Woo hoo! We're at 200 followers on our twitter feed.
To share the love, we're giving away lots of goodies, including gift cards, coupon wallets stuffed with coupons (including some high value and free q's).
To enter the contest for your share of the goodies, leave a comment. For an extra entry, tweet about this contest, make sure to mention our twitter feed @cacoupondiva.
Winners will be selected on March 8, 2011, and the goodies will be mailed out the next day.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Upcoming Contest!
Once we hit 200 twitter members and maintain that many followers for 2 weeks, I'll be having a contest to celebrate our 200 members!
I've got some great prizes, including coupons for free products, gift cards, and coupon wallets stuffed with coupons!
So keep your eyes peeled! We hit 200 followers yesterday- so the contest deets will be posted in the next week or so.
I've got some great prizes, including coupons for free products, gift cards, and coupon wallets stuffed with coupons!
So keep your eyes peeled! We hit 200 followers yesterday- so the contest deets will be posted in the next week or so.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
What we've been up to!
I've been busy! Getting ready for our little boy has been a lot of work, and pretty exhausting. I'll be mailing out the Chex coupons out this weekend, for those who asked for them. I still have a couple left, if anyone is interested.
Also, Our internet service has been spotty for hte past 2 weeks, so there are periods of time (days) where we have no internet service. :(
I have a few more blog posts planned out for the rest of the week. I'm hoping our internet connection will hold up!
Also, Our internet service has been spotty for hte past 2 weeks, so there are periods of time (days) where we have no internet service. :(
I have a few more blog posts planned out for the rest of the week. I'm hoping our internet connection will hold up!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Cycle of Business
The Cycle of Business- When are items on sale?
Sales are cyclical- certain items are on sale during specific times of the year, either due to holidays or special events. For example- Barbeque sauce is on sale in the summer, when people barbeque a lot. Manufacturers and stores will put out coupons and places items on sale to entice shoppers to spend more. Use this to your advantage. Combine sales with coupons and increase your stockpile and plan your menu.
Here are some examples:
JANUARY
• Diet Food and Weight Loss Equipment (New Year’s Resolutions)
• Gyms have sales and free trials
• Healthy Food including Veggies
• Television and other Electronics (Super Bowl Sunday)
• OTC Medications (FSA’s expire in Jan./Feb.- Use it or Lose it!)
• Winter Clothing and Shoes (Formal clothes are usually 75%+ off)
• Organizers (totes, Christmas ornament storage containers)
• White Sales (Sheets/Towels)
• Snack-y food for Super Bowl parties: chips, dip. Velveeta, salsa, taquitos. There are often times really great rebates for snack food and beer or soda around the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is usually the last weekend of January or the first weekend of February.
FEBRUARY
• Diet Food and Weight Loss Equipment (New Year’s Resolutions)
• Healthy Food including Veggies
• Candy and Chocolates (Valentine's day)
MARCH
• March is National frozen food month. Many Stores like Albertson’s have a “fill a bag” sale where you are given a paper or plastic bag and you receive a discount (typically 15-25%) on each frozen item in that bag.
• Spring Apparel (Easter Dresses and Suits)
• Depending on when Easter falls, look for sales on Easter Dinner food: Ham, Prime Rib, stuffing, veggies, eggs, and Easter Basket Supplies.
• Luggage and Travel (Spring Break)
• Spring-cleaning sales will start and there will be rebates for cleaning supplies-especially with SC Johnson Products.
• Between March 13-17th (St. Patrick’s Day) Corned Beef, Potatoes and Cabbage are all Dirt Cheap. Stock up!
• During Lent, seafood is inexpensive.
APRIL
• More Spring cleaning sales and rebates
• Paper products (plates, napkins) start to have really good sales.
• Paint & Wallpaper (In the same vain as spring cleaning, a lot of people start to spruce up their homes in the spring)
• Jewish Foods and Eggs (Passover)
MAY
May is the start of picnic season. Barbeque food, Hotdogs, hamburgers, ribs, condiments will all be on sale throughout the summer and will be until September.
• Auto Maintenance (tires, oil changes, tune ups)
• Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates WYB beer or soda)
• Bug repellents – Sprays and Candles
• Home Maintenance (carpet cleaning, duct cleaning)
• SPF and After Sun products (like Aloe)
JUNE
• Summer Clothes
• June is National Dairy Month- Dairy Products
• Summer Activities (local attractions sometimes have “locals only” days or rates)
• Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates WYB beer or soda)
JULY
• Air Conditioning units (Central Air and window units)
• Summer Sports Equipment & Craft Supplies (things for families to do together)
• Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates WYB beer or soda)
AUGUST
• BBQ and Patio Equipment (Just in time for Labor Day!)
• White Sale - Linens and Towels
• Back to School Supplies – Sales may Start in Late July, Depending on when school starts in your part of the world)
• Bathing Suits and the last remnants of summer clothes
• Back to school clothes
• Jackets and light coats for fall
• Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates WYB beer or soda)
• Breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal, juice, bars) Cereal sales will start this month and continue into September as school starts up.
• Lunch box food- juice boxes, lunchables, snacks, chips, yogurt
About this time of year, heating companies will offer deals to service heaters and clean air ducts. Coupons, discounts and Bogos.
SEPTEMBER
The traditional Back to School Sales will start. For most school, classes begin the Tuesday after Labor Day. This is a great time to stock up on snacks that are healthy and shelf stable. 100 calorie snack packs, fruit leathers, 100% juice boxes, bottled water, peanut butter. Watch the inserts for Lunchables coupons too- they will start going on sale!
• Back to School Supplies (Office Depot, Staples, and Walgreen’s often have Freebies)
• Canned Goods. Canned soup and spaghetti sauce also starts to go on sale in September.
• Frozen Pizza
The last three months of the year are packed full of holidays. Now is the time to stock up on “holiday foods”- Stuffing, turkey, instant mashed potatoes, broth/stock, cranberries (you can freeze the real ones for up to 6 months!), marshmallows, pudding, gelatin, flour, sugar, French fried onions, cream of mushroom soup. These ingredients can be used in everyday foods, not just once a year. Stock up when they are cheap (OR free!) and you will eat well all year.
There are LOADS of rebates during the last three months of the year for “holiday” foods, especially food that is usually served when entertaining, like crackers and cheese.
OCTOBER
• Home goods such as serving dishes, and glassware (to prepare you for the onslaught of entertaining you will be doing for the holidays)
• Candy, nuts
• Baking/candy-making items (choc chips, sprinkles, vanilla, corn syrup, nuts, etc)
• Fall/Winter clothing
• Fabric, Patterns, sewing machines (Halloween)
• Coats/Jackets
NOVEMBER
• Winter Clothing
• Blankets and flannel sheets
• Heating Devices (space heaters, in wall heating units)
• Turkey, ham
• Canned goods (soup, chicken broth, condensed milk, veggies etc)
• Baking goods (flour, sugar)
• Baking wear
DECEMBER
• Toys (Coupons.com usually has coupons for Fischer Price Toys in December)
• Gift Items There will be a lot of Try me Free offers and rebates on personal care this time of year. Stock up and fill your stockings and keep your wallet full.
