Living consciously means a lot of things

It's been about two years since I started  "living consciously". I  have appreciated your encouragement along the way. It's been great fun to watch others' awareness change when they consider practical and fairly easy ways to save money and live more simply. I have loved hearing your stories and seeing your excitement about the little changes you have made in your lives in these areas.

I did not break the mold when it comes to writing a blog about saving money/organization. There are PLENTY. And so, as I say goodbye to this friend for now (and maybe forever), I am glad to know there are plenty of other cool blogs like this for people like us.

Right now, living consciously means something different for me. I want to be more present for my husband and what the next year brings. Sometimes when a person focuses on saving money too much,  they forget how truly rich they are. I'd like to spend more time reflecting on that, than reflecting on  how I am going to tell you that I saved  $3.29.

It's been great fun and maybe I will be back one day. For now, I'll still be up to my old tricks but I'll just save the stories for my mom. I've read others say goodbye to their blogs with a lot of emotion. None here...it's a blog about saving money and organizing your stuff. Hardly something to weep about. But, if you have liked this blog and need another to take it's place, I highly recommend this one.  It won't give tips about saving money, but it will warm your soul like nothing else I know.



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Coffee grounds have many uses

My husband has started bringing these free guys home from Starbucks.

It's hard to tell by the picture, but it is a bag of coffee grounds. They bag the grounds for their customers for you to reuse. Just ask at the counter and they will hand them out, already bagged for you. We use the grounds in our garden but here is a list of other ways that coffee grounds can be reused. 

Guess what our flower beds smell like. It's actually pretty awesome.

This week at the store, part 2

There are lots of ways to save money at CVS.  (I am not paid to advertise for CVS and so forgive me if this list is not exhaustive. It is all I know to date. )

1. Using manufacturer coupons
2. Using extra care bucks you have earned from previous purchases
3. Using extra care bucks you have earned from using your own bag when you go to the store
4. Using extra care bucks foyou earned for getting prescriptions filled there
5. Getting CVS coupons emailed to you each week. (You hit one button from that email and it will load the coupon to your CVS card)
6. Using coupons that you receive from the Extra Care Coupon Center located in the store.

You can use these offers in any combination and you can use as many as you want. This is fairly unique since many stores don't allow you to use more than one coupon for an item.

And frankly, you should be using any or all of these options because otherwise drugstores typically do not have the best price in town.

This weekend, I got all this for $13.14.

It was a combination of using deals from #1,2,3, and 5 listed above. Five cases of drinks, 3 bottles of laundry detergent, scissors, and dish washing soap. If I would have paid full price for all of this at the drug store, it would have cost about $70.00. Like I said,  I spent a little more than $13.00 and in most stores that is less than the cost of the detergent.  (And yes...I know we should stick to water because that is way cheaper. I have no rebuttal.)

The point is...there are lots of ways to save money at the drugstore! Share your stories with me!

This week at the store

We love protein bars at our house and there have been quite a lot of coupons for those in the circulars and online this week. We had gone to Costco a few days before for most of our needs, but I couldn't pass up the double coupons at Kroger. We also needed ketchup (sadly no coupon) and didn't think we needed the massive amount that Costco sells. So, here is how it panned out....

No meal to be found in this picture, but these are staples for us.  Some of the highlights:

-Free stuff:  Colgate toothpaste, Pom drink, and Good and Natural bars. All of these were free with coupons from the newspaper. Actually, I got an $.11 credit for each of  those Good and Natural Bars.

-The bars in the yellow packaging were $.25 a piece with coupons from the newspaper.

Coupons for most of the rest of it rounded out the purchase for a savings of about 50%. If you don't get the paper, you can find most of the same coupons online. Feel free to click the coupon link on this site in the top right hand corner to get  some of these coupons.

And remember, you can always google "Coupon database" and you will find many search engines which will tell you where to find a coupon for the items you plan to purchase.

Happy Shopping.

$36 savings at Best Buy

I told you on Friday about our fun with the Shopkick app at Best Buy last week. We were able to combine a few other offers from Best Buy to decrease our total purchase price.

