Target Credit Monitoring

Today is the last day to request and/or activate the target code for one year of FREE credit monitoring for all customers effected by the data breach. Please visit creditmonitoring.target.com

Monday Inspiration

Harris Teeter Super Doubles Day 6

We are winding down from another round of Super Doubles.  I only managed two trips this time.  Had to care for a sick chid over the weekend so truly no time to go out and shop.

Today's bounty included 2 bags of Perdue party wings, Phillips crab and spinach dip and so delicious coconut milk.  28 items for $20.  Not bad at all.

Oh the two bottles of Welch's juice are still in the car. Don't think I'll hit stores tomorrow.  But if you forgot to snag your rain checks, please do that.  They never expire and can be used at any Teeter.

Happy savings!

Poise Free Samples

Here is a FREEBIE from  Poise!

Register and then request a kit.  Will arrive in 6-8 weeks.  I just got mine!

Harris Teeter Super Doubles Preparation

The time is almost here!  Who else is siked about HT Super Doubles?  Why am I so excited?  During Super Doubles HT will double coupons up to $2.00.  This means that if you have a coupon for $1.50 off a product, HT will double it and take $3 off.  Couponers know that most stores only double coupons up to $.99 so this event gives us the potential to stock up on products for pennies.

Super Doubles will run from Wednesday, 4/23 through Tuesday, 4/29.  Here are some rules you must follow (please view the coupon policy for full details):

• HT will double up to 20 coupons, they will definitely take more, but only 20 will double.  
• They will accept 4 like coupons, but will only double 3.  The fourth coupon will be accepted at face value.
• HT will accept competitors coupons and cents off catalinas.
• If a coupon says, DO NOT DOUBLE, it probably will not double.

My recommendations:

• Get to the store as early as you can because stock is depleted quickly.
• Do not be a shelf clearer, everyone would like to score a great deal.  
• Make your list and check it twice.  You have to be very prepared to switch up product since some things may be out of stock.  You have to be highly organized in order to be efficient in the stores.  If you can leave the kids home, do so so that you can focus on the task and savings at hand.
• Be nice to cashiers and store personnel.  Super doubles can be a highly stressful time.  There is no need to bring the Llama Drama to the grocery stores and cause more heartache, headache and frustration.
• Be a ethical couponer, use the correct coupons for the correct product. Do not attempt to 'beat the system'.

Check out Moolasavingmom or southernsavers.com for coupon match ups.

I'd love to hear how you do, so please come back and post!
.

Vitamin D

Have you done your annual check up with your primary care provider this year?  When I say this year, I mean this rolling year?  Have you been seen within 12 months of your last visit?

When I went to the doctor a few months back, I realized I had not been seen for almost two years!  Life gets in the way right and after all the poking and prodding experienced during my second pregnancy, I thought I don't want to see a physician for as long as possible.  That was crazy thinking!  After completing routine blood work my physician called to tell me my Vitamin D levels were extremely low and she recommended I began taking a supplement.

Low Vitamin D levels, I thought.  What the heck, I love walking in the sun and being outside.  I should be good.  But as I reflected on over 6 months of snow and the winter blues I was suffering through, I realized  I had not been outside in some time.  So off to check my coupon binder for vitamin deals.  I found two CVS coupons that came from the magic coupon machine and browsed the weekly ad to find a buy one get one (BOGO) on Vitamins that week.  Lovely!

I was able to score two bottles (120 softgels each) of Vitamin D supplements for $4.99.  CVS allows you to use both a store and manufacturers coupon on a free item (one of the reasons I love this place).  So I was able to use two of their store coupons for a combined $5 in savings off $9.99.  I couldn't find any manufacturer's coups at that time, but feel I got a great deal.

I have two points here.  (1) I want you to make an appointment with your physician for a routine checkup and bloodwork panel that includes Vitamin D.  We have to stay on top of our health in order to live long, purposeful lives.  (2) By strategically couponing, I was able to save over 75% on this purchase.  I had printed the extracare coupons a week or two prior to using them.  I kept them filed in my coupon binder in case I needed them.  Turns out I did.

Resurrection Sunday - He is Risen

I searched a lot of sites looking for the exact yard flag, to display my love for Christ and my total respect and appreciation for Jesus, who died on the cross for the remission of our sins.  Not many sites had what I was looking for within my price range.  I purchased this flag from FlagsRUs.  If you love yard flags like I do, you will be delighted to find some fantastic deals at this site.  Google FlagsRUs and find a coupon code.  Once you order they will send you more codes.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

CVS Beauty Club Freebie Review

CVS is a couponer's delight.  I am a member of the CVS ExtraCare Beauty Club and this entitles me to $5 EBucks with every $50 purchase.  Beauty items include lotion, soap, cotton balls and the like, so I rack the dollars up quickly. Regular make-up is always on sale and of course, this is another way to quickly earn the EBucks.

A couple of months ago, I got a store coupon for Free Nivea A Kiss of Care and Color lip care.  I immediately picked up this item and wanted to give it a review.

