Posts Written OnMay 2011

Update – J’aime Kirlew Coupon Fraud on TLC’s “Extreme Couponing”

TLC Extreme Couponing J'aime Kirlew Fraud

TLC Extreme Couponing J'aime Kirlew Fraud Back in April after the first episode of TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” aired, there was a massive uproar from the couponing community all over the web. Basically, J’aime Kirlew was shown using coupons for items that she did not appear to purchase. To find out more and see what the stir is all about, read the detailed breakdown Jill Cataldo posted regarding it.

Couponers were impatiently waiting for a response from Kirlew and were asking her to post the receipt from her shopping trip, but she did not respond to anyone and even deleted her Facebook account and created a new one, but didn’t allow others to post to it. Well yesterday, Kirlew finally came out of hiding with an interview with The Wall Street Journal and admits to using the coupons improperly, but still thinks she didn’t do anything wrong. A few of her answers:

You matched barcodes, as long as they worked, rather than products, right?

Yes.

Do you believe that was the right thing to do?

Yes, I believe that I have done nothing wrong. I’ve even had managers take my purchase and check me out. They’ve told me, “If the coupon goes through at my register, I’m getting reimbursed for it.” I have never been approached by anyone in authority telling me to do something different.

What do you want from this interview?

I want to stop being the Scapegoat. I used a Buddig Deli cut for a 12/16 ounce packet for a 2 ounce packet because the numbers matched. The coupons went through at the register and I did not have any problem.

Read the full article on SmartMoney

The whole controversy that TLC allowed this to air and continue to air is still going as well. A few weeks after it aired, TLC did give a statement to Entertainment Weekly stating:

“We have received a strong response to the premiere and are listening to and reading the various comments around the show — as with all programs, we appreciate the feedback. While the series documents extreme couponing strategies, we take any concerns about specific tactics seriously and are looking into the situation.”

I have not yet seem anything more from TLC since that statement was made.

What are your thoughts?

Couponing 101 – Coupon Organization

Couponing 101

I must admit, I am kind of obsessive and crazy when it comes to organizing. My closets, including my husband’s (but not by choice), is color coordinated and separated by style. I save almost everything paper (receipts, bills, and anything else) and each have some sort of filing system. Couponing is no different. To be efficient and use coupons to the fullest, organizing your coupons is very important. There are two main ways to keep all your coupons organized. Remember, do what works for you, even if it is something totally different.

The first way is using a coupon binder. You can get a big three-ring binder (and zippered to help keep them safe in there) and a bunch of baseball card sleeves. You then organize all your coupons in the sleeves by category (laundry, frozen food, personal care, household, etc). Your categories can be as broad or narrow as you’d like. You would get tabs, such as Post-It tabs, to label the sheet that starts each category. I would also put a few pocketed inserts to keep store fliers, lists, coupon policies, and other full-sized documents you might want to keep and reference.

There are also binders/organizers you can buy completely setup for coupons, such as the Coupon Clutch and the Coupon Magic Organizer. I recommend searching around Amazon to get ideas or find something that might work for you if you are not sure.

PROS: You have all your coupons on every shopping trip and they are all visible.

CONS: It can be very time-consuming to cut all your coupons and putting them in the sleeves. You will also have to go through it every so often to clean out the expired coupons. A con for me is the size. With a toddler and infant with me most of the time, I don’t have anywhere to put the binder. I barely have room for the groceries!

The other method is the filing system. You can use a filing cabinet, a banker’s box, or an accordion expanding file. I use an accordion expanding file because it latches closed and has a handle. This makes it easy to get out, move room-to-room, or store out of the way (plus I got it on clearance at Target). With this method, you take all your Sunday Paper inserts, unclipped, and file them by date. I write in the top of each insert the date so if you leave the insert out or get it mixed up with another one, you know where it needs to be filed. This method is extremely helpful when you are doing coupon match ups, as the coupons are easy to find. In the back slot of the filing system, I keep mail-in rebate forms  and receipts/UPCs for the rebates.

PROS: It is easy to find a coupon when it is referenced in an Ad Matchup or posted deal. It is also quick and easy if you don’t have time to clip every coupon every week.

CONS: You don’t have all available coupons when you are at the store. So if there an unadvertised deal or clearance item that you weren’t planning to buy, you might miss a good deal not having all your coupons with you.

