1. TAL iPhone App
I love listening to This American Life and I was excited to hear Ira Glass announce that they’ve developed an iPhone app that gives you access every episode, ever. If you like the show like I do I think you’ll like the app as well. The only drawback I’ve found is that you can’t do multiple things on your phone while listening to an episode, as I do when I’m listening to something using the iTunes app. Who else is a TAL fan like I am?
2. Free Getti
So many of you mentioned That Wife when purchasing from Getti’s Accessories, the shop I wrote about in the Thank You #7 post, that she is sending me a free item of my choice! Thank so much my friends.
3. Where Did Your Milk Come From?
My grandparents own a dairy and my grandma recently forwarded me a link to this site, Where Is My Milk From?, which happens to be developed by a guy in the Information Systems major at BYU (TH earned a Masters in that same program!). Punch in the code on your diary products and see where they are coming from. A great resource for those who would like to eat local.
4. Modest Clothing Resources
Pink Heli (aka Mrs. Mary Jane) asked where I am getting knee length dresses and skirts. Most of my clothing comes from Ross, TJMaxx, the sales racks at department stores, etc. Finding dresses/skirts that reach the knees just means a lot of time searching and time spent in the dressing room. There are a few online sites that LDS women turn to though when they know they want to find something that works: http://www.shabbyapple.com/, http://www.downeastbasics.com/, http://www.shadeclothing.com/, http://mikarose.com/, http://www.diviinemodestee.com/, and a new one on the scene that I haven’t heard any feedback from, http://www.eshakti.com/. Great Lengths has some options, although to me it looks like they are ripping off Downeast and Shade? I recently stumbled on http://www.mollysclothing.com and http://www.jildesigns.com as well. There is another site, starts with an “m” that I can’t think of. Anyone know what I’m referring to?
This site, http://layersclothing.com/, is down for now, but says it is returning this Summer. http://reddressshoppe.com/All%20Stock.htm also has some great options.
5. Gravatar
When I comment on That Wife, you see my picture next to my comment. Don’t you love that? Would you like to see your own picture as well? Read this post on Edit and Post and Ami will walk you through it. It’s very easy!
6. Links from That Husband
That Husband frequently sends me links to the things he reads that he thinks I might like. I’ll start sharing my favorites with you as well!
Newsweek predicts the death of the internet. This one will make you laugh out loud.
The WSJ says an hour spent cutting and clipping can yield about $100 in savings. I’m curious, do those of you who are attempting to avoid processed foods clip coupons? What type of products are you buying? Whenever I look through the lists I see coupons for products in boxes and bags that I would never buy otherwise.
March 6th, 2010 on 8:42 am
I really like the part in the Newsweek article where he laughs at the idea of buying books and airline tickets online… but this line rings the MOST untrue to me fifteen years later: “Computers and networks isolate us from one another.”
(*waving at many friends I wouldn’t have made without the isolating internet*)
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March 6th, 2010 on 8:46 am
Wooo weird timing, one of my drafted posts is all about my new adventures as a coupon clipper! I dont know about 100 dollars in savings, but we are certainly saving in the double digits.
Right now on my kitchen table are 3 coupons worth 5 dollars all for items we do eat!
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March 6th, 2010 on 9:07 am
I have a couple friends that are super coupon clippers - but I agree with you. When you are buying bulk grains and fresh fruit and vegetables it’s hard to find savings. I do clip for toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper etc) and sometimes there are coupons for frozen vegetables but otherwise I usually don’t find much.
I’d love to hear if someone has other ideas!
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March 6th, 2010 on 9:23 am
http://www.realmomsrealviews.com/2010/03/03/have-it-your-way-eshakti-review/
I saw this review of eShakti, but forgot to sent it. I think the company definitely interesting.
