Take 5% off Schoola and get $5 Starbucks GC!!

28_JAN_5offLatte_BLOG

By this time, you know my love of Schoola! Great gently worn clothes for kids (and women) at a decent price, and they give 40% of each item’s purchase price to local schools!

Right now, they’ve got a great deal! Because you’ve helped us raise money for so many schools, Schoola is treating you to 5% off and $5 to Starbucks! Use the code below now until 2/14 and we’ll email you a Starbucks gift card.

Spend $20, take 5% off  + Free Shipping and Get $5 to Starbucks
Use Code LATTELOVE

Please note, codes are not valid on new-with-tags items. Limited one code per order. Offer for a limited time. Must spend $20 with the code to qualify for the Starbucks gift certificate.

And if you are new to Schoola, when you sign up here, you’ll get $20 in credit to spend (which you can use with the coupon code to save even more!!)

It’s BACK! Free FroYo Day!

Is it wrong that I look forward to this every year?

Screen Shot 2016-01-25 at 10.37.39 AMFebruary 1st is National Frozen Yogurt Day and that means free Fro Yo at Menchie’s!

It’s from 4-7pm on Monday, February 1st!

Fine Print: The first 6 ounces are free on February 1, 2016 from 4pm – 7pm. Additional ounces are at cost to the consumer. Limit one cup per guest while supplies last. Flavors are available at participating locations, while supplies last.

This is going to be a great after school treat for our family! As more Free Fro Yo offers are announced for other fro yo companies, I’ll post!

Schoola: $20 for You. $20 for your Friend. + $25 Gift Card to Amazon

I love Schoola, so I’m stoked to hear about their latest promotion!unspecified

Check it:  $20 for You. $20 for your Friend. 40% to Schools. + $25 Gift Card to Amazon

In the month of January 2016, refer at least 3 friends and Schoola email you a $25 gift card to Amazon. WOOO HOOO!!

To get started, click here. New to Schoola- that’s cool too. Sign up here and score $20 in new to you clothes for you, or your kiddos!

Here is a photo of Birdie in her latest Schoola outfit (and her forever photo bombing brother):

IMG_1884

 

 

Review: Coobie Seamless Bra

UGH. I hate writing less than stellar reviews, but Ya’ll need to know. I teased the review about the Coobie Seamless Bras here.

IMG_2747
I promised no photos of me parading around in my bra, so I’m not parading. And I’ve cropped out my naked, pale flesh.

Well, I’m not impressed. The ladies on the website must either all have had really good breast lifts or have not breast fed two babies because the Coobie is NOT supportive. I couldn’t exercise in it, and by the end of the day, my poor ol’ boobs hurt. Adjusting the straps didn’t give me any extra “lift”.

Hubs remarked that I had a “uni-boob”, which ya know, no one wants to hear.

I had to remove the triangular shaped pads on each side as well. They looked like they were for the smaller size bra (oh, Coobie Bras only come in two sizes), and sat super weird on my breasts, almost giving them a lopsided cone shape. There is an opening inside the bra under each arm for removal.

So, there ya go. They didn’t work for my floppy mom boobs, but if you have naturally perky, pert boobs, the Coobie Seamless Bra may be for you.

 

Thanks to USFG and Coobie for giving me the opportunity to review the Coobie Seamless Bra. I received it for free to facilitate my review.

A New Month (and Year!) Means New Coupons!!

file000786402730Here is your monthly reminder!  A new month means new printable and electronic coupons!

Check out the following sites:

One of my favorite websites to help me plan out shopping trips is Hot Coupon World. They have a Coupon Insert Schedule here. Remember if clipping coupons isn’t your thing, but saving money is, check out my list of Smartphone apps that can save you the big bucks!

Here are just a few of the new coupons that have me excited:

$0.75 off ONE carton Annie's™ Organic Soup
$1.50 off ONE (1) Saffron Road Frozen Entree
$2.00 off any ONE package of HUGGIES Wipes
$2.00 off ONE package of HUGGIES Diaper Pants
$2.00 off ONE HUGGIES LITTLE MOVERS Diapers
$1.00 off (4) JELL-O Gelatin, Pudding or No Bake
$1.00 off any ONE (1) CAPRI SUN Juice Drink
$1.00 off Any ONE (1) MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee
$0.50 off 1 ZonePerfect Bar
$5.00 off any (2) Similac large sized powders

Review: Obol- Never eat soggy cereal again!

logoA few weeks ago, Obol sent me two bowls to try out. They are great for keeping your milk and cereal separate right until you are ready to eat. No more soggy, mushy cereal!