• Post-Holiday Sales I like to stock up on plain colored paper goods after each holiday and stockpile them to use throughout the year for parties and events. No one will know the red napkins are from Valentine’s Day, not from Christmas. Light Blue gift paper from Chanukah will wrap a present for a baby shower gift just the same.
• Party Foods, Baking Goods, and Various Meat. There will be a lot of rebates, keep your eyes open!
• Canned goods (broth, soups, etc.)
• Prime Rib, Turkey, Ham
Year-round after a holiday, you can always pick up cheap cookie dough. Cookie dough freezes really well for about two month. You can also find plain colored paper goods, including plain colored wrapping paper and tissue paper after each holiday in the clearance section.
Sales are cyclical- certain items are on sale during specific times of the year, either due to holidays or special events. For example- Barbeque sauce is on sale in the summer, when people barbeque a lot. Manufacturers and stores will put out coupons and places items on sale to entice shoppers to spend more. Use this to your advantage. Combine sales with coupons and increase your stockpile and plan your menu.
Here are some examples:
JANUARY
• Diet Food and Weight Loss Equipment (New Year’s Resolutions)
• Gyms have sales and free trials
• Healthy Food including Veggies
• Television and other Electronics (Super Bowl Sunday)
• OTC Medications (FSA’s expire in Jan./Feb.- Use it or Lose it!)
• Winter Clothing and Shoes (Formal clothes are usually 75%+ off)
• Organizers (totes, Christmas ornament storage containers)
• White Sales (Sheets/Towels)
• Snack-y food for Super Bowl parties: chips, dip. Velveeta, salsa, taquitos. There are often times really great rebates for snack food and beer or soda around the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is usually the last weekend of January or the first weekend of February.
FEBRUARY
• Diet Food and Weight Loss Equipment (New Year’s Resolutions)
• Healthy Food including Veggies
• Candy and Chocolates (Valentine's day)
MARCH
• March is National frozen food month. Many Stores like Albertson’s have a “fill a bag” sale where you are given a paper or plastic bag and you receive a discount (typically 15-25%) on each frozen item in that bag.
• Spring Apparel (Easter Dresses and Suits)
• Depending on when Easter falls, look for sales on Easter Dinner food: Ham, Prime Rib, stuffing, veggies, eggs, and Easter Basket Supplies.
• Luggage and Travel (Spring Break)
• Spring-cleaning sales will start and there will be rebates for cleaning supplies-especially with SC Johnson Products.
• Between March 13-17th (St. Patrick’s Day) Corned Beef, Potatoes and Cabbage are all Dirt Cheap. Stock up!
• During Lent, seafood is inexpensive.
APRIL
• More Spring cleaning sales and rebates
• Paper products (plates, napkins) start to have really good sales.
• Paint & Wallpaper (In the same vain as spring cleaning, a lot of people start to spruce up their homes in the spring)
• Jewish Foods and Eggs (Passover)
MAY
May is the start of picnic season. Barbeque food, Hotdogs, hamburgers, ribs, condiments will all be on sale throughout the summer and will be until September.
• Auto Maintenance (tires, oil changes, tune ups)
• Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates WYB beer or soda)
• Bug repellents – Sprays and Candles
• Home Maintenance (carpet cleaning, duct cleaning)
• SPF and After Sun products (like Aloe)
JUNE
• Summer Clothes
• June is National Dairy Month- Dairy Products
• Summer Activities (local attractions sometimes have “locals only” days or rates)
• Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates WYB beer or soda)
JULY
• Air Conditioning units (Central Air and window units)
• Summer Sports Equipment & Craft Supplies (things for families to do together)
• Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates WYB beer or soda)
AUGUST
• BBQ and Patio Equipment (Just in time for Labor Day!)
• White Sale - Linens and Towels
• Back to School Supplies – Sales may Start in Late July, Depending on when school starts in your part of the world)
• Bathing Suits and the last remnants of summer clothes
• Back to school clothes
• Jackets and light coats for fall
• Beverages, Hot dogs, Ground Beef, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Ribs (Often times there are some really great rebates WYB beer or soda)
• Breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal, juice, bars) Cereal sales will start this month and continue into September as school starts up.
• Lunch box food- juice boxes, lunchables, snacks, chips, yogurt
About this time of year, heating companies will offer deals to service heaters and clean air ducts. Coupons, discounts and Bogos.
SEPTEMBER
The traditional Back to School Sales will start. For most school, classes begin the Tuesday after Labor Day. This is a great time to stock up on snacks that are healthy and shelf stable. 100 calorie snack packs, fruit leathers, 100% juice boxes, bottled water, peanut butter. Watch the inserts for Lunchables coupons too- they will start going on sale!
• Back to School Supplies (Office Depot, Staples, and Walgreen’s often have Freebies)
• Canned Goods. Canned soup and spaghetti sauce also starts to go on sale in September.
• Frozen Pizza
The last three months of the year are packed full of holidays. Now is the time to stock up on “holiday foods”- Stuffing, turkey, instant mashed potatoes, broth/stock, cranberries (you can freeze the real ones for up to 6 months!), marshmallows, pudding, gelatin, flour, sugar, French fried onions, cream of mushroom soup. These ingredients can be used in everyday foods, not just once a year. Stock up when they are cheap (OR free!) and you will eat well all year.
There are LOADS of rebates during the last three months of the year for “holiday” foods, especially food that is usually served when entertaining, like crackers and cheese.
OCTOBER
• Home goods such as serving dishes, and glassware (to prepare you for the onslaught of entertaining you will be doing for the holidays)
• Candy, nuts
• Baking/candy-making items (choc chips, sprinkles, vanilla, corn syrup, nuts, etc)
• Fall/Winter clothing
• Fabric, Patterns, sewing machines (Halloween)
• Coats/Jackets
NOVEMBER
• Winter Clothing
• Blankets and flannel sheets
• Heating Devices (space heaters, in wall heating units)
• Turkey, ham
• Canned goods (soup, chicken broth, condensed milk, veggies etc)
• Baking goods (flour, sugar)
• Baking wear
DECEMBER
• Toys (Coupons.com usually has coupons for Fischer Price Toys in December)
• Gift Items There will be a lot of Try me Free offers and rebates on personal care this time of year. Stock up and fill your stockings and keep your wallet full.
• Post-Holiday Sales I like to stock up on plain colored paper goods after each holiday and stockpile them to use throughout the year for parties and events. No one will know the red napkins are from Valentine’s Day, not from Christmas. Light Blue gift paper from Chanukah will wrap a present for a baby shower gift just the same.
• Party Foods, Baking Goods, and Various Meat. There will be a lot of rebates, keep your eyes open!
• Canned goods (broth, soups, etc.)
• Prime Rib, Turkey, Ham
Year-round after a holiday, you can always pick up cheap cookie dough. Cookie dough freezes really well for about two month. You can also find plain colored paper goods, including plain colored wrapping paper and tissue paper after each holiday in the clearance section.
Friday, February 4, 2011
At home pampering- Frugal ideas for a Girls' Night In!
Most of us enjoy pampering: pedicures, manicures, facials, body wraps, and massages. With money not going as far as it used to, here are some ways to save some money and keep up your beauty routine.
