How I Organize My Coupons

**UPDATE - I finally got a big enough binder that I am only using one binder and not two! But I am still organizing it the same way.

In the past month, I have been stopped almost every time I am in the store and asked about my binders that I keep my coupons in.

This is a very quick and rough video explaining how I organize my coupons.

I buy anywhere from 4-10 Sunday papers a week, depending on the coupons. I have one delivered to my house, I also "steal" my parents inserts! On Saturday's they sell the early edition Sunday paper, this one has the coupons in it. If I get lucky my $1 store has them for only $1 on Saturday, if I don't get there in time I have to run over to Walmart and pay $1.75. I will sit in the store and look through the coupons to decide how many papers I want to buy. If they have lots of Buy one get one free items or coupons I like I get more. You can also go online and google "Smart Source" and "Red Plum" to find out ahead of time what coupons will be in the paper.

I use a binder and baseball card holders. I cut each coupon out and file them by sections of the store. I put the binder on the spine in the child seat and walk through the store flipping to that section as I am in each aisle.

These are the tabs I use in my grocery binder: Dairy, boxed, frozen, drinks, snacks, canned and jars, deli, non-food, animals, Mom and baby, baking, cereal, cleaning, paper goods, bread and vegetables. These are the tabs I have in my cvs binder: shaving, lotion and body wash, teeth, deodorant, shampoo and hair, make up, and pharmacy.

I try and go to the store without kids late at night. I NEVER go between 3-8pm with kids, it is a nightmare! If I go in the morning with my little ones or if I have to take all of them I always give them a job to do. The older kids hold coupons, all of them can help me look for items even the little ones. I try to make it fun for everyone or I end up yelling!

Many times I have had a bigger child push a cart while I shop, or even each of us push a cart if there are specific deals going on where I have to go through the checkout multiple times. Kids are smart and they want to help, it keeps them busy and makes them feel important. I try and have them use their math skills and figure out the prices in their heads.

If you have any specific questions please ask, when I have a chance to make a better video and include everything that I forgot I will!

Free Burt's Bees Lip Balm

Free Burt's Bees Lip Balm--1,000 every day for 25 days

Burt's Bees is giving away 1,000 free Burt's Bees beeswax lip balms every day for the next 25 days. Go here to sign up for this fun freebie!

I have been trying everyday to get one of these I LOVE them!! They have been gone in 7 min. on some days. You don't know what time they are going to start giving them out, so check back often! 

The giveaway starts anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 noon EDT but no one knows exactly when! To equal the odds and give you the fairest chance at a free balm, we've randomized the giveaway to start anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 noon EDT. It could be anytime. For instance -- it may be 9:15 AM one day, 10:25 AM the next, or 11:51 AM the day after! We don't know either - and that's what makes it fun! And if you don't get it one day, you'll get your chance. The balm giveaway goes through June 20, 2009.

A few FREE things ~ Week of May 25th

Wal-Mart: Free Ice Cream Day (Saturday, May 30, 2009)

Wal-Mart is hosting a Free Ice Cream Day tomorrow (Saturday, May 30, 2009) at locations across the country from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. See more details and find out if a local store is hosting a Free Ice Cream Day in your area here.

Walmart, Free Hot Dogs

 I happened to notice my Walmart has Bar-S hot dogs for .48 each. Use this 1.00/2 printable coupon to get them FREE! 

Don't forget to pick up some Blue Bunny ice cream treats, which qualify for a free after rebate promo this weekend.

Free Personalized Father's Day Card

Shutterfly is offering a FREE personalized Father's Day Card until June 10th! Use Coupon Code: CARD4U at checkout. Shipping is o.99.

Free Hefty Bags, Pringles, and Sobe at CVS

CVS has Hefty one zip bags regular price for 1.00 on the dollar aisle. Use the 1.00 off coupon from the 5/17 newspaper to get them FREE.

Also, found some pringles clearanced for .50. The 5/17 newspaper had a 1.00/2 coupons, making these FREE also, if you can find them.

Sobe Waters are on sale for buy one get one free. Print this buy one get one free coupon and both are FREE.

Free Mars Chocolate

Don't forget Mars is still giving away FREE chocolate on Fridays to the first 250,000! Go here.

Wal-Mart: Free Blue Bunny ice cream sandwiches

 
At Wal-Mart, single-size ice cream sandwiches are priced at $1. Join the iScream Team and take a quick survey on the Blue Bunny web site and you'll get a $1/1 printable coupon for Blue Bunny ice cream sandwiches. Use this on the single-serve ice cream sandwich for a free and delicious frozen treat.

