Six Ways To Save Like An Extreme Couponer

With the start of TLC’s latest “Extreme Couponing” season, it’s a good time to review some basic tricks that these coupon pros use. Read on for six ways you can save like an extreme couponer.

1. Start Small
Don’t try to go extreme all at once. Take it step by step, rather than show up at a checkout with 50 coupons and little idea what you’re doing.

2. Never Pay For Coupons
There are some things in this life you just shouldn’t pay for, and a coupon is one of them. Paying someone to clip or organize your coupons defeats the purpose of living frugally. Instead, surf Sunday newspaper ad supplements for coupon savings; ask your neighbors for their unwanted papers; or dive inside a recycled dumpster or two. Also, free online coupon sites like CouponSherpa.com give consumers access to a multitude of coupon codes and printable coupons for thousands of merchants.

3. Get Organized
A little organization can go a long way. Always create a shopping list and have your coupons and shopping strategy organized before you even enter the store. Use an expandable coupon binder to sort coupon inserts by date, categories and expiration dates. Transfer to a small couponizer only those you’ll need for a specific shopping trip.

4. Location, Location, Location
Where you shop is a key factor in making the best use of your time and coupons. Only shop at locations that allow coupon stacking and combining coupons with in-store offers. Don’t be afraid to call and ask about policies before you show up. You don’t want to wind up embarrassed at the checkout line with a handful of useless coupons.

5. Loyalty Rewards
Always take advantage of club membership rewards. These programs are usually free and have many savings perks, like rewards points, cash back programs, and double points for every certain amount you spend.

6. Don’t Be Greedy
This is often where extreme couponers cross over into the world of hoarding. Only shop for items you actually need, products you can stock up on that aren’t perishable, and those you can donate. Remember, a bargain is only a bargain if you can actually use the purchase. If your pantry has expanded into your living room and the kids are sleeping on rolls of toilet paper, you’ve probably reached hoarder status.

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Consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, is available for an in-studio, satellite or skype interviews to share “6 Ways To Save Like An Extreme Couponer” with your audience. As a media expert source, Andrea has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. To view recent interviews or get more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com or you can also follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips.

 

Groovin’ Sisterhood

Hi, my name is Carrie and I am a multi-tasker.

I can think of hundreds of times in my life that this is an awesome gift. And I could list those hundreds of times while I planned dinner, did grocery shopping and worked on a couple of blog posts in my head at the same time.

It seems as though I am always rushing. Rushing to get homework done with the kids, rushing to get dinner prepared, rushing to get enough things done so I can justify lunch with a girlfriend or an evening with a couple of my gal pals so we can catch up on our “me time.” And the “me time” is never enough. I’ll go home wanting more because by the time our evening of fun is over I have just started to relax.

I am about to do something completely out of character. I am attending the Groovin’ Sisterhood weekend in Sturgeon Bay, April 28 through May 1. Last year, I watched @sarandipity’s tweet stream and followed the hashtag and was envious of those women. Imagine, a weekend away.  If only …

Well, enough dreaming! I’m doing it. And so are a couple of my twitter pals …@einley, @sp0on, @sawaboof and I think I’ve convinced a couple of my IRL friends to come along, too!

I’ll be staying at the Stone Harbor Resort, although there are many lodging options available. Groovin’ Sisterhood’s 2011 boasts sessions including glass blowing demonstrations to a dinner cruise, cookie decorating demonstrations to fashion accessorizing tips and techniques and so much more.

Details regarding the weekend are still coming together! You can follow @groovinsis on twitter and watch for the hashtag #grvnsis. Be sure you “like” the Groovin’ Sisterhood facebook page in addition to the Sturgeon Bay Door County facebook page. Consider subscribing to CandidCarrie.com via too because I will be posting more exciting updates as the plans unfold!

 

Review, Kidz Bop Christmas Party

As much as I love Christmas music, I really steer clear of “Children’s Holiday Classics” especially when they are sung by children. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sound of children singing as much as the next person does just not repeated over and over and loudly in MY vehicle with MY children singing along in harmony.

There is something different about the Kidz Bop Christmas Party CD that I enjoy, just don’t let my kids know that fact. I like to grumble and mumble when they request the Kidz Bop CDs but I really don’t mind.

The Kidz Bop Christmas Party CD has great songs such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Silver Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and more. The disc also features fun “Sounds of Christmas!” music which provides ideal background for baking cookies, decorating the tree, wrapping the presents, or ice-skating in your stocking feet on a hardwood floor while staying safe and warm inside!

