PayBox.me

 I was just informed of a new way to earn money.  Mary Keyser, a friend wrote the following to me in an email and I wanted to share with you.  Currently, I am involved in My Points and SwagBucks and have earned many gift cards, so I have joined PayBox myself and looking forward to the rewards.

PayBox.me is a new venture designed to rival Paypal and other similar venues.  At the present time the company is offering each new person who signs up a $50 credit incentive.  This credit can build and grow as you invite new members and the program grows.  There are also several telecommuting positions available within the company.  Although no transactions can take place at this time there are plans in place to create a 'virtual currency' that will be available within the next year. The company is trying hard to work toward a reliable program that can be used in several countries and with several international currencies.  It is hard to grasp the concept completely without first reading the information on the website including the blog now available for members. It is a unique program and I am anxious to see its progress.  NO bank account is needed to open an account, only a valid email account and user password.  As the program builds and grows I will try to keep you abreast of the developments and progress of this venture.

If you are interested in learning more about it please visit http://www.paybox.me/r/lacyjscott  Yes, I get credit for each new member who joins but as it costs you nothing but a few minutes of your time each week you will definitely win if this company can get things running smoothly.  With input from the thousands of early bird members now in place information is pouring into them. How we order and purchase online will prove invaluable as they build this business.  Check it out.

Eating Healthy

Healthiest Choices
  
Let me preface this by saying I am not a nutrition expert but from my readings, I feel comfortable with the below.  You should make your own choices after doing additional research.  Now, I of course do not follow all of these guidelines as I am slowly working my way into the changes. We are also a work in progress and striving to make healthier choices.

Use less meat in your dishes, if the recipe state to use 1 pound instead use only 1/2 pound and you probably won't notice a change.  Also, have a meatless meal at least twice a week by using other sources of protein like beans or cheese.  If you do eat meat, dairy or poultry; be careful about their handling and buy organic.  Better yet, raise your own farm animals.  Ha Ha! That's not going to happen here.  Look for sources to buy organic.  Cook with cold pressed extra virgin olive oil moderately. Use butter sparingly and make sure you are not using margarine. 

No aluminum, whether it be in cookware, utensils or foil to line pans or cover foods while baking.  Don't use your microwave, instead cook on your stove or oven in stainless steel pans.  No cookware with nonstick coatings.  

Sweeten foods with molasses or honey and preferably of your region and not store bought.  No sugars, especially white or at least try a granulated sugar cane available in health food stores or perhaps a co-op.   


Use only whole grains in breads, rice or pastas.

Find sources for organic fruits and vegetables.  Try local markets (CSA) and if all else fails buy frozen and don't by canned vegetables.  Glass jars are a better choice,  read the labels.  I always say if you read the  label and have no idea what it is, don't eat it.  If it is man made or processed, don't eat it.  Any produce that you don't normally peel (celery, squash, apples, etc.)  have a high risk of ingesting pesticides and who knows what else.  Home grown is always best.  Start your own garden; try just a few vegetables at first and then add as you become more comfortable.  Tomatoes, squash, peppers, etc. are great for beginners. With your largest meal of the day, preferably lunch, have a large salad with lots of fresh vegetables (organic).  Use greens such as romaine,  leaf lettuce, spinach, kale or chard rather than iceberg.  Try not to eat much after 6 pm unless it is a healthy light snack.

*More About Pesticides on Produce*

You should be worried about more than just pesticides.  All the produce you buy in supermarkets and some produce stands are not only covered with pesticides,  chemical fertilizers, but also bacteria, microorganisms, mold, soil and sometimes even insect parts.  And, think about all the places your produce has been and who has been handling it.  Rinsing with running water or even soaking in the sink is simply not enough.  You should either purchase the vegetable spray cleaner located in your produce section or make your own.  Do this when you bring your produce home.  It’s quite simple.

1.      Gather two spray bottles; any cheap clean spray bottle will do.  Check out your dollar store variety.  Thoroughly wash and rinse your spray bottles.

