Thursday, December 2, 2010

Thinking Thursday - Green Holiday Crafts for Kids

This is a great craft for small groups of children such as church youth groups and small classrooms:

Make garland out of paper you would normally toss in the recycle bin:

Use a circle punch or trace the top of a jar to make circular cutouts out of last years holiday cards. Glue layers of circles, placing twice in between the layers for hangers.

Cut cardboard tubes from paper towels and gift wrap rolls into 1-inch sections, then fit the rings together to form a ball. Poke a hole in the top and run a string through it for a hanger.

Cut pages from magazines into 1 1/2 wide strips. Spread glue on one side, place a straw lengthwise along one edge and roll the paper around the straw. When dry, cut the straw into 1 inch pieces and thread onto ribbon.

*Taken from the Dec. 09 issue of Better Homes and Gardens


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Thinking Thursday - Holiday Cheer for our Troops

Salute a solider this holiday season. Send cards and messages of cheer through the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, a partnership between the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes. Runs through the end of the first week in December.  Visit www.redcross.org for info.


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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Small Ways to Help Others This Thanksgiving Season

So many days we rush around trying to "get it all done." We jump in the car, speed off to multiple destinations, never thinking a thing about it. What about those who are unable to do so? Ever notice that mother is the grocery store with four young kids in tow? Or the elderly man in the post office trying to figure out how to use the self-serve mailing station? Next time you are on your way out the door, take a minute to think: Does my neighbor need something dropped off at the post office? Maybe my mother-in-law needs something from the grocery store while I am there. Did the church bulletin say this is the week for the can drive? Reach out to others. Save them some hassle and get rewarded in your heart in return.

Here are some other great gestures that will make a world of difference to others:

- Cook and deliver a meal to a friend who has been stressed lately
- Offer to help the single mother by watching her children while she does her weekly grocery
   shopping
- Purchase one extra gift every time you do your personal shopping and  give it to a child in
   your neighborhood or drop it to the local children's shelter
- Help and elderly family member decorate their home for the holidays
- Stand in line at the post office to mail gifts and cards for a shut-in church member
-Buy a Christmas tree, decorate it and donate it to a family who cannot afford one
- Have Christmas dinner at your house this year and take the load off grandma

*Some ideas were taken from www.wholeliving.com

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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Bob Dylan



For all the soilders who have been/are over seas fighting for freedoms and in rememberance of 9/11:

"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom."
Bob Dylan


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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Maud Huston, my grandmother

One of the fondest memories I have from my childhood are visits to my grandmother's house in the summer. Not only were we treated with wonderful visits, but she would take us to the mall and let us pick out an outfit (or two), a book from the bookstore and then granddaddy would treat us to an ice cream from Dairy Queen. Ah, those were the days.

Today's Words for Wednesday are from my grandmother - on her shopping secrets. They have stayed with me and I have passed them on to my own daughters.

"Don't buy the first thing you find. Shop around. That way if you find something later in the day, you save yourself the trouble of having to return the first item."

"If you find something you love, buy it in every color."

"If you don't buy something you love, and find yourself thinging about it the next day - go buy it, no matter what the cost."


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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - E. Davis



"This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is the home of the brave."
E. Davis


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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Scarlett O'Hara



"After all, tomorrow is another day."
Gone With the Wind, Scarlett


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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Charles Dickens

"Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts."

Charles Dickens


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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Unknown

"Change is liberating."


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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Paul Newman, Humanitarian

"A good life isn't one of relentless deprivation....caring for the world around me rewards me more than my small effort really deserves."

Paul Newman



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Friday, May 7, 2010

DAYS IN THE GARDEN - Make A Soaker Hose

Another great "re-purpose" gardening idea. Take a worn out (or one that has too many holes) water hose and give it a 2nd life. I know I've run over the ends of at least three in the last season! Plug one end of the hose with a wooden dowel, PVC putty or other method. Next perforate the hose randomly with a sharp nail. Screw in the hose to a faucet and turn on low - a great soaker hose is born!


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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Paul Newman

"Perfection isn't the goal. A good life is."

Paul Newman

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Friday, April 30, 2010

DAYS IN THE GARDEN - Spraying Chemicals

It may seem like common sense but even I forget this tip sometimes....When you need to spray any type of yard chemical, choose a day with little or no wind. Work backwards so you don't walk through (and then track) the chemcials into cherished areas.

