My Coupon Binder

I really thought I'd never be one of those crazy girls with a coupon binder. But the coupon system I had wasn't working for me. I would cut out some random coupons for stuff I normally bought, shove it in a plastic envelope I kept in my purse, and then desperately try to remember what coupons I had without pulling them all out in the grocery store. Not much of a system, and I was throwing away more coupons than I used. I knew it wasn't working, and I tried a few things to keep track of what I had--even going so far as creating an excel file on my computer with all the coupons I'd cut, which I updated a total of once.

When my sweet friend Becky showed me her coupon binder, I was hooked. Even though I'm not a fanatical couponer, I thought her binder was great and I thought it was a great solution to my organizational problems.

So the very next day, I headed to Office Depot and stocked up on coupon binder necessities.

Here it is in all it's glory! It's a little embarrassing how proud I am of this binder.

I started with a basic 1 1/2 inch binder. I could've gone a little bigger, but since it's just Josh & I, I don't have that many coupons, and I wanted something I could manage easily.

I bought tabs prenumbered from 1-31. These were about $8.

Then I added trading card protector sheets in between each tab. These were on sale for $3 for a pack of 10, I started with 30 of these (one between each tab) and that's working out well for now.

My only complaint is that not every coupon fits nicely in these slots--some are way too big and needed to be folded. I know there are other options out there for inserts, and I may look into those, but for now these work alright.

I used The Krazy Coupon Lady's binder Table of Contents as a jumping off point. Some of her categories weren't relevant to me, and there were a few I added (breads, meats, etc.) I printed a pretty list and used a plain sheet protector to place it at the front of the binder.

At the very front of the binder, I placed a plastic pocket to store a notepad, pen, and scissors.

I'm already feeling so much more inspired to cut and use coupons! I can't wait to get the Sunday paper and add to my stash.

Style Obsession: Coral & Aqua

It all started when I found this nail polish and fell in love:

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear "Coral Reef"

Please excuse my chewed off nails! I'm trying to stop!

I love the color--it's so spring-y and bright! It's currently on my toes and it makes me happy every time I look at it. 

Then I found this dress in Target and fell in love. I have the same style dress in two colors from last year's line and they're so comfortable (I ♥ Target!) A perfect addition to my spring wardrobe! (Honestly, the only addition. We're saving for more important things so no more clothes for me!) 

Mossimo Supply Co. Kimono Dress in Blue

When I saw the aqua dress with my coral nails, inspiration struck. I added a similar coral necklace to my dress and was pretty proud of how my outfit turned out!

I'll admit I'm not very fashionable so I was pretty impressed that I had managed to stumble upon what appears to be a pretty popular color combination (Thanks, Pinterest, for helping me make lifelong fashion choices).

Source: polyvore.com via Camille on Pinterest

Source: prideofplaceid.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: bluehydrangea.polyvore.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Lauren on Pinterest

I'm loving these colors together and will definitely be looking for more ways to use them in my wardrobe! What about you? Any favorite color combinations for spring and summer?

30 Before 30: Saving More than I Spend

Yesterday I went to Publix without much of a plan, which is a huge no-no in the couponing world. I needed some things to make this ridiculously delicious Oreo dessert for Easter and some mustard to make this delicious baked corned beef. I hadn't really bothered with coupon matching because I wasn't planning on buying anything else.

Lo and behold, I got to Publix and found a ton of great sales to match coupons I had, and I completed one of my 30 before 30 goals: #23 Save more than I spend at the grocery store! I didn't even realize it until the cashier handed me my reciept, and then I had to restrain myself from jumping up and down. It's the little things, people.

Here's my pull:

Yes, that is a lot of yogurt--it was on sale for more than 50% off, which is cheaper than I've ever seen it. Josh eats it every morning, so I stocked up. I'm proud because I met my goal, got what I needed, and only bought stuff we will actually use.

Here's my proof:

 

I know many people save much more than this every week, but this is a big deal for me! Usually I manage to save about the same as what I spend, or a little bit less. I'm so excited I finally broke that 50% barrier!

Midweek Confessions: Happy Spring!

*I get disproportionately excited when I save money at the grocery store. I just bought $22 worth of meat for $11 (thanks to looming expiration dates) and I have never felt so proud.

*Best news I got this week? 7-11 is returning to Jacksonville! Other gas stations have Icee's, but Slurpee's reign supreme. It's gonna be a good summer!

