over there....

If you haven't made your way over to the new website, you're missing out. That's where all of my freebies and coupons and deals are being posted - as well as other ways to help your life more manageable.

I'm leaving this blog open till the end of the Kellogg's challenge. Aside from that, everything is now being posted over on Homemaker Hero.

introducing a new website

I've been wanting to switch domain names and give Discount Hero it's own domain. However, even though discounthero.com isn't being used, it is owned. I contacted the owner to see if he would be willing to give up the domain since it is not in use and he told me it would cost me $10,000!! That's not a good deal! lol That's actually quite insane. So I've been toying around with the idea of starting a new adventure with a new name. I've done it.

I am now the proud owner of a new website that will feature the things I talk about on here as well as other things that really benefit your family (advice, wellness, recipies, DIY, in addition to all the ways I come up with to save money). I've switched my name to Homemaker Hero. Please bookmark it as it will become my new internet home. I'm still debating continuing this blog since most of what I post here will be on the new website anyhow. However, I'll definitely keep this blog open until the end of the Kellogg's contest. The winner will be announced on here at the end of September. So be sure to enter your Kellogg's transaction (even if you didn't get the rebate in the mail).

I look forward to my new adventures with you and posting more of what I'm really all about. Please let me know what you think!!!

Tax Free Weekend in Texas

There's been some miscommunication that everything you buy this weekend is going to be tax-free. That is NOT true! Here is a list of what is tax exempt and what is not.

TAX FREE
Baby clothes
Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students
Belts with attached buckles
Boots - cowboy, hiking
Caps/hats - baseball, fishing, golf, knitted
Coats and wraps
Diapers - adult and baby
Dresses
Gloves (generally)
Gym suits and uniforms
Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts
Hosiery
Jackets
Jeans
Jerseys - baseball and football
Jogging apparel
Neckwear and ties
Pajamas
Pants and trousers
Raincoats and ponchos
Robes
Shirts
Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking
Socks (including athletic)
Shorts
Suits, slacks, and jackets
Sweatshirts
Sweat suits
Sweaters
Swimsuits
Underclothes
Work clothes and uniforms

NOT TAX FREE
Accessories (generally) - barrettes, elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches
Backpacks - unless for use by elementary and secondary students
Baseball cleats and pants
Belt buckles (without belt)
Boots - climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski, waders
Buttons and zippers
Cloth and lace, knitting yarns, and other fabrics
Dry cleaning services
Football pants
Golf gloves
Handbags and purses
Handkerchiefs
Hard hats
Helmets - bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports
Ice skates
Jewelry
Laundering services
Leather goods - except belts with buckles and wearing apparel
Pads - football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder
Personal flotation devices
Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes)
Roller blades and skates
Safety clothing, glasses
Shoes - bicycle (cleated), bowling, golf

for the extended list please click here

The law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are also exempt. A backpack is a pack with straps one wears on the back. The exemption during the sales tax holiday includes backpacks with wheels, provided they can also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack, and messenger bags. The exemption does not include items that are reasonably defined as luggage, briefcases, athletic/duffle/gym bags, computer bags, purses or framed backpacks. Ten or fewer backpacks can be purchased tax-free at one time without providing an exemption certificate to the seller.

A word of caution: If you sell items that do not qualify for the exemption, you may not advertise or promise that you will pay your customers’ sales tax. Additionally, you are prohibited from advertising that you will not collect sales tax on items that do not qualify. You may advertise that tax is included in the sales price of the taxable items that you sell, however.

For information on how to report tax on these sales, please visit Reporting Sales Tax on Tax-Free Items or call us toll free at (800) 252-5555.

listening to my readers

Although we do not have a Kroger in my area, a reader of mine passed along some excellent Kroger deals for this week. I hope this helps someone out there! (thanks Colleen!)

Go here to check out Kroger savings put together by Sensible Saving!!

a couple of questions for y'all

Anyone want to go buy an extra Corpus Christi Sunday paper for me today? I'm on day two of 48 hour mom-only duty and the girls have just been I-N-S-A-N-E for some reason! Although a part of me wants to get them out of this house so that they will stop destroying everything here, I would hate more for them to destroy anything in the van or the store. So by a desperate plea from one mother to another (I know a few local friends of mine read this), could you please pick up an extra paper for me today? Let me know. My hubby will be home tomorrow so I could come meet you and pick it up and pay for it. I am going to need my own time out by the end of these 48 hours! lol