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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Beverly, Age 3

A friend's daughter stubbed her toe on the coffee table and burst into tears. When asked which toe was hurt, she replied, "the one that went to market."

From Kidspeak! Bev, age 3

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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Yummyday Tuesday - Chicken Salad Crossiants


Easy Chicken Salad Croissants




4 Large Cans of Canned Chicken - drain well
2 packages of Slivered Almonds
3/4 C. Chopped Onion
(1) 15oz bottle of Ranch Dressing
Salt and Pepper - To Taste

Mix well. Should make enough for 4 dz. croissants.



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Friday, April 23, 2010

DAYS IN THE GARDEN - Pinch Pruning

Pinching your plants will produce more flowers and greenry. Annuals such as impatiens and herbs thrive and grow into bushier adult plants. Use pinching to shape your plants as well an encourage new blossoms.



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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Book of James

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

James 5:16

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Friday, April 16, 2010

DAYS IN THE GARDEN - Buying Annuals


Annuals should be purchased in compact, multi-stemmed plants. Avoid leggy, single stemmed ones. The compact ones will promote large, more colorful plants.



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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Truman Capote

"If you sweep a house, and tend its fires and fill its stove, and there is love in you all the years you are doing this, then you and that house are married, that house is yours."

Truman Capote, The Grass Harp

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Monday, April 12, 2010

My family














This is a wonderful picture of part of my family..me, my dad, my brother, my youngest daughter and my only nephew.

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Saturday, April 10, 2010

DAYS IN THE GARDEN - Create A Moat

Create a "moat" around the base of newly planted plants to help collect water. New plants tend to need more water than established plants and this will help them through days when there is no rain.




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Wednesday, April 7, 2010

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Earl Nightingale

"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored."



Earl Nightingale 1921-1989, radio announcer, author, motivational speaker



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Friday, March 26, 2010

LAST CHANCE FOR ADVANCED TICKETS to Coupon Workshop

Just a final reminder that the Coupon Workshop is tomorrow. $15 Advance online tickets are available through midnight tonight. Tickets will increase to $20 at the door tomorrow. See you there!

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Weekly Shopping Saving Totals and Reminder of Coupon Workshop TOMORROW

Copying from Jenny over at Southern Savers, here are my weekly final totals from this week's coupon/sale shopping. I did a little more shopping than usual, but I ended up with a ton of things I will use over time. Click on the store's name to see the actual receipt breakdowns:

CVS:
Total before sales and Coupons: $44.91
Total after Coupons and Sales :$10.13
ECB Earned: $14
Total out of pocket : MADE $3.87

Rite-Aid:
Total before coupons and sales: $115.18
Total Saved in Coupons and Sales: $77.80
Used $5 off $25 Coupons: $5
Total Out of Pocket: $32.38
Total Saved : 85.80!!

Ingles:
Total Before Coupons and Ingles Card Sales :$207.58
Coupons Used : 57.95
Doubled Coupons :15.60
Advantage Card and Store Coupons: 36.10
Total saved: 109.65
Total out of pocket: 97.93

TOTALS:
What it would have cost me - Total BEFORE sales and Coupons:$367.67
Total Rewards Earned/Coupons/Sales Savings - $216.58

Wow! saved $216!

Don't forget - Tomorrow is the Coupon Workshop. It's the only one Jenny is offering in this area so DON'T MISS IT!. Learn how to save (and sometimes, make) money shopping for things you buy weekly anyway. It's not hard. You just need the steps. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. See you there!





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Thursday, March 25, 2010

Ingles Receipt Breakdown - SAVED $109.65!!

Ingles -
There is no way I can type out my entire receipt, but rest assured it was a good week for me. I don't shop this much every week, but I did some heavy shopping this week because I have a lot of coupons expiring AND the items were on sale. Remember the golden rule - only buy it if it's on sale AND you have a coupon!

NOTE: If you have been clipping for awhile make sure you check next week's sales THIS WEEKEND on http://www.southernsavers.com/. The majority of coupons out right now expire on the last day of the month which is next Wednesday. PLAN AHEAD as most coupon clippers will be out trying to use these up and some products may sell out before you can get to them. Publix new sales start on Wed. as well....keep it in mind!

Total Before Coupons and Ingles Card Sales :$207.58
Coupons Used : 57.95
Doubled Coupons :15.60
Advantage Card and Store Coupons: 36.10
Total saved: 109.65
Total out of pocket: 97.93

Watch out for the B1G1 Free items and be sure to use a coupon on BOTH items!