I’ve had the same issue with coupons, which is why I haven’t really tried recently. I do agree with Jilian that they are worthwhile for the toiletries, household cleaners, and frozen vegetables, but it definitely seems like most of the coupons are for prepared foods, which we totally avoid. I know of a few women that simply can’t pass up a deal because they can get it so cheap (perhaps even free) with coupons, but if you’re just going to end up eating/drinking extra empty calories, processed foods, sweets and sugary things you wouldn’t of purchased otherwise, it’s probably not that great of a deal (even if it’s free!).
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Evelyn Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Holy cow, I apparently was in dire need of a proof-read before I hit submit!
*send, *is definitely
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March 6th, 2010 on 9:48 am
Well, I think I have arrived in the blogging world. I was mentioned on “That Wife”! hah! (Seriously, thanks for the links. I’m going to go check them out right now!)
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March 6th, 2010 on 10:02 am
I LOVE This American Life. Going to get that app right now!
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March 6th, 2010 on 10:10 am
Lot of great links to check out! I do find that a lot of coupons are for processed foods, but there are plenty that I try to take advantage of that are for healthy items that I would buy anyway. Either way, I try to buy fruits and vegetables in season and wait for sales to realize savigs on those.
I subscribe to a few couponing blogs that help me keep in mind when I can combine toiletry and household item sales and coupons, and I’ve found that if you have time to seek out the deals (which I certainly don’t always do!), you should never have to pay much of anything, if at all, for things like toothpaste, sanitary products, and some OTC meds. They often showcase stores like Whole Foods - I usually skip over these because I don’t have one near me - but it looks like there are savings to be had there on non-processed foods.
I am loving the brain dump posts!
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March 6th, 2010 on 10:33 am
I know a woman with three children who works in the home, and in a year of coupon clipping, paid for EVERYTHING that wasn’t a bill (her husband paid the paper bills, they have no debt except their house, he works as a teacher) with coupons/thrifty shopping… and she MADE almost $1,000, because she sold some of her excess in three separate garage sales. Let that sink in. It’s insane. And she cooks very healthy fresh meals, from scratch most of the time. Here’s her website-
http://www.christinescoupons.blogspot.com
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March 6th, 2010 on 10:47 am
Love love love love This American Life. Did I mention I love it?!
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March 6th, 2010 on 10:51 am
I became a coupon nerd almost two years ago. Here are my numbers for the month of March using coupon shopping-
Retail value- $440.60
OOP- $0
Money earned in rebates- $29.34
This was everything from groceries to air fresheners *a variety, from plug-ins to reed diffusers to candles*, household needs like ziploc baggies and cleaning supplies, medicine cabinet things, pads/tampons, toiletries from body wash to makeup to shampoo to lotion, etc. What I don’t need I sell to others for half off, I donate to women’s shelters, or I use to make up little gift baskets- I have 5 mothers in my life who will be getting HUGE baskets for mothers day with everything from homemade cookies and muffins to makeup to lotion to scented candles and lip gloss, and I made money “buying” all of that.
As to the food, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to get healthy foods with coupons, from Fiber One to shredded wheat to plain Quaker Oatmeal to substantial savings off of soymilk and produce. Coupons are also really useful in the dairy aisle- which I no longer eat- to use on marked down manager specials or sales. The super crappy food not only would I not eat, but it’s not usually a good deal. But if I can get canned vegetarian refried beans for .3 cents a can, that makes me happy
Plus, Target often has great store coupons where you can get their baked bread, cut meat, and produce for free. I think everyone should try doing coupon shopping combined with CVS/Walgreens for their toiletries at least. It’s free once you get good at it and you have to buy that stuff anyway.
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Sophia Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Whoops, for the month of February.
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March 6th, 2010 on 10:54 am
Regarding coupons, I use the booklets given at our local “green” supermarkets. One of them works with Mambo sprouts: http://www.mambosprouts.com/coupons/
and you can find online coupon for healthier items, there is still a lot of processed food there though.
I also go directly to websites such as 7th generation, Organic Valley and more who offer coupons on their own website.
