Using Time Wisely

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2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Using Vinegar to Kill Weeds

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Our Quick Tip Week continues today in the household category, specifically yard work. 

In continuing to care for our yard, garden, and beds, we treat our driveway and sidewalk with weed killer. The grass and weeds sprout through the cracks contributing to a messy look.

Quick Tip #2: Using Vinegar to Kill Weeds

Though not recommended for the yard, gardens, or flower beds, vinegar (white or apple cider) will kill the weeds on hard surfaces.

In reading this Vinegar for Killing Weeds article, I learned that vinegar strips the waxy coating from the leaves making it impossible for the plant to survive. The best part, one or two applications will solve the problem. Presto!

In using time wisely to improve your sidewalks, brick patios, and driveways, consider pouring or spraying white vinegar into the cracks while saving money, energy, and time. Happy maintaining!

Question: How do you kill weeds?

2012 Second Quick Tip Week: Filing Driving Directions

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Needing to concentrate on some cleaning projects at home and scheduling our school’s fall festival, I present the second Quick Tip Week.

Each day this week, I will post an article about that day’s category of the blogging schedule.

These tips save my sanity in addition to staying organizing while saving money, energy, and time. Enjoy your week!

Quick Tip #1: Filing Driving Directions

Without a GPS, I depend on printed driving directions when traveling to new places. These sheets of paper could end up in the trash after completing the trip, but I choose to keep the directions. In using time wisely when returning to a destination to which we have been before, I only need to reach into the file folder with all the printouts to find the directions.

Upon receiving directions by e-mail, I created a folder in my inbox titled “directions.” After printing a copy, I move the message to my “directions” folder. Should I misplace my printout, I can print again without wasting time searching for the address.

Keeping the driving directions in a file folder or a designated space saves on ink from reprinting (money), digging through piles of paperwork for the address (energy), and searching for the directions to print (time).

If you print driving directions, then consider making a home for those items which you can quickly access for your next visit. Happy organizing!

Question: Do you keep printouts of driving directions? 

Register Review: CVS – June 11, 2012 Edition

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In adding a Quick Tip Week beginning Sunday, I wanted to slip in a register review. With an incredible visit at CVS on June 11, 2012, I decided to share how I snagged 10 items for 20¢. Yep! For less than a quarter, I restocked my cleaning supplies. Let me show you how I did it.

I had a total of $10.75 in Extra Bucks (store credit) due to expire on June 11, 2012. Needing to make a run, I checked the Sunday insert.  I found a great deal on Irish Spring body washes on sale at 2 for $7 and get $4 in Extra Bucks when you purchase 2.

Since nothing else in the advertisement caught my attention, I turned to my rain checks which do not expire at CVS. I found three rain checks to boost my savings while stretching our dollars.

1. Scrubbing Bubbles: Purchase 4 at $3 each and receive $4 in Extra Bucks when you purchase $12.

2. Schick Shaving Gel: Buy one at the sale price of $2.79 and get a $1.80 Extra Buck.

3. Irish Spring: Purchase one at the sale price of $2.99 and receive a $1.99 Extra Buck.

After writing my list, planning my purchases, and gathering my coupons, I headed out to my CVS with my youngest daughter.

Finding the Merchandise

When we arrived, I scanned my CVS Extra Care Card at the red coupon machine. The machine spit out a series of coupons. I scanned again resulting in more coupons. On my third scan, I received the message to try back tomorrow for more coupons.  (My card is now a special card since it works multiple times. 🙂 )

In looking over the new coupons, I found none to match with my planned purchases, so I placed them in my CVS envelope and began shopping. After discovering that my store’s stock was low and lacking creativity to adjust my list, I decided to leave. But I had to use my Extra Bucks, so we traveled to another CVS store.

This other CVS had everything in stock. So, we gathered our savings and went to checkout.

Transaction #1

  • Greeted the cashier and explained I had 2 transactions and a total of 3 rain checks. (Cashiers appreciate knowing what you plan to do.)
  • Handed cashier my Extra Care Card and my bag attached with my Green Bag Tag (which earns $1 in Extra Bucks for every 4th scan – only one scan allowed per day) 
  • Placed rain check and 4 Scrubbing Bubbles on the counter where he rang them up at $3 each.
  • Placed rain check and 1 Schick Shaving Gel on the counter where he rang it up at $2.79.

