As a Couponing mom it is very important to me to earn rewards on everything I buy; when I can.
Store reward cards are a great way to earn more while you save.
When I shop I do try to find the better deal at stores that do offer rewards. Now a days there are not many stores that don't offer rewards for your purchases.
Some people think of store rewards cards as a hassle something else they will have to carry around and pull out each time they pay, but what they don't understand is that while using a rewards card its kinda like building up one big banked coupon (in my opinion).
Each year I save up my grocery rewards and then when I have about hundred bucks I cash out and buy a gift card with it. Along with the couponing that I already do; my husband and myself ended up getting almost 2 trips of groceries virtually free.
You can do this at drug stores and grocery stores and some hardware stores as well offer these cards/store cash rewards like CT money as well.
Think about it start collecting points all year and cash out before Christmas when you really could use the extra cash sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me!
Once you get to the minimum amount don't cash out just yet keep banking so that you can have a nice big cash out :)
Make sure you check your fliers and stores web sites as well to see what special rewards offers they have such as double your points and other little perks like that.
So if you are not a store rewards collector...
You might as well earn on the things you are going to buy anyways!
Happy savings and happy couponing
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Recall on a very popular item
Aveeno baby lotion had been recalled.
If you are a mom that uses this product on your baby or even on yourself please click the link to see if this is your purchased item.
If you are a mom that uses this product on your baby or even on yourself please click the link to see if this is your purchased item.
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Coupons for kids and hubby's
Why Make it only fun for you mom?
For you extreme coupon moms; if you are dragging your little munchkins around from store to store while you dig threw your accordion file filled with that precious Good stuff called "Coupons" then I think it is time to reward the little ones.
Kiddie Coupons are a great way to make your kids feel loved and appreciate.
If you have a printer this will be very easy you can just search up key words like "kiddie coupons" or "coupons for kids" many different printable options should be available.
If you do not have a printer get creative while the kids are in bed with some of their markers and crayons and make them homemade even adding stickers.
Some of you may be thinking what are Kiddie Coupons? or What kind of coupons can we give??
Well here are some suggested topics to use for your kids:
*Good for a birthday party when it is not your birthday with cake ( must give a week notice)slumber party included!
*Good for as many hugs and snuggles as you want
*Good for one pillow fight
*Good for any ice cream of your choice at the ice cream shop
*Good for doubling your allowance
*Good for any dinner of your choice you pick it we cook it
*Good for getting out of any chore of your choice (only one)
*Movie night (weekends only) Junk food your choice
*~You can also turn these coupons into something the kids will want to earn at the end of the week!!!~*
~ And let then choose what coupon they want it makes it way more fun for them~
Also you can use these for you Coupon annoyed hubbies too:
*Good for one good night kiss followed but another and another.........
*Romantic dinner of your choice (no kids) you pick we can go out or I can cook your favorite
*Movie night with lots of cuddling
*Massage :)
These are just a few suggestions but they are fun i think these are a great way to get closer with your kids and hubby!
For you extreme coupon moms; if you are dragging your little munchkins around from store to store while you dig threw your accordion file filled with that precious Good stuff called "Coupons" then I think it is time to reward the little ones.
Kiddie Coupons are a great way to make your kids feel loved and appreciate.
If you have a printer this will be very easy you can just search up key words like "kiddie coupons" or "coupons for kids" many different printable options should be available.
If you do not have a printer get creative while the kids are in bed with some of their markers and crayons and make them homemade even adding stickers.
Some of you may be thinking what are Kiddie Coupons? or What kind of coupons can we give??
Well here are some suggested topics to use for your kids:
*Good for a birthday party when it is not your birthday with cake ( must give a week notice)slumber party included!
*Good for as many hugs and snuggles as you want
*Good for one pillow fight
*Good for any ice cream of your choice at the ice cream shop
*Good for doubling your allowance
*Good for any dinner of your choice you pick it we cook it
*Good for getting out of any chore of your choice (only one)
*Movie night (weekends only) Junk food your choice
*~You can also turn these coupons into something the kids will want to earn at the end of the week!!!~*
~ And let then choose what coupon they want it makes it way more fun for them~
Also you can use these for you Coupon annoyed hubbies too:
*Good for one good night kiss followed but another and another.........
