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Savvy Shopper and Freelance Writer for The Lubbock Avalanche Journal

Friday, December 30, 2011

POST A PICTURE OF A FREEBIE AND WIN 5 FREE CARDS FROM HP!


I'm making today Freebie Friday! I want to see pictures of all the freebies you guys received this week. The first 14 people to post to the Lubbock Savvy Shopper's Facebook wall will receive a coupon for 5 FREE Cards from the HP Kiosk.

XOXO,
Rachel

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

COUPONING IN 2012

There are going to be some new roadblocks to couponers in 2012. Some of them we've already seen as manufacturer's have put limits on their coupons. We also see a trend in stores providing store credit as purchasing incentive instead of less cash out of your pocket up front.

I expect there will be more bumps in the couponing road as the year progresses. If you'd like to read more on my 2012 couponing theory, read my article in this Sunday's Lubbock Avalanche Journal .

xoxo,
Rachel


Monday, December 26, 2011

TIME TO HIT THE CLEARANCE SALES & PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR!



Today is ONE of the best days to buy for next Christmas. As awesome as it sounds, the "Clearance" items you see on sale today will most likely still be there for a week or so and their prices will continue to plunge.

So, my advice to you is this... If the items you want to buy are in large quantity, then you can probably afford to wait a few days to buy them. But, if you have your eye on a one of a kind Christmas ornament, or decor in general, buy it as soon as it goes on sale!

Year after year I find myself missing great deals when I don't buy the Christmas decor I see when I first see it. This is especially true at shops like Hobby Lobby and Michael's. Granted, both stores will take their products down to 80% off, but the selection at that discounted price is not usually very good.

I also highly recommend that you search your local Craigslist or Classifieds for items you still want to buy. For example, every year there are hot new items on the market; this year the iPad 2 and large flat screen tv's are especially popular. If you are in the market for a tablet or tv, but aren't concerned with purchasing the top of the line models, then you'll be able to find a host of older models on sale in January. Once people get into their new item, the "older" model starts collecting dust and they realize they would rather have the cash, so it's a great time to purchase gently used electronics (gaming consoles, games, computers, tv's, cell phones, etc.).

January is also a great time to buy winter coats and clothing for next year. I usually purchase clothing 1.5-2 sizes larger than what my children are currently wearing. I've found so many great deals using this method. I purchase, pack away and then, when it's time for the new season, we get to open up and wear brand new items we had forgotten that we'd purchased! It's like a gift from yourself! I always shop at Gymboree, Crazy 8's, and The Children's Place for their clearance items. They have great sales, and Gymboree's Gymbucks are activated mid-January.

If you have money-saving methods for post-Christmas sales or planning ahead for next year's Christmas season, tell me what they are and what's the biggest benefit to them. :)

xoxo,
Rachel


Sunday, December 25, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS!



Today is the birthday of my best friend, my Savior, and my Creator.

May you have a wonderful Christmas and may your day be filled with joy, celebration, peace, and warmth that can only be found in knowing Him personally.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

xoxo,
Rachel


Saturday, December 24, 2011

CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONS



Our family has some tried and true traditions. We love to open a few Christmas presents on Christmas Eve, go driving around the city and look at Christmas lights in our pj's, and talk about the manger scene with our children. On Christmas morning, we always have cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate and Christmas music during our breakfast Bible reading. Then, when we can't keep the kids out of the presents any longer, we start giving out gifts.

My favorite thing about our gift giving time is that each gift gets center stage while being unwrapped. We like to see what was given before we move on to the next gift. We space out gifts so everyone gets a turn, and we always save the best for last.

After we've opened "the big one" we all clean up a bit and organize our stuff. Then, invariably, someone says, "We forgot the stockings!" and we all giggle with excitement because we still have one more thing to open.

During the day, we drink wassail and watch the Christmas day parades. If it's snowing, we play outside. Lunch at my mom's house is usually spaghetti, but my husband and I started a Ribeye tradition for our lunch/early dinner meal.

Of course, we watch a few Christmas movies and maybe even sing some Christmas songs. The children play with their toys and everyone is happy to be on break and enjoying each others' company and gifts.

It's awesome. I have the warm fuzzy's just thinking about it. :) If you have a special family tradition in your household leave a comment below and tell me what it is any how it got started. I'll pick a random commenter to receive a special Christmas gift.

xoxo,
Rachel


Friday, December 23, 2011

SETTING BOUNDARIES DURING FAMILY VISITS

THIS is sure a touchy topic at our house! We have grandparents, siblings, uncles, cousins, and more on both my husband's side and mine. There are always people who want to visit or be visited during the holiday season. It's nearly impossible to see everyone and if we do we'll be run ragged and miss the most important part of the season, focusing on Jesus' birth.