To everyone else... I will get the ads up tomorrow. Normally I can handle the three children by myself, but they've all hit a totally rebellious phase this weekend. Not that they'd probably stop just because their daddy is around, but at least I know he'll be here to allow me a break! lol

By the way, does anyone have a remedy for getting ink out of a couch? The material is similar to micro-fiber, but not stain resistant sadly (not that i think stain resistant is ink resistant anyway). Our couch is like a yellowish creme color and the address stamper that we have is ALL OVER IT now (as well as the couch pillows, books, and the wall). I can deal with everything else that's happened this weekend (yeah, the stamp was just the begining), but I'm a little lost on how to treat the couch without making the ink smear all over with something that won't work.

alternate uses for Kool-Aid

In the August edition of All-You magazine (found only at Wal-Mart), there is a page with a lot of Kraft foods coupons. All of them are buy 3 Kraft products and get something for FREE. The cheapest Kraft food I've discovered is Kool-Aid. That deal alone is worth buying the magazine for this month (maybe a few copies if you can budget it). If you're not a Kool-Aid fan, I know you can get Kraft mac n cheese at Wal-Mart for $.50 a box! So there's another idea and you'll be stocking your pantry with yummy mac n cheese while still getting great deals. I usually buy generic mac n cheese because it tastes fine to me and costs about $.20 cheaper. In our house and how much mac n cheese we buy (we love it) that $.20 savings really adds up.

I got to thinking though, even if you don't drink Kool-Aid, there are other uses for it and worth stocking up for. I'm always encouraging more family time - especially families with children. Here are some alternate uses for Kool-Aid; most of which you can get the kids involved with.





KOOL-AID ART BOTTLES ("sand bottles")

What you'll need:

• Inexpensive glass bottle with lid (this is an awesome way to reuse those baby food jars)
• Several different and colorful flavors of Kool-Aid
• Ice tea spoon
• Small paper funnel or frosting decorating tips (quite often these are on clearance)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

How to make it:

• Open the top of each Kool-Aid container so you can see all of the different colors.
• Place the funnel in the top of the bottle. If the funnel is too large, use a frosting decorating tip to work as a funnel.
• Spoon the different kinds of Kool-Aid into the bottle through the funnel in the order that you desire.
• Fill up the bottle with all of the different colors.
• Put hot glue around the edge of the lid and place it in the top of the bottle.

Tips: You can poke a toothpick down the sides of the bottle to form designs in the sand.

Kool-Aid Finger Paint

What you'll need:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 packs unsweented kool-aid
• 1/2 cup salt
• 3 cups boiling water
• 3T. oil
  

How to make it:

• Mix wet into dry. The kids love the color change. Then finger paint away.

Kool-Aid Tye Dye:

What you will need:

• T-shirt (cotton works best)
• Unsweetened Kool-Aid
• Vinegar
• Small plastic bowls
• Plastic gloves
• Rubber bands

How to make it:

• For every color you wish to use, combine 1 package Kool-Aid and 1 ounce of vinegar in individual plastic bowls.
• Mix until Kool-Aid is dissolved.
• Using rubber bands, pull and twist T-shirt into different shapes.
• Dip rubber-banded ends in bowls (make sure you wear gloves or your hands will stain).
• To set colors, iron on medium-high using an ironing cloth between shirt and iron.
• Let set for 24 hours before washing. Wash separately the first time.

Tips: For younger kids, you can put the Kool-Aid/Vinegar mix into a squirt bottle and let your child spray a shirt for a different/unique look!

Kool-Aid Playdough:

What you will need:

• 1 c flour, sifted
• 1/2 c salt
• 3 T cooking oil
• 1 pkg Koolaid (unsweet)
• 1 c boiling water

How to make it:

• Mix together flour, salt, oil, and Kool-aid.
• Add the cup of boiling water.
• Mix well.
• Knead the mixture until it forms a soft dough.
• Have fun!

Tips: Expect colored hands (you might want to use some gloves). Non-toxic - could be eaten, but won't taste very good. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. I'm also told that Grape flavor will stain badly. Use at your own risk.

Dying your hair with Kool-Aid:

What you will need:

• 2 Kool-Aid packets
• Conditioner
• Water (from the tap)
• Vaseline
• Plastic Wrap
• Towel
• Highlighting wand and tinfoil (if you are only highlighting)

How to do it:

• Mix two packs of unsweetened Kool-Aid with about twice as much conditioner as you use normally in order to make a pasty mix.
• Dampen your hair.
• Smear Vaseline on your skin near your hairline so you won't get a colored forehead or ears too!
• Also, to avoid getting the dye on your pillow, wrap your head in plastic wrap, or an old shower cap, then cover your head with an old ragged towel.
• Then apply mixture to your head. If you're doing tips or highlights, use a highlighting wand and wrap the dyed sections in tinfoil.
• Leave the dye in for 9-10 hours if you have dark hair, or 4-5 hours if you have blonde hair.
• Rinse out when you are done.

