Hungry for Mexican in Jackson, MS? Check out Flowood Fernandos

Today, a Post For My "Rants, Raves, and Reviews" Section

Featuring Fernando's of Flowood, MS

As a small departure from the usual deal, coupon, or tip post, I am writing this review of Fernando's Restaurant. There are no special deals or coupons to report, but I feel these types of posts are appropriate for the blog.. You work hard for your money, and knowing the places that appreciate (or in some cases don't appreciate) your business can help you get the best value or experience for your money.

Thus, I want to tell you about my experience at Fernando's yesterday.  I am travelling and visiting folks this week.  I found myself with some unexpected time to myself.  That NEVER happens.  I decided to do something I have never done before: I went to eat at a sit down restaurant by myself.  I was actually nervous to do so. But, I was wanting some Mexican food.. so I decided to give it a try and picked Fernando's just off Spillway in Flowood.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a smile and led to a small booth by the windows in the corner.  I was immediately brought some of the best chips and salsa I have ever had.  The seasoning on the chips was awesomely yummy and the salsa was fresh.

Within 5-8 minutes of ordering my meal, it was brought out nice and hot and delicious.  Fernando's has an extensive and budget friendly menu. From about $5+, you can find several pages of dishes to try... mostly your standard Mexican fare.  My personal favorite and what I ordered yesterday for $6.50 was the Fernando's Tacos.  I LOVE these!  The lunch portion features a plate full of rice and beans with two Fernando's tacos (Tortillas fried into shell shape so that they are light and crispy filled with shredded beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.)  The beef in the tacos was almost "roast" like and very moist and delicious.  I always wonder if Mexican restaurants will get my order right.. see, I always have to order "No Cheese, No Sour Cream".  Half the time, they will skip the cheese in the taco but add cheese in the beans.. Oops!  BUT NOT FERNANDO's! In addition to the food being promptly served and fresh and yummy, the order was CORRECT!  Hooray!

The staff was very friendly and attentive.  The atmosphere was decently busy but not too loud, crowded, or stressful.  There are two big flat screens.. one on either side of the restaurant, but the volume is low so you can watch or ignore them.

Overall, I was so happy to pay $6.50 for my meal.  I was unrushed and took my time eating.  I left a nice tip for keeping that booth to myself so long. **I always recommend leaving at least a 20% tip if the food is decent and the service is good. 15% is not much to those trying to make an honest living.

I will be back to Fernando's next time I am in the area. I will be bringing the kids. And, as I noticed a small stage area with speakers and such, I will be checking out to see when their next live music event is.  

Thanks so much for an excellent experience at an excellent value, Fernando's!

Go check them out for yourself! 

Rants, Raves, And Reviews: CVS in North Gulfport

My Rants, Raves, and Reviews

CVS, North Gulfport Location

When I started my own venture into the couponing world, I started small. I decided to look at the weekly circulars and pick one drugstore to focus on while I learned how to coupon and deal seek proactively. CVS seemed to have a rewards program I could easily grasp, and they had the best deals suited to my family's needs that week. The circular was also relatively uncluttered and straight-forward. A bonus was that CVS is on the way to the post office for me. I can swing in on my way to drop off my Ebay items that I need to ship. 

So, off to CVS I went, armed with my Bargain Binder and all the kiddos with me. 

This CVS is very much a neighborhood store. It is not big or flashy. Half the time, they don't even get around to tagging all the items on the shelves to reflect the current sales prices or deals. AND, they often run out of the "best, most popular" deals of the week. You absolutely HAVE to shop with your circular pulled out to find the exact items on sale.

But, I LOVE this CVS. The people there are great, once you get to know them. It is the type of store where you get on a first name basis with the clerks and managers. You know which cashier has twin girls, and which manager is a single dad. The employees see you walk in, the notorious coupon lady (one of a few that frequent this location), and say "Hey! Good to see you again! You missed last week. How's your family? Here's a stack of coupons I saved for you for next time I saw you! Can your kids have a balloon?"  IF they are out of an item that is in the circular, most of the time they will willingly and happily give you a raincheck for that item, with the deals and Extra Bucks attached.  Need to roll transactions and deals/Extra Bucks? No problem! Their response is always "what goes with this transaction?"  They tell me when they are expecting truck shipments (usually Thursdays), and they often give me the new circular a day or two before it officially comes out.

They are quaint, not the best stocked. But I still love this location. It is the attitude of the employees that makes all the difference. If you are getting started in the couponing world, I highly recommend this location. Give them a smile, and they will return it!

Thanks so much for being patient with me while I was figuring the coupons and deals out. And double thanks for being awesome about the trips I make where I do 3 or 4 transactions back to back, CVS in North Gulfport!!