Pizza Balls, first VLOG

Here is my first ever blog.  I had help from my children.  Recipe credit goes to Ashley @ http://20something-homemaker.blogspot.com .

Don't mind me looking crazy - it was hot!

Baby was eating, kids were "helping".  Hope you enjoy!

7/31/2011 - ShopRite shop $7.90

 

I paid a total of $7.90 for this and got a $3 off my next purchase coupon and a free reusable bag!

The Degree was free.  I have enough now where, I only buy it if it's free.  Not cheap - free.  They were on sale for .99 cents a piece, I had 3 .75 cent off coupons which were doubled up to the price of the item. (7/31 SC)

8th Continent Soy Milk - Org. $3.79 on sale for $2.99 with 2 $2 off coupons making them .99 cents each. (8thcontinent.com)

The Splenda boxes were origionally $5.09 - on sale for $4 and I had 3 $3 off coupons (which are only good for two weeks!!)  That made them each $1.  In addition to this they had a promotion that if you bought three you get $3 off your next purchase and a free reusable bag.  Essentially they were free. (7/31 SC)

The mustard was $1 with a .35 cent coupon doubled up to .70 cents - making it .30 cents. (man. website)

I did not have a coupon for the dishsoap but it was a good price at .89 cents.

Wise Chips - Org. 3.99 - on sale for 1.99 with a .50 cent coupon doubled to $1 making it .99 cents (man. website)

International Delight creamer - $1.25 on sale from $2.49, with a 55 cent coupon doubled to $1.10 - making it .15 cents!!

The steal in this trip was the Splenda!  Sale was at ShopRite for this price.  In order to get it so cheap you have to have 3 of those coupons from the Sunday paper.  

I saved a total of $29.68 in this trip!!

Links to some of the coupons from today's shop:

http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=PXEXLH3XVGKIO

http://www.readyseteat.com/brand-coupon.do

http://www.chobani.com/coupons

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?bt=vg&tqnm=yfskcqv7201529&o=82342&c=WF&p=wRTxqSye

Sunday's Routine

Okay so today is Sunday.  My morning goes as follows:

I wake up and eat breakfast and drink my coffee, as I am doing that I am printing out my coupons for the day.  I look for them at night, but because my printer is in my bedroom I don't print until the next morning because of the baby.

I then go to the Italian deli down the street from my house and get two newspapers.  Generally I get one CT Post and one New Haven Register, but todays paper has 4 inserts and the New Haven Register only had 2 in them. 

Check all of your inserts to make sure they are there.  There is nothing worse than buying them only to realize that the coupons are not in there.

I got an extra score today, when I got home I realized that someone made a mistake stuffing the papers and one of my papers has 4 extra inserts!!!  WOOO HOOO Score me!  Especially because todays coupons are for things I use.

I then cut and organize.  I don't have a coupon binder so I put them into envelopes marked certain things.  Male personal, female personal, cleaning supplies, dental & hygiene, cat & dog, frozen goods, Target only, etc. When I am planning my shops I will then put my coupons in designated envelops with things I know I am going to buy.  For example, say I know Target has Caress on sale, if I have a Target and a Manu coupon I will put them in that folder.  It makes shopping trips quicker.

Here's todays tip for shopping:

DON'T BE THE COUPONER THAT THEY HATE.  Don't be a coupon crazy. Leave stuff for other shoppers, and make sure that you are prepared before you go in line.  This saves time and confusion.  If you have any B1G1 items, put those items last on the belt, so that if they need to find the price it is easily accessible.  If you are at a store where they are doubling coupons, give those coupons to them first, it makes it easier to make sure they are all doubling the way that they should.  Have everything prepared before you go in to make sure it is as smooth as possible!

-Happy Saving!

My Weekend Prep for Couponing - Saturday

Saturday night, after the kids are asleep I browse though my circular for next week (all of the local grocery store ads get mailed to my house on Thursday).  I check online coupons for sale items, and browse my favorite couponing websites for a heads up on the circular coupons to start writing my shopping list.