*Romantic dinner of your choice (no kids) you pick we can go out or I can cook your favorite
*Movie night with lots of cuddling
*Massage :)
These are just a few suggestions but they are fun i think these are a great way to get closer with your kids and hubby!
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Don't be afraid to wait
I have learned that patience pays.
As a coupon-er I have learned that if you wait you can get some really great deals.
I love Christmas time for this, After Christmas many stores are left with tons of scented items that will be marked down 75% off. I love this! This year my friend and I kept many scented coupons and the scented items were marked down and we got one brand all free and the rest for a very reasonable price.
Also being a coupon-er doesn't necessarily mean you need a coupon for everything to me its being Frugal with every purchase.
After Christmas there are so many items that you can store away for the following year.
For example this year wrapping paper 6 packs were selling at $8.00 that's crazy and with a bag of bows selling at $6.00 a bag is $14.00 all together and that is not even including name tags. I'm sorry but I am not paying that.
So I went out and about shopping for prices and the (Boxing day) sales prices were not really all that great so I "Waited" and what do you know ; a six pack a wrapping paper I paid only .75Cents.
My advice besides the advice of waiting would be if you are going to buy items post any holiday do not do it the week after that is a big no no in my books.
Wait at least two to four weeks checking the stores weekly. It's going to be February in just a few short days and I still see some Christmas stock at some stores.
I wouldn't suggest buying food items such as boxed chocolates and Halloween candy for the following year because these items do expire, But decor and other non perishable items Go For It!!!!!
Happy savings and couponing!!!
As a coupon-er I have learned that if you wait you can get some really great deals.
I love Christmas time for this, After Christmas many stores are left with tons of scented items that will be marked down 75% off. I love this! This year my friend and I kept many scented coupons and the scented items were marked down and we got one brand all free and the rest for a very reasonable price.
Also being a coupon-er doesn't necessarily mean you need a coupon for everything to me its being Frugal with every purchase.
After Christmas there are so many items that you can store away for the following year.
For example this year wrapping paper 6 packs were selling at $8.00 that's crazy and with a bag of bows selling at $6.00 a bag is $14.00 all together and that is not even including name tags. I'm sorry but I am not paying that.
So I went out and about shopping for prices and the (Boxing day) sales prices were not really all that great so I "Waited" and what do you know ; a six pack a wrapping paper I paid only .75Cents.
My advice besides the advice of waiting would be if you are going to buy items post any holiday do not do it the week after that is a big no no in my books.
Wait at least two to four weeks checking the stores weekly. It's going to be February in just a few short days and I still see some Christmas stock at some stores.
I wouldn't suggest buying food items such as boxed chocolates and Halloween candy for the following year because these items do expire, But decor and other non perishable items Go For It!!!!!
Happy savings and couponing!!!
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Feeding your picky Eater
As a mom to a soon to be four year old I have had my share of the case of the picky eater.
I actually had taken my son to a dietitian because I was so worried about his health.
But as all other moms know it is just a stage and her grew out of it.
I have some tips of how to sneak veggies into your picky eaters food i hope you enjoy these fun tips!
*Mashed Cauliflower with Potatoes they will never be able to tell the difference even if you choose to do half and half.
*Replace spaghetti with spaghetti squash I have never heard this but I have read and heard that it does work very will with little ones.
*Spinach nuggets- you can find these in the vegan section located most time in the produce section
*Meatloaf- instead of just making the regular "just meat" meatloaf you can add veggies suck as fine chopped onions and fine chopped spinach they wont even notice
*Mac and cheese- most kids are a big fan of this just boil some cauliflower and mix it in with the mac and cheese the cauliflower will change to the same color as the cheese but be sure you cute the cauliflower into small noodle size pieces so that the wont notice.
* if your kid love pasta and pasta sauce this is the best time to sneak in all kinds of well chopped veggies into the pasta sauce
*Breads-banana carrot pumpkin ....enough said
* Soups and blenders you can blend like colored veggies and add them into your kids favorite soups they will never know
*Smoothies are the best thing I never met a child that does not like fruit smoothies this is a perfect time to add a few veggies into the blender and odds are they wont even notice
*Grilled cheese is perfect because the cheese melts together and they never really see whats between the 2 slices of bread you can do a few different things with this
1. Add some Finely chopped spinach between the cheese not a lot but a few leaves
2. like my son who is not a big meat eater this is the perfect time to slip some meat into it just go to your local deli and ask for shaved meat its so thing and will just mix right in there with the cheese they might not even notice.
