Hello Again!

Back From Hiatus

Thanks so much for bearing with me these several LONG months the blog has been on hiatus. As a Stay At Home Mom, SOMETIMES, my family needs me to focus on other things and put some things on the back burner.  Priorities have shifted yet again and I have the ability to bring the blog back to the forefront!

And I am very excited about it. During my absence, I made some new friends on other blogs! I cannot wait to review these blogs for you and maybe bring you some exclusive discounts and giveaways! I have discovered some unique things like Birthday Capes and Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Groups... and, I have encountered some Giveaway Gurus like Chip over at Chip&Co.    I cannot wait to bring these blogs and deals to you guys.

Also! Purex just contacted me yet again to let me know I get to be the first to try a brand new product. USUALLY, this leads to a fun giveaway on my blog.  I have some great ideas for my own giveaways as well.

Let's not forget my series I had in the infancy stage when I had to put the blog on the shelf for a few... I am going to tackle some of the issues, debates, and EXTREME perspectives facing couponers.  

New to the blog? My focus is to TEACH people how to rethink couponing and rethink the coupon culture. Use this blog to supplement the big guys. They do it best. Follow Kristin at Couponing to Disney HERE, Follow Totally Target HERE, Follow Southern Savers.  Read my blog for tips, THE BEST deals that I find interesting to me, a new way to look at things so that you can carry the couponing forward yourself whether you follow the bloggers or not.  

Looking for a particular type of deal? Want me to focus on a certain issue? Email me at CouponCouture@gmail.com.   I love feedback and will do my best to find deals that suit your needs. That is one benefit of following a smaller blog! OH! And go ahead and like me on Facebook. I link everything to that.

Quick Tip: When Considering Tips and Deals, Even Mine, Follow The Money!

Quick Tip for the Day:

Follow the Money on Deals and Tips

Make Sure the Money Saving Deal You Are Getting REALLY is a Good One

Recently, I was browsing around online.. reading other blogs, checking out tips and deals, looking for tidbits to share with you all.  I ended up finding a post about saving money on things like utilities and services.  Some of the tips were your average tips we all hear.. unplug chargers, etc to save from "vampire electronics", turn off lights, take shorter showers, call your service providers and simply ask for a lower rate or a better deal, etc.

You know, the basic tips we see over and over again.  

Then, I saw one tip in particular: To save money change your phone plan to a simpler plan with less minutes or features, etc.   The idea with this tip is to save some money by cutting out "extras" from your cell phone plan.. and just take advantage of stored roll over minutes and such.

This idea is interesting. And looks good on paper. But, it also raised an issue that inspired this tip:  When deciding whether or not to snag a deal or follow a money saving tip, FOLLOW YOUR MONEY.  Make sure it will really save you money.  Don't just take a tip or deal at face value, whether the tip comes from me, or any other blogger, or even a store with a sale!

In this instance, cutting back on our cell phone "extras" has been something we have been discussing in our home.  This seems like an excellent idea. However, to temporarily cut back on our plan before our contract is up would either cost us money in fees and/or sign us up for another 2 yr contract. Usually when you make changes to cell phone, cable, etc services, you are basically renegotiating your contract with them. There can be fees or renewed commitment involved.  Over time, that money saving tip can cost you more than you think.

What to do? Just call your provider before you make changes and discuss it with them. What are the penalties? Will it renew your contract for another 2 years? If you cut back and then decide to add features, minutes, whatever, what are the repercussions of doing that?   Always follow your money BEFORE you take a tip, so that you know it is a good one for your particular needs and situations.  

Another example is from a different blogger.. They were promoting a discount site that offers different deals on items, mainly children's items.  This other blogger was promoting the Disney outfits on sale at this site.  A follower of the blogger mentioned that they saw the same outfits at a local retailer for about $3 cheaper with no shipping charges since you could just go buy them.  

My point is that us bloggers do our best to help you save money.  We really work hard to think of tips and deals to share.  In this economy, we have to stick together and cooperate.  But, don't get too comfortable with thinking we have all the BEST Tips and Deals. We try hard, but sometimes, even we don't find the absolute bestest deals and tips.  Always follow your money and critically examine our deals and tips, THEN decide to follow them!

