These days it seems that everyone has to be on a budget. Between the economy and even just gas prices on the rise, no one can hardly afford to go anywhere. But just because you are on a budget and your finances may be tight, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice romance or your regular date nights. In fact, during those times, it may be even more important to make sure and have those weekly date nights just so you can keep your sanity! Our relationships are so important, and we sometimes forget that between bills, kids, and deadlines. So here are just a few ideas for great dafe nights that cost only $5.00 or less!!!
-take a walk to the closest fast food chain, and order a couple things each off the dollar menu. The walk and then eating, and the walk home will give you plenty of time to talk together while still getting out of the house.
$5.00
-Make a nice meal together and have a candle-lit dinner at home. Play some soft music in the front room and enjoy a private dance together! My husband did this once, very sweet and romantic!
Free (unless you need to buy candles, then $4.00 for a bunch of little tea light candles)
-Book store discussion: go to your local bookstore and brows the shelves, talking about your likes and dislikes. Pick out a cheap chapter book that looks intestine to you both and read it together out loud , taking turns after 1 or 2 chapters.
$1.00 -$5.00
-Go to the dollar store and look at all the strange things you can find. Laugh at all the oddities. Buy some craft to do together or grabs couple different games to play when you get home.
$2.00 - $4.00
-Take along walk in the park. Even take some time to play on the swings or the slide! Be kids again for a while.
Free
-keep your eyes open for the discounted tickets or special deals to nisei sin the area. Some places even have free exhibits! Believe it or not, a museum can be done under $5.00, it just might take a little more effort to find the deal.
$5.00
-I don't know if everywhere has one, but in Kaysville Utah, there is always the option to go to a movie! Sunday through Thursday you can go to the Kaysville movie theater for just $2.00 per person! Great might out for a great price!
$4.00
-Get a group date together and play all the games you did when you were a kid, like musical chairs, red rover, tag, duck-duch-goose, and even hide and seek!
Free
-Movie/Picnic: make your favorite sandwiches, send the kids off to grandma's and get a red box movie or just watch a movie you lardy own. Spread a blanket down, and even grab some pillows if you want, and eat your picnic while you watch a movie! Cheesy maybe, but still fun and relaxing!
$1.00
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tangled Coupon
(picture is not the actual link or actual coupon)
I know a lot of you have been wondering where to find a coupon for Tangled, well, here it is: $5.00 off Tangled 4-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack.
If you are not already a member of Disney Movie Rewards, registration is free. You'll have to sign up first. You can then find the coupon under Member Extras or on the rotating banner on the home page once you log in!
Bella Citta Gelato & Cafe Half Off
Bella Citta Gelato & Cafe: $20 to Spend on Food and Drink for only $10
"Talking about an offer you can't refuse, today's deal is perfect for feeding mobs of people: Get $20 to spend on paninis, pasta, and gelato at Bella Citta Gelato & Cafe for $10. Using ingredients shipped directly from il bel paese, this Sandy eatery dishes out traditional tastes of Italy. Stop in for lunch, dinner, or dessert to mangia on a selection of grilled paninis, savory soups, crisp salads, al dente pastas, and imported Italian coffees. Then indulge in authentic gelato that doesn't require a flight to southern Italy. Our favorite flavors include nocciola (hazelnut), stracciatella (chocolate chip), tiramisu, pistacchio, and amaretto; there's also a selection of fruity sorbetti to choose from every day. No one's going to bully you into nabbing this deal, but you'd better get it quick before it's swimming with the fishies."
Hollywood Connection Wristband 75% off!
Hollywood Connection: Full Day Unlimited Wristband for One
Only $5.00 for a wristband? Yes Please! Normally $20.00, your are saving 75%!!! This one wont last for long. Plus, no limit on how many you can buy, get one for the whole family! OR having a birthday coming up? This is perfect!!!
Rules of the Deal
Full Day Unlimited Wristband for One
- No cash value.
- Not valid with other offers or discounts.
- May purchase unlimited quantity.
- Valid any one full day Monday-Sunday.
- Not Valid for Cinemark Movies or Concessions.
- Expires 09/30/2011
Unlimited Wristband Includes:
-Unlimited Amusement Rides
-Roller-Skating
-Miniature Golf
-Quad Rental Skates
Wristband is good from open to close
The Wristband excludes: Laser Tag, Food in Diner, and Tokens for arcade
For a $6 Upgrade receive one Laser Tag game and 21 arcade tokens.
Food and Drinks can be purchased in Lieutenants Diner.
Home Power Wash for just $99.00
Intermountain Painting and Wallpaper
Home Power Wash (up to 2000 sq. ft.)
A $200 value for only $99! That's a savings of 51%
Don't forget the outside of your home during your spring cleaning.
Servicing both
Weber & Davis County UT, 84067
(801) 726-1406
Rules of the Deal
Home Power Wash (up to 2000 sq. ft.)
- Not valid for cash back (unless required by law).
- Must use in one visit.
- Doesn't cover tax or gratuity.
- Can't be combined with other offers.
- 25% off for added sq. ft.
- Call with your certificate # for appointment.
- May use 3 per visit.
- Servicing Weber & Davis Counties.
- Travel fee of $25 for Salt Lake County.
- Each customer may purchase 3 certificates for themselves.
- An unlimited amount may be purchased to give as gifts.
- Expires 3/31/2012
Parents Magazine: 1 Year Only $5.00
Plum Steal: $5 for a One-Year Subscription to Parents Magazine
About the Deal
Being a parent is rewarding, fulfilling, fun ... and overwhelming. There's just so much to think about and learn ... where does one turn for solid advice from the experts and just-plain-fun ideas for life?
Inside Parents' pages you'll find a wealth of informative articles on all aspects of life with your kids. Whether you're just starting pregnancy, welcoming your newborn, disciplining the Terrible Twos, or looking for tasty, healthy, easy recipes for the whole family, Parents provides advice, information, and resources for you. And because your own life doesn't end when you have kids, Parents also has articles on "adult" matters like finances, vacations, divorce, and plenty more.
Parents magazine has something for every parent. Why not see what it has in store for you?
About the Company
Parents magazine is America's leading family magazine for parents, offering proven tips, sure-fire techniques, and straightforward advice from America's foremost childcare experts.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Spaghetti and Tuna
Spaghetti and Tuna recipe
This is fabulous dish to make if you are in a hurry, and it tastes so great!
Wiseguys Comedy! Half Off
City Deals and Wise Guys comedy: $10, a $20 value, gets you 2 tickets to Wise Guys comedy. Either Ogden or Salt Lake!
Come experience Ogden's colorful history on 25th Street where you will find buildings dating back to the late 1800s that currently house a variety of restaurants, eclectic shops and best of all, Wiseguys Ogden. Wiseguys has been named "Best Comedy Club" by the City Weekly and has been featured on Fox, KUTV2 as well as the Standard Examiner, Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. The unique, all-brick comedy club opened in 2003 and seats 250.