Want to learn how to make/save money while shopping? Learn from the lady who taught me! Join us this Saturday in Cartersville for a Coupon workshop hosted by Jenny from Southern Savers. $15 Advance Online Tickets - $20 at the door.


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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

More Coupon Shopping Receipt Breakdowns - Rite Aid

Rite-Aid - I bought $115 worth of products for $32. I went over my $25 weekly limit at Rite-Aid becasue of all the markdown clearance items I found. I hit pay dirt this week at Rite-Aid. In their markdown/dented items section, I found many products marked down 50% or more AND was able to use my coupons - getting most for under .50 each! Check it out along with this week's sale items:

Aussie Scrunch Hairspray - Reg 5.49, marked down 2.74, used $2 off coupon-Final price .74, saved $4.75

(5) Pert Plus for Men - Reg 3.99 each, marked down 1.99, used 1.50 off coupon-Final price .49 each - saved 17.50!!

(2) Boxes Kelloggs Ceral - Reg .4.79 each, sale 1.88 each, used $1off/2-final price 1.38 each -saved 6.82

Pantene Flex hold hairspray - Reg 8.25, marked down 1.99, used $1off coupon-Final price .99 saved 7.26

Biore Pore Strips- Reg 8.49, not on sale but I had a coupon for buy the strips get a cleanser free. Used a $1 off coupon - Final price 7.49, only saved $1BUT
Biore Cleanser - Reg. 8.49, used $1 off coupon and got it FREE, MADE $1, saved 8.49

Almay Foundation-Reg 8.99, got concelaer FREE, valued at 8.99 for the purchase, plus used (2) 41 off coupons - Final price 6.99 for the 2 products, saved 10.99

Cover Girl Mascara - Reg 8.99 each. on sale B1G1, used (2) $1 off coupons-Final price 6.99 for both, saved 10.99

Tide HE Reg- 9.99, sale 5.99, used $1 coupon-Final price 4.99, saved $5

Pure and Natural Soap (MY FAVORITE) Reg 4.99, used $3 Rite Aid Coupon - Final Price1.99, saved $3

Tampax 20ct -Reg. 3.99, sale 2.99, used $1 coupon-Final price 1.99, saved $2

Total before coupons and sales: $115.18
Total Saved in Coupons and Sales: $77.80
Used $5 off $25 Coupons: $5
Total Out of Pocket: $32.38
Total Saved : 85.80!!

I wish my scanner worked so I could scan the acutal receipts this week!

Want to learn how to make money while shopping? Learn from the lady who taught me! Join us this Saturday in Cartersville for a Coupon workshop hosted by Jenny from Southern Savers. $15 Advance Tickets Online- $20 at the door.






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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

This week's Coupon Shopping Receipt Breakout CVS Made $$$$!

CVS
Garnier Shampoo - Reg $3.99, sale $3, used $1 off coupon, earned .50 ECB Final cost $1.50 saved $2.49

Garnier Hair Paste - Reg. 4.49, sale $3, used $1 off coupon, eanred .50 ECB Final cost $1.50 saved $3.49

Cover Girl Foundation - Reg 6.99, sale $6, Earned $1.50 ECB, Final Cost $4.50 saved 2.49

Cover Girl Powder - Reg 9.49, sale $8, Used B1G1 coupon, earned $1.50 ECB Final cost MADE 1.50, saved 9.49

Ban Deodorant - Reg 3.49, used .75 coupon, earned $2 ECB Final Cost .74 Saved 2.75

(2) Kelloggs Raisn Bran - Reg. 4.69 each, Sale 1.97 each, used $1/2 coupon, Final Cost 2.94 saved 6.44

Ivory Soap 4 pack - Reg. 1.69, sale .99, used .25off coupon Final Cost .45 Saved 1.24

Crest Pro Health Mouth wash - Reg 5.39, sale 3.99, used $2 coupon, Earned $2 Ecb Final Cost FREE Saved 5.39

Total before sales and Coupons: $44.91
Total after Coupons and Sales :$10.13
ECB Earned: $14
Total out of pocket : MADE $3.87

Want to learn how to make money while shopping? Learn from the lady who taught me! Join us this Saturday in Cartersville for a Coupon workshop hosted by Jenny from Southern Savers. 15 Advance Tickets - $20 at the door.

