Savvy Living ~ Exploring the Art of Couponing

I have been intrigued by the world of couponing. I have been furously researching the various methods of couponing and have gleaned some very notable strategies from some expert bloggers and couponers like the Bargain Hunter and I Am A Money Magnet.

First, LEARN THE COUPON LINGO.
This post on the blog I follow 'I Am A Money Magnet' on Coupon Lingo/Abbreviations. In this post Jamie lists some of the most commonly used terms (aka coupon lingo). I made a list with codes from this post plus others I found while researching on the internet: Click here for a printable 'At a Glance: Eco~Nomically Undaunted Coupon Lingo List'.

NEXT, ORGANIZING A LIST OF SAVVY WEBSITES.
Still thoroughly confused and overwhelmed with this new world of couponing I decided to take a step-by-step logical approach where small simple changes will make an impact on my shopping savvy. Every researcher needs an index/directory of all of the sites I would need to frequent for saving money and clipping coupons. I quickly compiled a reference list with some of the most popular coupon and savings websites I've come across. The post from Laurie of Bargain Hunters on how I keep my grocery bill so low is a very good starting point. On the site The Grocery Game Terri's list makes the claim that members save over 60% on their grocery bills by joining the grocery game. They also offer a a 4-week FREE Trial, and see for yourself! With this you will get a weekly list of the lowest priced products matched with manufacturer's coupons and weekly specials - advertised and unadvertised! Click here to The Grocery Game videos.

THE PRICE BOOK.
There are many great sites that talk about and sell pricing books that hold your coupons and allow you to record and keep track of prices throughout the year. This is a very important part of becoming a savvy shopper. I opted for now to just use a little notebook that I had in the house. Recycle and reuse. I just started to record prices on things like meat, fish, vegtables, and other things that I frequently buy (sauce, rice, personal hygiene items).

STOCKPILING.
I can see the benefit of combining coupons with sales and stockpiling when they have a buy 10 itesm for $1 sale. Also when meat if very discounted I can see stocking up and freezing for future use. My only concern is space in my fridge and pantry. I don't like clutter so I have to do this with limitations.

THE MORE OBVIOUS.
Every week when I receive my local grocery store circulars I sit down and cut out the coupons from all three that apply to my shopping needs. Although many couponers make their best deals from brand item frozen foods and processed snacks I resist the urge. I will use and do clip some of the boxed items, cleaning supplies, paper products, and personal care items. I have marked envelopes: Manufactorer Coupons, Store Coupons (Bashas, Frys, Albertsons and Walgreens) and Department Store Coupons. Some challenges, I have been asking the stores I frequent for double coupon days and they say it is advertised in the store and circular but they never know when they are coming. I am hoping one of the sites I follow will give me a heads up on double coupon days. Many coupons I find are for items do not use or need. Want vs Need and too much waste. I do not want to subscribe to a process of purchasing a lot of things that I don't need and create further waste. This is where the process become more challenging for me.

From what I've read the skills of expert couponing DO NOT happen overnight so I'm not quite there yet. I am going to try my own method for four weeks to see if I get the results I am hoping for. Then I will take The Grocery Game 4-week trial and write about those results.

I hope you enjoy the post ... HAPPY SAVVY SHOPPING!

Arizona, Hosting House Guests on a Budget

I'm so excited gearing up for my family (mom-in-law and niece) to come stay with us for the first week in August. There are a few budget challenges we're facing so we'll need to get creative. First, we are down one salary in our household and secondly the temperatures are up (115+). With that in mind I have made a list of some fun things we can do to beat the heat and stay within budget.

Fortunately we have a beautiful built-in pool and our backyard has a great view of the Superstition Mountains. This is a great way to make our guests relax and unwind. We can BBQ and swim and just enjoy their company.

Taking a Daycation at a Resort & Spa.

Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa $30 per person 300 Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340 http://www.wigwamresort.com/special-offers.html If you are not interested in overnight accommodations, we can offer you access to the Red Door Spa facilities including saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzi, lap pool, fitness center and indoor/outdoor relaxation areas. The charge for this access is $30 per person and is valid throughout the day.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Using the spa facilities without a spa treatment $35 per day for non-resort guests. Complimentary use for the day of our fitness and motion studios, as well as our private indoor and outdoor whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, spa pool and relaxation lounge with fireplace. You may participate in any or all exercise classes.