Important thing to remember when couponing is NOT to stray from your list!  Go on a full belly so those chips that are $3.99 a bag doesn't look so enticing. Write a list of what you NEED for the week first, plan meals and snacks for the week a head of time, this will prevent last minute running to the stores.  Compare that list to what is on sale at your local grocery stores, and see which store has the best deal for what you need combing coupons and sale prices.

Don't forget to look at generic.  Some generic foods taste the same as the name brand and may be a considerable amount cheaper.  For example, canned vegetables.  You can get them for as low as 33 cents a can generic on sale vs $1 dollar a can + for the name brands.  Keep that in mind as you are shopping as well.  A good deal is a good deal, made better with coupons, but even if you don't have a coupon at the end of the day it is still a good deal.

Once again I reference CouponDivas.com - they already have the ads up on Saturday so you can do your prep.

Until tomorrow I bid you farewell and happy clipping!  Tomorrow I will post my Sunday prep!

Happy Savings!  Follow on Twitter @Mommy_W - I will tweet new blogs and super deals along the way!  And please click an ad before you leave to support the blog and our advertisers.

Homemade Laundry Detergent = IT WORKS!!!

This is all you need to make your own powdered Laundry Detergent which is FREE AND GENTILE!

Borax is WONDERFUL, CHEAP, and a must have in EVERY house.  It only has ONE ingredient!

I bought the Borax, Washing Soda, and Ivory soap all for under $10 at Walmart.

One batch makes enough for about 10+ loads depending on how soiled it is and how large the load is.

Ingredients & Tools Needed

Borax

WASHING soda (both found in laundry aisle)

Ivory (there are also other bars you can use Fels-Naptha - but I found it too strongly fragranced and gave me a headache I chose Ivory because it is dye free and gentile)

You will need a grater (I have one that has 4 sides I used the smallest size)

A bowl

A spoon 

A 1 cup measuring cup

and a container for your laundry detergent

Directions 

Grate one bar of Ivory soap into a bowl

Add 1 cup of Borax 

Add 1 cup of Washing Soda

Mix until it looks like this:

and YOUR DONE!!  That simple!  

Directions and Tips for use

So the websites that I got this recipe from say 1 tablespoon = 1 load. So far I have tried it with 1, 2 and 3.  

For a small load of items that are NOT soiled, just worn 1 tablespoon is plenty.  

Lightly soiled, medium loads - 2 tablespoons should do the trick.

Heavily soiled/large loads - 3 tablespoons, but still PRE TREAT STAINS!  The same as you would do with your regular detergent do with this!  With just 3 tablespoons and NO pretreatment is got almost ALL of the blood out of my sons shirt after his nose bleed.  I can hardly tell it is there!  That was my test of this and it passed!

Make more than one batch at a time and you will be set for awhile ESPECIALLY if you don't have 10 loads to wash a week like I do!  This is going to have SO much money for me!  

Give it a try!

I also recommend doing it in low-humidity or air conditioning.  It's easier to grate the soap in cooler conditions.  I also added part of another bar of soap, because I was not brave enough to grate down to the smallest piece of the first bar of soap - I would have grated my fingers off!!

OK so we all love FREE stuff

So while I'm testing my homemade laundry detergent on my laundry I decided to go on the search for websites offering free samples and goodies like that.

I sign up for EVERYTHING that is free.  It's free what can it hurt? 

If it's for items that I really don't use I can donate it.  For example, one of the offers I am going to list is for baby formula.  I do not have a baby on formula anymore, (and some of you may be exclusive breastfeeders), but there are plenty of moms in need that could use that formula.  So samples I get I will send to my local food bank or women's shelter. 

Everything that I am going to list here I have signed up for, but just a heads up, not all of the offers are available all the time, many are for a limited time only.  Since many of them are listed on the biggest couponing websites they go QUICKLY!!


