Bullseye! {Coupon at Target like You Mean It!}

Happy Wednesday, y'all! This is typically my day off (hence a blog post at 12 PM instead of 12 AM, lol) and I usually try to make the most of it and be productive. That can mean wedding planning, couponing, or getting a pedicure...that's being productive, right? ;) However, today, I will probably just be going to Hobby Lobby (Hob Lob as I often call it) and grabbing up some wedding items while they are 50% off this week! 

Quick tip: Hobby Lobby rotates their sales every other week. So, that means that for 2 weeks out of every month, you can get wedding items, floral items, and ribbon/tulle for half price! And if they don't have enough of something that you need, (Ex. they have 2 table runners and you need 15) you can order it while it is 50% and they will honor that price when your items arrive! 

Before I head off to Hob Lob, I would like to share with y'all a little Target secret that just may change the way you shop there forever! And it's really quite simple....and when you add coupons...oh it just gets that much better. 

So, let's get started! Here's a picture of my Target haul from last Sunday:

Please excuse the picture quality and my awful attempt at photo editing. I am no good at it, and I don't really like doing it. If you can't tell from the picture, for $9.63 including tax, I was able to get all of this at Target:

• 6 St. Ives Lotion Sprays (some of which had free body wash attached to them)- retail value $5.99 each
• 3 Simple Brand Exfoliating Face Wash- retail value $5.99 each
• 3 Simple Brand Cleansing Wipes- retail value $4.69 each
• 6 Dove Dry Shampoos- retail value $3.94 each

According to my receipts (I had 4 transactions), I saved $90.04!

All of these deals were made possible by rolling target gift cards. What is "rolling" you ask? Well, if you have ever shopped at Target, you have probably noticed a sign next to things like deodorant, drinks, or sunscreen that may say something along the lines of "Buy 3 and get receive a $5 gift card." And you think to yourself "I don't need 3 of those! And I'm still spending my $5!" This is true, but what if you already had a $5 gift card on hand? You can purchase the 3 bottles of sunscreen, use a $5 gift card from a previous transaction (it can be from a previous transaction that same day, or one from 6 months ago), and then get a $5 gift card back! So, you are able to stretch the $5 wayyyyyy farther than you ever thought possible.

And then, if you have coupons. Oh my goodness! Things can get real cheap, even free!

For example, in my transaction with the St. Ives Sprays, I:

• Bought 6 at 5.99 each and on special promotion, buy 3 and receive a $5 gift card.
•  5.99 x 6 = 35.94
• 35.94 - 10 (I had 2 $5 gift cards from a previous transaction a week ago)= 25.94
• Used 3 buy one St. Ives Spray get one free coupons valued at 7.99 each, and the cashier auto deducted! Meaning, I was able to get the full value of the coupon. So, even though the sprays cost 5.99 at target, I was able to get 7.99 taken off the of my total. Auto deduct is your friend! It's up to the cashier as to whether or not they will manually adjust down the value of the coupon.   7.99 x 3 = 23.97
• 25.94 - 23.97 =  1.97 
• Used $2 off $10 personal care purchase Target Mobile Coupon 1.97-2.00= -0.03
• Used a reusable shopping bag and received a 0.05 credit -0.03-0.05= -0.08
• Add tax 1.67 + (-0.08)= 1.59
• So, I paid $1.59 and received 2 $5 Target gift cards to use on the next deal that comes up!

Did you see how that worked? Next time you see one of those gift card deals, consider taking the plunge. Especially if you can match it with coupons! Then, just keep rolling, rolling, rolling! Now, that is really stretching your money!

If you have any questions, I am always happy to help. Just leave them in a comment below, or my new Facebook page !

*Note, these are all dead deals due to expired coupons, with the exception of the Dove Dry Shampoo. Go get you some!

 

More Cake Less Dough {How to Save Money on a Wedding Cake}

3 posts in a row! Am I on a roll or what?! Though I have to admit, if Tyler weren't out of town right now, I probably wouldn't be blogging tonight. We would have probably gone to dinner and gone to Target or something. Excitement! Haha! 

He has been gone since Wednesday visiting family in Ohio. He will return on Sunday. I really started missing him today! But it was nice to spend a nice night in, watching Say Yes to the Dress and Dateline while eating Chick-Fil-A, followed by a bubble bath and blogging!

So, let's get caught up! 

After a long search, we booked a cake baker in January. But it was NOT easy (nothing really has been LOL!).

This is was my criteria:

• A budget of $400, including tax. So, for 200 people, that would come out to about $2/slice.
• Cake that actually tasted good. I love a pretty cake, but if it's drier than an overcooked Thanksgiving turkey, its not even worth my time.
• NO fondant. I personally hate the way it tastes.
• Round layers with strawberry filling.
• A top layer to keep for our first wedding anniversary.