Have a girls’ day in! Remember as teens we would have slumber parties, do masks, paint each other’s toes? Well, why not do something similar? Send out a free, electronic invitation, with a service such as elite (www.evite.com). Have each person bring something to do or a beauty “ritual” to share. Then everyone takes turns giving and receiving!
You can serve spa like refreshments such as sparkling water with fruit slices and ice cubes made from all natural juice, veggie plates, hummus and pita, yogurt and herb dips, tortilla chips and fire roasted salsas and fruit compote. Google Spa recipes and try something new! Have everyone bring a dish and share!
Here are some suggestions for “beauty ritual” that are easy and fun!
Pedicures-
Here are some simple steps that'll let you pamper your feet in 30 minutes or less:
Remove old polish using a gentle nail polish remover.
Clip and file your nails. (File one way, don’t saw back and forth- it can damage your nails.)
Soak your feet for about ten minutes in a dishpan or plastic bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of chamomile and lavender essential oil and/or Epsom salts (which have excellent relaxing properties that will soothe your tired, aching feet).
Apply a cuticle softener; after a few minutes, push back the cuticles gently using an orangewood stick. Use Cuticle nippers to remove dead skin around the cuticle bed. Don’t get over-zealous when it comes to removing dead skin from around your nail bed. You can clip live skin, and allow bacteria to enter through cuts. OWIE!
Apply a callus remover liquid containing alpha hydroxyl acids. Slip you feet into plastic bags for 5-10 minutes, remove the bags and use a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells. Don’t “file”/pumice your feet when they are dry.
Use an exfoliating paste/scrub on your feet and calves in a gentle circular motion to remove any dead skin, then remove with a warm, moist towel; then apply a moisturizing cream in order to hydrate the skin, as well as improve flexibility and promote relaxation. Don't forget your toes!
Massage feet and calves with a creamy hand lotion. Rub in for a couple of minutes in order to fully hydrate the skin, particularly if you are suffering from dry winter skin.
Use some rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad on your nail beds to remove any lotion on your nails and apply a base coat, then add two coats of your favorite nail polish color. Add nail decals, gems or paint flowers on your toes! Follow with a topcoat.
If you don’t want to go with a full pedicure, do a foot care ritual. It’s still relaxing and you’ll fee like a million bucks afterward.
Soak your feet in a tub or basin with 1 cup of Epson salts and some essential oils for 15-20 minutes.
Use an exfoliating paste/scrub on your feet and calves in a gentle circular motion to remove any dead skin, then remove with a warm, moist towel; then apply a moisturizing cream in order to hydrate the skin, as well as improve flexibility and promote relaxation. Don't forget your toes!
Massage feet and calves with a creamy hand lotion. Rub in for a couple of minutes in order to fully hydrate the skin, particularly if you are suffering from dry winter skin.
Slip on some socks to seal in the moisture!
Manicures-
Follow these simple steps for the perfect at-home manicure:
Remove old polish using a gentle nail polish remover
Clip and file your nails. (File one way, don’t saw back and forth- it can damage your nails.)
Soak your hands for about ten minutes in a plastic bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of chamomile and lavender essential oil and/or Epsom salts.
Apply a cuticle cream/softener; after a few minutes, push back the cuticles gently using an orangewood stick. Use Cuticle nippers to remove dead skin around the cuticle bed. Don’t get over-zealous when it comes to removing dead skin from around your nail bed. You can clip live skin, and allow bacteria to enter through cuts. OWIE!
Use an exfoliating paste on your hands and forearms, remove with a hot towel; then apply a moisturizing cream in order to hydrate the skin, as well as improve flexibility and promote relaxation.
Massage hands and arms with a creamy hand lotion. Rub in for a couple of minutes in order to fully hydrate the skin, particularly if you are suffering from dry winter skin.
Use some rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad on your nail beds to remove any lotion on your nails and apply a base coat, then add two coats of your favorite nail polish color. Add nail decals, gems or paint flowers on your nails! Follow with a topcoat.
Facials-
For your girls night in, have every one can bring their favorite product to share, or a quick trip to the beauty supply and the grocery store can get you everything you’ll need for a soothing facial.
Cleanse your skin using a gentle cleanser in order to remove surface oil, dirt and germs. If you have oily or combination skin, use a foaming gel cleanser; if you have dry skin, look for a creamier blend that won't dry out your skin.
Exfoliate. Natural exfoliates include: Ground oats and pineapple. Grind oatmeal in your food processor and add 3 T. oats to 2T. Plain natural yoghurt or whole milk. Apply to the face and remove after 10 minutes with a warm towel. Or put ¼ cup pineapple and 3 T. plain natural yoghurt into the food processor and pulse. Once combined apply to the face and remove after 10 minutes with a warm towel.
At this point, you may wish to apply a serum or spritz the skin with a nourishing toner (don’t use anything that stings, burns or causes discomfort. That means NO SEA BREEZE OR ALCOHOL BASED ASTRINGENTS!)
Apply a mask. If you have oily or combination skin, try a clay-based mask; for dry or mature skin, look for a hydrating mask (with a creamy or gel texture). Peel off masks are better suited for those skin. Most beauty supply stores or drug stores sell masks in small sachets if you do not already have a favorite mask. Apply mask to the skin, being careful to avoid the eye area (this can lead to sagging skin). Leave mask on for 10 to 20 minutes or as directed. Do not allow clay masks to dry completely. The active ingredients only work as long as the mask stays moist. Sprtiz the mask with a spray bottle of water to keep it moist once or twice. Remove the mask with warm towels and follow with a light spritz of toner.
[caption id="attachment_866" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="montagne-jeunesse makes a great selection of individually packaged masks for home use"]
[/caption]
Most facials end with a special moisturizer or lotion applied to the face. Apply a light moisturizer in order to prevent dehydrating the skin. Look for a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher in order to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Don’t forget to apply moisturizer to your neck and décolleté.
[caption id="attachment_869" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="A face and neck massage during a facial after exfoliation, but prior to the masking can improve blood flow to the face (sending fresh blood flushes out waste in tissue) and promotes relaxation"]
[/caption]
If you wish to apply an eye cream, use only a pea sized amount and apply it with your ring fingers in a gentle patting motion. Don’t drag your fingers across the gentle under-eye tissue. It can damage the delicate skin in that area.
Massage-
This is where having a partner to help is great. Here is a great protocol for facial massage:
Apply the massage cream or lotion and begin massaging the face and neck areas in small symmetrical circles. The strokes should move up the neck and along the contour of the face. Do not leave out any facial muscles.
Next, gently glide the back of the hands across the forehead with light pressure. Placing the thumbs side by side on the center of the forehead with the hands cradling the face, draw the thumbs outward towards the temples and make a gentle sweeping movement around the temple. Repeat the movement several times to relieve tension in the temples.
Apply pressure in the hollow areas under the eyebrows by placing the hands along the sides of the face; use the thumb to press gently under the ridge one spot at a time. Move the pressure point from the inner to the outer edge of the brows and repeat the thumb pressure. This technique can help relieve tension headache.