 My husband told me he had a Best Buy reward zone card and I had no idea what that was.  Here is the down and dirty from their website. Check it out.



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Apparently, we had accumulated $10.00 in reward points! That combined without shopkick rewards resulted in a $26.00 savings on our purchase.

Well, the next day I checked the Best Buy sales circular and realized that they were selling the item we bought for $10.00 less this week. Since Best Buy price matches if they drop the price on any item within 30 days of your purchase, we were able to get that money back by taking our receipt into the store.

We can only hope they drop the price again in the next thirty days because I think we've run out of savings options at this point.

Free money for walking in stores

About a month ago, I told you about a free app called Shopkick for Android and iPhone users. I have been using it this month and can now officially report how great it is.

Read the post, but briefly, it is an app that allows you to earn points for walking in stores like Macy's, Old Navy, Target, Best Buy, Crate and Barrel etc. Every point accumulates over time and you redeem your points for gift cards.

Before I say another word...no personal information is exchanged. You give no one your credit card number, your home address etc. It's all done using the app.

For example, the other day a shopkick user could earn 200 points for walking into Target. That is the equivalent of $.80, because every 500 points you gain earns you a $2.00 gift card. Once you are in Target, you can actually earn more points by scanning items throughout the store, but that is really up to you.

So, after using the app for a little more than a month, I earned 4000 points. That is worth a $16 gift card. We decided to redeem those points toward a purchase at Best Buy this past weekend. I handed the cashier my phone and showed him that I had a $16 credit to Best Buy. He entered some numbers from my phone that act as the redemption code and boom!

This is our receipt. "SK cert $2.00" means that I had eight $2.00 shopkick certificates, so $16.00 subtracted from our total purchase.

You can choose gift cards from lots of vendors the site offers. We just happen to choose Best Buy that day. If you are interested in having the app, let me know and I will send you the link. You get 50 shopkick points right off the bat if a friend signs you up.

We ended up combining some other offers and were able to deduct another $20.00 from our purchase. I'll tell you about that on Monday!

Loose Change, Football and an anniversary dinner

This past summer I told you about a man who paid off his last mortgage payment with $62,000 pennies. We set the bar a lot lower than that at our house. We saved our loose change this past year with the goal to use it to pay for our anniversary dinner. Hardly the mortgage.

Nonetheless, here it is!

I know...there are Coin Stars in every grocery store in America. But, they take a cut of the total counted and with football on the tube  24-7 on the weekends these past few weeks, it was an easy task to roll the change while watching the games.

Digression: Why is it that men say... "I gotta watch the game." The game. As if there is one game. Why don't they say "a game" or "some games"? The game suggests one game. Like the Presidential Election or the Oscars. Well, maybe there is the game at 1:30 but there is another game at 4:30 and everybody knows you are going to watch that one too. I highly doubt that the use of "the game" is a  universally poor grammar choice used by all men in America.

 

 

 

 

 

Anyway, my husband, who loves him some football,  and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where our wedding reception was held.  They have a beautiful restaurant there and we had a really wonderful evening. I forgot to take the top of our wedding cake out of the freezer, so we enjoyed it a few days later with a candle on top to represent one year down. As I type this we are watching "the game" and there is no other placed I'd rather be.

And the winner of the Swiffer is...

Last week  I told you  that Proctor and Gamble sent a few nice products to my home in multiples! Two Swiffer Wet Jets and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers now make cleaning our home a lot easier

Thanks for commenting on facebook or the post about your interest in these products. The winner of  this give away is LeAnne!  She's a great mom and  deserves a fun treat like this. Thanks Swiffer and Mr. Clean and thanks readers for your interest in these products!

Swiffer Wetjet /Mr. Clean New Years Day Give-Away

Happy New Year!  We travelled for the holidays and I didn't have access to the Internet, hence the break from Living Consciously. Hope your holidays were wonderful! Right before we headed out for vacation, two great products arrived in the mail.