 So, my original plan was to order our cake from Publix. I had heard and read from a few pins that Publix made delicious and affordable wedding cakes. I actually thought I had the cake thing in the bag. I knew from experience that Publix does indeed make delicious cakes, and I thought that they must be affordable, since they are a grocery store chain. So, one day in December, I decided to call Publix just to make sure my assumption was correct. (And you know what they say about assuming).

Well, I was wrong. To the tune of around $700 wrong. That's when I knew I was in trouble. If I couldn't afford Publix of all places, who could I afford? So, I started emailing local cake bakers. I explained my budget, and what I was looking for. Just a simple, vanilla cake with strawberry filling, butter-cream frosting, round layers, with enough cake to feed 200 people and a top later to keep for our first wedding anniversary... all for around $400.

I knew this was going to be a challenge, as most places want upwards of $3.50 a slice. I won't go through the list of everywhere I contacted, but I can tell you that some of them were downright rude. Some of them never replied. And a select few were willing to work with me, offering some different options that would work, but I'm glad I didn't settle.

Finally, a girl Tyler worked with told him about a little place in Chapin called Bailey's Sweet Shoppe where she had gotten her wedding cake from. So, I looked them up on Facebook, flipped through their album and reviews (which were fantastic!), and sent Jamie at message on Facebook, thinking I'd just be getting another rejection letter.

To my surprise, she said that her wedding cakes generally ran around $2 a slice, and as long as there was no fondant involved, she would decorate it any way we wanted for the same flat price. Thinking it was too good to be true, I set up a cake tasting for the follwing weekend and drug Tyler out to Chapin with me.

One bite of that sour cream pound cake with strawberry filling and cream cheese icing and we were HOOKED.

And Jamie, our baker, was SO nice. And that was all it took. I had finally found my delicious $400 cake (plus $75 delivery fee) serving 200 people with a top layer to save.

So, here is what I learned: 

• As I have said before, SMALL TOWNS are where it's at. Affordable, reliable, friendly, experienced, AND you are supporting local businesses. Win, Win!
• If you don't have somewhere like Bailey's Sweet Shop in your area, consider ordering a small wedding cake and then several sheet cakes of the same flavor. Keep the sheet cakes (often called "kitchen cakes") in the kitchen and have cut up back there as well. No one will know the difference.
• Consider ordering a small wedding cake and surrounding it with other, cheaper yummy things like pies, cupcakes, cookies, etc.
• Consider ordering a smallish wedding cake and having a grooms cake as well. Grooms cakes are fun and much cheaper than wedding cake. 
• Fondant is typically (but not always) more expensive than butter cream. 
• Avoid trying to make your own cake at all costs. With everything else going on, you are not going to be able to handle it. 

Also, here is a small list of bakeries in our area that were final contenders for me. These bakeries have the most affordable wedding cakes in the midlands. Seriously, trust me. I scoured Columbia and beyond:

• Chocolate Wonderland located in Lexington, SC.  http://chocolatewonderlandsc.weebly.com/

•  Chocolate Nirvana located in Columbia SC (Their wedding cakes were out of my budget, but they also make delicious "Nirvana cakes" which are very beautiful. I considered getting one of those, and then ordering a variety of the other desserts they offer like miniature pecan pies, cheesecakes, and petit fours.) http://chocolatenirvanabakery.com/ 

•  Bailey's Sweet Shoppe located in Chapin, SC                                                                              https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baileys-Sweet-Shoppe/119089544842602

Our sweet wedding director also ordered a BLEEDING ARMADILLO grooms cake for us! We had been talking about how we wanted one just like the one in Steel Magnolias, so she actually order it from Bailey's Sweet Shoppe as well, per the recommendation of her husband's co-worker, without even knowing that they were making our wedding cake as well!
                            "I can't even begin to think how to make grey icing!"
I hope this will help someone! I'm sure there are even more money saving ideas out there when it comes to wedding cake. If you think of one I missed, leave it in a comment below! Have a great weekend!

Go Ahead And Ask Me {Why the Long Guest List?}

When I began my journey as a bride to be nearly 2 years ago (wow!), I scoured the internet, looking for every possible way to have a wedding on a shoe string budget. I would spend hours googling, "Weddings under $5,000," "Weddings under $10,000," "How save money on a wedding venue," "Cheap wedding decor," .... the list goes on and on.

However, they all had one thing in common. Suggestion number one: "Cut back on your guest list." And every time my heart would sink because that was the one thing that we absolutely did not want to do. 

I find it absolutely crazy and downright disturbing that the best advice someone can give on how to have an affordable wedding is to eliminate the most important part-- your guests. If you have 100 people in your life that you want to "share in the joy as you exchange marriage vows and begin your new life together" (that line is totally in my wedding invitation, yes I have memorized it, LOL ;), then by all means invite them! If you have 200 people, invite them! As long as they are people that you LOVE and when you picture that day, you picture them there as well.

