The Dog Ate My Coupons…

How about a Wednesday pick me up?!  Cammie sent in the picture of her daughter’s school project that she brought home today. Ah…the honestly of a child–tee hee!

If you can’t make out the wording…here is what she wrote: I am excited about this school year because now I don’t have to go shopping with my mom because she coupons.

I think that deserves an A+.

Are You Throwing Away Money?

I was thumbing through the Parade magazine in hopes that there were some hidden coupons and stumbled upon an article about how Americans throw away a HUGE amount of food each week! It made me think about some of the emails, questions and comments I get from readers about my shopping habits.

In the article, they state that an estimated 40% of the food grown and produced in the U.S. ends up getting tossed. That is absolutely crazy if you ask me. While it is wasteful, it is also very sad when you consider how many folks out there are struggling just to feed their families.

That wasted food is also wasted money. I doubt many of us would happily toss a $20 bill in the trash can without a second thought. If you find yourself throwing out food on a regular basis, you ARE tossing cash in the trash!

We have talked before about the importance of meal planning to save money. Being able to take inventory of what you have on hand BEFORE you shop will make sure you don’t buy something you already have. Doing this means you are sure to buy only what you need, saving you time and money!

Only buy the amount you will use before it expires! I shopped with a friend a while back and as she grabbed a large bunch of asparagus she made the comment…”I really don’t need this much, I wish they sold in in smaller bunches”. I kinda laughed at her and said–”So… just get what you need and put the others back!” She was astonished to realize that she did not have to buy the entire bunch. She did not realize that produce that is sold by the pound/item can be purchased in amounts as small or as large as you might need. Now items that are prepackaged can’t be purchased individually unless your store will “break” the package for you.

Another great way to ensure that you are not throwing away food is to make sure you use what you buy. If you have a recipe that requires a specific item, look for ways to make sure you use that item for some other meal during the week.  Here at my house a large head of broccoli can be spread over 3 different meals. I can use it different ways so that no one gets tired of it…in soup, as a side dish and as part of a recipe.

Consider taking a week off from shopping. I know that may sound crazy but if you make yourself use what is in your pantry, fridge and freezer you will ensure that nothing goes to waste. The added bonus is a week’s worth of money back in your pocket.

If you find that you purchased too much of a perishable item then freeze it! Many veggies can be parboiled and frozen–think of all the bags of veggies you buy! You can freeze fruits to use at a later time. Another idea is to cook up that food, freeze it and you have dinner ready for another night when you are short on time. Overripe bananas make for great muffins–bake up a batch and freeze for a quick and easy breakfast on school days in just minutes! Get creative with those foods before you think about tossing them!

Those are some of the ways I make sure to get the most bang from my buck, stretch my budget as far as possible and not waste my hard earned money! I know you guys have lots of other ideas! I would love to hear other ideas! Leave them in the comments so everyone can benefit!!

Publix Couponer In The Making

Evi sent me this picture of her little Publix shopper. How cute is she?? Check it out, she even has her  coupons ready!

I hope you guys are having a great weekend!!

Time To Vent- Let’s Hear Your Coupon Horror Stories!

Over the past few weeks I have received a massive amount of emails from folks expressing frustration about finding cleared shelves and in many cases giving me examples of flat out rudeness by other couponers.

My buddy Katie and I were chatting on Skype last night and she told me a story about witnessing two couponers get into a fight over a tearpad. Apparently one of the couponers was escorted out of the store and before she made it out–she threw her shoe at the other lady!!

What is going on?! Part of me wants to laugh at this craziness but the other part of me is sad that people are being so unkind to each other.

I am not one to tell other folks what to do. I am a momma to two boys who keep me very busy just trying  to keep them in line –tee hee! So, while I am not going to jump up on my soapbox I am going to open up this post for you guys to get it all out!

Let’s hear the stories of what you have seen and experienced. I want you guys to tell your stories or even just vent. I know this will not solve the issue but knowing that you are not alone might help. This might also be a nice way to let folks who may not be aware of what they are doing know that they are causing so much frustration for others?!

Bring it on guys…maybe we will even get a good laugh. A scene from the movie Austin Powers keeping coming to my head…”Who throws a shoe…honestly?” Tee hee

Publix Recall: Fresh & Value Added Ground Chuck and Ground Chuck Products

I have received several emails about a Publix recall put out on 8/13, so I thought I would share so you guys can check to make sure you don’t have the product(s).

Publix Super Markets is issuing a voluntary recall for assorted varieties of products that contain ground chuck because it may be adulterated with E. coli O157:H7

Head over to the Publix site to see the affected foods including the UPC code so you can check your products.