So, my husband and I have decided to set boundaries for our family. We set boundaries on our time (i.e. naps have to happen daily, we have to adhere to a reasonable bedtime for the children, and we cannot expect them to sit for lengthy periods of time in the car or at Christmas events.)


We also set boundaries on the amount of time we give to visiting family. We've discovered that everything goes more smoothly if we pre-determine who is coming and how long they will be here. We like to schedule family coming and going. This is not something you want to address as your family is entering your house or calling you to tell you they are almost there. We started working on this aspect of book-ended visits a few years ago. We love our extended family very much and we are ecstatic to see them, but we are also realistic about how much time they can handle with our large family and our rambunctious children.

Even the sweetest grandmother has a limit, and we've found out what our family's limits are and we pre-plan their stays based on our observation of their limits.

I'm sure some of you are wondering how we get this book-ended visit discussed without feelings being hurt. I can't say for sure that sometimes, someone hasn't gotten their feelings hurt, but over the years, as we've slowly moved into this position, our family has come to understand and (most importantly) respect our wishes.

My conversation with my mother usually goes something like this..."Here's the plan, sweet cheeks and I have decided we want to spend some quality family time on  blank, blank, and blank days with the girls, and so-and-so family members have invited us to spend blank, blank, and blank days with them, so we'd love it if you could come on this day and stay through until this day. Would you be able to come then?"

There's no getting around that offer. It's a set deal, take it or leave it. There's room for a smaller visit, but not for a longer one. And, since we know that by the end of the bookend we've set up, they are going to be ready to go anyway, there's no chance of any "time to go" weirdness.

I'm not saying this method is full proof or FOOL proof. Trust me, I've mucked it up more times than not. But, if you start small, stay positive, and plan your time before you make "the call" to the in-laws, you'll come out happier and more satisfied with your results.

If you have a peace-keeping practice, please share it so we can all benefit!

Sorry, I couldn't resist! ;)

xoxo,
Rachel




Thursday, December 22, 2011

GETTING ON THE WELL-DIGGING BANDWAGON?



This Christmas is shaping up to be different for my family in several ways. First of all, our Friday night home-group has been discussing the purpose of gift giving at Christmas. It’s very important to all of us that we make sure our children understand what Christmas is and is not about. For us, it’s especially important not to get caught up in the materialism that so often hijacks our most treasured family holidays.

I know we’re not the first group of Americans to search for freedom from commercialism during this season. But, something distinctly different is happening in my heart this year. This year I’m discovering what it means to be even handed in these two very different schools of thought.

I was raised in a Christmas “blow-out” type of family. Shopping, wrapping, gift-giving; these are all hallmarks of the season. I can’t remember a year when I had few enough presents that I could actually remember how many I received. I always lost count, and inventory. It was blissful as a child. But, I was also disappointingly empty after all the presents were unwrapped.

I received some old home videos turned to i-movies last Christmas and I’ve viewed them several times this year. Every time I watch those Christmas morning videos, I am just shocked. I cannot believe how many presents were under our tree. And, by under our tree, I mean, all across the floor of our living room, but stacked lower than the height of the top of the tree. I don’t remember seeing that many gifts when I was little. 

In fact, everything but the very largest boxes were a blur to me. I was zoned in on the biggest, brightest, most promising packages. I’m still that way, actually.

But, when I watch my 4 year old self tearing through packages, I notice something eerie, but strangely familiar. My children do the same thing I used to do… grab, tear, slash, and rip through paper, then gasp, yell, and laugh before chucking the gift to the side and reaching for the next one. I remember being ecstatic about my presents, but I also remember focusing on what was on my list that I didn’t get. Regrettably, my kids do the same thing.

How do you de-program them to behave this way?

That’s something we have been working on since they were old enough to open presents. We always talk about Jesus’ birth and the reason for the season, but sure enough, the movies, the neighbors, the school parties; they all seem to undermine our efforts every year.

So, this year we are taking a new approach. Our home-group is as well. In fact, I think quite a few families at our church are moving toward a sacrificial giving type of Christmas this year. Our pastor of Education, Byron, was all lit up about building a well for a village in a third world country for Christmas last year. Most people he spoke to said something about “what a great idea,” and “wow, that’s awesome,” and so on. But, I don’t think very many people actually dug a well.

Our hearts are being pricked more intensely this year. Our community is being drawn out of the normal holiday hoopla and into a more introspective and self-sacrificing mindset. Many of us have decided collectively and individually to forgo the normal Christmas routine, denying ourselves the warm tides of wassail and daydreaming of a package-laden Christmas morning, and abstaining from forcing hedonism upon each other in brightly wrapped packages with sparkly bows.