Obviously, one should remain within reason. Inviting people you haven't seen in years, or inviting people because you feel like you have to, or inviting people just to receive their gift is not appropriate.

For Tyler and I, a large part of our guest list is comprised of our church family. We knew from the beginning that we were going to have to find a way to accommodate them. And with the Good Lord's help, we did!

I was recently asked how I could know that many people. How could I possibly want that many people present at such an intimate event? How in the world would each invited guest feel special when they are one of so many others on a guest list several pages long?

 In the words of our wedding program:

"Dear Cherished Friends and Family,

The big day is finally here! We know it's been a long time coming. Each of you were invited to be here today because you have molded us into the couple that we are today. It may have been something you said, it may have been a piece of advice given, it may have been something you did when you thought no one was watching...big or small you have all made an impact on our lives. We want to personally thank each of you for your love and support over the last 7 years. Thanks for watching us grow up together. We couldn't have done it without YOU!

Love,

Lauren and Tyler"

Make a little more sense to you now?

I just could not imagine a wedding without all of those people who have loved on us, prayed for us, and prayed with us over the years. If it weren't for them, where would we be?

So, if you're out there and you're stressing out like I was, take a deep breath. It can be done, and has been done before. It won't be easy. You'll have to shop around, and beg, and barter, and get more creative than you ever thought you could...but you can totally do it. 

Remember, priorities. People you love or a 7 tiered cake? People you love or a 5 course dinner? People you love or a reception covered in roses?

Love. Always choose love! 

Real Talk {Things No One Tells You About Wedding Planning}

Friends, I want to begin by apologizing. I started this blog seven months ago with the intention of writing at least weekly posts. 

Yeah, that didn't happen. 

I literally thought that everything would be such sunshine and rainbows that I would want to write about it all and actually have the time to do that.

Yeah, no.

Don't get me wrong, it has been fun! And I have learned that I have a wonderful support system of friends who are willing to do anything to make sure this wedding is amazing. But, wow! The stress. The list. It keeps growing. Sometimes I lay awake a night rearranging center pieces and recalculating my budget over and over again. Tyler and I have argued over everything from when to work on wedding projects to what color our end tables should be (thanks for painting them again love, since I couldn't make up my mind ;). It just seems like everything is a runaway train and I'm running after it screaming "Wait! Please! Please slow down!" to absolutely no avail. I think it is safe to say that I have never been so stressed out in my life.

Y'all know my love for lists, so I'll make it brief.

Things I've learned over the last 7 months:

• All those DIY projects that you SAID you were going to do months ago, have now turned into "Ohhh Hobby Lobby has that for $30? Perfect. I'll take it. Saving myself that heartache right now!"
• Nagging will become your second nature. "Love, don't forget to put down the deposit on those chairs for the ceremony," turns into "You need to put down that deposit today," which turns into "If you don't put down that deposit TODAY, I will ABSOLUTELY hang you up by your toenails TOMORROW."
• That budget you had will accumulate $100 here, $200 there. Until you just start considering selling a kidney on Ebay.
• You'll start getting the comments. Especially if you're young.  One sad soul even said, "You know, you're 22," (you don't say??) "and if you get married this year and live to be 82, that's 60 years with the SAME man." Thank you, captain obvious. That's why I'm marrying that man.
• If you're preparing to leave home for the first time (which we both are), you will wonder how anyone makes it. Dig through my purse and you'll find old receipts, business cards, church bulletins, you name it...all with my new name/monogram...and a wedding and living budget doodled on them.

Of course, I'm sure this isn't the same for everyone. But I'm sure other young couples can relate to a few. 

So, I'm going to try to pick up the pieces and make a few more posts before the big day arrives. And let me just make it clear, I am very much excited about it!! It is just stressful, and a little nerve-wracking, as one can imagine.

Things that have happened since my last post:

• I purchased a wedding dress. (YAY!)
• We found a cake baker.
• We found a DJ (That was an experience!)
• We have sent out Save the Dates. 
• Bridesmaid dresses have been ordered.
• Invitations have been ordered.
• A florist has been found.
• Favors have been purchased.
• Lanterns for our send-off have been purchased.

I am hoping to make some posts about these things ASAP. I have learned ALOT and definitely want to share with other local brides so that they won't have to go through the same frustrations as I did! 

Until then, I will leave you with a Bible verse that is pulling me through this crazy, but beautiful time!

Help me! + Cheap Target Finds

Long time, no see friends! Tyler and I have been super busy lately...thrifting can be quite addicting. Speaking of "thrifting," since when did it become a verb? It must not be in the books yet because my iPhone always wants to correct it to say "thriftiness," which, I must say is a pretty cool word if you ask me. For example, when you use it like this...

"Thanks to Lauren and her thriftiness, she and Tyler will have everything they need to start a life together."