 

Six Tips to Ensure Your Pet has a Happy Holiday

The holiday season is the perfect time of year for family and friends to come together to celebrate, eat, drink and be merry.  While we love decorating every inch of the house with colorful lights, sparkling tinsel and never-ending bowls of chocolate, we must always remember to make a special preparation for our four-legged family members. Heidi Ganahl, the founder and CEO of Camp Bow Wow and Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow, offers the following tips to make the upcoming holiday season both safe and fulfilling for pets and humans alike.

1. Keep Those Paws out of the Candy Dish- Although chocolate can be somewhat irresistible at times, it can make your pooch very sick.  Make sure all chocolate is stored away and out of reach from pets.
2. Stressing Out your Pet with a House full of Guests- The holidays are often filled with family and friends coming in and out of your house all day, everyday.  Pets have a tendency to get very excited and stressed with the constant crowds of people.  Have a room closed off where your pet can go to relax and unwind.  Place blankets, food, water, and toys in the room and remember to check on your furry friend regularly.
3. Don’t get  “Shocked”, Hide all your Extension Cords- Christmas lights are on the best indicators that the holiday season has finally arrived.  However, extra cord and plugs can look like a chew toy in the eyes of your pet. To play it safe, tape down or cover all the cords in and around the house to avoid shocks.  Unplug all lights when you are not home.
4. We didn’t Start the Fire- Keep all candles out of reach and placed on high shelves. If you plan on lighting up the fireplace, always make sure to use a screen.
5. Tinsel, Tinsel, Tinsel- This festive decoration can really brighten up a room but it is not the safest for your pet.  Hang your tinsel high and secure so your furry friend cannot get to it.
6. Pet Vacation- If you are traveling for the holidays and prefer to leave Fido at home, remember to hire a pet sitter or to secure boarding accommodations for your pet. The sooner the better, now is the perfect time to finalize arrangements.

About Camp Bow Wow®

Where a dog can be a dog®

In just 10 years, Camp Bow Wow, the premier doggy daycare and overnight camp, has grown to include over 100 Camps across North America, becoming a $50 million business. The company was recently ranked as the 447th fastest growing private company on the INC magazine 500 for 2009 list.

The Camp concept provides the highest levels of fun, safety and service for its campers, and peace of mind for their parents. Dogs romp together in an open-play environment and pricing is all-inclusive.  New services include Bow Wow Behavior Buddies, an in-home dog training program, which will launch in May 2010.  Since the Boulder, Colorado-based Company started franchising in 2003, Camp Bow Wow has sold more than 275 franchises in 39 states, plus one in Canada, over 41% being women-owned. As Camp Bow Wow grows, our simple philosophy remains the same: It’s all about the dogs.

Humorous yet necessary disclaimer: Hi, me again. I received this information in an “as is” email with a request to run this as a post on my blog. I thought the information was pertinent so I cheerfully put it on my site. Did I receive compensation? No just a warm fuzzy feeling knowing I’ve shared something useful.

 

“Homeless for the Holidays” Garners Highly Impressive Television Syndication Numbers

“Homeless for the Holidays” Garners Highly Impressive Television Syndication Numbers, Heartwarming Independent Film will Air in 95 Million US Households this Holiday Season

(Nashville, TN) Based on the true story of writer, producer, and director George Johnson, “Homeless for the Holidays” has proven to be ‘the little movie that could.’ Despite being filmed on a shoestring budget with a cast and crew comprised primarily of volunteers, “Homeless for the Holidays” has recently been scheduled to air on nearly 140 major television stations, including DirecTV, NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox affiliates, and both religious and secular independent stations. With many stations opting for multiple airings, ”Homeless for the Holidays” will be broadcast into 90% of American households between November 29 and December 31, 2010. Check local listings for air dates and times.

“When we’re working with a movie that comes from an independent producer, we often have to work very hard to capture the interest and excitement of television programmers,” said President of Atlantic Syndication Terry Elaqua. “In this case, it was an easy sell.  Many, many people identify with the plight of the family depicted in ‘Homeless for the Holidays’ and the uplifting message that the movie sends.”

Just what is it about “Homeless for the Holidays” that gives the movie such a universal appeal? It is the funny and touching story of a financially successful family that unexpectedly loses everything—even the roof over their heads—only to discover a vital lesson about the most important things in life. During these extremely tough economic times, this theme resonates on a truly personal level with viewers who realize that the same situation could easily happen to them.