Wiseguys Ogden has quickly caught on as the place to see great, high-quality stand-up comedy. Comedians who have made stops in Ogden include The Soup's Joel McHale, Frank Caliendo, Greg Behrendt, Reba's Melissa Peterman, "Last Comic Standing" Winners Alonzo Bodden and Josh Blue, Pauly Shore, Maria Bamford, Norm MacDonald, Greg Hahn, Harland Williams, Jamie Kennedy and Caroline Rhea to name a few.
HOT: Walgreens March 31st Only
Walgreens friends and family event March 31st
March 31st only, get 15-20% off at Walgreens, online and in store! Great deal, pass it along!
*Coupon code FUN15 valid for up to three uses per customer thru March 31, 2011. Code must be entered at time of checkout to apply discount. Discount does not apply to pharmacy, contact lens, photo orders, electronics, diapers, baby formula, gift card purchases, taxes or shipping charges. Orders must be placed by March 31, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time to qualify. Timing will be determined by Walgreens server clock. Offer valid online only.
**Valid in Walgreens stores on Thursday, March 31, 2011 only, during regular store hours. Offer not valid on pharmacy, photo, cigarettes, dairy products, liquor, liquor department items, phone cards, newspapers, magazines, stamps and gift cards or where otherwise prohibited by law. Disount not available on QuickShop orders. Also not valid toward Prescription Savings Club membership fee. Limit one card per person per purchase. Coupon must accompany purchase.
***FREE Standard Shipping applies to general store merchandise, contact lens solutions and accessories under 10lbs when part of a contact lens order. Items may ship separately.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
No Red Plum This Week
Sorry everyone.... No Red Plum insert this week. Sad face :(
P.S. The shortest post to date! Yay me?
Printable Coupons at Kent's
I think I have heard it before, but I never paid much attention to it since I never shopped there. But, Kent's Market does not accept coupons printed from your computer! I know they used to at one point, but no longer do due to the fact that so many fraudulent coupons keep going around. I am not sure when they stopped doing it (not that that is very relevant) but they aren't any more.
I think that is just one more reason we all need to be aware of fraudulent coupons, how to spot them and share that knowledge with others. I did a post early this month that touched a little bit on the subject of fraudulent coupons and coupon abusebut I am thinking I should write another one going into detail about fraudulent coupons themselves.
Anyway, put Kent's on your list of stores that will not accept online coupons. The list will undoubtedly keep growing, so if you know of others, let us all know!
I think that is just one more reason we all need to be aware of fraudulent coupons, how to spot them and share that knowledge with others. I did a post early this month that touched a little bit on the subject of fraudulent coupons and coupon abusebut I am thinking I should write another one going into detail about fraudulent coupons themselves.
Anyway, put Kent's on your list of stores that will not accept online coupons. The list will undoubtedly keep growing, so if you know of others, let us all know!
Smith's!!! Grocery Smarts Preview: 3/30 -4/5
Here is a screen shot from Grocery Smart's preview list of the sale that starts at Smith's tomorrow! I've only included the 5 star items here. You can click on the image below to look at it closer. Click here to view the full preview list.
The preview link is now the current list! Click here for the full, now current, list!
you will also notice that I included the Similac Infant Formula. The sale for that is, buy $25.00 worth of participating products and get $5.00 off. With other $ off at the register, there have not been a limit to the rewards, and the $ off counts before coupons. SO if you have a baby that is using formula this can actually be a really good deal...
Scenario:
Buy 5 Similac Infant Formula 23.2 oz powder (total will be $105.00 without coupons or the $5 off at register), and use 5 Similac SimplePac large size powder, any 1.37 lb. or larger $5/1 (04-30-11) SS-2/27 coupons, get 4 - $5 off at register. Your total will be $60.00.
Only $12.00 each! Yes you have to get 5 of them to make it worth it, but if you need to buy formula anyways, I say do it! I know I will!
Free Diabetic Recipe Book
Free Diabetic Recipe Book from Diabetic Connection.Click here to check it out. Even if you are not diabetic, or even know someone who is, this has some great recipes. But if you are or know someone who has diabetes, this is a great tool to have! Get yours now!
Cheap Hardcover PhotoBook
Today's Deal:
$12 for One 8x8 Hardcover Group Photo Book, including Shipping, from Group Story ($35 value)
Details
Redeem on Group Story website at checkout
Book includes 20 pages, addt'l pages are $.60 per page
Limit (1) voucher per transaction
Expires December 31, 2011
See the fine print that applies to all Sweet Deals
Highlights
Create a hard-copy photo book with an entire group's photos.
All uploaded photos can be tagged, viewed, and used to create pages by anyone in the group.
Everyone picks and chooses the pages they want to create their own custom Group Story Book
Great for sports teams, family events, summer camps, weddings, and more
Wal-Mart: Double coupons on Tuesday's? - Updated
Just heard that all Utah Wal-Marts will be doubling coupons under $1.00 every Tuesday! Not sure if that is accurate or not. I plan on calling Wal-Mart and making sure. If so, I will be compiling a list and going to the store today! As soon as I get some clarification, I will let you all know! As well as start posting some great deals on here weekly for you! That will be exciting!!!
"Update: The Cedar Hills Walmart is the store who said that the Regional Walmarts near Ridley’s should be following suit with this promotion. However, if your store doesn’t know anything about it, you could always head to Cedar Hills instead to get in on the deal without having issues. This is obviously going to be hit or miss for all of us. But I’m hoping the Walmart stores nearby Ridleys will be on the same page within the next few weeks since there WAS a regional meeting about it. GOOD LUCK!!!"
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE!
I will be keeping tabs on this, and let you know if/when other Utah locations start doing this. Sorry to bum you all out.
HOT: $15.00 for $7.00 for E-Bay
Get a $15 gift card to eBay for only $7 at Groupon! This deal is very hot!!!
"Online marketplaces allow consumers to shop anytime, from anywhere, helping doctors purchase anatomy textbooks while performing surgery and fathers bid on cigars during the birth of their inaugural son. Score new stuff on your terms with today’s Groupon: for $7, you get $15 to use on eBay.
One of the world’s largest online shopping sites, eBay has helped more than 90 million consumers and businesses purchase and sell goods as diverse as clothes, technology, books, and cars. While eBay still runs thousands of online auctions, today the majority of its buyers make fixed-price purchases of new and used products like the flat-screen TVs, MP3 players, and GPS navigation devices found in the virtual electronics section. Stylistas can peruse the fashion storefront, where a pair of shoes is sold every seven seconds, a men's necktie every three seconds, and a T-shirt emblazoned with the cover of Andre Agassi's Open: An Autobiography every 10 years.
Bargains abound in eBay's Daily Deals section, where new offers—curated by eBay staff and negotiated with its top sellers—hatch daily, sometimes hourly, with substantial discounts on home audio systems, digital cameras, and jewelry, to name just a few. Once a deal sells out, it's replaced with a fresh offering bearing an announcement such as "added two hours ago" or "this baby deal is ready to feed."
Highlights:
Enormous online marketplace
More than 94 million global users
Massive selection includes fashion, electronics, technology, and collectibles
The Fine Print:
Limit 1 per person. Limit 1 per order. Valid only on eBay.com in the U.S. Must have a registered eBay and PayPal account. Credit card info may be required at checkout. Not valid towards service fees. No cash back. May apply value toward tax & shipping. May use over multiple visits.
