I find myself muttering this mantra as I feed my baby girl and think about all the things I NEED to do.
It's one of FlyLady's major quotes that she wants everyone to live by. It makes sense. I tell my husband (who is currently thinking of nicknames for himself that aren't Dad or Doc) all the time when he stresses out that no matter what, life will continue. If he fails a test, birds will still fly and we will still wake up the next morning (or for me, a few hours after I finally pass out). So if I don't get the house perfectly clean, then the same goes for me. It's my stress.
This is not an excuse. I know that if I just let everything be, it gets nasty and quickly in my house. I look back on the days when I vacuumed every other day and I was so bored that I took up knitting to fill my time and keep my hands busy. I miss my needles!
However, it is something I need to remind myself when days like today happen. I didn't eat any actual meal. I snacked and heated up things in the microwave because every time I went to do something without taking my baby girl with me, she let me know that she was not going to have it. She's seems to be a lot more needy the last two or three days. I think her teeth might be cutting or she's having a growth spurt.
But now she is finally asleep and I am taking a break from cleaning. I have tons more to do, but I switched out the loads, washed three trash cans, folded and put away laundry, and attended the dogs needs.
As a Monday, today I should have spent an hour vacuuming, sweeping and mopping, and doing some other things; but it didn't get done. And Tuesday will still happen. Well, it is happening now, but in my world where it seems like someone always wakes up and needs Mama for something, I find that the day I woke up to exists until I actually go to bed, even if it is after rocking my baby girl to sleep finally at 5 in the morning and my husband is waking up to study real quick before going in to school.
Life will be much, much easier when we aren't so busy in our separate lives living in the same little house.
Okay, off to do one more chore and hopefully those diapers will be ready to go in the dryer.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Princess-Free Zone?
Okay, so on Cafemom, there have been a few moms out there who have been going stir crazy with this whole girly line of Lego's. Of course, in the responses to the posts, there have been moms who say they love it or they wish they had it when a long time ago...
Where do you stand?
My house has never really been princess-free. My daughter is only 4 months old and we bought princess stuff before she was born. I didn't go full out and stuff, but we got the Disney Princess bed set as the back up bed set for the crib. You know, for those nights her diaper overflows or whatever. It doesn't have the actual princesses, but it has the castle and the pumpkin chariot and whatnot.
But even before that, we bought my son princess stuff. Okay, don't yell at me. You have your own kids. First I bought my favorite princess movie. Then Walmart stopped carrying hot wheels by it's check out so when he got his prize, he had to pick from what they had and they had these tiny princess dolls he wanted about the size of the military men we got for him. It was perfect. Besides, we all know that little boys play with their sisters toys anyway (my brothers played with mine when they were really little) and visa versa. According to my mom, "The heroes need someone to save, so why not?"
Now, my daughter already has toys in her room that are above her age range that she can play with once she starts crawling that are hand-me downs from her brother. She's got the fisher price tool set and the boy version of a few leap frog toys. So what's it really matter if the toy is blue or pink? They do the same thing. So long as it is the same price, it doesn't bother me.
Will we buy her pink Lego's? Sure, why not? She'll be getting her big brothers Lego's once he not longer plays with them anyway. I don't know if I will add to her big Lego's (those massive ones for toddlers) since Elliott never seemed to need more. I think instead I'll get those blocks that look like bricks to make forts or whatever.
There are so many toy options. Seriously. It's not like parents can really change a child that much. Yes, a parent can influence a child. But if a girl really wants to be a hairdresser, then she will brush the hair on her dolls and stuffed animals. If a boy really wants to play baby doll, he'll do it with a basketball.
So if a company wants to make pink Lego's, then let them. My kids don't really turn them into what they are supposed to be anyway. My daughter doesn't play with them yet (she's only four months, she's got a lot of time before she gets to play with the normal ones) and my son turns them all into space ships or guns.
So I am not anti-pink. I'm not all for doing everything pink either. Personally, I prefer purples and blues. However, I am all for letting kids be kids and run with their imagination.
By the way, as a kid, I totally would have begged my parents to get me the pink ones. They wouldn't have been making hair dresser places. They would have been pink, purple, and yellow houses. Or the tallest pink tower I could build before it fell over. That's what I did with my Lego's anyway.