2.      Put vinegar in one

3.      Hydrogen Peroxide in the other

4.      Spray your work surface and your produce with the vinegar first and let set for several minutes; dwell time.

5.      Then, spray the area again and the produce with the hydrogen peroxide.

6.      Rinse thoroughly with running water.

7.      Pat dry and store.

Start taking responsibility for the food you put in your mouth and most importantly, the food you prepare for you family; your loved ones.  Feel free to leave comments as I know there is lots of controversy regarding healthy choices. 



 

Blogs about Coupons.

 Still Under Construction

There are many many blogs out there that have a wealth of information.  Great ideas on how to save you bundles.  You should look through them all and pick your favorites.  Many will tell you whats on sale where and where to find the coupons for the best deals.  Remember, this is not a get rich quick scheme by reducing you grocery bill, but it is a good feeling when you reduce it substantially and its just fun to find bargains.
Pick your favorites and read the blogs about two times a week.  The information is constantly being updates and you don't want to miss any bargains.  Some updates are daily so keep informed.


Dallas/Ft Worth Area


Walgreens/CVS - Sales start on Sunday
Most Grocers - Sales start on Wednesday

Keep this in mind while planning your budget and shopping trips.



Click on the blogs below and also on the sidebars:


My Dallas Mommy
A Frugal Friend

I Heart CVS
I Heart Wags 

Couponing 101

Mommy Saves Big
Saving The Family Money
Surviving The Stores
Deal Seeking Mom
Jus Frugal Living
Bargain Briana 
The Centsible Sawyer
Southern Savers
Fabulessly Frugal
Savings LifeStyle
My Coupon Teacher

Examples of Deals

** Missing from photo: 1 Bayer aspirin (24-count) **
Starting ECBs: $2.00
Merchandise Value: $27.95
Out-of-Pocket Cost: $1.95 plus tax
Ending ECBs: $11.00
Profit: $7.05





Here is an example of what was bought last Saturday, September 18th

What I Bought:
2 Quaker Oatmeal – $2.50 each
2 Almay Mascara – $4.99 each
1 Dove Chocolates – $2.99
1 Revlon Moondrops Lipstick – $6.99
1 Bayer Aspirin (24-count) – $2.99

Coupons Used:
-$5.00 off $25.00 purchase coupon received via email
-$5.00 off 2 Almay products CVS store coupon from previous receipt
-$2/1 x 2 Almay Cosmetic Product 8/15/2010 SS Insert
-$1/1 x 2 Quaker Instant Oatmeal 9/12/2010 RP Insert
-$2/1 Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Facebook printable coupon
-$1/1 Dove Promises Silky Smooth Chocolate 8/15/2010 RP Insert
-$1/1 Dove Chocolate CVS store coupon from in-store printing machine
-$1/1 Bayer Aspirin 6/27/2010 RP Insert
-$2.00 ECBs

Out-of-Pocket Cost: $1.95 plus tax
ECBs Earned: $11.00 ($4 Almay from last week, $2.00 Quaker, $5.00 Revlon)

I ended up spending $1.95 but getting $9.00 MORE in ECBs than I started with! I love that CVS allows you to take advantage of both weeks’ sales on Saturday afternoons!

(Reposted from Saving & Giving Blog)


Here is an example of hanging on to your coupons and wait for sales.

Libby’s Vegetables on sale for  .39¢

• Use $1/3 from the 8/29 red plum or 8/29 parade magazine
• Final Price: .06¢ each ( a stock up price!)

You can use as many coupons as need for every three you buy.  This is one of those times to stock up.

(Reposted from A Thrifty Mom)

Using Coupons - Best Deals

• Be flexible regarding brands. 

• Collect at least 5 coupons of each for stockpiling when items are at their rock bottom price.

• Wait for sales, don't use them just because you have one.  Be patient, save the coupons because about 2 to 6 weeks after the coupon comes out, the product usually goes on sale and that is when you want to buy for greater savings.