I Hope this picky eater tips help some of you out there with your picky eaters
As a mom to a soon to be four year old I have had my share of the case of the picky eater.
I actually had taken my son to a dietitian because I was so worried about his health.
But as all other moms know it is just a stage and her grew out of it.
I have some tips of how to sneak veggies into your picky eaters food i hope you enjoy these fun tips!
*Mashed Cauliflower with Potatoes they will never be able to tell the difference even if you choose to do half and half.
*Replace spaghetti with spaghetti squash I have never heard this but I have read and heard that it does work very will with little ones.
*Spinach nuggets- you can find these in the vegan section located most time in the produce section
*Meatloaf- instead of just making the regular "just meat" meatloaf you can add veggies suck as fine chopped onions and fine chopped spinach they wont even notice
*Mac and cheese- most kids are a big fan of this just boil some cauliflower and mix it in with the mac and cheese the cauliflower will change to the same color as the cheese but be sure you cute the cauliflower into small noodle size pieces so that the wont notice.
* if your kid love pasta and pasta sauce this is the best time to sneak in all kinds of well chopped veggies into the pasta sauce
*Breads-banana carrot pumpkin ....enough said
* Soups and blenders you can blend like colored veggies and add them into your kids favorite soups they will never know
*Smoothies are the best thing I never met a child that does not like fruit smoothies this is a perfect time to add a few veggies into the blender and odds are they wont even notice
*Grilled cheese is perfect because the cheese melts together and they never really see whats between the 2 slices of bread you can do a few different things with this
1. Add some Finely chopped spinach between the cheese not a lot but a few leaves
2. like my son who is not a big meat eater this is the perfect time to slip some meat into it just go to your local deli and ask for shaved meat its so thing and will just mix right in there with the cheese they might not even notice.
I Hope this picky eater tips help some of you out there with your picky eaters
How to obtain coupons
Many people think the only way to obtain money saving coupons is online
False
When I first became a mom The cost of diapers just drove me nuts; that is where the couponing started.
I noticed that I was saving so much money on diapers.
After awhile I was bothered by the whole coupon thing and I didn't even think of going online or even bothering to obtain coupons for other items. I was getting my coupons threw diaper boxes with promotions and monthly fliers. I gave up on the whole "coupon thing".
About a year ago it kinda hit me "why don't you call the 1800 numbers on the backs on all the products you buy". That's just what I did I was kinda amazed that these companies did offer coupons I didn't have the net at the time and explained that to them and they had sent me some by mail because of my "no net" situation.
Once I got the net I was even more amazed how much I was saving threw coupon sites and groups.
How to obtain coupons:
* First you should consider being part of a online coupon group this is one of the best things you can do many people post where they found coupons and even are will to trade and give away coupons.
*Join coupon sites- there are many web-sites that offer by mail coupons and even better if you have a printer there are many sites that allow you to print coupons.
*Check the schedule's of flier insert coupons, once to twice a month your fliers will include a coupon insert.
* Bonus packs- some Items that you buy actual include coupon booklets you can find these in diapers boxes and paper towels even in razor packs and cereal but be sure you see that it is specifically marked.
*Calling companies if you cannot find an online promotion
*Many stores now offer their own personal coupons
keep an eye out for these, also when shopping there are tare pads down the aisle check these and don't be shy to grab a few coupons they are free it's not stealing that's what they are there for, i used to feel bad about these but then I started noticing that some tare pads were still hanging half full but expired it was so disappointing to see if you knew that was one of your regular brands.
* Becoming part of trading groups that offer coupon trains
Happy Saving and Happy Couponing!
You can find our Coupon Group on Facebook
The Couponing Mom
False
When I first became a mom The cost of diapers just drove me nuts; that is where the couponing started.
I noticed that I was saving so much money on diapers.
After awhile I was bothered by the whole coupon thing and I didn't even think of going online or even bothering to obtain coupons for other items. I was getting my coupons threw diaper boxes with promotions and monthly fliers. I gave up on the whole "coupon thing".