Where do you stand?
My house has never really been princess-free. My daughter is only 4 months old and we bought princess stuff before she was born. I didn't go full out and stuff, but we got the Disney Princess bed set as the back up bed set for the crib. You know, for those nights her diaper overflows or whatever. It doesn't have the actual princesses, but it has the castle and the pumpkin chariot and whatnot.
But even before that, we bought my son princess stuff. Okay, don't yell at me. You have your own kids. First I bought my favorite princess movie. Then Walmart stopped carrying hot wheels by it's check out so when he got his prize, he had to pick from what they had and they had these tiny princess dolls he wanted about the size of the military men we got for him. It was perfect. Besides, we all know that little boys play with their sisters toys anyway (my brothers played with mine when they were really little) and visa versa. According to my mom, "The heroes need someone to save, so why not?"
Now, my daughter already has toys in her room that are above her age range that she can play with once she starts crawling that are hand-me downs from her brother. She's got the fisher price tool set and the boy version of a few leap frog toys. So what's it really matter if the toy is blue or pink? They do the same thing. So long as it is the same price, it doesn't bother me.
Will we buy her pink Lego's? Sure, why not? She'll be getting her big brothers Lego's once he not longer plays with them anyway. I don't know if I will add to her big Lego's (those massive ones for toddlers) since Elliott never seemed to need more. I think instead I'll get those blocks that look like bricks to make forts or whatever.
There are so many toy options. Seriously. It's not like parents can really change a child that much. Yes, a parent can influence a child. But if a girl really wants to be a hairdresser, then she will brush the hair on her dolls and stuffed animals. If a boy really wants to play baby doll, he'll do it with a basketball.
So if a company wants to make pink Lego's, then let them. My kids don't really turn them into what they are supposed to be anyway. My daughter doesn't play with them yet (she's only four months, she's got a lot of time before she gets to play with the normal ones) and my son turns them all into space ships or guns.
So I am not anti-pink. I'm not all for doing everything pink either. Personally, I prefer purples and blues. However, I am all for letting kids be kids and run with their imagination.
By the way, as a kid, I totally would have begged my parents to get me the pink ones. They wouldn't have been making hair dresser places. They would have been pink, purple, and yellow houses. Or the tallest pink tower I could build before it fell over. That's what I did with my Lego's anyway.
Friday, January 6, 2012
It's Not Perfect
My house that is. It's no where near perfect. In fact, all the cleaning I did earlier seems to be undone. However, I am at total peace right now. It may be the fact that I haven't slept yet due to the baby refusing to sleep but I prefer to believe that it's the fact that I did what I set out to do.
I am terrible at keeping up with my e-mail. I can see how some people think that having two accounts makes things easier... I really don't see it. I have a total of three e-mail accounts. Yes, you did read that right. I have the one I opened shortly after I married when I forgot the password account to my first e-mail and I still use that one daily. I have the one that my last cell phone insisted I needed when I turned it on since it was a Google phone therefore I needed a gmail account. I can't for the life of me remember why I have a third one. It seemed like a good idea at the time I guess. Back to my point: I now ask for the updates from everything I sign up for. This way I get freebies and coupons and I know what sales are going on. Awesome. Anyway, Flylady sends out several e-mails a day. I read each and every one.
Today, I did what every single e-mail told me to. I swept my front porch, cleaned my front door (I had never thought of that before), I de-cluttered for 5 minutes...
I am excited to start working on my control journal. Well, excited and anxious since my perfectionist parts are coming out and telling me that I have to do this and that first, but I will try as hard as I can to get one section done today whether it is perfect or not and I can make tweaks as they arise.
Though I don't think I'll call it a control journal. I think I'll call it "The Book" like I read in an e-mail today. I think it's a cool name. Reminds me of the crazy boss in "The Devil Wears Heels" and it makes me smile.
I am terrible at keeping up with my e-mail. I can see how some people think that having two accounts makes things easier... I really don't see it. I have a total of three e-mail accounts. Yes, you did read that right. I have the one I opened shortly after I married when I forgot the password account to my first e-mail and I still use that one daily. I have the one that my last cell phone insisted I needed when I turned it on since it was a Google phone therefore I needed a gmail account. I can't for the life of me remember why I have a third one. It seemed like a good idea at the time I guess. Back to my point: I now ask for the updates from everything I sign up for. This way I get freebies and coupons and I know what sales are going on. Awesome. Anyway, Flylady sends out several e-mails a day. I read each and every one.