So, as Americans gather with their families and friends to celebrate this holiday season—regardless of religious or financial circumstances—everyone who sees “Homeless for the Holidays” is sure to find a special connection with this truly amazing story.

“When we set out to produce a movie for $20k, nobody really knew what to expect—and certainly none of us imagined the wonderful reception it has received,” said Producer and Director George Johnson. “The entire ‘movie family’ has been stunned by the success of ‘Homeless for the Holidays.’ I recently got a message from a man in Uganda who had been touched by the film. It’s humbling to know that the movie’s message is spreading hope to people in so many places throughout the world.”

“Homeless for the Holidays” continues to garner outstanding accolades:

• Winner of the Redemptive Storyteller Award at Regent University’s Redemptive Film Festival in Virginia Beach, VA.
• Awarded 5 Doves and the “Approved for All Ages” seal by the Dove Foundation.
• Recently ranked #3 on ChristianCinema.com‘s “Best Selling” DVD list.
• For the past two weeks, “Homeless for the Holidays” has been ranked the #1 DVD rentalon ChristianCinema.com.
  Listed among the “Top 30 Christmas Movies” on SocyBerty.com (among such titles as “Miracle On 34th Street”, “Home Alone”, “A Christmas Carol”, and “Elf”).
• DVD currently available in most Christian book/video stores nationwide. Also available in South Africa, The United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Argentina and  at numerous online resources including Walmart.com, Afa.net, ChristianBook.com, and Lifeway.org

Humorous but necessary disclaimer: I received this content in the form of an “as is” email asking if I would be willing to share this information. There are only two people that read my blog, here’s hoping they enjoy it!

Pet Owners Dangerously Overfeed Their Pets During Holidays

More Weight on Pets’ Bodies Often Leads To Joint Discomfort & Other Problems

FORT MYERS, FLA. – (November 30, 2010) – Flexcin International, the makers of Flexcin® joint nutrition supplement for people and FlexPet® joint nutrition supplement for pets, is advising pet owners to be cautious this holiday season and avoid overfeeding pets and animals. FlexPet inquiries historically jump 25 percent following each holiday season due to pets being overfed and experiencing more joint discomfort from weight gain.

It’s no secret that humans enjoy more than just gifts during the holiday season – they enjoy plenty of food as well. From Halloween sugary treats and Thanksgiving dinner to seasonal holiday feasts during December, people enjoy plenty of food with family celebrations. Often overlooked, though, are the pets that are fed from the table by owners, extended family and friends all wishing to share the feast and treats with pets, today considered part of the family.

Typically, during January and February, 25 percent more people begin to give their pets FlexPet because of the joint discomfort from excess weight gain, Pet obesity leads to a more sedentary lifestyle for pets, and the extra weight proves painful causing joint discomfort throughout many parts of a pet’s body frame.

“People don’t realize that pets can’t handle the same kind of food that we humans enjoy,” said Tamer Elsafy, CEO and founder of FlexPet. “Even more dangerous, many pet owners fail to consider that the same portion of food they would normally eat is absorbed and processed drastically different by their pet, which in many cases can be a fraction of the size of a human body.”

FlexPet is made with cetyl myristoleate, an all-natural ingredient that builds back lost cartilage and improves overall mobility in the joints. With FlexPet, pets are able to get back to running, jumping and even walking, important functions of a normal pet exercise routine which can curb pet obesity further.

About Flexcin International, Inc.

Flexcin International, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of leading natural supplements that promote optimal joint health. Along with its FlexPet line of pet joint supplements, Flexcin products are the only degenerative joint relief supplements with the patented CM8 ingredient, clinically proven to stimulate joint fluid lubrication, strengthen cartilage and increase mobility. For more information visit http://flexcin.com, http://flexpet.com

Humorous but necessary disclaimer: I received this content in the form of an “as is” email asking if I would be willing to share this information.  I do not use this product nor have I received any of this product in exchange for this blog post. I ran this post because I thought it was an interesting spin and a gentle reminder: fat pets are uncomfortable.

 

 

Thanksgiving Apps for your Smartphone

Turkey, stuffing, cranberries…and smartphones?  Next Thursday, countless tech savvy homemakers will turn to their digital devices in search of the perfect recipes, crafts and other items essential to the perfect Thanksgiving Day.

