A Simple Kind of Life

It's All About Punctuation, People.

2012-01-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

You know those "bad mommy' days...the ones we ALL have, except some refuse to admit it. Yeah those.

The following scenario ~~Is Mostly True~~ may or may not be 100% true.

Okay, Okay...full disclosure. 1-10 are highly accurate...But please humor me continue reading through my fantasy. Why? Because it's funny that's why.....sheesh.

Here we go:

A frazzled mom is driving around town doing her daily list of things to do.

1. Drop kid off at school (in clean but what looks like a dirty uniform; see #3 for explanation)

2. Rush back home, because the lunch you reminded him to take, got left on the counter.

Bring to school...run into class....instead of hearing "thank you mom", you get weird look from your kid.

3. Run over to Target to buy new uniform shirts & pants because ~~kid~~ someone... I mean it could have been anyone, left a piece of caramel in ~~his~~ their pocket that ended up melting all over everything you had in the dryer....which just happened to be.....you guessed it...school uniforms.

4. Follow that with a trip to the model toy shop. Purchase and replace a model ship that you just bought last week for $40 because kid left a bunch of tiny plastic pieces on the side of the kitchen table and MOM steps on it and well......of course it's moms fault. He has worked so hard so far, you can't let him not finish.

5. Return a voicemail from a teacher at school. The gist is....kid not doing so great in math.

6. Feel guilty...it's your fault he isn't doing better in math. If you liked it...maybe he would. (*sigh)

7. Go to bookstore. Buy every workbook you can find for his math level. You will prevail. He will get his grade up...you just know it.

8. Look at clock. Feel proud...so much accomplished and it's only noon.

9. Quickly realize what day it is. It's Thursday. THURSDAY??????? As in half day school day Thursday? YUP.

10. Realize as you are racing back to school to pick kid up, why you got the weird look (in #2) from your kid for dropping of his lunch that he didnt need. Laugh at yourself.

So the kid gets into car. Annoyed that I am late because standing in front of the school for 5 minutes after your friends have left "is not cool mom". Kid asks if we can get fast food for lunch. I say no....not thinking much of it. Get asked "WHYYYYYYYYYY"? in only a tone that teenagers can master. Point to the lunch he has in his hand. Listen to all the reasons that this lunch is disgusting (any other day it has all his favorite things...but today...he is sick of it). He's rambling at this point....grasping at straws. Saying anything he can into guilting you into a fast food lunch. You're not really listening until you hear him say " You never do anything FOR ME".That part...you heard! And as the list from above scrolls through your head and you realize every.single.thing.on.it.was. FOR HIM!

Here is where my bad mommy fantasy starts.

Just at that moment.......I drove by this store:

I walk inside, pulling my lil brat behind me. "That's it" I say. "I've had it, I'm trading you in". First thought to self..."WOW"!!!! They even have clothes here to dress your new one in. How convenient.
I start walking towards the sales lady at the counter....already explaining " Hi, I don't have a receipt or anything but I'd like to do an exchange". Internally I'm noticing that there really aren't that many other kids here to exchange with. Well there is that 2 year old little boy but no...that would be like starting all over again, and the terrible 3's is where you had it the worst. There is that 12 year old girl over there....but omg look at her...full on makeup and wait...did she just roll her eyes at me? Okay definately NOT her. I ask the sales lady, "do you have anything in back"? She replies...very cheerfully "No, everything we have is proudly displayed on our racks".
Racks???you think. "What Racks"? you ask. She gives you a quizzical kind of look.
You start a semi intelligent explanation of the day you've had and well you think you're a pretty good mom but (point to son) "he doesn't seem to appreciate it anymore. I was thinking there might be another one here that would appreciate all the things I do for him. Same ageish if you have it"
BLANK STARE.I give back my best HELLLLLLOOOOOOO????? look.

She lobs back an even better HELLLLLLOOOOOOO????? look. "Ma'am", she starts politely, "we are a childrens CLOTHING exchange store. We don't take actual children and trade them between parents". "But your sign" I say...slightly confused. "We get that a lot" she say. "Have a nice day". (as in this conversation is now over). "Is this a receipt thing"? you ask, "because I might be able to scrounge something up that could work". She's not smiling. "HAVE A NICE DAY" (as in you REALLY need to leave the store NOW).

I skulk out of the store. Get in car. Look embarrasingly at my son. "Are you mad at me" I ask? "NO", he says. "I'm relieved actually". I let out a sigh of relief... okay, I think, "he's not mad...I'll deal with my guilt later". We pull into the Jack in the Box. He didn't know I was coming here, but it's the least I can do. We sit down and start eating. I can't help but ask "I was about to trade you in, why aren't you mad at me"? He looks puzzled. "Trade me in??? That's all? I thought you were turning me into a girl. The sign said KID SEX CHANGE". "No" I say, the sign said KIDS EXCHANGE. We laugh hysterically... as is how most of our days go, not like this one.

It's all about the puncuation people.

Because I'm a Mom....and I love you... that's why.

2011-11-14T18:37:00.000-08:00

What do you do when yout teenage son want's to cook a pie? Short answer: You let him.

Oh sure, you can start out by trying to give him some advice. Explain what to do, what steps to follow. You can explain the dial on our stove is off center, so when it says 350 it's really only heated to about 275. Or, say something really useful, like "cook it on a baking sheet so it doesn't drip on the oven and start burning so the house smells". Then you see his eyes glaze over and you realize you are taking the "fun" out of it for him. So you stop talking and let him do his thing.

What do you do when the pie turns out looking like this?

Here are my 5 rules:

1. You eat a piece with him, and tell him how great it is.

(You see his face flicker for second...a cross between "thanks mom" and "I know she is lying to me")

2. The next morning you ask him if he would like you to pack him a piece for lunch at school and laugh when he says "I don't think my friends would understand why I was sucking pie through a straw" and you assure him again..."It wasn't that bad".

3. You throw a good size piece of it in the garbage disposal while he is at school. And when he comes home and asks who at it. You say "I did...I'm telling you, you almost nailed it...it really wasn't that bad".

4. It's dinner time, you ask if he would like some pie for dessert. (kinda sarcastic because he is my kid and well....he gets me) and when he says "No, I think we need to throw it away" you say "Okay if that's what you want" You are now relieved , BUT, for good measure you take a finger and taste it front of him one more time. When he says "Ewwww why did you do that"??

You say..."Because...I'm your Mom, I love that you tried....that's why".

oh and 5.???? Before you dump it, you take a picture of the pumpkin pie soup so you can blog about it.

VOGUE...VOGUE...VOGUE!

2011-09-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got an email from Vogue Magazine. They wanted to let me know that the latest fashions from Milan were now AVAILABLE.( Like I could afford ANYTHING that VOGUE ever mentions) I cringed and smirked at the same time.

IF Anna Wintour only knew, I thought. If she knew I was basically an insecure beach girl rocking flip flops on my feet no matter the weather or what I wore above it, she would surely cancel my prepaid, coupon discounted, subscription herself.

But Anna doesn't know me....and today "SHE" sent me another email. About Prada and Max Mara and the designers insecurities about exploring a womans sweetness and obvious insecurities. ( I guess the yellow and turquoise dress is an example of sweetness& insecurity)

OK Anna. OK Prada. OK Max or is it Mara? Explore me, the basic So Cal beach mom who prefers comfort over design. Ohhh and after you get done...can you let me know how it works out for me?

Home School Transition

2011-09-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

For the last 3 years, I have been home schooling my son. (I know) But honestly, there are more benefits to it than you might think. The downside.... you are with your kid 24 hours a day, oops did I say that out loud? I meant.... you aren't sure if you are doing the "right" thing by typical society standards. This year, my son who is 16, and I decided that this year he would reintegrate back into the "NORM". By norm I mean he needs to socialize on a more regular basis with kids his age AND I need a few school dance pics to post on Facebook or Google...or ....whatever the new thing ends up being.
Today, I sent my son off to a new school. One that was too far to walk to, so knowing he needed to "grow up" I made him take the bus. The city bus.

All. By. Himself.

My son has never taken a bus by himself before. I was terrified.

I realized 20 minutes before my son had to leave this morning, that he in fact had no ID on him. Though 16, he has no drivers license. With the conversion from home school to brick and mortar high school, we have had, well ummmmm, lets just call it a few snags.
OVERPROTECTIVE mom that I am................. I FREAKED.

What if my son was crossing a street and got hit by a car? Or worse a truck? How would the police and paramedics know who to call? How would they know "MY" son was extra special like as in Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Toooooooooooo meeeeeeee!!!!!
?????
They wouldn't!!!

So I wrote this note and forced him to carry it on his person. You know....Just...In...ca ca ca Case. Name ✓ . Phone number ✓ Mommys name ✓ .

I probably did not need to do the hand drawing of him( as in this actual real pic I took of the forbidden note). In his plaid shirt. With spiky hair. And a smile.

But seriously...can you blame me?

Alright...Okay...OK...you got me. I need to blog this stuff.

2011-09-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am a "Facebooker" and by that I mean, I pretty much detail my life in the 500 characters it allows for me to explain the random events occurring on a day to day basics of my life. Every once in a while I say something funny. So my friends, my pals, my buds all say...you should have a blog. Well, I have a blog. It is Meals Steals & Family Deals @ OC Family . But it's not humorous, except for my grammer, lack of proper sentence construction and punctuation. It is a very useful ( if I do say so myself...and um yes...I do, coupon and savings blog. Other than that, I have this old thing A Simple Kind Of Life...which I set out on 3 years ago but have not done much with. Consider this post my newest maiden voyage. Welcome Aboard!