• B1G1- Buy one get one free.  You can use two coupons, one for each product even though they are the same and one is free.  When you use manufacturers coupons with this deal you end up with free or nearly free items.  This is by far your best deal.

• Learn to stack coupons.  This is using a store coupon in their ad along with a manufacturer's coupon on the same product.   This also may end up being free or nearly free.  Another great deal. 

• Don't bulk buy.  Purchase instead the smaller size product to get the best savings from your coupon.  This includes trial size unless the coupon specifically states not for trial sizes.

• Products that have rebates used in conjunction with a manufacturers coupon may end up being free or nearly free in the long run.

• Shop at stores that double coupon values or willing to match other store ads.  Bring your ads with you and you may be able to do all your shopping at one store, thus saving you time and gas.

• At CVS and Walgreens, purchase  items that give you Extra Care Bucks or Registrar Rewards.  You may even do this on items you wouldn't normally purchase because in the end the product you get is free and you have free money towards your next purchase.  The items you don't use or want can either be used to make gift baskets for holidays/birthdays or Donate.  Think of the savings you will have with the gift baskets.  

• Give coupons to the clerk in the correct order to maximize your savings.  Store coupons that are like $2 off on $20 should be presented first, then the store coupons printed in their ads and finally the manufacturers coupons.  

• If the product is unavailable, ask for Rain Checks for the maximum number.  You can always buy less later if you choose.  

Learn to plan your menus around the foods you are able to buy that week.  Use sites like recipematcher.com that show you recipes to cook according to the items you have on hand.  During the weekend, take an inventory of ingredients in the home and add them to My ePantry.  Next, check out different recipes by cuisine or look at all recipes at once by selecting "All Cuisines".  Select the recipes that sound the best and also have a short list of ingredients I will need to buy. I will need to select 5 recipes for the week (Mon - Fri).  Add your selected recipes to "My Favorites" for future reference.  When cooking, keep in mind that the leftovers from the night before will be your lunch, so make sure you make enough of each recipe.  Another good site for this is supercook.com.  Try both to see which would be your favorite.

Be patient for it will take awhile for you to get an inventory of products together and then you will begin to see the savings.  If you are persistent you will eventually have the stockpile and the savings will  then finally be evident.   It may take two to three months see big differences.

Finding Coupon Sources

Now that I have the binder together, I need coupons.

Coupon Sources:

• Newspapers of course.  There should be coupon inserts Red Plum, Smart Source and Proctor & Gamble usually has an insert about once a month. You should purchase about 4 papers and you can get these cheaper at either Walmart or Dollar Tree 
• Store Ads - Many stores offer coupons in the sales ads (These coupons can be combined with a manufacturer coupon for an even greater savings)
• Magazines (e.g. All You, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping...etc.)  (They run specials on these magazines or you could just check them at your local doctors office..etc.)
• Internet - Websites such as Coupons.com, Redplum.com and Smartsource.com.  Do a search there are many more.
• Home Mailers - ValuPak or Coolsavings.  If you don't already receive these, you can go online and sign up.
• Manufacturer's Websites - Sign up on their websites, send emails, and give feedback on products and they will send coupons
• In Store - There are blinkies (blinking machines attached to shelves), catalinas (print outs that either accompany the receipt or printed on the back), peelies (coupons that peel off the product), tearpads (coupons located on pads usually on or near shelves) and inserts or cut outs on packages available.  Also stores like CVS and Walgreens have coupon books located near the front door.
• Friends & Family - ask your friends to save their newspaper inserts, magazines or mailers for you
• Loyalty Cards - Sign up for all the loyalty or savings card that the stores offer.  There is also electronic coupons; savings cards that are loaded with ecoupons from shortcuts.com or cellfire.com
• Ebay - buy hundreds of  coupons just for the minimal price of shipping and handling
• Clipping Service - Purchase multiples of same coupons for the minimal price of shipping and handling (e.g. thecouponclippers.com)
• Trade Coupons - with others at mycoupons.com, refundcents.com, fullcup.com, hotcouponworld.com
• Cell Phones - get coupons direct to your phone with cellfire.com
• Facebook - become a fan of your favorite products and receive valuable coupons
• Freebies - sign up for freebies, a coupon for full size product will usually accompany the freebie (google for freebies and take advantage of any magazine, internet or in store opportunity)
• Yahoo - do a search in groups:  there are many groups dedicated to couponing, join and obtain valuable advice and coupons
• Blogs - again there are lots and lots of people who blog about couponing....there is a wealth of information to help guide you and they usually have coupons on their blogs too.
• Google - do a search for coupons

