This is how those insert stealers get ahead of the game. They know what inserts are coming. So, just like on Black friday, they gear up the night before and wait for the deliveries to hit stores and newspaper stands. They rifle through them and steal what they can. Some try their best to rearrange the paper back neatly. Some leave it completely disheveled with no shame. 

Be in the know so you can confirm your inserts. No more losing your mind when you can't find any coupons in your sunday paper.

Here is the schedule for the remainder of the year. Bookmark this page so you can easily go back to it. Or you can use my handy search feature in the top right corner. 

August
8-3 – RedPlum (2), SmartSource
8-10 – RedPlum, SmartSource
8-17 – RedPlum, SmartSource
8-24 – RedPlum, SmartSource
8-31 – Proctor & Gamble

September
9-7 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
9-14 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
9-21 – RedPlum, SmartSource
9-28 – RedPlum, SmartSource, Proctor & Gamble

October
10-5 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
10-12 – RedPlum, SmartSource
10-19 – SmartSource, Little Tykes
10-26 – RedPlum, SmartSource, Proctor & Gamble

November
11-2 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
11-9 – RedPlum, SmartSource
11-16 – RedPlum, SmartSource
11-23 – RedPlum, SmartSource
11-30 – Proctor & Gamble (Thanksgiving)

December
12-7 – RedPlum, SmartSource
12-14 – RedPlum, SmartSource
12-21 – No Inserts Scheduled (Christmas)
12-28 – Proctor & Gamble (New Year’s)

First things first, I'm in Hawaii. We do not have a Kohls store here in the islands. But it is my ultimate favorite place to shop for the best deals on business, church, and "going out" attire. I've also found practical items like house slippers and other things for the family there. Here's what I got from Kohls this time! Everything was on sale/clearance plus I had a coupon code for an additional 15% off. 

Note: I've hyperlinked you direct to the products I purchased and since last week, some of the prices have dropped or are no longer available.

Strappy heels by Rock and Republic. Regular price $74.99. My price = $36.99

Ivory heels by Apt 9. Regular price $54.99. My price = $26.97

Cream embellished cardigan. Regular price $48.00. On sale plus 15% off = $14.40

Black maxi skirt. Regular price $40.00. My price = $16.00

Black and white open weave sweater. Regular price $50.00. My price = $10.00

Coral 2 piece lace top. Regular price $44.00. My price = $13.20

Small metal picture frame ( I purchased as a filler to hit $100). Regular price $6.99. My price = $2.79

My entire total retail $318.97
I paid $102.29.
FREE SHIPPING AND NO TAX!

To explain the filler item, on Ibotta, there is a $10 rebate for Kohls purchases of $100 or more. As you can see by my total, I was only 2 CENTS shy of my $100 and that was the cheapest, most practical item available. 

I will be getting the $10 rebate from Ibotta soon. AND, I also earned $20 in Kohls cash to use starting this week. If I were to include those savings in my original total, I've really only paid $72.29 out of pocket on this shopping "trip". My black R&R's are $74.99 retail alone! SCORE!!!

Even in Hawaii, we can STILL shop at Kohls. You just have to know how. 

Couponing is not just for groceries. :)

I didn't remove the clothing out of its packaging in my pics. I still have to carry these home after work on the bus. 

I am slowly learning how to use this macbook on a daily basis (outside of your regular programs). I've always owned PC's until last year and although it's very different, I understand why people invest to make the switch. For one, its much more FUN to use! I put this video together using pictures from my husbands canoe club. I used music from my cousins band, Curbside. Hope you like it!! I'll definitely be making more of these.

Here are my quick shopping trips today.

Longs/CVS
Tofu on sale $1.50 each. Used $1/2 MQ = $1 each

Revlon nail polish sale $3.89 each. Used $3/1 MQ = $0.89 each

Coppertone sunscreen sale $7.55. Used $3/2 MQ with $2/$2 store coupon = $5.05 each

Total before coupons $47.26
Total OOP $23.26

Walmart

They have Suave kids 2-n-1 shampoo and conditioners on sale for $1.50 a bottle. There is a Sunday paper coupon for $1/1. NOTE: The limit on this coupon is 2 per shopping trip. So bring your spouse or kids and give them the rest to make the purchase separately.