I love to organize. I don't love to clean. And since these were two  cleaning products,  I was really glad  to have a reason to clean. Procter and Gamble were very generous and sent all of this:

Product #1:
Just recently, my friend told me how much she loved her Swiffer and I admitted I was still a mop and bucket girl. Not saying I like being a mop and bucket girl.  I actually hate it, but I had never ventured out. I was so glad they sent two-one for me to try and tell you about and one to GIVE AWAY!!!

The fact sheet that accompanies the product refers to it as: "Swiffer WetJet Extra Power Pad: With the Scrubbing power of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser."

The assembly was a breeze. Three rods easily connect together, to create the Swiffer. It needs 4 AA batteries.

The kit comes with two pads like this...

that easily attach to the Swiffer.

The starter kit includes cleaning solution that easily snaps into the device.

That was it. It was very easy, so I got to work in the kitchen.

There is a button on  the handle and when you you push it, the cleaner squirts out the front of the Swiffer. Initially, I over-squirted....but then I got the hang of it.

Here's a little section of the floor: before and after.

And this is what the pad looked like when I was done.  I was genuinely surprised at how dirty my floor was. It didn't look that dirty! Apparently, the mop and bucket is not getting that up!

You just throw that guy away and replace with a new pad the next time you use your Swiffer.

I guess the best endorsement is that I immediately said to my husband, "I am throwing away the mop today." It really was so easy and quick. I am REALLY excited to share this product with one of you.

But don't forget about product #2. The Magic Eraser-select a size. There are six magic erasers in the box. I love these things. The front of our steps are painted white and get scuffed up by our shoes.
I worked on them today and here's the before and after:

Sorry the pictures are so dark-unless it is a sunny day our stairwell is a little dark. You can see how the scuffs disappeared though!  I also got some scuffs off some beige-colored walls  because it doesn't mess with your paint color. I also cleaned the bathtub with it. This thing does it all!


Comment on the blog or on Facebook if you interested in having these two products delivered to you. I will pick a winner on Monday!

Double your $2.00 coupons

If you have a Farm Fresh near you, don't miss this Christmas gift! The offer runs from December 19th through December 24th. Click the link for specific details.  They will double up to 20 coupons per day, allowing only 2 like coupons. Google "Farm Fresh Coupon Matchups" and find a site who has done the work for you. Sites like this will tell you what Farm Fresh has on sale this week and where you can find a corresponding coupon for that product. It's basically where you learn how to maneuver the stores for the best deals! Looks like there is some free Colgate toothpaste there this week when you bring a $.50 coupon. If you are a senior citizen, you get an additional 5% off if you shop on Thursday. Let me know how you do!

This week at the store

I mentioned that I hadn't been to the store in a while because of a hip surgery. I can walk now without crutches and so today, after Physical Therapy, stopped in to Kroger to pick up a few things. A few things is really all I can manage at this point. Thankfully, wonderful friends bring us meals.

I learned a new thing today at the grocery store.  Sit tight...it's coming.

First things first: I had a $25 gift credit that we got for transferring a prescription from CVS to Kroger. That was a good place to start.

We needed milk, cheese, and shaving cream. Thankfully, the shaving cream was on sale and I had two coupons that doubled, so each can was only $1.00.

Not on the list, but too good to pass up: a toothbrush for $.09, one of those POM juice drinks that was free with a coupon, and a buy one get one free pack of gum.

What was not on the list was Stacy's Pita Chips. I picked those up after hemming and hawing for a while. They are $3.69 and I didn't have a coupon. Just a craving.

So, I take all of this to the check-out and she rings it up and it is way more than I expected. (This is the part you were sitting tight for.)  Before I left the store I reviewed my coupon and the price I was charged for the pita chips was $5.99 and the price I was charged for the cheese was about $1.50 more than the sign read. I walked right over to customer service to return those items. I told the cashier the reason and she said, "If the price marked is different from the register price, then you get the item for free."   Dumbfounded, I said "Great, thanks". She promptly returned $11.25 to my gift card and I left with my free cheese and pita chips. 