;)

 Anyway, I would love to start blogging more regularly. I don't know if I can commit to daily posts just yet, but I am thinking of setting up a weekly schedule with themed posts for certain days of the week. For example:

• Wedding Wedneday
• Thrifty Thursday
• Target Tuesday
• Flip It (furniture) Friday

These are just some ideas that I've been bouncing around. I think it would make things better for y'all if you knew what to expect each week, and it would create more organized posts, etc. As always, each post will included bulleted lists in order to make it easier to read and understand, even if you're in a hurry.

So... tell me what y'all think!

• Should I have themed weekly posts?
• Should I continue with the bulleted lists?
• What kind of money saving/wedding/whatever kind of posts would you like to see? 

I want to make this blog as helpful and meaningful to y'all as possible. And I don't know if I'm mentioned this before, but I absolutely love writing. I know what I do here is pretty informal, but believe it or not, writing is one of my best skills. My teachers and professors used to rave over my essays, and now that I'm done with school (at least for now), I actually miss writing essays. I know, I know. I'm nuts. Tyler and I joke that every time he sends me one of his essays to edit, I just end up re-writing the whole thing. But, hey, he's making A's! 

I digress.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is, I want to really take this thing somewhere. I don't necessarily mean this blog. I just mean writing about things that are helpful and meaningful to other people. As many of you know, my degree is in early education. And while I love children and education, I hate the politics of teaching. Lately, I have been feeling a pull in a different direction. Not right now, but in the future. 

So, help me help you by telling me what you want to see more of here!

Okay, enough tugging of the heartstrings...let's talk about saving money!

 

 As you can see, I've been on a Target kick lately. I have been to 3 different Targets probably about 4 times this week...I *think*...could be more. Here's the breakdown of some of my favorite finds:

• These Sonia Kashuk makeup brushes were originally $21.99. I found them on clearance for $6.48. I really, really need new make up brushes (I may have been using the same ones for over a year.) Pretty sweet deal for 4 brushes and a clutch!
• This up & up brand ibuprofen was $1.02 regular price, I used a $2/2 up & up pain relief item Target Mobile coupon and scored 2 of these for just $0.02 each! Then, Tyler used his phone to get an additional 2! Always make your significant other come along, even if you have to drag them.
• Just in time for allergy season! I was able to get 4 of the Mucinex Allergy Tablets which are $7.49 each regular price. I used a $5/1 manufacturer coupon from the  2/23 SS (smart source) and a $2/1 Target printable coupon making them just $0.49 each. You can only print 2 Target coupons per computer, I used my computer and Tyler's. There is also a $2.50 mail in rebate in the 2/23 SS that you could send in for, making this deal a money maker, but I won't be doing that.
• This nifty wall art was originally $14.99. I found it on clearance for 4.48, and I found a cart wheel for wall art making it an additional 15% off...making it about $3.85. I think it will look nice in the apartment we don't have...yet!

 I also found these things:

 These water colors were on clearance for $0.90 each. Then Tyler and I both used a $1/1 up & up brand school supply item on each, making them both free! The twins I nanny for will enjoy these.

 This cute little piggy was originally priced at 19.99, but I found him on clearance for $5.98. Then, I used my cartwheel app and found a 15% off coupon for wall art (same one I used for the one up there ^^^^) making it about $5.08. I am actually going to be giving this to a friend who loves pigs.

And finally, some unpictured deals:

• We scored 2 free archer farms k-cups (3 packs)....regularly $1.49 each, we both used a Target mobile coupon for $1.50/1 archer farms coffee k-cups/ I do not have a Keurig, so I will be giving these away.
• This may be TMI for some, but hey, I am keeping it real... I was able to get 8 packs of Kotex pantyliners for just 0.19 each ($0.94 each before coupons). I used 4 $2/2 Target printable coupons (2 from my computer, 2 from Tyler's).
• As if we need more hand soap... I picked up 2 bottles of up and up hand soap for 0.17 each...regularly priced at $0.99 each, on sale now for 0.67 each and used a $0.50/1 Target printable coupon on each.
• There was (however I think it has now reached its limit) a printable coupon for $1/1 up & up school supplies (it was also a mobile coupon, which is weird) which we used to buy a large bag of pens for $0.22 (I believe) and some paper clips for around the same price.

So, there you have it! My totally Target kind of week breakdown...I think we did pretty well! However, I did miss Publix this week. They just really didn't have anything I wanted. Maybe next time!

Please don't forget to either leave a comment here or on Facebook to let me know what you would like to see happening around here, and if you got in on some couponing action this week, tell us how it went!


 

Couponing...How the Heck Does that Work?! Part 2

Hey y'all! It's time for a way overdue part 2 of my couponing tutorial. When I sat down to actually start the whole series, I thought it would be a piece of cake. Wrong! There is actually so much more to it that really needs to be explained. However, don't fear because once it clicks, it's like riding a bike. You almost can't forget about it even if you try. Sometimes, when I just want to run to the grocery store or Target 'real quick' to get a few things, I start doing calculations in my head. How much could I save if I waited for this to go on sale? Is there a Cartwheel offer for this? I could have sworn that I had a $3 off coupon for this at home! 