Today, I did what every single e-mail told me to. I swept my front porch, cleaned my front door (I had never thought of that before), I de-cluttered for 5 minutes...
I am excited to start working on my control journal. Well, excited and anxious since my perfectionist parts are coming out and telling me that I have to do this and that first, but I will try as hard as I can to get one section done today whether it is perfect or not and I can make tweaks as they arise.
Though I don't think I'll call it a control journal. I think I'll call it "The Book" like I read in an e-mail today. I think it's a cool name. Reminds me of the crazy boss in "The Devil Wears Heels" and it makes me smile.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
New Years Resolution
Okay, for those of you who don't know me...
My house is almost always cluttered. I try to keep it clean at least if not neat, but ever since some time in my pregnancy, I basically lost all will to move let alone clean. I gave in to this will, just like the will to eat chocolate, cake, brownies, and all other things unhealthy.
I'm also very moody. My husband laughed while reading "For Men Only" in the part where they say that pushing the same button receives different reactions. He is at least more understanding now of why I am so crazy and I react differently even though he "does the same thing."
I also have this crazy habit of spending all of my husband's hard earned money, though I have gotten a lot better. I saved enough this year to go on not one but two vacations. Albeit, one was to a relatives house where they graciously bought us a few meals (we tried to return the favor by cooking for them, so I hope they enjoyed that) and the other used up most of our savings... But those are the only family vacations we have ever been on and I wouldn't change them for the world.
I also gained a lot of weight. Note the pregnancy and not eating healthy above... Yeah. I'm not ever going to be one of those tiny girls you see on tv, but I know I can be healthier at least.
So, my New Years Resolution (3 days late, hahahaha) will be to do all those things better.
Yup. I said it.
Now, I discovered this website called FLYlady (google it, it's cool) that seems to be the answer to how I will achieve these goals (or most of them) with a baby who hates to be put down or sitting for longer than 3 minutes and a son who has recently taken up the phrase "I can't do this." and a husband who tries so very hard and is my hero (most of the time) while he works, goes to school, and tries to help me out at home. Oh, and the dogs. My poor dogs. They are forgotten a lot. Not really, but they have not been as spoiled since our baby girl came home.
So, my first entry of the year is my resolutions and it's already late. But that's okay. No one is perfect and I never claimed to be. My husband may say differently, but let's not tell him that I said this online.
So, for tomorrow, or today I guess:
Keep the sink shiny, drink water, organize a little more, snap a little less, eat healthier, move more, and finish those coupons so I can go shopping and get the items before the sales are up.
My house is almost always cluttered. I try to keep it clean at least if not neat, but ever since some time in my pregnancy, I basically lost all will to move let alone clean. I gave in to this will, just like the will to eat chocolate, cake, brownies, and all other things unhealthy.
I'm also very moody. My husband laughed while reading "For Men Only" in the part where they say that pushing the same button receives different reactions. He is at least more understanding now of why I am so crazy and I react differently even though he "does the same thing."
I also have this crazy habit of spending all of my husband's hard earned money, though I have gotten a lot better. I saved enough this year to go on not one but two vacations. Albeit, one was to a relatives house where they graciously bought us a few meals (we tried to return the favor by cooking for them, so I hope they enjoyed that) and the other used up most of our savings... But those are the only family vacations we have ever been on and I wouldn't change them for the world.
I also gained a lot of weight. Note the pregnancy and not eating healthy above... Yeah. I'm not ever going to be one of those tiny girls you see on tv, but I know I can be healthier at least.
So, my New Years Resolution (3 days late, hahahaha) will be to do all those things better.
Yup. I said it.
Now, I discovered this website called FLYlady (google it, it's cool) that seems to be the answer to how I will achieve these goals (or most of them) with a baby who hates to be put down or sitting for longer than 3 minutes and a son who has recently taken up the phrase "I can't do this." and a husband who tries so very hard and is my hero (most of the time) while he works, goes to school, and tries to help me out at home. Oh, and the dogs. My poor dogs. They are forgotten a lot. Not really, but they have not been as spoiled since our baby girl came home.