So for $9.01, I got a gallon of milk, cheese, pita chips, 2 loofahs, two cans of shaving cream, 2 packs of gum, a toothbrush and a POM juice drink. With no savings, it should have cost $29.21.

Check. Your. Receipts.

Winner of Sydnee-$149.00 recharge station

Last week, I introducted you to Sydnee!  Sydnee is a product from Kanex  and can charge up to four of your Apple Products-the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. It's sleek design makes it a beautiful organizational tool for for your home. The readers responded positively and a winner was chosen.
The winner is Anna-one of our Minnesota friends! Congratulations Anna!

a must do before the holidays

Why does this...

make me think of this?

Goodwill Donation

Two reasons:

1. I live with a CPA and so he reminds me that tax time is upon us.

2. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, the holidays often result in more things in your home.

In 11 days your house may have more stuff, so go ahead and and start making some room for that now. If you donate to your church or favorite charity, you can secure one of your last tax deductions for 2012 and share some lovely things with others. 

I know-it's December, you are just surviving. Do what you can.  Maybe you can purge every room in your house. Maybe all you can do is one closet. Maybe all you can do is charge every member of your family to leave the dinner table tonight and return with 5 things from their rooms that they don't need/use/enjoy anymore. Hopefully, you have a goodwill box that you have tossed things in all year--here's a picture of ours. 

If you do, it's time to drop that by your favorite charity!  Whether you take 10 items or 110 items, try to make a dent in your house. My guess is that you will breathe a little easier.

Cloth Napkin Give away winner

Hen House Linens recently sent me some cloth cocktail napkins and a votive candle to review for you. Read about that here.   The winner of the cloth napkins was drawn out of my husband's lovely pewter cup. (I wonder if that was a groomsmen present....)

 

And the winner is.......Amanda! No last names will be mentioned but she is quite the gardener and pumpkin seed lover.


Thank you all for commenting and getting excited about cloth napkins!! There is another give-away and the winner will be drawn on Monday, so if you have yet to comment...hurry up!

 Here is another look at those napkins Amanda won from Hen House Linens!

$149.00 value giveaway-Ipad/Iphone Recharge station

  Just in time for Christmas, Kanex sent this to one of you!

This is awesome. I opened the box,  checked it out and got really excited for one of you. Then, carefully put it back in the box ready to send out to a lucky reader.  I spared you and didn't take bad pictures of the product because the video is all you need to watch. Sit back and watch it-it is only a minute of your time. Trust me, you will want this.

 http://www.kanexlive.com/sydnee


I was sent a WHITE Sydnee and it does hold up to 4 iPads or IOS devices.  (iPads, iPhones, iPads) Sydnee's  sleek design will look beautiful on your desk. I love organizational gear and this  one is AWESOME. It even comes with a 3 pack of USB charging cables. If you are always looking for your devices, you'll have no problem again with Sydnee in your home.

Comment on the blog or the Facebook link and I will pick a winner at random on December 17th.

Good luck!!!

Get it together quickly-fuel reward points expire this weekend



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Christmas will be here in 18 days, which meals you have 17 days to figure it all out. It's go time.


1. Finish up making the list of gifts you will be buying this Christmas.

2. Specifically name the stores where you plan to purchase these items.

3. Get to Kroger before 4x the fuel points on gift cards expire and purchase the gift cards for those stores. (Click here if you are not sure what I am talking about)

4. You'll find that you have accumulated a bunch of fuel points. If you spend $100 in gift cards, you'll save $.40 a gallon at the tank. You can maximize your savings by taking more than one car to the tank and not turning off the tank between fill ups. Kroger allows up to 35 gallons during a single purchase. Bring your gas tanks as well. If you were to buy $100 in gift cards, you'll save $.40 at the tank and that would be a $14.00 savings at the tank if you were to benefit from the 35 gallon fill up.


Here is the link to the gift cards which Kroger states they sell in their stores.

And you'll feel better your list is done. Consider this the deadline-you'll save money and enjoy Christmas a little more knowing the shopping is done a bit early.

