Quiznos Coupon

Quiznos has released a printable coupon good for $2.99 small sub. Get your coupon here. Not as good as a freebie, but if you are already a Quiznos fan like I am you may want this bit of savings.

Motivation for spring cleaning!

Having trouble finding motivation. My camera died so it's hard to get the pictures I need to do this blog, and it's bumming me out.

I think I will do a massive spring cleaning today and keep the blogging to a minimum! I encourage everyone to at least clean 5 things in your house (example: The counters, vacuum carpet, television, etc.)

Springtime!

It's officially the first day of Spring! And oh what a beautiful day it is (at least here in Dallas). Hmmm, wondering if that means I'm going to have to get some spring cleaning done? Am I the only one who feels like procrastinating?

Here is my problem with spring cleaning. I start with the best intentions but not much time passed before I become overwhelmed then in slowly spirals into a doom spiral of despair. I am cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and every time I try to clean a new thing it opens a Pandora's box to another thing I need to clean. Soon there are things that need to be cleaned surrounding me on all sides and I feel like I am being cornered by my own dirty mess that I have inadvertently made while trying to tidy things up.

Then I give up and go watch TV.

Anyone have any good spring cleaning tips?

Coming back to life

Okay, I've been doing a lot of new techniques for saving money and this will be devoted to that. I have stopped doing so much of the couponing and now am doing other alternative money making things.

Some of the interesting things we are doing is gardening (to save money on veggies and to make a sustainable life) and I am making my own sun oven (more info to come).

I still do the bargain hunting. This blog is still trying to find its legs so we'll see where it goes.

A Lot of Changes = Hiatus

So, I have been noticeably absent lately. It is not because I haven't been busy doing my normal frugal things, or have lost interest in the blog. It is because a lot of changes have been happening in my life.

First of all, I think the thing that has spun my life into a tizzy is the fact that I am now roughly 4 months pregnant, which I found out about the time the blog went silent. This is my first baby and I'm very excited and basically it has been a big focus of mine.

Secondly, we've decided as a family to move all the way across the country from the Mitten State to the Lone Star State. It is a huge decision and we are in the middle of a gigantic move.

In essence, this chaos has thrown me for a loop. Truthfully, I've not done too much in the direction of spending much money on either cause...I've been saving money like crazy. I've been to the doctor and bought a couple of this and thats at garage sales but otherwise the pocketbook has been tight in preparation for the big events.

I know that God has big things in store for me and my little family!

Photo Credit to adamr.stone

Weekly Deal Round-up

I usually only work at 2 stores Meijer & Kroger, but that is not to say that other stores around Midland don't have great deals that I partake in. Here are some other great deals for national chains this week from other great sites!

Target by Fiddledeedee!
Walmart by My Frugal Adventures
Walgreens by Southern Savers
Riteaid by Southern Savers

Staying Motivated

Today I'm writing about something that is very personal. I know that at times everyone has felt this way, so I thought I would share.

Sometimes it is so hard to go on, and you feel like you are getting nowhere. I feel like the Israelites wandering in the desert, wondering how long I will have to wonder and if I'll ever get into the Promised Land.

I've not had to wander 40 years ... yet. I still get beat down at times. I wonder if I'm doing the right thing or if things will ever get better. I think it's hard when times are tough and you don't know what's around the next corner. It's difficult to stay motivated.

That's my problem right now, motivation. If I knew how long this would last it would be easier, but all of the uncertainty makes everything feel like all of these hard times will stretch out into eternity.

To all of my friends out there struggling through hard times. Keep the faith, and keep hope. We all go through these times and it's important to stay strong.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10

Photo Credit to Josh Sommers

FRUGAL LIVING: Spring Cleaning

A frugal person's best friend for Spring cleaning are: Vinegar and Baking Soda!

I am not a person who never uses any chemical cleaners but I try to only buy them on sale and with coupons. I like my Clorox Bleach, Windex, Lysol (my BFF), and others.

Homemade cleaners are very cheap, though!


Here's a site with 1001 Vinegar Tips. Some of my favorites:

• Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
• Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes.
• Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.
• Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.
• To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.
• Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda.

Photo credit to G & A Sattler

Meijer Deals for Midland Michigan April 26-May 2

Meijer has some pretty good deals this week (especially their 10 for 10) but most are Meijer brands. Remember at Midland Meijer you can use coupons and they will be doubled up to 50 cents!