About a year ago it kinda hit me "why don't you call the 1800 numbers on the backs on all the products you buy". That's just what I did I was kinda amazed that these companies did offer coupons I didn't have the net at the time and explained that to them and they had sent me some by mail because of my "no net" situation.
Once I got the net I was even more amazed how much I was saving threw coupon sites and groups.
How to obtain coupons:
* First you should consider being part of a online coupon group this is one of the best things you can do many people post where they found coupons and even are will to trade and give away coupons.
*Join coupon sites- there are many web-sites that offer by mail coupons and even better if you have a printer there are many sites that allow you to print coupons.
*Check the schedule's of flier insert coupons, once to twice a month your fliers will include a coupon insert.
* Bonus packs- some Items that you buy actual include coupon booklets you can find these in diapers boxes and paper towels even in razor packs and cereal but be sure you see that it is specifically marked.
*Calling companies if you cannot find an online promotion
*Many stores now offer their own personal coupons
keep an eye out for these, also when shopping there are tare pads down the aisle check these and don't be shy to grab a few coupons they are free it's not stealing that's what they are there for, i used to feel bad about these but then I started noticing that some tare pads were still hanging half full but expired it was so disappointing to see if you knew that was one of your regular brands.
* Becoming part of trading groups that offer coupon trains
Happy Saving and Happy Couponing!
You can find our Coupon Group on Facebook
The Couponing Mom
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Save your free coupons
Before when I used to receive a free coupon I would get really excited and want to use it on my next shopping trip.
I noticed that I wasn't really saving a lot because once I got into the store I was distracted by other sale items and then it just made me over spend.
My solution to the problem was actually my husbands idea, he suggested that I keep all my "free item" coupons and high priced coupons and wait and make one big shopping trip with them.
"Thanks Hubby"
That is just what I did today I got myself a cart full of groceries for 36 bucks I saved a total of 54% I thought this was just great!
*Bonus tip*
When shopping and you see groceries with a 50% sticker on it a lot of us turn away and think "yuck it's probably going to expire soon"; but actually most times it is just over stock.
I love finding items with a 50% sticker in it because it is exactly like having a coupon but you didn't have to waist one of you own!
A lot of the 50% items I do find don't have coupons circulating for them,so it's really nice to see these!
I noticed that I wasn't really saving a lot because once I got into the store I was distracted by other sale items and then it just made me over spend.
My solution to the problem was actually my husbands idea, he suggested that I keep all my "free item" coupons and high priced coupons and wait and make one big shopping trip with them.
"Thanks Hubby"
That is just what I did today I got myself a cart full of groceries for 36 bucks I saved a total of 54% I thought this was just great!
*Bonus tip*
When shopping and you see groceries with a 50% sticker on it a lot of us turn away and think "yuck it's probably going to expire soon"; but actually most times it is just over stock.
A lot of the 50% items I do find don't have coupons circulating for them,so it's really nice to see these!
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Coupon Tip of the Day: Just because you have a coupon does not mean you h...
Coupon Tip of the Day: Just because you have a coupon does not mean you h...: Just because you have a coupon does not mean you have to use it. Many people feel like because they have a coupon for a certain item that th...
Coupon Tip of the Day: Use your coupons to build a stockpile to be proud ...
Coupon Tip of the Day: Use your coupons to build a stockpile to be proud ...: As a couponer I approve of having a stockpile; I think it is one of the smartest things you can do as a couponer. When making a stockpile do...
Use your coupons to build a stockpile to be proud of
As a couponer I approve of having a stockpile; I think it is one of the smartest things you can do as a couponer.
When making a stockpile do the math on items you would have spent without a coupon.
example:
The leading laundry soap runs you about 8 to 12 dollars per bottle, I have noticed that a lot of less popular brands smell just as great and are a lot cheaper; grocery stores are more likely to put these less expensive items on sale more often and most times they will run you about $1.99 a bottle. (when on sale)
With that said a bottle that would have cost you 12 bucks just turned into 6 bottles of a cheaper brand this is the best way to start your laundry soap potion of your stockpile.
Sometimes you may get really lucky and get a great coupon and get excited and use it right away; I learned my lesson from that, check your expiry dates and wait odds are a sale cycle runs about every three months so if that product was on sale in January the odd are in April it will be the exact same sale if not very similar.