Coupons May 5, 2011

2011-05-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Reason to Facebook

2009-12-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

Reasons why I STILL love Facebook....

10. Just when you think everyone you know is already on your friends list, a new person joins.

9. Seeing pictures of everyone elses brats....um I mean children.

8. Farmville

7. Realizing that your sarcasm is not a personality defect, or a defense mechanism, but rather an additive to the drinking water provided to you in school in the 70's & 80's, because everyone else has it just as bad as you.

6. Seeing that the pretty girl you went to school with, the one that you were sure was going to find meet and marry Scott Baio, ended up with a regular fella just like you.

5. Farmville

4. Being able to use LOL,ROFLMAO, WTF and OMG. I mean really where is in the real world is this okay?

3. Seeing that your ex boyfriend is still single and no kids. ( This is because you ruined him for all others and he is merely waiting for your call to rekindle what you started 20 years ago)

2. The more time spent on Facebook, the less time you have to interact with stinky people in the real world. I mean really, you have time for 300 pumps of Axe Spray and no time for a shower?

1. Farmville ( yes I am addicted, thank you very much)

Ad Overload

2009-12-14T19:22:00.001-08:00

Dear Barbie, I really don't think Ken would appreciate you telling everyone on Facebook how small Kens package is, especially if you are trying to get him a date. Also, I don't really like you trying to pawn off your ex on the rest of us. He is like 50 now and I am pretty sure he gave you the best years of his life. xo Jen

I know Facebook is free and if anyone gets their moneys worth out of it...well yes that would be me. But sometimes late at night after I have spent 1 to many hours on it, the ads just bug me.

So here is my back talk, my lip, my sass right back at you Facebook and all your silly ads.

Music to my Ears

2009-08-20T16:39:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a song, that during my break up and divorce from my ex-husband had great impact with me. If it was possible to wear a CD out, I would have. At the time hearing the song, listening to the words healed and comforted me. Then some where around repeat # 2465 I was over it. Repeat that... OVER.....IT!!!!! My head was ready to move on my heart followed soon after. In fact after that, I couldn't listen to the song again without getting a little sick to my stomach. Not over the divorce, but over the pity party I seemed to have thrown myself by allowing the song to play so many times. I made a vow to myself every time I heard it, to turn the station if on the radio and of course, to never play the CD again. However, I could never actually throw the CD out. Even though I had gone digital long ago, I chose to retain afew CD's, knowing I would never pay for the songs again but unwilling to part with the music itself. Everytime I whittled down my CD collection, I hung onto that one. Like old love letters or pictures, it had a special place in my heart.

Now as most parents do, we try now and again to get our kids to listen to some decent old school music that we grew up with. I especially love this when my 14 year old comes to me to tell me about a "NEW SONG" I just have to hear, that in fact is a remake or sampled and turned into a rap song. As he gets older it's been very fun just to be right about music every once in a while. Well in his search for some "new" old music, he went through my CD's. A few hours later he came rushing in my room. "MOM, You have to hear this awesome song". As he said it, I looked at the CD case and my stomach just sorta sank. He proceeded to put it into the drive on my computer and with the click of the mouse a few seconds later, the song was playing. The song shall remain nameless, but hear it was again blaring through my computer speakers. Honestly, I had some mixed emotions. Do I sit and listen to the song ? Do I explain it's personal meaning to me...to my son as it pertained to my divorce from his father? Do I sing along and show him how cool I am that I literally know every word and vocal inflection?

Thirty seconds in, I had my answer. My son was singing along, having already memorized most of the words. He was into it, enjoying the song, into the music. I was doing that thing parents do, pretending not to look at him but using my SuperMOM sideways and eyes in the back of my head vision, I watched him sing and sort of well....emote. In that instant, the song stopped being mine. It stopped being "THAT" song. It was his now. His to enjoy, his to feel, his to fold into his memory and make new impressions with or maybe someday his to heal with. And finally for the first time in a long time, the song itself had again become music to my ears.

Sometimes, Even a fly needs a little respect.

2009-08-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

My back hurts and my neck is crimped & cramped. Why?? I decided to chase a fly around my house. He has been here for almost 24 hours. I was certain that with the right amount of speed and trickery I could swat it and kill it. Oh not this fly. This fly had a little something to proove. He was what I call a "street fly". My other fly category is "big fat horse fly". The latter are the bigger slower type that strike me as a little dumb, just off the farm in a country bumpkin sorta way. The kind of fly when I humanize, I feel far superior to (which I realize is slightly pathetic because after all, it's just a fly). The street fly...well he is another story. I picture him being so super fast, because he lives aptly enough...... on the streets. As you know, its a tough world. You can't survive the mean streets if your not quick on your feet. Other flies will take advantage of you. Also, since this fly is a street fly, I picture that he does drugs. In fact, I think he does speed. This is why I can't catch him. Nary a fly swatter nor an old People magazine could manage to do the trick. So I temporarily gave up, figured I would let him fly around and get tired. Well he must have done a hit right before coming over because he was not only not slowing down, he was acting erratic and quite frankly challenging me to a fight. Sitting at the computer, he did not one, not two, but three drive bys. It was sorta like in the movie Top Gun when Maverick decided to buzz the tower without permission. I too spilled my drink when speed fly buzzed my ear on attempt 3. Unlike Maverick, this fly is neither cute nor charming and in no way was I going to tolerate it any longer. I rearmed myself with the swatter and the chase continued. Sadly, I admit, I still could not catch him. In a moment of calm and what I know consider my moment as the Fly Whisperer, I said out loud, "Fly I'm going to open this door, and you are going to leave." Two seconds later....he did. Poof, right out the front door. So why write about this fly? This silly event? Well, it occured to me that sometimes all Gods creatures, big and small, gross & nasty or not.... just need to be given a little respect. As soon as I gave the fly the chance to do what flies naturally do....he flew.

If we all gave each other credit for the things we are capable of instead of assuming the worst, we might get somewhere. If we all took a second longer with each other to do the nicer thing instead of the easier thing, if we valued morals over money, or maybe even just decided to let each other just be ourselves without always thinking our way is a better or more correct way of living, we might learn something along the way. Perhaps the greatest thing we have to over come is our ability to doubt ourselves and criticize internally about what we have done in the past and why we are not further into our own future. When we remove our own restrcitions is when we can ourselves can........FLY. So today I'm going to appreciate me for who I am and enjoy my haves instead of have nots. Buzz Buzz Flitter Flitter Flap.

Reflections on Homeschooling

2009-07-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

It's summer so currently I am reflecting on the pros on cons of homeschool. Today I'm leaning with the cons. (click on cartoon to view full size)

When parenting turns on you.

2009-07-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

So we all tell our kids they shouldn't lie. I think most of us parents are guilty of a fib or two. Well now that I have a teenager, he has decided to teach me a lesson about all my lessons. Practice what you preach moms, practice what you preach. Your excellent parenting will come back to haunt you.
I think this cartoon pretty much sums it up.

The Devil might just be in the man in charge at Hostess

2009-07-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Got an e-mail from ~~The Devil Himself~~ Hostess today. I signed up to get the free monthly coupons on the usual goods, Twinkies, Ho Ho's and the like. Only ~~everytime I go grocery shopping~~ once and a while, as a treat, I will get a box for ~~myself~~ my son. Usually, I'm not a huge fan of the Twinkie. I watched some random Discovery channel show about how since they are not actually any sort of real food, they can last 7 or 8 years in your pantry. Actually, I considered at that point including them in my earthquake survival supplies. Then I realized that I don't actually have an earthquake survival kit ( it's on my list of things to do). But HoHo's??????...Well, those are quite another story. I find the trans fat in the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, frothed up to look like real whip cream, in the middle of cake and more partially hrdrogenated vegetable oil with chocolate flavoring acting as the frosting quite simply....irresistable. However, I have been able to control myself for quite some time now and just skip even printing a coupon, which in my world equates to not buying them because I will only by things like that if I have a coupon. Well, my giant ass might be encountering a growth spurt soon. Hostess has come out with " A sweet new spin on summer snacking" Strawberry & Crème Twinkies and HoHos. DAMN........nom nom nom ...........YOU .... gulp .... nom nom.......... DEVIL.

For you other savvy savers who enjoy strawberry flavored partially hydrogenated vegetable oil....heres a link to save .75 cents.

http://www.hostesscakes.com/100/coupons/

Fun FREE Summertime Stuff

2009-07-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Summertime can be expensive. It seems like since we can't say "Oh... you're bored? Well, I'm sure you have some homework to do". It is now up to us to keep our kids entertained all summer long. A couple of summers ago, I learned about a fun and better yet, FREE mid week movie night on the beach. Its called Alfredo's Beach Club and is part of the Long Beach Sea Festival summer programs. http://http//www.alfredosbeachclub.com/seafest-movie.html The movies aren't new but they are family oriented and watching them while on the beach with the faint roar of the ocean in the background....well that's just plain awesome. Tonights Movie is Brewsters Millions.Free parking & free popcorn . Also, a BBQ dinner plate is available for purchase for very little money. Follow the link, hope to see you there.

Happy 4th of July...and a playlist to go with it!!!!

2009-07-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

Play list removed due to being exrtemely annoying after the 4th of July.

