Coupon Clippers Unite! Part Deux

Couponing isn’t my thing… for now. If there  is ONE key rule about extreme couponing, it’s Storage. You must have ample storage for all of your good deals. I love in a very small place and I have already used 90% of my storage for my household needs. So 25 bottles of laundry detergent, 100 boxes of microwave popcorn, and 75 tubes of toothpaste is not going to work for me.

In addition, everyone I know mostly buys the same things, so I don’t have friends or co-workers who will save coupons for me.  And I cook with a lot of fresh ingredients and there are hardly ever any coupons for meat, poultry, and fish, as well as fresh produce. Most coupons are for pre-packaged foods.

So all in all, at this point in my life, with our household consisting of me and my husband, no children, and living in a small space, we are not ideal candidates for extreme couponing.

Oh well, better luck in 2 years!

Coupon Clippers, Unite!

Image via Wikipedia

So, I’ve been hearing about this show about wives and moms who are Super Coupon Clippers and wondering how to get in on this good deal action!  I’ve always seen a value in coupons.. for the most part. Especially when it’s something I buy, use, or want to try out!  On the other hand, there are plenty of coupons that come in the Sunday paper that are nearly worthless to me, unless I went out of my way to buy things we don’t normally use or consume. So I’m torn about the effectiveness of coupons. Of course, it’s great when the stores will double them, and when they put certain items on sale, it’s even better! THAT is how these women walk away paying $1 for 8 gallons of Tide or 50 cents for 20 rolls of Pillsbury Biscuits!

I have seen women on TV and in the grocery stores with books FILLED with coupons. In fact, just the other day, I saw a woman with an over-stuffed binder of clear baseball card holder sheets with folded coupons in every slot. I kind of snickered at the thought of that being worth every hour spent to put together, and the reality of every one of those coupons being truly helpful on usable items in her household! I’m not judging, I’m just not 100% convinced it always pays off.

So, I have decided to take on my own coupon mini-challenge! I have now created a new email address strictly for coupons and coupon websites! I’ll check it once a week or so and try to build myself a “coupon notebook” with the efforts of making my grocery bills go from $200 to $20. We will see. I will update you. If you have a Super Coupon Clipper story, feel free to comment and share!

I’ll let you know how this works out!

Self Love

It’s ALL about me. (well, you too!)

Even before we got married, my husband used to compliment me based on his appreciation of the “little things” I do to take care of and beautify myself. It always made me feel really good to hear that he noticed what I do or what it takes to feel and look great for him.

From my first job as a teenager, I grew into a love of good skincare and makeup. And this love has lasted, so far, the rest of my life.  One of my favorite aspects of skincare, makeup, and hygiene is learning the ingredients and what they do. I’m pretty big on that.

I was at the bookstore last night reading a book written by a Cosmo Magazine Editor. In this book, there is a chapter specifically mentioning that men do notice when you “give up” your efforts to look, smell, and feel nice for them. And she emphasized that they care… REALLY! And I thought about it… I feel like it’s true. When I talked to my husband about this to get his thoughts on it.  As he was telling me that he doesn’t place too much importance on me looking like a Hollywood starlet every day, I practically ran over his words by pointing out that he appreciates good scents and smells, and ALWAYS notices and mentions when I smell good. He agreed, and then I was convinced… men notice even after marriage!

I’m no beauty editor. I do feel like I have a decent amount of knowledge on the subject based upon my beginnings and continued commitment to self-education. So I want to share some of my past favorites with you.  And I know I just said that I am big on ingredients… That doesn’t mean that I only use or recommend organic products either.  Also, you’ll find that these products aren’t too expensive either and they will last you a while.

Dr. Feelgood by Benefit Cosmetics

Makes skin feel silky smooth, gives a matte finish, and minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines. Works great under makeup as a skin primer, or with no makeup at all! Found at Benefit counters in department stores, Sephora, Benefit website, and more.

Secret Garden Collection Love Spell Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner by Victoria’s Secret

This stuff wasn’t only yummy to smell, but it worked just as well, if not better than the pro stuff in salons! It has a nourishing and silkening effect. Found on victoriassecret.com.

Clinique Toning Lotion

Really shows you if you got clean when washing your face! And it feels great before applying moisturizer. Found at Clinique counters, Sephora, Ulta, and online.

 

Pantene Pro-V Curl Defining Mouse

I’ve tried mouse that costs everywhere from $4-$30 and this is still non-drying, easy on the hair, and does the job! Drug stores everywhere should carry this, or try drugstore.com.

Body Shop Body Butter

I love all of the varieties they have, but when you’re not looking for a fancy scent to compete with your perfume, the olive is excellent choice! No other body butter has been able to compete. The Body Shop’s body butter is the original and can’t be topped! Found in Body Shop stores world wide, and online at bodyshop.com.

 

Hope you enjoy a few of my favorite things! Feel great for yourself, and you won’t go un-noticed! I promise!