Position the thumbs alongside the nose bridge with hands cupping the face. Firmly slide the thumbs downward to the nostrils and outwards along the contour of the cheeks applying pressure along the way. Gently release the pressure when the thumbs reach the hairline. Then pull both hands up alongside the face towards the top of the head and away from the face. Repeat this motion two more times.
Position fingertips in the cheek muscles and gently make circling movements counter-clockwise for a few times moving along the cheek muscles. This motion alleviates tension in the cheek area.
Gently stroke the ears with the index fingers and thumbs while moving along the rims of the ears. This technique is very relaxing and enjoyable.
Position the fingers just behind the neck while pressing with a thumb pad on a spot in the jaw area and circling this spot before moving to the next one. Holding the chin with the fingers, stroke the chin with the thumbs using circular motions downward. Finish the jaw massage with gentle strokes alongside the chin. This movement releases tension in the mouth and jaw.
Make circular motions on the scalp and comb the fingers through the hair to release tension from the face and the head and to stimulate the scalp.
Finally, remove the massage cream or lotion with fresh and damp cotton pads.
The next several beauty rituals require more room or specialized equipment, namely a massage bed or facial chair. A recliner can be substituted, cover it with a flat bed sheet to protect it.
Massage-
Who doesn’t love a neck and back rub? Here are some great websites that show how to give a great back massage!
http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/backpain/h_BackMassage.htm
http://www.ehow.com/video_8066_give-back-massage.html
http://www.mahalo.com/How_to_Give_a_Back_Massage
Remember to ask about the pressure- too much, not enough, just right? Always have clean hands and trimmed nails. After the massage, remove any excess oil or lotion with a warm towel. If you don’t have a massage table or a recliner, have the person receiving the massage sit in a low back chair or sit backwards in a chair, so their chest rests against the back of the chair.
Body treatments- these can be messy. I recommend doing these in a tiled area of your home, or cut apart trash bags and lay them down, put down newspaper, a tarp or a drop cloth.
You may want to wear a bathing suit or a bra and panties you don’t mind getting wet. I recommend doing body treatments 1st before you start the rest of your day of rituals.
Body scrub-
Sometimes known in spas as a sugar shimmer, salt glow, or full body exfoliation. Whatever you call it- it’s FUN and a great way to sweep away dead skin cells. I like using sugar. It has natural alpha hydroxy acids in it that break up the web of expired skin calls clinging to your skin.
Here is my recipe:
2 parts sugar (1 white and one brown) to 1 part oil (olive oil, coconut oil, etc), add any essential oils you like. You can also add any leftover ground oats you have or a few tablespoons of baking soda to add a little extra exfoliation. Apply to your body and rub in circular motions. Remove with warm towels or hop in the shower and rinse off. Towel dry and apply a moisturizing lotion or crème.
Body mask- in day spas, this can be called a body wrap. Mud and herbs are applied to your body and you are wrapped in a cocoon of blankets while the mud and herbs do their thing- softening, moisturizing, and toning.
Apply a body mask (available in most beauty supplies or drug stores) and wrap yourself in a silver thermal blanket or in saran wrap to keep the heat in. Relax for 4-50 minutes. Remove with warm towels or hop in the shower and rinse off. Towel dry and apply a moisturizing lotion or crème.
Other Fun Spa activities
Ask the girls to bring their robes, so everyone can lounge and hang out during treatments.
You can also do deep conditioning hair treatments. They are available at local beauty supply stores, or do a Google search for at home varieties- You’d be amazed what mayonnaise does to dry, over-styled hair! Apply the conditioning treatment, put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in Saran Wrap and hang out for 20-30 minutes, then shampoo out the mayo. Towel or blow dry.
If any of the girls have Paraffin pots, they are a great addition to any spa day. Dip clean, freshly scrubbed hands or feet in the melted paraffin, then cover the paraffined area with a plastic bag and relax for 2-30 minutes. Remove the paraffin and discard- you hands and feet have never felt softer. If you have dry, scaly elbows, paraffin works miracles. Wash elbows and exfoliate with a scrub/paste, then dip each elbow into the paraffin and wrap in Saran wrap. After 30 minutes, remove and discard the paraffin.
[caption id="attachment_867" align="aligncenter" width="273" caption="Paraffin Wax Pots are available at most Drug stores, mass merchandisers and beauty supply stores"]
[/caption]
Offer cucumber slices to place over puffy eyes, or herbal tea bags (such as chamomile) that have been moistened with warm (not boiling) water. Raw potato slices can also help de-poof your under eye area.
[caption id="attachment_868" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cucumber slices on the eyes promote relaxation and can reduce under-eye puffiness"]
[/caption]
Remember to practice good sanitation- wash all equipment with hot water and soap and dry with a clean towel. Do not share tools or implements, especially if someone has a fungal foot infection. Mani/pedi tool kits are available at beauty supply stores and most 99 cent/dollar stores.
If you are using products that are stored in a tub, do not dip your fingers into the tub, use a plastic spoon or disposable spatula, or wooden stir stick, and discard it afterward- this will help curb the spread of bacteria.
Have a girls’ day in! Remember as teens we would have slumber parties, do masks, paint each other’s toes? Well, why not do something similar? Send out a free, electronic invitation, with a service such as elite (www.evite.com). Have each person bring something to do or a beauty “ritual” to share. Then everyone takes turns giving and receiving!
You can serve spa like refreshments such as sparkling water with fruit slices and ice cubes made from all natural juice, veggie plates, hummus and pita, yogurt and herb dips, tortilla chips and fire roasted salsas and fruit compote. Google Spa recipes and try something new! Have everyone bring a dish and share!
Here are some suggestions for “beauty ritual” that are easy and fun!
Pedicures-
Here are some simple steps that'll let you pamper your feet in 30 minutes or less:
Remove old polish using a gentle nail polish remover.
Clip and file your nails. (File one way, don’t saw back and forth- it can damage your nails.)
Soak your feet for about ten minutes in a dishpan or plastic bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of chamomile and lavender essential oil and/or Epsom salts (which have excellent relaxing properties that will soothe your tired, aching feet).
Apply a cuticle softener; after a few minutes, push back the cuticles gently using an orangewood stick. Use Cuticle nippers to remove dead skin around the cuticle bed. Don’t get over-zealous when it comes to removing dead skin from around your nail bed. You can clip live skin, and allow bacteria to enter through cuts. OWIE!
Apply a callus remover liquid containing alpha hydroxyl acids. Slip you feet into plastic bags for 5-10 minutes, remove the bags and use a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells. Don’t “file”/pumice your feet when they are dry.
Use an exfoliating paste/scrub on your feet and calves in a gentle circular motion to remove any dead skin, then remove with a warm, moist towel; then apply a moisturizing cream in order to hydrate the skin, as well as improve flexibility and promote relaxation. Don't forget your toes!
Massage feet and calves with a creamy hand lotion. Rub in for a couple of minutes in order to fully hydrate the skin, particularly if you are suffering from dry winter skin.
Use some rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad on your nail beds to remove any lotion on your nails and apply a base coat, then add two coats of your favorite nail polish color. Add nail decals, gems or paint flowers on your toes! Follow with a topcoat.
If you don’t want to go with a full pedicure, do a foot care ritual. It’s still relaxing and you’ll fee like a million bucks afterward.
