Living Smart 101: Make and Take Notes!

Whether or not you've ever had any project management experience- I treat holidays and big events like I am one. I make my proposal (and this can be on paper, saved on the computer or in my head), do my "flow chart" run through (if this happens then this will happen or won't happen or someone will want this etc.) and then execute. And I've found being on Facebook that a lot of people think like I do. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I have friends that actually have Excel spreadsheets for Christmas like me. I've been making them since the mid-1990s. Keeps track of spending, what I give people and my savings.

One thing I have recently started doing is a follow up report. What is that? A quick Word document or notes in a notebook that summarize the event/holiday or "I've hidden this here" or "Next year I need this before I begin." This way when I start to plan another Birthday party or a dinner party and it's been awhile since the last one- I can read real quick and remember that dessert wasn't the success I thought it was or the kids LOVED the snow cones vs. birthday cake. Some notes are obvious but others like "the red carpet for the movie party kept blowing in the wind and the kids would trip" seems like it would be memorable but a year goes by, you get rushed and you might not remember until it happens again.

I'm getting older, my girls are getting busier, our lives are getting crazier and I'm not as sharp on the details as I used to be. Making a quick little report of what went well, what didn't work and what you need to do/add/get/change next year will take away a little stress, eliminate repeats and make you much more organized. And by having notes on what you need- you can check often and take advantage of deals because they are fresh on your mind!

And I promise- that last section where you note that you thought it would be a genius idea to put this particular thing "here" then and now can't remember "where??"- you will appreciate these little follow up notes. And I keep these notes just not for my house but for events for PTA and church. So that next year- I can help plan and remind others about those little bumps in the road that we experienced or what really stood out as a hit but forgot in a year passing.

Restaurant.com Sale- 80% off + $10 Credit

Code: CHEER and your $10 credit will show via email shortly. Expires 12/31.

Happy New Years and here's to good eating in 2010!!

Living Smart 101: Good idea for Birthday presents

Hope everyone had a great Christmas/Holidays!!

I know we are just barely off the Big Day but when you are frugal- you go from one holiday mode to another. My new mode because of Christmas is birthday presents. Why? Because Walmart marks down all their bath/body/hair/lip gloss etc. kits to next to nothing!! And there are kid sets in all the hot themes like Disney, Bakugan, Hannah etc. There were also some food kits like a Smuckers ice cream kit with bowls and toppings for less than $10.00. I was able to make some bundles for presents and then I got some design your own lip glosses for $1.50 that I will tie in with a gift card or something else.

Cool idea that's cheap and my gift closet is stocked for fun events in 2010!

Checkin' that list twice!

My tip to you at what is closely approaching as the 11th hour before Christmas- do a battery checklist! Don't have to pull everything out- just go online to Amazon or a big store and find out what batteries you need for all of your gifts for the little ones.

Also keep in mind that things like digital frames and DSLites need to be charged.

Restaurant.com 80% off Great Last Minute Gifts!

I sing their praises and if you need a last minute gift or just want to save money after the holidays eating out when everyone is really watching their budgets.

Code is SANTA and you can get a $25 gift certificate for $2.
Print it, give it and I would suggest printing out the menu from the website if you can and people will love the chance to try a new restaurant and save money!

Deals at CVS this week!

Here's what I liked at CVS this week:

Makeup deals:

Revlon Moon Drop or Super Lustrious Lipstick
Sale price: $6.99 Earn $5 ECBs Limit 3
There's a $2/1 in the 12/13SS
Final Price: FREE after coupons and ECB

Covergirl Clean Powder or Liquid Makeup
Sale Price: $5.00 Earn $2 ECBs Limit 1
There's a $1/1 in the 11/29PG
Final Price: $2.00 after coupons adn ECB

Hygiene:

Crest or Oral B Pro Health Toothpaste or Rinse, Oral-B Floss or Superfloss
Sale price: $2.88 Earn $2 ECBs Limit 1
There's a .75/1 in 11/29PG
Final Price: .13 after coupons and ECBs

Listerine Mouthwash or Pocket Packs
Sale price: $3.99 Earn $3 ECBS Limit 1
$1/1 12/6 RP
Final Price: FREE after coupon and ECBs

Oral B Single Toothbrush
Sale Price: $2.99 Earn $2 ECB Limit 1
Final Price: $.99 after ECB

Schick Quattro Razors, 4 count cartridges, Intuition Plus or IP 3 count cartridges
Sale Price: $8.99 Earn $3 ECBs Limit 1
$2/1 11/22 SS
Final Price: $3.99 after coupon and ECBs

Nivea Body Wash
Sale Price: $5.99 Earn $5 ECBs Limit 1
Print coupon $2/1
Final Price: FREE +++ after Coupons and ECBs

Household:

Glade Products
Spend $12 and receive $4 ECBs Limit 1
Sale Prices: Some sprays are $6 and Candles/Holders/Refills are 2/$6

Here's an idea:
Check your current magazines- Woman's Day, BBG etc. for coupons $4/1
Hopefully you can find 2 coupons
Buy 2 Sense and Spray=$12
Minus coupons= $4
After coupons and ECBs= FREE

Another idea:
Buy 2 Glade Holders and 2 Refills= $12.00
Coupon in 12/6 SS for free refills when you buy a holder= $6.00
Final Price: $2.00 for all four after coupons and ECBs

Food, Candy, Etc:

Russel Stover Chocolate
Sale Price: $4.99 Earn $1 ECBs Limit 1
$1/1 12/13 SS
Final Price: $2.99 after coupons and ECBs

Misc.:

Alteril Sleep Aid- 4 count
Sale Price: $1.99 Earn $1.99 ECBs
Final Price: FREE

ThermaCare Neck to Arm Wrap (1)
Sale Price: $2.49 Earn $2.49 ECBs Limit 5
Final Price: FREE

Copy, Paste and Print Out then work out how to roll and save as little out of pocket as possible. I'll get Mike to do and I'll post our gameplan.