Thanks, Coupon Cravings!

Kroger: Country Time money-maker

 
Through June 2, 2009, if you buy any two Country Time drink mixes at Kroger (on sale at $1 each at most stores), you'll get a $1 catalina coupon to use on your next purchase. Buy 2 and use this $1.50/2 coupon and you'll end up getting both free plus $0.50 overage after the coupon, sale, and $1 catalina.

This catalina deal is likely also running at other stores. 

Thanks, Mercedes!

Girl Birthday Party Ideas ~ Webkinz

My dear friend had a fabulous idea for a little girls birthday party. Like all elementary school age children, her daughter and all of my girls are really into Webkinz. The little stuffed animals that you can register on line and play with. 

She sent out darling little invitations that asked the girls to bring any Webkinz they had, if they didn't have one the Birthday girl has one they could borrow.

Ahead of time my friend Kelly, sewed "beds" for the Webkinz out of fleece and tassel's she found at Walmart. She didn't finish them completely so the girls could work on them. Each girl picked her colors and Kelly showed them how to stuff them with batting and whip stitch them closed. A BIG hit with 8 year old girls! This is my daughter's below, she sleeps with it and her Webkinz. They played games with the Webkinz and Kelly set up her computer to their T.V. so that it had a big screen where all the girls could see. They went to the Webkinz website and let all the girls show each other their pets online. Another BIG hit!

I was able to make Adi her cake and I think it turned out cute! This is the back, I added the Webkinz "tag" on the frog's rear end! Kelly bought a large cookie cake from Sam's for the base.

I used the Wilton teddy bear cake pan as a mold and used a heavy pound cake batter.
Next, I cut and shaped the teddy bear into a frog shape with a narrower nose. I used extra thick buttercream frosting to build up the back part of the frog to give him his "frog" shape. I decorated him on the cookie so I didn't have to move him later. I made the lilly pad he is sitting on out of frosting but next time might do it out of colored chocolate. I think it turned out cute and looked just like her Webkinz!
My daughter LOVED this party and talks about it to this day. 

With 6 kids I have a lot of parties to do. My kids only get a "friend" party on their even birthday's. They get a family one every year. So they spend a good deal of time trying to think of exactly what they want to do. I also usually only have them at home as I refuse to pay the enormous amount party places charge. I have found the parties at home to be more fun for the kids although more work for me! 

What have been you kids favorite birthday party ideas and theme's? What was a success and what didn't work out so well?!

Food Network Immersion Blender ~ Giveaway!!

Every morning I drink a smoothie for breakfast, always with whey protein powder and banana, depending on what is in the fridge is how it ends! Usually some spinach and frozen fruit as well. I always use my Vita Mix but when we are camping I can't drag that so I bring my handy immersion blender! I have had a few and use them for soups and all kinds of things and I think this one is the best! So I grabbed one for one of you LUCKY WINNERS!

Here is the professional review:

This Food Network hand blender makes creations worthy of a standing ovation. * Handheld design allows you to blend, whisk and mix ingredients directly on the stove. * Nonslip control button and comfortable grip handle keep the blender securely in hand. * Kneading blade and whisk easily attach for versatile use. * Included measuring beaker guarantees you add the correct amount of ingredients. * Details: * 4-piece set * Set includes: blender, kneading wand, whisk & measuring beaker * 150-watt motor.

You know the drill... Leave your name, a comment and email and my kids (if they are good!) will pick a winner on June 10th! Hey, I should be able to get it to you by Father's Day, you could wrap this baby up! If you follow this blog or want to, let me know and I will throw your name in twice!

Decoration Day

When I was a teenager I had the opportunity to live with my Grandmother in Iowa. I still remember it as the best year of my life. I learned so many things from her and got to know her like I never would have had the chance to. She taught me how to cook, how to clean, how to be on time, what it really means to take care of a house and yard, and showed me many things that I consider traditions. My Grandma never misses the opportunity to visit the grave sites of our family near where she lives. My Grandfather served in World War II and was a prisoner of war. 