Tips: Some people get better/brighter results by bleaching their hair first, but I don't recommend it. The hair dye is temporary and the more often you bleach your hair to redye, the more likely it is to fall out (even in patches). I also don't recommend this for your children unless it's halloween or a long school holiday break when it might be ok to go to school with colored hair for a few weeks.

I also found this article on how to make Kool-Aid pickles!!

There was also this article on dying your yarn with Kool-Aid!

If you know of any other uses, please leave a comment!!!

a lesson learned about debt

I have often been called a "queen" for knowing "secrets" of spending less on groceries or finding freebies or making transactions at CVS that cost me nothing. I want to set the record straight and let you know we're as real as you are. Someone taught me what I am teaching you. Truth is that we've been in bad financial shape for a long time and we still are. Getting out of debt takes a lot of discipline. First, you have to want to change your life. I don't mean just talking about wanting to or doing this one thing or that one thing temporarily. You have to really really want to enough to make a plan and stick with it. For us, it was trial and error. We did good about getting rid of some unnecessary things in our life. We counted up how much we made and listed everything we spend that money on. Separately we added up the non-necessity bills. I remember rental furniture was one of them. At the time, we had a lot of non-necessity bills that we still counted as necessity because of our worldly addictions. For what we spent on rental furniture every month, we could have something new. We ended up turning it all back in. We went one month without living room furniture and the next month bought a futon for $90. That was the most uncomfortable thing ever! It was definitely not something I wanted to keep around for too long, but was decent enough to not go back out and get the old rental furniture back. lol I often thought of it as our "lesson learned" couch. Since we never had much to put back every month for new furniture, we waited till our tax return came back and went to pay cash for some floor model furniture at the furniture store. We got a really good deal on that for paying cash and for taking something used by the store. Although now stained by the kids, it's really comfy and makes the living room look like a relaxing place to be. (the stains just match the crayola drawings on our white walls lol)

Despite doing that, we were still making financial mistakes along the way. When we'd get rid of a certain bill, we'd end up spending that extra money every month on new bills. We thought we were really ready to end the cycle of debt but our hearts weren't. We were still too greedy. It's totally ok to admit that if you're just not ready. One day you will be. But I'm learning now just how awesome it is on the other side when you do really make good changes in your life.

Like I said earlier, we're still in bad shape. We're still not quite at a place where we're making it. We have really bad luck. As soon as we get to the place of bills being paid on time and we're just about to cross the line of keeping money in the bank and being able to start saving for our emergency fund, we have an emergency. Flat tires, hospital bills, hurricanes, last minute plane flights or gasoline, the list goes on and on. Something always sets us back.

I realized that we're still overspending by not making room to save for these emergencies. And it isn't just about clipping coupons and reducing your grocery spending that is going to make it work. I remember going at least 18 years without owning a cell phone, needing cable/satellite (I spent several years not even watching tv at all), etc. I didn't even use the internet till I was in my teens. What kind of life am I giving my children by becoming addicted to these things now? Obviously I found better things to do with my time and made more friends to hang out with. Think of how much time you spend inside your home because of these things. Could you really live without these things again? Would your family benefit if you spent more time together and being more creative at finding ways to occupy your time?

The answer for us is yes. We can live without these things. It's the only way we'll reach the other side of our mountain of debt. If we stop having bills (aside from rent and utility) to pay, our debt has no where else to go but to decrease. Sometimes you really have to reexamine your spending and come to terms with what you may have to life without to live better and debt free. Sure it's not what the majority of the world is doing, but one day you'll have more money than those who are currently spending everything they have. As Dave Ramsey says, "Live today like no one else so that tomorrow you can live like no one else."

dumpster diving

Ever since I've been getting into using coupons, I find myself often checking the trash near our mailboxes room (usually I'll just peek in instead of sticking my hands all the way through the trash - not safe!). I know that sounds yucky and germy, but that's where my really cheap bottles of hand sanitizer comes into play. ;) I keep hoping someone will throw some valuable coupons away. Mostly I look on Mondays in hopes someone threw away their Sunday paper, but I suppose most people would throw it away in their own trash can. Most of the coupons that are thrown out are for the same things I've thrown away (like Dell computers, etc). Although I really could use a new computer and will probably be forced to buy one in the next year or so, we just don't have the funds saved up right now for one so I'll pass. Today however, I found someone had thrown away valuable Huggies coupons. I have a TON of Huggies diaper coupons that I probably won't use because Huggies don't work for my girls. However, there were other coupons for wipes and soaps, etc. We DO use those. Horray!