Soak your feet in a tub or basin with 1 cup of Epson salts and some essential oils for 15-20 minutes.
Use an exfoliating paste/scrub on your feet and calves in a gentle circular motion to remove any dead skin, then remove with a warm, moist towel; then apply a moisturizing cream in order to hydrate the skin, as well as improve flexibility and promote relaxation. Don't forget your toes!
Massage feet and calves with a creamy hand lotion. Rub in for a couple of minutes in order to fully hydrate the skin, particularly if you are suffering from dry winter skin.
Slip on some socks to seal in the moisture!
Manicures-
Follow these simple steps for the perfect at-home manicure:
Remove old polish using a gentle nail polish remover
Clip and file your nails. (File one way, don’t saw back and forth- it can damage your nails.)
Soak your hands for about ten minutes in a plastic bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of chamomile and lavender essential oil and/or Epsom salts.
Apply a cuticle cream/softener; after a few minutes, push back the cuticles gently using an orangewood stick. Use Cuticle nippers to remove dead skin around the cuticle bed. Don’t get over-zealous when it comes to removing dead skin from around your nail bed. You can clip live skin, and allow bacteria to enter through cuts. OWIE!
Use an exfoliating paste on your hands and forearms, remove with a hot towel; then apply a moisturizing cream in order to hydrate the skin, as well as improve flexibility and promote relaxation.
Massage hands and arms with a creamy hand lotion. Rub in for a couple of minutes in order to fully hydrate the skin, particularly if you are suffering from dry winter skin.
Use some rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad on your nail beds to remove any lotion on your nails and apply a base coat, then add two coats of your favorite nail polish color. Add nail decals, gems or paint flowers on your nails! Follow with a topcoat.
Facials-
For your girls night in, have every one can bring their favorite product to share, or a quick trip to the beauty supply and the grocery store can get you everything you’ll need for a soothing facial.
Cleanse your skin using a gentle cleanser in order to remove surface oil, dirt and germs. If you have oily or combination skin, use a foaming gel cleanser; if you have dry skin, look for a creamier blend that won't dry out your skin.
Exfoliate. Natural exfoliates include: Ground oats and pineapple. Grind oatmeal in your food processor and add 3 T. oats to 2T. Plain natural yoghurt or whole milk. Apply to the face and remove after 10 minutes with a warm towel. Or put ¼ cup pineapple and 3 T. plain natural yoghurt into the food processor and pulse. Once combined apply to the face and remove after 10 minutes with a warm towel.
At this point, you may wish to apply a serum or spritz the skin with a nourishing toner (don’t use anything that stings, burns or causes discomfort. That means NO SEA BREEZE OR ALCOHOL BASED ASTRINGENTS!)
Apply a mask. If you have oily or combination skin, try a clay-based mask; for dry or mature skin, look for a hydrating mask (with a creamy or gel texture). Peel off masks are better suited for those skin. Most beauty supply stores or drug stores sell masks in small sachets if you do not already have a favorite mask. Apply mask to the skin, being careful to avoid the eye area (this can lead to sagging skin). Leave mask on for 10 to 20 minutes or as directed. Do not allow clay masks to dry completely. The active ingredients only work as long as the mask stays moist. Sprtiz the mask with a spray bottle of water to keep it moist once or twice. Remove the mask with warm towels and follow with a light spritz of toner.
[caption id="attachment_866" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="montagne-jeunesse makes a great selection of individually packaged masks for home use"]
[/caption]Most facials end with a special moisturizer or lotion applied to the face. Apply a light moisturizer in order to prevent dehydrating the skin. Look for a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher in order to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Don’t forget to apply moisturizer to your neck and décolleté.
[caption id="attachment_869" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="A face and neck massage during a facial after exfoliation, but prior to the masking can improve blood flow to the face (sending fresh blood flushes out waste in tissue) and promotes relaxation"]
[/caption]If you wish to apply an eye cream, use only a pea sized amount and apply it with your ring fingers in a gentle patting motion. Don’t drag your fingers across the gentle under-eye tissue. It can damage the delicate skin in that area.
Massage-
This is where having a partner to help is great. Here is a great protocol for facial massage:
Apply the massage cream or lotion and begin massaging the face and neck areas in small symmetrical circles. The strokes should move up the neck and along the contour of the face. Do not leave out any facial muscles.
Next, gently glide the back of the hands across the forehead with light pressure. Placing the thumbs side by side on the center of the forehead with the hands cradling the face, draw the thumbs outward towards the temples and make a gentle sweeping movement around the temple. Repeat the movement several times to relieve tension in the temples.
Apply pressure in the hollow areas under the eyebrows by placing the hands along the sides of the face; use the thumb to press gently under the ridge one spot at a time. Move the pressure point from the inner to the outer edge of the brows and repeat the thumb pressure. This technique can help relieve tension headache.
Position the thumbs alongside the nose bridge with hands cupping the face. Firmly slide the thumbs downward to the nostrils and outwards along the contour of the cheeks applying pressure along the way. Gently release the pressure when the thumbs reach the hairline. Then pull both hands up alongside the face towards the top of the head and away from the face. Repeat this motion two more times.
Position fingertips in the cheek muscles and gently make circling movements counter-clockwise for a few times moving along the cheek muscles. This motion alleviates tension in the cheek area.
Gently stroke the ears with the index fingers and thumbs while moving along the rims of the ears. This technique is very relaxing and enjoyable.
Position the fingers just behind the neck while pressing with a thumb pad on a spot in the jaw area and circling this spot before moving to the next one. Holding the chin with the fingers, stroke the chin with the thumbs using circular motions downward. Finish the jaw massage with gentle strokes alongside the chin. This movement releases tension in the mouth and jaw.
Make circular motions on the scalp and comb the fingers through the hair to release tension from the face and the head and to stimulate the scalp.
Finally, remove the massage cream or lotion with fresh and damp cotton pads.
The next several beauty rituals require more room or specialized equipment, namely a massage bed or facial chair. A recliner can be substituted, cover it with a flat bed sheet to protect it.
Massage-
Who doesn’t love a neck and back rub? Here are some great websites that show how to give a great back massage!
http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/backpain/h_BackMassage.htm
http://www.ehow.com/video_8066_give-back-massage.html
http://www.mahalo.com/How_to_Give_a_Back_Massage
Remember to ask about the pressure- too much, not enough, just right? Always have clean hands and trimmed nails. After the massage, remove any excess oil or lotion with a warm towel. If you don’t have a massage table or a recliner, have the person receiving the massage sit in a low back chair or sit backwards in a chair, so their chest rests against the back of the chair.
Body treatments- these can be messy. I recommend doing these in a tiled area of your home, or cut apart trash bags and lay them down, put down newspaper, a tarp or a drop cloth.
You may want to wear a bathing suit or a bra and panties you don’t mind getting wet. I recommend doing body treatments 1st before you start the rest of your day of rituals.
Body scrub-
Sometimes known in spas as a sugar shimmer, salt glow, or full body exfoliation. Whatever you call it- it’s FUN and a great way to sweep away dead skin cells. I like using sugar. It has natural alpha hydroxy acids in it that break up the web of expired skin calls clinging to your skin.