Subtotal: $14.79 ($3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2.79 = 14.79)

      • Used manufacturer’s $2 off 2 Scrubbing Bubbles coupon
      • Used manufacturer’s $2 off 2 Scrubbing Bubbles coupon
      • Used $10 Extra Buck coupon (from Huggies promotion spend $25 and get $10 in Extra Bucks from a previous week)
      • Used $.75 Extra Buck coupon (from a previous week’s candy promotion)

Total coupon discount: $14.75

Tax: $0

Total: $0.04 paid in cash 🙂 and received $4 Extra Bucks (from Scrubbing Bubbles rain check) and $2 Extra Bucks (from Schick rain check – rounded up from $1.80 to $2)

Transaction #2

  • Smiled and watched the cashier scan my Extra Care Card that I put on the counter.
  • Handed cashier my rain check and put both Irish Spring body washes on the counter. He rang the first one at $2.99 from the rain check and the second rang up on sale at $3.50 (2 for $7).
  • Needing a filler item, I added 1 caramel single ($0.33) which did not bring the total up enough, so I added a second caramel single ($0.33).

NOTE: I could round down my Extra Bucks and lose the $.51, but I do not like to lose savings. So, I find a filler item(s) to bring my total up or a little past $0.

Subtotal: $7.15

      • Used manufacturer’s $.50 off Irish Spring coupon
      • Used manufacturer’s $.50 off Irish Spring coupon
      • Used $4 Extra Buck coupon from transaction #1
      • Used $2 Extra Buck coupon from transaction #1

Total coupon discount: $7.00

Tax: $.01

Total: $0.16 in cash 🙂 and received $4 Extra Bucks (from Irish Spring purchase 2 and get $4 in Extra Bucks) and $2 in Extra Bucks (from Irish Spring rain check rounded from $1.99 to $2)

For a total of $0.20, I purchased $21.94 of merchandise which is a savings of 99.0%, and I have $6 in Extra Bucks for a future savings trip.

In using time wisely to find items my family needs and pair those items with sales, rain checks, promotions, and coupons, I continue stretching our dollars. These savings are possible which is why I share them with you. Not every visit results in these deep discounts, but some do.

Be patient, wait for the sales, and combine as many savings strategies as you can when you shop. I break down these shopping trips to help you in stretching your dollars. Keep learning and saving while using time wisely. Happy stretching!

Question: Just for fun, on what else could I have spent my quarter? 🙂

2012: Summer Bowling Programs

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Photograph Credit: Kids Bowl Free

Happy summer!

As summer officially began this week and the heat sets in, you might start looking for some cool indoor activities to keep your family active this summer.

With two bowling options, you might find multiple locations for some bowling fun.

Kids Bowl Free Program

This nationally recognized bowling program gives registered children 2 free games everyday this summer from May 1 to September 30. Though registration is free, the Kids Bowl Free program requirements vary by location. Click here to find a participating alley near you.

Shoe Rental

Shoe rental is not included with the program. If you plan to bowl often, you might consider purchasing bowling shoes. Paul and I found our bowling shoes on sale (of course) and paid around $25 each.

If you plan to bowl more than one time a week for 6 weeks, then you might save money by purchasing your own shoes. Shoe rentals run between $4-5 per visit.

Family Pass

In addition to the free children’s program, you can purchase a Family Pass for $24.95. This pass allows up to 4 adult family members to bowl 2 free games per person everyday all summer.

The Family Pass is available for purchase from May 1 to September 30, so you can purchase this pass when you plan your visit to the bowling alley.

With a little forethought and planning, your family can enjoy inexpensive to free bowling through the Kids Bowl Free Program.

AMF’s Summer Unplugged Bowling Program

Photograph Credit: AMF

The AMF Summer Unplugged Bowling Program offers registered children, ages 15 and younger, the opportunity to bowl 2 free games each day from May 14 to September 3, 2012.

Shoe rental is not included, but registration is free. For more information, visit my 2012: AMF’s Summer Unplugged Bowling Program post from April 27, 2012.