I also got my Oatmeal Crisp cereal sample from Walmart (that was quick!) and my confirmation for All You magazine subscription (not a freebie, even though they offered two free issues on their website). If you haven't checked it out before, Walmart sells "All You" magazine. It is LOADED with coupons and even coupons for free stuff! Once again, another source that more than pays for itself. It's only $1.97 and found exclusively at Walmart (or you can order your subscription online). Yesterday I received my free Omaha Steaks cookbook, coupon for free Uncle Ben's Cajun Style rice, and a freebie offer from Billy Graham Ministries (for getting my free Greg Laurie book a few weeks ago). The freebie is for "Hope For Each Day" devotional book by Billy Graham. Donation is acceptable (and tax deductable) but not necessary. I used to have a copy of this book and I LOVED IT. I ended up giving it to a friend in need and I'm excited for the chance to get another copy for free!

one last note before i sleep...

Make sure you go and pick up a Sunday newspaper! Maybe even pick up a few copies if you can find them. Did you know if you picked up the Sunday paper last week and clipped the Pampers $1.50 off coupon, you could get them this week at CVS for $7.38? If you clipped the .25 cents off Palmolive dish liquid, you could get one this week at Family Dollar for .65?? Not to mention all the other deals and future deals that will come out of it. (those two deals alone just paid for your paper)

This week is going to be a big insert week. If my sources are correct, you'll get a RedPlum, SmartSource, and P&G Saver! I think having kids, the P&G Saver has become my favorite but I think it only comes out once a month. So definitely go get it! I'll tell you what to do with all of it soon.

newspaper

PLEASE go and pick up your Sunday (or weekend) paper. There are a TON of coupons right now that will more than make up for the cost of your paper when paired with deals I'll show you later today. I'm going to list the weekly ads and then I'll post the deals that I came up with from these. It's going to be very important to start picking up your paper (or to find a neighbor or family member willing to part with their inserts). For our local area I usually pick up the Corpus Christi Caller Times. The bigger the city, the more inserts usually. lol Be sure to check all sections of your paper, too! Occationally I've found hidden coupons in different parts of the paper - like the Parade section.

This week I picked up both the Kingsville paper AND Corpus Christi. Here's what I got inside:

• 2 Walgreens weekly ad
• CVS weekly ad
• Target weekly ad
• JC Penny weekly ad
• CC Resturant Menu Guide (really cool find)
• PARADE (includes great frugal and health tips, a couple of coupons, and had WalMart rollbacks)
• Landry's seafood coupons insert
• Red Plum insert (coupons)
• Smart Source insert (coupons)
• other store inserts that I don't have a use for this week such as Circuit City and Conn's (I did scan them for coupons and there were none - but that doesn't mean there won't be a good deal for you if you're in need of something.)

Even if I buy these papers, the manager of our apartment complex still always delivers me her inserts for even bigger savings. Say something is 2 for $$, but your coupon is only good for one item - you can pair it with two coupons since you're buying two items and maximize your savings!

it's almost christmas time!

I figured out today that if we buy one Christmas gift every payday (not including this one), that would be 10 people that will have presents this year that otherwise wouldn't if we waited till the holiday season. Or if we ended up buying one present for all three girls every payday, they'd each have 10 gifts each! With all the savings and good deals I've been finding, it would be super easy to up the number of people every payday. One just seems like an easy and doable plan. That's 10 more people than we bought for last year. lol It's easy to find quality presents for low cost. For us, it's more the thought that counts rather than the cost. One year I couldn't get my brother anything even though we promised to gift each other. I ended up getting old baby pictures of us together and put them into a multi-photo frame and gave it to him for Christmas that year. He was really proud of it - and still is. It's really not the cost, but the thought behind it. I think if we start now it will be easier to gift everyone this year - including our own children. Be on the lookout for gifts at your local garage sales, thrift stores, antique stores, clearance racks, and even weekly sale ads.