As such, Appitalism.com, the first site to combine a social community with an online store to help consumers quickly and easily discover, discuss and download the best digital content for all devices, recommends the following apps for your smart phone to help ensure a memorable turkey day.

• Thanksgiving Recipe – Just as the title implies, this Apple iOS app offers step-by-step instructions for creating everything from a perfect moist turkey to garlic mashed potatoes and beyond.

• MMS Checklist for Blackberry – You’ve planned the perfect meal but all of your effort could easily be for nothing if you forget a key ingredient or two.  This easy to use Blackberry app allows you to have your entire shopping list available at the click of a button, checking off each item as they placed in your shopping basket.

• Thanksgiving Crafts – Now that the meal is planned and the shopping is complete, it’s time to turn your attention to festive decor.  Use this app to create everything from seasonal centerpieces to paper pilgrim hats and everything in between.

• SocialVibe Thanksgiving Feast – Created in the true spirit of the holiday, this free Facebook app enables users to donate meals to needy families.

• Turkey Taps – Have some time to spare between basting?  Score points in this interactive Android game by tapping on the turkeys, harvest bowl, cranberries and more then see how your fellow guests stack up against your score.

• NFL Game Center 2010 – Still stuck at the table while your favorite Thanksgiving Day NFL matchup is underway?  Don’t miss a minute of the action with real time scores, audio highlights and more from this popular app.

• Weight Loss Diary & Tracker.  Did that extra serving of turkey and gravy push your waist over the top?  This comprehensive weight loss tool provides the tracking information necessary to motivate your long term diet plans.

Pet Cancer Awareness

Breakthroughs in veterinarian medicine across wellness, trauma, infections and surgery have led to our pets surviving more conditions and living longer. The extended life of a pet consequently provides an increased chance for developing other issues, including cancer. One in four domesticated dogs in the United States will die of cancer, and that number increases to almost one in two for dogs who reach the age of 10.

Owners can take a proactive role in identifying cancer in their pets. Skin tumors, the most common cancer in dogs and cats, can be easily felt while spending quality time your pet. Middle to older aged animals may display vague signs that including vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, lameness, or coughing, which can all be linked to cancers of internal organs.

The smaller the tumor the more effective therapy will be against it, so never just watch a lump on your pet. If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should bring your animal to the nearest VCA veterinarian.

If your pet is diagnosed with a cancer, ask your VCA veterinarian for a referral to the nearest veterinarian oncologist. Veterinary oncologists are veterinarians who have done 3-4 years of additional training in cancer diagnosis and treatment. VCA has more than 10 veterinary oncologists nationwide who are skilled at evaluating, treating and researching cancer in pets.

A cancer diagnosis comes with a variety of treatment options:

• Surgery: Typically a first line of treatment as it can offer a cure for many tumors if they are completely removed.
• Radiation: The least used treatment modality in veterinary oncology because of the lack of radiation units across the country. However, it is a great second line option when surgery is ineffective or incomplete. VCA currently has four hospitals across the country with radiation facilities.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy use in veterinary medicine is very different than the perception of cancer treatment in human medicine. Much lower dosages are used as quality of life is most important. Approximately 90% of dogs and cats will have little to no obvious side effects from their treatments; thus allowing our pets to be at home, feeling great, with their loved ones.
• Clinical Trials: Oncology has our own breakthroughs in cancer treatment and many veterinary oncologists are able to offer pet owners clinical trials for new cancer therapies.

If you have additional questions about cancer in pets please visit the following links.
www.acvim.org
www.vetcancersociety.org
www.morrisanimalfoundation.org
www.petcancercenter.org

- Zachary M. Wright, DVM DACVIM (oncology), Staff Oncologist and Intern Director at VCA Veterinary Care Referral Center in Albuquerque, NM

E! Investigates: Teen Suicide

E! Investigates: Teen Suicide

Laura Ling Examines This National Crisis On December 8 In Her Premiere Episode As Host Of E!’s Hit Investigative Series

“I thought if I can end this life, then people will finally care and people will stop making fun of me, because no one makes fun of someone that’s dead.” – Ernesto Dominguez, 16

(November 11, 2010) – In an average classroom of thirty students, six will experience depression; of those six, half will try to kill themselves. In response to statistics such as this, Laura Ling, respected journalist and host of E! Investigates, examines this tragic crisis. Speaking with teenagers who attempted suicide and family members who have lost loved ones, Ling tries to find answers to the hardest question for those left behind: why? The journalist’s first episode as host of E! Investigates premieres on December 8th, 2010 at 10:00 PM only on E!.