My local walmart did not have the exact fragrance listed in the ad. The customer associate told me to show the ad to the cashier and they will honor the price. She mentioned that other customers were looking for that same product. She was restocking the shelf while I was there and I didn't see very many boxes of this suave kids stuff on her wagon.  Thanks to the coupon limit, I only picked up 2. What I will be doing later this week is taking this ad to the Navy Exchange and price matching this product and using the coupon. I will also bring my own bag for additional savings ($0.05 per bag credit and no sales tax).

I also purchased skim milk for $5.34 (much cheaper than at Longs), and got a $0.25 rebate using Ibotta. 

Something to think about when using coupons and needing to return items. 

When you use a coupon and have to return an item, YOU WILL NOT GET THAT COUPON BACK. 

Here's my example from today. I must add that I am not happy about this situation and am kicking rocks at the moment.

I went back into the store to inquire about the error. Whoever tagged the item, tagged the wrong SIZED item. I also missed this in the ad above. It was the 10 oz. bottle, not the larger bottle that was on the shelf. I wanted to return the lotion and get the smaller one for $0.19. The associate told me the coupon should "still be there" because it was a store coupon and i'm using my extracare card.

Well, it wasn't. They refunded me in full for the $3.49 bottle and then rang me up again for the full $2.19 for the smaller bottle!! I was so annoyed that I just left the store.  Needless to say, I will be returning to Longs later this week to return the lotion entirely and will lose the $2 coupon as if it never existed.

Lesson learned, once a coupon is used, its gone. IMO, this was the stores fault for misplacement of the sale tag and I'm glad I got a picture of it. When the associate figured out it was on the wrong one, she moved it. 

I should've just kept that big bottle I got for $1.49 with coupon instead of being so adamant about paying $0.19 for the small one. Cause that bottle was 24.5 OZ. *kicks rocks*

I had to run out to Longs to pick up a few things and return my redbox movies. I managed to return my FREE rentals 3 minutes before they were due! Whew!! 

Here's what I picked up at Longs/CVS this afternoon with breakdown:

Wavy Lays $5.39 each. No coupon

Santitas tortilla chips $4.29 each. No coupon

St Ives Body wash. Sale $2.19 each. Used store $2/$8 body wash coupon = $1.69 each

Old Spice deodorant $3.69 each. Used $0.75/1 mq stacked with $2.50/$12 deodorant store coupon = $2.32 each

I used my $25 gift card I received from their promotion a few weeks ago.

Total out of pocket $12.61

On my way home from Longs, my daughter texted me a picture from Walmart. She saw the Pampers splashers on clearance. As soon as I got home, I used my coupon database to see if there were any coupons for that and this is what I found....

I checked my coupon binder and YES I had these!! Awesome!! So I went to Walmart and brought my daughter with me. P&G coupon limits 4 like coupons per shopping trip. So, to save me time of having to go in and out of the store to get the 5th bag, I had her ring that one up separate. Total before price reduction: $52.20. Total after clearance and coupons: $16.20!! Good looking out Shelby!

The next coupon class is Thursday, August 7 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. I will be available until 8:00 pm to answer questions. It will be in the Ewa Beach Community Based Development Organization office in Kapolei. Map and address below

At each class, you will be given the opportunity to purchase the Sunday paper at a rate lower than the Advertiser can provide you directly. With 3 subscriptions, I will give you the Couponing in Hawaii Book (valued at $10) for FREE.  If you purchase 4 subscriptions, I will give you the book and a $5 gift card to Longs/CVS. Purchase 5 subscriptions, I will give you the book and $10 in gift cards to Longs/CVS. Stop paying full price for the Sunday paper and get it for much less delivered right to your door.

You must register for the class at Event Brite here

The class is open to the public and always free.

Ewa Beach Community Based Development Organization
1001 Kamokila Blvd Suite 133
Kapolei, HI 96707

NOTE!! If you use GPS to find us, it will only take you to the correct vicinity, not the correct building. Please use this map below to guide you to the office space. They are not listed on the directory in the lobby yet and no signage is up on the outside of the office. They just moved into that office space a month ago.  