IMG_2384But beyond cereal, it’s great for yogurt and cereal (or yogurt and granola, shown here), yogurt and fruit, even desserts like ice cream and cookie topping!

Lil’ Man loved it for yogurt and berries- his berries “rode the slide” into the yogurt. It definitely made breakfast more fun. He asks to eat out of the “slide bowls” all the time!

I like using Obols for stir fry and rice!

Obols are easy to clean and dishwasher safe too!

Obols come in two sizes, so there is one for everyone on your gift list.

Right now you can save 10% at obol.co Signup for instant discount code.

Thanks to Obol and USFG for sending me the complimentary Obols to facilitate my review! All opinions are my own and I was not financial compensated in any way.

#obolco

How to organize and store coupons

file000804438807

A lot of you will start 2016 with the goal of saving money by couponing. Here are a few ways that you can organize your coupons to help you achieve your goals.

There are several methods to store your coupons when they are in your home before you go to shop, and there are several more methods for storage when you are out shopping.

Here are just a few examples of organizational methods:

Screen Shot 2015-12-18 at 8.19.31 AM
Inserts filed whole by date

Whole insert: Leave the inserts whole, and file them by date.  You may wish to put each insert  in a tabbed folder and write the date along with the type insert such as SS (Smart Source), P&G (Proctor & Gamble), or RP (Red Plum). Example: 6/6/10 SS I recommend this method for those of you starting out, or if you don’t have a lot of time dedicated to couponing.

Clipped by dated: Filed in a similar fashion as above, but all coupons from each weeks inserts are clipped, put into an envelope, dated, and filed either in an accordion folder or filing/bank box. This can be a time saver when you need to pull coupons from a specific date.  You may choose to have all coupons from the same date filed together, or you may wish to file each insert (Red Plum, Smart Source, Proctor & Gamble) separately. Example: Clipped 6/6/10 All or  Clipped 6/6/10 SS

The next two storage methods are usually done when coupons are stored inside baseball card inserts in a large three ring binder.

Clipped by category: Coupons are clipped and then filed by category.

Clipped Alphabetically: Simply file the coupons alphabetically, either by product name, product type, or manufacturer.

 

Storage Methods

There are several methods for storage of coupons.

If you file whole inserts, you may wish to file inserts in an accordion folder or filing/bank box by date. This is the method that I use, and that I have used for over 10 years. As I have less time to dedicate to couponing, it keeps me organized and able to save the most money (and time!).

If you clip your coupons here are just a few examples of storage methods:

Coupon wallets are commercially available at office supply stores or mass merchandisers.  Coupon wallets  are small, reinforced accordion file with tabs. They can fit inside most purses. Organize the coupons by category or alphabetically.

Use a 3-Ring Coupon Binder with plastic page protector inserts (like these), and use tabbed dividers for the category dividers. In the front, you can put a pad of paper inside for your shopping list, a zipper pouch for pens, pencils, scissors and a calculator.  3-ring binders that zip shut are great too!

Individual envelopes- I do not recommend this method to anyone just starting out. Start with envelopes (I use #10 envelopes) and write the name of each category on the front in large, easy to read letters.  File coupons by category in the corresponding envelopes, Once you have all the coupons sorted and filed, store the envelopes in a plastic tub, shoe box, whatever is easiest for you. This is by far the most time consuming method for storing coupons.

When you clip coupons and file them you can go one step further and arrange them by expiration date, amount of coupon, or alphabetically. It’s up to you.  If you have multiples of the same coupon, consider paper clipping them together.

What is overage? (or how I score groceries for free)

DSCN7877Overage is a wonderful thing. If you read deal blogs or watch Extreme Couponing on TV, you’ve heard the term, but maybe you aren’t familiar with the meaning.

Overage is money that you receive back, either as cash in hand or money off the rest of your order when you have a coupon whose face value is higher than the price of the items.

Most grocery, drug and mass merchandisers do not allow overage. They will adjust the value of the coupon to make the items free. Walmart, however, does allow for overage. This means I shop at the largest Wal-Mart closest to us, because it has a huge grocery section.  I usually go once a month.

For those in the military or who have base privileges, the commissary also allows overage.

The secret to getting the overage is to purchase the least expensive item allowed by the coupon. Often times, this means the smallest item allowed. If there are no size restrictions, this means you might be able to use a coupon on a travel or trial size! Check all of the fine print on your coupons.

For example, I received 2 coupons for $10.00 off any Butterball item (I won them in a contest online) and this is how I used them:
2 Butterball Turkey Burgers $6.98/each

  • -2 $10.00 any Butterball Turkey product coupon
  • = $6.04 Overage

Generally, I use overage to purchase items I did not have coupons for (usually fresh fruits and vegetables).