DEALS

Milk $1.98

Bread $.98

Dole Classic Iceberg Lettuce $.98

Eggs $.98

Ears of Corn $.30 cents each

Boneless Skinless Chicken $1.79/lb

Boneless Chuckeye Steaks $1.99/lb

Bagged Cereal $2.66

MEIJER BRAND STEALS

Meijer Shredded Cheese $1.50

Meijer Chips $2

Meijer Pop $2.25

Meijer Franks $1.66

Meijer Honey $1.89

Meijer Ice Cream $2.50

Meijer Ice Cream Sandwiches $2.50

Meijer Polish or Smoked Sausage $2

Meijer Pasta $.50

Meijer Canned Veggies $.60

Meijer Butter $1.79

Meijer Frozen Hashbrowns/Potatoes $2

10 For $10 (Get the 11th Free)

• Meijer Liquid Dish Soap
• Meijer Skillet Basics
• Meijer Frozen Veggies
• Meijer Soft Cookies
• Meijer Pound Cake
• Meijer Canned Fruit
• Meijer Applesauce
• Meijer Pastry Treats (like Pop Tarts)
• Meijer Pretzels
• Meijer Cheese Puffs
• Meijer Pizza Crusts
• Meijer Cinnamon Rolls
• Meijer Biscuits
• Meijer Crescent Rolls
• Meijer Facial Tissues
• Meijer Chicken or Tuna Chunks
• Meijer Salad Dressing
• Meijer Croutons
• Blackberries
• Avocados
• Meijer Heat & Serve Sausages
• Meijer Microwave Popcorn
• Meijer Gravy
• Meijer Bread Crumbs
• Meijer Spring Water 6 Pack
• Meijer Concentrate Drinks
• Kellogg's Cereal in a Cup
• Alpo Prime Cuts
• "M" Plastic Spoons or Forks
• Meijer Essential Paper Towels

5 Best Tips to a Successful Garage Sale

Photo Credit to angusf

I've been working on my garage sale for next weekend, but I'm an avid yard sale shopper. I was thinking about what makes a good garage sale.

There are tons and tons of tips to have a successful garage sale. It can be a lot of work, but if you plan it right you can make quite a bit of extra money. I think my BEST advice comes from seeing what others do wrong! Here are my 5 best tips! Good luck

1. Advertise. Definitely utilize every free site you can. There are tons of places where you can tell everyone about your upcoming garage/yard sale without costing you a dime. On top of that I would recommend that you invest in your local paper. It might cost, but it will be worth it!
2. Signs are important! This is one of the most important things because if people can't find your sale they won't come to it. Firstly, signs should be large, easy to read, and have all important information. Make sure you can write in wide stroke big block letters on preferably white background (with possibly a bright colored border ... I do like those fluorescent colors for accents). It sound have an arrow pointing the way to the sale (very helpful), say Yard/Garage Sale, Address, and Times. Make sure it is readable/noticeable while you are driving by (everyone else will be driving!). Put a sign (possibly consider ballons, flags, etc) in front of your house, at the end of your block, and on all corners to the next main road. Consider making more paths if you live in a sub division with multiple entrances. Remember to check your city for any rules concerning signs. Take them down when you are done!
3. Organize your items. Organize your items so that they make sense and are easy to see and clearly marked with price. Make items look attractive and clean them up as well as organize your tables, hang up your clothes if possible, etc. You can either make a big sign that says something like 'All Books .25 cents' or you can individually mark each item, but NOTHING makes a potential customer walk away faster than having to ask about a price! Big items need big price tags, and small items can have stickers (they even make pre-printed ones) that are visible without picking the item up.
   
4. Don't overprice it! Remember that even though you liked something that it is still old junk. You will sell a lot more stuff if you price your stuff reasonably. Remember that your stuff is not unique and a person can go down the street to the next garage sale to get some old sneakers for half the price of yours. You don't need to underprice, but the key here is quantity and to get rid of stuff while making some money. If it's something you still can't bear to part with...don't sell it!
5. Bigger is better! People are drawn in by big items, so the more you have the more you can attract people from the street. Put them up front so everyone can see them and beckon people like a beacon of trash. Also, the more people you can get involved the more it will draw in people. For instance, try to organize a block sale, or a sale with a few neighbors, or friends. You can share costs, and people love to stop at one place and get multiple household sales.

I hope these help. Here are some resources that may help you.

• Garage Sale Pricing Guide
• Garage Sales Tracker
• Craigslist
• Yard Sale AD