Congratulations to Ruth Hoffman of Colorado who is the winner of the Walmart Valentine’s Day Gift Basket.
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone.
Congratulations to Ruth Hoffman of Colorado who is the winner of the Walmart Valentine’s Day Gift Basket.
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone.
I thought I’d post this one on its own and not in the Valentine Day Gift Guide.
The folks at Walmart have kindly donated a pink & red package with pieces from the studio of Sandra Magsamen that all retail for $10 and under.The total gift basket worth of Valentine’s Day goodies values at $34.
This giveaway is open to readers in the US and Canada and can’t be shopped to PO Boxes.
All you need to do is add a comment about ways you save money when you’re buying gifts, be it birthday, holiday or Valentine’s Day goodies. If you’re a subscriber, you can also e-mail me your tip. The best one will be picked on February 10th.
Good luck everyone.
Over the weekend I finally assembled the Aerogarden and planted the herbs that came with it. Assembly by the way is easy and if I can say that, anyone can put it together! Here are a couple of photos of it.
It almost runs by itself. All you need to do is add water and the nutrient tablets that they supply. The lights stay on for a period of time and then switch themselves off. According to the instructions, there should be some growth after a few days and then you can remove the domes. Can’t wait to see what happens each day!
You know I’ve been singing the praises of the magazine All You for months now. I always pick up a copy while I’m in Walmart. It’s full of great money saving articles, budget friendly recipes and the added plus is you get lots of coupons. They also have a Web site and newsletter you can sign up for. While I was on the site I signed up for a subscription. www.allyou.com
Anyone watch the Food Network. I don’t have as much time to watch it as I once did, but the other Sunday I was making lunch, decided to turn it on and caught a show called Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian. Some good tips, recipes and definitely worth watching each week. It airs at 12.30 Eastern. www.foodnetwork.com.
It’s only the second week of 2010 and I’m guessing eating healthy, exercising more and even losing weight made it to some of your resolution lists. Have you seen how many TV commercials and infomercials there are for weight lose programs and exercise equipment? This week, the creator of the Yum Yum dishes will offer some tips on how to eat more healthy foods without breaking the bank. And I’ll explore some free resources for losing weight and getting in shape.
Have a good week.
September is National Coupon Month so what better time to use these little slips of paper to help stretch your food dollar. Here are some ideas and hints on finding coupons, and how to use them for maximum benefit.
Newspapers and Magazines
I get about 50% of my coupons from the Sunday newspaper. If you’re looking for coupons for food items, it can’t be beat. Magazines, especially women’s magazines, are another good source. And if you want to buy items like natural and organic foods, try picking up a copy of Delicious Living. My local co-op has free copies at the information desk and every issue has at least two coupons I can use. The best part is they often have a face value of $1, which is great news when it’s double coupon day at my local supermarket.
And Speaking of…Your local supermarket is also a good source of coupons. Look out for those little red machines that are attached to the shelves along each aisle. They usually have a flashing red light so you can’t miss them. And if your store has a double coupon day, these can be a goldmine. And don’t forget lots of stores produce their own coupons. If you don’t receive a newspaper containing a flyer, make sure you check the one at the store before you head down the aisles.
New to the Stores
If you see a product that’s brand new, there’s a good chance the company who makes it will be giving away free coupons and samples to introduce it. Check their Web site.
Just How Much am I Saving?
I’m guessing these days people who never shopped with coupons don’t read the newspaper without keeping a pair of scissors by their side. If you’re still not convinced just how much you can save think about this. If it’s only $10 a month, that’s $120 a year…money that could be pay another bill or even money you could add to a mortgage payment. Believe me; using coupons isn’t a waste of time.
Coupon Swap Groups
If you really need more coupons and have no way of finding them, why not start a coupon-swapping group. You could put a notice up at day care centers, the supermarket notice board, or even the local coffee shop. Get a group of people together and meet once a month to swap coupons. Let others know what you’re looking for, and even swap money saving tips and recipes.
Straight to the Source
Before I head to a store, I not only check their flyer, but their Web site too. Sometimes that has special coupons that are only available online.
Hot Coupon World
If you haven’t already visited www.hotcouponworld.com Do it today and sign up for their newsletter that arrives in your e-mail box twice a week alerting you to deals and links to lots of great coupons. These days I find at least 50% of my coupons through this site.
All You
You might remember me telling you that during a recent trip to Walmart I bought a copy of a magazine called All You. It’s not only a great read but a goldmine for coupon hunters like myself. www.allyou.com
And speaking of Hot Coupon World, one of the links this week was to Amazon.com. Currently they’re offering a two year subscription to All You for $29 (after cart coupon).
Flattery Gets You…coupons
We all like to receive a pat on the back from time to time. And being nice to companies and manufacturers can sometimes reap you rewards in the form of coupons. If you’re pleased with a product, let the company know. And check if they have a loyalty program or newsletter so you can receive e-mail alerts about specials and coupons.
And Remember…
Don’t let your coupons just sit there. At the beginning of each month, pull out the ones that expire in the next 30 days and work out your week’s menu with the coupon items in mind.
Anyone try the recipes I included in last week’s Preserving Summer Produce? I made some of the strawberry jam. While I was at the store on Friday I noticed a sale on strawberries and stocked up. Now I have two jars of strawberry jam sitting in the freezer ready for winter.
We have a grapevine growing over an arbor near our patio. Most years the bounty’s been so-so and what does grow is usually eaten by raccoons looking for a bedtime snack. However, this year we cut down some trees and the vine’s getting more sun, hence a bumper crop. I checked it this morning and so far, the grapes are untouched. Now I’m thinking about making some grape jelly.
One thing that seems to go missing in my house is hangers. I saw that Walmart had a good deal…, a pack of 10 for $2. Seems the deal was even better than that. When I stopped there this morning, it was a pack of 10 for just $1.17. And while I was there I also picked up a copy of All You magazine. I’ve never read it before but the front cover said $72 worth of coupons inside. You know me, I love coupons. Seems there are coupons for just about everything, not just food. And if you go to www.allyou.com, they have more coupons. I haven’t read all the magazine yet, but it looks like it’s packed with good stuff.
And if you like cereal and movies, check out www.kelloggsmovies.com Buy specially marked boxes, collect five tokens and you get a free movie.
This week on Budget Smart Girl, things to buy in August and how cooking with herbs can make any meal taste gourmet.
Have a good week.