Because Being A Mom Isn't Enough...I'm a bank Robber

2009-07-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ever since Chase took over Wamu I have felt totally inferior. I use WAMU to cash my child support checks. I go in person rather than my own bank two times every month for various reasons. Mostly because in the last 7-8 years, funds from my ex haven't always been available ( bounce bounce bounce) and rather than mess up my personal banking account, I would rather cash them out right. Truth be told I really don't have to explain this to anyone, least of all the bank. My first visit to WAMU after the Chase take over they asked for me two forms of ID ( Drivers license and Credit card) and my Social Security number. I admit, I flinched a little being that I have been told you really should never give out your SSN for any reason except when actually applying for credit or social security. I am, however, a realist and knew that debating this with the teller was just going to delay me. My second visit after the take over, now that they had my SSN, they asked for my maiden name. I told the teller I felt this was a little odd being that I was merely cashing a check, not actually applying for any account. She replied "Yeah, just new policy now that we are with Chase." Okay...I get it, I'm not trying to make anyones job more difficult. Over the following months I have been asked my drivers licence #, my birthday ( even though my ID was in front of them) my mothers maiden name and other various personal questions. It seems like no matter how much or how personal the information is, it's just not quite good enough. I have grown ever more aggitated with every passing encounter. I mean what's next my medical records? Does Chase want my last gynocologist name and appointment date in order to cash my check? So today the teller asked me the same question as a different teller asked me last time. "What is your occupation"? I took a breath and said " The teller asked me this last time". " I don't work, I'm just a mom". And because being a mom isn't enough the snotty obviously childless teller told me this " You know that until you give us your REAL occupation, we are going to ask you the same question everytime." OK thats it...I had enough at that point. Fully knowing I was going to stir up some shit and actually looking forward to it at that point I asked for a manager. So the teller in her 20 something mode of "OMG this lady is such a bitch" mode including the obligatory 20 something eye roll, went to find her manager. I stood at her counter for first 3, look at cell phone now 5 and then finally a little over 7 minutes before she came back. All the while in my pissed off state of mind these were the occupations I decided I was going to tell the manager I held in order to just cash the stupid check. At first, I was going to get creative with the truth , then of course being me .....only sarasm appeared.

#1 I'm a homeschooling mom....(does that count since it takes up all my living and breathing hours?)

#2 I'm a Couponista ( those that know me might not even dispute this)

#3 I'm a secret shopper that gives bank employees secret reviews. (that came to fast and easy must think of others)

#4. "I'm a princess." ( didn't my diamond tiara give me away?)

#5. " I'm a robot. " ( said in of course my best computer voice) followed by 'domo orogato" once I had my hands on the money.

#6 "I'm a bomb sniffing dog." followed by "Do you have any scooby snacks?"

#7 by now I was more than irritated # 3 "I'm a prostitute and your husband was excellent last night".

# 8 "I'm a bathing suit model" ( this is truly funny in person as once you see me in person I'd like to see her or anyone else process this information)

#9. Quoting my favorite line from Goldie Hawn in the movie Overboard...."I'm a short, fat slut"

And finally

#10 with visions of Thelma and Louise running through my brain as I neared the 7 to 8 minute mark I decided I would fully say :

"I'm a bank robber" ( I actually pictured myself in the mask, black outfit, and waving a gun around all willy nilly like I know I would if actually holding a gun and robbing a bank ) . I was kinda looking forward to the looks on their faces when my fantasy was interrupted.

Well well well....... wouldn't you know that when she came back after speaking with her manager( other 20 something agreeing what a bitch some people are), she just found out that the policy had just just changed YESTERDAY (imagine that). They dont really need to know all those personal facts after all.

Oh and they are "Sorry" and "Would I like to open an account with them directly"?. Hmmmm Megan? Mehgan? Meagan? Is that your name? What do you think ?

4th of July

2009-07-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so being the homeschooling mom that I am, I spent the better part of this last school year learning oops I mean teaching, yes teaching my son about American History. We learned about how we stole errr.... um .....I mean liberated the land from the Indians, how we colonized and created new towns, and how we created our new government. Part of the lessons were about the obligatory and yes useful knowledge of our Declaration of Independence. A beautiful document written by men who of the time could have had no perception of what the future would be. I don't imagine they had any idea of the social liberties that we would all become accustomed to. All they were worried about at the time was finding a way to tell England that enough was enough and the new land created a new opportunity for the people to govern themselves in a way they saw fit. Taxes being the main issue....hmmmm perhaps it't time for another oh nevermind. Anyway,

So as we all know being signed on July 4th , 1776 we became a nation unto our own. Ever since we have celebrated with family and friends the birth of our nation. I have explained many times the signifigance of this to my 14 year old son. How it is important we honor our forefathers and the country on the 4th of July by just plain and simple being thankful and grateful we live in the land of the free. Usually, I felt he got it. Then today we went to our local Rite Aid for a few things. The store was packed. Not with people but with about 25 pallets of beer. Then and there on the spot...my 14 year old son said " Mom, I know you think the 4th is about being patriotic and everything but I have to tell you, the real reason is this........(hand rolls out like a Price is Right model) BEER!!!!!!

**** stopped me in my tracks, got out cell phone, take picture, decide to blog about this LOL***********

I guess even Benjamin Franklin might have gotten a laugh at that, so yes son among other things the 4th of July is also about Beer.

Dear Jelly Beans

2009-04-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Jellybeans, Hanging out with you these last 5 days doesn’t mean were BFF’s. Really I'm kinda sick of you. You’re a real problem around here. You think your so sweet don't you?

Not saying we’ll never hang out again, In fact, next year looks good. As for the few of you remaining (I’m talking to you purple &black) you all don’t have to return next time if that can be arranged. It's been sweet but you really have to go. Sincerely -Jens Big Fat Ass

Everyone- the Jellybeans sitting in my trash can have just issued the following statement and requested I post it live on Facebook:It was only our intention to bring a little joy to the people over the Easter holiday. As you all may know, we as a candy don... Read More’t really get out much except at this time of year. Suffocating in plastic eggs next to a few dimes & nickles for a couple days isn’t our idea of fun but we appreciate having a job during these rough economic times. Purple, black and green would like everyone to know that they are perfectly good flavors and Jen might be slightly prejudiced in her selections. And finally…we would like everyone to know Jens ass was big and fat waaaayyyyy before we got here. Thank you for your continued support- Jellybean

Dear Jens Big Fat Ass-

So this is how you want to play it? Really? Why you gotta do me like that? Are you so big now, you have taken on a life of your own? You can just blog and post and go along like it doesn't have anything to do with me. You'll be sorry, you will be the one to pay for this you ass. In fact that's it. No more nonsense, leave the poor jellybeans out of it. We'll take care of this once and for all. Im going to kick your ass ASS. See you at the beach!!!

Sincerely- Jennifer

Lies Lies Lies Yeah!

2009-04-14T02:50:00.000-07:00

This should be read to the tune of The Thompson Twins "lies"

Alright I've been debating posting this but I finally have confirmation from friends that we all at some point lie to our children.
We all start with The Santa/ Easter Bunny/ Tooth Fairy lie. It graduates to the "you better brush your teeth or the bugs will eat them" lie . Then as soon as we start guilting them into eating foods they don't like.....it happens.
Also I am of the firm belief that the people that tell you its not okay to lie or fib to your children are the same idiots, oops, I mean caring parents, who tell you "it doesn't hurt a bit" to have a baby. If it didn't hurt for you, well done, you probably shouldn't lie to your kids. As for me I've earned it.
Here are my whoppers: All told to my son age 10 or under
1. No we can't go to Toys R Us just because you got a gift card today. They require appointments just like the dentist. We'll go another day when they have enough people working the registers okay honey? ( does that count as a lie since Toys R us lines are worse than Targets on a Saturday?)
2. "We can't go to the park today, they are mowing the grass". His response even at 4 , "Can we goes to anudder park mommy? My double lie..."no they mow all the different parks grass on the same day baby." Worked every time.
3. "The beach is closed, they are reorganizing the lifeguard towers after someone moved them all over the place." (Actually I probably could have just checked the local water report and now had to lie at all the water here in Long Beach are kinda rank)
4. "It's against the law to buy candy with the money the tooth fairy left you." If she finds out, she doesn't come again. ( BTW my son has never had a single cavity) oh and the sound you now hear is me patting myself on the back LOL
5. Around age 8, he figured out that birdies weren't actually flying home to me throughout the day to tell me things he had done at school that I wouldn't approve of. This one is HIS fault... It only came about when I got a call from the teacher telling me he wouldn't line up like everyone else to come back to class. Instead, he would stay on the playground, doing what else.... influencing others to stay with him and play. He believed for many years since I always seemed to know what he had done wrong that day.
5. "You have to wear the outfit that the Easter Bunny/ Santa left you. Yes the one with the tie and jacket or yes the itchy sweater or EB's/ Santas feelings will be hurt". ( Age 2-5)
5a No you can't wear that tie that the Easter Bunny/ Santa left you out in public or to school anymore or the mean kids will kick you. (Age 2-5 after he became obsessed with people on holidays telling him how handsome he looked in a tie)
6. "Your nose flares when you lie to me. I can tell every time". His nostrils don't really flare. Now every time I even have the slightest idea he might be trying to fib , he interjects with " did my nose just flare? Yes Landon, it did....it soooooo did. Busted.
8. All you freckles are kisses from angels in heaven so relax, alot of people up there love you and are looking out for you. ( one of my sweeter harmless lies)
9 and finally my last April fools joke which has now cemented the fact that my son will never believe anything else I say ever again. I sent a letter from his home school academy, telling him was near expulsion, not because his grades (which are all A's & B's) but because he makes his learning coach, Ahem his mother, do to much of his work and papers for him and they could tell. I actually let him off the hook on that one after several hours of watching him panic and it was April Fools after all.
Im not all bad. I've hung every piece of artwork up on the fridge. I've had 45+ kid birthday parties for him and I have laughed at every terrible, unfunny made up knock knock joke he has ever come up with as if it is the funniest thing I've ever heard.
The truth is, now that he is 14, I really regret some of those lies. At the time I never realized that now I'd wish maybe I spent day 1001 at the park instead of just 1000. They grow up really fast. I've since fessed up to my son and we had some good laughs about it. He wasn't even mad. His only question around age 10 with a sad little look was "So that was you all those years taking the bite out of the cookies we left for Santa?" awwww
Hey wait thats only 9.... I think all moms are entitled to 10. Stay tuned.