"Online marketplaces allow consumers to shop anytime, from anywhere, helping doctors purchase anatomy textbooks while performing surgery and fathers bid on cigars during the birth of their inaugural son. Score new stuff on your terms with today’s Groupon: for $7, you get $15 to use on eBay.
One of the world’s largest online shopping sites, eBay has helped more than 90 million consumers and businesses purchase and sell goods as diverse as clothes, technology, books, and cars. While eBay still runs thousands of online auctions, today the majority of its buyers make fixed-price purchases of new and used products like the flat-screen TVs, MP3 players, and GPS navigation devices found in the virtual electronics section. Stylistas can peruse the fashion storefront, where a pair of shoes is sold every seven seconds, a men's necktie every three seconds, and a T-shirt emblazoned with the cover of Andre Agassi's Open: An Autobiography every 10 years.
Bargains abound in eBay's Daily Deals section, where new offers—curated by eBay staff and negotiated with its top sellers—hatch daily, sometimes hourly, with substantial discounts on home audio systems, digital cameras, and jewelry, to name just a few. Once a deal sells out, it's replaced with a fresh offering bearing an announcement such as "added two hours ago" or "this baby deal is ready to feed."
Highlights:
Enormous online marketplace
More than 94 million global users
Massive selection includes fashion, electronics, technology, and collectibles
The Fine Print:
Limit 1 per person. Limit 1 per order. Valid only on eBay.com in the U.S. Must have a registered eBay and PayPal account. Credit card info may be required at checkout. Not valid towards service fees. No cash back. May apply value toward tax & shipping. May use over multiple visits.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Edible Eyeballs for April Fools
With April fools coming up just around the corner, your kids are probably dying to play some practical jokes. Instead of waking up to some horrific prank on the first, help them make these cute little eyeball treats from DisneyFamily.com by Cindy Littlefield if you like this post, check out Disney Family for a ton of great ideas from crafts to entertainment.
"When the crewman Ragetti accompanied Jack Sparrow to Tia Dalma's shack, he discovered the ultimate sight for sore eyes. Among the former sea goddess' magical wares was a jar filled with eyeballs, and Ragetti hoped his chance to replace his own wooden orb was near. As fate would have it, Ragetti was destined to keep his fake peeper a while longer -- until Barbossa, who had given it to Ragetti in the first place, ultimately reclaimed it as one of the "Pieces of Eight" needed to transform Tia Dalma back into Calypso. Unlike the ones in Tia Dalma's stores, these edible candy-coated eyeballs are up for grabs. But you'll want to act fast. They're not likely to last long.
You'll need:
Cookie sheet
Waxed paper
Mixing bowl
1/2 cup softened cream cheese
22 chocolate sandwich cookies
Tablespoon
Lifesaver Gummies
A handful of chocolate chips
2 cups white chocolate chips
Microwaveable measuring cup or small, deep bowl
Toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Line the cookie sheet with waxed paper and set it aside.
2. Crush the sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor, or seal them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Combine the cookie crumbs and softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
4. With clean hands, roll half tablespoonfuls of the cookie mixture into balls (about 1 1/4-inch in diameter) and place them on the waxed paper. Use you thumb to make a shallow nickel-size depression in the top of each ball.
5. Chill the cookie balls until firm (about 1 hour).
6. Select a Lifesaver Gummy to use as an iris for each eyeball. Stretch the centers to enlarge the holes a bit and insert a chocolate chip, tip down, in each one. Set the irises aside for now.
7. Pour the white chocolate chips into the measuring cup or bowl and melt them in the microwave according to the directions on the package.
8. Insert a toothpick into one of the chilled cookie balls. Dip the ball into the melted white chocolate and then set it on the tray, using a second toothpick to hold it in place while you pull the first one out. Immediately set one of the irises atop the candy-coated ball and gently press it into the depression. Repeat this step with the rest of the cookie balls.
9. Allow the white chocolate coating to cool and harden before serving the eyeballs. You can speed up the process by chilling them on the tray for a few minutes. Store leftover eyeballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes a dozen or more."
"When the crewman Ragetti accompanied Jack Sparrow to Tia Dalma's shack, he discovered the ultimate sight for sore eyes. Among the former sea goddess' magical wares was a jar filled with eyeballs, and Ragetti hoped his chance to replace his own wooden orb was near. As fate would have it, Ragetti was destined to keep his fake peeper a while longer -- until Barbossa, who had given it to Ragetti in the first place, ultimately reclaimed it as one of the "Pieces of Eight" needed to transform Tia Dalma back into Calypso. Unlike the ones in Tia Dalma's stores, these edible candy-coated eyeballs are up for grabs. But you'll want to act fast. They're not likely to last long.
You'll need:
Cookie sheet
Waxed paper
Mixing bowl
1/2 cup softened cream cheese
22 chocolate sandwich cookies
Tablespoon
Lifesaver Gummies
A handful of chocolate chips
2 cups white chocolate chips
Microwaveable measuring cup or small, deep bowl
Toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Line the cookie sheet with waxed paper and set it aside.
2. Crush the sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor, or seal them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Combine the cookie crumbs and softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
4. With clean hands, roll half tablespoonfuls of the cookie mixture into balls (about 1 1/4-inch in diameter) and place them on the waxed paper. Use you thumb to make a shallow nickel-size depression in the top of each ball.
5. Chill the cookie balls until firm (about 1 hour).
6. Select a Lifesaver Gummy to use as an iris for each eyeball. Stretch the centers to enlarge the holes a bit and insert a chocolate chip, tip down, in each one. Set the irises aside for now.
7. Pour the white chocolate chips into the measuring cup or bowl and melt them in the microwave according to the directions on the package.
8. Insert a toothpick into one of the chilled cookie balls. Dip the ball into the melted white chocolate and then set it on the tray, using a second toothpick to hold it in place while you pull the first one out. Immediately set one of the irises atop the candy-coated ball and gently press it into the depression. Repeat this step with the rest of the cookie balls.
9. Allow the white chocolate coating to cool and harden before serving the eyeballs. You can speed up the process by chilling them on the tray for a few minutes. Store leftover eyeballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes a dozen or more."
HOT: Fresh Produce Deal!
Never see produce coupons? Well me either!
But this is just as good!!!
Pay only $5.00 for $10.00 worth of fresh produce at City Deals!
Only availbe at the Clearfield, Ogden, and Clinton Utah locations, there is a separate link for each location, so make sure what one you want! I think these will go really fast! So grab your before they are gone!!!
Extra 20% off at City Deals!!!
At City Deals they are having their extra 20% off sale on select certificates! It ends tomorrow, so jump on this deal while you can!
If you are not yet registered for City Deals, CLICK HERE to sign up. It is free!
If you already have an account, go here to view the extra 20% off deals!
"Paul's Under $1.00 List at Wal-Mart"
I Heart the Mart is a great blog to find some good deals at Wal-Mart!