I HATE MYSELF FOR NOT BRINGING MY COUPONS.

Yes, friends. You will get to that place.

But I suppose it's not such a bad place to be.

So, now that I've freaked you out probably just a tad...Let's get started!

In this post I will cover:

• Moneymaker situations
• What to bring with you while shopping
• How to store your coupons
• My favorite stores and tips
• A break down of the haul above

And I will try to make it as quick and painless as possible.

Money Maker $$$$ Situations

1. Moneymaker situations occur when the value of your coupon(s) for a product exceed the price of the product in question. However, it is important to note that moneymakers DO NOT occur at every store.
2. Some stores may just adjust the value of your coupon(s) down to the price of the product in question, therefore you will get the product for free, however you will not make money off of it.
3. Some stores will hand you cash, or if you are purchasing other items in the same transaction, the overage will be applied to other items that you are purchasing in the same transaction.
4.  Some stores will only allow your overage to apply to other items that you are purchasing on same transaction. So, if you happen to be at a store that only allows this, you need to make sure that you purchase filler item(s) so that you aren't losing that precious overage! 
5. If you are unsure of a store's policy regarding overage, look up their coupon policy and print it out! If you are using one of the two couponing websites I listed in part one of this series (Krazy Coupon Lady or Southern Savers), you can also get that information there. Bringing me to my next topic....

 What to Bring with you While Shopping 

1. Always, always, always print out the coupon policy for the store that you are planning to use coupons. You will eventually encounter (hopefully not on your first haul) a cashier who is hell-bound and determined that you are not leaving the store with 25 free items, let alone getting $10 back in overage. Or the manager who has absolutely no idea what he is talking about. You need that policy to whip out the minute you need it.
2. Always, always, always plan your trip BEFORE hitting the store(s). Make your list, check it twice. Check five times. If you happen upon another deal while you are there, great. But make sure you are prepared for other deals before you get there.
3. Obviously, you are going to need the coupons that you plan to use. However, also bring a couple of the last few week's inserts as well, just in case you run into a good deal. And some scissors :)

 How to Store your Coupons

(This is how I choose to do it. There are many methods to the madness.)

1. I choose to NOT clip my coupons until I actually use them. This is why: if you look on the spine of your newspaper inserts you will notice in very tiny writing the date in which the insert was released.  So, I organize my inserts by date in a recycled large, rectangular cardboard box. So, when I need a coupon and I know what insert it is in, I just look for the correct date. This method is especially effective when you use a site like Krazy Coupon Lady or Southern savers because when they list a coupon from an insert it will be listed like this: "0.50/1 LaLa Bar SS 1/26." So, you can just look through your coupons that are organized by date, find the insert you need, and cut out only the coupon you need. 
2. I generally don't print "printable" coupons until I need them, unless the coupon is super awesome. This is probably a bad habit.
3. I keep my store flyers and other store coupons in an accordion file folder. I found mine in the dollar section at Target. 
4. When I go out to do a haul, I have a smaller, purse sized accordion file folder that I use to organize and store the coupons that I am going to use that day. I also bring my store coupon file folder, along with an additional file folder with a coupon of extra inserts and printable coupons just in case, and some scissors. 

My favorite Stores and Tips

My favorite stores are Publix and Target. Here's why: 

Publix...

• has great buy one get one sales each week. 
• has two great sale flyers located at the front of the store.
• has a great email newsletter (The Best Meals Happen at Home).
• Ecoupons.
• doubles manufacturer coupons valued at 0.50 cents or less. 
• will hand you cash in situations involving overage, or if you are purchasing other items on the same transaction, it will be applied to those items.
• generally very nice and patient employees.
• accepts some competitor coupons.

Target...

• has many store printable coupons on their website.
• has a mobile app filled with mobile coupons. (Target App)
• has a number you can text to receive additional mobile coupons.
•  has a great additional mobile app in which you can save even more on TONS of items. (Cartwheel App).
• allows you to triple stack 1 manufacturer coupon, 1 store coupon (either mobile, printable, or one found in an insert), and 1 cartwheel offer on each product!
• has awesome clearance sections.
• has good gift card deals (you've probably seen them before; "buy 3 and receive a $5 gift card instantly").
• allows you to use overage on other items in the same transaction.
• will refund you 0.05 cents per bag if you bring your own reusable bags instead of using theirs.

** Publix sales change over on Thursdays (at least in my area, I believe in some areas it changes over on Wednesdays). Target sales change over on Sundays. 