Product Review: I am OBSESSED with this Product!

I am in love again and this time- it's a facial bar. It's from www.plainjaneskincare.com and it's the Dead Sea Mud Facial Bar and Mask. It's like having a spa in your bathroom! I use the bar everyday and the mask is awesome! It feels like you just had a facial and my skin looks great since I've been using it daily. And the bar last forever!!

I can't wait to try some of the other bars, the all natural bug repellent, the candles- I don't know what I'll order next! The website is fun and offers a lot!

Plain Jane Skin Care is offering my readers a 15% discount on your order with the coupon code TRACI. Go check it out- I think you will love this website as much as I do!!

A little Kohl's secret at the register...

If you are checking out at Kohl's- ask if you can fill out the email form to get deals and sales information from Kohl's. The associates will let you because they keep track of how many emails the associates get to be entered in the system.

In about a week or so- you will get an email to print for $5 off anything.

I've kicked serious butt with just paying attention to emails and mailers for $/$ coupons, cards and emails.

Our cashier didn't push it on us tonight and I had to ask but I was already using one $5 on the gift I got tonight and both Mike and I used alternate emails to get 2 more.

FREE $$+awesome deals+clearance+a little time- you are rockin' it at Kohl's and other stores.
Happy Shopping!

Living Smart 101: Don't become your worst enemy!

This is the most dangerous time of Christmas. You've got your game plan together and planned for Christmas and the presents are bought and wrapped. You've saved money by checking out the sales ads, using coupons and price comparison. What you don't realize is that your worst Christmas enemy right now is YOU!

How? That tiny little voice in your head that keeps saying, "Have you done enough?" "Will so and so think you spent the right amount, will the kids be happy, will they be upset they didn't get this, that and the other?" And then there are all the enticing emails coming hourly with new deals, coupons or codes for $ off etc.

Bottom Line- if you done- YOU ARE DONE! Don't second guess yourself and most of all- realize how much you can save after Christmas when the sales really kick in.

I'll discuss more but don't get suckered into the week after Christmas sales. Make sure you know your prices and it has to be a FAB deal. The real deals will be in January when the reality of Christmas sets in from bank statements and credit card bills. That's when the retailers will be begging you to spend money with them.

I have more to post but if this is the last post you read before Christmas- Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays- whatever you celebrate- may your end of 2009 be wonderful, stress free, filled with true joy and everyone stay safe and warm. I appreciate every kind email and we are gonna kick it in HIGH GEAR in 2010. Next year is going to be FRUGAL ON FIRE at Southern Coupon Belle. Join me and let's save money, pay off debt if you are in it and live happy and worry free! My motto is "No Debt I'm In in 2010!"

40% off at Timberland's website!

Use code: FFDEC9
Timberland's Friends and Family Discount for December 3rd through 7th.

Good on regular, sale and outlet items.

Free Personalized Christmas Calls from Kroger

If you are a Kroger customer and can register on their website- free personalized calls from Santa, Sammy the Snowman or Tony Stewart.

http://www.holidayphonecalls.com/?banner=kroger

You can plan on 10 calls per number- read the Terms of Use but how cute!!

New change at Michael's with the 40% coupon

Did anyone else notice this? I did and still sent Mike in hunt for "traditional" clothes pins for our reindeer project in Madi's class.

The 40% coupon now must be used on $5 total purchase after coupon. Kinda changes things if you like to take advantage of this coupon on smaller purchase.

Just a heads up to check the fine print on your Michael's coupon.

The Deals are Here- Put on your Poker Face

In other words- when to hold them and when to fold them.

The deals are going to be smoking mad the next 24 days. I'm almost giddy with excitement.
Why? Because this is where the game gets fun and you play the system. But to play- here are some ground rules.

1. Don't gamble on that perfect or must have gift.
Get it at what you think is a good price. Create a file for receipts, resist the urge to go all Martha Stewart and wrap. Then watch that item each week with all the ongoing sales. If you find cheaper at another store, buy the new one 1st then return the original. (don't do in the other direction in case you can't find it) If it's at the same store, take the item, the sale ad or promotion, the receipt and get them to price adjust. My point here is to not risk something that is really important that you want to watch someone open or see under the tree on Christmas morning. I'd rather have one on hand then risk and fall short. If I can save more money- great.
2. I will say it again- do not remove tags, save receipts and do not wrap. Trust me- this is hard and I'm resisting the urge big time but if I can save a buck or two on each gift with a little effort- I can wrap last minute. Saving money to me this year is the ultimate goal versus posting/bragging on Facebook or Twitter that "I'm done with my wrapping." I'd rather have a few bucks in my wallet than a few "likes" in my status. LOL
3. Pay super close attention to the ads, the mailers and the emails. I have a gift in mind for a relative and was all set to go out Monday and grab to mark it off my list. Then I read the fine print on a promotion and realized it wasn't good until the 3rd. Then I started really paying attention and the toy I wanted to buy was 40% until today, 50% off until the 3rd and then 60% off for the weekend. Take advantage of the 60% plus an additional 15% and then a free $10 off anything card and you are talking a huge saving by buying on Thursday onwards versus this past Monday.

Just do research, pay attention to everything you are getting media wise and be willing to do some matching/returning to maximize the savings. Your wallet, your sanity, your stress level and your forecast for 2010 will thank you when the next crazy 31 days are over and life goes back to what some call "normal." For many it becomes- "Oh No- What Have I Done and How Will I Pay For It At 23% APR?"