So, my first entry of the year is my resolutions and it's already late. But that's okay. No one is perfect and I never claimed to be. My husband may say differently, but let's not tell him that I said this online.
So, for tomorrow, or today I guess:
Keep the sink shiny, drink water, organize a little more, snap a little less, eat healthier, move more, and finish those coupons so I can go shopping and get the items before the sales are up.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
New Year, New Layout!
Okay, I am thinking about doing something different with this blog.
Instead of responding to articles or posts I read online, I am going to set this up as sort of a diary. You will all still hear about those things I read online, but I'm going to have daily goals for different things. You know how every year, people resolve to lose weight, have a cleaner house, live healthier, save more money, etc...
Well, I am going to do all that. I plan on using this blog to help me and others who want similar goals. I will do the unthinkable and post my weight, post pictures about how messy my house is, AND all that jazz.
So, if you read this, start commenting. This way I stay motivated.
Still trying to figure out how I am going to set this up. If you have any resolutions you would like me to add to my list, just comment. I'm a big believer in starting small and working your way up. Well, I'm also a big believer in massive over takings, but you are lucky that I have a 3 month old who hates to be laying down and left alone for any length of time (makes it hard to pee), so none of that will be happening.
Look out for a new layout soon.
Instead of responding to articles or posts I read online, I am going to set this up as sort of a diary. You will all still hear about those things I read online, but I'm going to have daily goals for different things. You know how every year, people resolve to lose weight, have a cleaner house, live healthier, save more money, etc...
Well, I am going to do all that. I plan on using this blog to help me and others who want similar goals. I will do the unthinkable and post my weight, post pictures about how messy my house is, AND all that jazz.
So, if you read this, start commenting. This way I stay motivated.
Still trying to figure out how I am going to set this up. If you have any resolutions you would like me to add to my list, just comment. I'm a big believer in starting small and working your way up. Well, I'm also a big believer in massive over takings, but you are lucky that I have a 3 month old who hates to be laying down and left alone for any length of time (makes it hard to pee), so none of that will be happening.
Look out for a new layout soon.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Breastfeeding in Public Drama
Okay, so I have an opinion on everything. Well, just about everything, but my husband says that I really should just take out the "just about" part and leave it at everything. Back to the debate though...
Back story:
I was reading posts on Cafemom trying to pass the time as I was breastfeeding. I came across a post telling all the breastfeeding mommies about a nurse-in at Target in the near future. I replied saying I would show up if I remembered.
For those not in the know: a nurse-in is something moms do when a store, mall, gym, etc. tells a mother that she cannot breastfeed there or give her a hard time because she doesn't want to squeeze her several kids into a changing stall or bathroom to breastfeed her baby. I've never attended one and to be honest, I thought most of the time that going to one was going a little overboard.
So I did my research. I read several articles online and read many responses. I read over and over again about how mom's were harassed to varying degrees for breastfeeding. Some used covers while some did not. Some sat in the open while some did find secluded areas. Most of it seemed trivial. It really does seem trivial if you stand back far enough. But take a step back further...
Okay, some more back story. I thought about my own experiences. No one ever told me to find a private spot. Most people just avert their eyes even though I use a cover in public and whenever there are men who are not my husband in the room. I will admit, I even felt embarrassed when a waiter tried to hold a conversation with me while I was breastfeeding Keira recently even though I was using a cover. And I have a friend who shall not be named who has brought up a woman at our church (I haven't gone in a while so I haven't witnessed this). My friend (let's call her Spunky) was shocked that this woman didn't go to the nursery or use a cover. Spunky wasn't the only one who wasn't shocked. No one bothered the woman who was feeding her baby though. Then I thought about my husband, who is always quick to find me a blanket to cover up when I go to feed our baby girl and someone else is present.
So when he got home, I asked him about it. At first, he thought I had an agenda. Like I wanted to change his mind on something. Honestly, I just wanted his opinions and I really wanted to know his thought process. As it turns out, he's a lot like the "normal" Americans. The ones who shred magazines for posting a picture of a baby breastfeeding because it's showing a breast that is not being used to seduce men. Okay, that's the Cafemom talk coming out of me. Though quite a few people wrote in about this picture saying it was indecent even though it was a baby magazine and the magazine was promoting breastfeeding much like the government is now.
