First Trip Couponing

So I've been seeing some news stories about a local woman, Katie Kimmerman https://www.facebook.com/groups/247154461985268/, and how she saves money by couponing. Katy teaches classes locally what she has learned plus she has a website, http://iowacouponing.com/. So I set out last night with my hubby to Target for some shopping. He didn't know what he was getting himself in for though until we walked in and I handed him a cart and took one for myself (two purchases of $50 or more for $10 gift card--see below).

Before going, I planned out my trip, printed off Target coupons and added manufacturer coupons, along with coupons for $10 gift card with a $50 purchase simply for "liking" Target on Facebook. I looked for deals where I could stack coupons to increase my savings.

Counting the two $10 gift cards to use on future purchases, we saved 28% ($52.78) and spent $135.64. My best deal was a Hormel pork roast at $5.95 with a manufacturers peel off coupon for $3. To top this off, I had purchased awhile back two bottles of Mad Housewife wine and both bottles had $1 off coupons  (no expiration date) on meat purchases. I stacked this $1 coupon with the $3 and got the roast for $1.95.

Here's a summary of some of my larger savings:

• Keebler cookies priced at two for $5.00. Store coupon $1 off two packages and manufacturers coupon for a $1 off. Savings of $2.
• Keebler crackers -- buy three ($2.50 each) and get $1 off plus store coupon for another $1 off. Savings of $2.
• Ore Ida French fries on sale for $2.50 with manufacturers coupon of $1 off per purchase. One bag in my cart and on in my husbands for a $2 savings.
• Chex Mix two at $2.19 each minus Target coupon of 50 cents and manufacturers coupon of 75 cents. Savings of $1.25.
• Yogurt 10 at 67 cents each with a savings of $1 off of 10. Savings $1.
• By signing up for a Red Card debit card, we are now able to save 5% on our purchases, which last night amounted to a savings of $7.25

Mask Masters Scrapalong -- September

The Mask Masters held another scrapalong this afternoon. They provided the template and instructions approximately every 120 minutes on elements, papers, journaling for the layout. (You can "Like" the on Facebook if you are interested in attending future Scrapalongs. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-MaskMasters/158439763225.)

The template they provided is a two-page spread with spaces for seven photos. You can of course add more photos or remove some. It has circle text paths. I scrapped photos from the families trip to Center Grove Orchard on 9/11/11--the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

Scrapping National Night Out

The Mask Masters  (Linda Jacobson) held a couple scrapalongs this weekend. I attended  yesterday afternoon's session. They provided the two page template, I used Digitally Smitten by Gina Cabrera kit and alpha.

This event was held on August 2, 2011 at local park. It was being hosted by a neighboring neighborhood association. Target personnel were on hand with games, beach balls, water toys, etc. The police department was there, including a police horse. Keira, who loves "neighs" was one very brave little girl and sat on the horse. Even Mr. J. had to check out the fire truck.

Google+

How many people are using Google+? I attended a webinar yesterday on using Google+ geared towards genealogists. I learned a little more about it and I like the circle concept, posting messages to your circles, and only those people seeing your posts. Another neat concept is a person does not have to have a Google+ account to receive your posts. All you need is their email address.

Let's say you have a family circle and you want to post a picture to share. You would select your family circle to share with and select the button to share by email. Now Grandma, who isn't on Google+ but does have an email account can also see that picture.

Do you need a Google+ invite? I have 150 invites available so just click on this link to join:  https://plus.google.com/_/notifications/ngemlink?path=%2F%3Fgpinv%3DNPmWsZl2VL0%3AJVEQiaffQhY