Thanks Michelle, dwagner, Bev & Tricia

I Heart Publix Saturday Morning Fun

Reader Kate sent in the cutest picture of her son John who came up with a super cute use for his train tracks…looks like people of all ages Heart Publix

Have a great day guys!!

Reminder: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Is May 14

I wanted to remind you guys that tomorrow is the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.  It is super simple to participate.  Just leave a bag of non-perishable food at your mailbox on Saturday, May 14.  Your mail carrier will pick up the food and deliver it to your local food banks or pantries.

TLC Extreme Couponing – Are You Watching?

I have been going back and forth in my decision to post on the topic of the TLC Extreme Couponing Series that airs tonight.  So many of you have emailed with questions galore so I thought I would give my thoughts.

To answer the basic question: Will I be watching the show?  The answer is… NO!  I plan on flipping on American Idol for a little background noise while I pay some bills and have a Weight Watchers treat  I will not be watching the Extreme Couponing series tonight.

Let’s face it, this show is meant to be entertaining.  Do you think they are going to show what a typical couponer might actually experience? Of course not, that would not be television worthy.  Every Friday you guys get a peek into what I buy each week. I shop for what my family requires and I manage to still get a good deal.  My couponing style is boring.   I choose to be a smart shopper rather than an extreme shopper.

All of us could probably do a trip to the store where we scored 99% savings bringing home loads of groceries to appeal to a camera.  But, would it be a practical or an accurate example of how we actually shop each week?  My guess is — probably not.

In order for this show to be entertaining, every cliche and misconception about couponing will be the up front focus.  Being a couponer comes with enough scrutiny and stares.  I just don’t want to participate in the hysteria associated with this show.

I want my website to be a place where you can find great deals, helpful information, delicious recipes and tips to help you stretch your budget. I think I will stick to giving you guys what I consider smart shopping techniques and let the television folks cover the extreme info

So let’s hear it…who is watching tonight??

I do ask that you guys be kind to each other.  While this is not my lifestyle choice, I try hard to live and let live. Just because something may not be my cup of tea –that doesn’t mean it is wrong.

Join Fresh Ideas Panel – Surveys & Chances To Win Gift Cards

Here is a new one from my inbox:

Your ideas are important! That is why we would like to invite you to join Fresh Ideas; an exciting new panel designed to collect your thoughts and feedback regarding food and what you are looking for in the foods you choose for yourself and for others, such as your family and friends.

This is a brief survey that should only take about 5 minutes to complete. If you choose to join and are accepted into the panel, you will receive one to two surveys a month. In addition, you will have the chance to participate in our rewards program, where you can win gift cards for up to $200.

Ways To Earn Extra Money

Yesterday I told you about my favorite way to get FREE product coupons and products.  Today I thought I would give you a reminder on my favorite ways to make a little extra money.

With all of these programs you will not get rich fast but it definitely adds up!  You guys are always asking if I calculate my coupon costs in my weekly totals.  Since I use the money from my survey sites I don’t have to use any money from my bank account. Here are some of my favorites and the ones that give you the fastest bang for your efforts!

Pinecone Research –This program pays you $3 per survey that you complete and often send products for you to try out.  They pay out very quickly–I would estimate that I make $75 – $100 per year.  You can have the money deposited directly in your paypal account which is what I call my “monopoly money.”  I use my monopoly money to cover the cost of coupons or other purchases that I want–without touching my personal bank account!!  Pinecone Research opens to new member randomly throughout the year. They are accepting new members right now so head over and apply to see if you fit their current need.

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Swagbucks–would be definitely among my favorites.  This is probably the fastest and easiest way to earn rewards!  When I say rewards –they have tons of options…from gift cards to cash via pay pal.  I like to exchange my Swagbucks for Amazon.com gift cards.  A $5 Amazon gift card is 450 Swagbucks–which is fairly easy to obtain without much effort.  You earn Swagbucks by doing online searches…it is that easy!  You can also install the toolbar or widget to earn points as they often publish FREE codes

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MyPoints –this is a rewards program where you earn points for reading emails, respond to offers, take surveys, etc…  I rarely do anything except click that I read their emails and each year I earn at least a $50 gift card!

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InboxDollars is another super easy rewards program.  Like MyPoints you earn by answering suveys, reading emails, playing games, etc… With Inbox Dollars they send you money!  You cannot request a payment until you reach $30.  I typically only click that I have read the email–it takes less than a second and each click gets me closer to FREE money!

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Synovate is the newest addition.  I actually signed up on the recommendation of you guys.  I have made a little extra moolah and even got to try out a full sized product.

What are your favorite ways to earn a little extra moolah?

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