By registering for the Kids Bowl Free Program and the AMF’s Summer Unplugged Bowling Program, you can spend time indoors while using time wisely with your family. These programs offer free games of bowling resulting in lots of teachable moments. In using time wisely, enjoy your summer while beating the heat. Happy planning!

Question: How often does your family visit the bowling alley?

Free On-line Garden Clubs

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Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Gardens are great! Besides producing food for your family, a garden offers lots of teachable moments from watering and growing to fertilizing and harvesting. Our family enjoys the garden, especially eating the strawberries.

Realizing how fortunate I am to have garden experts as neighbors, I know that without their help I would not have known where to begin.

Now that our garden is underway, I feel confident seeking answers to my questions from garden clubs. Questions like, “What does it mean when my onion stalks wilt?” or “How do I harvest my basil?” can turn up answers quickly while sharing tips and tricks for added growth.

With lots of garden clubs, I can browse multiple sites to find specific answers to my questions.

The following is a list of free on-line garden clubs, compiled by Katie in South Bend, IN, originally posted on the Krazy Coupon Lady’s web site on May 27, 2012:

  • Home Depot Gardening Club:  Sign up for this free club and receive over $300 in coupons, a free newsletter, access to online how-to videos and demonstrations, monthly lawn care tips catered to your region, and advice from experts.
  • National Home Gardening Club:  Sign up for their free membership and have access to an online community, expert advice, and printable coupons for home improvement stores. You will also have the chance to enter one of their many contests.
  • Buzzy Seeds Club:  By signing up for their free newsletter, you will have access to expert gardening information and be notified of specials and sales on Buzzy Seeds products.
  • Springhill Nursery:  Join their free club and receive an e-newsletter with gardening tips, a free catalogue, and a $25.00 coupon good on your first order. You will also be notified via email of any upcoming sale events.
  • Burpee Seeds:  Join their free club and receive an online newsletter, full color catalogue, a savings certificate, and have access to gardening tips via their online forums. Burpee also gives out samples if you email them and request them!
  • Nature Hills:  Join their free gardening club and receive their color catalogue, a free issue of Gardening magazine, and a free pair of pruning shears. You can also enter their many contests or browse their online gardening information!
  • Kids Gardening:  The folks at Kids Gardening offer a variety of tips, activities, and products designed just for kids. Enroll for free and have access to their online forums, free catalogue, videos, and more!
  • Brecks:  Brecks offers seeds and bulbs straight from Holland and wants to help make your garden an amazing one! Enroll in their free club for an online newsletter, color catalogue, and savings certificates. You will also have access to the gardening tips they offer on their website!
  • Gardens Alive:  Enroll and receive a free gardening catalogue plus a savings certificate of $25.00. You will also have access to the many tips and expert information via their website!
  • Grow Organic:  If you are interested in organic gardening, enroll for free membership into this site! You can request catalogues, access tips and information, download helpful booklets, and so much more. There is also an extensive online shopping forum.
  • Blooming Bulb:  If you are a gardening newbie, this site offers helpful information on planting a variety of plants and bulbs. Just click on the name of the plant you are planting, and you will be given how-to instructions. Sign up for their free e-newsletter as well!
  • TreeDazzled:  Sign up to receive ten free conifer tree seeds! Just leave a comment on their site and submit your information, and your free seeds will be mailed to you.
  • Wildseed Farms:  Sign up to receive a free newsletter, catalogue, and flower identification guide! You may also download their newest catalogue and access professional planting tips.
  • Gardening Savvy:  Visit Gardening Savvy which is a place for folks to come together and share about gardening, how to grow vegetables, flowers, herbs and fruits as wells as share gardening tips and reviews. Membership is free!
  • Better Homes and Gardens:  Visit this site to download free landscaping plans, access expert information, and chat with others about your gardening dilemmas! It is free to join and there is a wealth of information waiting for you!

If I find two sites that disagree, then I’ll ask my neighbors. But for the most part, these free garden clubs will point me in the right direction.

In using time wisely to seek answers and expert advice, visit one (or more) of these free on-line garden clubs. If you find one that you frequent often, sign up for their newsletter which will come to your inbox. Happy tending!

Question: Where do you find answers to your garden troubles?