Breakdown of the Haul Pictured Above

Publix Items (I did 3 transactions, I was teaching someone): 

4 Wisk Laundry Detergent- $6.49 each on BOGO sale for $3.24 each

• coupons used: (2) $3/2 wisk laundry detergent MF Coupon
• final price: $1.75 each

2 Diana's Bananas- $4.49 each on BOGO sale for $2.24 each

• coupons used: (1) $1/1 Publix MF ecoupon
• final price: $1.75 each

12 Bird's Eye Frozen Veggies- $2.59 each on 50% sale for $1.30 each

• coupons used: (12)$1.50/1 Bird's Eye Frozen Veggies MF Coupon
• final price: $0.20 MONEYMAKER each

8 Uncle Ben's Country Inn Rice- $1.49 each on BOGO sale for $0.74 each

• coupons used: (2) $1/4 Uncle Ben's Country Inn Rice MF Coupon
• final price: $0.49 each

6 Quaker Chewy Bar Dipps- $2.79 each on BOGO sale for $1.40 each

• coupons used: (3) $0.75/2 Quaker Chewy Bars MF Coupon
• final price: $1.02 each

1 Neo Synephrine- $4.39 regular price

• coupons used: (1) $2/1 store coupon (1) $2/1 Publix MF ecoupon
• final price:  $0.39

I PAYED: 19.70 including tax (I lost one receipt, so this may be a few cents off)
TOTAL VENDOR COUPONS: $31.00

TOTAL STORE COUPONS: $2.00

SPECIAL PRICE SAVINGS: 47.26

TOTAL SAVINGS: $79.26 

Or 80% savings!

CVS Items (I had 2 other people with me, making 3 transactions):

3 Crest Toothpaste- $3.00each

• coupons used: (3) CVS Coupon Center Coupon of the week $2.25/1 crest toothpaste (3) $0.75/1 MF coupons
• final price: free 

 TOTAL: free!

Or 100% savings!

Walgreens Items (I had to do one transaction for every 2 sticks of deodorant, so 11 transactions total):

22 Speed Stick Deodorant- $3.50 each- on BOGO Sale

• coupons used: (11) BOGO Speed Stick Deodorant MF coupons
• final price: free

TOTAL: free!

Or 100% savings!

**I did have to pay tax on the free items from Walgreens. I no longer have the receipt, but it was about $5 in tax. 

GRAND TOTAL FROM ALL 3 STORES BEFORE COUPONS: $184.96

I PAID: ABOUT $24.00

OR 87% SAVINGS!

**Forgive me if my math is slightly off. It is late, I am tired.

So there you have it friends, it is possible! If I can do it, you can do it! As always, if you have any questions, you can ask them here or via Facebook. I will probably begin to do weekly coupon posts.

If you decide to give couponing a try, let me know how your first haul goes!

 

 

 
 

 

Couponing...How the Heck Does it Work? Part 1

 

When you post a picture of your couponing haul on Facebook/Instagram... it is always interesting to see the responses you will get...

How the heck did you do that?

Do you really need 19 bottles of shampoo?

Awesome!!

What do you do with all that stuff?

Show me!

The majority of comments and messages are from people want to know how it all works. And I totally don't blame you for asking...it is just so baffling that you really can cut your grocery bills by 80%...sometimes 100%...and sometimes there is that perfect storm when you may even get PAID to shop. True story, friends. Happened to me at Publix just last week. (LOVE PUBLIX!) 

And when you're saving for a wedding, or saving for a vacation, or if you just like SAVING $$$ (who doesn't) couponing is a great way to start! So, let's get started! You've got a lot to learn! 

{Yes, this is my moneymaker Publix haul! We'll talk more about it later}

Ok, I will try to make this as easy as possible. I do not claim to be an expert. There are many, many people out there who can coupon 1000 times better than me. I would not call this an "extreme couponing" tutorial. This is just enough to get you started...how you decide to grow is up to you! To begin, here are 2 of my favorite sites to start off with:

• www.southernsavers.com
• www.thekrazycouponlady.com

You will use these sites to build your knowledge as a couponer. They post many of the weekly ad match-ups with coupons. You can even click on the deals you like and make a printable list of the items you are getting.

When you begin to read a couponing site, there are so many abbreviations...so many terms. It's like couponing has it's own language. Here, I will give you a few essential abbreviations.

Coupon Vocabulary and Abbreviations

• SS= Smartsource- a coupon insert often found in your Sunday paper
• RP= Red Plum- a coupon insert often found in your Sunday paper
• PG= Proctor and Gamble- a coupon insert occasionally found in your Sunday paper
• Ibotta- an app you can download to your phone, scan your receipts after shopping, and get money back for certain items that you buy via paypal (I will NOT be talking about this because I personally do not like it or use it, however I wanted you to be aware of it)
• Tearpad- a literal "tearpad" often found near the product in question that can provide you with extra savings
• Peelie- a coupon that you literally peel off the product in question and save on it that day
• BOGO, B1G1- Buy on get one free, you may also see B2G1s, B3G1s, etc.
• MFR Coupon- Manufacturer coupon (comes from the actual maker of the product, NOT the store selling it)
• 1.00/1, 3.00/5, etc- 1 dollar off of one, 5 dollars off of 5, etc.

