Saving Money: Using Coupon Codes

Every so often I realize that I may actually have a money saving tip to pass on to others. These are never "out of this world" or tricky tips, just things I've picked up and learned. The one that has come up a few times with others this past month is coupon codes. Coupon codes are wonderful for anyone who does any online shopping (travelling, etc), they are also much easier to find and use than actual paper coupons. There are lots of websites dedicated to bring you the best and most recent coupon codes. There are also a ton of people who spend a lot of time on deal forums like http://www.redflagdeals.com/ where they post lots of coupon codes as well. To save money and live frugally, I don't believe that you need to necessarily sacrafice quality of life. It's the little things that make this difference. We continue to travel, eat out on occasion, not look like bums and have fun (AND have savings, no debt, etc).

If you don't do any shopping online I would highly suggest starting. By shopping online, you can save a lot of money, get the producsts that you are looking for, and have the convenience of not having to leave home. Through my own experience and dealing with clients through my business, I would say that almost all people are a bit skeptical and scared when first shopping online. When shopping online always make sure that you pay through an accredited shopping software site (ex, paypal). Do not just hand over your credit card info to a business through email, etc, this is not a safe way to pay online. The only other thing that I would warn you of is that online shopping can be addictive. It's almost too easy, making it just as easy to make unnecessary purchases. Just like any kind of shopping, only buy what you actually want or need. Don't just buy something because it's a good deal (something that I often remind David of, ha ha).

So, if you're not familiar with coupon codes, here's my spiel. I can almost always save at least 10% on an online purchase by spending just a few minutes looking online for a code. Coupon codes are often available for larger and/ or chain businesses (not boutique style businesses like my own).

Here's how to find the codes. Let's say we're looking for a coupon code for Picaboo (it's time for me to make vacation books). Go to google and type in "Picaboo coupon codes." Right away I found, coupon code: FEB30
30% OFF PHOTO BOOKS through 2.28.11 or longer.http://www.couponcabin.com/, I also found coupon code: 1ptdob-ap to save $10. Not bad for 1 minute of searching. I also love Shutterfly books, which seem to have some kind of code at any given time. If the coupon codes aren't good enough, I wait for a better deal. If the coupon code you try doesn't work, get another one and try again. For photo books, I'm always looking for aprox 30% off (add this to an existing deal and even better).

Top Coupon Code Sites

http://www.retailmenot.com/

http://www.currentcodes.com/

http://www.coupncabin.com/

http://www.couponchief.com/

Companies that often have codes are

Clothing companies (Old Navy, Victoria Secret, Sears, etc)

Attractions (Cirque de Soliel, Fairs, etc)

Food (Pizza Hut, Dominos, Swiss Chalet, etc)

Printing/ Photo (Vistaprint, Shutterfly, Picaboo, etc)

Hotels/ Travel (Fairmont, Best Western, car rental chains, etc)

Airlines can also have coupon codes, it's always worth checking.

Here's a list of places that I was able to use coupon codes recently:

-CNE passes (many large tourist attractions also have coupon codes available)

-Shutterfly. There is no need to EVER pay full price when ordering items from places like Shutterfly, Picaboo, etc. On my last Shutterfly photo book order I was actually able to use 3 coupon codes at once (very unusual). This gave me an incredible discount on my order, giving me the largest book with the leather cover for the price of the cheapest book.

-Printer Ink/ toner

-Hertz Car Rental. Wasn't even thinking coupon codes when booking, but I called in to place the reservation and the woman asked me if I had a code. While I was talking to her I looked it up and found a 10% off code within 1 minute.

-Airport Long Term Parking (have done this has different airports)

Remember that coupon codes are easy and fast to find. They can also be applied to many different kinds of purchases. Another great place to find great deals is www.groupon.com where there is always a local deal for at least half off. We have recently purchased groupons for restaurants, our Outdoor Adventure Show tickets (2 for 1), etc.

That last thing I'll leave you with is our "state of mind" for shopping (in a "brick and mortar" store or online store). This is simple but it has saved me a lot of money. If you're shopping and you see something that you want to buy, ask yourself if you really want it. Then ask yourself if you will want it tomorrow, a week from now, etc. Then WALK away! If you're in the mall, take a walk around, look at some other shops. If by the end of your shopping experience you're still thinking about the item, then it's probably ok to go back and get it. If you don't care enough to walk a few minutes back to the store or you're totally forgotten about the item, well, you've got your answer AND you're saved yourself some money. For online shopping, walk away and leave it for a day. The exception to this idea is when you find an AMAZING deal on something that you LOVE or have already been looking for. Then the decision is easy to make the purchase. I think that so many of us waste money on impulsive purchases. Cut the impulsive purchases and hopefully you can save some money.

