Couponing For Mere Mortals

It can be done. You can coupon. You will not have to turn your guest bedroom into a stock room, you do not have to resort to the dooms day prepper lifestyle and you are not required to wear mom jeans or even be a mom. Really, there is no reason not to coupon unless you are Warren Buffet and I think he (or his people) clips. I get it, you can barely get to the grocery store let alone find time to pour over weekly circulars. I've been there. Especially when I was single. I was a hunt and peck shopper. I went to the store and grabbed what I needed at that moment and paid whatever without thinking about it. This wasn't because I was making bank. The opposite was true. I was pinching pennies so hard, old Abe had a headache. It was a habit, and a bad one. It seemed overwhelming to plan and clip and run from store to store until I learned that it is pretty easy. Now, don't get me wrong you can take this as far as you want. For realistic purposes, I am going to give you my best tip for at least saving something, which is more than you are saving now, and its a good way to feel your way around the process. First thing, if you do nothing else, get a rewards card for the places you shop. Ok, now that you have done that, what a lot of people don't know is that you can load manufacturer coupons directly onto the card! Guys,especially, like this feature because you can load and forget it. Most larger chains offer this option to their customers. Here's the baby steps of digital couponing: 1. Sign up for your rewards card. 2. Register your rewards card online with the grocery chain. 3. Click on the digital coupons tab. 4. Select and  load your coupons onto the card. Done! Each week go back and load more coupons. Next time you go to that store any items you purchase that have corresponding coupons on your card will automatically deduct at the register. Yep. Cool. I know. You thought you had to stand there while everyone behind you glared at you for handing the cashier a stack of coupons as thick as War and Peace. Nope, its quick and discreet. All right friends, its time to load 'em up and move 'em out!

When Mommy Needs To Get Plugged In

I found this great site for all things Mommy. Cafemom is a great place to get information, share stories and stay up to date on the latest buzz and even play games, not the kids, you mom!  It has easy to navigate conversations and pages and is more interactive and useful than the message boards of the past. This site really has its act together. Of course, its run by Mommies. Everything from parenting tips to a comedy corner, whatever your day brings you Cafemom has a tool in its arsenal.  Their sister site called theStir is a must visit for any mom, especially when you are feeling like your contact with anyone or anything not cartoon-like is limited. This site gives you news of the interesting and sometimes odd. Its a great way to brush up on your coffee conversation and give you something other than the kiddies to chat about. For instance, today some of their stories include:

"Kim Kardashian Dissed by Diet Companies that Don't Want to Help Her Lose Baby Weight  or "Free Breast Pumps for Moms Thanks to New Healthcare Law!"  They also have original content videos like this one:

I'm going to head on over and see what Kate Middleton is up to...hope you enjoy! TaTa

Decorate On Over To The Dark Side

The thought of painting a wall in your home black let alone an entire room for many congers up images of dark, oppressive and dungeon like spaces. Quite the contrary, one of the biggest trends in interior design is the black wall. Rooms become crisp, elegant and loaded with personality. This trend is not limited to ultra modern style. It pairs nicely as an update to traditional or transitional style. Like this sweet little yellow and black number.

There are a few guidelines to help you pull this dramatic do-over off successfully: 1. If you paint, make sure you have a well prepared surface. Black dresses are forgiving, black walls, not so much. Fill all nail holes, sand well and caulk any necessary imperfections. 2. If your walls just aren't up to the task, use a black tone on tone wall paper to get the same effect and a smoother finish. Its like Spanx for your dining room! 3. Pair with a very clean color palette. Stick with neutrals such as white, or shades of cream or linen. Use only one strong accent color and distribute it conservatively. 4. Mix texture, this gives interest and breaks up the dominance of the harsh black backdrop. Include wood, fabric and natural elements. 5. Finally, keep all your patterns monochromatic. The room should be cohesive and not overpowered by layers of pattern and color. I love this dining room. It is a great example of all the elements, done simply.

There are more awesome rooms out there so go find your inspiration and let me know how it goes!

To Target, To Target

Ah Target, how I adore thee. I have decided to dedicate a regular post "To Target, To Target" to share my finds. Today I made a trip to my shopping playground and discovered some really great bargains. This years joint holiday marketing with Neiman Marcus brought some high end design items to Target stores. In my opinion, they were a little steep for Target but bargain priced for Neimans. You just don't feel like paying $100.00 for a cocktail dress at Target, but hang that same dress in Niemans at that price and the elbows will fly! That said, there are quite a few left overs to snap up at 70% off. Who wouldn't want some rag and bone shot glasses for 5.99 or a Marc Jacobs pouch for 20.99. Great ideas to tuck in your gift closet for last minute hostess gifts. I have found the selection is better in the stores but if you prefer you can still get a few items online. Not only are the bargains hot, but the stores are almost empty in my area and parking is primo! Guess you need to run to Target. Darn, if I have too...

Resolve Not To Have a Resolution.

Yep. That's what I said. Sounds defeating but its not. Making resolutions to change on January 1, now that's defeating. Let me back up. Teaching my class "De-Clutter Your Life," one of the primary principles I stress is making realistic goals. New Years resolutions are not realistic for the majority of us. Think about this. Since approximately Thanksgiving your entire routine has been offset. Kids are out of school, financially stressed,diet is out of control, time off work and maybe even travel are all typical factors in throwing our regular lifestyle and routine down the chimney. Trying to get back to normal and throwing a major life shift on top or that is a recipe for failure. Give yourself a chance to regroup from the holiday chaos and then start your plan of action. Here is what I recommend to my students: 1. Get back to "normal." Finish the overload of laundry, get the decorations put back, get on a sleep schedule, gather a couple paychecks under your belt and put the kids on the bus. 2. By all means plan. This is critical and will prevent loss of motivation. Select a date certain to begin your transformation. Make it at least 2-3 weeks post January 1. Tell everyone you know, circle it on the calendar and set the alarm on your android. Its go time. 3. One thing at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself with an entire me makeover at one time. Start with one change. Once you start this action plan. Get the calendar back out and schedule the next start date. Make sure it is at least 3-4 weeks before adding anything else to your plate. It takes at least 21 days for a habit or routine to stick. Whatever you choose to take on in 2013, I wish you success and happiness. I will be cheering for you!

Santa Gave Me An Upgrade. Now What Do I Do With My Old Stuff?

Much like life, technology changes at super sonic speed. Now that Christmas has passed, and so many of us received the latest and greatest gadgets under the tree, what do we do with the ones that are so last year? Best Buy has a great program to trade in your has-been devices. Its a great way to get a little bonus or at a minimum, be eco-responsible. The program is pretty simple. Best Buy will give you a gift card for a minimum of $5 for any item that they have carried in their store regardless if you purchased it from them. This is not limited to old cell phones, and includes games and consoles, navigation devices and e-readers. There are a few exceptions. You can check out their website for a complete list of items and see if you can score some dough. If the item is not eligible for a gift card, they have an extensive recycling program to keep the techno trash out of our landfills. One recommendation is to take all cords, chargers and components with you to maximize your trade value. Time to send the kiddos to their room for a January clean up and clean out.

She's Back.....!

Wow, so much has changed since my last post. Life is funny that way. It can go from 0-60 and back again in a flash. I have a new husband and have relocated to a new state and a completely new career path. So, what comes with that is a lot of new perspective and new ideas, passions and information. Thats alot of "new." I look forward to reconnecting and renewing my relationship with my readers. Thank you for checking back on the HomeMaker and I look forward to navigating home life with you. Here we go!