The Nivea  A  Kiss of Care and Color is available in a few shades, but the only one left on the shelf was the sheer berry lip care.  I noticed there was asheer  mocha shade, but again, those were all gone.  I normally stay away from reddish colors, but since it was a freebie I thought, what the hay.  The lip care has a white center, surrounded by the sheer berry color.  I liked the look of the outer plastic dispenser, makes it easier to spot and also easy to find down in the bottom of my purse since itssilver and the size of a tube of lipstick instead of the size of a tube of chap stick.

I immediately, opened it after purchase and it went on smoothly with a glossy sheen.  I was not wearing make-up that day so it gave my lips an immediate boost.  The color was sheer with just a hint of berry, not to red, more mauve.  I liked it. My lips were gliding (I like that) for about 5 minutes and then I had to re-apply.  That is the only draw back for me, it does not seem to last long at all, even if I am not eating...talk too much and the stuff is gone!  Knowing that I probably would refrain from purchasing it unless I wanted to wear it over or under a lipstick.  I give it 2 out of 5 stars because it gives a blank canvas face and immediate lift, is not overbearingly red and there is ample product in the tube...you'll need it for the amount of re-application you'll have to do.  I have had it for two months and use it just about everyday.

KMart - Winter Clearance

I do not visit KMart as often as I would like, so I was super happy to find their Winter clearance sale is in full effect.  I scored sweaters for myself for $1.99, pajamas for the girls for $2.99, a winter coat for $6, an Easter dress and shoes for $10 each!  In total I spent $46 for 11 items.  Shopping off season to score thrift shop prices?!?  Now that's my kind of shopping!

Inspiration - Never Give Up

I am not sure who the artist is for this picture, but I do declare that it is an accurate depiction of how the road can get rough, the going tough and the hills so very hard to climb.

One of my biggest obstacles has been fear.  Fear has told me for years that I am foolish to think I can have my own, lucrative business.  But in 2014, I told fear to take several seats.  God had appointed me to do something and it WILL get done.

Whatever is blocking you from meeting your goals can be removed with the power of prayer.  Speak it and it shall be so.  Keep God in focus.  You will meet and exceed your goals.

Target Organic Seeds of Change 50% off

I remember the garden we had growing up as a child.  Full of cabbage, collard greens, sweet peas, tomatoes, okra and a few other things.  My grandmother seemed to have a green thumb.  She nurtured and cared for that garden and it was a bountiful harvest that helped sustain us thru the year.

I long for the day I can enjoy planting and harvesting fresh fruits and veggies from my own garden.  We tried our hand at one when we first purchased our home, but it failed.  Too much clay in the soil to grow anything.  This year we will try our hand at a raised bed.

Taget has Organic seeds on clearance for $1.24 for a variety of vegetables.  I took advantage, grabbing a few packs. There are no better savings than growing it yourself.  That beats couponing and the farmer's market.

Happy Harvest!

Thrift Store Clearance Sales

How many of you are thrift store shoppers?  I am.  Thrift stores offer unbeatable prices on gently used and sometimes brand new items.

Right now is a great time to visit your local thrift stores for some retail therapy as most of their items 

are marked down for Spring clearance.

Happy Shopping!

Rain, rain go away

Groupon Deal

Purchase a group on deal of $25 or more from your mobile device and save $10.  Offer ends 4/16.

Coupon Clipping Service

I often see the question 'where can I find coupons?'  Well, I have a subscription to my area newspaper, print coupons online and load them to my loyalty cards electronically.  But one of my favorite ways to obtain coupons is from a coupon clipping service, specifically The Coupon Clippers.



I love to order from them because they are fast, reliable and professional.  Often times I can find coupons for products that I frequently purchase at prices that will double.  Coupons are regional, meaning the DC Metro area may have coupons for bounty paper towels that state $1 off two single rolls, however another area may have a coupon for bounty paper towels that states $.75 off a single roll.  Most stores will double a coupon up to $.99 in value, so I opt to save the additional $.50 by purchasing the lower value coupon.  And before you ask, the benefit of purchasing coupons outweighs the cost.  For example, tonight I ordered $8.49 in coupons worth $55 or $110 if doubled for specific items that I know I will purchase.

You do the math.

When I order from The Coupon Clippers I go for the coupons that have what I like to call an 'extended' expiration date.  That means the coupon will not expire for a month or two.  By ordering them and keeping them, I will have them available for potential sales that may come up.  I like to be prepared to get the best bang for my buck!

Tax Return Tips

So tax season 2014 is swiftly coming to an end.  You have just one more day to file for an extension or file.  

Check out 5 tips below to make sure Uncle Sam does not come looking for you.

P.S. - I would love to hear your plans for those tax returns.  If you are going to make a big purchase please take a moment to ensure those credit scores and reports are in order. And if you owe stay tuned for awesome tips on how to increase charitable donations for 2014 to decrease liability to the government in 2015.