Here is his current list of items under $1.00. REMEMBER though, that some of the coupons may not be available in all regions and areas. I'm usually able to find most of the coupons on his lists, so go ahead and check it out!
NOTE: Some of the deals he finds talk about the coupons you can find in the All You Magazine! If you don't currently get the All You Magazine and would like to, you can find the current issue at most grocery stores. They are filled with TONS of coupons! Go ahead and grab one to see if you like it. If you do, and would like a subscription, let me know. I will get you a link to get the subscription for the absolute lowest price available (that I have been able to find)!
Here is his current list of items under $1.00. REMEMBER though, that some of the coupons may not be available in all regions and areas. I'm usually able to find most of the coupons on his lists, so go ahead and check it out!
NOTE: Some of the deals he finds talk about the coupons you can find in the All You Magazine! If you don't currently get the All You Magazine and would like to, you can find the current issue at most grocery stores. They are filled with TONS of coupons! Go ahead and grab one to see if you like it. If you do, and would like a subscription, let me know. I will get you a link to get the subscription for the absolute lowest price available (that I have been able to find)!
Scott Bath Tissue Coupon
$1/1 Scott Bath Tissue 12 pack or larger
Not the best coupon for TP I've ever seen, but one of the better ones. You can hardly ever find them for more than .75, so get this while you can. You can use it now if you need TP or save it and try to find a sale down the road before it expires.
Search for it under personal care to find it faster.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Coupon Inserts in today's Paper - 3/27/11
We got 2 Smart Source coupon inserts today! Don't forget to grab them both!!!
We got a lot of pet food coupons, some higher value ones, so if you have a pet, make sure and pay attention to those! Also, Target this week will be giving out $5 gift cards wi the purchase of two participating pat foods. Keep an eye on GrocerySmarts.com to see just how great of a deal this will be for you!
Another high value coupon is the $1.50/1 any Colgate Total advanced toothpaste. Hopefully that toothpaste will go on sale zoo before the coupons expire.
We got a lot of pet food coupons, some higher value ones, so if you have a pet, make sure and pay attention to those! Also, Target this week will be giving out $5 gift cards wi the purchase of two participating pat foods. Keep an eye on GrocerySmarts.com to see just how great of a deal this will be for you!
Another high value coupon is the $1.50/1 any Colgate Total advanced toothpaste. Hopefully that toothpaste will go on sale zoo before the coupons expire.
HOT!!!High Value Huggies Diapers Coupons!!!
Here are three links to go to so you can get some of the highness value Huggies coupons I have personally ever seen!
$3/1 any package of Huggies Diapers
$3/1 any package of Huggies Diapers
$1.50/1 any pack of Huggies Diapers or you can share with 3 friends to get the $3/1 any package of Huggies Diapers
Get them now before they are gone! Also, remember to print each one twice!
Happy Savings!!!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Adventures at Checkout; Tips and Anecdotes: vol 1
Ok, so my husband had this idea when he went to the store the other day for me. I had printed out our list and cut out the coupons and he dutifully went to the store ready to save! He then came home saying, "I know what else you should blog about!" So... This is the ideas he had; to write about some of our trips and adventures at the checkout stand that we personally experience. Mistakes and triumphs as well as things we've seen others do, that we can all learn from to make our checkout ventures more smooth and pleasant for us and those around us as well.
On one particular trip, my husband had been sent to Smith's to get some gift cards that we needed. He was standing in line waiting patiently, while the lady in front of him had her beautifully organized coupon binder set out in front of her perched on her cart. While she was waiting for the person in front of her to finish their transaction, she was making final adjustments to her collection of groceries and making sure they were in the order she wanted them to be. Then, she turned to her binder and flipped through it, gathering the coupons she needed page by page as the conveyer slowly moved her items forward. By the time her items were all scanned, she had all of her coupons ready in hand to pass along to the cashier. My husband leaned forward to see how she had done on her shopping trip; total befor coupons $80.00. Total after coupons... Drum roll please... Only $60.00!
When I teach my classes I talk about 3 different shoppers, the first one I talk about is the average coupon shopper. This woman is definitely your average coupon shopper. She saves about $20-$30 each time she goes to the store. That is pretty dang good! But it was a little funny to me that it was my husband who thoug, If only she knew there was a easier, more efficient way.
I'm not mocking or cutting down any one else's method of couponing. I admire people who can take the time to save like that. But I also want pele to know that there is an easier way. And that you can save so much more each time you go to the store than just $20-$30.
On one particular trip, my husband had been sent to Smith's to get some gift cards that we needed. He was standing in line waiting patiently, while the lady in front of him had her beautifully organized coupon binder set out in front of her perched on her cart. While she was waiting for the person in front of her to finish their transaction, she was making final adjustments to her collection of groceries and making sure they were in the order she wanted them to be. Then, she turned to her binder and flipped through it, gathering the coupons she needed page by page as the conveyer slowly moved her items forward. By the time her items were all scanned, she had all of her coupons ready in hand to pass along to the cashier. My husband leaned forward to see how she had done on her shopping trip; total befor coupons $80.00. Total after coupons... Drum roll please... Only $60.00!
When I teach my classes I talk about 3 different shoppers, the first one I talk about is the average coupon shopper. This woman is definitely your average coupon shopper. She saves about $20-$30 each time she goes to the store. That is pretty dang good! But it was a little funny to me that it was my husband who thoug, If only she knew there was a easier, more efficient way.
I'm not mocking or cutting down any one else's method of couponing. I admire people who can take the time to save like that. But I also want pele to know that there is an easier way. And that you can save so much more each time you go to the store than just $20-$30.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Walgreens: Sale Sneak Peek 3/27-4/2
Just saw a preview of next weeks Walgreens ad. Here are some of the highlights to look forward too!
Participating Dove items, buy 4 (mix and match) for $15.00, get a $5.00 Register Reward good for your next purchase.
Click HERE for the full Sneak Peek Ad for next week. OR check HERE for the Current deal/coupon match ups for Walgreens as well as a link for the Preview of next weeks deal/coupon Match ups as soon as it is available.
Participating Dove items, buy 4 (mix and match) for $15.00, get a $5.00 Register Reward good for your next purchase.
- Dove Hair Care - Use the Dove Hair Care Product, any excluding trial and travel sizes .75/1 coupon from the RP-3/27 = $1.75 each
- Antiperspirant/Deodorant, 2.6 to 3 oz. and/or Body Mist - Use Dove Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant or Body Mist, any excluding trial and travel sizes and Dove Men Plus Care .75/1 from the RP-3/27 insert = $1.75 each
- Body Wash, 12 or 13.5 oz. - Use Dove Body Wash, any 10 oz. or larger, excludes Dove Men Plus Care $1/1 coupon from the RP-3/27 insert = $1.50 each
- Men Plus Care Body Wash, 12 or 13.5 oz. and/or Active Clean Shower Tool - Use Dove Men Plus Care Body and Face Wash, any 13.5 oz. or larger, OR any Active Clean Shower Tool $1/1 from the RP-3/27 insert = $1.50 each
- Edge Shave Cream or Gel 6 or 7 oz. on sale buy 2 for $4.00 - get 2, use 2 Edge Shave Gel, any except 2.75 oz. cans .55/1 coupons from the SS-3/20 insert and get a $2.00 Register Reward at Checkout good for your next purchase = .45¢ each
Click HERE for the full Sneak Peek Ad for next week. OR check HERE for the Current deal/coupon match ups for Walgreens as well as a link for the Preview of next weeks deal/coupon Match ups as soon as it is available.