I love my fellow bloggers! A special thank-you to Totally Target, Coupon Katarina, and especially Couponing to Disney. You guys rock!  Go follow them on Facebook! They get more comprehensive than I can even dream to think about being! Supplement with my blog. And, as always, let me know what deals or tips you guys are looking for.

Sale Match Ups For This Week

Here is Your Handy, Easy to Reference 

Guide of Links to the Best Deals of the Week

Want to know where I go to help me make my POA for deal hunting this week?

 

I have collated my favorite links for this week's deals here:

1. Love Target as much as I do? Check out this week's under $1 deals HERE and a more comprehensive best deals and match ups HERE.  (thanks, Couponing to Disney and Totally Target)
2. Walmart has a few deals HERE for you to check out. (thanks, Couponing to Disney!)For
3. For the CVS Deals, go HERE.  Some of the circular deals are only good through Tuesday, so I say go today if you didn't go yesterday! There are some good deals and moneymakers this week! Also, don't forget to scan your CVS Membership card at the magic coupon kiosk.. you might make your deals even sweeter! (thank, Couponing to Disney)
4. This week, Wild for Wags has split their deals up.  Go HERE to check their ideas on the best deals and scenarios for Walgreens this week.(thanks, Wild for Wags!)
5. Love Rite Aid? I am beginning to...  Check out what Kristin at Couponing to Disney has found for Rite Aid this week! Go HERE.

Anyone looking for Kmart, Family Dollar, etc? Let me know. I will start adding them to the matchups super list.  Also, I am about to be able to bring you all the good Kroger deals, too.. Fingers Crossed! :) 

The Best Deals and Coupon Match Ups for This Week

Looking for a Handy Link Guide to the Best Deals of the Week?

Don't Pore Over Those Circulars.. Here's a Handy Linked Guide to Those That Have Already Figured Out the Best Deals for You!

As I try to do most week, I have grabbed links to some of the best deals match ups for you for this week.  Looking at crowded circulars can be frustrating sometimes. Now, all you have to do is follow a link from here to some of my fave blogs and you will find some great deals scenarios.  Some are handy and printable even!  Happy Deal Hunting this week!

• For some good Target Deal Scenarios, go HERE to Totally Target's site.  
• A Walmart shopper? HERE is a list of the Under $1 deals as found by Kristin at Couponing to Disney.
• CVS is a fave of mine. I love the folks that work at my location.  I like to check out this list HERE before I go. Some are free, some are moneymakers! Thanks, Kristin!   Also, let us know if you get some good coupons at the kiosk scanner in store.
• Coupon Katarina has some good deals up HERE for Rite Aid. I have recently started doing Rite Aid deals. I have had mixed luck. The deals I find are really great. However, my location seems to be inadequately stocked on the deal items.
• Again, I really like how Kristin at Couponing to Disney lays out the deals. So, go HERE for a link to her list on the Walgreens deals.

Anyone need information on deals to a store not listed? I will try to hunt those down for you guys, too!

Let us know what deals you are working this week.

Weekly Deals Links

The Deals for the Week:

A Handy Blog Link Guide 

Most of the blogs have posted their best deals scenarios and guides for this week's sales, freebies, and under $1 items.  Here is a quick reference guide to link some of my favorites together in one spot.  Also, today ends February, with March starting tomorrow. This means you want to go around to the coupon sites online and print your favorites before they swap out with the new month. Also, check around for new coupons. Let us know what you find!  

My Coupon Printing Destinations:

www.target.com

www.coupons.com

www.redplum.com

• Target Deals Under $1 are HERE.   A more comprehensive list of Target Deals are featured on Totally Target's blog HERE. 
• CVS deals with printable shopping checklist are HERE.  I would like to point out that this blog had the CVS circular for this week posted 2 weeks ago! Yes, I am bragging a little. That was such an amazing thing to get handed.. Anyway. I would like to thank Kristin at Couponing to Disney for allowing me to post a link to my CVS circular on her FB wall. If you don't follow Kristin already, you need to! 
• HERE are some deal ideas for Rite Aid. 
• Looks like the MoneyMakers are at Walgreens this week! Go HERE to check them out. 

