…and blogging about using coupons. I’ve been putting this off for two reasons really. First, I’m not a coupon match-up blog, nor do I plan to be, and secondly, I know there are many other blogs out there writing on this subject.

Nevertheless, I frequently have friends and family, some of which don’t even live close by, who want to know how I get the deals I get on groceries and other items. Unfortunately, it’s not something that can be explained in 10 or 15 minutes.

For these reasons, I’ve decided to do a couponing tutorial, through a series of posts, to give everyone that wishes the opportunity to read this information at their own convenience, as well as the opportunity to ask me questions in the comments section. I will also include links to some of my favorite coupon match-up sites and other useful information.

Here’s the series plan:

• What is Couponing?
• Types of Coupons and Proper Usage
  
• Where to Find Coupons
• Coupon Organization Methods
  
• Where to Find the Deals
  
• CVS: ExtraCare Bucks Guide
  
• Walgreens: Register Rewards Guide
  
• Rite Aid: Single Check Rebates Guide
  
• Other Money Saving Tactics
  

Before I get started, I do want to go ahead address three common questions I get asked immediately by people interested in learning about couponing. I will be discussing these topics in greater detail in later posts.

1. I work and don’t have a lot of time and can’t run around to six or seven stores every week to get all the deals. Can I still do this and save?
   • The answer: Yes, you can. I will be covering a lot of information and various ways you can save, at stores and online, but you don’t have to do all of them. My suggestion would be to pick two to three stores, especially in the beginning, and work the deals at those stores. For example, I would pick a combination of one or two grocery stores (Publix, Kroger, Target Supercenter, etc.) and/or one or two drug stores (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid).
2. There are hardly any coupons in my Sunday paper and most are for things I don’t even use. Can I get coupons somewhere else?
   • The answer: Certainly. If you have a computer with a printer attached, you can get a large amount of printable coupons. Many stores that accept coupons also accept printable ones. I will be going over other places you can find coupons as well.
3. How will I know where the deals are and what coupons to use to get those deals?
   • The answer: Believe it or not, there are many wonderful ladies online who do the hard work for you. They get the ads to many of the grocery stores and drug stores and then tell you which coupons to use to get the lowest prices on the products that are on sale.

Now, if you’re ready to start saving big bucks, tune in tomorrow and we’ll begin this series. Again, be sure to ask any questions or leave comments if you see that I’ve missed something or if something doesn’t make sense.

Related posts:

1. Rite Aid: Single Check Rebates Guide After ExtraCare bucks and Register Rewards, I think you'll breath a sign of relief today once you see how easy...
2. Type of Coupons and Proper Usage You now know what couponing is about, so let's take a look at the actual coupons and the proper ways...
3. Using Coupons as a Means to Eating More Organic Foods As many of you know, I'm an avid coupon user. Over the past year, I've saved our family over $2000...

Welcome to new week! This week I plan to get a lot accomplished around my house. I’d gotten behind for a while on several things, but I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I’ve had these bags of pecans sitting in my office for at least two months waiting to be shelled. I really hope they’re not stale by now.

My goal for this week is to get them shelled, so I can make Pecan Pie Bars for Friday night. I love Pecan Pie Bars because they always come out perfectly.

~Here’s what’s cooking this week~

• Monday - Potato Sausage Casserole, Green Beans
• Tuesday - Bacon & Tomato Linguine
• Wednesday - Roasted Chicken, Potato Salad, Leftover Green Beans
• Thursday - Cheeseburger Pie, Steamed Carrots
• Friday - Homemade Pizza, Pecan Pie Bars
• Saturday - Fast food (It’s going to be a busy day, so we’ll probably just grab something quick.)
• Sunday - Eat Out

Have a great week!

For more meal ideas, be sure to check out Menu Plan Monday at I’m an Organizing Junkie.

Related posts:

1. Menu Plan Monday (2/22 - 2/27) Well, this last week didn't go quite like I had planned. I ended up curled up on the couch with...
2. Menu Plan Monday (5/24 - 5/30) I'm back with my menu plan this week. Last week I didn't get one posted because I was recovering from...
3. Menu Plan Monday (2/15 - 2/21) I'm super excited about finally participating in Menu Plan Monday. I've enjoyed trying recipes and meal ideas from other participants...

Living in the south, we don’t get a lot of snow or extremely cold weather, but this winter I think it has snowed more than I’ve ever seen it snow in my life. I personally don’t care for cold weather….well, except for the fact that Christmas comes and my birthday comes during the winter months.

Now, spring and summer on the other hand I love. I love shorts, sleeveless shirts, flip-flops,  trips to the lake, and the effect the warmer weather has on my efficiency.

Yes, I said efficiency.

Lately, we’ve started having some beautiful warm days that remind me spring is right around the corner. I’ve noticed that I’ve had extra energy, and I’m ready to get up and get things done on those days. I’m just plain energized! However, when it cools off again for a few days I feel like I slow back down.

My house really needs a good spring cleaning, so “Spring, please come….and stay for a while….at least until I can get somewhat caught up!” (As if I can ever truly be caught up as a mom.)

How about you? What season of the year do you enjoy most? Do you have a season, or seasons, you feel like you get more accomplished because of the mood it sets for you?

Related posts:

1. Tips for Family Vacation Planning, Part 1: Deciding Where to Go While vacations should be fun, exciting and memorable times for you and your family, they can be stressful if you...