Now you have to go to and read my friend blog who writes for the OC register. She has been doing it way longer is a lot funnier and is quite witty. Someday when my blog grows up it wants to be just like hers. She recently posted an other funny story on TheMom Blog about this here :

http://themomblog.freedomblogging.com/2009/04/11/not-a-single-peep/17949/

Home Schooling

2009-04-10T05:09:00.000-07:00

After more than a few years spent frustrated in the local public school system, I started looking into different home school programs. I researched our options for about a year. When the time was right, I choose a really great program that I found. My son now attends Connections Academy and I can't say enough about the program, teachers, curriculum or benefits we have discovered by joining this school. My son is in the 8th grade, his grades, test scores most important, his confidence are all up.

It is a zero cost/tuition school. They provide all learning materials. Live lessons, teacher instruction, daily lesson plans, and support are all provided through this program. All you really need is time to provide your self as the learning coach, lots of patience and a computer.

Anyone in need of getting more information should visit http://www.connectionsacademy.com/home.aspx

printable coupon links

2009-04-10T00:28:00.000-07:00

Go to this link for over 400 printable coupons http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=836711
it a really great list where other couponers all add and share coupons on a master list.

here is a list of what you will find
A
A+D Ointment, $1 off, Printable
Advil, Advil Cold & Sinus or Advil Allergy Sinus $2 off, Printable, or Various $ off Various, Printable
Advil PM, $2 off, Printable
Afrin, Nasal Spray, $1 off, Printable
Air Wick, Luminaire, $3 off, Printable
Air Wick, Misc., Printable
Alavert, $1 off, Printable
Alexia Products, Panini, $1 off, Printable
Alli, Weight Loss, $10 off, Register, Create diet program, Select "have not purchased yet'", Printable
All Detergent, Any .40 off, Printable
Ambi, Skin Care, $3 off, Printable
American Greetings Cards, Excludes .99, $1 off 2, Printable
Anbesol, $1 off, Printable
Angel Soft, Bathroom Tissue, 6-pk Double Roll Pk or Lrger, .50 off, Printable
Apple & Eve, Cranberry Products, $1 off 2, Printable
Aquafresh, Cleaning Polish, $1 off, Printable
Aquafresh, Whitening, $1 off, Printable
Aquafresh, Toothbrush wyb Extreme Clean, Printable
Aquafresh, Advanced, $1 off, Printable
Aquafresh, White Trays, $5 off, Printable
Arm & Hammer Essentials, Cleaning Products, $1 off, Printable
Arm & Hammer, Various, Printable
Arm & Hammer, Age Defying Toothpaste, $1 off, Printable
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda or Fridge Fresh, $1 off 2,Printable
Atkins, $1 off, Printable
Aveeno, Baby, $1 off, Printable
Aveeno, $2 off Any, Printable OR, Printable
Aveeno Positively Ageless Face, body or suncare products(excludes trial sizes), $2 off 1, $5 off 2, $10 off 3, Printable, (They all print on one page u register, exp 12-31-09)
Avoderm Dog Food, $5 off, Printable
Azo Brand Products, $1 off 1, Printable pdf

B
Bagel Bites, Any, $1 off 2, Printable
Bam, unknown amount, Printable
Barleans Omega Swirl, 16 oz., $2 off any, Printable
Batter Blaster, $1 off, Printable pdf exp. 12/31/09
Bayer, Heart Advantage, $2 off, Printable
BD Ultra-Fine 30g or 33g lancets, $1.50 off, Printable
Bedtime Stories, $5 off DVD, $10 off Blu-Ray, Printable
Benydryl, Various, Printable
Bertolli Oven Bakes, $2 off, Printable
Betty Crocker, Misc., Printable & Printable & Printable
Bic, Multi-Purpose Lighter, $1 off, Printable
Bic, Soleil Razor or 4pk Refill, $2 off, Printable
Biokleen product, $1 off any, Printable
Bio Spot Flea & Tick, $5 off, Printable
Bird's Eye, C&W Vegetables, $1 off 2, Printable
Birds Eye Voila, $1 off, Printable, or Printable, bricks
Birds Eye Fresh Like Veggies, $1 off 2, Printable
Bird's Eye Boxed Vegetables, $1 off 3, Printable
Bissell Machine Carpet Cleaning Formula, $3 off, Printable
Bistro Naturals, BOGO,Printable
Blue Bunny, Novelty Ice Cream, $1 off, Printable
Blink Tears, $1.50 off, Printable
Blue Bell, Ice Cream, 1/2 Gallon, $1 off, Printable
Blue Bunny Ice Cream, Quart, $1 off, Printable
Blue Diamond, .50 off Any, Printable
Bob Evans, .35 off Any & $1 off Any Entree, Printable
Boboli, Pizza Crust, $1 off, Printable
Boost, Nutritonal Drink, $3 off, Printable
Boost, Kid Essentials, $5 off, Printable
Boston Market, Frozen Entrees, $1 off 3, Printable
Bounce, Lint Roller, $1 off, Printable
Breath Right, Kids, $2 off, Printable
Bridgeford, Frozen Rolls, Bread Dough or Monkey Dough, .55 off, Printable
Brita System, $5 off, Printable -Sign Up
Brita Filter, $1 off, Printable -Sign Up
Brown Cow Yogurt, $1 off 4 cups, Printable
Buitoni, Products, $1 off, Printable

C
Cabot Cheese, .30 off, Printable pdf
Cache Valley Cheese, .55 off, Printable exp 7/31/09
Caltrate, $1 off, Printable
Campbell's Soup at Hand Microwavable Cups, $1 off any 2, Printable (prints as soon as you click it)
Campbell's Cooking Soups, $1 off 2, Printable (reported to print 3)
Carefree, 34 count or larger, $1.50 off, Printable
Carlson, Lemon Flavor Cod Oil, $5 off, Printable
Caress® Daily Silk, Glowing Touch®, Berry Indulging®, Evenly gorgeous™ or Brazilian, $1 off, Printable
Carnation Breakfast Essentials, $1 off 2, Log In or Register, Printable
Carpet Fresh, $1.50 off, Printable
Cats Pride, Cat Litter, $1 off, Printable
Cattlemen's BBQ Sauce, .75 off, Printable
Cascadian Farms, $1 off, Printable (register or log-in)
Centrum, New Formula, $1 off, Printable, or $1 off various, Printable, or Various $ off various, Printable
Centrum, Kids, $1 off, Printable
Centrum, Silver, $2 off, Printable
Centrum Cardio or Performance, $3 off, Printable
Centrum, Centrum Any & Centrum Kids (wyb both), $3 off, Printable
Cesar, Canine Cuisine, Bogo up to $1.09, Printable
Cetaphil, $2 off, Printable
Cheerios, Banana Nut., .75 off, Printable, or .55 off, Printable
Cheerios, Honey Nut, $1 off, Printable bricks
Cheerios, $1 off, Printable -EMAIL
Cheerios, $1 off 2, Printable bricks
Classico, Sauce, $1 off 2, Printable
Chinet, Plates or Cups, $1 off, Printable
Chung's Asian Food, Printable pdf exp. 6/30/2010
Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cereal, .55 off Printable
Citracal, $2 off, Printable
Claritin, Childrens, $2 off, Printable
Claritin-D or Claritin, $3 off, Printable
Clean & Clear, $3 & $2 off, Printable
Clean & Clear, Acne, $5 off, Printable
Clean & Clear, Blackhead Eraser, $5 off, Printable
Clorox. Free Wipes wyb 2 Clorox Products, Printable
Clorox Wand Toilet Cleaning Kit, $5 off, Printable or Printable
Coffee Mate, Liquid or Powder, $1 off, Printable
Coffee Mate, $1 one or $1.50/2, Register, Printable bricks
Colgate, $1 off 2, Printable
Colgate, Total Advanced Whitening, $1 off, Printable
Colgate, Sensitive, $1 off, Printable
Colgate Wisp, .50 off, Printable
Commit Lozenges, $5 off, Printable
Command, Picture Hanging Strips, $1 off, Printable
Command Picture Hanger, $1 off, Printable pdf exp 12-31-09
Command, Any, $1 off, Printable pdf exp 12/31/09
Complete, Multi-Purpose Solution, $2 off, Printable
Contadina Canned Tomatoes, 14.5 oz or +, .35 off 2, Printable
Contessa, $1 off 2 Frozen Meals or Frozen Seafood, Printable
Contessa, Green Cuisine, $2 off, Printable
Corazona, Potato or Tortilla Chips, 6 or 7 oz, $1 off, Printable pdf
Cottonelle, $1 off Toilet Paper 4 ct. or larger, $1 off any 2 fresh flushable moist wipe tubs OR 42 ct. refill OR 1 84 ct. refill, Printable
Cottonelle, .50 off, Printable or .50 off 2, Printable
Country Choice, Organic Products, $1 off, Printable
Country Crock Omega Plus or Plus Light, .55/1, Printable bricks exp. 4/3/09
Country Crock, Side Dishes, $1 off, Printable
Crunch & Munch, $1 off 2, Printable
Crystal Light, $1 off 2, Printable
Dark & Lovely, Relaxer, $1.50 off, Printable
Daregal, Fresh Frozen Herbs, $1 off, Printable
Degree, Ultraclear, .75, Printable bricks
Degree Women Fine Fragrance Collection Mist & Stick Products, $1 off 2, Printable
Degree, Men Clinical Deodorant, $2 off, Printable
Del Monte, Fruit Chiller, Tubes, $1 off, Printable or Printable
Del Monte, Gold Extra Sweet Pineapple, .75 off, Printable
Del Monte, 50% less Salt Canned Vegs, .75 off 1, Printable
Del Monte Products, 1 DelMonte® Citrus Bowl, Orchard Select®, or SunFresh® Refrigerated Glass Jar, or any 2 (two) Del Monte® Fruit Naturals® products, Printable
Del Monte Red Grapefruit Bowl, $1 off, Printable
Del Monte, SuperFruit Products, $1 off 2, Printable pdf
Depends Undergarments, $?, Printable
Detour, Protein Bar, BOGO, Printable
Desitin, $1 off, Printable
Desitin or Johnson Baby, $2 off 2,Printable bricks
Dexitrim, Max or Max2/O, $3 off, Printable
Diabeti-Derm, $2 off, Printable
Diabetic-Tussin, $2 off, Printable
Dial, Body Wash, $1 off, Printable
Dickinson's Witch Hazel, $2 Printable
Digestive Advantage, Various, Printable
Dimetapp, $2 off, Printable
Dove, Heat Therapy, Shampoo, Conditioner or Mist, $1.50 off, Printable
Dove Vitalizer $3.50 off, Go to offers > Coupons, Printable or Printable
Dove, Cream Oil Body Wash, $1.50, Printable go to offers
Dove, Clinical Deoderant, $2 off, Printable or Printable
Dreamfield Pasta, $1 off, Printable, Printable or $1.50 off 3, Printable
Dr. Katz Various Oral Care Products - $1 to $2, Printable
Dr. Scholls, Massaging Gel Inserts, $2 off, Printable
Dr. Scholls, Memory Fit Inserts, $2 off, Printable
Dr. Scholls, Freeze A Way, $3 off, Printable
Dr. Scholls, For Her, $2 off, Printable
Dreft, .50 off, Printable pdf
Dryel, $3 off, Printable
Dole, Premium Baby Blend Salad, $1 off, Printable
Downy, Wrinkle Release, $1 off, Printable
Dulcinea, Watermelon, .55 off, Printable

E
Earthrise, $3 off Any, Printable pdf
Earths Best, $1 off $10 Jars, Printable
EAS, Unknown $, Printable
Eat Smart, Vegetables, .50 off, Register, Printable bricks
Ecotrin, 100 count, .75 off, Printable
Electrasol, $1 off 2, Printable
Embodi, $1 off 2, Printable pdf, no expiration
Energizer Batteries, $1 off, Printable
Enjoy Life Boom Choco Boom Bar, .75 off, Printable bricks
Ensure, Buy 3, Get 1 Free 6pk, Printable
Ensure, Multipack, $3 off, Printable bricks
Equal Exchange Organic Fair Trade Coffee, packaged and bulk 1 lb. minimum, $1 off, Printable
Ester-C, $1 off, Printable
Estroven, $3 off, Printable
Eucerin, Aquaphor, $1 off, Printable & Printable
Eucerin, $1 off, Printable bricks
Evercare, Lint Roller, $1 off, Printable pdf
Excedrin Migraine 24 ct+ $2 Printable

F
Farmrich Products, Various, Printable
Fast Fixins, .30 off 1, can print 5, must register, printable
Febreze Odor Eliminator, $2 off, Printable
Festival Cleaner, .55, Printable pdf
Fiber Choice, $3 off, Printable
FiberCon, $1 off, Printable
Fiber One Bars, $1 off, Printable
Fiber One Cereal, $0.75 off, Printable
Fiber One, Chocolate Mocha Bars, 1.35 off, Printable
Fiber One, Muffin Mix, $1 off, Printable
Fiber One, Oat Clusters, Printable
Fiber One, Pancake Mix, $1 off, Printable
Fiber One, Yogurt, $1 off, Printable or Printable
Fiber One, Toaster Pastries, $1 off, Printable or Printable
FIJI Water Multi-Pack, 6 pack or larger, $1 off, Printable
Filippo Berio Olive Oil, 17oz or larger, $1 off 1, Printable (30 day rolling)
First Juice, 8oz or 32oz bottles, $1 off 2, Printable
First Response, Pregnancy Test, $2 off, Printable
Fit Smart Fiver Bar, Free, must register, printable
Finlandia Cheese, 6 oz or larger, $1 off, Printable bricks
Florida Sugar Crystals, .35 off, Printable pdf exp 3/21/09
French Meadow Breads, $1 off 1 or $1.50 off 2, Printable
French's Mustard, .50 off & Various French's Products, Printable
Frito Lay, Dip 9oz or +, $1 off wyb Chips 9.5oz or +, Printable
FruitSimple, Fruit Smoothie, .55 off, Printable
Fruit2o, 6 - Pk, .55 of, Printable

G
Galaxy Veggie Products, $1 off, Printable
Garden of Life, Supplement, $5 off, Printable
Gas-X, $1.50 off Any, Printable
GE $1/1 Energy Smart CFL light bulbs (fill out pledge form, might need IE) Printable
General Mills, Yoplait, Green Giant, Cascadian Farms, ETC, Various, Sign Up $ Printable
General Mills, Cereal, $1 off 2, Printable or Printable
Glad, Force Flex Trash Bags, $1 off, Printable
Glad, Odor Eater Trash Bags, $1 off, Printable
Glade, Jar Candles, $1.50 off 2, Printable
Glade, Scented Oil Refills, $2 off 2, Printable
Glade Scented Oil Warmer, $2 off, Printable
Glade, Scented Oil Tin, $1 off, Printable (prints with Scented Oil Holder or 2 refill coupon)
Glade, Scented Oil Holder or 2 Refill Coupon, Printable (prints with Scented Oil Tin)
Glory Foods, $1 off 4, Printable
Glucerna, $1.25 off, Printable
Glucerna, Cereal, $5 off, Printable
Gold Kist, .55 off, enter e-mail, Printable
Good Belly, Probiotic Drink, BOGO, Printable
Good Earth Coffee, $2 off, Printable
Goodlife, Pet Food, $3 off, Printable
Goodlife, Pet Food, $2 off & $1 off Treat, Printable
GoodNites, $1 off, Printable
Gortons, Shrimp Item, $1 off, PrintableWill Reset Monthly
Gortons, Bagged, .75/2, Printable
Gerber, Children's Wear, Various, Printable
Green Giant Veggies, Boxed, .65 off 3, Printable
Guerrero, Tortillas, $1 off, Printable
Guerrero Products, $1 off, Printable

H
Hain Celestial Products, $2 off 3, Printable
Halo Pets, $5 off, Printable
Hanes, Sports Bra, $1 off 1, Printable pdf
Happy family organic, $1 off, Printable pdf
Happy Baby Organic, $1 off, Printable pdf
Hartz, Pet Snacks, $1 off Cat, $2 off Dog, Printable
Healthy Choice, Asian, $1 off 2, Register, Printable
Healthy Choice, Frozen Meals, $1 off 2, Printable
Healthy Choice, All Natural Meals, $1 off, Printable
Healthy Choice, Mixers, $1 off 1, Printable
Healthy Ones Lunch Meat, .55 off Any, Printable pdf exp 4/30/09
Health Valley Organic, $1 off 2, Printable, pdf exp 12-31-09
Health Valley Products, $1 off, Printable
Healthy To Go, Unknown Amount, Printable or $2 off, Printable
Hebrew National Franks, $1 off, Printable
Heinz, Cocktail Sauce, .35 off, Printable 1 mo. exp. date
Heinz Gravy, 12oz, $1 off 3, Printable
Heinz, Distilled White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar, .50 off, Printable
Hellmans, Light Mayo, $1 off 1, Printable
Heluva Good, $.50 off any, Printable bricks
Hershey, Bagged Candy, $1.50 off 3, Printable & Printable
Hershey Bliss, $1 off, Printable
High School Musical, $5 off DVD, $10 off Blu-Ray, Printable bricks
Hills Science Diet Culinary Creations (canned cat food), BOGO up to $1.39, Printable brick's
Hill & Valley, Premium Bakery Product with net wt. 7oz or more, $1 off, Printable
Hillshire Farms, pkgs 8oz or larger, $0.55 on 2, Printable
Hillshire Farms, Sausage, $0.55 off 2, Printable
Honeysuckle Turkey, $2 off 2, Printable
Honeysuckle White Turkey, Whole Turkey, Bone in Breast or Boneless Turkey Breast Roast, $1 off, Printable
Horizon Organics, Unknown, Register, Printable
Hostess, 100 Cal Packs, .75 off, Printable
Huggies, Little Swimmers, 10 ct +, $3 off, Printable
Huggies, Pull Ups, $2 off, Printable

Ian’s Chicken Nugget, Patties, Stix, or Tenders, $2 off 2, Printable
I Can't Believe Its Not Butter, Cooking and Baking Sticks, .75 off, Printable or $1 off 1, Printable
ICaps product, any size, $2 off Printable
Idahoan Potatoes (can print to PDF), Unknown, Printable
Ideal No Calorie Sweetener, BOGO, Printable
Imagine, Soups or Broths, $1 off 2, Printable
Immodium, Children's, $1 off, Printable bricks
Immodium, Multi-Symptom Relief, $2 off, Printable
International Delight Creamer, Quart, .75 off, Printable (prints as soon as you click it), or $1 off Any, Printable
Ivory Snow, Detergent, $2 off, Printable

J
Jello, Refrigerated Snacks, .60 off, Printable
Johnson's Baby, Bedtime Bath & Lotion, $2 off wyb Both, Printable or $1 off, Printable
Johnson's Baby Bubble Bath & Wash, $1 off, Printable
Johnson's Baby Oil, $1 off, Printable
Johnson's Baby or Desitin, $2 off 2, Printable bricks
Johnson's Baby Powder, $1 off, Printable bricks
Johnson & Johnson, Red Cross First Aid Brand Adhesive Pad PLUS Neosporin Antibiotic, $1 off, Printable
Johnson & Johnson, Body Care Product-excludes Trial, $1 off, Printable
Johnson's Product (Any, excludes 4oz), $3 off 3, Printable bricks
Johnson's Soothing Vapor, $1 off Any, Printable bricks
Johnson's Baby Tag Along Set, $1 off, Printable
Joint Juice, $1 off Any, Printable
Joint Juice, Any, BOGO, Printable
Jolly Time Pop Corn, Various, Printable
Jose Ole, 12 oz or larger, $1 off, Printable or Printable (can print more than 2)
Joy of Cooking, Various, Printable
Juanita's Soup, $1 off Larger Can & $1/2 Sm Cans, Printable
Juicy Juice, Brain Development or Immunity Fruit Juice, $1 off, Printable
Juicy Juice $1 off 2, Printable
Juicy Juice Brain Development & Immunity Fruit Juice Beverages, Unknown $, Printable
Just For Me, Soft & Beautiful, $1 off, Printable pdf
Just For Men, $2 off, Printable - sign up to print
Just For Men, $1 off, Printable

K
Kaboom, Energy Drink, .50 off, Printable
Kahiki, $1/2 or B3G1 Free, Printable
Kashi, TLC, $1 off 2, Printable
Kashi, TLC Bars, $2 off, IE Printable or FF, Printable
Kashi, Granola, $1 off 1, Printable exp 3-31-09
Kashi U Cereal, $1 off, Printable
Kelloggs, Raisin Bran Extra, $1 off, Printable
Kelloggs, Frosted Flakes, $1 off 2, Printable
Kellogg's, Frosted Mini/All-Bran/Raisin Bran, $1.50 off 2, Printable
Kellogg's Special K Crackers, (4.62 oz or larger, any flavor), Printable
Kellogg's, Fiber Plus Bars, .75 off, Printable bricks
Kettle Chips, $1 off, Printable
Kibbles & Bits, Wholesome Medley, $2 off, Printable
King Hawaiian, Bread, Rolls, $1 off 2, Printable
Kingsford Charcoal, wyb Pork, etc, $6 off, Printable
Knorr Sides, .75/2, Printable
Knox, Supplement Products, $4 off, Printable
Kozy Shack No Sugar Added, .25 off, Printable
Kraft, 2% Shredded Cheese & Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon, $1 off wyb both, Printable

L
LaBrea, Bakery Product, $1 off, Printable
Lactaid, Fast Act Dietary Supplements, $1 off, Printable
L.A. Looks, Hair Products 7.5 oz or larger, $1 off, Printable
Land O' Lakes, Butter w/ Canola Oil, .55 off, Printable
Land O' Lakes, Various, Printable (See Post for Details)
Laura's Lean Ground Beef, $1 off, Printable
Lean Cuisine, $1 off 3, Printable
Leapfrog, $4 off Tag Library Book, $10 off Tag System, Printable pdfs exp 4/30/09
Leapfrog, Didj, $20 off, Printable
Lever 2000-Vaseline, 12oz body wash or larger or 4 bar multipack or larger, Printable
Libbys, Canned Vegetables, .50 off 2, Printable
Liberte yogurts, 6 oz, $1 off any 3, Printable
Lifeway Product, $1 off 1, Printable
Lindor ,Truffles Stracciatella (Cookies and Cream) 5.1 oz bag or greater, $1 off, Printable
Lindt Chocolate, Bags, $1 off 2, Printable
Listerine, Total Care, $2 off, Printable bricks
Listerine, Agent Cool Blue Mouthwash, $1 off, Printable
Listerine Whitening Pen, $3 off, Printable bricks
Litehouse Products, $1 off 2, Printable
L'Oreal Skin Genesis, $1 off, Printable
L'Oreal Excellence to Go, $3 Printable
Lubriderm, 16 oz, $1 off, Printable & Printable or Printable
Lucky Leaf, Pie Filling, $1 off 2, Printable
Lumene, Premium Beauty Products, $4 off, Printable
Lundberg Gourmet Rice Blend 1lb bag, .55 off, Printable pdf
Lundberg, Gourmet Rice Chips, .75 off, Printable pdf
Lysol, Various, Printable or Printable
Lysol, Neutra Air, $1 off, Printable

M
Malt-O-Meal, Blueberry Muffin Tops, .75 off 2, Printable
Mann's Pre-Cut Vegetables, .55 off, Printable
MaraNatha Nut Butter, $1 off, Printable
Marie Callendars, Pasta Al Dente, $1 off, Printable
Marie Callendars, Signature Saute, $2 off, Printable
Marzetti, Dressing, Dip, Hummus or Crouton, .50 off any, Printable
McCormick® Extract or Food Color, $1 off, Printable
McCormick, Seasoning Blend, Spice, Herb, Extract or Food Color, $1 off, Printable
McKenzies, Vegetables, $1 off 2, Printable
Mederma, $3 off No longer available, Printable
Mega T, Green Tea Gum, $1 off, Printable
Method Products, .50 off 1, Printable
Meyenberg, $1 off Any, Printable pdf
Michelinas, $1 off 5 Entrees - Signature or Lean, Printable
Midol, 24 ct or +, $2 off, Printable
Mini Babybel Cheese (Laughing Cow), .55 off, Printable
Miralax, $1 off, Printable & Printable
Mission Plus, Tortilla Products, $1 off, Printable
Mission Tortillas, Any, $1 off, Printable exp 12/09
Mom's Best Cereal, .75 off, Printable ]
Monistat, Combo Pack, $2 off, Printable
Motrin, $1 off (excludes trial size) Printable
Move Free, $5 off, Printable, bricks
Mrs. Dash, Marinade, .50 off,Printable
Mr. Bubbles, .50, Printable
Mueller's Pasta, $1 off 3, Printable
Muir Glen Tomatoes, $1 off, Printable[/url] or Printable
Multi-Betic Vitamins, $2 off, Printable
Murry's Sugar Free Cookies, .55/1 and $1/2, Printable
Musselmans, Apple Butter, .25 off, Printable
Musselmans, 4oz-4pk of Totally Fruit or Healthy Picks Apple Sauce, .30 off, Printable
Mylanta, $2 off, Printable
Mystic Mini Pizza, .75, Printable

N
Nabisco, 100 Calorie Packs, $1 off 2, Printable exp 4/09
Nair products $3 off 2http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=11985629&postcount=202"]Printable[/url]
Nailene, $1 off, Printable
Nasal Comfort, $3 off, Printable
NasaMist, $2 off, Printable & MIR
Natrol, $3 off, Printable
Natural Dentist, $2 off, Printable pdf
Nature Made, Vitamin E, $2 off, Printable
Nature Made, Various, Printable
Nature's Bounty, $1 off, Printable
Nature's Source, Cleaning Product, $1 off, Printable, exp 30 days
Nescafe Taster's Choice 4 oz. or larger, $1.00 Printable
Neosporin, $1 off Antibiotic Ointment & $2 off Scar Solution, Printable
Nescafe, Stick Pack Free wyb Stick Pack or 5.2oz Jar, $1.25 off, Printable
Nestle, Carnation Evaporated Milk, $1 off 2, Printable
Nestle Chocolate, NestEggs or Wonka Golden Eggs, $1 off 2, Printable
Nestle Drumstick, Little Drums, $1 off, Printable
Nestle, TollHouse Cookie Dough, $1 off, Printable (Sign in)
Nestle Hot Cocoa, Sugar Free or Fat Free, .75 off, Printable register
Nestle, Tasters Choice Stick Pack, BOGO, Printable
Nestle, Nescafe, Taster's Choice, $1 off, Printable
Neutrogena, Complete Acne Therapy System, $5 off, Printable
Neutrogena, Healthy Skin Rejuvenator, $5 off, Printable
Neutrogena, T-Gel, $2 off, Printable pdf
Neutrogena Products, $10 off skiniD, $3 off Puff Refills, Printable
Newmans Own Products, Various, Printable
Nexcare, Various, Printable pdf exp 12-31-09
Nicorette, $10 off, Printable
No Nonsense, Perfect Tones, $1 off, Printable
Northland Juice, $1 off 2, Printable
Nu Hair, $3 off, Printable pdf
Nursery Water, $1 on (4) one-gallon bottles, or (2) 2.5 gallon bottles or (2) Multi-packs Printable
Nutra Nail Products, $1/1 or $2/3, Printable pdf
Nylabone, $2 off Printable pdf
Oakhurst Orange Juice, $1 off, Printable
O.B. Tampons, $1.50 off, register, Printable
O'Charleys at Home, Salad Dressing, BOGO, Printable
Ocean Spray, Cranenergy, $1 off, Printable
Odwalla, 450 ml flavors, $1 off any 2, Printable
Old Orchard, Healthy Balance Low Sugar Juice, $1 off 1, Printable bricks
Old Orchard, Frozen, 12 oz, $1 off 4, Printable bricks
Old Orchard, Juice, 64 oz, $1 off 2, Printable
Olivio, $0.55 off 1, Printable
One A Day, Vitamins, $1 off, Printable or Printable or Printable or Printable
Opti-Fresh, Replenish Contact Solution, $2 off, Printable (can print 2 every 60 days)
Optive Eye Drops, $3 off, Printable pdf
Orajel, Baby Teething Product, $1 off, Printable
Organic Valley, $2 off Any 2 Products, Printable
Organic Valley, Various Coupons, Printable & Printable
Organic Valley String Cheese, 6oz, $1 off, Printable pdf page 6
Orville Redenbacher, Ready to Eat Smart Cakes, $1 off, Printable
Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop, $1 off, Printable
Oscal, $1 off, Printable
Oscar Mayer, Deli Creations, .75 off, Printable
Osteo Bi-Flex, $5 off, Printable
Over the Moon Milk, 1/2 Gallon, $1 off, Printable
Oxy Products, $1.50 off, Printable pdf

P
Palermo's Pizza, $1 off 2, Printable pdf exp 12/31/09
Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula, $1 off, Printable
Palmolive, Pure+Clear liquid dish soap, .75 off, printable
Pediacare, Various, Printable
Pedia-Lax, Fiber Gummies, Quick Desolve Strips & Chewable Tablets, $1 off, Printable
Pedialite, $1.50 off, Printable
Pedigree, Dog Food, Various, Printable
Pepcid, $3 off, Register- Emailed, Printable or $1 off, Printable
Pepperidge Farms, Swirl Bread, .40 off, Printable
Perdue, Perfect Portions, $2 off, Printable bricks exp 3.06.09
Perdue, Shortcuts, $1 off, Printable
Pert Plus, $1 off, Printable or $1 off, Printable bricks or Printable bricks
Phillips Colon Care, $1 off, Printable
Pilgrim's Pride, .55 off, enter e-mail, Printable
Pillsbury, Refrigerated Cookie Dough, $1 off, Printable
Pillsbury, Frozen or Refrigerated Products, $1 off 2, Printable
Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Misc., Printable & Printable
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, $1 off, Printable
Pine Mountain Fire Logs, $3 off, Printable
Playtex, Personal Cleansing Wipes, $1 off, Printable
Playtex Sport, $1 off, Printable
Pledge, Any 2, $3, PrintablePledge, Multi-Surface Cleaner, $2 off, Printable
Pledge, Fabric Sweeper for Pets, $2 off, Printable
Pledge Furniture Care, $1 off, Printable
Plus White Products, $1 off Any, $2 off 5 Min Speed, $3 off 5 Min Speed & Extra TP, Printable
Poise, Unknown Amount, Printable refreshes monthly
Pompeian. $1 off Olive Oil or OlivExtra, .50 off Vinegar or Cooking Wine, Printable
Popcorn, Indiana, .50 off, Printable pdf
Poptarts, 8ct or larger, .55 off, Printable
Post-its, Pop Up Dispenser, $2 off, Printable
Post Trail Mix Crunch Cereal, $2 off, Printable
Preparation H, $1 off, Printable or $2 off, Printable
Pretzel Crisps, $1 off 2, Printable
Prunelax Natural Senna Laxative Tablets, $1 off, Printable
Pupperoni, Dog Snacks, $1 off, Printable
Purell, Hand Sanitizing Product, $2 off 2, Printable
Purex, Natural Elements, $1 off, Printable
Purina, Pro Plan Dry Cat Food, $3 off, Printable
Purina Pet Food, $3.50 off, Printable
Purina, Pet Food or Treat, $3 off, Printable - follow directions in thread
Purina Pro Plan, Shredded Blend Dog Food, $3 off, Printable bricks
Purina, Puppy Chow, $2 off, Printable

Q
Quaker, Fiber & Omega Bars, $1 off, Printable
Quaker Instant Oatmeal/Oats $0.55/1, Printable
Quaker Fiber & Omega 3, $1 off, Printable
Quaker, Life Cereal, $1 off 1, Printable
Quaker, Simply Harvest, $1 off, Printable
Quaker True Delight Bars, $1 off 1, Printable

R
Rachel Ray's Nutrish Dog Food, $3, Printable
Rachel's Yogurt, BOGO, Printable
Red Baron Singles, .55 off, Printable
Real California Cheese/Cottage Cheese, .30 off $1.25+ Purchase, Printable pdf
Real California Milk, $.50 off, Printable pdf. exp 1/31/10
Red Gold Tomatoes, Cans, $1 off 3, Printable
Refresh Eye Care, Various, Printable pdf!
Reggio's Dinner Size Pizza, 18-21 oz, .50 off 1, Printable PDF EX. 12-31-09
Rembrandt 2 Hour Whitening Kit, $5 Printable or MAILED
Renuzit, Crystal Elements, $3 off, Printable
Renuzit Crystal Elements Starter Kit or Refill, $1 off, Printable exp. 6-06-09
Reynolds Parchment Paper, .75 off, Printable
Rice a Roni or Pasta Roni, $1 off 3, Printable
Rice Dream or Soy Dream, .75 off 1, Printable
Rice Dream, Frozen Products, $1 off 2, Printable
Riceworks, $1 off, Printable
RID, $2 off any, Printable
Robitussen, $1 off, Printable
Robitussen, $1 off, Printable or $2 off,Printable or $2 off Printable
ROC Products, $2 off, Register, Sent by E-mail, Printable
ROC Anti Aging Product, $3 off, Printable
ROC Products, Any, $3 off, Printable
Romano's Macaroni Grill Restaurant Favorites, $1 off, Printable
Ronzoni, Bistro, $1 off, Printable
Rosetto, Frozen Pasta, $1 off, Printable
Rubbermaid, $1 off, Printable
R.W. Hudson, .75 off Any, Printable pdf

S
Sabra's Mediterranean Garden Variety salsa and vegetable dips, $2 off any 14 oz., printable, bricks
Sabra Hummus,10 or 17 oz, $1.50 off, Printable or Printable bricks
Santa Cruz, Organics, .75 off Any, Printable pdf
Santa Cruz, Juice, .75 off, Printable
Schiff move free, $3 off, Printable
S.C. Johnson Wax, Various, Printable bricks - Add your email address after = in link. Tips HERE
Scar Zone, $1 off, Printable
Science Diet, Pet Food, $5 off, Printable must register
Scotch Pop-Up Tape Deskgrip Dispenser, $2 off, Printable
Scotch Brite, Nail Saver Sponge, $1 off 3, Printable pdf
Scotch Guard, $1 off any, Printable
Science Diet, Nature's Best Dog, $3 off, Printable
Scrubbing Bubbles, Auto Shower Cleaner, $7 off, Printable
Scrubbing Bubbles, Automatic Shower Refills, BOGO, Printable
Scrubbing Bubbles® Mega Shower Foamer, $1 off, Printable
Sea Pak, $1 off Any, or $1 off Any Naturals, Printable
Seasonique, Birth Control, $50 off 1st Script, $25 off 1st Refill, Printable
Second Nature, Dog Litter, $5 off, Printable
Sensible Portions, BOGO, Printable pdf
Sesame Street, Bath or Shower Product, .50 off, Printable
Seventh Generation, Various, Printable
Seventh Generations, Baby Products, $2 off any, Printable
Shady Brook Farms, Italian Style Meatballs Frozen or Fresh, $1 off, Printable must register
Shamrock Farms, varies, printable
Shedds Spread, Country Crock, Omega Spread, .55 off, Printable
Similasan, Healthy Relief, $1 off Any, register, Printable
Simply Asia, .50 off, Printable
Sistane Eye Drops, $1 off, Printable
Skim Plus Milk, $1 off, Printable pdf or Printable
Skinny Dippers, BOGO, Printable
Skippy Peanut Butter, .40 off, Printable
Slice of Life, Vitamins, $2 off, Printable pdf exp 1.31.09
Slim Fast Bars, $2 Printable
Slim Fast Multi Pack, $3/2 Multi Packs Printable
Smart Balance Products, Various, Printable
Smartwater, $1 off a 6-pack or 5 (five) 1-liters, Printable pdf!
Snausages or Snausomes, $1 off, Printable
Snausages, Dog Treat, $1 off, Printable or $1 off 2, Printable
Snuggle, Creme Liquid Fabric Softener, $2 off, Printable
Sobe, BOGO, Printable
Soft Scrub, Scrubby Pad, $1 off, Printable
Soft Soap, Spa Radiant, $1 off, Printable
South Beach, Living Fiber Fit Granola Bars, High Protein Cereal Bars or 100 Calorie snack bars, $1 off, Printable
South Beach, Meal Bars (6ct. or Larger), Snack Bar delights or Snack Pack Delights, $1 off, Printable
Soy Dream or Rice Dream, .75 off 1, Printable
Soy Joy, $1 off 5 bars, Printable
Speed Stick, 24/7, $1 off, Printable
Spice Island Spices, $1.50 off, Printable
Spray n Wash, .75, Printable
Steaz, 4 Bottles or $1 off 4 pk, Printable pdf
Stonyfield Farms Products, Various, Printable
Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt/Smoothies, $1 off, Printable
Stouffer's, Stromboli or Flatbread Melts, $1 off 3, Printable
StrongyleCare, $1 off, Printable & Printable
Suave Body Lotion, 18oz or larger, $1 off, Printable (Must Register) brick's-Bottom right hand side of page (pink flower)
SudaFed, PE, $1 off Various, $2 off Nasal Spray Printable
Summers Eve, $1 off, Printable
Sun Crystals, $2 off, Printable or $1.50 off, Printable
Sunkist, Almond Accents, $1 off, Printable
Sunny D, .55 off, Printable refresh to get .55 off
Sunny D, Smoothies 64oz, .55 Printable
Sunspire Baking Chips, $1 off any, Printable
Sure, Deodorant, $1 off, Printable
Sure, Max, $1 off, Printable bricks