If I only go to two stores this week, you will find me at Target and Walgreens.  

ALSO! Remember, try really hard to use your "Rewards Bucks" from the various drugstores to work other "Rewards Bucks" deals to keep the savings rolling into each other.  If you can use bucks from previous weeks to work money makers deals, even if you don't need the items, this is a good idea.  IF it wont cost you anything out of pocket, you will "make money", have more product, AND trade in your expiring bucks to get "fresher" bucks back.  Don't need the items you make money to own? Give them, trade them, or sell them!

You will notice I didn't post grocery stores or Walmart.  Our grocery stores don't do all the crazy good deals that other stores like Publix/Kroger do.  So, you will have to take your bargain binder in with you if you find yourself in a grocery store this week. You can still get some really good deals, you just have to hunt around for them.

Also, as far as Walmart is concerned.. our local one is not so couponer friendly. Plus, their prices are usually way high to me. Unless you want to go to the hassle to ad match?? I sure don't. Seems like if you have the $3 off Gain Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets coupon, you might be able to get those for free at Walmart.  

Thanks again to Totally Target and Couponing to Disney for being so comprehensive in organizing the deals for the rest of us!!! :) 

 

Grab Your Circulars! It is POA Time Again!

Yesterday was Sunday Paper Day

Today, it is Time for Your Weekly POA!

Everyone got a paper yesterday, right? You have all gone to print your coupons from your fave sites, right? These are mine: Target and Coupons.com.

Whether you got your paper full of coupons and circulars, or not, I am going to link the best deal scenarios of the week here for you in one easy to reference spot.  Let me know if I have missed a store or deal you might be interested in.

• Go HERE for some good CVS match ups.  Some are money makers, 7 are under $1. (Thanks, Couponing to Disney!)
• HERE is Rite Aid. There are a lot of money makers on the list! Also, if you got the P&G coupon book rebate, seems like you can score some really good freebies, like the Gain dishsoap. (Thanks, again, Couponing to Disney)
• Walgreens has some super cheap Skintimate shaving cream this week, for those of you that asked!  Go HERE for that deal and many more! (Thanks,Couponing to Disney)
• For a list of items you can get for under a $1, go HERE.  Walmart does not usually put out good deals in weekly circulars. Their sales seem to be so-so to me. Locally, they are a pain to deal with at check out time for someone with a lot of coupons. IF you have a Walmart that you have good experience with and welcomes couponers, let us know! (Thanks, Couponing to Disney)
• Totally Target has a comprehensive circular deals match up list HERE. (Thanks Totally Target!)  OR, if you like the check list and simple form that Kristin at Couponing to Disney implements, the Target less than $1 deals are HERE.

I usually pick one drug store a week to shop, and I usually go to Target.  With 3 kids in tow, I have to pace myself.  There are many more bloggers that run the deals and scenarios. You have to pick a couple blogs you like and use mine to supplement them. If you do too many stores, blogs, scenarios, you will get burned out pretty quickly.

Happy Shopping! Let us know what you find out there. 

Take the Family to the Movies on the Cheap!

Going to the Movies These Days is Not Cheap

Here are Some Ideas on How to Save on a Fun Family Trip to the Theater

Taking my family of 5 to the movies can take quite a bite out of our monthly budget.  5 tickets and popcorn can run us $80!  We could buy a bunch of movies for home less than that. And, with the growing popularity of services such as Netflix for about $10 a month, it hardly seems worth the cost to go to the theater. However, sometimes, you just have to go see it on the big screen.  The question is, how can you save money when you go to the movies?