HOT: Seven Peaks "Pass of All Passes!"
Seven Peaks: Salt Lake County "Pass of All Passes" to Water Park and Sporting Events
$39 for a full year of admission to your favorite Salt Lake County water park (formerly Raging Waters), plus tickets to sporting events throughout the year (a $266 value). This pass includes admission to one Utah Grizzlies game (4/1), two Real Salt Lake matches (4/18, 9/28), six Rocky Mountain Raceway racing events (4/29, 5/13, 5/28, 6/3, 6/11, 7/9), and every Utah Blaze home game during the 2011 season. Seven Peaks opens for the season on May 28. Pump up your adrenaline on two 75-foot-tall water-slides, slip around on serpentine slides, go wild in the 500,000-gallon wave pool, or just cool off in the Dinosaur Bay kiddie pool and play area. At 85% off, today's deal makes enjoying a summer of thrills no sweat.
$39 for a full year of admission to your favorite Salt Lake County water park (formerly Raging Waters), plus tickets to sporting events throughout the year (a $266 value). This pass includes admission to one Utah Grizzlies game (4/1), two Real Salt Lake matches (4/18, 9/28), six Rocky Mountain Raceway racing events (4/29, 5/13, 5/28, 6/3, 6/11, 7/9), and every Utah Blaze home game during the 2011 season. Seven Peaks opens for the season on May 28. Pump up your adrenaline on two 75-foot-tall water-slides, slip around on serpentine slides, go wild in the 500,000-gallon wave pool, or just cool off in the Dinosaur Bay kiddie pool and play area. At 85% off, today's deal makes enjoying a summer of thrills no sweat.
The Fine Print
Voucher must be redeemed at Seven Peaks Salt Lake • Purchaser must activate the pass by 4/2/2011 and will be valid for 12 months • Tax due at time of redemption • Voucher must be redeemed between 12 pm - 6pm Monday – Friday, beginning 3/29 after the deal closes • Pass holder must be present at voucher redemption to receive their photo pass ID for all events and attractions • Voucher applies to normal operational hours or game times • In the event of a sell-out, all admission/seating to all venues will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis • Upgradeable options may be available, ask merchant for more information • Voucher is valid for admission on days of normal operation, Memorial Day-Labor Day • Other conditions apply • Promotional value expires on April 2, 2011
Food Deal: Pier 49 Pizza $10
Today's Deal: $20 for $10 at Pier 49 Pizza from The Daily Deal Salt Lake City.Deal valid at 11 locations from Logan to St. George
"For years, Pier 49 Pizza has been serving what is regarded by critics as the best pizza available"
In 1991, the original Pier 49 Pizza restaurant opened with the goal to create the best pizza around. After months of operation they developed their signature sourdough crust, the right blend of sauces, spices, cheeses and toppings to create some of the tastiest pie possible. Using only the finest cheese found, a variety of specialty meat toppings, and homemade varieties of zesty tomato, Alfredo, pesto, spinach, barbecue, and garlic sauces they serve uniquely delicious gourmet pies for all to enjoy.
Is your mouth watering yet?
Come in today and Fall in love with pizza again!
Highlights
- Dine ‘til your heart’s content in many locations!
- Gourmet San Francisco Style Sourdough Pizza
- Specialty Pizza, Hot Subs, Fresh Salads, and More!
- Dine-in or Take-out
- High-Quality Imported Cheeses used in every pie
- Fresh-made Pizza Dough and toppings
- Family Friendly Atmosphere
Restrictions
- Per voucher includes: $20 for $10 Pier 49 Pizza
- Not valid for deliveries
- Limit 1 per table, up to 4 persons
- 2 per table for parties of 5 or more persons
- Must use entire certificate during one visit
- May not be combined with any other offers, specials, promotions, or coupons
- Must be used prior to expiration date
- Not valid for gluten-free
- Voucher is valid ONLY at the location for which it was purchased
- Expires 9/25/2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Annual Pass or One Time Fee?
With the coming of spring, which we are all so ready for, a lot of people start thinking about Summer, and vacations. Making plans now for trips during the year and even just thinking about the different outings you will be taking your little ones to. While doing this planning the thought of cost always comes to mind.
Many places, both local places and places in other states, offer annual passes as well as a single day pass.
The reason for this is, it makes financial sense! Offer people an option to pay a larger sum of money up-front to use their facilities for an extended period of time. The large sum up-front is over-all cheaper per visit than if you payed each time you went, if you go enough. How does this make them money? How often have you bought a season or annual pass for someplace and only gone two or three times?
When weighing the pros/cons and costs/benefits of any season or annual pass, always take into account the following:
1) How many times you would actually enjoy going that year
2) How many times you would need to go that year to make it worth the money
3) How realistic it is that you will actually be able to make it that often
4) How much money you would be out if you ended up only going the one time
If you can evaluate each of these questions and still want to get the season/annual pass, then go for it!
Following you will see a list of places that offer a season/annual pass that my family personally enjoys and what we have decided on as far as the passes go. Day Pass prices are all figured in using our current family situation, 2 adults, 3 children ages 3, 2, and 6 months
Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park
Family Season Pass - $60.00
Day Pass - $24.00
Honestly, we would never go to this park more than once in a year. The kids love it, but I'm not going to walk around there more than once. The park is not that big, and it doesn't ever change much. I will pay the daily price at this park, because my kids enjoy it, but I don't all that much.
Ogden Treehouse Museum
Year Pass - $80.00 (Us and our two children)
- $100.00 (as soon as our youngest starts walking, we'd have to pay $20.00 more
for this pass)
Day Pass - $22.00
Last year, we got the season pass with thoughts of returning frequently with our young children to help them learn and grow and have some fun along the way. We went the one time. I am not very good at taking the kids out to places on my own, and with my husband's work schedule, we weren't able to find the time to go again. this year, and years to come, until we actually start being able to go at least 5 times on our own (paying the daily price) we will NOT be buying an annual membership.
Lagoon
Season Pass - $388.00
Day Pass - $158.00
Now, with our family situation, we would only have to go to Lagoon 3 times to make a season pass well worth the money. Maybe when the children are older and enjoy going to Lagoon, we may get this one.
On the other hand, I used to work at Lagoon, and as a result, i don't find the park that entertaining anymore. In reality, we will probably be better off forking over the daily price a couple time s year even than paying for season passes... ESPECIALLY when you take into account all the discounts you can get for daily passes through online deals, early bird specials and even your work's "Lagoon day" All things to consider when buying a pass for Lagoon.