Let's be honest people, even though more and more people are breastfeeding now, there are still several people out there who are against it saying it's "gross." There are quite a few moms who don't have the support and give up because of that (though admittedly many moms stop for other reasons). We live in a society where children who were breastfed have parents who don't want their children to see it happen with other children.
One of my foster parents was raised in Korea where it was so normal that most new moms didn't wear stuff to cover their boobs in public and no one thought anything of it. It wasn't considered sexual or anything. The moms would just plop down anywhere and everywhere and take care of their baby's needs.
So here's my thoughts. Is there a problem with a mom covering up? No. Is there a problem with wishing a mom would cover up? No. Is there a problem with asking her? YES! There are too many other problems that come along with breastfeeding naturally from trying to teach a child to latch to worrying about producing enough milk to trying to figure out if you have a clogged duct and what to do if you have one. Don't EVER add to a mother's stress.
Also, the whole "There are kids here" excuse is just plain stupid. It's NOT sex. Children learn by seeing. When you potty train a child, you often show them what to do with cartoons, books, and dolls or even by going in front of them. Kids play house as make-believe to learn how to be parents (well, they actually learn once they become parents, but it shows you what they think of your parenting to make you a better parent). They learn to speak by listening to you speak. They learn to write by copying your writing. They learn your attitudes and those are often slightly different but similar to your own. Do you really want your son or daughter to think that there is something "secret" or even "wrong" about something that is natural?
My son sees me breastfeed all the time. There's nothing secret about my boobs. I highly doubt there's a sexual thought in his brain about it. For all he knows, that's the only reason they are there. I think he's more confused as to why he and his dad have nipples since they can't use them for anything.
So my new thoughts on this debate are this: America needs to change it's views on breasts. Becoming a mother is hard enough whether it's your first or your fifth with how much a new baby demands. And let's be honest, a baby's needs are more important than any stranger. If you see a mother breastfeeding in public with or without a cover and it makes you uncomfortable, avert your eyes. She probably expects you to do that anyway. If your five year asks why she's doing that, just say she's feeding her baby (it's not rocket science). Don't say it's "gross" or that she should "cover up" (especially when most older baby's hate blankets since it makes them hot or whatever) or say she should take the extra time to pump when in all honesty she may have a baby like mine who is hungry ALL the time making it impossible to pump.
There, I got a new cause today. And you go to read about it. In case you were wondering, I will attend the Target nurse-in if I remember AND I will probably use a cover since I am shy and my baby doesn't care about it yet. However, I will never feel embarrassed when I see another mom breastfeeding without a cover and there are men there. Those men should know better anyway.
Do your research people. And help stick up for the rights of babies who deserve the best food and to be comfortable no matter where they are or who is around (using common sense of course: No breastfeeding while driving please).
Back story:
I was reading posts on Cafemom trying to pass the time as I was breastfeeding. I came across a post telling all the breastfeeding mommies about a nurse-in at Target in the near future. I replied saying I would show up if I remembered.
For those not in the know: a nurse-in is something moms do when a store, mall, gym, etc. tells a mother that she cannot breastfeed there or give her a hard time because she doesn't want to squeeze her several kids into a changing stall or bathroom to breastfeed her baby. I've never attended one and to be honest, I thought most of the time that going to one was going a little overboard.
So I did my research. I read several articles online and read many responses. I read over and over again about how mom's were harassed to varying degrees for breastfeeding. Some used covers while some did not. Some sat in the open while some did find secluded areas. Most of it seemed trivial. It really does seem trivial if you stand back far enough. But take a step back further...
Okay, some more back story. I thought about my own experiences. No one ever told me to find a private spot. Most people just avert their eyes even though I use a cover in public and whenever there are men who are not my husband in the room. I will admit, I even felt embarrassed when a waiter tried to hold a conversation with me while I was breastfeeding Keira recently even though I was using a cover. And I have a friend who shall not be named who has brought up a woman at our church (I haven't gone in a while so I haven't witnessed this). My friend (let's call her Spunky) was shocked that this woman didn't go to the nursery or use a cover. Spunky wasn't the only one who wasn't shocked. No one bothered the woman who was feeding her baby though. Then I thought about my husband, who is always quick to find me a blanket to cover up when I go to feed our baby girl and someone else is present.