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March 6th, 2010 on 11:04 am
I think the modest clothes site you are thinking of is Modbe. At least that’s what came to mind first.
I was doing some crazy coupon clipping and it’s way fun to get to the register and see all that you save. I still use coupons whenever I can, but I’m not as crazy-obsessed with it these days because 1) the base commissary (grocery store) doesn’t double coupons, though their prices are often half of the other stores anyway 2) to be an awesome coupon clipper and grocery saver and save the most, you often need to drive to several different stores for your groceries to take advantage of those particular deals. I’m am NOT into multiple stops these days - time is money and my time is worth a lot right now. So if I have to pay a bit more to just make one stop, then so be it. Loading and unloading two little children gets very old very quick!
My friend used to go to 3 different stores just for her produce to take advantage of the deals on fruits/veggies - she had a little boy - doesn’t do that anymore!
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March 6th, 2010 on 11:09 am
Thanks for the tip on the TAL app! That is awesome. We love to listen to TAL for our nerd dates (when we can’t leave because the babes are in bed and we don’t want to watch a movie).
And couponing is good for non-food items like shampoo and such. I don’t do just because some of our stores don’t take coupons and grocery shopping is hellish enough for me without doing it. But Bethany and other ladies in the your ward have saved tons doing it. Worth looking into, but not for everyone (like me!).
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March 6th, 2010 on 11:10 am
I am going to meet Ira Glass in a couple of weeks! I am so excited. I have such a radio crush on him.
I don’t drink milk but I am going to pass this along to my friends that do. Very cool.
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March 6th, 2010 on 11:23 am
Okay, I did the gravatar thing…as you can see. But it’s so teeny-tiny! I was picturing it a bit bigger, but at least you can see a person there and not a purple image…
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Jenna Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 11:24 am
Fun! I like it.
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Jenna Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 11:25 am
P.S.-If anyone happens to be tech-savvy, are there any ideas why mine isn’t changing after I updated it to a new headshot on Gravatar.com?
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Ami Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
i see your pretty new picture here!
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Cécy Reply:
March 7th, 2010 at 6:38 am
I think it takes a little bit of time, refresh the wordpress page and see if it’s the one you selected.
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Cécy Reply:
March 7th, 2010 at 6:26 am
I did one too, let’s see how it shows…
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March 6th, 2010 on 11:37 am
i LOVE TAL, as you know. I generally download the podcast and then upload to my ipod to listen to while on walks/jogs or making one billion copies at work. Did you listen to the episode from a few weeks ago when all the producers did shows their parents suggested- i LOVED it! hearing the producers interact with one another.
I do use coupons, and find that it does help with the budget. I do tend to stay away from most overly processed foods, but I use the newspaper/mail coupons on non-food products. I also look for coupons on some of the food items i do buy from the company websites and mailing lists. also - I buy some produce from BJ’s Warehouse - and the member services coupons often feature produce as well.
I am LOVING these Brain Dump blogs, Jenna. I love all the little bullets of information!
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March 6th, 2010 on 11:44 am
LOOOOOVE TAL!!!
Also, we save at least $40 a month on groceries by using coupons. There are good ones out there too! Like teas, cheese, razors, deodorant, oatmeal, etc.
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March 6th, 2010 on 2:24 pm
I totally agree about the coupon thing. I always see coupons for stuff I’d never buy, like Kraft singles or something. Ick. How do people have so much success with coupons?? It baffles me.
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March 6th, 2010 on 2:30 pm
Also, printing out coupons from online regularly, like enough to save $100 worth, uses a TON of (expensive) printer ink, and also paper. And I for sure don’t get enough coupons in the mail/newspaper to stack up anywhere near even $100 in a year.
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Sophia Reply:
March 6th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
There was an interesting cost breakdown about this very thing over at http://www.thekrazycouponlady.com, and she still ended up saving about 80% even *with* the costs of paper, ink, and newspapers.