My Grandma called Memorial Day, Decoration Day and now I do to. Decoration Day started in the South by some strong Southern women. At the end of the civil war, a group of them went out at the end of May and decorated the tombstones of the civil war solders, both North and South. Some didn't have tombstones of family to decorate so they decorated the ones they could. Many women left what little they had, scraps of fabric and wild flowers. They did it in hopes that someone would be decorating the graves of their loved ones buried far away from home. The tradition grew and was renamed and a National Holiday was born. 
But along the way we have lost much of the tradition. So many of us now are transplanted and have no family around to visit, and flowers to leave on grave sites. The spirit of the Day can still remain, don't loose this tradition. Take your children out and explain what it is all about, visit a veterans cemetery and let them lay flowers on any grave site that they like. Adopt a Grandparent that served in the military, or look for family names similar to yours. Keep the spirit of Decoration Day alive. 
This year we "adopted" the parents of a good friend of mine. The Groves were two of the kindest and nicest people you could have ever met. Brother Groves served in two wars and raised a beautiful family. Sister Groves was a gracious and supportive wife who was stunningly beautiful. They lived their lives in a way that I can only hope to live mine. I am so thankful we were able to go out Monday and visit. It was such a spiritual experience for my little family and created such neat conversations with each of the kids, we are more determined then ever to not let the spirit of Decoration Day slip away.

Prize winner of Defiance... Winner of Giveaway! Hubby drew name!

I just reread this book over the weekend, I still LOVE it! My 11 year old is reading it now and likes it also. 

The kids are normally very well behaved when we go places. I always get compliments when we are in restaurants, people for some reason are surprised when a large family is well behaved... Tonight we had a team party for one of the kids. It think it turned into a mob mentality but my kids were HORRIBLE. I was embarrassed, the other kids there were acting badly and I think mine just figured it was a license to run wild. We came home and everyone went to bed early. My husband agreed to draw a name, so if you didn't win it is his fault! 

The winner is:

Mama Hill

Thank you for all the great book suggestions, I wrote them down and am slowly reserving them

at the library. 

Look for my next giveaway it is a good one!

Target and Wal-Mart Deals Week of 5-24

~BABY ITEMS

Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers, $9.72 $3/1 prinable $6.97 after coupon! (Thanks, Heather!)

~ FOOD ITEMS

Hershey’s Syrup (26-oz.), $1.68 $1/2 Hershey’s Syrup Bottles, exp. 6-30-09 (SS 5/17/09) $1.18 after coupon! (Thanks, Laina!)

Kraft Mayo, $2.58 $1/1 printable $1.58 after coupon!

Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts (8-ct.), $1.50 $1/2 Kelloggs Pop-Tarts, exp. 5-31-09 (V 4/5/09) $1 after coupon! (Thanks, Briana!)

Nabisco 100 Calorie Snack Packs, $2.78 $1/1 printable $1.58 after coupon!

Sargento Natural Sliced Cheese, $1.78 $1/2 Sargento Deli Cheese, exp. 7-15-2009 (SS 4/19/09) $1.28 after coupon!

Triscuit Crackers, $2 $1/1 printable $1 after coupon! (Thanks, Heather!)

VitaminWater10, $1 $1/1 VitaminWater10, exp. 6-03-09 (SS 4/5/09) FREE after coupon!

~ HEALTH & BEAUTY

Bodycology Antibacterial Hand Soap, $2.47 $1/1 printable $1.47 after coupon! (Thanks, Heather!)

Johnson & Johnson Reach Dental Floss (55-yards), $1 $1/1 Reach Dental Floss (RP 4/26/09) FREE after coupon! (Thanks, Michelle!)

Sure for Men Deodorant, $1.78 $1.50/1 Sure Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant for Men, exp. 630-09 (SS 5/3/09) $0.28 after coupon! (Thanks, Sheila!)

~ HOUSEHOLD/CLEANING

Cottonelle Toilet Paper (4-pk.), $1 $1/1 printable (take the pledge) FREE after coupon!

Glade Lasting Impressions, $5 $4/1 Glade Plugins Scented Oil Lasting Impressions Holder, exp. 6-20-09 (SS 5/10/09) $1 after coupon! (Thanks, Kristen!)