Here is my recipe:
2 parts sugar (1 white and one brown) to 1 part oil (olive oil, coconut oil, etc), add any essential oils you like. You can also add any leftover ground oats you have or a few tablespoons of baking soda to add a little extra exfoliation. Apply to your body and rub in circular motions. Remove with warm towels or hop in the shower and rinse off. Towel dry and apply a moisturizing lotion or crème.
Body mask- in day spas, this can be called a body wrap. Mud and herbs are applied to your body and you are wrapped in a cocoon of blankets while the mud and herbs do their thing- softening, moisturizing, and toning.
Apply a body mask (available in most beauty supplies or drug stores) and wrap yourself in a silver thermal blanket or in saran wrap to keep the heat in. Relax for 4-50 minutes. Remove with warm towels or hop in the shower and rinse off. Towel dry and apply a moisturizing lotion or crème.
Other Fun Spa activities
Ask the girls to bring their robes, so everyone can lounge and hang out during treatments.
You can also do deep conditioning hair treatments. They are available at local beauty supply stores, or do a Google search for at home varieties- You’d be amazed what mayonnaise does to dry, over-styled hair! Apply the conditioning treatment, put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in Saran Wrap and hang out for 20-30 minutes, then shampoo out the mayo. Towel or blow dry.
If any of the girls have Paraffin pots, they are a great addition to any spa day. Dip clean, freshly scrubbed hands or feet in the melted paraffin, then cover the paraffined area with a plastic bag and relax for 2-30 minutes. Remove the paraffin and discard- you hands and feet have never felt softer. If you have dry, scaly elbows, paraffin works miracles. Wash elbows and exfoliate with a scrub/paste, then dip each elbow into the paraffin and wrap in Saran wrap. After 30 minutes, remove and discard the paraffin.
[caption id="attachment_867" align="aligncenter" width="273" caption="Paraffin Wax Pots are available at most Drug stores, mass merchandisers and beauty supply stores"]
[/caption]Offer cucumber slices to place over puffy eyes, or herbal tea bags (such as chamomile) that have been moistened with warm (not boiling) water. Raw potato slices can also help de-poof your under eye area.
[caption id="attachment_868" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cucumber slices on the eyes promote relaxation and can reduce under-eye puffiness"]
[/caption]Remember to practice good sanitation- wash all equipment with hot water and soap and dry with a clean towel. Do not share tools or implements, especially if someone has a fungal foot infection. Mani/pedi tool kits are available at beauty supply stores and most 99 cent/dollar stores.
If you are using products that are stored in a tub, do not dip your fingers into the tub, use a plastic spoon or disposable spatula, or wooden stir stick, and discard it afterward- this will help curb the spread of bacteria.
It's Free Flavor Friday from Coffee-Mate!
Coffee-Mate is Sponsoring Free Flavor Friday Today!
[caption id="attachment_863" align="aligncenter" width="177" caption="3 New Coffee-Mate Flavors!"]
[/caption]
They're giving away 100,000 coupons for a FREE bottle of COFFEE-MATE to try any of our delicious flavors. Request your coupon here or on Facebook starting at 9am PST on February 4th.
Taste one of our newest flavors:
Get on over to FB and get your free Coffee-Mate!
[caption id="attachment_863" align="aligncenter" width="177" caption="3 New Coffee-Mate Flavors!"]
[/caption]They're giving away 100,000 coupons for a FREE bottle of COFFEE-MATE to try any of our delicious flavors. Request your coupon here or on Facebook starting at 9am PST on February 4th.
Taste one of our newest flavors:
- Caramel Macchiato
- White Chocolate Caramel Latte
- Café Latte
Get on over to FB and get your free Coffee-Mate!
Gluten Free living from Pssst by General Mills...
On Wednesday I received a box of Honey Nut Chex from Pssst by General Mills. Since I am always hungry now (33 weeks pregnant) I dug right in. 3 bowls later.... OMG! Sweet, crunchy with a yummy corn, almond, and honey flavor.
One of the best parts of Honey Nut Chex is they are GLUTEN FREE!! There are 5 varieties of Chex that are Gluten free!
Honey Nut Chex – Sweetened with a bit of honey, flavored with a touch of almond and ta-da! Breakfast is served—sans gluten.
Chocolate Chex – Chocolate lovers, fix your eyes—and taste buds—on a bowl of morning merriment, complete with delicious cocoa.
Cinnamon Chex – A perfect balance of real cinnamon gives gluten free-seeking early birds another reason to celebrate.
Rice Chex – Lightly oven toasted with an enthusiastic crunch, Rice Chex is simply delicious on its own or dressed up with berries or sliced bananas for a wholesome breakfast pick.
Corn Chex – Offers a wholesome crunch at the breakfast table and plays nice with a variety of flavors, working well in many gluten free recipes.
Without sacrificing quality or taste, Chex® has taken the requisite steps to ensure products labeled as “gluten free” do not contain wheat, rye, barley, oats or crossbred hybrid of these grains. They also do not contain ingredients derived from these grains. Production locations assure that no cross-contact can occur during manufacturing and/or packaging. Gluten free products are also routinely analyzed to assure ongoing compliance with the FDA proposed regulation for “gluten free.”
To verify that the cereal is gluten free, consumers are strongly encouraged to look for “GLUTEN FREE” on Chex cereal packaging. This label will appear near the ingredient declaration on the package side panel and on the front panel. It’s also important to note that Wheat Chex and Multi-Bran Chex are NOT gluten free cereals.
I am giving away Chex cereal coupons to 5 lucky readers! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment! That's it! One entry per person, please.
I will select 5 winners on 2/9/11. All winners will receive a Chex cereal coupon and a coupon pot luck with at least 10 other coupons from my stash!
[caption id="attachment_860" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="All 5 yummy Gluten free varieties!"]
[/caption]
One of the best parts of Honey Nut Chex is they are GLUTEN FREE!! There are 5 varieties of Chex that are Gluten free!
Honey Nut Chex – Sweetened with a bit of honey, flavored with a touch of almond and ta-da! Breakfast is served—sans gluten.
Chocolate Chex – Chocolate lovers, fix your eyes—and taste buds—on a bowl of morning merriment, complete with delicious cocoa.
Cinnamon Chex – A perfect balance of real cinnamon gives gluten free-seeking early birds another reason to celebrate.
Rice Chex – Lightly oven toasted with an enthusiastic crunch, Rice Chex is simply delicious on its own or dressed up with berries or sliced bananas for a wholesome breakfast pick.
Corn Chex – Offers a wholesome crunch at the breakfast table and plays nice with a variety of flavors, working well in many gluten free recipes.
Without sacrificing quality or taste, Chex® has taken the requisite steps to ensure products labeled as “gluten free” do not contain wheat, rye, barley, oats or crossbred hybrid of these grains. They also do not contain ingredients derived from these grains. Production locations assure that no cross-contact can occur during manufacturing and/or packaging. Gluten free products are also routinely analyzed to assure ongoing compliance with the FDA proposed regulation for “gluten free.”