This is Curbside

Lead Singer: Eddie Somera
Back up/Uke/Guitar:  JR Constantino
Bass: Dru Nabarette
Drums: Bernard Somera

Originally comprised (20+ years ago) of teenagers from Waipahu High School.  At one time they were called Worst Case Scenario. Then "Elemenopee". Then Ocean Eleven. Now Curbside. Don't ask me why so many name changes. 

Back in high school, they played at pep rallies and assemblies. When grunge music was the fad, they played where they could to get their music out there. If I remember correctly, one of the places was a spot called C4 (or something like that) somewhere in town (Sand Island perhaps). It was an old warehouse with old busted couches and very few chairs. I would go and help them carry their equipment and hang out. My favorite song from that "era"...GREEN BOTTLE. Now if only I could get them to record that one....

They currently play live at Tiki's Grill in Waikiki or at The Korner Room in Kaneohe. Visit those sites for scheduled events.


Two of their songs are available for purchase and download on iTunes for $0.99 each. Support local music and get it today!


Deadbeat
Strangers

P.S. I'll see what I can do about getting more of their songs on iTunes. :) 

The children have been opening their eyes to everything around them and learning to communicate through art. On August 19th we will celebrate and see the world through their eyes. Please attend this free even to see what they have learned and how art has touched them. 

As adults we're always too busy to slow down and see things through the eyes of innocence. I was at the the event last year and the photos and drawings took my breath away.  The little things we take for granted that sits right front of us everyday become blurred by "life". 

I urge you to take a moment to "stop and smell the roses". We all deserve a break to take in the beauty that surrounds us. Most of us don't have the chance to stop in the middle of the day and hit the beach, walk barefoot on the grass, or even get kissed by the sun.  Allow the art from these children take serenity to you. 

I'm hosting my very first Tupperware party. I grew up using Tupperware. My mom used to sell it years ago.  I know that Tupperware's quality can't be beat. Yet, I was still messing with those frustrating disposable gladware containers...until now. 

After using my new microwave sets, salad bowls, and storage tupperware containers, my goal is to now cleanse my kitchen of crap and fill it with solid quality containers. I treasure my containers so much I take the time to Sharpie "OLIPAS" on every single piece. I'll be damned if I lose a part or someone swipes it from my kitchen. Tupperware is not cheap and neither is its construction. 

If you're on the island and want to see the new Tupperware goods, come by my house on Sunday, August 24th. I'll be teaching a free coupon class at 11 am and the Tupperware party begins at 12:30 pm. 

I will be providing light snacks by Mixed not Stirred, so please RSVP so I know how much food to prepare. 

Below is a slideshow of the sale that will be active during my party. Again, it does not START until mid August. I'm all about preparation. So get your wish lists ready and come join the fun!! This is a kid friendly event so feel free to bring them along.

If you want to download the catalog in pdf format, click here.

Please use the form below to submit your RSVP. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

This free event is to help assist those families affected by the fire in Ewa Beach on June 6th. Please share and pass the information along. 

Thank you all for your support!

You can read more about the fire here at the Star Advertiser and here.

This event brought to you by:
Creations of Hawai'i
Ewa Beach Lions Club
Ewa Beach Community Based Development Organization

Save the date and come to the 2014 Fall Small Business Fair, where you can chose from some 26 workshops on topics such as business planning, finance and mobile apps, among others. Get practical business information and ideas for start-ups and existing businesses.

Register at Event Brite by clicking here.

Visit 40+ exhibitors, including the SBA, Honolulu Community College, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), IRS, USDA, Business Action Center, DBEDT, and financial institutions, among others.

Free parking - enter the lot from Kokea Street only

Prize drawing at 1:00 PM

Click here to see news on the previous fair in February held at Leeward Community College

Couponers have stockpiles. Costco shoppers usually have stockpiles too but they probably paid more per unit than a couponer may have. In my classes, I tell students to keep their stockpile to a 3-4 month supply. 

My cousin shared this flyer with me and I wanted to share it with you all. Though the products may not be exactly what you use in your household, you get the idea. This shows a suggested supply for a two people.  If you've got a family of 4 or 5 just multiply the quantities. To have a 3 month supply, you would multiply again by 12 weeks. 