~ WEEKLY DEALS ~

Vitaminwater 10 - $1.00 each
Use $1/1 in 4/5 Smart Source insert
FREE after coupons

SmartFood Popcorn Clusters - $3.00 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
PLUS
Use $1/1 manufacturer's coupon here and in 5/3 Smart Source insert
$1.00 each after coupons

Hershey's Bliss Candy (9.6 oz bag) - $2.99 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
PLUS 
Use $1/1 in 5/3 Smart Source insert
$0.99 each after coupons

Strawberries - $2-3 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
$1-2 each after coupon

Kashi GoLean Crunch Cereal & Granola Bars (6 ct) - $2.88 each
Use $1.50/2 here 
$2.13 each when you buy 2, after coupons

Kellogg's Cereal - $1.99 each
Use $1/1 printable coupons available on Coupons.com recently (no longer avail.)
$0.99 each after coupon

Quaker True Delights Granola Bars (5 ct) - $2.50 each
Use $1/1 in 5/10 Red Plum insert
$1.50 each after coupon

Quaker Fiber & Omega Granola Bars (5 ct) - $2.50 each
Use $1/1 in 4/19 Red Plum insert
$1.50 each after coupon

Pepsi (12 pk cans or 6 pk bottles) - $3.33 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
$2.33 each after coupon

A-1 Steak Sauce - $2.09 each
Use $2/1 in 5/10 Smart Source insert or $1/1 here
$0.09-1.09 each after coupon

Baked Cheetos & Selected Others - $3.00 each
Use $1/1 here
$2.00 each after coupon

Dove Body Mist or Ultimate Clear Deodorant - $3.29 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon in the Afullcup.com Target Coupon Generator
PLUS
Use $1/1 or $1.25/1 in 3/15 Red Plum insert OR $1.50/2 here
$1.04-1.54 each after coupons

Bounty Paper Towels (6 pk, big rolls) - $6.49 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
PLUS 
Use $0.25/1 in 5/3 P&G insert
$5.24 each after coupons

Wet Ones Wipes (40 ct canister or 24 ct single pk) - $1.87 each
Use $0.75/1 in 5/17 Smart Source insert or $1/1 here
$0.87-1.12 each after coupon

Zyrtec Kids (4 oz) - $9.99 each
Use $4/1 Target Home Mailer (if you received it)
PLUS
Use $4/1 in 4/26 Red Plum insert
$1.99 each after coupons

Aveeno Baby Care (5 or 8 oz) - $3.49 each
Use $2/1 here
$1.49 each after coupon

Johnson's Baby Care (9-22 oz) - $3.49 each
Use $1/1 in 4/26 Red Plum insert or here and here
Use $2/2 here
$2.49 each after coupon

Aveeno Sun Care (4 oz Baby, 3 oz Face, selected others) - $7.99 each
Use $1.50/1 in 5/17 Red Plum insert
Use $2/1 here
$5.99-6.49 each after coupon

John Frieda Conditioner - $4.99 each
Use $2/1 in 4/5 Smart Source insert
$2.99 each after coupon

Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color - $5.99 each
Use $2/1 in 5/3 P&G insert or $4/1 in 4/19 Red Plum insert
$1.99 or $3.99 each after coupon

Formula 409 Cleaner - $2.50 each
Use $0.75/1 in 4/5 Red Plum insert
$1.75 each after coupon


~ GIFT CARD DEALS ~

Get a $5 Target Gift Card When you buy 5 of These Products:

Kellogg's Pop Tarts (12 ct) - $2.33 each
Use $0.50/1 Target coupon here
PLUS
Use $1/2 in 4/5 Red Plum insert
$1.33 each when you buy 2, after coupons
It's like getting 5 of these for $0.83 each with Target gift card (using 5 Target coupons)

Cheez-It Crackers (9 oz) - $2.33 each

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies (11.5 oz) - $2.33 each
Use $1/2 in 4/5 Red Plum insert
$1.83 each when you buy 2, after coupon


~ ONGOING DEALS ~

Kraft Mayo - $1.99 each
Use $1/2 Target coupon here
PLUS
Use $1/1 here or in 4/26 Smart Source insert (use 2)
FREE after coupons

Kraft BBQ Sauce - $1.00 each
Use $1/1 here
FREE after coupon

Kraft Velveeta Shells and Cheese - $1.50 each
Use $1/1 (for boxes, not cups) here
$0.50 each after coupon
*Note: This was $1.84 at my store

Del Monte Fruit Chillers - $2.00 each
Use $1/1 here
$1.00 each after coupon

Crunch n Munch (4 oz boxes) - $1.00 each
Use $1/2 here
$0.50 each when you buy 2, after coupon (Thanks, Michelle!)

Banana Boat Sunscreen (trial size) - $0.99 each 
Use $1/1 in 5/3 Smart Source insert
FREE after coupon