A Giveaway for Living Consciously Readers

Recently, Hen House Linens contacted me to let me know about their line of products. They were kind enough to send me a set of 4 cocktail napkins as well as one of their Frasier Fir candles. As a promoter of cloth napkins, I was excited to see their product. The fabric is beautiful and would seem to stand up to some use. The presentation is also beautiful. I lit the candle and can endorse that it certainly smells like a Frasier fir. We'll enjoy that this Christmas! I am giving away the cocktail napkins. Just contact below by commenting on the post and/or the facebook link and I'll pick a winner by next Friday. When you comment, tell me something fun.

Here is more on the product lines offered from Hen House Linens.  Beautiful.

Setting the Table:

Hen House Linens Dinner Napkins ($9); henhouselinens.com: Wipe up that gravy spill or dab your cider-stained lips with these generously-sized, no-fuss napkins that hold up to countless washes.

Hen House Linens Placemats ($9); henhouselinens.com: Add a festive touch to a holiday brunch, lunch or dinner with these timelessly elegant essentials.

Hen House Linens 14 x 70 Runner ($22); henhouselinens.com: For a truly one-of-a-kind look, mix and match the traditional and the modern prints, to create your own look.

Thymes Frasier Fir Reed Diffuser($60); thymes.com

A beautiful tradition for giving to others, and to yourself, these slender rattan reeds absorb the scented oil, releasing a crisp, just-cut forest scent throughout your surroundings.

Thymes Frasier Fir Candle ($28); thymes.com

Mountain fresh and glowing, this festive scented candle sets the mood and evokes seasonalcelebrations to create special moments that make up our life stories.

keep your kids out of trouble while shopping with them

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Recently, my friend Daynon told me about shopkick.  It's a free app available on your IPhone that gives you "kickbucks" while you shop. Kickbucks are earned automatically by walking in stores and/or scanning items in the store. You can redeem kickbucks for giftcards. I found this YouTube video to break it down for you. The kid is adorable. There is also an official "how to video" on the shopkick website.

Here's the breakdown:
1. You get points for walking in stores.
2. You get points for scanning items in the store. (You don't have to actually purchase the item in order to receive the points...just scan them with your IPhone.)
3. You redeem acquired points for gift cards.
4. This is a great opportunity to keep your kids entertained while shopping with you.  A scavenger hunt of sorts.

If you are interested, let me know. I can refer a friend from my app.

This week at the store

I am not really going to the store and planning any big trips, because of the hip. I am so grateful for the wonderful friends and family who are bringing us meals during this tricky time. Last week, I shared Audrey's haul with you and this week Rebecca was kind enough to share her great deals of the week.

She writes that she spent about $44.00 for about $98.00 worth of merchandise. She shopped at Kroger and used sales, manufacturer coupons, and Kroger coupons to save $54.00ish!  She used a gift card to help one of her favorite organizations, Young Lives. (You can read about that here).

She knows she will save at the pump because she increased her fuel points.

 

Rebecca is a busy mom and admitted that this trip required her to take a late night trip sans kids but it was totally worth it.

 

 

 

(Sorry for the 2nd blurry picture. Rebecca took a great picture, but for some reason it didn't upload clearly,)

 

Yogurt, orgnic milk, vegetables, diapers, cereal..... it just goes on and on.

 

Atta girl, Rebecca.

Pretty Cheap Fuel

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Between November 18th and December 9th, Kroger is rewarding their customers with 4x the fuel points with any gift card purchase. (Kroger gift cards are not included in the deal).

If fuel points are new to you, here is how it works.  Let's say you plan on buying a $100 item at Best Buy for someone for Christmas. Before you head to Best Buy, pick up a $100 Best Buy gift card at Kroger.

Right now, That $100 card is multiplied by 4 to give you 400 fuel points. Four hundred fuel points is equivalent to a $.40 savings at the gas pump. That is $.40 off per gallon of gas you purchase, up to 35 gallons.

Hopefully, your Christmas list is ready and organized and you know exactly how much you are spending at each store. Since Kroger stocks so many stores' gift cards, you'll likely find the store you have on your list.