So you say you wanna COUPON...

Many of you have asked me to help you do some couponing   or at least to show you my system. Before we get there here is a look at my savings for 2012 $2,592.76!!!! An average of about $200 a month. 

I am sure you would like for this to be you!!! So let's take a look at how..........

First you need to purchase a 3-prong folder (back to school time you can get it for $0.10) 

Next, you need to purchase what I call Baseball Card holders from Dollar Tree.

Place in folder, like this....

If you haven't gotten already you need to get coupons, otherwise whats the point?!?!?! This can be done by subscribing to your local newspaper or going to convenience store weekly to buy it on Sundays. In addition, you can print coupons at www.coupons.com 

Some people cut and collect all the coupons. I recommend you only Cut The Coupons You WIll USE!!

For a beginner, you will only enjoy doing this if you see yourself saving money on items you are already going to purchase. Once you get the hang of it then you can upgrade. So after you cut your coupons place in baseball card holders by category (for example: grocery, toiletries, household products, and dept stores). This makes it easy when walking through the store if your coupons are organized based on the same set-up.  

Now you are ready to go shopping!!!!!! Review your store ads for sales and specials. Make sure to review your receipt to see your SAVINGS!!!!!

It's amazing that you can save more than you spent on one little trip to the grocery. I keep track of total savings from each receipt for the month, you can do the same. Happy Couponing!!!!!

B*B*J*B 4 Life

101 uses of coconut oil

I am sure you can use more than one of these:

Uses for Coconut Oil

1. In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
2. Taken supplementally for daily energy.
3. As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)
4. On the skin as a basic lotion
5. In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
6. In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
7. As an eye-makeup remover
8. As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
9. In making your own Remineralizing Toothpaste
10. To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
11. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
12. To support healthy thyroid function
13. In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
14. To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
15. As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
16. In homemade lotion recipes
17. To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
18. Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
19. As a delicious tropical massage oil
20. It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metaboism
21. A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of friz
22. As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer
23. Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
24. Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
25. Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
26. Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
27. As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours.
28. On feet to fight athlete’s foot or tor fungus
29. In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
30. Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema
31. There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
32.  With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
33. In natural Homemade Sunscreen
34. In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters
35. In a filling and energy boosting Brain Powder Smoothie
36. Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
37. Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
38. There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast
39. Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
40. Can help improve insulin levels
41. Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
42. Can help improve cholesterol ratios
43. Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
44. In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars
45. As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe
46. Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils
47. Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
48. After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
49. Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat
50. As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
51. As a naturally antibacterial skin cream
52. In natural homemade diaper cream
53. As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
54. When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
55. To season cast iron skillets
56. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
57. Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
58. Can help resolve acne when used regularly
59. Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
60. I’ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing
61. On split ends to de-frizz
62. A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
63. By itself as a great tanning oil
64. Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
65. Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
66. Can help improve sleep when taken daily
67. Can be used to speed healing of fungal infections when taken internally and used externally
68. A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
69. To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
70. It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
71. Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
72.  Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
73. By itself as a natural deodorant
74. By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste
75. For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
76. Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism
77. In homemade vapor rub
78. As a safe cooking oil for deep frying
79. A tablespoon taken before each meal can help improve digestion
80. Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea
81. As a completely natural baby lotion
82. On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
83. Mixed with catnip, rosemary or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
84. Can be used on mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth to help treat thrush
85. Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
86. Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack
87. Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
88. When taken regularly, it can help fight candida
89. When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
90. Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
91. Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
92. On cuticles to help nails grow
93. Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
94. Add to smoothies to give them a nutritional boost
95. Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)
96. In any recipes where vegetable oils are used
97. Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm
98.  One reader swears by using coconut oil to treat yeast infection. She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.
99. Naturally clears up cold sores
100. Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
101. Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness

http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/

B*B*J*B

Save the groceries

As we begin to start 2013 saving money, I also want to be sure my followers are not wasting their money either. If you have not yet set up a Pinterest account, don't you worry. I will provide you reviews of suggestions from the best of Pinterest. This begins with things that relate to your everyday purchases.

The link below goes over 27 ways to make your groceries last as long as possible. I will list the ones I have tried and suggest you try too and help you to not waste your money.

1) Onions stored in pantyhose will last as long as 8 months. IT Works!!!
2) Freeze green onions in a plastic bottle. IT Works!!!

9) Don't store onions with potatoes. IT Works!!!
10) Store potatoes with apples to keep them from sprouting. IT Works!!!
11) One rotten apple can spoil the bunch. IT Works!!!

17) Wrap crown of a bunch of bananas with plastic wrap. IT Works!!!

20) Mason jars are your friend, instead of plastic tupperware. IT Works!!!
21) Clean your fridge. IT will ALWAYS Work!!!
22) How to store tomatoes. IT Works!!!

27) Follow the handy guide on what to store on the counter and what to put away in the fridge. IT WORKS!!!

I know it will work for you too!!! Give it a try and let me know how it goes.

**Note info provided by Peggy Wang @
http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/27-ways-to-make-your-groceries-last-as-long-as-pos

http://pinterest.com/pin/300333868870229012/

Good luck

B*B*J*B

2013 Money Challenge

In an effort to encourage my family to save money, we are working on a Money Challenge. Which includes putting aside money each week for the entire year. Now I know 2013 has already gotten started but the first few months are the easy ones, so it's not too late to get caught up if this is something you would like to do.

Here's how its done. Each week deposit the amount of the number week of year you are on into an account that you will not touch for that year. If you follow the steps, you can save $1,378.00 in just one year.

 

See how easy it is? Let the savings begin.

Note: I get paid monthly so to make it easier on me I just transfer my savings for the month at the beginning of each month. For those that get paid biweekly you can do the same and watch your money grow.

SAVE AWAY

B*B*J*B Forever

Finding Balance......

I would like to thank you all for following me as I begin this new project. My goal for this blog is to share with all of you bits and pieces of my life and how I try to keep it balanced. I plan to provide money savings tips, arts and crafts projects, and do-it-yourself ideas. I hope you learn something new that will make your life well balanced all while being financially stable. Enjoy!

B*B*J*B

Sunrise at St. Pete Beach

Tax Season begins.......

I have always wanted to be a Financial Planner and although I am content as a Tax Auditor, I wanted to lend a helping hand to my followers. Until February 15, 2013 I am doing an "Ask the Auditor" segment. Comment on my blog any tax questions you have and I will get an answer for you to get your maximum refund!!!!

Disclaimer: I am not a certified Tax Preparer nor do I work for the IRS. Any recommendations I make are based on the best available information. Seek a professional tax preparer for direct tax law questions.

Let the tax questions begin!!!!!

B*B*J*B Forever