But, how can you do Christmas any other way? I know, I’ve asked that question too. Do we plan to boycott Christmas trees and snowmen? Will LP&L be in the red this season because of our unlit yards?

No. Not at all. Actually, I plan for this to be one of, if not the best, Christmases my family has ever had.

If you are wondering, no, we are not bah-humbugging the festivities. This, friends, is where my even-handed plan comes into effect.


xoxo,
Rachel

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

NEEDS VS. WANTS - KEEPING IT ALL IN PERSPECTIVE


My life is saturated with deals, sales, buy one/get one specials, discounts, coupons, and on and on it goes. I am connected with 1,300 people on Twitter, almost 2,000 with Facebook, and I have several email addresses I use to aggregate all the inflow of information I receive daily. Basically, I feel like I’m a filter for all the world has to offer… sort of like taking a drink out of a fire hose. You are bound to get saturated, and if you aren’t careful, you will get overwhelmed with all the inflow.

I have found myself struggling with this very issue today. I love reading all the inserts and seeing what’s on sale, where to shop for the best deals, and finding coupons to match up with the promotional items. But, what I find hardest is keeping a level head while sorting through it all.

It’s entirely possible to be sucked into a world of wants instead of remaining in the world of haves. I look at my stockpile daily as I come and go through our garage and I always think, I need another shelf, and more this, and a few more that. And, then I find myself getting anxious for when I am going to be able to mark these items off my needs list.

As life would have it, the minute I walk past the stockpile, a million other things are begging for my attention and my desire to squirrel away essentials for my family is pushed down and trampled over by four sets of small feet.

But for some reason, today was especially difficult for me.


xoxo,
Rachel


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

IS FACEBOOK THE BLOGGERVERSE?


The past couple of weeks I've been noticing a lot of other bloggers spending more and more time on their Facebook postings. I've been told that the more 'likes' you receive the better your chances of your post remaining in the feed system.

I haven't experienced this for myself. I don't know if you would notice if you weren't aware that it was happening.

But, what I do notice is how much bloggers are gravitating toward Facebook. I'm feeling the pressure myself. I have my own Facebook page, but I post personal information there and I'm feeling that it's just about time to make the move to a Hot Pink & Chocolate Facebook page.

If you've been in my position, or have always had a Facebook page for your business, blog, etc., please share your experience and why you think your decision was good or bad. I would love to hear more about your personal story.

I'm currently working on a migration to WordPress, so I think it's a good time to just get all my ducks in a row before 2012. In a couple of weeks I'll be moving the whole site over. Hopefully it will be an overnight migration. I'm already working on the new site and once it's ready I plan to just re-direct my url to the WordPress site. However, glitches happen, so if something goes haywire, you'll know why! Just hang in there and I'll get it taken care of asap!

xoxo,
Rachel

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Monday, December 19, 2011

HOW TO START YOUR OWN BLOG - 5 TIPS TO SUCCESS!


So you know you want to start a blog but you’re not sure how to go about it. Here are five easy steps, and a few good tips, to make the process quick and easy.

#1  Choose your niche. What’s your blog going to be about?  You may want to do a bit of keyword research here. If you already have a business, then your blog will be related to your online business and those keywords, however, you can still narrow your blog niche.

For example, if you have an online business on dog training, your blog could be about positive reinforcement training, about housebreaking, or even about a tangent topic like feeding your dog – because health is important to training.

#2 Choose your platform. WordPress, Blogger, Typepad and Moveable type are only a few of the options. You can also explore the blogging platform your website host offers. Analyze and compare each platform to find the one that best meets your needs. Many people choose WordPress because of its easy to use nature and the ability to customize your blog.

#3 Create your blog site. Depending on the platform you’re using you will either be working with the template and customizations offered or you can have your blog site designed by a professional. There are thousands of templates, some paid and some free, available by WordPress developers and they’re easily customizable – you can get an original WordPress blog.

#4 Choose your blogging schedule and blog. How often are you going to blog?  Create a realistic schedule and stick to it. Remember that even if you decide you’re going to blog once a week, you can always blog more. Blogging less than that isn’t recommended. Blogs are active sites and people expect frequent content updates.

#5 Drive traffic. Once you feel comfortable with the number of posts you have on your blog and you’re happy with the way it looks, it’s time to drive traffic to your blog. Social networking, PPC, registering your blog with relevant directories and commenting on other related blogs helps drive traffic.

Starting a blog isn’t the difficult part, the tough part is deciding to actually start! Visit Blogelina's Blogging Video Tutorials to learn more about what a blog can do for you.

xoxo,
Rachel



Blog Post Courtesy Blogelina.com

Saturday, December 17, 2011

COUPONING MY FAMILY OUT OF WIC

If you’re an extreme couponer, then you probably have a few extras of everything your family needs. You may even have an obscene amount of something you found for free or ridiculously cheap. I do! My latest find was Tide 50 oz. bottles for less than $4 at CVS. For the first time ever I have about a year’s supply of laundry detergent on hand. Sometimes I just open my laundry room cabinet and admire my stockpile. Don’t laugh.