Its a weekly commitment I know, but think about all the money we are saving by investing 2 to 4 hours a week.   There are more sources than just the newspaper and I bet you did not realize.  You save by the quantity of coupons you have, buying on sale and learning to stack coupons.  There really is a method to this madness.  I am sure you have thought about coupons before and just gave up the idea because you did not think there was really a savings.  You were wrong...because you did not have the education to know where to find them or how to use them correctly.  Using them correctly will be in my next blog.

Coupons.com
Smart Source 
Red Plum 
P&G eSaver
Mambo Sprouts
Betty Crocker
Box Tops For Education
Eat Better America

Pillsbury
Target

Coupon Binder - Getting Organized

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the knowledge available for this little brain to absorb.  I will have to spoon feed myself slowly for any of it to stick or I will lose total interest.  So, I have decided to sit down and make an outline of the things I think I need to learn and I will readjust this outline as I find out more information.  Something tells me that there will be alot of rewriting.  A starting point must be determined and some sort of   plan of action prepared. 

Step 1 - Coupons   I have spent the last few days reading articles and viewing you tube in order to learn how to put together my coupon notebook.  In order to be successful, I must be organized and this notebook should do the trick.  It will be much easier to locate the coupons I need during checkout at the store.

I made a trip to Walmart to purchase a binder that zipped closed to contain all my coupons.  I found this one for about $15.  Also purchased, 4 packages of sheet protectors (2 pkgs of the baseball card w/9 pockets, 1 package w/3 pockets and 1 pkg full page), 2 sets of dividers with pockets and a zippered bag.  I already had pens, pencils, notepads, scissors and a marking pen.    I think all of it totaled was just slightly over $20 with tax.

Zippered Pockets on left great for pens, notepads, scissors, etc.

Large Pockets great for storing store sales ads.

Grocery list to help make good use of my time.

The dividers have pockets, store clipped unfiled coupons.

Plastic baseball card protectors to store coupons.

I bought two sets of dividers.  1st set is labeled:

Dairy
Meats
Produce
Frozen
Boxed (or Packaged)
Canned (or Jars)
Paper
Baked

Second set of dividers are labeled:

Cleaning
Health
Beauty
Home
Clothing
Pets
Baby
Dinning

Large full page sheet protectors for larger coupons.

Note the key ring with the store cards.

Now that the binder is complete, time to get those coupons clipped and filed away.  Please feel free to send comments and ideas on how to improve the binder.  Its always a work in progress.

Possible to be Frugal and Healthy?

Depending on how much I want to save, I believe it is still possible.  I know I won't find as many coupons for the more healthier options.  But, even if I cut only 10 to 20 percent off my total food bill; that is still a savings and the bonus is my husband and I will be eating healthier for the same money or possibly  less.  It is my understanding that most organic food choices run an average of 10 to 20 percent higher.  So, I would be happy to break even. I have confidence that the savings are going to be much higher though.  Stick with me and we will find out. 

Today while surfing the net, I found a coupon database on Saving Naturally blog.  With this database, I am now able to type in and search for coupon sources for the items that I want to purchase; healthier choices perhaps.  I plan on giving it a try.  I have posted the link on my coupon page.  Click here to test drive the coupon database for yourself and leave me a comment on whether you found it helpful.  Also, guess what else I found?  I found a site that specializes in Organic coupons.  It is mambosprouts.com.

Coupon Database

 Coupon Database from Saving Naturally Blog.


Click here to go to Link to Coupon Database