Utah's Hogle Zoo
Annual Pass - $79.00
Daily Pass - $25.00
Zoo Booster Deluxe - $179.00
Last year, we got an annual pass for the zoo, and we were very happy with it! We actually had purchased the Plus Pass for $89.00, and for our family at the time, we needed to go at least 5 times that year to have the pass pay for itself. We ended up only going three times, but we still thought it was worth the money. With the pass we got discounted rides and discounted food. And we are such softies when it comes to our child's love of trains we couldn't say no to a train ride... every time! So the discount made it nice too. In addition, with the Plus Pass we were able to bring one guest with us each time for free!
This year, we splurged... maybe more than we should have... and got the Booster Deluxe Pass. With this pass, we were able to name a third adult (My Mother) to be added onto the card. She can now go to the Zoo for free with OR without us! In addition, we are able to bring 2 guests with us each time we go for free. With this pass, we also get unlimited FREE rides as well as discounted food. We hate going to the big huge zoo alone with our children, so this is a perfect fit for our family!
Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure
Annual Pass - $2,295.00
3-Day Park Hopper - $867.00
(remember this is the cost for our whole family of 5)
First off, I love Disneyland! If I could go every week, I probably would! That said...
To make it worth an annual pass (for our whole family) we would need to be able to to Disneyland on 3 different trips for at least 3 whole days of Disneyland to have the passes pay for themselves. If we went for 5 or 6 days at a time, we would only need to go about twice. But we would have to pay for hotels and everything each time as well. When the kids are older and if our travels take us to California often, or if our financial situation changed to the point we actually could go multiple times in a 12 month span. we would probably get an annual pass. As it is, I'd like to right now... but can't.
When buying passes for your family vacation, take into account what you will be paying for in the future as well. Will your child be taking a school trip to Disneyland within the next 12 months? IF SO, it might be wise to talk to your child's teacher to see if it would be possible for you to pay less for your child's trip if they had an annual pass. My school allowed this, and we ended paying less in the long run for my school trip because we got me an annual pass, and the rest of my family 5-day park hopper passes.
Many places, both local places and places in other states, offer annual passes as well as a single day pass.
The reason for this is, it makes financial sense! Offer people an option to pay a larger sum of money up-front to use their facilities for an extended period of time. The large sum up-front is over-all cheaper per visit than if you payed each time you went, if you go enough. How does this make them money? How often have you bought a season or annual pass for someplace and only gone two or three times?
When weighing the pros/cons and costs/benefits of any season or annual pass, always take into account the following:
1) How many times you would actually enjoy going that year
2) How many times you would need to go that year to make it worth the money
3) How realistic it is that you will actually be able to make it that often
4) How much money you would be out if you ended up only going the one time
If you can evaluate each of these questions and still want to get the season/annual pass, then go for it!
Following you will see a list of places that offer a season/annual pass that my family personally enjoys and what we have decided on as far as the passes go. Day Pass prices are all figured in using our current family situation, 2 adults, 3 children ages 3, 2, and 6 months
Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park
Family Season Pass - $60.00
Day Pass - $24.00
Honestly, we would never go to this park more than once in a year. The kids love it, but I'm not going to walk around there more than once. The park is not that big, and it doesn't ever change much. I will pay the daily price at this park, because my kids enjoy it, but I don't all that much.
Ogden Treehouse Museum
Year Pass - $80.00 (Us and our two children)
- $100.00 (as soon as our youngest starts walking, we'd have to pay $20.00 more
for this pass)
Day Pass - $22.00
Last year, we got the season pass with thoughts of returning frequently with our young children to help them learn and grow and have some fun along the way. We went the one time. I am not very good at taking the kids out to places on my own, and with my husband's work schedule, we weren't able to find the time to go again. this year, and years to come, until we actually start being able to go at least 5 times on our own (paying the daily price) we will NOT be buying an annual membership.
Lagoon
Season Pass - $388.00
Day Pass - $158.00
Now, with our family situation, we would only have to go to Lagoon 3 times to make a season pass well worth the money. Maybe when the children are older and enjoy going to Lagoon, we may get this one.
On the other hand, I used to work at Lagoon, and as a result, i don't find the park that entertaining anymore. In reality, we will probably be better off forking over the daily price a couple time s year even than paying for season passes... ESPECIALLY when you take into account all the discounts you can get for daily passes through online deals, early bird specials and even your work's "Lagoon day" All things to consider when buying a pass for Lagoon.
Utah's Hogle Zoo
Annual Pass - $79.00
Daily Pass - $25.00
Zoo Booster Deluxe - $179.00
Last year, we got an annual pass for the zoo, and we were very happy with it! We actually had purchased the Plus Pass for $89.00, and for our family at the time, we needed to go at least 5 times that year to have the pass pay for itself. We ended up only going three times, but we still thought it was worth the money. With the pass we got discounted rides and discounted food. And we are such softies when it comes to our child's love of trains we couldn't say no to a train ride... every time! So the discount made it nice too. In addition, with the Plus Pass we were able to bring one guest with us each time for free!
This year, we splurged... maybe more than we should have... and got the Booster Deluxe Pass. With this pass, we were able to name a third adult (My Mother) to be added onto the card. She can now go to the Zoo for free with OR without us! In addition, we are able to bring 2 guests with us each time we go for free. With this pass, we also get unlimited FREE rides as well as discounted food. We hate going to the big huge zoo alone with our children, so this is a perfect fit for our family!
Disneyland/Disney's California Adventure
Annual Pass - $2,295.00
3-Day Park Hopper - $867.00
(remember this is the cost for our whole family of 5)
First off, I love Disneyland! If I could go every week, I probably would! That said...
To make it worth an annual pass (for our whole family) we would need to be able to to Disneyland on 3 different trips for at least 3 whole days of Disneyland to have the passes pay for themselves. If we went for 5 or 6 days at a time, we would only need to go about twice. But we would have to pay for hotels and everything each time as well. When the kids are older and if our travels take us to California often, or if our financial situation changed to the point we actually could go multiple times in a 12 month span. we would probably get an annual pass. As it is, I'd like to right now... but can't.
When buying passes for your family vacation, take into account what you will be paying for in the future as well. Will your child be taking a school trip to Disneyland within the next 12 months? IF SO, it might be wise to talk to your child's teacher to see if it would be possible for you to pay less for your child's trip if they had an annual pass. My school allowed this, and we ended paying less in the long run for my school trip because we got me an annual pass, and the rest of my family 5-day park hopper passes.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
HOT: Two Free Full Sized Suave Products!
Watch the videos here, at Suave Professionals website and try to guess what model used Suave, and what one used the other brand. If you can guess four right, you get 2 free full-sized Suave Professionals products for FREE!!! If you can actually get all 8 right, you win free Suave Professional products for a whole year!
I got 5 right, see if you can neat me :)Let me know how you did in a comment below! This could be fun.
HOT: New Huggies Coupon
New Huggies coupons! Go HERE to grab your Huggies coupons before they are gone! There is a $2/1 any Huggies Diapers Coupon and a $3/1 60 ct. or more Huggies Diapers Coupon.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Smith's Sneak Peek - 3/23-3/29
Tomorrow will mark the start of the "new" Smith's sale week. They will be running the March into Saving promotion for another week! SO if you went, and they were out of what you wanted, or you didn't make it at all, you have another week to do it! Or even if you want to go back and grab more stuff!