The one thing my cousin mentioned that I didn't think about was pets. What about pet food? I have two Rottweilers, a Lhasa Apso, and 2 birds. Thankfully, with couponing, I always have enough food for them. But do think about your pets and how you would sustain them too? You can go here to learn more about pet safety when disaster strikes.

Based on these suggested figures, do you have enough in your household to survive the next hurricane, tsunami or earthquake?

Thank you Johanna for the information!

Summer is soon ending. Get ready for back to school. These thermals are so cute for the new Kindergarten or preschooler and you can even get a matching ice pack to go with the bag.  I'm definitely going to be picking one up for Emily to use at church. To help keep her drinks cold and her snacks contained. 

Host a party and get the lunch break thermal bag for $5!

There are also many bags that will be retiring at the end of August. Be sure to pick your favorite ones up before they're gone!

Timeshares...we own some. I've blogged a few times about them. If you want to read more beyond the linked one I've included, you can use the search box at the top right corner to find my other blogs about using our timeshares.

As owners, we often get letters, emails, and sometimes phone calls from companies wanting to help us get rid of them or remove maintenance fees. They are all scams in my eyes. If we wanted to sell our timeshares, WE will go out to find the information to do so. People who send out random letters and phone calls always raise red flags.

Usually, I just ignore them or trash them. In this case, I decided to google them. Not just the phone number, but the address as well and wanted to share what I found. I'm not going to flat out say this company is a scam. You can deduce that yourself. 

Per my previous blog about spoof numbers, this doesn't appear to be one. However, I did find other people who did the same thing I did with this information and once again, there are many others out there that were solicited the same way. The difference between me and most of them was they don't even own timeshares! 

When I googled the address listed on the letter it was a shared office space run by Intelligent Office. So multiple people use this address as their place of business.

The next time I get letters like this I will mark it return to sender and send it BACK to them. Do the public a favor and DO THE SAME THING. If you ever get crap snail mail that is obviously solicitations, send it back. 

If you get letters that come with a prepaid envelope, shove their letter into that prepaid envelope and mail it back. Make them pay for that postage and fill THEIR inboxes with JUNK MAIL!!!

I think if we all did this, it would make them rethink how they decide to market themselves. Besides, sending mail keeps our postal workers employed. Those companies prepaid for those envelopes. You may as well use them.

Do you get funky phone calls? I've been noticing it a lot in the past few weeks. Just a few minutes ago I got two calls from the same phone number. I missed them both. I got two voice mails of just a weird tone. No talking. So, I googled the number. Have you ever done that? Google a number?

Well, while I was googling, I decided to call the number back from my desk phone. It didn't ring. I just heard a repeated robotic female voice say, "This account number is not valid."  Then I found a few sites where you could post a note or complain about the calls you have been getting. I always leave feedback. My information could help someone else who gets the same call too.  If  more people spoke up about these calls, the more proof we can gather to make it stop.

Here are a few of the sites I found that had responses that showed me I was not the only one getting these annoying calls and taught me a few things.  Heard of a spoof number? 

"Spoofed Numbers: Caution, 808-725-2800 is a "spoofed" number, which means that whoever called you "tricked" your caller ID to display an incorrect phone number. Telemarketers do this so you cannot complain, but they failed... you can still file a complaint here to fight back against unethical telemarketers."


These direct links below will take you to the information of the number that called me, but you can use that as a starting point to search the numbers that have been bugging you.

http://www.spokeo.com/808-725-telemarketers

http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=808-725-2800

http://misternumber.com/1-808-725-2800

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-808-725-2800

Have you heard of this site? I was just surfing the net and found this site that's chock full of non profit information. So, I wanted to share it here. 

http://www.blueavocado.org/

If you are in a non-profit org, take some time out to read some of the blurbs on there. I thought it was very useful information for both the newbie and seasoned volunteer.

Is that even a real term? One of my peeves is loose wires. Loose wires when you set up your media center, computer, etc. A lot of people who see me "on the go" notice my little gadgets. So, I thought I may as well share what I use and where I got them. Amazon, of course! Although amazon prime does not offer 2nd day air shipping to Hawaii, their free super saver shipping doesn't disappoint.  Free kindle book rentals and Amazon Prime movies is a bonus.

