Summer is back... and so am I!

So finally I am in the mood to get in the groove. As planned last year, this year we worked on building our raised beds for the garden. I have the garden all started, and even added a new furry friend. I will try and post some pictures of the garden and Snowball tomorrow. But todays blog is about couponing, and building a stockpile.

With TLC's show Extreme Couponing, a new viral fever has spread! Obviously, frugal living requires a certain level of couponing. But I definitely do not go to the extreme as we have seen on the show. My Sundays do involve getting the paper and going over the coupons, if there are some really good coupons for things that I may need or would like to stock up on, then I get some extra papers. I seldom cut them out on Sundays (I prefer to keep my Sundays for going to church, sharing with the kids, and relaxing), but I do check out my online sources for printable coupons. 

Some great places to find awesome groceries, toiletries and household items coupons are: MyPoints - with MyPoints you receive points for printing and redeeming your coupons, your points can be redeemed for awesome gift cards to your favorite shops, they are directly linked to Coupons.com, SmartSource, and Cellfire. Another really awesome websites for day to day couponing, freebies, giveaways, and more is Hip2Save. Colin (the website owner) is updating through out the day new offers, free samples and awesome online deals! I also frequent Coupon Dad for all sorts of coupons, occasionally coupons that I do not find at Hip2Save. One last source for weekly shopping list, sales database,  and coupon database is Coupon Mom. It is always awesome to have different sources, as I can understand how hard it is to keep up with all the awesome deals that are available out there. I have learned over the past few weeks that Facebook is a wonderful resource for finding coupons and giveaways. I also try to stop at my local CVS (if I am out and about) at the magic Coupon machine to check for new coupons and deals. 

Lastly, I try to stick to my local Price Chopper store (even if the prices are a little higher than say Target) for several reasons. One being that it is my local store and I do not have to travel, thus spend gas, to get my groceries. I know most of the cashiers, and I know who I am comfortable enough with to bring my coupons to. But most importantly is that for every $50 I spend at Price Chopper, I get 0.10 off per gallon of gas at Sunoco!!! Now how can you beat that??? Last time I filled up my tank I only paid $1.38!! Of course I still do make it to my larger stores like Walmart and Target, if I am in the area or have a planned shopping trip for those really awesome deals that I just cannot resist!  

With all that being said here are some awesome deals I came across today:

Downy Facebook-Giveaway  Get a free Downy UnStoppables (Not a coupon but an actual bottle of Downy!) You do have to like them on Facebook

Pantene Coupon Giveaway this is for a free bottle of Pantene (up to $4.99) coupon mailed to you within 4 to 6 weeks (same as above have to like them on Facebook)

Free Sample of Ocean Spray Sparkling Juice You'll receive a free sample of their new sparkling juice in the mail

Hope you enjoy the freebies and start chopping your bills down! 

Hello Again Blogosphere!

I had stopped blogging for a while, while I organized my thoughts. I was taking quite a bit of time working on my other blog and then decided to stop that one as well. Gave it a lot of thought and ended up coming to the conclusion that it is not possible to do both. How can I be a SIMPLE housewife and yet watch them stupid Housewives show? They do not represent an ounce of what I am as a housewife! Sorry but life is not about how much money you have in the bank (or for that matter don't, it seems these ladies could use some frugal living tips!), how much make up your face can handle, or what plastic surgery to get next! I refuse to wake up every morning to stare at myself in a mirror to apply makeup while my kids pull on my pjs begging for some breakfast. If ever I wear makeup is for a very special occasion between me and hubby and even that is much (he says I am beautiful just the way I am<3). And what about all the cat fights? Is that what our society has come down to? There are far more important things in life than ratings on a stupid show! I realized that spewing all this negativities were making my life miserable, and so they don't need another blogger giving them more fame. But hey, if you have the extra time and want to have at it, it is up for grabs ;).

For the past couple of months I have had to work more than usual, I have focused on food storage (for a rainy day), and I have the added pressures of having my mother stay with me! Don't get me wrong mothers are AWESOME! but boy I miss my alone time :(. I have also been working on some hats, some for my kids, some for friends, and some just for the heck of it. I am considering putting up some of my patterns here that I have found online but adjusted to fit my likes. Don't know if I have much of an audience, but hey you never know they may be helpful to someone. 

And are we all sick of this winter yet??? I can't take anymore of this snow! But I have to say I do have something to look forward to. I can't wait for this winter to be over that I've already planned a summer getaway. We will be heading to Cape Cod late this summer with the kids and I am so ecstatic and ready for a break! Beautiful summer sun and beach here I come!!  

I Have Been A Very Lazy Blogger!

The busies of life, kids, jobs and all the nonsense that comes along has kept me from writing lately. That includes my housewives blog! shame on me. I know I need to stop making up excuses... but I just can't help myself. I know that's no excuse.. but imagine having your boss call you at the last minute to see if you could work!! This is what I have to put up with. I also had baby shower, birthdays, and anniversary all in a period of 2 weeks. My husband and I celebrated our 7th anniversary a week ago. We went to this wonderful place called 15 Fox Place in NJ, and spent more than I care to admit. But overall we had a wonderful time, accompanied by our family. And to me, family time is priceless.

Now I haven't been all that bad you know! Aside from all the running around, I have been taking the kids to Sunday school for religion. Why is that a shocker?? I don't practice religion to much. But lately I have been seeking a sense of direction, faith and hope. The way our country has been heading has been nerve wrecking to me. I consider all possible scenarios and what would be the best way to handle them, and it simply is too much for me to even consider. The kids do love that I have made this commitment to take them every Sunday, and children should have a sense of religious guidance. I have come to look forward to it, although I am a walking zombie. I end up going to bed at 3:30 in the morning on Saturday nights and getting up at 7:45 on Sunday morning. Boy do I miss my sleep!! But I can't complain about the fact that while the kids are in their corresponding classes, I get to gather with other parents and there is that sense of "yes!! adults". Now don't laugh at me, I have been missing some adult interactions and conversations. I can finally replace all the googoo gagas, and mom, and whys, and I wants with what did you do this week, what events are happening, and Christian parenting advice. 

I have also started early holiday shopping for the first time ever! I can't even contain myself because this will take a whole load off my shoulders as the holidays are nearing. What have I been taking advantage of lately? Some great places such as Rue La La (psss.. for myself), Zulily (great place for mothers to be and kids' toys, clothes and more), and of course My Points. I have another gift card on the way, this time I decided to go with Kohls. I can't wait!! Add another $50 to this years points earnings. 

My next post I will discuss a book that I picked up at Barnes & Noble called "The Roots of Obama's Rage" by Dinesh D'Souza. This author goes into the upbringings of President Obama and what shaped him into the politician that he is today. Super interesting read and I have truly began to see why things are the way they are today. 

'Til next time... 

Lina

xoxo