If you’re into planning ahead or cooking from scratch, then you probably know that feeling of being prepared. It feels good to have plenty of supplies on hand. When bad weather hits, it’s no problem. We can hunker down for a while and never think twice about it.

But, I’ll admit, things have not always been this way in my house. In fact, less than a year ago we were on WIC. That was not a fun period in my grocery shopping life. Not only was I embarrassed to ask for the help, I felt that others around me at the stores were judging me when I was getting that help.

Enter couponing.


xoxo,
Rachel

WEEKLY DEALS - KMART, TARGET, CVS, WALGREENS, & MORE!



You won't find a bunch of expensive electronics or gadgets on this week’s list of deals. There are some good ones to be had though. However, I’m not covering them because I wanted to cover basic necessities so you can get the best deal possible when you are shopping for food pantries or others in need. 

There isn't a coupon insert this week because of the Christmas holiday, however we will be getting a Proctor & Gamble one next week, so be sure to check the dates on your coupons, because a lot of them will be expiring in the next week or two.

That being said, if you have coupons that you are not planning to use, contact www.flameofmercy.com and let them know you would like to donate yours. 

Be sure to check us out on Facebook as Lubbock SavvyShoppers! A preview of deals is below, or you can see my full article at LubbockOnline.com. Merry Christmas!

 

 PRICE
LOC
Q/I
YOUTH



Lalaloopsy
 $ 17.99
Target
n/a
Disney Princess Collection - 7pk
 $ 39.99
Target
n/a
Squinkies - 6 pack
 $    3.99
Target
n/a
True Heroes Bucket Play Set
 $    4.99
Target
n/a
First Act Keyboard or Guitar
 $ 14.99
Toys 'R Us
n/a
Mini Glow Stars
 $    3.99
Hastings
n/a
Mini Etch A Sketch
 $    3.99
Hastings
n/a
Retro Inspired Tin Toys
 $    2.49
World Mkt.
n/a
Plush Animal Pillows
 $  3.96+
Stein Mart
n/a
Kids Winter Accessories
 $    8.00
Old Navy
$15 off $75 Q on insert
All Toys (some exclusions)
 BOGO
Sears
n/a
Creatology - 130pc. Set
 $    4.99
Michael's
n/a
Stocking Stuffers
 $    1.00
Michael's
50% off one regularly priced item




WOMEN



Whitman's Sampler
 $    4.99
CVS
n/a
Revlon Nail
 $    4.99
CVS
$3 in ECB, $1/1 Various Magazines




HOME



Fleece Throw
 $    1.99
Wags
n/a
Fleece Throw
 $    2.88
Walmart
n/a
Various DVD Movies
 $    4.99
Best Buy
n/a




GROCERY



Crest or Oral-B (various)
 $    2.99
CVS
$1 in ECB, $2/1 in 9/11 SS
Arm & Hammer Spinbrush
 $    6.49
CVS
$3 in ECB, $2/1 armandhammer.com
Band-Aid Decorative Bandages
 $    2.99
CVS
$2 in ECB, $.50/1 in 7/31 SS
Schick Hydro 3 or 5
 $    8.49
CVS
$3 in ECB
Folgers Coffee 11.3oz
 2/$7
CVS
$1/1 in 11/6 RP
General Mills & Kellogg's Cereals
 2/$5
CVS
various peelies
Dawn
 $    0.99
CVS
$.25/1 in 10/30 PG
Cheez-it, Poppycock, etc.
 $    1.99
Wags
$1/2 Snackpicks
Gilette Fusion or Venus
 $    9.99
Wags
$4 in RR
Bounty - 6pk
 $    5.49
Wags
$1/1 Target & $1/1 in 10/30 PG
Charmin - 6 dbl rolls
 $    3.49
Wags
$1/1 Target & $1/1 in 10/30 PG
Nabisco Crackers
 $    1.88
Kmart
n/a
Idahoan Potatoes - 4oz
 $    0.98
Walmart
$.75/3 Rolling Idahoan.com
Swanson Broth - 14oz
 $    0.50
Walmart
$.50/5 in 11/6 SS
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Brick
 $    1.49
Target
$1.25/3 Holiday Booklet
Land 'O Lakes Butter - 1lb
 $    2.99
Target
$.50/2 in 10/23 SS
DelMonte Canned Vegetables
 $    0.49
Target
n/a
12pk. Cans Diet Coca-Cola
 $    2.79
Target
n/a
Holiday Paper Plates - 60ct.
 $    2.00
Target
n/a