The Binder

Hi,

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Kelly and I am Loopy's sister. She has asked to share some of my money saving tips with you. I have recently become an avid "couponer". I'm still fairly new to couponing but I do pretty well at the stores that I frequent. The first thing that I must show you is the binder. My family and friends have a great time giving me grief about it, but it saves me a ton of money. The most important thing about organizing your coupons is to figure out a system that works for you. Also, be sure to keep an eye on expiration dates. Start slow or you will become overwhelmed for sure. The grocery store is a good place to start. Did you know that most grocery stores AUTOMATICALLY DOUBLE any coupon under $1.00? Sometimes they even have a triple coupon promotion. Here's is a glimpse inside my binder. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions

Godiva

Aside from family and friends, there is nothing I like more than some good chocolate. Godiva is one of the best. Recently I became a member of Godiva Rewards. Being a member is free and you get to choose a chocolate of your choice from the case, once a month, when you stop by any Godiva store. They've also opened an outlet at the Wrentham Outlets. Who doesn't like a sweet treat when they're shopping? I got a little surprise treat when I went into the store the other day. Since I didn't get my "reward" from last month, they gave it to me this month. It's a beautiful little gold box with two chocolates inside. I'm saving the chocolates for a rainy day.

Yum!

Free Diet Dr Pepper

This Saturday (2/20) Shaw's is giving away a free 2 liter bottle (one per customer) of Diet Dr Pepper or Diet Dr Pepper Cherry with in-store coupon. There is no purchase required.

Free Pretzel

Mark your calendar: This Saturday, February 20, FREE PRETZEL at Auntie Anne's 10:00-3:00

Sibling Rivalry

When my sister, Kelly, saw my post regarding the $5 Challenge, she gladly accepted. She is a "couponer". She uses coupons every time she shops and does very well with them. I should also tell you that there is a binder involved. Yes, a binder. It's big, it's purple and it holds HUNDREDS of coupons. I've seen it in action. It's pretty impressive. I, personally, have a hard time understanding all of the coupon world terminology. I cut coupons but I never seem to have them with me at the grocery store.

Back to the $5 Challenge. This is what Kelly came up with.

6 rolls of toilet paper = FREE
2 packages of El Paso Rice = FREE
Peppermint Tea Bag = Free - received as a gift
2 cans of veggies - on sale of .50 each

I think it's fair to say that she won this challenge.

Special Favors

My sister in law, Lauren, is the best. She is insanely creative!! I asked her to whip up something for my upcoming "Think Pink....and Gold" fundraiser. This is what she came up with:

How cute are they? Everyone that attends the "Think Pink...and Gold" party next Sunday will receive one of these as a thank you. I hope to see you there!!!

P.S. Thank you Lauren!!!!

$5 Challenge

I'd like to throw down a challenge. The next time that you go to the grocery store or Wal-Mart or Target, set aside $5. While thinking of people that are hungry and visiting their local food pantry, see how much food you can buy for $5. I'm not saying you should do it every week, but if we all did it once in a while, we could stock the shelves at our local food pantries. It's also fun to get the kids involved (and teach them some math too!). Tell them that they have $5 to spend and ask them what they can get with it. Here's what I got:

3 cans of Campbell's Pork and Beans

3 cans of Del Monte veggies

3 cans of StarKist tuna

1 package of Ramen Noodles

The total was actually $4.97. I'm sure people with coupons could do much better.

Do you accept this challenge? Leave me a message in the comment section and let me know how well you did.

Happy Shopping!

Hidden Pond

There is a new little gem here in Hingham. It's called "Hidden Pond" and it's right behind The Derby Street Shoppes. They are open daily (weather permitting) 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. They have lights for when it gets dark out. They also have music, ice sculptures and sometimes even bonfires. Best of all...it's FREE!! So, if you're looking for something to do on a cold winter afternoon with the kids, pack up their skates and take them over to Hidden Pond!

Thinking Pink..and Gold

This Valentine's Day I am going to "Think Pink..and Gold." I am hosting a cash for gold party. A portion of the days total will be donated to the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. After all, how many single earrings, broken chains or just plain out of style gold pieces do you have? Just stop by with some gold and leave with a check...it's that easy!! Even if people don't have any gold, they're invited to stop by for some refreshments and old fashioned girl talk. Come on by and make a difference this Valentine's Day.

On the Mend

I went to Mass General tonight to visit my niece, Meg. She's been in the hospital since late Sunday afternoon after suffering, yet another, pancreatitis attack. She's had chronic pancreatitis since she was five years old (she was diagnosed on her fifth birthday). Since then she's been in and out of the hospital with these attacks. Until recently we had a long stretch, about three years, with no attacks/hospitalizations. This past year, however, they started up again.

By now the staff at MGH have a pretty good understanding of what needs to happen when she gets there. She needs pain meds...and FAST! The only thing that they can do for her is manage the pain. There is no cure or treatment for pancreatitis. The first couple of days are always the hardest, the pain is often intense and she's on the highest possible dose of medication for it. It's awful to see anyone (especially a child) in pain like that.

As of today, the pain is starting to subside. She still has her pain pump and they are thinking that she might be able to start on clear liquids tomorrow. Her spirits are good but sometimes a little cranky. I'd be cranky too if I wasn't allowed to eat for three days! We're hoping she can come home on Thursday. I want to thank everyone for their positive thoughts and prayers. Here are a few pictures from my visit tonight:

Me and Meg

Mom and Meg

Typical teenager; on the phone

Student of the Week

My nephew, Harry, was chosen as "Student of the Week" in his kindergarten class. I'm not sure if this is a prestigious honor, or they just go in alphabetical order by last name. Either way, he was pretty excited. I'm not sure how excited he was when I showed up in his class to take pictures of the bulletin board dedicated to him. Is it possible that I'm not the cool aunt that I think I am?

If It's Free, It's For Me!

Today, I had the pleasure of being a "hair model" at the salon where I get my hair done. It's an amazing place (Lemon Lime Aveda, Cohasset). I had a full head foil and a cut...for FREE. My hair stylist was right there while the "students" colored and cut my hair. Thank you Ashley, Jackie and Michelle!

Before:

During:

After: