Sick and Tired
In case you’re wondering, I haven’t disappeared. School started back last week. Things started out fine and then somehow I got sick with some terrible allergies or a cold (not sure which). It’s been a tough week for me as I haven’t had any energy when I get home. Today is day 7 of the sickness so I hope that I’ll be feeling better soon. I look forward to posting some money saving tips or sales this weekend.
I hope you all are well!
August 28, 2010
Reusable Gifts Bags Might Be a Frugal Choice
One of the newest products in green living are reusable gift bags. These bags are durable and as you can see from the picture, they are attractive as well.
There are some pros and cons of reusable bags to consider.
Pros:
- The gift bags are reusable.
- They come in many attractive designs and colors.
- You could use them for other purposes such as a tote bag or lunch bag.
Cons or things to consider:
- You can also reuse paper gift bags that others give to you and wouldn’t need to buy any.
- Since these bags are new on the market, you probably won’t find them on clearance. You can find regular paper gift bags on clearance.
- Would you hang on to the bag and use it again and again, or would it just become more useless clutter?
I’m not saying that these reusable bags are the wrong choice. I actually like the idea. The thing is, I have a whole under-the-bed box full of other paper gift bags so it’s unlikely that I’ll be buying any of the reusable bags soon. Also, at $2.99 each, I probably wouldn’t purchase them. Some people may pay $3-5 for a gift bag, but that’s not my kind of thing. I’m sure there are other places to purchase the bags for a more affordable price. Who knows, may the Dollar Tree will start carrying them soon.
What are your thoughts on the reusable gift bags?
image (c) Karen Weideman
August 11, 2010
Bumble Bee Foods BlogHer Party
As I have mentioned before, I am a representative for Bumble Bee Foods. This year for BlogHer, Bumble Bee Foods threw a party for other bloggers. 
Chef Scott Leibfried was at the party to fix up some of his super easy recipes using Bumble Bee products. At the party, he made three of his recipes. They were so delicious!
Here are some of the members of the Bee Squad at the party with Chef Scott. It looks as though there is also a party guest in the picture.
Chef Scott is preparing the Asian Tuna Wraps. These were sooo good! It reminded me of an old favorite Asian Bistro I used to frequent.
Here are the Asian Tuna Wraps that Chef Scott made. Sorry for the very poor picture quality. It was a spur-of-the-moment picture and I did not set my camera correctly. You can see a better picture by clicking on the actual recipe.
This is Chef Scott and me. He was very friendly and easy to talk to. He answered people’s questions and entertained us all with his delicious recipes.
Before leaving the party, I had Chef Scott sign my Lands’ End tote bag that we were given at the party. In case you are wondering what it says, it’s “Cook Well”.
You can find more recipes at the Bumble Bee Foods website.
Picture 1 is used by permission of Elizabeth at Table 4 Five. All other photos belong to me.
Disclaimer: Bumble Bee Foods sponsored my trip to BlogHer.
August 4, 2010
Wordy Wednesday: Canning Tomatoes
Today I have been canning tomatoes. Let me just say that I have not canned in years. I had just about forgotten how to can. I did some internet reading first to refresh my memory.
I still have some tomatoes jars cooking, but if I remember correctly, so far I have canned 9 pints of petite diced tomatoes and 5 pints of salsa. I enjoy eating fresh and canned foods so I hope to do more of this in the future.
Pick Your Own is a great website for finding information on places to pick product in your area and it also has information on canning tomatoes, recipes, and more.
Have you canned anything this year?
July 21, 2010
Wordy Wednesday: From My Yard
We purchased our home less than a year ago. During this time, we have thoroughly enjoyed watching the flowers and plants arrive during different times of the year. It seems as though when one plant becomes dormant, another blooms.
Here are a few recent pictures from my yard.
I’ve been trying to figure out the name of this one. According to some googling, it appears to be an Agastache Blue Fortune. If that is incorrect, please let me know. Thanks.
Beautiful Phlox. All of the plants and flowers in my yard are low maintenance, which is a definite plus for me!
I have always thought these were Black Eyed Susans but when I was looking on a website today, they had these listed as Redbeckia Goldsturm. Perhaps that is the proper name for them. Are these Black Eyed Susans to you?
This is a low growing creeper and looks great around the rock border. It looks like this through nearly the entire year. I would like to have more of this plant, so I would appreciate anyone helping me to identify it.
Happy Wednesday!
images (c) Karen Weideman
July 9, 2010
Experiencing Technical Difficulties
I haven’t been online much lately because I am experiencing technical difficulties. My computer decided to die and I have sent it in to be fixed (it’s under warranty). Then our second “just in case” computer died too. My hubby’s computer also needs to be sent in for repairs (the wireless internet is not working) but since we’re having other issues, I have a cord run to this one to get us by. This is too much computer drama for me! Hubby went to get an internet cord for me this morning, so hopefully I can begin posting regularly again.
What have you been up to lately?
May 31, 2010
Remembering Those Who Served
I grew up in a military town. There’s something about it that brings about an understanding; an understanding of loss, sacrifice, and pride. I am fortunate to come from a family with many who have served our country. I have heard countless stories, many of which are hard to comprehend. I’ve heard stories of my grandpa being wounded in war, of my grandma receiving a telegram that he had been wounded, of frostbite, and of my grandpa eating frozen Tootsie Rolls to stay alive.
It was just a year ago that my grandma was laid to rest in a veteran’s cemetary along with my grandpa. This is a picture taken in the cemetary this week. It brings back such fresh memories of days with my grandma and grandpa and the loss our family feels.
Today I hope that you aren’t just happy about a day off from work or school. I hope that you are thankful for the sacrifice of the military, as well as their families, to provide us with the best gift they could give us.
image by Melinda W.