Gold Canyon Golf Resort Spa weekday mini spa service special $22
They are running the mini special. It is now every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. We still offer complimentary wine, fruit, cheese & crackers. Our hours are 9am to 5pm & later by appointment. If you need anything further or would like to schedule an appointment you may call the spa directly at 480-982-6855.

Art:
Wed Aug. 5th, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Downtown Chandler Art Walk Visit more than 40 artisans set up along the streets in front of the unique shops and cafes of Historic Downtown Chandler. Free. In 2009: First Wednesday of the month

Local tours:
Goldfield Mine Tours
(480) 983-0333 Admission $7 adults, $6 seniors
The Goldfield Mine Tour takes approximately 25 minutes. It is an underground guided tour that takes you back in time to 100 years ago. The guides are well versed on the history of the mine, town, gold mining equipment and procedures. Hang on tight as the mineshaft shakes from exploding dynamite! Tours can leave every 10 minutes for large groups.

Arizona Biltmore Historical Tours
Historical tours are offered to the public every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 10am. The tours last approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes and are led by a Biltmore Certified Historian. Tour charge is $10 per person. Private Group Tours are also available upon request. Group tours are $250 for up to 20 guests. (minimum 7 days advance notice required for private tours) Please contact the Concierge for more information and to make your tour reservation. 602-955-6600 ext. 7000.

Save on Eating with Happy Hours:

Downtown Chandler
Tomaso's at Casa Paloma (7131 West Ray Road1/8 mile east of the I-10 in the Casa Paloma Shopping CenterMap (mapquest.com) ) has an excellent happy hour 4-7 p.m.
Mon-Fri. Glasses of wine from the owner's vineyard in Italy are $5 and very good. Appetizers are about $5-6; my faves include the heaping bowl of mussels, the calamari fra diavolo, beef carpaccio or the antipasto plate.

98 South (98 S. San Marcos Place) in downtown Chandler and 56 East, also at Casa Paloma, have happy hour until 6:30 p.m. and serve a full menu of martinis for $5 and half-off appetizers. The food's better than typical bar food -- good calamari, OK crab cakes, and a very good marinated skirt steak.

Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Downtown Chandler, Farmers Market Boston and Arizona Avenue at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
3 p.m. to 7 p.m. non-summer hours; Season: ongoing 480-782-3047
Excerpt taken from yelp review "This is a charming weekly farmer's market in Downtown Chandler. It is every Thursday from 3pm-7pm. There is beautiful, fresh, local, organic produce and eggs. There are also homemade Tamales, salsas, honey, olive oils, vinegars, jams and breads. They have live music and lots of crafts to buy. I bring my dog and mosey around. IMPORTANT NOTE: Bring cash, most places do not take plastic. After shopping you can head over to one of the local restaurants for a happy hour drink or snack. A nice way to spend a sunny afternoon."

Scottsdale
Valley Ho Scottsdale (Happy Hour daily 4-6pm and reverse from 9-11pm. )6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, T: 480.248.2000

featured specials
session Saturdays - DJ PBody poolside every Saturday - room rates from $99. Call reservationist for details at 480.248.2000
Trader Vic's Happy Hour "1950's-pricing" appetizers. Drink specials avail. For reservations call 480.421.7799. Appetizers such as $1 Moo Shu Pork, $2 Maui Burger + Sweet Potato Fries and $3 Crab Rangoon. Drink Specials are also available.

The "All-Night, All Summer Happy Hour" runs Monday through Sunday 4:00 p.m. to close from June through September. The appetizer favorites, which are ample servings, are half price. Savor some of these great faves: Roaring Fork's (4800 N Scottsdale Rd # 1700 (480) 947-0795) "Big Ass" Burger for $9.00 Roaring Fork's Kettle of Green Chile Pork Stew for $7.00 Eddie V's Maryland-style all lump crab cakes for $7.48 Eddie V's Georgia Bank scallops and tempura for $6.48 Wildfish's Crispy cashew calamari for $6.48 Wildfish's Wedge warm melting St. Andre cheese salad for $5.96

Classes:
Michaels – http://www.michaels.com/ $5.00 craft every Saturday. Wilton® Cake Decorating Classes Add to My Michaels August 2, 2009 - August 31, 2009 Contact your local store for time information. Sign up for Wilton® Cake Decorating Classes! From character cakes to elegant gum paste flowers, you'll learn how to make every celebration extra special! Take a Wilton® Cake Decorating Class this month for 40% off. Classes start the week of August 2nd.