*Please tell me I am not the only one addicted to Draw Something. Seriously--that game has taken priority over everything else. I'm a horrible artist but it just cracks me up!!

*I am going to see The Hunger Games movie on Sunday with some friends. I'm seriously excited, but also nervous--I have read the first two books so I know what happens, and I know it will be hard for me to watch! I finished Catching Fire last week and am taking a break. Not because I'm not addicted, but because it's so intense. I needed to breathe.

*Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed by this blogging world. I love writing, and I love getting comments, but there's still a million things I'm clueless about. Sponsors and buttons and giveaways and guestposts? Oh my. Anyone want to give me a crash course?

That wraps up this week's confessions! If you haven't already, you should head on over to E, Myself & I to read more!

What I've Been Up To

It has been a crazy few weeks, but I am back! I made it! Let me tell you--I have missed this space. There is something about writing that grounds me, even when it's silly little posts about ballet flats.

So here's what I've been up to recently, in case you were just dying to know.

I went to Savannah with my aunt and cousin for a gymnastics meet. My cousin is a competitive gymnast, and it was so cool to watch her compete! She placed second all around, and I was so proud. I used to babysit her when she was tiny, and now look at her all grown up:

She is gorgeous! The day after her meet, we took ourselves on a walking tour of downtown Savannah. The weather was perfect, and I love Savannah's culture and old Southern charm.

The day after I got back from Savannah, I headed to my bosses house to play 'mommy' for a few days to these munchkins.

Good thing they are cute, because a 20-month-old and a four-year-old are a lot of work! I wasn't prepared for how exhausted I'd be at the end of three days. They were really good for me, though, and seriously--how can you not love this girl?

 Finally, this weekend my mom came to visit and we had such a great time! Friday we explored Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach--which is beautiful! It was a perfect day for shopping and walking on the beach.

I look a lot like my dad and his side of the family, but looking at us here, I have the same smile as my mom! Good thing too, because she is beautiful. Saturday we did a little more shopping, and then cooked a traditional Irish dinner to celebrate St. Paddy's Day:

Mmmmm, corned beef and cabbage! One of my favorites. Delicious! It was so nice to have my mom here for a few days and to spend some time with her.

So that's what I've been up to. Doesn't seem like that much now, but combined with 40 hour work weeks, a job hunt, and some other randomness--I feel like I haven't stopped!

Ballet Flats

I am not really a high heel kind of girl, so most days you'll find me in flats of some kind. Let's be real, I'd be wearing flip flops ever day except I can't wear them to work.

I have a favorite pair of ballet flats--they are from Gap a few years ago. They are a muted pewter color, not too shiny but dressy enough to wear with skirts and dresses and jeans alike. I love the pewter color, too, because they match pretty much everything. At this point, though, they are showing their age and it's time to find some new ones.

So I have been on the hunt for flats, and here's what I love...

Tom's Chambray "Katia" 

I love my original Tom's, and I love these new flats from Tom's. Simple, and another great go-with-anything color. But $79 is a little way too pricey.

CL by Chinese Laundry "Addie"

I love these too. And at $45, pretty affordable. I'm worried they might be a little dressy for what I need though. They would be great with skirts but maybe a little much with jeans and a t-shirt.

Yosi Samra "Samra" 

These are very similar to what I had from Gap. I love how stretchy and comfortable they look.

BC Footwear "Aurora"

These are really cute...and they're only $13.74!At that price, I could get a few pairs in fun colors too...

Fergalicious "Alana"

 

 

Luiza Barcelos

Journee Co "Misbehave"

Excuse me while I go drool over all the pretty shoes!

Things I am Loving

I thought I'd share a few of my recent favorites...

Paula Dorf Eye Primer:

I was one of those people who didn't realize I needed eye primer until I stared using it. I'm not a huge makeup person (I stick to pretty basic colors & products) but this makes applying shadow so much easier and it lasts so much longer. It's not cheap, but this stuff lasts forever. I have had this little pot for almost 6 months and it's just about halfway gone.

Neti Pot:

If you don't know what a neti pot, trust me when I say that the best way to explain it is for you to watch a video of one being used (Here, I did the searching for you). I know there are all kinds of horror stories surrounding the use of these, but I'll be honest--nothing has ever cleared my sinuses like this bad boy did. I got mine for free by "liking" their Facebook page. I was hesitant, because I hate the feeling of using nasal spray. This was a little uncomfortable, but the results are amazing.