 ***It is also important to note that there are several other terms that are used when couponing at drug stores like Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS. I do not prefer to coupon at drugstores, so therefore I am omitting that information. I believe it would also be overwhelming to load all of that information into one post. If this is something you are interested in, let me know and I will work on it.***

How it Works

1. Each week, stores release a new weekly ad, listing their sales for the next 7 days. This includes special deals, BOGOs, etc. *There are some unadvertised deals, too*
2. Most stores will except ONE store coupon (For instance if you are shopping at Publix, it would need to be a PUBLIX coupon, usually found in one of their flyers at the front of the store) and ONE manufacturer coupon (some grocery stores, like Publix, double manufacturer coupons that are 50 centers or under). 

**Example- If I find that Blush and Bashful shampoo is on sale at Publix for $2, and I have a $1 off store coupon from their flyer and a 50 cents off one manufacturer coupon from the Smart Source newspaper insert (that doubles to $1 off), then I know that I can get Blush and Bashful shampoo for absolutely free! **  

** Example- If I find out that Blush and Bashful conditioner is on sale at Target for $2 and I have a $1 off store coupon that I printed from their website and a 50 cents off one manufacturer coupon the Smart Source newspaper insert, then I know I can get Blush and Bashful conditioner at Target for 50 centers because Target does NOT double any coupons **

 3. You want to pair your coupons with the weekly ad for the best possible deals. However, sites like the 2 I listed do that work for you! They already have all the math done, the newspaper coupons listed, and links to printable coupons listed as well. Yes, it is true that they do miss some great weekly deals, but you NEED to let them do the work for you when you first start out, and then as you become more comfortable, you can start ad matching for yourself. 

Where to Find Coupons

1. Your Sunday newspaper is where you will find many manufacturer and occasionally, store coupons. You can ask your friends to save you their coupons, you can search you neighbor's recycling bins, you can just buy one or 2 yourself a week, or you can try to find someone in your area who will sell them to you in bulk for a small fee. It is hard to find someone to buy them from in bulk, but very worth it when you do! However, it is best to start off small with 2-3 papers a week. The websites listed about will tell you which insert to find the coupon in question. If you are just starting out, you obviously won't have the coupons from 3 weeks ago, but don't fret! As time passes, you will have the inserts you need. And you can still save with store flyer and printable coupons.
2. Coupon websites. Many store and manufacturer coupons come in the printable form. The websites I listed about will provide you with links to the coupons you will need for each item, making you familiar with the sites should you ever decide to venture out on your own. You really need a printer to get in on some of the best deals. While it is an investment, you will make the money back in savings in probably less than 5 shopping trips.
3. At the front of the store. For example, Publix store flyers are located by the doors.
4. Within a mobile app. For example, you can download the Target app to receive Target store coupons directly to your phone. You can also download Cartwheel by Target and recieve certain percentages off of TONS of items. Just scan the item in question with your phone and it will tell you if you can save on it! The best part is you can use Cartwheel on top of store and manufacturer coupons!
5. On, or next to the product. For example, peelies and tearpads (see above definitions).

**Once again, I will remind you that the websites I listed about WILL tell you exactly where to find the coupon for the item in question**

Buy One Get One Free Sales

It is important to note that at most stores, when there is a BOGO sale, you are technically not getting an item for free. You are actually paying half price for both items. If you buy just one of an item included in a BOGO sale, it will ring up at half price. These are my favorite kinds of sales because they often provide for great savings! Publix has awesome BOGO sales. You see, when an item in on BOGO sale, you can still use 1 manufacturer and 1 store coupon on each item...and they are already half priced!

**Example- LaLa Chips are regularly priced at $4 a bag. This week they are on BOGO sale...making them $2 each. There is a $1 off coupon in their weekly flyer and a $1 coupon on coupons.com...making them absolutely free!**

Is it starting to come together for you now? I promise, once you get the hang of it, it can be really fun, and sometimes even addicting! 

Don't miss this next part in this series, where I will talk about how to organize your coupons, why you need a stockpile, and I will give a breakdown of a haul. We will also talk more in depth about MONEYMAKER scenarios and must-haves to bring with you while shopping.

If you have ANY questions at all, you can ask me in a comment below, or via Facebook!  

 

 

Choosing a Wedding Venue: 6 Tips you Probably Haven't Heard

Hey y'all!,

I'm so excited to begin this journey with all of you! I will warn you, this one is lengthy, but it is worth the read! 

In order to really start, we need to go back. Way, way back to last March, when we reserved our wedding venue. 

Yes, we reserved our wedding venue over 18 months in advance. Most wedding checklists would tell you that you need to do this 12 months in advance, but I am here to tell you, you need to get it nailed down ASAP. Especially when you know it's a good deal. Don't assume you are the only one who knows about it, because trust me, you aren't.