Enfamil : https://www.enfamil.com/app/iwp/ConsumerRegisterLoadConsentInfo.do?referralID=207&cm_mmc=display-_-EFB-_-MySavingsMedia-_-2011

Honey Nut Cherrios: http://www.honeynutcheerios.com/honey-nut-cheerios/?rc=y

Eucerin: https://www.facebook.com/EucerinUS?sk=app_150701131641056

Kandoo Coloring Book (downloadable): http://www.facebook.com/pamperskidskandoo

L'Oreal Eversleek Sample: http://www.lorealparisusa.com/_us/_en/#/?page=top{userdata//d+d//|diagnostic|main:mylorealoffers|media:_blank|nav|overlay:_blank}

Purina Pro Plan cat food sample coupon: http://www.facebook.com/ProPlan?sk=app_229755843722816

Shout Wipes Sample: https://www.facebook.com/shoutlaundry?sk=app_6009294086


Okay that's all I have for now, I have to go inspect my laundry!!!

Twitter

Just made a Twitter for my blog - @Mommy_W - follow and I will follow back! I will post when I add new blogs!

Will I really never have to buy Laundry Detergent again??

This weekends project (a long with couponing) is to make my own laundry detergent (and maybe a baby repellant to stop my 16 month old from eating more of her brother's bike seat).

I will post my adventures and my trials in this during the weekend. I am going to the store to get the items needed tomorrow.  Maybe I can find some coupons now!

I am always looking for new ways to save money!  And my kids can be the guinea pigs! haha (j/p... maybe)

Don't forget

Don't forget to sign up for store flyers! 

For example, I made a Target registry when I was pregnant and it put me on a mailing list. I got in the mail their back to school catalog with over $60 in coupons!  Even if you aren't expecting, or getting married, or any of the other things registries are known for, you can still make one, make it private and just add some little things.  This puts you on their mailing system!  (Also with wedding registries they give $20 gift cards from time to time and Shutterfly gift cards)

I sign up under multiple names for coupons from Huggies and Pampers.  BRU also has a good mailing list!

States that do "TAX FREE" week/ends

July

Mississippi: July 29-30. Clothing and footwear $100 or less exempt.
See the complete list of tax-exempt items.

August

Alabama: August 5-7. Clothing, computers, school supplies and books exempt (up to a certain dollar amount).
See the complete list of tax-exempt items.


Arkansas: August 6-7. Clothing purchases of $100 or less and school supplies are exempt.
See a complete list of tax-exempt items.

Connecticut: August 21-27. Clothing and footwear less than $300 exempt. More details.

Florida: August 12-14. Clothing, books and school supplies exempt (up to certain dollar amounts).
See a complete list of tax-exempt items.

Iowa: August 5-6. Clothing and footwear $100 or less exempt.
See a complete list of tax-exempt items.

Louisiana: August 5-6. Most items less than $2,500 exempt.
More details.

Maryland: August 14-20. Clothing and footwear $100 or less exempt.

Missouri: August 5-7. Clothing, computers and school supplies exempt (up to certain dollar amounts).
More details.

New Mexico: August 5-7. Clothing, computers and school supplies exempt (up to certain dollar amounts).
More details.

North Carolina: August 6-8. Clothing, computers, school supplies and sports equipment (up to certain dollar amounts).
More details.

Oklahoma: August 5-7. Clothing and footwear less than $100 exempt.
See a list of tax-exempt items.

South Carolina: August 5-7. Clothing, computers and school supplies exempt.
See a list of tax-exempt items.

Tennessee: August 5-7. Clothing, computers and school supplies exempt (up to certain dollar amounts).
See a list of tax-exempt items.

Texas: August 19-20. Clothing, footwear, backpacks and school supplies less than $100.
See a list of tax-exempt items.

Virginia: August 5-7. Clothing, footwear and school supplies (up to certain dollar amounts).
See a list of tax-exempt items.

I got this from  http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/649/back-to-school-shoppers-get-a-break-on-sales-taxes/

Staples Easy Rebate

So today, for the first time, I used Staples Easy Rebate online feature.  I generally don't shop at Staples because it is expensive.  But this time of year is their Christmas and they have great sales.