Let me know if that was useful. I'd be happy to share more money saving tips if people like.

Welcome to my Vinyl Decal Party!

I'm currently having a custom vinyl decal party put on by "Got Something to Say Vinyl", http://www.gotsomethingtosay.ca/ This is the party (ends March 7)! There is no actual meeting, demonstrations, etc. If you would like to purchase something, you can. If not, no worries.

I've never been a fan of home parties (the Tupperware, Norwex, Pampered Chef, etc, etc type). The pressure to buy, the over priced goods that I didn't really want in the first place, you get the idea. I've recently come across the idea of an online party through, "Got Something to Say: Custom Design Vinyl." Since starting my own home based business, I have especially enjoyed supporting other home businesses. April is the owner of "Got Something to Say," and is based out of Spruce Grove, Alberta. She has a specialty vinyl cutter to create words and graphics to be displayed in your home. Everything can be customized, so if you don't see something that you like and have another idea, April can create it. I've also got a ton of graphics due to my photo card business. So if you have something in mind, just ask, I may be able to help you out (I would just send you the image you're looking for, no cost). Below is a graphic that I have that I think would be beautiful as a vinyl decal.

Here’s how the party works:

Look through the website, http://www.gotsomethingtosay.ca/ . If you find something that you would like to purchase, just order it directly through the website (state my name somewhere on the order form). Alternatively, you could write down a list of the things that you're interested in and email your list to saythisapril@gmail.com, and she'll send you samples of what you’ve chosen to ensure that the selections are correct. If you’re wanting custom decals, send her a description of what you’d like including approximate measurements and colors. She will then send you some samples to choose from, and a price.

Shipping costs $3 if they're being sent to me (Ontario only) or she can ship your decals to you directly for $8. Just let her know if you require direct shipping at the time of the order. If you send her your list or questions first, once she has your order settled and correct, she will send you an invoice requesting payment. You can pay online via Paypal or through an online email money transfer. You can also mail a cheque or money order if you prefer.

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to email April at: saythisapril@gmail.com
Enjoy shopping! http://www.gotsomethingtosay.ca/

Host your own party - and get lots of free stuff!!

Online Party - April will make up an email invitation for you to share with all of your friends and co-workers. It will include a link to the website, and a link to the catalogue. Instructions will be included on how to order and pay. The only thing that you'll have to do is deliver the decals once they're ready. That's it, that's all.
Either way .. YOU end up with a bunch of free stuff and your friends get some awesome decals for their homes and offices.

Here's what you get!
1 Free Decal of your Choice (Up to $25 Value)
For every $150/Sales - Get 50% off One Decal
10% of TOTAL Party Sales in FREE Decals
For Booking Another Party From Yours: 1 FREE Stick Family Decal (Up to 6 People)
If you're interested, send an email to: saythisapril@gmail.com

Let me know what you think of the "party."

The Outdoor Adventure Show

Yesterday evening we went to the Outdoor Adventure and Travel show in Toronto. The kids had a great time and we enjoyed the inspiration for future travels and adventures. We're just starting to plan our July east coast road trip with Matt and Libby (so excited!), so this was a great opportunity to get more info on sites along the way.

I feel a new confidence for tent camping with the kids as well, something that we're excited to do this summer. We haven't been camping since before Sarah was born, so we're both really looking forward to it.

Another Snowy Day

This morning we woke up to yet another snowy blizzard. Just after lunch, I put Calvin down for his nap and the rest of us went out to play. Well, David shovelled the driveaway first and then joined in the fun. Sarah was a big fan of being pulled in the sled. David even pulled both Sarah and I for a little while, too fun!

So... much snow!

We were trying to teach Sarah about eating snow. She thought we were crazy and wanted nothing to do with putting the white stuff near her face, probably just as well.

After making snow angels I brought out the maple syrup to make some treats in the snow.

Sarah wouldn't eat the stuff no matter what we did or said. This was as close as she got, oh well.