I won't bore you with a list of things you need consider before choosing a venue. Most of them are common sense, or things you can find on theknot.com.

Before starting our search, this is what we knew:

• We knew from the beginning that we were going to need a large space because we wanted to be able to accommodate our church family. We made a list, it was close to 250. I immediately had a stroke. But, we vowed to find a way!
•   We really weren't passionate about it being indoors or outdoors, but I preferred to have an outdoor ceremony.
• We decided that we would have a rustic/southern/simple/shabby chic style. (think, burlap, mason jars, and lace, but with a twist!)
• We wanted to spend NO MORE than $1,000 on our venue.
• We were open to an all inclusive package, but soon found out it wasn't for us.
• We knew we wanted dancing, so unfortunately our church fellowship hall was out.
• Our only real non-negotiables  were cutting our guest list, and our wedding month.

So after talking it over, I started calling places a month after our engagement. I began calling a lot of "big name" places in the area like The Springdale House, The Mitchell House, Wintergreen Woods, 701 Whaley, The Mill at Adam's Pond. If it was in the phone book, I called it. Yes, I still use a phone book. ;) (Forgive me if you are not from Columbia, or SC for that matter and you have no idea what I'm talking about!)

And when I was done, I wanted to cry. Some of these places wanted between $1000-$1200 to rent the place, but then you had to choose THEIR caterer and THEIR caterer charged at minimum of $22 a person. And that was just for cheese and crackers. And several of them were "all inclusive," driving the price up even MORE. I was distraught. Then, I thought, there has to be a better way. 

So, I thought, I'll find a local plantation. Maybe a farm. That can't be too expensive. Right? Wrong. Wrong, Wrong, Wrong.

One farm quoted me $5,000 just for use of the space. This did not include tables, chairs, linens, or anything. Which, I mean, I guess it made sense because they had to stop production at the farm to hold an event. But, good grief. Other places I called had limited space, and also no tables, no chairs, etc. All I could see was $$$$$$ going out the window. Actually, all I could see was Tyler and I at the courthouse because I truly thought it was all we could afford because there was just no way that we were going to cut down our guest list.

Then, I started talking to people. People in class that were getting married, people at work, people at church, my friends, my friends' friends. I started stalking local photographer's blogs to see other places people were having weddings instead of limiting myself to common local wedding/reception sites (I highly recommend doing this, as it not only helps in finding more unique venues, it also shows you how the venue looks when it is "dressed for a wedding" and can oftentimes provide for more ideas!).

I began to find out about places like the Palmetto Collegiate Institute, the Town of Lexington conference room, and T & S Farms. Places that were finally reasonable! For us it came down to the Palmetto Collegiate Institute (a beautiful historical house that was once used as a college turned wedding venue) and T & S Farms (a farm owned by Shealy's BBQ in Batesburg, SC with a beautiful outside area for a ceremony and barn for reception). 

We ended up choosing T & S Farms because it fit our theme perfectly! This is what we got for under $1000:

• Use of outside grounds for ceremony.
• A barn that holds up to 350 for a reception. 
• Tables, chairs, and linens for ALL of our guests. And even some tables and chairs to go outside for an indoor/outdoor feel.
• Plates, cups, napkins, and utensils for ALL guests.
• Use of a bridal cabin.
• Use of a projector.
• Use of other misc. items including an easel, tin tubs filled with ice, wreath hooks, etc. 

 We do have to use Shealy's BBQ as our caterer...but we wanted to use them anyway! And the cost is less than $10 per person. Score!!

We were a bit nervous choosing a venue in a small town about 30-45 minutes from our own, but we decided that those who truly care about us won't mind the drive!

So...What did I learn through all of this?

1. Ask around! Shop around! Don't assume that the only venues that exist are the ones you've heard about.
2. ALWAYS CHECK IN SMALL TOWNS. You will hear me say this a lot. I truly believe that small town venues/vendors are cheaper, of better quality, and the people are all around better to work with, and in most cases, they are even more experienced. Even if your guests have to drive a few extra minutes, it will be worth it. And if they love ya, they won't mind!
3.   Stalk! Stalk, stalk, stalk the blogs of photographers in your area. It will give you great ideas for unique venues, and hey, you might even find your photographer!
4. "All inclusive" does not always (and really hardly ever) means "value deal." In my opinion, you would pay less finding your own vendors. HOWEVER, if your guest list is small, and you don't want the hassle of searching, this may be for you!
5. Farm does not always equal cheaper. Don't just assume, call and find out!
6. If you find a place you like, book it! I just found out that my wedding venue is booked straight through every weekend in 2014 and already part of 2015!

I hope this helped! If you have any questions at all, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to eventually call all of these places again and get their prices, as well as what their prices include, and make a list of that here. I'm sure it would save someone A LOT of headache.

Until next time, friends! Happy planning!