To verify that the cereal is gluten free, consumers are strongly encouraged to look for “GLUTEN FREE” on Chex cereal packaging. This label will appear near the ingredient declaration on the package side panel and on the front panel. It’s also important to note that Wheat Chex and Multi-Bran Chex are NOT gluten free cereals.
I am giving away Chex cereal coupons to 5 lucky readers! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment! That's it! One entry per person, please.
I will select 5 winners on 2/9/11. All winners will receive a Chex cereal coupon and a coupon pot luck with at least 10 other coupons from my stash!
[caption id="attachment_860" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="All 5 yummy Gluten free varieties!"]
[/caption]
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Birthday freebies!
So far I have received birthday freebies from:
Pick up stix: Emailed coupon for free cream cheese wontons with any purchase
Daphne’s Pita Points: Free plate (no strings attached)
Black Angus: The month of your birthday, they email you a BOGO dinner coupon!
Souplantation: BOGO dinner
Red Robin: FREE burger on your birthday and all the latest Red Robin news.
Cold Stone Creamery: Free ice cream on your birthday
Fuddruckers: BOGO burger
Pick up stix: Emailed coupon for free cream cheese wontons with any purchase
Daphne’s Pita Points: Free plate (no strings attached)
Black Angus: The month of your birthday, they email you a BOGO dinner coupon!
Souplantation: BOGO dinner
Red Robin: FREE burger on your birthday and all the latest Red Robin news.
Cold Stone Creamery: Free ice cream on your birthday
Fuddruckers: BOGO burger
Coupon Basics: Categories for your coupon storage system
Categories for your coupon storage system
I tend to organize my coupons based on how my favorite grocery store is laid out.
Here is a sample layout of a grocery store:
[caption id="attachment_853" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Sample Store layout"]
[/caption]
I have given examples for each category:
Fruit and Vegetables- includes Bagged Salad, pre-cut fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, refrigerated soy products
Sauces / Dressings / Condiments- includes Mayo, mustard, BBQ sauce, salsa, salad dressing
Canned Goods & Soups- includes Canned beans, canned raviolis, canned tuna or chicken, canned or powdered soup and Ramen.
Pasta / Rice / Boxed Meals- includes Spaghetti, noodles, Hamburger Helper, Asian or Italian style boxes meal kits (such as Tai Pei or Romano’s)
Cereal / Breakfast Foods/Juice- includes Oatmeal, cream of wheat, juice boxes, bottled juice, Instant Breakfast
Flour / Baking / Oil/ Mixes/ Spices- includes cake/brownie mix, Bisquisk, graham cracker pie crusts, Jello and pudding, spray release, flour, white and brown sugar, Splenda
Beverages- includes soda, energy drinks, sparkling water, diet drinks, powdered beverage mixes (Kool-aid and Crystal Light), chocolate milk mix (liquid or powdered)
Meat- includes fresh or frozen beef, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, fish, sausages/brats, pre-packaged cold cuts, breakfast sausage (link or patty), bacon, ham
Frozen Food- includes frozen veggies and fruit, pizza, diet foods (such as Lean Cuisine), individual and family sized entrees, ice cream, popsicles, frozen meat free alternatives, ice
Dairy- includes milk, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, coffee creamer, butter, margarine/spread, pudding/jello cups, tubes or packages of cookie dough, canned dough
Cookies/ Crackers/ Snacks- includes pre-packed portions (such as 100 calorie snack packs), cookies, crackers, popcorn, chips, pretzels, nuts, trail mix
Baby- Includes formula, diapers, wipes, baby care products, baby food and toddler food and snacks
Bakery/Bread- includes bread, tortillas, pita, sandwich thins, English muffins/crumpets, bagels, rolls, donuts, croissants, French bread, freshly made cookies, cakes and other desserts
Deli- includes deli Meat, cheese, hummus, fresh guacamole, fresh salsa, bagel chips, packaged specialty cheeses (Goat and blue cheese), hot and cold deli salads and foods (such as fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, take and bake pizzas, salad bar, olive bar, freshly made sandwiches)
Personal Care / Medicine- Includes over the counter medications, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, tooth paste, tooth brushes, hand soap, loofahs/bath poufs, bubble bath, lotion, shaving cream, razors, feminine products
Paper Goods / Containers- Tin foil, plastic wrap, disposable food containers, toilet paper, paper towels, paper napkins, plastic silverware, paper plates
Cleaning / Other Household Supplies- dishwashing liquid, dishwasher detergent, home cleaning products (pine-sol, ammonia, bleach), laundry detergent, mops, sponges, brooms and dustpans, candles, scented home sprays, air fresheners.
Miscellaneous- You can use this section for restaurant coupons, specific store coupons, rebates.
I tend to organize my coupons based on how my favorite grocery store is laid out.
Here is a sample layout of a grocery store:
[caption id="attachment_853" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Sample Store layout"]
[/caption]I have given examples for each category:
Fruit and Vegetables- includes Bagged Salad, pre-cut fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, refrigerated soy products
Sauces / Dressings / Condiments- includes Mayo, mustard, BBQ sauce, salsa, salad dressing
Canned Goods & Soups- includes Canned beans, canned raviolis, canned tuna or chicken, canned or powdered soup and Ramen.
Pasta / Rice / Boxed Meals- includes Spaghetti, noodles, Hamburger Helper, Asian or Italian style boxes meal kits (such as Tai Pei or Romano’s)
Cereal / Breakfast Foods/Juice- includes Oatmeal, cream of wheat, juice boxes, bottled juice, Instant Breakfast
Flour / Baking / Oil/ Mixes/ Spices- includes cake/brownie mix, Bisquisk, graham cracker pie crusts, Jello and pudding, spray release, flour, white and brown sugar, Splenda
Beverages- includes soda, energy drinks, sparkling water, diet drinks, powdered beverage mixes (Kool-aid and Crystal Light), chocolate milk mix (liquid or powdered)
Meat- includes fresh or frozen beef, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, fish, sausages/brats, pre-packaged cold cuts, breakfast sausage (link or patty), bacon, ham
Frozen Food- includes frozen veggies and fruit, pizza, diet foods (such as Lean Cuisine), individual and family sized entrees, ice cream, popsicles, frozen meat free alternatives, ice
Dairy- includes milk, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, coffee creamer, butter, margarine/spread, pudding/jello cups, tubes or packages of cookie dough, canned dough
Cookies/ Crackers/ Snacks- includes pre-packed portions (such as 100 calorie snack packs), cookies, crackers, popcorn, chips, pretzels, nuts, trail mix
Baby- Includes formula, diapers, wipes, baby care products, baby food and toddler food and snacks
Bakery/Bread- includes bread, tortillas, pita, sandwich thins, English muffins/crumpets, bagels, rolls, donuts, croissants, French bread, freshly made cookies, cakes and other desserts
Deli- includes deli Meat, cheese, hummus, fresh guacamole, fresh salsa, bagel chips, packaged specialty cheeses (Goat and blue cheese), hot and cold deli salads and foods (such as fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, take and bake pizzas, salad bar, olive bar, freshly made sandwiches)
Personal Care / Medicine- Includes over the counter medications, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, tooth paste, tooth brushes, hand soap, loofahs/bath poufs, bubble bath, lotion, shaving cream, razors, feminine products
Paper Goods / Containers- Tin foil, plastic wrap, disposable food containers, toilet paper, paper towels, paper napkins, plastic silverware, paper plates
Cleaning / Other Household Supplies- dishwashing liquid, dishwasher detergent, home cleaning products (pine-sol, ammonia, bleach), laundry detergent, mops, sponges, brooms and dustpans, candles, scented home sprays, air fresheners.