Using their Easy Rebate option was SUPER easy and user friendly. Even my MOTHER could do it! lol

When you make your purchase you will get a main receipt (which is good for the returns) and then you will get another recepit that prints out (one regular and one rebate form) per item which was purchased.  Today I got 3 items (2 SKUS which were rebate items.  On the second page you will see a REBATE OFFER NUMBER it will look lik 11-99999, and at the bottom of the receipt there will be a barcode with a 16 digit number underneath it. These are the only two items you will need.

If you get more than one of the item, when it is processing it will automatically rebate all of the items purchased. 

You press submit, enter your information and you are DONE!  There is also a PAYPAL option, you don't have to wait for a check/visa card - it will go directly into your paypal account. No getting lose in the mail!  I don't think that this will take less than the standard 4-6 weeks but anything electronic which does not cause me to have to go to the bank is easier!

The only thing I am not sure of yet is if you will get the WHOLE rebate if you use a coupon. I don't know if they will still give me the 5.49 rebate if 1.11 was taken off for a coupon, I am going to say NO, but that's okay because it's still a great deal anyway! 

Happy Shopping!

-W

7/26/11 Staples Shop = $8.33

 

In total there are 2 reams of paper, 2 pencil cases, 2 packs of insertable dividers, 3 1 subject notebooks, 1 pack of filler paper, 1 sharpener, 1 box of pencils, 1 box of big paper clips, 1 3D pencil box, 1 pack of nice Papermate pens, and one 5 pack of BIC highlighters.

Pencil Case - $2 (it was just cool so I wanted it)

Jumbo Paperclips - Org. 1.99 on sale for 50 cents

Staples brand pencils - $1 - they do have them during their penny sales for .01 but I like these and don't want to miss them

Pencil Sharpener regular $1 on sale for 50 cents

Loose Leaf paper - 99 cents

Avery Insertible 5 pack deviders - $1.49 ea on sale for 50 cents each

3 notebooks - Org. about 1.50 on sale for 33 cents each

2 reams paper - $5.99 each with REBATES of $5.49 each making them .50 cents each

2 Twisted Erasers - 99 cents each - just because they are cool!

BIC Highlighters - $4 - with a $4 REBATE making them FREE

1 Papermate pens - Org. $3.99 on sale for $1

2 pencil cases - on sale for 50 cents

The rebates are Easy online rebates which are going to be put in my paypal account within 4-6 weeks. I also had a $5 off a $25 purchase coupon, so I am unsure if I am going to get the WHOLE $15 dollar rebate. But we shall see!

Staples doesn't show all of the original prices or how much you saved on their receipts so this presale total is a rough estimate and is probably higher.

Approx pre-tax total = $37.95 Total Savings, coupons, and rebates = $29.62 Total OOP= $8.33 (after rebates)

I will also being going to staples during their penny sale and let's see how much we can save then!

7/24/11 ShopRite shop = $19.89

No picture for this one because, well, it's too hot. lol

I bought today:
2 Boxes of AlphaBits cereal: Org. 3.69 each, on sale for $1.99 with a coupon for $1 off of 2, making them $1.50 each

Honey Nut Cherrios: Org. $3.59, on sale for $2.49 with a 50 cent coupon double to $1 making it $1.49

3 Gerber Grad bowls: Org. $1.19 with three .55 cent off coupons doubled to $1.10 making them .09 cents each.

Peter Pan Peanut Butter (i missed last weeks good sale boo): Org. $2.79 with a coupon for 50 cents off doubling to a dollar making it $1.79.

2 8th Continent Soy Milk 1/2 gallons: Org. 3.89 each, on sale for $2.99 with two $2 off coupons making them .99 cents each

2 Athenos Greek Yogurts: Org. $1.49 each, on sale for 3 for $4, with a 1 dollar off of two coupon making them about .75 cents each (available at their facebook page)

4 Kraft Shredded Cheese (Touch of Philly): Org. $3.45 each, on sale for $1.99 with 2 coupons for $1 off of 2.  (Available at their FB page)

2 Popsicle items: Org. $1.69 each on sale for 99 cents, no coupon just a good price.

1 Quart of Apple Juice = 1.77

Finally 1 box of Luigi's Italian Ice: on sale for .99 cents, There is a 50 cent coupon in the CT Post, doubled to .99 making it FREE!!