Pro Styl:

This probably seems a little weird, but I am telling you, this is hands down the best hair product I have ever bought. My hair is in between wavy and straight, and it does neither well. I like to wear it curly but I've always hard a hard time finding a scrunching product that isn't too heavy, fights humidity, and lasts all day. A friend recommended this and I have been hooked ever since. Best part? A large tub of it costs about $2 at drugstores.

Ink Joy Pens:

You know how when you find a pen that you really like, it makes your handwriting prettier and writing is more fun? Hmmm? Am I the only crazy one who labels their favorite pens so no one steals them from my desk? These are my new favorites, and they are not that expensive. I got mine at Target and keep finding excuses just to write with them!


This Song:

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Totally switching gears, but I honestly can't get enough of this song lately! I love Robbie Seay Band.

What about you guys? What are some of your favorite things lately? I would love to hear!

Couponing 101: What I Learned

As promised, I am here to share some of the tips and tricks I learned at the Southern Savers Couponing 101 workshop. Before attending the workshop, I had tested the waters of couponing already, so I was already familiar with many of the basics and how to use the Southern Savers site.

If you're new to couponing (I so hate that every time I use that word, it shows up with a red wavy line. It's a real word! I swear!)  I highly recommend you check out some tutorials on Southern Savers first. Jenny explains the basics way better than I every could!

Keep in mind that Southern Savers focuses on stores in the Southeast, and store policies/prices/etc differ through the states. Much of what Jenny talked about applies specifically to Florida, where we mostly shop at Publix or Winn Dixie, because we are different than many other states in the SE (no doubling, true BOGO sales, etc) If you live outside of this region, there are multiple other websites out there that can help you maximize your savings!

Here's what I learned:

• "Lowest Price" for an item is usually 40%-50% off of normal retail. I should not be buying a product if it has not hit it's lowest price. For most products, this happens every 6 weeks or so.
• Stock Up and only buy what is on sale. This requires committing to shopping weekly-- something I need to work on! If something is on sale and I don't buy it because I don't go grocery shopping that week, it means I won't see the lowest price for another six ways, and I'll probably be forced to buy it at a higher price.
• Get 2 Sunday Papers: The main reason for this is so that when items are Buy One Get One Free you can use two coupons, even though you're really only paying for one of the items. We get one paper delivered daily, and I think what I will do is when it is a "good" week for coupons, I will purchase another Sunday paper.
• Ask for Coupons: Jenny shared how her husband recently became gluten free, and she was having a hard time finding coupons that worked for this. She started calling gluten free companies and asking for coupons--and lo and behold, every single one of them sent her coupons! All you have to do is call customer service for a specific company, ask that coupons be mailed to you, and most companies will oblige.
• Ask for Coupons at Customer Service: This applies mostly to Publix, which is where I shop mostly. You know how there are a million little machines and tear pads spread throughout the store with coupons? If you ask at customer service, most stores have a stack of all of these coupons ready for you and you can skip the treasure hunt. Amazing! 
• Saving Star and UPromise: These sites offer e-coupons that can be loaded onto your store loyalty card (Winn Dixie) or UPromise card (Publix) and the savings goes into an online savings account. With SavingStar, you can cash out your account once it hits $5; with UPromise, the savings are placed into a long term savings account for your child (or future child). 
• Don't Clip the Coupons: This is where I was having the most trouble. I would go through the Sunday inserts, clip out only coupons for products that we normally buy, and then toss the rest. Later on, I would see a great deal to match a coupon I didn't clip, and regret it. Jenny's suggestion is to save the entire Sunday inserts, and not clip anything. Just save them whole. Then, each week, when it's time to shop, you can use Southern Savers to match up the weekly ad to coupons, clip out the coupons you need, and go to the store. This is my plan from now on. While I have to admit that I kind of missed flipping through the inserts this morning and getting excited about what I found, I know this will save me more money in the long run.
• Save on Produce & Meat: This is the hardest part for me, and likely for everyone. They don't make many coupons for fresh produce and meat, and the sales aren't always amazing deals. Jenny offered suggestions for both.
• Buy Local (for both): For produce, join a CSA or shop at a Farmer's Market. I use the Neighborhood Garden for organic produce and have been impressed so far. For meat, try a local butcher shop--their prices are actually around the same as grocery store sale prices and you may be able to negotiate.
• Know your prices: For bargaining power at the Farmer's Market, use www.marketnews.usda.gov to research Federal prices for produce.
• Buy in Bulk: Whether you purchase a whole cow from your butcher (not an option with an apartment sized freezer!) or shop meat sales such as Zaycon.