So when he got home, I asked him about it. At first, he thought I had an agenda. Like I wanted to change his mind on something. Honestly, I just wanted his opinions and I really wanted to know his thought process. As it turns out, he's a lot like the "normal" Americans. The ones who shred magazines for posting a picture of a baby breastfeeding because it's showing a breast that is not being used to seduce men. Okay, that's the Cafemom talk coming out of me. Though quite a few people wrote in about this picture saying it was indecent even though it was a baby magazine and the magazine was promoting breastfeeding much like the government is now.
Let's be honest people, even though more and more people are breastfeeding now, there are still several people out there who are against it saying it's "gross." There are quite a few moms who don't have the support and give up because of that (though admittedly many moms stop for other reasons). We live in a society where children who were breastfed have parents who don't want their children to see it happen with other children.
One of my foster parents was raised in Korea where it was so normal that most new moms didn't wear stuff to cover their boobs in public and no one thought anything of it. It wasn't considered sexual or anything. The moms would just plop down anywhere and everywhere and take care of their baby's needs.
So here's my thoughts. Is there a problem with a mom covering up? No. Is there a problem with wishing a mom would cover up? No. Is there a problem with asking her? YES! There are too many other problems that come along with breastfeeding naturally from trying to teach a child to latch to worrying about producing enough milk to trying to figure out if you have a clogged duct and what to do if you have one. Don't EVER add to a mother's stress.
Also, the whole "There are kids here" excuse is just plain stupid. It's NOT sex. Children learn by seeing. When you potty train a child, you often show them what to do with cartoons, books, and dolls or even by going in front of them. Kids play house as make-believe to learn how to be parents (well, they actually learn once they become parents, but it shows you what they think of your parenting to make you a better parent). They learn to speak by listening to you speak. They learn to write by copying your writing. They learn your attitudes and those are often slightly different but similar to your own. Do you really want your son or daughter to think that there is something "secret" or even "wrong" about something that is natural?
My son sees me breastfeed all the time. There's nothing secret about my boobs. I highly doubt there's a sexual thought in his brain about it. For all he knows, that's the only reason they are there. I think he's more confused as to why he and his dad have nipples since they can't use them for anything.
So my new thoughts on this debate are this: America needs to change it's views on breasts. Becoming a mother is hard enough whether it's your first or your fifth with how much a new baby demands. And let's be honest, a baby's needs are more important than any stranger. If you see a mother breastfeeding in public with or without a cover and it makes you uncomfortable, avert your eyes. She probably expects you to do that anyway. If your five year asks why she's doing that, just say she's feeding her baby (it's not rocket science). Don't say it's "gross" or that she should "cover up" (especially when most older baby's hate blankets since it makes them hot or whatever) or say she should take the extra time to pump when in all honesty she may have a baby like mine who is hungry ALL the time making it impossible to pump.
There, I got a new cause today. And you go to read about it. In case you were wondering, I will attend the Target nurse-in if I remember AND I will probably use a cover since I am shy and my baby doesn't care about it yet. However, I will never feel embarrassed when I see another mom breastfeeding without a cover and there are men there. Those men should know better anyway.
Do your research people. And help stick up for the rights of babies who deserve the best food and to be comfortable no matter where they are or who is around (using common sense of course: No breastfeeding while driving please).
Monday, December 5, 2011
How I Coupon
Okay, I am still learning. I haven't been able to spend over $100 and only pay $10; but I honestly don't see that in my future. Well, unless Harris Teeter will finally add me to their thing-a-majig and start sending me those e-mails telling me about the special days.
Anywho... Here is what I do.
I get coupons from everywhere. I print them offline, I check every box we buy, and I buy the newspaper. For ones online, I get e-mails from coupons.com, I check out a few blogs including hip2save.com (she lives in my town), I check out stores websites (some will even let you send coupons straight to your card), and I recently started using savingstar.com (it sends coupons to your card that will not be taken off at check out but later sent to you through a few different online places such as paypal). I even sign up for e-mails from places because they will send out coupons on occasion in their e-mail.