Dining Out Discounts:
Promotion: 70% off $25 Gift Certificates
Get 70% off $25 Gift Certificate orders from Restaurant.com.
Expiration Date: July 13, 2009
View all Restaurant.com Promotional Codes >>
Promotional Code: SEVENTY

Entertainment Book 2-for-1 Lunch or Dinner
UP TO $25.00 VALUE Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
6751 N. Sunset Blvd. #E109 Glendale, AZ 85305 Phone:(623)772-001149.4 miles

Free Outings:Apr 1, 2009 ... Culture Pass program
Library cardholders can now check out an admission for up to four people at participating cultural institutions! Which museum admissions may be "checked-out"?
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Arizona Museum for Youth
Arizona Science Center
The Bead Museum Children's Museum of Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden (starting June 1)
Heard Museum Heard Museum - North Scottsdale Heard Museum -
West Mesa Contemporary Arts Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Zoo
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Theatre:
Saturday, August 1st FREE Concert
Chris Burton JácomeFlamenco Ensemble Saturday, August 1, 2009 @ 7:30pm
Chris began playing guitar in 1986. While living in Sevilla, Spain, Chris studied flamenco guitar with some of the greatest flamenco performers of this era. Since his return from Spain, Chris has been performing over 200 shows a year playing many sold-out performances throughout the US and Canada. Venue: Hal Bogle Theatre, Chandler Center for the Arts

Monday, August 3, 2009 $12 General Admission Monday 7:00pm
Michael Finney's Dry Heat Comedy
Dodge Theatre Phoenix comedian Michael Finney hosts an evening with superstars of the comedy world. The lineup includes funny heavyweights such as Blue Collar Comedy member Bill Engvall, King of Queens star Kevin James, Last Comic Standing contestant Rich Vos, actor Scott Henry and sound effects and impression double team O'Brien and Valdez.

What to do with all that Doggy Doo? (Free Samples)

Putting those old grocery store plastic bags behind me!
Now that I'm kicking the plastic bag habit I needed to find a solution for all that doggy doo doo.

The temperatures are now consistently reaching 100 + and monsoon season has arrived. That means higher humidity and heavy downpours.

While I was sitting in my beautiful backyard enjoying the sounds of the water fall cascading down the rocks into my pool while sipping my morning coffee and looking over at the picturesque mountain view I started to walk around and ugh almost stepped into some doggy doo. What a wake-up reminder... I need to order some type of biodegradable bags and fast.

There are several choices out there on the market so for me it is always tough to make that first decision. But as I mentioned in my earlier posts my changes would be small and simple.

My Pick: I found something that is not only environmentally friendly but also economically smart. My top pick is the FlushDoggy fully flushable and biodegradable dog waste bags.

I know this sounds a little strange taking your dog's doo and flushing it down the toilet but it makes sense for a few reasons. For us the temperatures in the summer rise upwards of 115 or more so keeping all that dog doo in the trash or yard can be really stinky. Also making this change is small and easy and if it helps the environment too I am glad to make the switch.

I purchased a package of 105 flushable bags for $19.99. We clean up the yard about twice a week so I figure that the bags will last me a year give or take. Not too bad.

Get your FREE flushDoggy sample here (free samples take 6-8 weeks).

Excert from the FlushDoggy website that was very informative about waste in landfills:

'Dog poop is the major source of fresh water contamination and it pollutes our earth. Study has shown that almost 4% of landfills is dog poop. That's close to 10,585 thousand tons of dog poop each year. Also people use plastic bags to get rid of poop and you know how plastic bags will stay for up to 1000 years WITH the POOP inside, right?

....Without oxygen(when biodegradable bags are either deep inside the landfills or inside another trash bag), these biodegradable bags will not biodegrade and would still overcrowd our landfills and pollute our earth.'