May 1, 2010
Where Have I Been?
I haven’t been around much this week. This is because I’ve gone back to work to my original career as a teacher. It’s what I went to college to become. Writing about saving money came after having children. It enabled me to stay at home and make a little bit of income. Plus, saving money is a passion of mine so it was a win-win.
The thing is, when I started writing about saving money I began working for another company. I spent 3 1/2 years writing for this company. Now I’m starting over and I’ll be honest with ya . . . it’s hard! Starting a new site, getting the design in place, putting up ads (to make a little money), and building a reader base takes some time. It really, really stinks because like I said, I already have 3 1/2 years experience doing this.
The job at the school is temporary until the end of the year. In the meantime, I will try to continue posting a few times each week at night and on the weekends. Plus, I have some money saving tips to rewrite for the site. I hope you all understand. I want to continue working on this site.
If you’re on facebook, be sure to friend me. I usually post a link to all of the new savings posts there. Plus, I’ve noticed that many of you tend to be more chatty there.
April 21, 2010
Wordy Wednesday: My Favorite Sign
I know that this is supposed to be a Wordless Wednesday, but who can just post a picture and leave it at that? I know I can’t. 
The 75% off clearance sign at Target is one of my favorite signs. When I see it, I get a bit happy inside. It’s hard to describe how it makes me feel. When I see it, I am suddenly expecting a wonderful deal. I am willing to search through racks of clothing for the children’s sizes I need.
I don’t get to visit Target as often as I used to (due to location), but I still enjoy that sign.
Do you have a Wordless Wednesday post? Feel free to link up in the comments.
April 21, 2010
Reader Question: CVS Extra Care Bucks
I received a question from one of our readers, Tanesha. I was going to answer her question in the comments, but realized that many others of you probably have the same questions.
At first, I too was overwhelmed and confused by the CVS Extra Care Buck sales. It does take some getting used to and some strategizing, so at first you may want to take it slowly.
How do the ECBs work at CVS?
CVS offers something called Extra Care Bucks, commonly known as ECBs. Basically, you purchase the ECB sale item and then at the end of your transaction you will receive your ECBs which you can use on another transaction. The Extra Care Bucks work like cash within the CVS store.
Example: Last week, Colgate was $2.99. The sale stated that you would receive $2 in ECBs. Technically, that makes your cost $.99 since you got back the $2 to use in the store, but to get the ECBs you have to pay for the item out of pocket.
Some items are free with your ECBs.
Example: Last week, CVS had Dove shampoo or conditioner for $4.50. When you purchased the Dove product, you received $4.50 in ECBs. You had to spend the initial $4.50 but you got it back at the end of your transaction to use on a future purchase.
Can you use coupons with ECBs purchases?
Ok, she didn’t really ask this question, but I thought I’d throw it in there because it’s important.
Yes, absolutely! You can combine coupons with ECB transactions.
Example: Dove shampoo is $4.50 and you’ll get back $4.50 in ECBs. On your transaction, you can hand the cashier your Dove hair care product coupon for $1 off. You’ll pay $3.50 (instead of $4.50) and you’ll still get back the $4.50 in ECBs. It’s like making money! Isn’t that exciting?!
Isn’t there a limit to bucks like so many per card?
Yes, there is a limit on ECB specials. Last week, the limit on the Dove shampoo was 1 per CVS card. Sometimes there is a limit of 2 or 4. The CVS ad will state the limits. And if you’re not sure how many you’ve purchased that week, you can check the bottom of your receipt and it will state if you have fulfilled the maximum on the offer.
Do you purchase all your ECB things first?
There are a few ways to handle the ECB transactions. I’ll tell you some options and then give you the one that I choose most often.
1. Ring up all of your merchandise in one transaction and save your ECBs for the following week to use on more sale items.
2. Ring up all of your merchandise in one transaction and use your ECBs on splurge items such as make-up, hair care products, cool office supplies.
3. Split up your merchandise into separate transactions to utilize your ECBs as quickly as possible. This avoids you losing your ECBs or them expiring for you use them. This is the method I choose but it does take some strategizing.
If you’ll notice my previous CVS posts, you’ll see that I sometimes have multiple transactions. That’s because I’m trying to leave the store with the littlest out of pocket expense (OOP) possible while utilizing my ECBs.
Example: Dove shampoo is $4.50 and you will get back a $4.50 ECB. Softsoap body wash is $5.50 and you will get back a $4.50 ECBs. Pampers Easy Ups are on sale for $7.99. I would do this:
Transaction 1:
Dove shampoo $4.50, plus receive $4.50 in ECBs
use $1 manufacturer coupon
OOP = $3.50 and received $4.50 in ECBs
Transaction 2:
Softsoap body wash $5.50, plus receive $4.50 in ECBs
use $.75 manufacturer coupon
use $4.50 ECB sale from transaction 1
OOP = $.25 and received $4.50 ECBs
Transaction 3:
Pamper Easy Ups $7.99 sale
use $2 manufacturer’s coupon
use $4.50 ECB from transaction 2
OOP = $1.49
As you can see, it does take some strategizing to use method #3 but the out of pocket expense is very limited.
How do I get the most ECBs?
1. You can get ECBs on specially marked items. You can find these items listed in the CVS flyer. Sometimes you might find some unadvertised ones in the store. If I have a few extra minutes, I’ll cruise the store looking for ECB sales and clearance items.
2. Scan your card at the coupon machine during each visit to CVS. You might receive special coupons or ECBs.
3. Get a CVS reusable bag and tag. For every 4th visit, you’ll receive $1 ECB.
If this doesn’t answer your questions, please let me know. Also, feel free to submit your questions in the comments or by using our contact button. Thanks for your questions, Tanesha!