I have some ideas:

1.  Check out various companies that offer rewards for buying their products.  Kelloggs is pretty good about offering point codes on specially marked cereal boxes, etc.  You then enter these points into your online account and redeem for Concession Cash or Movie Tickets. Check to see if your theater participates.  When you can coupon and get Kelloggs for 75 cents-$1.50 a box, this can really be a great deal.  I worked these deals a few months ago and spent about $9 out of pocket for more than $35 worth of movie tickets, concession cash, and got about 7 boxes of Kelloggs too!  Go HERE for current information about this promotion. This deal must be done by June, so go check it out today.
2. PopTarts by Kelloggs has a similar promotion. You get points for trying new flavors. Codes are on specially marked boxes. We love Pop Tarts, so this was an easy deal to do.  Go HERE for more info. This promotion ends in September.
3. Save time and make sure you get your ticket before they sell out. Check out Fandango for discount movie ticket promotions too!  Go HERE  to see if there are any current promotions that would work for you.  Also, Google Fandango Discount Code any time before you buy and see if you can get an even better deal.
4. Months ago, Groupon had a hot deal: $4 for a movie ticket on Fandango.  You could only purchase one per account. I got one on my account, and my husband got one on his. They expire this month, so we are looking at taking the kids to the movies for Valentine's Day.  This deal is gone, but the point is to keep an eye out for these deals.
5. Check out your movie theater's website for deals, offers, or coupons.  Regal even has a customer loyalty program. Go HERE to see Regal's site. OR, google your theater for their site. 
6. Pampers Gifts to Grow Program sometimes has Movie rewards you can redeem. Like THIS one for free popcorn.
7. Heck, even My Coke Rewards has gotten in on the Movie rewards scene. Go HERE for an example.
8. Check sites like Ebay for coupons and passes.
9. EMAIL the corporate entity that owns your local theater. Tell them about an experience you had there, be complimentary. Tell them about your family's budget and love of the movies. Who knows, they might send you some vouchers for tickets or concession!
10. Not a couponer? Maybe try taking the extra time to coupon for a couple weeks. PAY YOURSELF in a jar or "excursion fund" the amount you save off your budget by using coupons. When you have enough money, go to the movies.
11. Keep blogs like mine, Couponing To Disney, and Totally Target on your Facebook wall. Every now and then, you will see some good coupons for the movies show up! 
12. If all else fails, go to the first showing of the day for the cheapest tickets. Buy the big expensive popcorn and get tons of napkins to divvy it up! These tubs usually come with a refill.  When you have a large group, this is the most economical way to get popcorn.  Share a drink... get the large and ask for some water cups so you can divide it up.  A friend of mine takes donut holes (the kind  that come in a large plastic cup from Krispy Kreme) to the movies with her. They fit right in the cup holder. I am not endorsing sneaking food in... I do it sometimes. But I worked at a theater and know the real money for the theater comes from concessions, not the tickets. Crazy, right? Those movie actors have to get paid somehow.. lol. But really. To sneak food in or not has to be a personal decision!).  *I did enjoy those donut holes at the movies though! Shameful as it was!! :) 
13. *You can go to special family showing events. These are often during the summertime and usually on a weekday. They show an old movie, family friendly, for like $1 a person. Some theaters show movies for $3 a person, but that includes a teeny popcorn and drink. Ask your theater about this. I tried it one time and was a bit discouraged. It was really crowded with tons of field trip students.  Every area is different, so give it a try if you like.

You can take your family to the movies. It may take a little effort and creativity. But you can do it.  I think we paid $2 out of pocket last time we went. We had enough Kelloggs Concession Cash and tickets to pay for tickets, popcorn, and drinks. My husband had to buy his candy, so that is why it was $2. 

Know a way to go to the movies on the cheap? Let us know!

*As always, pay attention to the fine print on all the programs and coupons,etc.

Reader's Requests

You Guys Have Made Some Deal Finding Requests

I Am On It!  

One of my goals for this blog is to be more follower friendly. If you guys are seeking a particular deal or have a certain question, I want to format the blog to suit your needs.  There are quite a few bigger, more comprehensive blogs, etc out there to follow for the normal, day to day sale info.  I recommend Couponing to Disney and Totally Target, to name a couple.  My goal is to have this blog be supplemental to the other  blogs.  As such, I am able to give you more original content and tailor my content to your needs. 

So, what are you guys looking for right now? 

1. A good deal on a printer for couponing purposes
2. A good deal on women's shaving cream (yeah, seems like most of the good deals in this case are for the men lately!)
3. Some good deals on GattiTown

I am totally on all that! 