Total before savings: $56.47 - Total Savings of $36.58 - Total paid = $12.89

7/22/11 Target Shop = $24.30 pre tax!!

Total before sales/coupons and taxes was $67.38.  I paid 24.30 before taxes.

Only one thing in here was full price and that was the insulated tote with the filtering water bottle.  When you save a lot of money else where it's okay to splurge now and then.  But not too often.  The tote and water bottle were $12.99.  The bigger versions of the water bottles are $12.99 by themselves.

The dinosaur and lizard are originally $3.99 each and they were on clearance for $1.68.
The sand shovel was originally $1.99 and was on clearance for .68 cents.

The three back water squirters were originally $5.99 but they were not found in their system and were marked clearance (with ALL of their summer toys) so she gave them to me for $1. I'll take it!

Everything else I had coupons for:

Here are my coupon items.  Total pre-tax for these items are: $38.44 - I paid $6.27!!

Here is the break down:

2 Cottonelle Fresh wipe tubs: $2.24 each (not on sale) with 1 $1.25 off Target coupon off of two and one $1 off of two manufacturer coupon.  (Target coupon found at Target.com, manufacturer coupon found at Cottonelle.com) = $2.23 for two.  Essentially I bought one and got one for free.

2 Dove men's deodorant: Org. $3.99 each (includes 'free' travel size sample in each), on clearance for $2.78 and I had 2 $2 off coupons (found in the Sunday paper) making them .78 cents each!

I have shown the jeans before, but I cleaned them out of their size 5 boys jeans today.  I got two pairs of boys jeans originally $12.99 on clearance for $3.24 with two Target $2 off coupons.  I got my son 4 pairs of jeans for less than $7 bucks!  That is unbeatable!

Well that is it for now.  We shall see what tomorrows paper brings us!

Have a fabulous weekend!  We are off to the beach and maybe out to watch Despicable Me on a big jumbotron out in North Haven.

Cottonelle Coupons

Cottonelle.com has a printable coupon (one per person) for .50 cent off toilet paper and 1.00 off flushable wipes.  Target.com also has a Flushable wipes  coupon ($1.25 off of two!)

You can combine them at Target for maximum savings!

7/21/11 Shop Rite Shop = $7.31

 

2 Dove deodorants: Org: 1.79, on sale for $.98, one $1 coupon and one .75 coupon doubled up to the price of them item = FREE

4 Gerber Lil Bowls: $1.19 with a .55 coupon doubled to $1.10 - making them each .09 cents for a total of .36 cents for ALL of them!

4 V8 Fusion + Tea: Org: $3.49 each, on sale for $1.99 with a $1 coupon off of each of them making them .99 cents.  A total of $3.96 for all of them!

Weaver Chicken Nuggets: Org. $5.99 a bag - on sale for $2.99.  No coupon just a really good price!

A total of $7.31 (no taxes on food in CT) $28.29 BEFORE sales and coupons = A total savings of $20.98!!!

Things to keep in mind when couponing

Number 1 and most important:  Get to know your stores coupon policies.  coupondivas.com has a great individual store breakdown.

For example, I mainly shop and Shop Rite, they have two different coupon policies as a business but each store can choose which one they want.  They have a 4 of the same coupon her person per day at mine.  Which is really dumb, TLC's show has really ruined it for others. 

My store will also double UP to .99. Also they will only double up to the cost of the item, they don't give money back, another way Extreme Couponing has ruined everything.  Still not complaining because free is free.  If you have a box of cereal for $2 and a .75 cents coupon they will double it to a $1.50 cent coupon making it .50 cents. 