ALSO they will have a few different/new things on the list (not sure if anything new will be posted for the 10 item mega event or not) but check out the GrocerySmarts.com Smith's list to check out the current list, and look at this link for the preview list for tomorrow.
Happy savings!
RC Willey: Free Bread and Milk for a Year
If you happen to be in the market for a new refrigerator, you can grab one of the select models from RC Willey's and get a years worth of Bread and Milk for FREE! 52 loaves of bread and 52 gallons of milk.
Obviously don't go buy a new fridge just for the free food, but if you need a fridge anyway, it is something to look into! Promotion may only be good until March 26th. So if you want to take advantage of this particular deal, act quickly.
First Step To Saving Money
Before you ever start even thinking the word "coupon", or looking where the best places to shop are. Before you re-do you budget or even look at your last few months of bank statements. Before you can ever even hope or think about saving money... you need to do one thing first, be willing to make a lifestyle change!
Couponing in and of itself takes some major commitments to change your lifestyle. But coupons are just one teeny tiny part of really saving money. If you are serious about saving money, getting out of debt, paying cash for a house, or even just being able to live with the bare necessities, you have to be willing to make a choice to sacrifice.
One of the definitions of sacrifice in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is: destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else.
If you want to save money, one of the best things to do to motivate yourself to be able to sacrifice in the first place, is to realize that there is "something else" that you are saving, or sacrificing, for! Know what that reason is. Maybe there are a list of reasons, write them down!!! Keep them in a place where you can see it often. Keep a copy in your wallet, or your purse. Talk about that reason with your children and above all else make sure you and your partner are on the same page and agree on the same reasons. If you can't agree, then you have sabotaged your efforts before you've even tried. The whole family needs to be on the same page about why you are making these sacrifices. Young adults, teens, and children especially need to understand the reason behind the sacrifice and exactly what they need to do to help it along; what they will be giving, how they will be effected, and what benefits they will personally see.
If, for your family, a drastic change is needed. you will also want to sit back and look at everything this change will entail, as well as decide if it will be better to jump in and go all at once, or if it would be better to make those many changes one at a time. If you do the latter, make a list and a schedule so you can keep up with your ultimate goals. Remembering always that there is no one best way and that your family needs will be different from the next. Each family is different, so you may take a while in the process of trial and error until you find the best way for you and your family.
Whatever your situations or your personal goals, stick to your ultimate goal. Allow yourself room for re-evaluation if something isn't working but make sure it and give things enough time for you to adjust to it before you just scrap the idea because it is just "too hard".
Willingness to make those sacrifices has always been, and probably always will be, the hardest part of saving for me.
I grew up as the oldest of nine children (yes you read that right, 9 children) and we went without a lot. All of our needs were met; we had clothes to wear, food to eat, a warm place to live... But we never could afford that cool new toy. Movies were rarity. Even eating out only happened when a restaurant offered a promo that kids under 12 ate free, which didn't happen very often. We were home schooled so while we had friends, the time we got to see them wasn't as often as other kids. REALLY we had a good life, and I know we had a lot more than other kids did, but, when you're a kid, the only thing you can see is what you have compared to those around you. I really couldn't put myself in the place of others less fortunate than myself. I never complained about what we didn't have, I was happy. But being the oldest of nine kids, and having a Father who was never around made me step up and grow too quickly. Now, all the stepping in to fill dad's empty place was entirely me. My mother never told nor asked me to. In fact, she often told me I didn't have to. But she did appreciate the help, and I saw the need, so I did it anyway.
As a result of that, along with a huge list of past experiences that have shaped the person I am today, giving things up is very difficult for me. If I have extra money, I like to be able to take that and treat my children and/or husband to something special, whether it be a new toy, a night out or whatever else. So, we have always managed to live within our means, but at the same time, paying off old debt, not to mention building a savings, was impossible.
After Justin lost his first job shortly following the birth of our first baby, I realized that I had to be willing to give up those things now in order to be able to have even our needs met in the future if something like that ever happened again. I all likelihood it will, we just have no way of knowing when!
Now that we have paid off such a huge chunk of our debt, and our budget is so easily small for groceries, I'm starting to have those urges to spend that"extra money" on needless things again. I constantly have to remind myself to enjoy things in moderation. That our date nights can be Red Box rental and sandwiches in front of the TV.
Remembering that giving up spending doesn't have to mean giving up relationships or time with each other is paramount! The day we live in now, it is almost impossible not to have electronics or the influence of media. The "need" for convenience has over-ridden the need for thrift. And life seems meaningless if we aren't constantly on the run to the next task.
That willingness to save and sacrifice, I think, should be a primal want to get back to basics. Be happy with what you have. Be content in the now.
Remember and learn from the past.
Look forward and plan for tomorrow.
But NEVER forget today!
Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present.
HAPPY savings!
Couponing in and of itself takes some major commitments to change your lifestyle. But coupons are just one teeny tiny part of really saving money. If you are serious about saving money, getting out of debt, paying cash for a house, or even just being able to live with the bare necessities, you have to be willing to make a choice to sacrifice.
One of the definitions of sacrifice in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is: destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else.
If you want to save money, one of the best things to do to motivate yourself to be able to sacrifice in the first place, is to realize that there is "something else" that you are saving, or sacrificing, for! Know what that reason is. Maybe there are a list of reasons, write them down!!! Keep them in a place where you can see it often. Keep a copy in your wallet, or your purse. Talk about that reason with your children and above all else make sure you and your partner are on the same page and agree on the same reasons. If you can't agree, then you have sabotaged your efforts before you've even tried. The whole family needs to be on the same page about why you are making these sacrifices. Young adults, teens, and children especially need to understand the reason behind the sacrifice and exactly what they need to do to help it along; what they will be giving, how they will be effected, and what benefits they will personally see.
If, for your family, a drastic change is needed. you will also want to sit back and look at everything this change will entail, as well as decide if it will be better to jump in and go all at once, or if it would be better to make those many changes one at a time. If you do the latter, make a list and a schedule so you can keep up with your ultimate goals. Remembering always that there is no one best way and that your family needs will be different from the next. Each family is different, so you may take a while in the process of trial and error until you find the best way for you and your family.
Whatever your situations or your personal goals, stick to your ultimate goal. Allow yourself room for re-evaluation if something isn't working but make sure it and give things enough time for you to adjust to it before you just scrap the idea because it is just "too hard".
Willingness to make those sacrifices has always been, and probably always will be, the hardest part of saving for me.
I grew up as the oldest of nine children (yes you read that right, 9 children) and we went without a lot. All of our needs were met; we had clothes to wear, food to eat, a warm place to live... But we never could afford that cool new toy. Movies were rarity. Even eating out only happened when a restaurant offered a promo that kids under 12 ate free, which didn't happen very often. We were home schooled so while we had friends, the time we got to see them wasn't as often as other kids. REALLY we had a good life, and I know we had a lot more than other kids did, but, when you're a kid, the only thing you can see is what you have compared to those around you. I really couldn't put myself in the place of others less fortunate than myself. I never complained about what we didn't have, I was happy. But being the oldest of nine kids, and having a Father who was never around made me step up and grow too quickly. Now, all the stepping in to fill dad's empty place was entirely me. My mother never told nor asked me to. In fact, she often told me I didn't have to. But she did appreciate the help, and I saw the need, so I did it anyway.