I do NOT use all of the coupons I get. That's just insane. I use the ones that are a good deal or if I'm obviously buying it anyway. If I miss out on a deal, then I wait and see if another one comes along.
To stay organized, I downloaded an app on my iPad. They have all sorts of ones for smart phones as well. Some are free and some cost money. Some even let you scan it right up instead of typing it out. Mine lets me type it on my computer than it "shares" it with my iPad via e-mail. So I type it all up, send it in, and it's there. It tells me when some of my coupons have expired are or going to within a certain day limit. It also lets me search for a coupon if I think I have one.
My actual coupons I keep in a zipper binder with card holders. I've got several sections: one for frozen, refrigerated, baking, health, beauty, etc... This way it's easier to find when I go to look for it.
I ended up buying a second binder since so many people are giving away coupons right now to use for when I actually go to the store.
So, before I go to the store, I grab my binder and either a flyer or I pull up the weekly ad for the store and I go through it. I use my iPad to see if I have any of the items (especially buy one get one free sales) and I pull those coupons out. I mark it in my iPad. I write a list down and stick it in a page holder thing and put it in the new binder I got. This binder is not fancy or zippered or anything.
I still bring my iPad, the huge binder and everything with me. But only my iPad and the smaller binder go in the store.
Things you should know... Print out all the coupon rules for all the stores you shop at. You'll learn things you didn't know, such as many stores will let you combine store coupons and manufacture coupons. Just because you have a coupon does not mean you have to use it. You can even check to see if the store brand is still cheaper. You may spend more money at first "stocking up" supplies, but this means that you will save money later when normally you would need cereal and it's not on sale for less than a dollar (or something like that).
It takes time. Not everyone has to do it. It all depends on if you want your shopping to save money or if you want it to go quickly.
Oh, and those people on that show... It's not like that. They are special because the tv is there, so stores do special things for them.
Anywho... Here is what I do.
I get coupons from everywhere. I print them offline, I check every box we buy, and I buy the newspaper. For ones online, I get e-mails from coupons.com, I check out a few blogs including hip2save.com (she lives in my town), I check out stores websites (some will even let you send coupons straight to your card), and I recently started using savingstar.com (it sends coupons to your card that will not be taken off at check out but later sent to you through a few different online places such as paypal). I even sign up for e-mails from places because they will send out coupons on occasion in their e-mail.
I do NOT use all of the coupons I get. That's just insane. I use the ones that are a good deal or if I'm obviously buying it anyway. If I miss out on a deal, then I wait and see if another one comes along.
To stay organized, I downloaded an app on my iPad. They have all sorts of ones for smart phones as well. Some are free and some cost money. Some even let you scan it right up instead of typing it out. Mine lets me type it on my computer than it "shares" it with my iPad via e-mail. So I type it all up, send it in, and it's there. It tells me when some of my coupons have expired are or going to within a certain day limit. It also lets me search for a coupon if I think I have one.
My actual coupons I keep in a zipper binder with card holders. I've got several sections: one for frozen, refrigerated, baking, health, beauty, etc... This way it's easier to find when I go to look for it.
I ended up buying a second binder since so many people are giving away coupons right now to use for when I actually go to the store.
So, before I go to the store, I grab my binder and either a flyer or I pull up the weekly ad for the store and I go through it. I use my iPad to see if I have any of the items (especially buy one get one free sales) and I pull those coupons out. I mark it in my iPad. I write a list down and stick it in a page holder thing and put it in the new binder I got. This binder is not fancy or zippered or anything.
I still bring my iPad, the huge binder and everything with me. But only my iPad and the smaller binder go in the store.
Things you should know... Print out all the coupon rules for all the stores you shop at. You'll learn things you didn't know, such as many stores will let you combine store coupons and manufacture coupons. Just because you have a coupon does not mean you have to use it. You can even check to see if the store brand is still cheaper. You may spend more money at first "stocking up" supplies, but this means that you will save money later when normally you would need cereal and it's not on sale for less than a dollar (or something like that).
It takes time. Not everyone has to do it. It all depends on if you want your shopping to save money or if you want it to go quickly.
Oh, and those people on that show... It's not like that. They are special because the tv is there, so stores do special things for them.
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