I guess it's never too early to take care of Christmas shopping. I know we're always low on money around that time of year and usually can't get anything for anyone. There's been a time or two when we even waited till after Christmas sales to get things for the girls. It'll feel good to go ahead and get this stuff early and be able to bless our family this year.

parents' day is july 27th, 2008

Parental figures in the United States will receive the recognition for the role they play in their children’s lives on Parents’ Day on July 27, 2008. The day aims to promote responsible parenting and to recognize positive parental role models. It celebrates the special bonds of love between parental figures and their children. Every 4th Sunday in July is National Parents' Day. Here are some fun ways to celebrate in your household:

What Kids Can Do:

• A note left on their pillow at night
• Breakfast in bed
• Tea or coffee brought to them anytime
• The laundry folded
• A younger brother or sister's room cleaned
• Flowers or branches put in vases around the house
• Call a family meeting and ask the children to say what they appreciate about their parents
• Volunteer to do something without being asked
• Clean out the car
• Give a big hug and say I love you
• Draw a picture of your parents.
• Write a special poem for your parents: Or give children questions about their parents for them to finish, such as "I love it when my mom and dad..........." Draw pictures to go with the poems or stories and make a book.

Ideas to do together as a family:

• 21 ideas here
• Family Craft Ideas
• More ideas all over this website
• Also, check out these printable Parents' Day cards here!

are we for real?

Today was the day - the day we downgrade our services. I just got off the phone with our satellite company and our phone company. We went from having the biggest satellite package to the smallest. That saved us over $60 a month. It might take some getting used to, but I know there are families out there who don't ever watch television. God forbid it forces us to talk to each other and hang out more often! haha We also had a home phone and internet plan. Considering we have cell phones, we opted out of having a home phone line. There's several reasons we decided to keep the internet line. However, by ditching the home phone line (that never even had a phone hooked up to it), we are saving another $100 a month.

So there's $160 savings every month by making a few phone calls and living more frugally. It feels awesome. :) This is just the beginning.

huricane dolly

I do apologize for this week being behind on the updates. Things are coming up and I haven't had the time to blog anything. My goal is Thursday at the latest to get some deals to you. Yesterday I was busy taking care of my sick little 2 year old. Today I woke up to news that Hurricane Dolly might be headed in our direction, so we've been working on coming up with plans A, B, and C (D, E, and F too) to evacuate if we need to. It's hard for my family because my husband works on a military base and has to stay there if he's on shift when they decide to evacuate. So we have to come up with last minute plans because we have one vehicle and don't know till last minute if he's getting to leave or not. The closest people we know in Texas are my husband's family in North Texas. That always seemed far to go just for a hurricane. I'd rather stay nearby. The sooner I see my husband again, the better. Ya know?

Today's planning definitely brought up some ideas for a future project. I would love to detail how to get a cheap hurricane kit put together. Ideas for where to stay when you do have to evacuate and don't have family nearby. These are things my family is not used to. Tornadoes, yeah. Hurricanes? Not so much. I think it would make a great project to see how cheaply I can put together a hurricane kit though.

supernanny's top 5 parenting tips

(reposted from allyou.com)

1. Be consistent
"A rule in your family should always be a rule," says Frost. And breaking a rule should always have consequences.
Be explicit. Instead of saying, "Don't bite," explain that nothing that hurts another person is acceptable.
Act right away if you see bad behavior. Start with a warning, proceed to an ultimatum and follow through with a time-out.
Use a Naughty Step for time-out. Sit the child on a staircase or in a chair so she is removed from the action but not so far that you can't see her. Using the word naughty reinforces that she misbehaved.
Get an apology. After she has cooled down, have her say, "I'm sorry." Then praise her for apologizing.

2. Team up with your husband on discipline
You and your spouse need to back each other up. Children being punished by one parent will go to the other to see if there's any mileage to be gained.
Establish house rules with your partner. If you decide on guidelines together, you'll have fewer disagreements about enforcing them.
Discuss differences privately. If you and your husband disagree on a decision, don't argue it out right then in front of your kids. Meet alone later to review family rules and discuss differences.

3. Give your time
"Children want your attention and approval," says Frost. "Make them a priority."
Don't wing it. Have a schedule that details everyone's activities and which parent is going to cover what.
Take turns with your husband. Take the morning or evening routine. "Use these times to give your children one-to-one attention," Frost says.
Focus on family. Quality time can suffer during the busy week, so leave work behind on weekends.

4. Praise kids the right way
"We have to be our kids' cheerleaders," says Frost.
Resist using candy or toys as rewards. Give kids feedback on why you like what they've done. Put up a good-behavior chart, or plan a special outing as a reward.
Use a voice of approval. "A high-pitched, excitable tone shows your pleasure," says Frost.
Have fair expectations. If your child has worked hard, "Praise the effort 100 percent," says Frost.
Don't worry that praise will spoil a child. You want to communicate to children that you notice and appreciate good behavior.