First,  my home charging station. If your family is like most, everyone has a cell phone, ipod, and/or an ipad. Prior to finding these nifty things, my nightstand looked like a bowl of  spaghetti noodles spilled all over the place. The surge protector was loaded with adapters and there were even a few spots that were left unused due to large adapters that hogged space rendering their neighboring spots unusable. After months of irritation and frustration, I finally gave in and got a charging station and the Anker desktop usb charger.

Now, my nightstand is completely clutter free and I no longer need a chunky surge protector next to my bed! This helps us keep our phones within reach, charged up overnight, and without having to untangle and search for wires! This was money well spent!

With wires kept tidy at home, I must keep wires tidy on the road. Macbook charging cords are very cumbersome. The way the adapter is built, you can't really wind it or keep it together neatly. I have a Dell laptop for work and that adapter comes with a rubber tie on it that helps keep the cord neatly bundled when not in use. The mac adapter doesn't. After a few weeks of annoyance, I decided to search for something that would help keep this cord manageable. I found Quirky.

This quirky tool is awesome! I carry my macbook to work every day and also use it at different locations when having to teach classes. This quirky has made my life so much better!! No more thick cords all over my bag. It comes with a matching clip to attach the thick wide cord to itself when storing or if you want to keep the slack on the quirky.  I love this gadget!

Do you remember when you brought your new baby home from the hospital and they send you home with those cute bulbs for removing snot from babies nasal passages? Well, did you know how gross those things get? Cut one open and be near a trash can and a gallon of clorox. Those safety first nose suckers literally "suck" and I don't mean that in a good way. The bulb is so small that the "vacuum" is too weak to get really thick mucus out.

I wish I had known about this gadget 19 years ago. 
Nosefrida, where have you been hiding?!! I wish I knew about this years ago. So much more effective than those bulbs and MUCH cleaner!! I know, sucking membranes out of your childs face with your mouth sounds utterly disgusting, but it's the only way to get all that crud out of there so they can breath.

When we first tried to use it on our 2 year old she freaked out. What is mommy doing to me? The tube that we put up against her nostril and the clear tube she sees scare her. So for now, it takes two of us to use it. It doesn't help that she's already cranky because she's sick. What's great is you can suck really hard and get the goop out of there fast. Try doing that with those hospital bulbs. No matter how hard you try to pump that bulb to suck it out, it doesn't have that Oreck touch.

I love this tool and this will be the gift I give all new parents at their baby showers!

Yes, you read that right. I shop at best buy and I get my stuff for FREE or for pennies. How? I sweep. 

We use our best buy credit card for our daily needs and to pay our bills. Water, electric, gas, dining, you name it.  What? The interest rate, you ask? I don't care what it is. The card never carries a balance. We pay off our card every month.  By doing this, we earn a LOT of rewards. I earn triple points for using the card to pay for my cell phone bill. I think that promo is now over.  

I use those rewards to get items from Best Buy for free.  This includes my ink and paper for printing coupons. Technically, I spent money to make money. The difference is, the money spent on the card is money I would've spent in cash anyway.  So why not make your money earn you free stuff? The trick, don't spend more than what you can pay off in one month. In other words, don't get reckless.

I usually shop in the clearance sections or for items on sale. I also buy stuff we actually use and not just crap.  If something I did get was a dud (pink hello kitty ipad case), it doesn't hurt too much. Cause I paid almost nothing for it. 

Here's my proof below. I also write reviews on everything I buy. Of everything you see listed below, the only thing that sucked was that pink hello kitty case. DON'T GET IT. When you turn the ipad on its side to watch movies, that case (for some odd reason) makes the ipad shut off and the screen goes black. It's super cute and props up nicely, but that one flaw makes it utterly useless.

Ever wondered what good coupon etiquette means? I mention this website, Coupon Information Corporation in my classes in regards to being aware of fraudulent coupons. However, this site offers much more information than that.  This site offers a page that explains what considerate couponing is.  I can't stress how important it is to be an ethical and considerate couponer. It only takes one bad experience to smear the reputation of couponers all over the island.  Please take the time to read, learn, and share.  