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Friday, March 19, 2010

Revisiting Coupon Organizing Methods

In getting ready for Southern Savers.com Coupon Workshop here in Cartersville on March 27th, I'm going to repost some of my past coupon shopping break-downs and shopping post. This post is originally from December 2010

When I first found www.southernsavers.com back in October, I was overwhelmed with the amount of time and energy it took for me to organize my coupons. I read several different blogs, including Jenny’s at Southern Savers and found that although everyone has their own favorite way to organize, there are really four main methods:


1. The “stuff it all in an envelope” Method
2. The Expanding File Method 3. The Notebook Method
4. and the No Cut Method
While I’ll let Jenny give you the “how-to’s”, I will give you my testimonial.

Believe it or not, I did start with the “envelope” method. I had a main envelope that I tried to keep in order according to products (dairy, cleaners, etc.) Then I had an envelope for each store (CVS, Ingles, etc). Each week as Jenny posted her lists, I would pull from the main envelope and place the coupon I needed in the appropriate store envelope. Problem was that, as time went on, I acquired too many coupons and it was a mess! I couldn’t keep with what was expiring and sometimes I would see unadvertised specials in the store and not have my main envelope!






So I advanced to the expandable file method – actually it was the DELUXE model! I purchased a hard index card file that resembled the card catalogs in the library (when I was young they had actual FILE CABINETS with card indexes, not computers!)




This worked much better. I created file tabs for each product division then put the files in order of the store isles. I created separate files for specific store coupons (such as Extra Care Bucks) and kept the coupons in each file with the newest dated one in the back. I felt a little weird carrying this thing in and it was awkward to navigate in the store – but it was better than the envelopes!

Finally, after seeing many women with their fine nice zip-up notebooks – I moved on up again.

I bought the notebook (regular priced $19.99) on sale for $12, the trading card sleeves and divider tabs for a total of $21 – but used my Staples Rewards coupon ($15) and only paid $6 out of pocket. It took TWO days to change over the coupons. Each sleeve represents an isle in the grocery store I frequent the most. Each coupon product has its own place, with the oldest coupon on top. I love it! I can scan each page to see if there are any expiring coupons and mark them with a sticky tab. When I go to the store, I use the cart with the kid’s extra seat and it fits perfectly.


After using this method for a couple of weeks, I feel much more organized. Having the notebook that zips up and has a handle on the binding is great. Nothing falls out. Nothing gets wet. Everything is easy to file.


So now, I’m thinking…..should I try to the no-cut method now that I have all my “cut” coupons organized? Maybe I should have listened to Jenny adn STARTED with this method? LOL!


I have to say the only thing that is keeping me from changing is that I like to have ALL my coupons with me when I shop. I hate to be in Publix, find an unadvertised sale and NOT have the coupon…..Guess I’ll have to think on that one a little more.


Now, tell me……what method do you use and why?

Monday, March 15, 2010

Sunday Night is for SHOPPING!

This week's CVS shopping, for lack of a better word, sucked. I don't know if it's because I was already ticked off at my local new CVS or if they just didn't have good sales this week. Here is the breakdown of what I did end up with:


(2) Starburst Jelly Beans for Easter - Reg. 2.79ea on sale $2, used $1off coupon and earned $3 ECB - Final cost - FREE - Saved $5.58

(6) Crunch Bars for Easter - Reg. 89 each, Used B1G1 Coupons for all 6, final cost .45 each - Saved 2.67

(3) Milikyway Bars for Easter - Reg .89 each, used B2G1 - saved .89

Dove Heat Defense Shampoo - Reg 4.49, sale $4, used $1 coupon, saved 1.49 (I needed this for ECB credits or would not have purchsed it)

Herbal Essence Shampoo - Reg 4.29, sale 2.99, used $1 off coupon, plus coupon for Free hairspray (value 4.49 - final cost 1.99 - saved 6.59!!!

FREE Herbal Essence hairspray

Maybelline Mascara - Reg 8.49, used $2 coupon , plus CVS B1G1 50% - Saved $6.49
(This one miss-rang and gave me 50% of the higher product!)

Maybelline Lip Gloss - Reg 5.99 used $2 coupon, plus CVS B1G1 50% - Saved $2

Total at Regular Price $39.21
Savings in sales and coupons - $25.71
Earned ECB $4
Final Cost $9.50 




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Sunday, March 14, 2010

DAYS IN THE GARDEN - Labeling Your Seedlings

A great way to label your new seedlings, herbs and be earth-friendly at the same time!