5. Set reasonable boundaries
"If you don't set limits, you'll end up with kids who can't control themselves," says Frost. But don't be too tough on them.
Tell children what you expect. Stay realistic about what small children can do and how fast they can do it, though.
Have set mealtimes. And make sure kids know the rules for sitting at the table and saying please and thank you.
Use a voice of authority when a child misbehaves. In a firm tone, tell her calmly and sternly what she has done wrong. "This voice communicates that there are limits the child can't cross," says Frost.
When warning a child, don't frighten. Get on his level. "Don't shout across the room," says Frost. "Crouch on your heels so you can make direct eye contact."

just some thoughts

Although it would seem like I completely know what I'm doing and that I've probably been doing this for a long time - I haven't. I just got to a point where I needed to do SOMETHING about our finances. I hate the talks of my husband getting a second job (especially since I'm the stay at home mom and he already works 24 hour shifts every other day) just for a couple hundred dollars every month to pay off bills and splurge a bit. We seemed to have fallen into the habit of saving some money and spending it somewhere else. As soon as we pay off a bill/debt, we do something crazy like upgrading out satellite plan or go buy new cell phones or something crazy like that. Although we are doing a lot better, we still have a long way to go before we're in a really "comfortable" stage of life.

I just had to reorganize and reprioritize where we are in life right now. We've really spoiled ourselves and we're left struggling to pay for it all. I've been reading a story on a blog I stumbled upon (here and here and more on the series here). It's completely inspiring. Granted, it will be a while before we can get out of this apartment life and have a yard to be able to have animals and/or a garden. There's a lot of cool frugal ways to live that just aren't possible for us right now due to being in an apartment and unsure of where we will be living in the next few years. The series did get me thinking about what I can do. We use cell phones. Although we're a bit spoiled with our phones (he has an mp3 player phone and mine is the original iphone) I can't see us forking out more money right now for "cheap" or "free" phones because we'd still be stuck with these expensive phones we can't use. However, after looking at our thousands of rollover minutes, I'm pretty sure we'd be safe downgrading our plan to fewer minutes. Our satellite plan - well, we carry the biggest satellite plan possible and have every single movie channel. Considering the tv is 90% on cartoons when it is on, we could definitely change our satellite plan. Since we have the cell phones, we could cut out our landline that we don't even have a phone hooked up to right now. The only reason we have it was for emergency if we couldn't pay our cell phones one month or something crazy like that. Though I know we could afford our cell phones if we didn't have that extra expense. duh! We could turn the a/c off once in a while and use our fans when we're all in the same room, and especially when we're not even home. Bottom line is that we haven't exactly been living like we're in a single income budget. Just changing those things alone will help us cut out the talk of getting a second job. Seems so obvious doesn't it? The more I learned about how to get good deals on things and cutting the cost of our groceries, it all seemed pretty obvious to me too. I just don't know why we never payed attention to this earlier. Sometimes I think this is just the way it is. But it doesn't have to be!

Getting into "deal finding" has become quite a hobby and a lifesaver. It's a bit time consuming but worth every minute. The money I've been saving is almost like having a second job! Seeing the savings had me thinking that there are probably a lot of other people out there like us who struggle with the rising gas prices and whatnot and just assume it is what it is. It's totally not! There's so much information out there that I've been studying and learning about saving money that actually helps and isn't a struggle to do. It just made sense to me to start this blog so that others can really understand that things aren't always what they seem. This isn't the kind of information that should be kept to oneself. Granted, there are people out there who will learn the secrets of getting out of debt and even saving money and will still refuse to do it. For those who are willing to make the change though, this blog is for you! The first thing I'd suggest is just to reevaluate your lifestyle. Read about others who don't live like the Jones' and realize it can be done. Be inspired and go with it. I'm not saying that you shouldn't spoil yourself once in a while, but make sure if it's a long term thing that you can afford it long term (like your phone or satellite bill).

Even if you're not living a lifestyle of struggle, you still shouldn't ever have to spend more than you need to. If you have the ability to get your groceries for less than what you usually pay, why not do it? That's like filling up your empty gas tank at the gas station with the most expensive gas. I'll blog once in a while about secrets of saving money and everything I'm learning about it. Blogging this also allows me the opportunity of meeting other frugal families who can share their secrets with me as they read about my own. Our ways of living are not those of everyone else and that's the most important thing to keep in mind. But I'm putting the information out there and it's up to you to take it or leave it.

coupon deals

Here's a few reasons to start clipping your newspaper coupons:
Using coupons from smartsource, p&g supersaver, red plum, and parade (CC Caller Times publication).