Number 2:

Check the sale flyers in your paper and check out sites like CouponDivas to check out the ads, sales and what coupons you can use.  Also remember stores like Target have Target specific coupon which you can combine with manufacturer coupons.  Combine with sales if at all possible to have max savings.  For example if Caress body wash is normally $3.00 and they have it on sale for $2.50, and  Caress has a .75 cent coupon and Target has a $1 dollar coupon - combine all of those savings and get the item for .75 cents. 

Number 3:

Only buy items when they are free or close to free - stock up when you can that way you do not run out of that item and have to pay full price when needed.

There are many more tips but this is what I have for now.  Check back often for more steals, deals and tips!

7/21/11 Target Shop = $3.21

 

Cherokee size 5 boys jeans: Org. $12.99 on clearance for $3.24 & 1 $2 off Target coupon = $1.24

2 Scotch tapes: Org. $1 on sale of .50 cents with 2 .50 cent off Target coupons = FREE

Command 4 pack hooks: Org. $5.99 on clearance for $2.84 with a $1 Target coupon = $1.84

that plus tax = $3.31  a total savings of about $18!!

7/20/11 Target Shop = $8.56

 

Purchased:

Cherokee Size 5 boys jeans : Org. $12.99 on Clearance for $6.48 with $2 off Target coupon = $4.48
2 Half Gallons 8th Continent Soy Milk : $ Org. $2.84 each with two $2 off 8th Continent coupons = &.84 cents each ( http://www.8thcontinent.com )
Vaseline lotion : $2.99 with $1 off peelie coupon
4 packs Bic Cristal pens: Org. $1 on sale for .50 cent with (2) B1G $1 off coupons = FREE ( http://www.coupons.com )
2 packs Papermate pens: Org. $1 with (2) $1 off Target coupons = FREE

Total of $8.56 (including tax) from $27.67 pre-tax for an approx $19 savings!

Not bad for what little I got!

(All Target coupons are available at www.Target.com )

Gerber & Bic freebes!

There is a 55 cent coupon off of the Gerber toddler bowls.  Shop Rite has them on sale and they double coupons - making them free! 

Check them out at http://www.coupons.com

Also on coupons.com there is a Bic coupon Buy 2 Get $1 off and Target has their Bic Crystal pens for .50 cents each - also making them free!

Grand Total of $0.00

This was my Target trip today. I had coupons and they were all on sale. All legal. Multiple computers.  Grand total of $0.00

So money gets tight....

I am going to start blogging about my attempts to cut my spending and trying to save money while paying all of my bills on time.  There are certian bills I can NOT cut back on.  Such as my car, and my rent.  However, I can cut back on my cable.  I can not cut back on my internet because with hubby trying to start his own business that is our life line.  I can't cut back on the house phone because that is the only way of checking on my kids. 

I need to shop better to feed a family of six.  It really doesn't help that my baby's milk is 5-6 dollars a gallon.

With gas prices on the rise again we need to conserve gas and do things in an economical fashion.  I need to shop at stores on the way home from work so I don't have to make an extra trip.  We have to play closer to home with the kids.  Friends houses on special occasions. 

NO MORE ALCOHOL!  What is left in the cabnet is it.  No more. Oh well. I think I can manage.

I already coupon, not an extremist, but I have enough body wash, shampoos, lotions and toothpastes to last for a year lol.  Hopefully next year things will look brighter.

I have also started to work on my credit.  Maybe I can get my credit up enough in the next year where they will over look my dings from 6 years ago and approve me for a mortgage.  I want to buy a 3 family, give one apt to my mom, and rent out the other one for additional income. Hopefully I can make it happen.

Wish me luck as I start on my journey.

So I see that Target had a Black Friday in July thing today.  It was supposed to start at midnight.  So I stay up (sort of cat napped while waiting) until midnight last night, just for me to notice 12pm PST!!  Who  does anything PST, everything is done EST.  So I went to bed. I wake up early this morning to look and they have NOTHING that I can use or want.  So that was a fail.

Oh and Boog peed in my bed last night.  That also smells of fail.

Blah day at work yesterday - hopefully not the same today.