Take an old set of mini blinds and snip the slats into 8 inch lengths. Use a Sharpie to write the name of the plant and stick the slat into the ground.  No more faded popscile stick tags!


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Saturday, March 13, 2010

Sunday Night is for SHOPPING is BACK!

Now that my life is somewhat back in order I have actually had the time to update my coupon organizer and hit the coupon shopping circuit again! I know my regular readers have been waiting, so I went ahead and did some end-of-the-week shopping today. Don’t worry, I will do my regular sale shopping tomorrow night and post it as well. I hope you all have kept with the program and been using www.southernsavers.com to help you along the way. DON’T FORGET – Jenny herself if coming to Cartersville on the 27th for her Coupon workshop. You can purchase tickets online at www.thekendalcompanies.com, by calling Excel Academy, or at the door. Now for today’s great finds:
CVS
I was more than a little upset at my new local CVS this afternoon. After planning my shopping trip, I arrived at CVS to find they had already pulled this weeks yellow sale tags. I depend on these to help me find the sales products that I have pulled coupons for to make sure I get the right sale product. I had to take the actual flyer and go row by row. I ended up getting frustrated and leaving without shopping the entire store. I did end up with some great finds. Since the sales will change in the morning, it won’t help you much, but I wanted to get a refresher on breaking down my receipts for you.
(2) Colgate Toothpaste -Regular price $4.89 each – Sale B1G1 Free, used (2) $1 off coupons – final price $1.45 each – SAVED$6.89
(2) Colgate 360 Toothbrushes – Reg. price $4.49 ea. – Sale B1G1, used (2) $1 off coupons, final price $ 1.25 each –SAVED $6.49
Always Infinity Pads 18 ct – Reg price 4.99 – Used FREE coupon from box – Saved $4.99
Ultra Dawn Dish Soap – Reg. Price $1.99 – Sale .97, used .25 coupon – Final price $.72 Saved $1.27
Always Thin Liners 72 ct – Reg price 3.99, sale 2.99, used $1 coupon – Final price 1.99 Saved $2
Always Pads 16 ct – Reg price 3.79, sale 2.99, used $1 coupon – final price 1.99, saved 1.80
Playtex Glide 36 ct – Reg price 8.49, sale 4.99, used $1 coupon – final price 3.99 saved $4.50
ACT Mouthwash - Reg price – 4.79, sale 3.99 used $1 coupon- Final price 2.99 saved 1.80
Carefree liners – Reg Price 1.59, used $1 coupon – Final price .59 Saved $1) it was not on sale but my coupon was expiring so I went ahead and got the smallest packet)
Bottle of Coke = Free Reece’s (Yes, I needed a snack) This Coupon was on the Coke fridge door

Kotex 14ct – Reg 3.79, sales $3, used $1 off coupon n – Final price $2 saved 1.79
Total Before sales and coupons $54.09
Total sales and coupons $32.92
ECBuck Used $19.00

Total out of pocket $2.17








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Thursday, March 11, 2010

Southern Savers Coupon Workshop Coming to Cartersville!


I am SO excited! Jenny over a SouthernSavers.com has agreed to come to Cartersville to do one of her Extreme Coupon Workshops. It's 2 hours of instruction on all the ins and outs of using coupons to save (and sometimes make) money. My blog followers know SoutherSavers.com is where I got my start. Check out several of my past blogs (and website) to see where I saved HUNDREDS of dollars myself. I even posted my actual receipts for proof her system works. You can also check out the different ways I have organized my own coupon collection to make it run smoother.

Please check out Jenny's site too. She has video tutorials that give you a little sample of what her workshop will contain and you can get a glimpse of how her site works. She offers links to find printable coupons if you are missing one, breaks down each week's Sunday flyer by store and has tons of other info.

The workshop will be held on March 27th, starting at 10am. It will be held in the auditorium at Excel Christian Academy in Cartersville. To pre-order tickets online, visit my website at www.thekendalcompanies.com. Tickets are also available from the school office. Pre-sale Tickets are $15, proceeds to go towards the Excel Academy Booster Club. You will be able to purchase tickets at the door for $20.

I am working on getting the local Publix, CVS, Ingles, Rite-Aid and other businesses to donate coupons and samples. Hopefully ,we will be able to offer a free little gift bag to all attentants. If you have a local business and want to donate something to the grab bag, please contact me directly.


 I know that Jenny will have a great program for our community. Everyone can stand to save a little money these days! Help us spread the word by sharing this link!





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