T
Tabasco Sauce, .50 off, Printable
Tasters Choice, BOGO Single Packs or .75 off 4oz or more, Printable
Tasters Choice, $1.50 off, Printable
The Natural Dentist, $2 off Any Toothpaste, $2 off Any Product, Printable & Printable
TheraFlu, $1 off Any, Printable or $1 off Printable or $2 off, Printable
Throat Cooler, Any, $1 off, Printable pdf
Thera Tears, $1 off, Printable pdf
Tidy Cat, Cat Litter, $1 off, Printable bricks
Tofurkey, .55 off, Printable
TRESemmé, 24-Hour Body collection product, $1 off, Printable
Triamenic, $1.50 off, Printable
Triple Paste AF, $2 off, Printable
Tropical Source, Baking Chips, $1 off, Printable
Tropicana, Trop50 59 oz. Carton, $1 off, Printable
True Lemon, Lemon, Lime or Orange, $1 off, Printable
Tums, Dual Action, $3 off, Printable
Tums, Quik Pak, $2.25 off, Printable
Tums, $1 off, Printable
Tuscan Dairy Farms, .36 off Gallon Milk or Quart Cream or +, .50 off Over the Moon Milk, Printable
Tylenol, $1 off Any Children's Tylenol (Excludes Trial)Printable
Tylenol, $1 off Any, Printable
Tylenol, Cold, $2 off, Printable
Tysons Heat n Eat, $1 off, Printable pdf exp 2/09

U
Ultra Xcid, $1 off, Printable
Uncle Ben's, Rice, $1 off 2, Amount Changes Monthly, Printable
UTI Home Screening Kit, $2 off, Printable

V
Vaseline Clinical Therapy, $1 off, Printable
Village Harvest Rice Products, .50 off, Printable pdf exp 12/09
Veet, $2 off, Printable
Visine, .5oz or larger, $2 off Printable or Printable
Viva Papertowel, $1 off 4 or (2) 2-pks, Printable
Vivarin, $1 off, Printable
V8 Fusion, $1 off, Printable
V8, 46 oz, 64 oz, 11.5oz 6 pack or 5.5 oz 6 pack, $1 off, Printable

W
Wanchai Ferry Dinner, $1 off, Printable bricks
WD-40 Smart Straw®, $1.50 off any, Printable or Printable bricks
Weight Watchers, Smartones, $1 off 5, Printable
Welch's, Aquajuice, BOGO, Printable
Wellness Cat or Dog Food, $5 off, Printable bricks
Wet Brand, Personal Lube, $1 off, Printable
White Cloud, Toilet Paper, $1 off, Printable
WholeMeals Dog Food, $3 off, Printable
Wholly Guacamole or Salsa, $1 off, Printable
Wild Harvest Salad, Buy 2, Get WH Bread Free, Printable
Wild Harvest, $1 off any, Printable
Windex, Outdoor All-In-One Starter Kit, Buy 1, Get Refill Free, Printable
Wise Chips, Popcorn, Pretzels or Dipsy Doodles, .50 off 2, Printable Select States Only
Wish-bone, Wish-bone Dressings(16 oz or larger), Salad Spritzers(7oz),or Bountifuls(9.5oz), .75 off,Printable or Printable
Wisk, Detergent, .75 off, Printable
Wonka, Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans or Sweetarts Jelly Beans, $1 off 2, Printable
Woolite, 50oz or More, $1.50 off, Printable
Woolite, Rug Stick, $3 off, Printable
World's Best Cat Litter, $2 off, Printable or Printable

Y
Yesterday's News, Cat Litter, $1.50 off, Printable
YoBaby, Drinkable Yogurt, $1 off, Printable
Yoplait, Kids, $1.50 off, Printable
Yoplait, $1 off 8, Register Printable
YoPlus, $1 off, Printable or $1.50 off, Printable

Z
Zaditor Eye Drops, $2 off, Printable
Zenergize, All Natural Products, $1 off, Printable pdf
Zone Perfect Bars, Buy 1, Get 3 FREE, Printable
Zostrix, $5 off, Printable
Zyrtec, $4 off, Printable & $2 off, Printable & ($10 MIR)
Zyrtec, Childrens, $2 off, Printable

#
3M Command Product - $1, printable
409 Natural Stone Cleaner, $1 off Printable Go to Offers & Promotions, exp 12/31 - Maybe Print after new year
7-UP, Cherry, 12 pack, $1 off, Printable

Coupon tips

2009-04-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

I usually save 180$ to 260$ every time I "big trip" grocery shop. Often I go for little trips where I can usually get 50$ to 70$ worth of items between 10$ and 20$.
Here is my advice on how to do it:

Step 1: Get a Sunday paper every week , in fact buy a few copies. The cost of the papers will be offset by the overall savings.

Step 2: Many coupons may not be available in your local papers but are national manufacturer coupons, therefore you should join and order any needed or missing coupons through this link:

Join this site and literally order only the coupons that your family needs and uses.

Step 3: Print your online coupons 1 time per week and look for alerts to new ones. I will be posting new coupon alerst on this blog 1-2 times per week for subscribers.

A lot of manufacturers predetermine how many internet coupons will be made available, so you have to be part of those that get them. Don’t wait to print a coupon you really use and need. Please sign up and join this site through Coupons.com , Smartsource.com, Redplum.com, Coolsavings.com, Eversave.com
link to the side link:

Step 4: Join electronic coupon sites. These coupons get loaded right to your loyalty card for whatever grocery store(s) you use. These are so great because they combine with other coupons for more savings. In fact it can make some items "money makers".
Whats a money maker??? A money maker is an item that pays you to but it. Example:
Cottonelle toilet paper. On sale at Ralphs for $1.25 usually. Combined with the printable $1.00 coupon and the electronic coupon for .50 cents it makes .25 cents.
Now you have free toilet paper and an extra quarter to apply to the rest of your bill. It all adds up!!!!!!

Please go to www.shortcuts.com and join. Its simple, you just need your e-mail and store loyalty card.

Also, join at www.cellfire.com. This site notifies you of coupons, you save them and when you go to the grocery store, you give the cashier your "code". Items are linked through your loyalty card as well. Again, these provide opportunity to get free items or money makers when combining with MQ's or store Q's.

Step 5:Get organized: You will need a coupon organizer. I currently use and recommend the Couponizer. It's made for beginners to learn from but also continues to be useful even once you really get to know what you are doing. It looks like this:

Please click here to order, it really is a must have!!!!

Tips:

DO NOT print any and all coupons you find. Most print with a 2-4 week expiration. If you don’t use it, you have wasted not only ink and paper but most manufacturers limit coupon printing to 2 per household per cycle.

Aside from saving money, couponing is about building up your pantry, medicine cabinet and your sundries.
Example: I haven't paid for a tube of toothpaste in 2 years and have 7 full boxes sitting in my cabinet just waiting for when I need them. 4 are Aquafresh, 2 are Colgate and 1 is Crest. So you have to be flexible, ready to switch brands etc.
But often when we need something like toothpaste, we run and get it, pay the full price of 3.99 and don't think twice about it. No!!!! Wait for the sale, take your coupons and pay nothing or close to nothing for it. Thats the way couponing works.
here is a great Colgate Coupon, wait for the .99cent sale and look it's free.
http://www.colgate.com/app/ColgateTotal/US/EN/SpecialOffers.cvsp

Learn your store prices, get to know if the sale price is really a sale or just clever marketing. Remember grocery stores are looking to make a profit. It’s about knowing what to buy, when to but it and having the coupons to make it really work for you, not your store.

Set a budget. Do not go into the grocery store thinking you will pay whatever it totals at the register. Instead make a list before you go, estimate the price of the items on a shopping list with the coupon you will use. If your budget is 200$, your list should total 200$. Cut out anything you don't need especially if it isn't on sale. Again ordering the Couponizer is great because it includes lists and other tools.

Many people think that if they use coupons they will be buying items they don't really want or use. This isn't true. If there is an item that is free with a coupon, or just a few cents, please don't forget you can donate those items. Food banks and shelters are always in need of donated goods. Also, you can start saving on the cost of gifts. By putting together cute baskets of cake mixes, frosting, icings etc. for example you can gift the baskets to teachers, your postman, your UPS man as a thank you instead of having to run out for the 25$ Starbucks/ Chili's/ Visa gift cards we all so often run out for at the last minute.
It's a way that even in this economy you can still afford to show your appreciation to the people that provide service to you.

Don't get frustrated and give up. Learning how to coupon and save is a process. Try starting with 10-20 coupons for sale items and see how you do. Go from there.