I also have a smaller organizer I keep in my purse. I use this to store my coupons I know I will be using, printable coupons that I clipped, and coupons I received in the mail. I also keep a few coupons in here for products I know typically go on sale. My favorite feature is the notepad that it comes with. I use this to create my shopping lists, keep notes on upcoming deals, or record prices/deals when I am at the store. When I start planning a shopping trip, I paperclip the coupons I will be using to the list.

Let me know if you have any questions. Remember, do what works best for you, experiment, even if it is something totally different. Which method do you use or prefer?

Next week’s installment of Couponing 101: Where to Get Coupons.

 

Couponing 101 – Weekly Tips & Techniques

Since I have started my blog, I have had numerous questions regarding couponing. I was going to write a post all about couponing, but then I realized there are so many aspects of couponing and it would take forever to write it all up in one post and I don’t think anyone would want to read all that at once (I sure wouldn’t).

So weekly, I will post a new tip or technique that pertains to couponing.

Here are the current posts in the series

If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to contact me!

 

Mother’s Day Gift Idea – Handprint Flower

Finger Paint Handprint FlowerIf you are looking for something cute to do with your toddlers or kids for Mother’s Day, this is easy and there are so many things you can do with it! Use pink or red finger paint for the ‘flower’ and paint a stem/grass (this was the best I got out from my 22 month old). I always use card stock instead of copy paper, because it is thicker and shouldn’t warp from the paint.

Here are some different ideas you can do for gifts for Moms, Grandmas, etc.:

  • Make a card with the flower on the cover
  • Attach a picture of your little one next to the flower and frame it
  • Do some ‘flowers’ on wrapping paper for the present or on a gift bag

Nifty Tip:

I always take a picture of the artwork and upload it on my computer. Then not only is it forever saved, but you can use it to print copies, make photo gifts (mug, shirt, mouse pad, etc), or use it in a photo book.

***Click here for another finger paint gift I did with my son.

***Or you can make a Handprint Sun or Footprint Butterflies.

UPDATE: Check out the Handprint Tote Bags we made!

 

 

Father’s Day Gift Idea – Framed Finger Paint Picture

I came up with this idea for a gift for my husband last Fathers Day. Our son was 11 months old at the time and I decided it was time for him to do his first artwork and finger paint. It was so much fun and so easy to do!

NEED:

  • Crayola Washable Fingerpaints
  • Poster Board
  • Waterproof mattress protector ($10-$15 at Target) – Easy clean up, a great back drop, & reusable
  • Camera
  • Picture frame
  • Tape

I draped the sheet over a table so it was a background and covered the floor area.

I put down one paint color at a time and let him paint. And after it was all done, I was very happy with his artwork! It was perfect to use as a picture mat. *Nifty Tip: Take a picture of the finished artwork. This way you can use it as a digital background or just have a copy of it.

I picked my favorite section and cut out the size of the frame I was using. *Nifty Tip: Take the frame (with the backing and inserts removed) and hold it over the artwork to see what it will look like before you start cutting.

I then picked my favorite picture (which was not easy, there were too many good ones!) and cut it to down, allowing more room to see the painting. Tape to picture anywhere on the painting and put it in the frame.  Now you have a wonderful gift or decor you can keep for yourself!Other Ideas you can do with the left over artwork:

  • Make another frame or two
  • Use it as a scrapbook background and scrapbook the pictures you took
  • Use a section on a homemade greeting cards

Paint Color Ideas:

  • I used green, orange, and blue because it was for my husband
  • Use red, white, pink, purple for Mothers Day, Valentines Day
  • Use pastels for a spring picture
  • The possibilities are endless :)

***See the hand print flower I did with my son for more ideas.

 

AMF Kids Free Bowling Summer Unplugged

AMF has a great free bowling program for kids all summer long. After you sign up, every week you receive two free bowling passes for each day per each child.

They also have a Summer 17 Plus Pass that can be purchased for$27.95 which allows adults (with children signed up for the free bowling) to get two free games each day as well. It is for up to 4 adults 17 and older.

*Shoe rental not included

 

St. Louis Readers – Local bowling alleys are AMF Dick Weber Lanes in Florissant, AMF Strike N Spare Lanes in St. Louis, and AMF Bowland Lanes in Granite City.

**Another free bowling program for kids is Kids Bowl Free.