis Y5 Milk, Espresso & Coffee Machine. I attached a picture, hopefully you can see it (first time attaching a pic). View attachment 123224

 

[Clawdya]

Very cool. Do you still use it? How much are the pods. I have not liked pods due to cost and also because one pod is NOT enough espresso! I need a min. of two.

I've only had it for a week. They sent me 2 cans of capsules (1 had 18 capsules the other 21). It does cost more than using the Keurig. I usually purchase the k-cups when they are on sale between $0.30 to $0.35 per kcup. But those are for regular coffee. The capsules for the new illy machine that I receive run about $0.80 per capsule. I'm still searching and so far I have found ways to save money by purchasing discounted gift cards to Bed Bath & Beyond and then purchasing the capsules there using the 20% coupon. That should give me a bit of a savings. But I have to remember that this will yield cappuccinos and lattes, which are more expensive than just coffee, so it kind of justifies the additional cost (as opposed to the kcups).

I always feel that no matter where I get espresso, at home or at a coffee house, it is never enough. With the machine, you can program it to give you a bigger cup but it can affect the quality of the espresso. I've done this a few times and it tastes good to me but then again I'm not that picky.

 

[DawnM]

Where do you buy BBB gift cards for less?

I've only had it for a week. They sent me 2 cans of capsules (1 had 18 capsules the other 21). It does cost more than using the Keurig. I usually purchase the k-cups when they are on sale between $0.30 to $0.35 per kcup. But those are for regular coffee. The capsules for the new illy machine that I receive run about $0.80 per capsule. I'm still searching and so far I have found ways to save money by purchasing discounted gift cards to Bed Bath & Beyond and then purchasing the capsules there using the 20% coupon. That should give me a bit of a savings. But I have to remember that this will yield cappuccinos and lattes, which are more expensive than just coffee, so it kind of justifies the additional cost (as opposed to the kcups).

I always feel that no matter where I get espresso, at home or at a coffee house, it is never enough. With the machine, you can program it to give you a bigger cup but it can affect the quality of the espresso. I've done this a few times and it tastes good to me but then again I'm not that picky.

 

[Clawdya]

Where do you buy BBB gift cards for less?

At raise.com, there's other places but I have purchased many from raise and have yet to have a problem. They are cards that are being resold so I only buy the egift cards that I know I'm going to use right away. They guarantee the balance for like 30 or 45 days (sorry not sure of exact number) but I don't want to have any problems so I use mine immediately. I purchase mainly Target e-gift cards to get discounted Disney Gift cards but every now and then I buy for other places such as BBB.

 

[disneychrista]

I stopped doing them when they made you invite everyone via their website.

 

[DawnM]

Thanks. I have used raise.com before. I have gotten Landry's $100 gift cards for $80 and used them at T-Rex and Rainforest.

At raise.com, there's other places but I have purchased many from raise and have yet to have a problem. They are cards that are being resold so I only buy the egift cards that I know I'm going to use right away. They guarantee the balance for like 30 or 45 days (sorry not sure of exact number) but I don't want to have any problems so I use mine immediately. I purchase mainly Target e-gift cards to get discounted Disney Gift cards but every now and then I buy for other places such as BBB.