As a result of that, along with a huge list of past experiences that have shaped the person I am today, giving things up is very difficult for me. If I have extra money, I like to be able to take that and treat my children and/or husband to something special, whether it be a new toy, a night out or whatever else. So, we have always managed to live within our means, but at the same time, paying off old debt, not to mention building a savings, was impossible.
After Justin lost his first job shortly following the birth of our first baby, I realized that I had to be willing to give up those things now in order to be able to have even our needs met in the future if something like that ever happened again. I all likelihood it will, we just have no way of knowing when!
Now that we have paid off such a huge chunk of our debt, and our budget is so easily small for groceries, I'm starting to have those urges to spend that"extra money" on needless things again. I constantly have to remind myself to enjoy things in moderation. That our date nights can be Red Box rental and sandwiches in front of the TV.
Remembering that giving up spending doesn't have to mean giving up relationships or time with each other is paramount! The day we live in now, it is almost impossible not to have electronics or the influence of media. The "need" for convenience has over-ridden the need for thrift. And life seems meaningless if we aren't constantly on the run to the next task.
That willingness to save and sacrifice, I think, should be a primal want to get back to basics. Be happy with what you have. Be content in the now.
Remember and learn from the past.
Look forward and plan for tomorrow.
But NEVER forget today!
Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present.
HAPPY savings!
I Need Help! Contest Coming Soon...
I'm in the process of planning and organizing and finalizing a contest. I just need some ideas on what type of a contest to do! There will be a prize for the winner. But I need your help!!!
If you have any suggestions or ideas on what type of contest I should have, LET ME KNOW! Leave a comment on this post.
If I don't use your idea, don't worry, depending on how this goes, I will probably use a lot of ideas you all submit in the future.
The more ideas I get, the better.
So share this on Twitter, Face Book, through your e-mail, or anywhere else you can think of; let's see how many suggestions we can get!
Thank you for reading, and for your help!
If you have any suggestions or ideas on what type of contest I should have, LET ME KNOW! Leave a comment on this post.
If I don't use your idea, don't worry, depending on how this goes, I will probably use a lot of ideas you all submit in the future.
The more ideas I get, the better.
So share this on Twitter, Face Book, through your e-mail, or anywhere else you can think of; let's see how many suggestions we can get!
Thank you for reading, and for your help!
Chili's FREE: Today Only!
Kids eat FREE at Chili's on Tuesday March 22nd! (Today!)
Click Here to share with your Family and Friends!!! (and to get your coupon)
Who doesn't love FREE food? Especially when it's Chili's. Receive A FREE Kids meal with purchase of an adult entree.
Click Here to share with your Family and Friends!!! (and to get your coupon)
Who doesn't love FREE food? Especially when it's Chili's. Receive A FREE Kids meal with purchase of an adult entree.
Square Foot Gardening DEAL!
Daily Deal for Salt Lake City:
50% off Square Foot Gardening "Today's Deal: Grow Your Dream Garden... in Any Space! 50% OFF Square Foot Gardening!" $50.00 value only %25.00 today!!!
- $50 to spend on a Home Gardens to Go Package for only $25!
or
-2'x4' Vinyl Garden Box and Mel's Mix Soil (Limited Quantities available - so act fast!)
"Home Gardens To Go will supply all your needs for a very low maintenance and affordable home garden and save you valuable time and money. Coupled with Square Foot Gardening techniques, we offer the revolutionary garden boxes in a variety of sizes and designs. Your exclusive garden box can be set anywhere in your yard or patio making gardening even more convenient. To make your experience more exciting, we will even bring your garden right to your door. You can begin planting within minutes upon arrival. Gardening has truly never been this easy and affordable.
Home Gardens To Go has also taken gardening to a new level. We provide a special mixture of several different types of compost making your garden rich and healthy with the most sought after garden nutrients. If you've ever tried gardening, you know soil is key to success. Most home gardens will plant with their existing soil which is generally lacking in important nutrients that makes your produce healthy.
Never has there been a more important time to be prepared than now. Unfortunately, being prepared faces a powerful foe: procrastination. Gardening is probably the most commonly neglected home project for any family but with the right tools and support, gardening can become a wonderful family experience. With Home Gardens To Go, you can kick start your family to a whole new level of gardening that can be enjoyable for everyone.
Our mission is to provide a way to help each of our customers become empowered with independent skills and greater confidence to become more self-reliant and enhance the way they grow their food storage. We believe in being prepared in every way possible and establishing a professional, fresh garden is where it all begins.
We believe that with our help at Home Gardens To Go, you can rid yourself of
* obnoxious weeds
* tilling
* heavy digging
* soil preparations
* backaches
We'll be the first to admit that gardening can be hard if you choose the hard way. But Home Gardens To Go and square foot gardening have made it so easy!"
50% off Square Foot Gardening "Today's Deal: Grow Your Dream Garden... in Any Space! 50% OFF Square Foot Gardening!" $50.00 value only %25.00 today!!!
- $50 to spend on a Home Gardens to Go Package for only $25!
or
-2'x4' Vinyl Garden Box and Mel's Mix Soil (Limited Quantities available - so act fast!)
"Home Gardens To Go will supply all your needs for a very low maintenance and affordable home garden and save you valuable time and money. Coupled with Square Foot Gardening techniques, we offer the revolutionary garden boxes in a variety of sizes and designs. Your exclusive garden box can be set anywhere in your yard or patio making gardening even more convenient. To make your experience more exciting, we will even bring your garden right to your door. You can begin planting within minutes upon arrival. Gardening has truly never been this easy and affordable.
Home Gardens To Go has also taken gardening to a new level. We provide a special mixture of several different types of compost making your garden rich and healthy with the most sought after garden nutrients. If you've ever tried gardening, you know soil is key to success. Most home gardens will plant with their existing soil which is generally lacking in important nutrients that makes your produce healthy.
Never has there been a more important time to be prepared than now. Unfortunately, being prepared faces a powerful foe: procrastination. Gardening is probably the most commonly neglected home project for any family but with the right tools and support, gardening can become a wonderful family experience. With Home Gardens To Go, you can kick start your family to a whole new level of gardening that can be enjoyable for everyone.
Our mission is to provide a way to help each of our customers become empowered with independent skills and greater confidence to become more self-reliant and enhance the way they grow their food storage. We believe in being prepared in every way possible and establishing a professional, fresh garden is where it all begins.
We believe that with our help at Home Gardens To Go, you can rid yourself of
* obnoxious weeds
* tilling
* heavy digging
* soil preparations
* backaches
We'll be the first to admit that gardening can be hard if you choose the hard way. But Home Gardens To Go and square foot gardening have made it so easy!"
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