Since I am pregnant again, I am starting back at square one for baby supplies like diapers, bottles, etc.  I always recommend signing up on as many websites as possible to get coupons sent to you.  I also recommend using your "junk" email so your inbox isn't bombarded with unwanted emails.  Also, you might want to consider signing up other family members (think aunts and grandparents) so you get multiple coupons! Ask first though! As always, some are better than others.  Here is my list of favorites:



*NOTE: If you are clicking on links, you might want to right click and choose "open in new tab/window".  I cannot figure out how to change it so you wont be directed away from the page!*

1. Gerber Onesies. Every 2 months or so they update their printable coupons.  I like their onesies and it is easy to pair these coupons with a sale!
2. Huggies.  Dont forget to save the codes from the packs of diapers.  I have gotten at least five $25 Visa gift cards from playing their instant win games.  Also, they mail out coupons every few months.
3. Pampers. Save the codes from these packs of diapers too!
4. Formula companies.  They send out a lot of freebies before the baby is born, especially.  Similac, Enfamil and Good Start
5. Clothing stores: Babies r Us and Target are my favorite.  Also, even if it's not your first, start a registry to get nice gift bags in-store filled with freebies and coupons!  Dont forget: you can combine store coupons with sales & manufacturer coupons!!
6. Sign up for Amazon Mom.  You get 30% off AND free shipping.   Plus, lately there have been great 20% off or $10 coupons in the regular baby magazines.  I found a box of over 200 Pampers Swaddlers for $20 shipped to your door!  Thats a great deal! 

There are many, many more ways to get baby items for great prices.  I could talk about this topic all day!  If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to email me or comment on this post.

Even if you are not pregnant, I would sign up for any regular brands you use with your baby and toddler.  If you don't end up using the coupons, you can always give them to another friend who is a parent!

Cooking rut? Try a recipe binder!

I must admit, this winter I have been in kind of a cooking rut.  As much as I love cooking, I get so tired of thinking of what to make for dinner.  One thing that helps me find dinner ideas is my cooking binder.  I started this in 2007 and I take any recipe I see that sounds appetizing and put it inside with page protectors.  This past year I had to move to a larger binder and it is still almost full.  Its fun to remember recipes this way and you can just take out the page protector when you want to use it.  I also write anything I may have changed or added to the recipe with either a post-it or right in the margins of the recipe. 

The best way to use a binder is to get dividers and keep it organized.  A binder with pockets on the side is nice too.  When I dont have time to categorize a recipe, I just put it in the pocket for a later time.  Here are the dividers I use, obviously use what is most convenient for you.

1. Chicken
2. Beef
3. Sweets/Dessert/Holiday Treats
4. Seafood
5. Vegetarian/Sides
6. Soups
7. Pasta

There is probably a better way to categorize everything, but I have yet to change my binder in 4 years.

Where do I find recipes?  Everywhere! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Before you recycle your magazines, cut out any recipes you might want to try.  If I try a recipe and we dont like it, I throw it away.  Its pointless to keep a gross recipe!
• I am a Food Network junkie.  Whenever I see a show with a recipe I want to try, I go to the website and print it.  This is usually where I end up writing any additions/subtractions to the recipe in the margins.  If I dont have time to print it, I add it to my bookmarks until I want to use it.
• Allrecipes.com, Epicurious.com or any cooking website. 
• Sunday inserts.   Sometimes our Parade magazine or even the coupon inserts have great sounding ideas.
• From others!  If you go try something you like, ask them for the recipe!
• I just started collecting holiday recipes a few years ago and now when its time to make cookies at Christmas time, we have a huge selection.  

 A great way to do this project for FREE would be to use Amazon.com gift cards from Swagbucks. I have been racking up the points more than usual lately, which is very nice!  If you haven't signed up yet, use the link above.

Enjoy the snow!


Xoxo!