I’m consistently getting 90% off to free to *making* money off of couponing, and all I get is the $5 Sunday double pack paper, and the $5 weekly price for that is accounted for in my calculations. It’s weird to say, but you just don’t really quite get it until you do it, because I would see people doing these crazy things with coupons, and I was like “how in the hell…what the…” and I’d remember how I used to see .50 cents off of a really expensive name brand cereal, and not see how that worked out.
As I posted earlier upthread, I made about $30 this month “buying” over $400 of stuff, I only spend about 2 hours total a week on it, from clipping to shopping trips. And I’m a whole foods cookin’ vegan, so none of it was nasty Kraft cheese
If you’d like to learn more, I’d recommend thekrazycouponlady.com and moneysavingmom.com
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March 6th, 2010 on 2:42 pm
My milk comes from San Antonio, which is pretty good, only about 30 miles. I clip coupons and use some, but the ones for household items and personal care are usually better for me because I don’t buy a lot of snack food and that makes up most of the coupons. There are ones for whole foods every so often though and I look through so I won’t miss them. I usually save about $15-20 at the grocery, not $100.
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March 6th, 2010 on 4:24 pm
I love coupons, although I don’t use them for food that much. Instead I use the ones for household cleaning products, touthpaste, razors, etc. I’m also never have any work done on my car without using a coupon. Lots of places will price match, so don’t be afraid to ask!
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March 6th, 2010 on 10:04 pm
Thanks for the Gravatar tip. I really hate the funky mustard yellow icon word press assigned to me (how did I get the only ugly default icon?). I’m not nuts about any head shots I have on hand, but they’re better than that!
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March 7th, 2010 on 12:10 pm
I clip coupons for lots of things other than processed foods! For example — tampons, organic canned soups, fiber cereal, toilet paper, diet coke, dried fruits, etc! Sure, one Sunday might have a poor selection, but if you keep looking you can find some great deals. My husband and I kept track last year, and we saved $230 last year (for a household of two people) on things we would have bought anyways.
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March 7th, 2010 on 1:56 pm
You hear about these women that spend well over a one to two hundred dollars and only have to pay 25 dollars at the register using coupons and such. I don’t have that kind of luck. First, because no one tells you most of those ladies (and I could be wrong but I doubt it) buy a bunch of processed, bulk items that one shouldn’t really need or eat anyway! I will say that I only clip coupons that I use. (shampoo, toothpaste, cheerios, cleaning supplies, etc). But I also use store ads (Walmart matches any store), I have saved over twenty+ before, granted it is not every week but I try to save a little each week like that. It does work!
But I haven’t found many organic coupons, which I wish I could.
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Sophia Reply:
March 7th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Here’s a good example of purchasing whole, unprocessed, foods with coupons. I had a b’day party today and it was a mexican food potluck. I had a $5 off coupon on anything at Kroger due to working a deal earlier. The produce section was filled with manager’s special markdowns and they had random things on sale that I needed- tortillas, taco shells, etc. Basically we got well over $60 of items for under $25, fed a group of fifteen people and still had leftovers. I got three packages of Wholly Guacamole totally free thanks to a manager markdown and coupons, that would normally have been $12, plus a package of soy meat and a package of soy fajita meat- marked down, had a manufacturer’s coupon, had another Kroger coupon- that would normally have been $8. That’s $20 right there on its own, yet I only spent a few dollars more than that for everything. I walked out of there with two full bags of produce, including portobella mushrooms to grill, 3 colors of bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, dried black beans, wheat flour, and everything I needed to make from two vegan cakes and frosting from scratch.