Also, we have had a reader inquire about places that double coupons. I am on that too!  Look for a detailed post about these items by tomorrow.  In the meantime, anyone out there have any thoughts or ideas on these items?


In the meantime, always think outside the box.  If I needed a printer, when that Living Social deal came around a couple weeks ago, $10 for $20 at Amazon.com Limit One per account, I would have bought that deal. Then, I would have had my husband purchase the deal.  Right there, that is $20 for $40 off a printer at Amazon.com! :) You have to think of things creatively sometimes.  


Also, if there is a place that you like to go, or a product you like to purchase  but it is usually a little pricey for your day to day budget, try googling the company's official website. Send a nice email. Include your address and information and let them know you want to patronize their establishment/product. Ask how you can go about finding some deals/coupons.  Be really nice. You never know, a lot of these places will send you some great freebies! I emailed Kelloggs last year. By working their deals, I was able to get more than $30 in concession/movie tickets and about 7 boxes of cereal for around $9 out of pocket. I emailed them to commend them on their promotions and tell them about the date night I had with my husband. They sent me a lovely letter, a cookbook, and several vouchers for $5 off any Kelloggs items!  I got lots of Special K Shakes for free with those!  So, try to proactively contact the companies.


And, finally, turn your coupons, rewards, or pennies into CASH.  I have two examples: 1. I found a huge sale at OshKosh about 6 months ago. They put their $34 shoes to $1.39 ea pair. I wasnt sure what size my kids would be in for this Spring, so I bought 20 pairs.. several in each size/style.  Worst case scenario, I was out less than $30 for my kids to have shoes for the Spring/Summer. Best case scenario? I put them up on Ebay and am selling them for a nice profit on each pair. My kids will wear theirs for FREE and I will have profit in my account to use on things like printers,etc.  2. I got some Gap $10 off rewards coupons. I went to Gap and found a crazy good deal. After I used my coupons, I paid $5.30 out of pocket to bring home $90 worth of ladies' sweaters, and a lovely winter dress for my daughter for next year.  I put those sweaters up for sale, too.  Whatever I make off them will be a profit and is a tidy way to turn those coupons I used to pay for them into cold hard cash.. to use anywhere.. on a trip to GattiTown, perhaps?  


As you go about looking for deals and such, don't be discouraged if you can't find the exact one you need. Instead, look around and think creatively how you can turn the deal that's offered into the deal you need. You don't have to Ebay like I did. You can see what friends need. You can do a Craigslist Ad. If you can turn a deal you don't need into a moneymaker at the store, then you can take that extra money/savings to get what you want/need.  Just think outside the box.


And, if all else fails, hit up your favorite couponing blog and set them to the task of finding the deals you need! I am on it, guys!! Look for a post by tomorrow.

It is Sunday Again!

The Most Important Day in the Couponer's Week:

SUNDAY PAPER DAY!

Today is the day to toss your circulars from last week and get your Sunday Paper.  All of your circulars for this week are out today! Clip and organize you coupons, check in on the deal match up blogs, and make your plan of action for shopping for the week.

Go HERE because Target just released a whole bunch of NEW printable coupons, and reset the printing limits on others. (remember to scroll down. The coupons link on the site is usually on the bottom, or towards the bottom on the left)

Go HERE for a match-up of the coupons with the weekly Target circular (thanks, Totally Target!).

Go HERE for the very best deals of the week for Target (thanks, Totally Target!). 

Go HERE for the best Walgreens deals of the week.. many are under $1, some are FREE! (Thanks, Couponing to Disney!) 

Go HERE for the best coupon match ups to CVS deals (thanks, Couponing to Disney!). *Did you guys catch that I had the CVS circular up days before any of the other blogs? **SPECIAL THANKS to Couponing to Disney and Totally Target who allowed me to share the link with everyone. Not all bloggers were as generous!

Go HERE for the match ups for Rite Aid.. Under $1 deals and Freebies! (thanks, Couponing to Disney!) 

Any stores you are interested in that I have not included here? I want to make this blog about you guys, so let me know!

Now, go forth and get your Sunday Papers and plan your deal snagging!