If you are looking for some recent coupons that might provide you with some overage at Walmart, Paul over at I Heart The Mart has an awesome list of items at Walmart for $1 or less. 

What have you scored recently for free or received overage on?

New Year’s Resolution #5 & #6 Exercise & Lose Weight

file000267804564

Throughout December, I’m going to be posting about New Year’s Resolutions. Each post will have tips and tricks to help you navigate through your resolutions to become more successful at all of your frugal endeavors!
The Number 5 & 6 New Year’s Resolutions on most top ten lists are: Exercise and Lose weight.  I decided to tackle both of these at the same times since they can go hand in hand.

I am not a doctor or dietician.  I will share with you what works for my family, but YMMV, and remember to go to the doctor and get the OK before starting to exercise or diet. Seriously.

#5: Exercise without breaking the bank:  Starting in probably 2 weeks, even before January 1st, there will be ads in the paper, magazines, on the internet and of course commercials on TV advertising free 7-day trial passes for every gym on earth.  Take advantage.  If you haven’t worked at a gym in a long time, or are thinking about joining one, Check out a bunch of different gyms and see which one is a good fit for your goals.  BTW, when those free deals go live, you know I’ll be posting them.

If you aren’t a gym person, check out your local parks. Lots of parks in our local area have special walking loops and even fitness stations (Mast Park in Santee has both!). Other parks in San Diego with fitness/exercise stations include: Mission Bay Park,  Embarcadero Parks North & South, Tidelands Park near the base of the Coronado Bridge as you arrive in Coronado, Hilton Head Park in Rancho San Diego, Chollas Lake Park, and Morley Field (near Balboa Park). If your local park doesn’t have a fitness course, play on the jungle gym or go for a walk!

Luckily in So. Cal. we are blessed with pretty good weather, so outdoor exercise is almost always an option. On those extremely rare days where the weather sucks, try indoor mall walking.  I know, it makes me sound like an old lady, but when it’s cold or rainy, I strap the kiddo in the stroller and we walk a few laps over at Parkway Plaza. A few laps around the mall and I’ve gotten almost 4 miles under my belt! There is also a play area where the kiddo can let his energy out while mama recuperates.

Everything seems to go better with a partner in crime- enlist the help of a friend or family member.  Exercise with a buddy.  Go for a walk, look at holiday lights.  Keep each other accountable!

#6: Lose Weight without losing your shirt.  Losing weight doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  Here are some tips, tricks and deals you can use to save while you lose.

Sign up for free websites that can help you be accountable: Spark People is a great site that can help you track your calories and exercise. I also like Map My Run.  It helps you log activities and gives you a rough idea of how many calories you burn when you are active. And you can use it to log all kinds of physical activity, not just running! I also use Achievement– It syncs with your fitness device and you earn points for being active, logging water and food in your device. Points are redeemed for money via paypal.

If you are changing your eating habits, your doctor may recommend that you take vitamins.  And they can be expensive.  Keep your eyes open for sales at the drugstores in January and there will be coupons too!

There will be tons of sales and coupon available in January for healthy foods and supplements!

What are your frugal  tips and tricks for exercise and losing weight?  I’d love to hear from you!

Free Mug from Tiny Prints!

I am excited to announce that today and tomorrow TinyPrints is giving away a Free Magnet, 11 oz. Mug, Notepad, or $15 credit towards your Gift or Home Décor purchase, plus enjoy 30% off Holiday Greeting Card and Holiday Party Invitation orders using the code TPFREEGIFT at checkout! Your Choice!

I’m def. picking up another photo mug- they make very popular gifts with our family! Here is the mug I made for Hubs recently:

 

Screen Shot 2015-12-13 at 12.15.59 PMI’m off to make another one!!

Here is the fine print: Offer expires 12/14/2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Enjoy one (1) free magnet, 11 oz. mug, notepad, or $15 credit towards your gift or home décor purchase, plus enjoy 30% off holiday greeting card and holiday party invitation orders using the code TPFREEGIFT at checkout. There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. Free offer applies exclusively to magnets, 11 oz. mugs, notepads, gifts and home décor and is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, gift certificates, personalized postage stamps and personal stationery. The 30% off promotion applies exclusively to holiday greeting or holiday party invitations and is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, or any other product available on TinyPrints.com. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer cannot be redeemed more than once per account and/or billing address. This particular offer code can only be redeemed once. Offer is only valid on Tinyprints.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.