As much as I have tried to avoid it, I'm back on Twitter!  This page is specifically for my blog.  You can follow me at: http://twitter.com/BeinCheapisEasy


Whats the point?  I will update with any great deals I find that I may not post on a blog.  Also (fingers crossed), it will be a way to do giveaways.  I promise I am working on many, many new ideas...including setting up some fun contests.  I have been doing some research and I am trying to spruce up my blog a bit.  In the next few weeks you may notice a few design changes until I figure out what I like best.  


Here's where YOU can help: 

1. Feedback.  If you have learned anything new or have any questions, ask!  Comments are always great.  They make me smile, isn't that enough incentive?!  Plus I would love emails with suggestions or feedback, both positive and negative.
2. VOTE for me for the blogging grant... click here.  Winning this would mean the world to me and it will do wonders for this blog!

Thank you for all of your support!  I am up to about 250 readers, somehow!  That may not seem like much, but its crazy that people I don't know are finding this little blog and reading from all over the country.  



Have an amazing weekend....hello spring?

Back to Basics #2: Doubling or stacking coupons

Welcome back!  Last time I covered where to find coupons, now its time to cover stacking coupons.  This means using a store coupon AND a manufacturer coupon for one item.  Many stores allow this and it is a great way to get products super cheap, if not free.  This concept was a bit confusing for me at first, so I thought I should show some examples of the two types of coupons.  The best places to stack coupons are drugstores and larger stores like Target or Walmart.  Most couponing forums will post any great deals out there.  Since I am a visual learner, here are my examples for you!

• Target Coupons.  My favorite!  Probably because I could spend hours in that store.  You can also get Target coupons through the mail, but they are very hit or miss with their mailing lists.  Either you randomly get them or not.  Through the Target website you can print regular coupons and ones like this example.  Unfortunately you cannot tell what type they are before printing.  This is an example of a store coupon, since it states Target Web Coupon on the top.  If you had a Caress coupon you could combine the two at checkout.  NOTE: Always read the fine print for sizes/quantities or any other restrictions with store coupons.

• Drugstore Coupons.  I am not a huge shopper at drugstores, simply because I find their prices too high and I usually only have time to shop at 1 or 2 stores.  They have great sales and deals with coupons though!  I will go out of my way for the great diaper deals or something else that really catches my eye.  Here is an example of a Walgreens coupon.  RiteAid and CVS also offer store coupons, but I couldn't find any examples. 

• Babies R' Us.  These come in mailers or you can print them off online.  Although there aren't a ton of store coupons to stack, I always keep them in my coupon organizer.

•  Some tricky manufacturer coupons.  Although it states "use at a Supercenter near you", in most cases you don't have to use it at Walmart.  Target has some that aren't store coupons, yet they have the Target logo on them.  MOST stores will take them, as long as they say "manufacturer" at the top.  I have had issues in the past at Meijer though.  If a cashier questions the coupon, be nice an point out that it isn't a store coupon. 

As always, send any questions to: beingcheapiseasy@gmail.com!


Next up: how to get stuff for free!

Back to Basics #1: Where to find coupons

Since it is about my one-year anniversary of blogging (yay!) and grocery prices are getting ridiculous, I thought I would revisit some coupon basics for any newbies out there.  Plus, there have been so many changes in the past year with more mobile coupons and Facebook "likes" that I have some new additions.  I am planning on making this a 4-5 part series to span the next few days.  I apologize if this is "old news" to some.  You never know when you might learn something new though!

Where to find coupons

1. Sunday paper.  Most Dollar Tree stores sell Sunday papers for $1.  For some reason, this isn't the case in the Grand Rapids area.  I was a very sad lady when I found this out after the move.
• I get anywhere from 3-6 papers a week, depending on the coupons.  I usually recommend the number of people in your household.  Why so many?  Great for stockpiling and getting freebies with sales
2. Online.  I set my printer to do "print preview" so I can see what is being printed and it helps to save ink if you stop after the coupon is printed (a lot of coupons have large, ink absorbing images after the coupon).  Here are my favorite sites to find coupons: 
• Coupons.com
• Smartsource.com
• Redplum.com
• Target.com This is the main source to get Target coupons, as well as manufacturer.  I'll explain the significance of store coupons later.
• Facebook.  I can't think of a brand which isn't on Facebook now.  If you "like" the brand, there are usually great coupons available.  I am still not sure if I like the way brands are taking over my favorite social network, but I can't complain about the coupons.  Tip: un "like" after you print the coupon to avoid annoying updates.
3. Mail.  Pretty much every brand has a mailing list.  I am a geek who LOVES mail, so I sign up for everything that I love.  Here are some great mailers to be on:
• Vocalpoint  They have "try-and-tells" which they send out free and high value coupons every month or so.  
• P&G Brand Saver.  They dont have printable coupons available for any of their brands, so they mail out brand savers, which you sign up for the samples/coupons you want.  They also have a big coupon booklet the first Sunday of each month in the paper. 
• Kraft First Taste.  I love this because you get samples & coupons for new craft products.

That is all for now!  Next time: How to double up coupons for bigger savings.

As always, send any questions my way at : beingcheapiseasy@gmail.com or comment on this post!  If you are new here, don't forget to sign up for emails!

Get out your phones for a cause: share your breakfast

 Kelloggs Share your Breakfast website

I am sure you will hear about this cause from many sources, but I love this so much I had to tell you about it as well.  For each photo uploaded (through the website or texts), Kelloggs will donate the monetary equivalent of school breakfasts to Action for Healthy Kids.   This program focuses on childhood obesity and undernourishment.  It is crazy to me when I hear parents complaining about their children not eating fruits and veggies, but it is the norm in this country.  I am lucky to have good eaters.  I would love to do all I can to help this cause by spreading the word!  Here is how you can help:

1. Text your photo with the word "Share" to 21534
2. Upload your photo at the main website : http://www.shareyourbreakfast.com
3. Tweet the word with #shareURbreakfast  (while you are on Twitter, make sure you follow me!)

Spread the word, please!

Vote for me!

http://apps.facebook.com/contestshq/contests/89059/voteable_entries/16679895
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Just in case that pretty photo doesnt work, here is a direct link: CLICK HERE

In a perfect world, I could fund this blog by myself and do everything that I would want to do with my words.  I feel this grant would be a perfect opportunity to get me on my feet in the blog world.  Among many things, I am planning on using the money for getting a URL and advertising myself.  It is very exciting!  Although I know my chances of winning are slim to none, I will remain optimistic.  I would LOVE any votes!! 

Thank you all!

Xoxo!

New parents: where to sign up for great coupons

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!