Kayla Havins shot herself with a hunting rifle. Darielys Tejera cut herself. Max Nolan washed down countless pills with vodka. These are just some of the tragic cases of suicide and suicide attempts that Laura Ling examines in E! Investigates: Teen Suicide. Ling’s investigation takes her to schools where she speaks with teens about depression and to support groups for parents whose children have killed themselves. Sadly, Ling discovers that the recent rise in teen suicide making headlines is merely the tip of the iceberg. In many cases children show no outward signs of trouble, while others provide clues that are difficult to separate from everyday teen angst.  Kathy Silverman, mother of Matt Silverman who passed away in 2006, tells E!, “It’s very difficult to distinguish what is normal teenaged behavior and something that may become abnormal.”

Frightening facts revealed in this episode of E! Investigates include:

* Every 40 seconds in the United States a teenage attempts suicide.
* Every two hours, suicide claims a teenager’s life.
* For every young person who dies by suicide, up to two hundred attempt.
* 80% of suicidal people will tell someone in some way that they are going to do it.
* Only 30% of teens who are depressed are getting help.

With the help of experts including clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Los Angeles Unified School District psychologist Richard Lieberman, and psychiatric nurse Cathy Strunk, along with the cooperation of young men and women who survived their suicide attempts and the family members suicide has left behind, E! Investigates provides an in-depth, far-reaching examination of this national crisis. Be sure to tune-in to E! Investigates: Teen Suicide on December 8th at 10:00 PM only on E!.

First National Food Drive for Family Pets

 

First National Food Drive for Family Pets Begins Just In Time for the Holidays

Pet lovers asked to donate pet food Nov. 5 -14 at PETCO locations nationwide to help furry friends in need;

PETCO stores serve as link for nation’s largest network of pet food banks

The PETCO Foundation and PETCO will host America’s first National Pet Food Drive from Nov. 5 through Nov. 14 to help pet parents in need provide a healthy and plentiful holiday season for their four-legged family members. Specially marked pet food collection bins can be found in PETCO stores across the country.

PETCO and the PETCO Foundation launched a first-of-its-kind National Pet Food Bank program in March, starting with about 250 stores in select markets. Today, all of PETCO’s more than 1,000 stores have designated pet food bins in place for year-round collection. Each store has partnered with a local food bank or animal welfare group to donate pet food and litter directly to economically stressed pet parents in that store’s community. The national program has already provided more than 110 tons of donated pet food and litter to those in need.

“We believe that no one should have to give up their pet companions due to financial stress, and our associates and customers agree,” said Paul Jolly, the PETCO Foundation’s executive director and a PETCO vice president. “Our national food bank program makes it easy for people to help keep pets well-nourished and with the families who love them in tough economic times. During this two-week national drive, we’re asking the communities we serve to give a little extra and help us raise awareness for this important year-round program.”

In support of the National Pet Food Drive, Best Friends Animal Society is mobilizing volunteers in about 200 PETCO stores to help consumers learn more about the program.

During the food drive, Hill’s Science Diet will match, bag-for-bag, every bag of Hill’s cat or dog food purchased at a PETCO store and donated to the food drive, up to 25,000 pounds.

“What PETCO and the PETCO Foundation have done by building a nationwide network of pet food banks and hosting this National Pet Food Drive just in time for the holiday season is incredibly helpful,” said Ellen Gilmore, national campaign specialist for Best Friends Animal Society. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer our support and help ensure none of our furry friends go hungry now or ever.”

The food bank program is an extension of the PETCO Foundation’s “We Are Family, Too” fund, which provides seed funding for animal-welfare programs to help pet parents in financial crisis, including food banks, product donations, referral lists of pet-friendly housing, short-term foster care and veterinarian services. While the foundation also has programs in place to help feed pets in shelters, this program is specifically designed to support local food banks and families in financial crisis.

To learn more about the PETCO Foundation and how you can make a difference, visit www.petcofoundation.org. To learn more about PETCO or to find a location near you, visit www.petco.com. For the latest news on anything and everything PETCO – from updates about the company to incredible acts of animal kindness – visit the company’s blog at www.petcoscoop.com.

PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised nearly $70 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support about 6,200 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

 

About Best Friends Animal Society®

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets®.  The society’s leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country’s largest no-kill sanctuary.  This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of members and community partners across the nation.

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