Whew. That's a lot.  And that's just from the few notes I jotted down. Jenny gave a ton of good information and I am so glad I went to the workshop!

If you have any questions, please ask. I'll do my best to answer! Happy Couponing!

Couponing 101

Josh and I are on a pretty tight budget, especially since he started his home inspection business last year. So I do what I can to save money, and one of those things is cutting coupons from the Sunday paper. If you check out my 30 before 30 list, you'll see that one of my goals is to save more than I spend at the grocery store.

I came relatively close a few weeks ago--my best trip yet: (Yeah, I was pretty proud!)

My plan of attack is normally to flip through the Sunday inserts and cut out coupons for products that we normally buy. Then, when I decide we need groceries (weekly, biweekly, whenever I get around to it...) I look at the current Publix ad, try and match up some of my coupons, and shop. The downside to this is that I usually forget about some of the coupons I've cut out and they expire before I use them, or there's something really good on sale that I saw a coupon for but didn't cut.

I've checked out the Southern Savers website a few times but haven't really been committed to using it, so I haven't really been seeing the results I'd like.

So when I saw that Jenny from Southern Savers was offering a Couponing 101  class here in Jacksonville, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to sharpen my skills to achieve my goals!

The workshop was today and it was wonderful. Jenny was really informative, engaging, and funny. She took questions from the audience and I left feeling inspired and ready to save more money! I am especially excited to get started at CVS--the idea of free personal care items has intrigued me for awhile, so I am committed to following through so I can stock up on free toothpaste.

I'm working on a post for tomorrow on the details of what I learned and more information, but I just wanted to give you a head's up to get excited!

High Five for Friday!

Five things that I loved this week...

1. The fact that it's raining today and there is cooler weather on the horizon! No more feeling like summer in January!

2. Dinner & Laser tag last weekend with some friends. Why isn't laser tag cool anymore?

3. The mirror I bought at Hobby Lobby. I may or may not be obsessed with it. I also may or may not still have no idea where I'm going to put it!

4. Thirty-One's new spring line debuts next week, and I am in love with the new prints!

 

5. We have pretty much NO plans this weekend, and I am excited to be able to relax!

Happy Friday, friends!

Midweek Confessions

I'm linking up to E again because these are therapeutic! I like spilling my guts.

• I hate, hate, HATE the dentist. HATE. Is that clear enough? They scare me to death. I have no idea why, really. Even the ones that sedate you scare me. I keep saying I'm just going to let all my teeth fall out and get fake ones and be done with the dentist.
• I just bought a mirror at Hobby Lobby that I have no idea where I am going to put it. We live in a one bedroom apartment and don't have a ton of space. Justification: it was 50% off, I had a gift card from my MIL for Christmas, it is gorgeous, and it was made in America. What do you think?

• I hate the amount of time it takes to put on makeup the morning, but I hate the way I look without makeup more. I don't wear a ton, but I have to at least do my eyes or I look like I'm 12.
• I didn't watch the State of the Union last night. Josh did, and complained the whole time. This is why I don't watch--because I'd just be annoyed. So I ignored it. 
• I think I could give up sweets pretty easily. What I can not give up is cheese and bread. I could live off of either one of those.
• Whenever I use my computer, I realize how disgustingly dirty it is. Dusty and the screen has some random smudges on it. But I always forget to actually clean it. Oops.

That's it for this week!

Why I Hate Target

Just kidding, I love Target. A whole lot. Maybe a little too much.

I saw this on Pinterest and laughed, because it's so entirely accurate. I get excited when I have a reason to go to Target. Yesterday my reason was that I was almost out of saline solution for my contacts, and Target has the best deals on saline. The part about them having great prices is true (a two pack for $3.69!) but I may or may not have half a bottle of saline left.

So if I spent $3.69 on saline, I would like to know how exactly my total at Target was nearly $50 dollars. Whaaaaat?? And that was after I forced myself to put down the adorable sandals I have been eying for 4 months that were on clearance for 50% off! I did, however, purchase some really cute Florida Gator onesies for the cutest little boy I know.

That's it. I'm staying out of Target.

...at least until I'm running low on saline again!