5 tips to help you this tax season

1. Avoiding the late-filing penalty is simple. File either your tax return or an extension request before midnight April 15.
2. Anyone can file an extension request free at IRS.gov through the IRS Free File program. Filers whose 2013 income was $58,000 or less can use the Free File program to file their federal tax return.
3. An extension grants additional time to file, but tax payments are still due April 15. So, pay as much as you can when you file your tax return or extension request, then fill out an online payment agreement request at IRS.gov to pay the balance.
4. Data entry errors can cause problems. Make sure information on your tax return – such as social security numbers and bank routing are correct.

Proctor and Gamble $15 Rebate

There is still time to take advantage of this great rebate for Proctor and Gamble products.  Click the link to find out more about the rebate.

Proctor and Gamble Rebate

Rise,Shine, Give God the Glory

Its a brand new day.  A time to start afresh and meet your goals and expectations.  Forget about what did not go right yesterday and focus on the endless possibilities of today.

Target Up & Up Baby Wipes

Dirty bottoms?  Clean them up with Target Up & Up baby wipes.  They are on sale this week 4/13 for $1 a pack, no limit on the amounts you can purchase.  I snagged this deal about two months back.  I purchased 16 packs and still have about 6 packs left.  They are great wipes and I plan to re-purchase.

Be sure to add the Target Cartwheel deal to score the up to 4 packs of wipes for $.95 each.  This is definitely a STOCK UP price.

My Target did not allow me to purchase the cases at the sale price and I had to purchase the individual single packs.  But for a $1 who cares!

Cranberry Cleanser

Weekend Couponing Run

What a beautiful weekend for fun in the sun with my family.  I normally do my weekend couponing trips with my oldest daughter, Nadia.  She is 4 years old and is quite the little helper.  This weekend, I went couponing with Nadia and included her little sister Violet, who is 2.  This could have never happened without planning and writing EVERYTHING down.  I hit 4 stores Aldi, Walmart, Target and Michael's.  They are all in the same shopping center and gave me an opportunity to exercise, pushing my girls in their double stroller and walking from store to store.  So much fun!

My sweetest deal of the weekend was the 12 Ball Pint Mason jars from Michael's.  They were on sale for $9.99 and I had a 15% off entire purchase including sale items (from the McDonald's coupon booklet you receive when you load at least $10 on your arch card).  This made the jars $8.40!!!

Mason jars have become the new storage containers for leftovers. Keeping food, especially salads, fresher longer and taking up much less space in your refrigerator.

Target $10 off $50 Food and Beverage Purchase

Who would not jump at the chance to save $10 off Food and Beverages?  I will be using this coupon in combination with manufacturers coupons, cartwheel, store coupons and gift cards earned from other Target deals to score my Easter dinner at a phenomenally low price.  Stay tuned.

You can snag this store coupon from the 4/13 add or by texting GROCERY to 827438.

CVS Diaper Deals

I love CVS!  Lets establish that right now.  They have an awesome coupon policy and great deals. I rarely if ever shop there for non-sale items because the prices are extranomical compared to Target or Walmart.  However, CVS pays you back 2%  via their customer loyalty plan.  Not many stores do that now do they?


In order to snag the awesome deals I'll post you will need to have the CVS ExtraCare Card, subscribe to the Beauty Club and Prescription Club and utilize the ExtraCare coupons (from the magic coupon machine in store) stacked with manufacturers coupons.


I scored this great deal (sale ends tonight) but just wanted to show you how much I saved by using coupons during the sale.


Two jumbo packs of Huggies diapers, one jumbo pack of Huggies Pull Ups, one jumb pack of CVS brand diapers, two bottles of Vitamin D supplements (they were buy one get one) and 1 bottle probiotic supplement (great after my recent bout with the stomach flu) for $19.44 out of pocket.


How?


(2) $1.50 Huggies Manufacturers Coupons
(1) $2.00 Huggies Pull-Up Coupon (register at Pullups.com)
$25.49 ExtraBucks Reward


That is a whooping $31.49 in coupons!  I saved 77% and at the end of the purchase I received a $10 extrabucks to use toward my next purchase.  Love rolling my extrabucks!

The Introduction

To God be the glory for the great things he has done...is doing...will do.  I am so, so excited to have a platform to reach you and share my passion and goals with you.  I truly hope that my blog will be inspirational, uplifting and will motivate you to take charge of your life, your finances and of course you relationship with the Almighty.


I am a wife and mother of four children 19, 13, 4 and 2.  Two were my wedding gifts from my husband and two were gifts from God.  My husband and I both work full time, but with two small children, including one who will be enrolling in Kindergarten this fall, the demands are great and I am looking to be my own boss.  Time with my family is my top priority and now my driving force to utilize my God given talents to provide income for my family while truly helping others.  So in the process of bringing you great deals and steals, I will also be offering my professional services to anyone who needs them.


I am a graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in Biology.  I currently live in Maryland and work in Quality Assurance.  I am a certified paralegal and mobile notary public for the state of Maryland.  I am also a photographer and co-author of a delightful children's picture book titled, Sisters Are From Heaven.  On top of this I am a strategic couponer, who loves a great deal!  I love music and pictorial ministry as you will soon learn ;-)


So lets jump right in and get started!