Clip the coupon for Cascade 2in1 ActionPacs save 50 cents on any size
Target has a sale on these (32ct) for $5 - making them only $4.50 with coupon

Clip the coupon for Charmin save 25 cents on any ONE
Walgreens has a coupon on the weekly ad for Charmin 12 big rolls $6.49 limit 2 - making them $6.24 for ONE. (unless you can get ahold of two coupons)
CVS has Charmin (12 or 9 ct) on sale for $5.49 making them $5.24 for ONE.
Target has 2/$13 on Charmin making them $6.25 for ONE after coupon.
(note: that means CVS has the best deal)

Clip the Downy save 50 cents on any ONE
CVS has 2/$7 Bounce or Downy making one $3.00 instead of $3.50
Target has 2/$9 on Downy or Bounce making one $4.00 instead of $4.50
(note: that means CVS has the best deal)

Clip the Tide save 35 cents on any size ONE
Target has Tide 24-32 load at $5 making it $4.65

Clip the WellPatch save 1.00 on any ONE
Walgreens has WellPatch buy 1 @ $6.49 get 1 50% off making that second one only $2.24!
(or just buy one at $5.49)

Clip the Ensure save 1.00 on any 1 multipack or any one single
Walgreens has Ensure 6pk on sale for $6.99 making it $5.99
CVS has Ensure 6pk on sale for $6.99 making it $5.99
(note: same price after coupon at both stores)

Clip the Metamuci or Fibersure save 1.00 on ONE any size
Target has 23oz Metamucil Orange on sale for $10.00 making it $9.00

Clip the Prilosec save 1.00 on ONE any size package of Prilosec OTC
Walgreens has Prilosec OTC on sale with weekly ad coupon for $18.99 making it $17.99

Clip a Lever2000 coupon 1.00 on ONE 12oz body was or larger OR 4 bar multipack or larger from coupons.com
Walgreens has Lever2000 8pk bars $5.99 making it $4.99 (around .62 a bar)
Target has Lever2000 6pk bars or 18oz body wash 2/$7 making it 2/$6 (around .50 a bar or 3.00 body wash)
(note: that means Target has the best deal)

Clip either Crest 50 cents off ONE 4.1oz toothpaste OR 75 cents off ONE 4.1oz toothpaste
CVS has Crest 4.1oz toothpaste $2.99 making it either $2.49 OR $2.24
(note: this won't work with the 3pk sale at Target because the coupon is for ONE)

Clip Pantene 1.00 off any TWO products excluding trial size
Target has 25.4oz Pantene shampoo or conditioner for $5 each making it $9 total for two.

Clip Herbal Essences 3.00 off any TWO shampoo or conditioner excluding trial size
CVS has Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner 2/$5 making it 2/$2!!!

Clip Suave 50 cents off 1, 1.00 off 2, or 2.00 off 3 shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, body wash, lotion, or deodorant
CVS has Suave shampoo or conditioner $1.99 making it $1.49 each

Clip BOGO FREE any Schick Disposable Razor of Equal or Lesser Value
Walgreens has Schick Disposable Razors $5.99 plus $2 off Easy Saver coupon = $3.99
making this 2/$3.99 after BOGO coupon and store coupon (around $1.99 each)

Clip Gillette 1.00 off any ONE size shampoo or conditioner excluding trial size
CVS has Gillette shampoo or conditioner $4.99 plus $1 EB makin this $3.99 plus $1 EB (like paying $2.99)

Clip Gillette 55 cents off ONE shave gel or foam or Mach3 shave gel
Target has Gillette shave gel 2/$3 making this 2/$2.45 (aprox $1.23 each)

Clip Skintimate 55 cents off any shave gel
CVS has 7oz Skintimate shave gel 2/$5 making this 2/$4.45 (aprox $2.23 each)

Clip SatinCare save 55 cents on ONE any size shave gel
Target has SatinCare 2/$3 making this 2/$2.45 (aprox $1.23 each)

Clip 1.00 off THREE General Mills cereals (there are 2)
Walgreens has 3/$7 General Mills cereal making it 3/$6 ($2 a box)
CVS has BO @ $4.29 GO Free. You will get 4 total with this deal making it 4/$8.58 ($2.15 a box)
Target has 4/$7 making this 4/$6 ($1.50 a box)
(note: target has the best deal)