A Gold Party

The other night I went to a gold party with my neighbour. Much to the others surprise, I had never heard of such a thing. Unlike other home parties that I have attended, this one did not try to sell you anything. In fact there was nothing for sale at all. Rather they just wanted to buy your gold. It was almost all Italian women, so it ended up being a bit of a cultural experience as well.

I just went for something to do, however the rest of the guests all had little bags or boxes of gold jewlery to sell. Some had old wedding rings from previous marriages, items from childhood, handed down pieces, etc.

We all visited and ate in the upstairs livingroom while people took turns going down stairs to meet with the women from the local jewery store. The women would appraise your piece and offer you a price. Cash was given out. Most women seemed to be getting several hundred dollars for their items. The gold is considered scrap and will all be melted down. This all seemed so strange to me. What a bizarre type of home party! Instead of leaving with items that you probably don't need, you leave with cash for items that you had no real use for anyways.

Sarah the Photographer

Sarah has become quite used to seeing me with the camera and has since become a little poser and wanna be photographer herself. If she sees one of the little point and shoot cameras sitting around she will immediatley pick it up, turn it on and start taking pics. Everytime I upload pics of the memory card I find lots of random photos taken by Sarah (40 pics on the last memory card I looked at). I thought that these were a great reflection of Sarah. David and I got right into the posing the other day, which she loved. All the pics in this post have been taken by Sarah, except for the one of her (of course).

Little Brother

Sarah's feet and blankies

The Munchie Mix in the bucket (great creative shot)

Sarah's crazy dad and mom. We'll keep the rest of these pics in the vault. Perhaps it isn't that surprising where Sarah's "crazys" come from...

Chilis and Shopping

Yesterday we headed out to the US Walmart to do our grocery shopping. This is something that we've been doing a lot lately. The prices can't be beat (4L of milk for $1.69 versus $5.69 in Canada). It's also amazing how much more selection and product brands there are. Same kind of store (Super Walmart) but lots of different products. Since we're close to the border and shopping, it's totally worth it for us.

After grocery shopping we headed over to Chili's for dinner. We had never been before so we thought we would check it out. We always find that dinner time is prime shopping time since it's the time slot after naps and before bedtime. We had a great dinner and the kids behaved really well. They were big fans on the onion strings and ranch dip. Calvin loved his cheese burger. David had to try the baby back ribs. It was all really affordable and the food was good. Not amazing, but good.

After dinner we drove down the road to the outlet mall to do a little shopping, which is more like a walk in the mall since we don't really buy much or anything at all. It was an enjoyable evening out with the family.

A Little More Snow

When we got home from our cruise there was so much snow on the ground that we couldn't even get into the driveway. I had to haul the kids into the house and then David shovelled the driveaway end to at least get the car on the driveway. A few days later it warmed right up and almost all the snow melted, we even saw the grass!

The very next day we woke up to a fresh new blanket of snow on the ground while it continued to snow the following day. We didn't actually have snow pants for Calvin since I wasn't able to find any good ones at a decent price. When we were at Superstore that morning I checked the clothing clearance and found a winter jacket and snowpants set for $10. Yahoo! When we got home we bundled the kids up and went out to play.

At this point Calvin wasn't too sure about how to walk in all the snow, so he figured that it would be easier to slide backwards.

Fun Around the Ship

One of the highlights on the ship was for sure the unlimited 24 hr ice cream. It wasn't long before both Sarah and Calvin knew exactly what the machine was. By the end of the week we couldn't even walk by the machine without the kids freaking out for ice cream. I love their ice cream loving faces in these pics.

On the last "at sea" day we spent quite a bit of time at the kiddie pool. The kids love water so this was the perfect place for them to play.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

We loved the island of Grand Turk! Just like the other ports, we rented a car and set out to discover the island. About 95% of the ship stayed at the port to enjoy the beach and/ or pool at Margaritaville. The beach and pool were lovely, but there is always so much more to see and do at each port.

It only took about 20 minutes to drive from one end of the island to the other. At the far end was the historic lighthouse and stunning views.

We stopped in the downtown area (not a downtown at all). The below pic was taken downtown. There were a few little shops with locals selling their wares.

Wild donkeys!! We were thrilled to see wild donkeys in several random places on the island. So cute!

After all of our touring we headed to the beach where we met up with Michael and Rebecca. There was virtually no one around, everything was pretty much perfect.

Our family, living the dream...

Our family at the front of Margarittavile.