Always search your fliers and online database before you run to the store with your coupons to start shopping always have a game plan.
When buying pasta products the same rules apply.
Some pasta can cost almost 3 dollars a box but if you save your coupons and wait for a sale you can be getting these for cents a box. Even when i see a generic brand on sale for .99 cents I always stock up; Pasta is a very smart thing to stock up on because is doesn't go bad for a very very long time actually years.
In conclusion
Watch your sales and don't jump the gun to buy multiple items with your massive amount of duplicate couponers be patient and wait, if you actually do have extra time on your hands i do suggest that you do take a day and drive from store to store and compare the prices of your usual brands. You will thank yourself later for it.
Be frugal and happy couponing
Melissa Ann
When making a stockpile do the math on items you would have spent without a coupon.
example:
The leading laundry soap runs you about 8 to 12 dollars per bottle, I have noticed that a lot of less popular brands smell just as great and are a lot cheaper; grocery stores are more likely to put these less expensive items on sale more often and most times they will run you about $1.99 a bottle. (when on sale)
With that said a bottle that would have cost you 12 bucks just turned into 6 bottles of a cheaper brand this is the best way to start your laundry soap potion of your stockpile.
Sometimes you may get really lucky and get a great coupon and get excited and use it right away; I learned my lesson from that, check your expiry dates and wait odds are a sale cycle runs about every three months so if that product was on sale in January the odd are in April it will be the exact same sale if not very similar.
Always search your fliers and online database before you run to the store with your coupons to start shopping always have a game plan.
When buying pasta products the same rules apply.
Some pasta can cost almost 3 dollars a box but if you save your coupons and wait for a sale you can be getting these for cents a box. Even when i see a generic brand on sale for .99 cents I always stock up; Pasta is a very smart thing to stock up on because is doesn't go bad for a very very long time actually years.
In conclusion
Watch your sales and don't jump the gun to buy multiple items with your massive amount of duplicate couponers be patient and wait, if you actually do have extra time on your hands i do suggest that you do take a day and drive from store to store and compare the prices of your usual brands. You will thank yourself later for it.
Be frugal and happy couponing
Melissa Ann
Just because you have a coupon does not mean you have to use it.
Many people feel like because they have a coupon for a certain item that they need it; not necessarily although you may have multiple of this coupon and it may seam like a really great idea to buy every single "coupon worth" of product that you have you need to ask yourself "do I even use that item"? If the answer is no and you paid for the item even with your coupon you just wasted your families money.
The best thing to do with coupons that you have but don't use the actual product is to find people that do, you can do this in many ways such as:
*Asking your friends if they use this certain Item
*Being part of a coupon group like "The Couponing Mom"
*Post it on your social media
*Become part of a coupon train you can find them here on "The Couponing Mom" and other women do these as well you just have to ask, also you can be part of Canada wide trains on www.smartcanucks.com there is a very large data base of the trains that are going starting and finishing
Bonus tip:
Being part of a coupon train is actually rewarding because not only are you passing along the coupons you don't want or will be tempted to over spend with you also will get to choose from the coupons that you do use or even have been looking for.
Thanks and Happy Couponing
Melissa Ann Parent
Many people feel like because they have a coupon for a certain item that they need it; not necessarily although you may have multiple of this coupon and it may seam like a really great idea to buy every single "coupon worth" of product that you have you need to ask yourself "do I even use that item"? If the answer is no and you paid for the item even with your coupon you just wasted your families money.
The best thing to do with coupons that you have but don't use the actual product is to find people that do, you can do this in many ways such as:
*Asking your friends if they use this certain Item
*Being part of a coupon group like "The Couponing Mom"
*Post it on your social media
*Become part of a coupon train you can find them here on "The Couponing Mom" and other women do these as well you just have to ask, also you can be part of Canada wide trains on www.smartcanucks.com there is a very large data base of the trains that are going starting and finishing
Bonus tip:
Being part of a coupon train is actually rewarding because not only are you passing along the coupons you don't want or will be tempted to over spend with you also will get to choose from the coupons that you do use or even have been looking for.
Thanks and Happy Couponing
Melissa Ann Parent
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