The Ewa Beach Community Based Development Organization recently moved into their new home at 1001 Kamokila Blvd. No signage is up so the office is like trying to find a needle in a haystack for first time visitors.

Our summer programs started this month and we're having a hard time trying to provide clear direction on how to find us because the suite numbers aren't really mapped out in a way that makes logical sense. The office is in suite 133 and next door, the suite number is 127. Go figure.

I created this map to help give everyone a visual to follow that should help guests figure out where to park and where to walk to find us quickly.  

The postal address of the office is:
1001 Kamokila Blvd Suite 133
Kapolei, HI 96707

GPS and google maps will direct you to the side of the building facing Kamokila. Not the back side where the parking garage is located. Sometimes, taking it back to the old school works better than new technology. :)

P.S. The closest parking to the office is on Haumea Street. If street parking is full, you can also try to find parking on Manawai street near the park.

I don't normally post these kinds of finds due to low inventory. The last thing I want to do is lead you on a goose chase after these deals only to be disappointed when the shelf is cleared. But, there were quite a few boxes left so I'm posting it. This is at the WAIPAHU Longs CVS store. Go to the back of the store to the end cap where they usually put their clearance items.  I couldn't believe my eyeballs!! 

As usual ALWAYS scan your extra care card at the coupon center machine FIRST. I got some great coupons that got me some really good deals on medicine. I don't normally use meds in my house because we use essential oils. But, with a 2 and a half year old, it's always safer to have them just in case she breaks out in a bad fever.  
Here's my scores from tonight.

CVS Allergy capsules 48 count $0.75 each (Regular price $7.49). Used $2/$8 store coupon = $0.50 each

CVS Allergy relief 180 tablets $5.00 each (Regular price $49.99) . Used $2/$8 store coupon = $4.75

CVS Childrens ibuprofen $0.63 each (Regular price $6.29). Used $1 off pain relief store coupon = $0.13 each

Morton salt $0.89 each. No coupon

Subtotal: $11.04
Total OOP after coupons plus tax $8.56

I've included pictures of the shelf and other products that were there tonight. This is the perfect time to restock your medicine cabinet!

P.S. I did take pictures of the lice shampoo. It's back to school time. Parents should stock up on that if your kids have long hair. You just NEVER KNOW!! And for under $2 a box, that's a deal that shouldn't be ignored.

It's so nice to have friends in very important places.  I have had the opportunity to tour the new Santa Clara stadium during its construction and stood in the very center of the field. It was amazing! Some of my friends were able to visit it again a year later to see its progress and I wasn't able to fly up to SJC to be with them. But, they did send me pictures.

Tomorrow is the ribbon cutting and I wish I could be there with my girlfriend during the ceremony!

In the meantime, she sent me these and I wanted to share it with all of you. They removed the tattered flag at the top of the stadium today. The picture of the completed stadium took my breath away. The last time I saw it, it was just big cement slabs for each level with no chairs and a muddy mess for a "field".  During our visit, the team was on the practice field next door. We were not allowed to take any photos of that. It was cool to be there and see them doing their thing! I've included a short clip of my visit to the stadium back in November of 2012. 

I'm all about quick and easy when it comes to breakfast. I couldn't wait to give this a shot and I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed with this nifty gadget!

This breakfast maker cooks 2-4 eggs. I made a 3 egg omelet with green bell peppers, tomatoes and cheese.

I was surprised at how easy it was to use and TO CLEAN! I scrambled three eggs, seasoned with salt and pepper, tossed in chopped peppers and tomatoes. Then topped with shredded cheese. 

I cooked it for a minute and a half at first.  It was still a little wet so I cooked it again for a minute and it was cooked perfectly.

I did not use any oil or butter and the eggs slid right out of the container without a problem. The eggs were tasty and not dense. It was fluffy in some parts and a little dry on the edges. I think I may have overcooked it a little. 

Note that unlike most tupperware products, this item does NOT snap shut tightly. The lid is meant to just sit on top of the bottom piece. The steam does seep out of it so use caution when removing from the microwave.

I highly recommend this tupperware item and am so glad I now have it in my kitchen!