I felt the exact same way about coupons- gross, jello and chips and Go-gurt, no thanks!- but the thing is you have to go “all in” with coupons for them to matter/work very well. I clip every Saturday and work my deals every Sunday, spend maybe 2 hours a week total on it, but I do have to do it every week. Random things come up, and suddenly that coupon you clipped three weeks ago that you thought was totally useless now let’s you get something for free at Walgreens and then submit a rebate, so you end up making money on it- yes, including the price of the stamp. I told a woman upthread that, as weird as it sounds, you have to do it to get it, because from the outside looking in it doesn’t make sense, or seems pointless, or seems like people are eating Kraft mac ‘n cheese, etc. It’s a commitment, and I made fun of it and thought it was pointless for a long time, but now that I do it I can’t stop- things like getting 15 Glade candle tins for $2.40, and then turning around and getting a $25 rebate on them so I made money getting $45 worth of cute candles to go in gift baskets have convinced me that it’s too good of a return on investment to pass up. I made money this month getting over $400 of merchandise, all of it useful, the food healthy, so at this point I’d feel guilty if I didn’t shop this way because I know how much money there is to be saved doing it. I’ve gotten three of my girlfriends into it and we talk about how fun it is to strategize and do the accounting and figure up the best deals, it’s very addicting, haha
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Sophia Reply:
March 7th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Just to clarify, I’m not implying you’re making fun of it, just sharing my own “coupon conversion” story
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March 8th, 2010 on 8:47 am
This is so sad, but I don’t even know where I would go to find coupons. I use the GroceryIQ iPhone app (LOVE IT!), which has a coupon portion built in, but I usually can’t find coupons for the items on my list. We don’t get the paper (I like to read my news online), and neither of my local grocery store chains have a frequent shopper card or program. So I never use them. =)
Thanks for the tip on Where is My Milk From!
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March 8th, 2010 on 10:50 am
Love TAL iPhone app and “Where Is My Milk From?” Thanks for sharing!
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March 8th, 2010 on 1:05 pm
My cousin has a coupon blog that I check out sometimes: http://savvyspending-meghan.blogspot.com/
But on the whole, I wouldn’t buy a lot of the things that the coupons are for anyways. I tend to use coupons when they’re for lotions, toothpaste, tea, or underwear/bras. Food, not so much.
Coupons.com has some good things… for instance, Nature’s Own bread 75 cents off. Not bad for bread without all that extra nasty stuff in it.
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March 8th, 2010 on 2:12 pm
The first Sunday paper of January, right in time for New Year’s resolutions, is usually jammed with coupons for healthier stuff — Kashi cereal, oatmeal, frozen veggies, “green” cleaners etc., etc. So if you’re going to try couponing, definitely get your hands on that paper. I have given up on cereals and am now a steel cut oats convert and I don’t buy many household cleaners because I use vinegar/baking soda, but it’s still nice to have coupons on hand for convenience items if you’re having guests, throwing a party or if you just want to stock your pantry.
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Sophia Reply:
March 8th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Here here on the vinegar and baking soda! I use it for everything, and it works better and is cheaper and safer than other cleaners. Vinegar especially is a miracle.
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March 8th, 2010 on 2:57 pm
It is somewhat true about the coupon thing. but I ALWAYS get my cheese with a coupon. and it isn’t those cheese singles. plus you can get toiletries with your coupons, and frozen and canned veggies too. oh and tons of yogurts have coupons. and I never pay anymore then one dollar for cereal. and you can get the hood whole grain ones not just the sugar ones that I hate. Also make sure you get the store adds because they have coupons for produce! hopefully that helps. A good site is coupons.com and I live in tri cities so i use fistfulofcoupons.com!
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March 8th, 2010 on 8:05 pm
LOVE Ira Glass and This American Life! We credit TAL with our marriage since our common love for it was what got us to continue talking after we met online.
And Ira Glass is coming to Dallas! He’ll be at the Eisemann Center on June 12 with Arts & Letters Live. We missed him last year because of the honeymoon, so we’re definitely going this time.
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March 8th, 2010 on 8:18 pm
Oops… meant to respond about the coupons too but got distracted by TAL.
I typically use coupons for cleaning products, toiletries, and cereal. If you’re not a hair/makeup snob, there are always good coupons for shampoo, hair dye, etc. Kroger is also good about sending me coupons for X amount off of a $10 purchase in the produce section.
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