Clip 1.00 off ONE 20oz or 32oz POWERade or POWERade ZERO
Walgreens has weekly ad coupon for 82 cents powerade (giving you .18 overage)

**************************************************************************************

Don't forget this $3 off $15 purchase for CVS (should work nationwide - expires 07/20)
or the $4 off $20 when you signed up for CVS Extra Care Card (probably arrived via email)

$3 off scenerio: (must have all clipped coupons mentioned above for these items)
Suave shampoo or conditioner - $1.49
Gillette shave gel - $3.99
2 Skintimate shave gel - $4.45
12 rolls Charmin (or 9 mega rolls) - $5.24

total: $15.17
less $3 off
__________
$12.17
PLUS $1 EB for Gillette shave gel

(like paying $11.17 for 12 rolls toilet paper, 3 shave gels, and 1 shampoo or conditioner)
((16 items = less than .70 each!))

if you are too tired to do all the math

... let me do it for you. :)
catch these cool deals:
(note: I do not know what Walmart might have on sale this week because they only had school supplies in their weekly ad this week.)

The best deal on backpacks this week are at Walgreens.
Buy 1 get 1 FREE starting at $9.99 (other stores start at $12)
Walmart had backpacks for $9.99, but not BOGO

12pk sodas this week are cheapest at CVS.
4/$11 - but that's only for Dr.Pepper
Walgreens has Dr.Pepper AND Coke 3/$11
but if you love Pepsi products, go to Target because they are 4/$11!

2 liter sodas this week are cheapest at CVS.
5/$5 - but again, only Dr.Pepper
Walgreens is 4/$5 on Dr.Pepper AND Coke

Cereal this week is cheapest at Target.
get 17oz Frosted Flakes or 14oz Cheerios 4/$7 (that's $1.75 a box)

Ice Cream this week is cheapest at Walgreens.
2/$4 on Walgreens brand ice cream.

Huggies are this week's big name diaper sale. I guess Pampers and Huggies hate competition.
They are cheapest at CVS at $8.99 for a jumbo pack.
HOWEVER, if you're looking for bulk, Target has both Huggies and Pampers special purchase diapers for $28 a box. (up to 192 count Huggies diapers and up to 192 count Pampers diapers)

Colgate toothpaste was another popular sale this week.
Target wins this one with their 3 packs of Colgate toothpaste for $5 (1.66 a tube)
They are around $1.99 at CVS and Walgreens.
Target also has Crest 3 packs also $5.

Because of so many places running out of supply of back to school items, it's too hard for me to call the best place to go for school supplies right now. Definitely check out Office Depot for the penny sale. Supplies are limited and it's always a good idea to go as quickly as you can when that happens because you can't get rainchecks when it states limited supply. Good luck!!

a little something to talk about

I picked up a Sunday paper today and I was thrilled to see how many coupons were included. Although this won't mean anything for you non-locals... the PARADE section in the Corpus Christi paper even has coupons. I don't really know why I never looked there before, but I was happily surprised to see coupons in there too. :) Guess I really should "read" the paper I buy.

Last Sunday I just had the P&G SuperSaver plus whatever coupons were in the sale ads that I post here. This Sunday, I got the RedPlum coupons AND SmartSource coupons. Landry's seafood also had a coupon that caught my attention. They are offering FREE bananas foster with purchase of 2 dinner entrees. It happens to be my favorite dessert. That could make a very lovely date night for my husband and I. ;)

It's getting late where I am and I need my sleep because tomorrow I'm back on 24 hour mom-only duty. With three kids 5 and under, I'm sure you'll understand the energy they create and how much sleep I need to keep up with them. :) I will be posting tomorrow the deals created from these coupons and these weekly ads. I'll also post another coupons and freebies entry.

One last thing, I wanted to mention that I headed out to Walmart tonight considering their back to school sale began today. They were already almost out or completely out of every REALLY good deal. The 5 cent single subject spiral notebooks were COMPLETELY GONE! Lots of empty boxes, but no spiral notebooks ANYWHERE in the store. Lots of other things were slim to none. I did happen to grab a package of the $3 printer paper they had on sale. Those were almost all gone too. I actually had to find some outside of the back to school section and even that stack was almost gone! I guess my best advice for these weekly ads is to get there as soon as you can. Also, see a manager and try to get a raincheck if they'll allow it. That way if they can't stay stocked this week, you can get more at the same price the following week. The sales usually last one week, so unless it says "quantities limited" or "limited supply" or "no rainchecks" or something like that, you should be able to get a raincheck on the last day of sale if there are no supplies left at that price.

cool thing alert!! cool thing alert!!!

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