Miscellaneous- You can use this section for restaurant coupons, specific store coupons, rebates.
How to organize and store coupons
I swear, I haven't gone MIA- just busy with baby preparations!
How to organize and store coupons
Organizational Methods
There are several methods to store your coupons when they are in your home before you go to shop, and there are several more methods for storage when you are out shopping.
Here are just a few examples of organizational methods:
Whole insert: Leave the inserts whole, and file them by date. You may wish to put each insert in a manila envelope on in a tabbed folder and write the date along with the type insert such as SS (Smart Source), P&G (Proctor & Gamble), or RP (Red Plum). Example: 6/6/10 SS
Clipped by dated: Filed in a similar fashion as above, but all coupons from each weeks inserts are clipped, put into an envelope, dated, and filed either in an accordion folder or filing/bank box. This can be a time saver when you need to pull coupons from a specific date. You may choose to have all coupons from the same date filed together, or you may wish to file each insert (Red Plum, Smart Source, Proctor & Gamble) separately. Example: Clipped 6/6/10 All or Clipped 6/6/10 SS
Clipped by category: Coupons are clipped and then filed by category.
Clipped Alphabetically: Simply file the coupons alphabetically, either by product name, product type, or manufacturer.
Storage Methods
There are several methods for storage of coupons.
If you file whole inserts, you may wish to file inserts in an accordion folder or filing/bank box by date.
If you clip your coupons here are just a few examples of storage methods:
Coupon Wallets are commercially available at office supply stores or mass merchandisers. Coupon wallets are small, reinforced accordion file with tabs. They can fit inside most purses. Organize the coupons by category or alphabetically.
Use a 3-ring binder with baseball card sheets or photo sheets (for a large photo album, 4x6 inch size works well) and use tabbed dividers for the category dividers. In the front, you can put a pad of paper inside for your shopping list, a zipper pouch for pens, pencils, scissors and a calculator. 3-ring binders that zip shut are great too!
An index card filing box can be useful. You can use the alphabetic tabs that are included and store coupons alphabetically, or you can re-purpose the tabs and store coupons in categories. A category list in on the next page.
Individual envelopes- I did this once upon a time, and I recommend it only for the most organized. Start with envelopes (I use #10 envelopes) and write the name of each category on the front in large, easy to read letters. File coupons by category in the corresponding envelopes, Once you have all the coupons sorted and filed, store the envelopes in a plastic tub, shoe box, whatever is easiest for you.
If you are extremely organized, an Excel spreadsheet with a list of coupons, value, expiration date and any exclusions might be helpful. Print it out and place it in a plastic page protector in the front of your filing system, or carry it with you in your “take to store” couponing system.
There are commercially available coupon organizers available, including organizers that Velcro over the handles of a grocery-shopping cart. When shopping for a coupon organizational system, look for one that will meet your needs. If you require a system that has a lot of information in once place, or can multi-task, consider a Couponizer- http://www.couponizer.com/ (accessed 6/29/10).
If you would like to put your own together, there are small accordion files that can be purchased at Wal*mart, Target or Sears Essentials in the office organizational section with the day planners and file folders, or you can use a three ring binder with tabs and add lined paper, a pencil zipper pouch and calculator. It’s about what you need and how much time and effort you are willing to invest.
When you clip coupons and file them you can go one step further and arrange them by expiration date, amount of coupon, or alphabetically. It’s up to you. If you have multiples of the same coupon, consider paper clipping them together.
For photos of examples try Google image searching "Coupon Storage". You'll find a lot of great examples.
How to organize and store coupons
Organizational Methods
There are several methods to store your coupons when they are in your home before you go to shop, and there are several more methods for storage when you are out shopping.
Here are just a few examples of organizational methods:
Whole insert: Leave the inserts whole, and file them by date. You may wish to put each insert in a manila envelope on in a tabbed folder and write the date along with the type insert such as SS (Smart Source), P&G (Proctor & Gamble), or RP (Red Plum). Example: 6/6/10 SS
Clipped by dated: Filed in a similar fashion as above, but all coupons from each weeks inserts are clipped, put into an envelope, dated, and filed either in an accordion folder or filing/bank box. This can be a time saver when you need to pull coupons from a specific date. You may choose to have all coupons from the same date filed together, or you may wish to file each insert (Red Plum, Smart Source, Proctor & Gamble) separately. Example: Clipped 6/6/10 All or Clipped 6/6/10 SS
Clipped by category: Coupons are clipped and then filed by category.
Clipped Alphabetically: Simply file the coupons alphabetically, either by product name, product type, or manufacturer.
Storage Methods
There are several methods for storage of coupons.
If you file whole inserts, you may wish to file inserts in an accordion folder or filing/bank box by date.
If you clip your coupons here are just a few examples of storage methods:
Coupon Wallets are commercially available at office supply stores or mass merchandisers. Coupon wallets are small, reinforced accordion file with tabs. They can fit inside most purses. Organize the coupons by category or alphabetically.
Use a 3-ring binder with baseball card sheets or photo sheets (for a large photo album, 4x6 inch size works well) and use tabbed dividers for the category dividers. In the front, you can put a pad of paper inside for your shopping list, a zipper pouch for pens, pencils, scissors and a calculator. 3-ring binders that zip shut are great too!
An index card filing box can be useful. You can use the alphabetic tabs that are included and store coupons alphabetically, or you can re-purpose the tabs and store coupons in categories. A category list in on the next page.
Individual envelopes- I did this once upon a time, and I recommend it only for the most organized. Start with envelopes (I use #10 envelopes) and write the name of each category on the front in large, easy to read letters. File coupons by category in the corresponding envelopes, Once you have all the coupons sorted and filed, store the envelopes in a plastic tub, shoe box, whatever is easiest for you.
If you are extremely organized, an Excel spreadsheet with a list of coupons, value, expiration date and any exclusions might be helpful. Print it out and place it in a plastic page protector in the front of your filing system, or carry it with you in your “take to store” couponing system.
There are commercially available coupon organizers available, including organizers that Velcro over the handles of a grocery-shopping cart. When shopping for a coupon organizational system, look for one that will meet your needs. If you require a system that has a lot of information in once place, or can multi-task, consider a Couponizer- http://www.couponizer.com/ (accessed 6/29/10).
If you would like to put your own together, there are small accordion files that can be purchased at Wal*mart, Target or Sears Essentials in the office organizational section with the day planners and file folders, or you can use a three ring binder with tabs and add lined paper, a pencil zipper pouch and calculator. It’s about what you need and how much time and effort you are willing to invest.
When you clip coupons and file them you can go one step further and arrange them by expiration date, amount of coupon, or alphabetically. It’s up to you. If you have multiples of the same coupon, consider paper clipping them together.
For photos of examples try Google image searching "Coupon Storage". You'll find a lot of great examples.
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